Warmer weather is upon us. Spring is the PERFECT time for gathering friends and family for entertaining and backyard barbecues! Unique Companies recently became an authorized Lynx dealer and we’d love to spread the word about this “luxury class”product we are now able to offer to our clients. Read more…

Unique Companies build 90% of our pools using in-floor cleaning systems as they tend to be the preferred choice of our clients due to ease of use, quality of performance and a lifetime warranty on parts (heads). You do have the option of using an automatic cleaner (side suction cleaner). We’d like to outline the advantages and disadvantages of both. Read more…

If you are looking to extend your swim season in Phoenix and start it early this year, you have a few different options available to you in the form of solar (outside of purchasing solar panels). Solar panels may be more than you can afford or wish to invest in heating your pool.

The following solar heating devices are excellent investments that utilize the sun’s energy to warm your pool and / or spa. They are both affordable and environmentally friendly in several ways such as limiting evaporation (reducing water and chemical usage) and require no energy to produce heat. Read more…

Automation. We think it’s safe to say many of us love it. The word itself says “Life is easy! Set it and forget it.” With the demands of our daily lives – if automation is available, why would we choose otherwise? Read more…

Many people are surprised when they learn it gets cold enough in Phoenix to cause frost! Quite often between December and early into March nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing which can damage plants and trees if you do not take the proper precautions. Below are some general rules and guidelines to follow to help protect your landscape.

1. Understand which plants and trees are sensitive to frost. Some of the most common choice plants for our clients are frost sensitive are Pigmy Date Palms, Hibiscus (all types), Sissoo Trees, Ficus Trees (all types), Cacti (some types) and Bougainvillea (all types). Citrus trees are a popular choice in Arizona and also frost sensitive. If your plants are new or your yard was recently landscaped, you will need to protect your plants.
2. If you choose to have plants that are sensitive to frost as part of your landscape, you should try to plant them in places that would help minimize frost damage. Placing plants on the South or west sides of your property or next to rock or concrete structures that will retain heat from the sun are the best choice for plant placement. Read more…

Fourth of July is one of the holidays where Unique’s projects and special features are most appreciated by our clients (and their families!). We hope you are all swimming, grilling, entertaining and enjoying the spoils of your Unique custom backyard this weekend!

We wish everyone a very HAPPY and SAFE holiday!

- The Unique Team

Did reading that make your mouth water? It should! These muffins are SUPER moist, fresh, light with a crunchy topping and make for a delicious summer time morning treat! One of my favorite muffin recipes, courtesy of thedragonskitchen.com.

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Summer is always a great time for entertaining friends and family, pool parties and cookouts. Many people like to eat ‘lighter’ with the heat and that means more salads and veggies.

I don’t know about you but I tend to get bored with the common types of salad dressings (Italian, French, etc.)

Have you ever been to a restaurant and ordered salad with “house” dressings that have left your palette craving more? I have. Unfortunately, you never leave with the recipe! This is one of those dressings. Light and tangy, it is unique and the perfect addition to any salad (and great with grilled chicken). Enjoy!

In a bowl (or processor) combine:
1 small white or yellow onion finely grated or chopped
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard (be sure the mustard is not ‘clumpy’ when adding to the liquid or you’ll have a hard time getting it to separate)
salt to taste or no salt (I don’t use salt)

Mix well!

Whisk in 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

The Monsoon Season in Arizona typically spans from about mid June through the end of September. With the Monsoon come heavy rains, violently shifting winds, a spectacular display of thunder and lighting, and high humidity.

The Arizona Monsoon also brings with it dust storms, and damaging “downbursts.” A “down burst” is a strong “vortex ring” of a vertically rotating circle of air. At the base of a downburst are heavy outward bursts of wind near the earth’s surface. It is the wind of the Monsoon that cause the most damage to trees and as a result, property.

The heavy rains of the Monsoon make trees especially susceptible to downing as the soil is over saturated. When the high winds come, even the healthiest tree can easily be uprooted.

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In Arizona, we experience what is known as Monsoon, a season that is characterized by high temperatures, high winds, and high moisture, resulting in potentially deadly weather. Serious damage can occur from these high winds, or from debris being tossed by those high winds.

Monsoon season typically starts around June 15 and lasts until September 30th. Here are some tips to help keep your pool properly maintained during this season.

It is essential to check your pool after a Monsoon storm.  The following preventative measure should be performed even if you have your pool regularly maintained by a pool service company.

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