Archives for Blog

flow interlock device

Handle With Care: Redundant Safety Systems for Pool Chemicals Help Reduce the Risk of Accidents

flow interlock device

Pool safety isn’t something to be taken lightly. Water recreation provides a lot of fun, but it also holds hazards. 

 

Pool chemicals, including chlorine and acid, are unstable substances that can be lethal when not handled properly. Chlorine is necessary to keep water clean and sanitary. There needs to be at least 1 ppm of chlorine in pools and 3 ppm in hot tubs to maintain a safe environment. Acid serves to balance pH levels. 

 

Just as lifeguards and flotation devices help protect swimmers, precautions and proper equipment can reduce the risk of severely dangerous chemical reactions.

 

In general, the chemicals used to treat pool water are added to moving water in the pool’s circulation system, which allows the chemicals to mix at an appropriately diluted concentration. Unfortunately, if the circulation system fails, the two chemicals can be exposed to one another at high concentrations, creating a substance very similar to mustard gas. Since mustard gas is 2.5 times heavier than air, it sits on the surface of the water, directly exposing swimmers. 

 

On June 4, 2019, that is exactly what happened at Pleasant Grove Veterans Memorial Pool in Utah, USA. A safety system malfunctioned, and too much chlorine and acid were released into the pool. Nearly 50 individuals, including some small children, were hospitalized due to prolonged exposure to the gas.  

 

Also in the summer of 2019, 14 children were exposed to an overdose of chlorine at the La Salle Park public pool in Burlington, ON. Eight ambulances arrived at the scene and swimmers had to be evacuated. The pool was closed for the remainder of the day.

 

A similar accident occured in San Jose, California, USA in 2018. Here, 35 people were sent to the hospital after breathing in chlorine gas that had settled at the top of the pool. 

 

Dozens of such incidents happen in public pools across North America every year, injuring hundreds of individuals, sometimes even causing long-term respiratory complications. The injuries are terrible on their own, and for-profit pools can also lose income and public trust as a result. 

 

The good news is that this  suffering is generally preventable. Electrical failures and operator error are the most common causes of chemical accidents. So, with proper training and some procedural adjustments, the risk can be reduced to almost nothing. 

 

In the United States, a pool operator training course is required by law in many areas. There are two accepted courses: the CPO program, which is sponsored by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, and the AFO program, sponsored by the National Recreation and Parks Association. In Canada, certified pool operator (CPO) certification is required by health departments in most provinces. Check with your local health department for specific options and regulations. 

 

Pool operator training classes are invaluable in helping operators maintain a safe environment for swimmers. Certification ensures that employees know the current regulations and guidelines, how to test and balance water chemicals, the disinfection processes, facility safety procedures, how to react in an emergency, and more. Certification classes can range from a 16-hour, in-person course to home study options that might take up to six months to complete. Hybrid courses, with at-home study followed by limited, socially distanced in-person instruction, have emerged over the last year to accommodate restrictions due to COVID-19. 

 

Complex concepts such as geometry, chemistry, hydraulics and electricity are part of pool operations, and need to be explained in a way that users will both understand and remember. Luckily, training by a certified instructor ensures that public and private pool operators are familiar with the chemicals, procedures, and potential hazards associated with operating a swimming pool, and have been taught how to handle any malfunctions in the circulation and chemical equipment.

 

As aquatics technology has become increasingly sophisticated, sanitation and safety have improved. But more complex technology means that local operators need increased training to learn how to safely handle each component. Anyone who has not been trained on the use of equipment, chemicals and processes should not have access to the machinery. This is a liability as well as a safety concern–just as technicians aren’t expected to know CPR and shouldn’t be left in charge of swimmers, lifeguards don’t know the protocols for chemical safety, and shouldn’t be in the vicinity of potentially dangerous equipment.

 

In addition to training, proper equipment plays a vital role in keeping swimmers safe. Failures happen most often when the circulation pump fails, whether due to mechanical or operator error. The water stops flowing but the chemical pump continues operating, leaving the chlorine and hydrochloric acid to mix at a high concentration and combine into a dangerous compound.  Traditionally, an alarm called a flow sensor is installed in the circulation system so that the operator is alerted to a malfunction. This is the primary safety system, but it is by no means perfect.

 

The surprisingly straightforward solution is to tie the chemical pump directly to the electrical system. This type of setup ensures that during an electrical failure, both the chemical and circulation pumps stop operating. The two systems are now both flow locked and electrically locked. In this way, the chlorine and hydrochloric acid never mix while the water is stagnant. A simple mechanical device can merge the electrical systems, creating the desperately needed secondary safety system. 

 

After multiple accidents in Utah, including the one mentioned above, the state health authority updated the health codes to require public pools to update their equipment to fit this model. Redundant systems have existed for years for automated heating, electrical and chemistry equipment. Unfortunately, up until recently, backup systems for the chemical feed system were non-existent. It took the tragedies of hundreds of injuries to bring this issue to the forefront. 

 

In 2018, there were around 5,000 publicly-owned pools and splash pads in Canada. All of these pools would benefit from a redundant chemical pump safety device. Other public-use pools not owned by the government should also consider a safety upgrade. This includes hotel pools and spas, school swimming pools, homeowner’s association pools, and any other water feature used by crowds of people. 

 

Where the safety of others, particularly of children, is concerned, the pool industry needs to be driving the innovations and changes that solve problems instead of waiting on government regulations to do so. While it is not always a legal requirement, the World Health Organization also recommends that dosing pumps be designed to shut down if the circulation system fails. 

 

Canadian law does require that pool owners “take such care as in all circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that persons entering the premises, and the property brought on the premises by those persons are reasonably safe while on the premises.” (Occupiers’ Liability Act) This means that pool owners can be held liable for chemical accidents that might have been reasonably prevented.

 

The primary safety system, the flow interlock device, works in most cases to prevent chemical incidents in public-use pools. But the possibility of a malfunction means that every swimmer is not safe. A secondary, electrical interlock device is inexpensive and protects individuals from injuries and public facilities from liability.

 

In the event of a chemical accident at a publicly used pool, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Remove anyone who has been exposed from the area. If it is safe to do so, turn off the chemical and circulation pumps. Have an emergency response plan ready that all employees are familiar with. Only allow properly trained people to work with the chlorine/pH control feed and recirculation systems. And of course, practice regular maintenance for all chemical equipment to prevent failures. 

 

Not only should an emergency response plan be at the ready, it’s important to periodically test equipment and staff. Natural disasters don’t always give advanced warning, so in the event of an earthquake, tornado, flood, fire or routine power outage, it’s crucial to know that the equipment will shut down as it should. 

 

All public pool operators should explore the nominal cost and time it takes to install a secondary chemical dosing safety device. Just as other sensitive systems need redundancy, the chemical pumps should be carefully monitored and regulated using more than one process. The lives and safety of swimmers are worth more than any short-term cost or inconvenience. 

 

Kory Parker is the Aquatic Division Manager at Stratton and Brätt, as well as one of only two national instructors for the National Recreation and Park Association Aquatics Facilities Operations in the region he serves. He has worked in the aquatics industry for decades, and oversees hundreds of pools each year, including major aquatic centers and waterparks. Kory holds a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University. 

Request a proposal

John Smith has over 20 years of experience creating and implementing top-of-the-line proposals and would love to hear from you.

Read more
flow interlock device

Handle With Care: Redundant Safety Systems for Pool Chemicals Help Reduce the Risk of Accidents

3 Tips to Get Your Landscape in Order at the End of the Growing Season

As the end of summer approaches, many property owners look forward to less lawn maintenance. It’s important to remember, however, that plants (and equipment) need love and care all year long. While you can definitely spend less time and energy on managing your landscape in the winter, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the transition as painless as possible. Here are three tips to consider as you ready your home and garden for colder weather. 

  • Blow out the pipes. 

It is a no-brainer to turn off your sprinkler or irrigation system as the weather cools off. No one wants to pay an outdoor watering bill when the plants aren’t growing anyway. What not everyone realizes is that shutting off the water isn’t enough. 

If even a small amount of water is left behind in sprinkler pipes, it can make its way into the backflow system, freeze, expand, and burst the pipes. This kind of damage is incredibly expensive to fix. If your irrigation system does not have an automatic drain–or if you aren’t sure it does–you need to have the pipes blown out with air to ensure everything is dry and ready for the first hard frost. 

  • Encourage hardening. 

As the days shorten, plants begin their own natural process of preparing for winter. Less sunlight signals to larger foliage that cold temperatures are on their way, and they slow or stop growth altogether to conserve their energy. 

To help your plants along, hold off fertilizing trees and large shrubs in late summer. Some plants need fertilizer in the fall–check with your landscape professional or local nursery if you are unsure. You can also apply a layer of mulch just before the first snowfall of the season. This helps insulate and cool the soil, and encourages the hardening process. 

  • Have a backup watering plan.

Properly hardened plants can survive a typical winter here in the Intermountain West, but if winter is particularly dry, they will need your help. Since the first hard frost can be difficult to predict, and Utah is experiencing one of the worst droughts in history, you need to watch out for your trees and shrubs even after the growing season is over. 

Once your pipes are properly blown out, turning on an irrigation system is out of the question, so have a backup plan for getting water to your plants as needed over the winter. A manual sprinkler, hose or large bucket will all work to get water to your plants. If there is no snow on the ground and the temperature rises above 40 degree Fahrenheit, your trees may need water as often as twice per month throughout the winter. Check the soil surrounding the roots–if the dirt is dry, the roots are also dry. 

A little preparation in the fall goes a long way toward healthy, beautiful plants and well functioning equipment in the spring. If you properly maintain your sprinkler system, watch for proper hardening of trees and shrubs and monitor water conditions throughout the colder months, you are setting yourself up for success when the plants wake up in May. 

Request a proposal

John Smith has over 20 years of experience creating and implementing top-of-the-line proposals and would love to hear from you.

Read more
flow interlock device

Handle With Care: Redundant Safety Systems for Pool Chemicals Help Reduce the Risk of Accidents

Utah Arborist of the Year, Jason Laws

Anyone can mow a lawn. 

 

But here at Stratton & Brätt, our team of committed experts can provide so much more than basic landscape maintenance. We operate at the highest level of service, with professionals at the top of their fields. We are proud to announce that Jason Laws, of Elite Grounds (a Stratton & Brätt company) was named Utah’s 2021 Arborist of the Year by the Utah chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

 

The award recognizes the arborist who, through professionalism or volunteer work, has strengthened arboriculture in Utah and has shown outstanding dedication to the field of arboriculture in the community.

 

Laws was nominated for the award by CEO Zack Stratton through the Utah Community Forest Council. Law’s work, spanning two decades, has touched thousands of trees on numerous commercial and residential projects.  

 

Some of these include Thanksgiving Point, South Towne Mall, Mt Timpanogos Temple, Red Butte Gardens, Hogle Zoo, This is the Place Heritage Park, St George Temple, University of Utah, LDS Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Sandy City, Eagle Mountain City, Timpanogos Tech and Lone Peak Business Parks.

“Speaking with Jason for just a few moments will change your point of view on trees,” said Stratton.  “Most of us will see the tree, Jason opens the mind to the whole ecosystem, connecting leaf branch limb ant aphid moss lichen bark root soil.”

 

“I love being able to have a touch on all the valleys that surround us, and work with different sizes and scope of landscapes,” said Laws. He is honored by the award, of course. But his favorite part of the job? Being able to hear the trees, and help others to do so.

 

That is the kind of care you can expect from the Stratton & Brätt family.

Request a proposal

John Smith has over 20 years of experience creating and implementing top-of-the-line proposals and would love to hear from you.

Read more

How Can Lawn Owners Use Less Water?

Historic Drought–These are simple things you can do now.

Utah is currently experiencing the worst drought in recent history, and Stratton & Brätt clients across the state have been feeling the effects as lawns wilt, talk of rising water rates spreads and wildfires rage.

The dry conditions have many considering major changes to the way they consume water, particularly outdoors. While overhauling landscapes and practices like xeriscaping can have a meaningful, lasting impact on resource management here in the state, there are a variety of simple things that you can do NOW to cut your water usage.

Water at Night

The easiest, and most cost-effective way to do your part in water conservation efforts is to simply water your landscape less often. In truth, most shrubs, trees and flowering plants do not need as much water as you might think. Grass is the most likely to suffer from less frequent watering. To mitigate the effects, water your lawn at night, when the water is less likely to evaporate. Cooler temperatures give the soil a chance to absorb the moisture, and you’ll need a shorter watering period to get the same effect.

set dried smoking tobacco. Isolated on a white background.

Mulch

Another immediate water-saving technique is to add mulch to your landscape. In one afternoon of work, you can reduce the amount of water an area needs by as much as two-thirds. Covering soil with mulch shades the dirt, reduces runoff and cuts weeds, which also consume water. Any mulch will do, from bark or local straw to homemade compost. Keep tree trunks and plant bases exposed so that you are able to water them directly—otherwise you’ll wind up using more water to penetrate the mulch.

Check for leaks

If you have a sprinkler line or any kind of water feature on your property, a small leak can waste gallons of water. Overly-lush portions of lawn or a higher than average water bill can be indications that an underground pipe is leaking. If this applies to you, call a professional to come out and assess the issue as soon as possible.

Take advantage of rebates

The state of Utah is currently offering rebates and cash rewards for homeowners willing to install a landscape that is friendly to our local climate. Visit utahwatersavers.com to find out if you qualify and how to take advantage of this program to drought-proof your property for the future.

At Stratton & Brätt, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful, luxurious and responsible. Contact us today for more information on setting up and maintaining a water-wise landscape.

Read more
Rob Accepting NALP Award

Stratton & Brätt Wins National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) is one of several professional organizations Stratton & Brätt is proud to belong to. Each year, the NALP chooses a select few commercial and residential landscape projects to showcase in their Awards of Excellence program. Stratton & Brätt is honored to have our work highlighted with a Silver Award for the 2021 season.

 

The award was given for the stunning landscape Stratton & Brätt designed, engineered and installed on the Bountiful bench. This project was uniquely challenging. It was an extensive plan including planting, hardscapes, lighting, multiple water features, a greenhouse, a playground and more. Our equipment had to be hauled up the steep slope and operated in a way that did not compromise the surrounding geography. In the end, the finished project was something we are deeply proud to have associated with our family name.

 

It is a joy to provide all of our clients with award-worthy projects and service. We dedicate the same level of effort to every outdoor space we touch, whether it is routine maintenance or a deluxe installation.

 

We are grateful to our clients throughout the region who trust us to make their landscape dreams a reality, and pleased to see that work recognized as some of the best in the country by the NALP.

Read more

Perry Brätt, Founder at Stratton and Brätt talks about Water Conservation

aired on Park City TV

Perry Brätt is a founder of Stratton and Brätt—the largest, longest serving privately owned landscaping family in Utah. For more than five decades, the Stratton and Brätt brothers have been creating beautiful landscapes to spec and on budget. Under Perry’s leadership, the company has completed a myriad of high-profile projects, including several major projects in Utah such as the Red Butte Gardens, Thanksgiving Point and religious edifices in Mexico and Haiti. Brätt holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a general contractor and engineer license. He also serves as the president of the board for the Child’s Hope Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicated to “Lifting Orphans from Surviving to Thriving.”

Read more

Elite Grounds, LC Joins the Stratton & Brätt Family of Companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-winning Landscaper & Maintenance Company Merge to Beautify Utah Homes and Business

Pleasant Grove, Utah — February 16, 2021 — Stratton & Brätt, the largest, longest serving privately owned Utah landscaper, celebrates increasing growth and jobs from southern Idaho to St. George, Utah. To meet demand for ongoing landscape maintenance the company recently merged operations with Elite Grounds, LC. Both companies are headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Elite Grounds will handle all commercial and residential property maintenance while Stratton and Brätt focuses on design and building stunning commercial and residential landscapes.

Stratton & Brätt is known and celebrated for large commercial and high-end residential projects like current work on the St. George Temple, the company brings industry best landscape architects, arborists, aquatics, and desert xeriscaping experts to more effectively serve growing area demand. With projects in Mexico and Haiti, the company’s multilingual skills are spurring international growth.

“Utah showcases amazing red-rock desert and mountain canvases on which to create stunning personal paradises for folks flocking to the intermountain west,” states Zack Stratton, CEO for Stratton & Brätt. “Hundreds of happy corporate and residential clients pave the path to continuing quality work in the future. If you can dream it, we can build it.”

“Utah showcases amazing red-rock desert and mountain canvases on which to create stunning personal paradises for folks flocking to the intermountain west. Hundreds of happy corporate and residential clients pave the path to continuing quality work in the future. If you can dream it, we can build it.” — Zack Stratton, CEO for Stratton & Brätt

At the top of Utah landscape design and architecture, Stratton & Brätt brings its deep and prolific regional industry experience and expertise to every project. Elite Grounds maintenance portfolio speaks volumes for its exceptional work in areas of aquaticsresidentialcommunity, and commercial. Client satisfaction approaches 95 percent and maintenance agreements, by client request, average 6-7 years. Merging with Elite Grounds solid track record immediately expands Stratton and Brätt’s growth potential.

“Elite Grounds has a strong team of industry leaders who understand not just the how but the WHY of landscape construction and maintenance. Their team is thoughtful and strategic as they provide the highest quality landscape solutions.” Steven Bingham, Community Manager for Desert Color Community Association.

“Elite Grounds has a strong team of industry leaders who understand not just the how but the WHY of landscape construction and maintenance,” states Steven Bingham, Community Manager for Desert Color Community Association. “Their team is thoughtful and strategic as they provide the highest quality landscape solutions.”

Stratton & Brätt seeks to develop interns from regional universities for long term careers.

Company awards include:

Utah Valley BusinessQ UV 50; Inc. 500 America‘s Fastest Growing Companies; Sandy Summit Award; American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence & Merit Awards;  Associated Landscape Contractors of America Environmental Improvement Award of Distinction.

Watch our video. To request a proposal, visit HERE.


About Stratton & Brätt

The largest privately held family of such companies in the region, Stratton & Brätt creates and manages beautiful landscapes for clients ranging from large commercial properties to high-end residential homes. We are one of an few elite firms in the nation with the experience and ability to handle very large-scale projects both in the United States and abroad. Founded in 1967, Stratton & Brätt is now in its fourth decade of creating stunning landscapes using sustainable practices.

 

 

 

PRESS CONTACT:

John Pilmer, PilmerPR BLLC

801-369-7535

Email

Read more

The Taylor Family Mini-Farm Project

Battered by the “weeds of life,” his widow and
children are happy to see his dreams again take root.

If stress, suffering and grief grew like noxious weeds, Jennie Taylor said her unkempt little farm in North Ogden could be a picture of 2020. That overgrown lot has also reminded her daily that her husband, former North Ogden Mayor Brent Russell Taylor, is gone, killed in 2018 while on Army National Guard duty in Afghanistan. Those 5-foot weeds showed somehow that she and her seven children, ages 3 to 15, were unable to keep up, too overwhelmed since his death to nurture one of Taylor’s dreams – that the small farm might teach the value of quiet hard work with an eye on posterity. Now it has become emblematic of the coronavirus pandemic, too.

“I thought my life turned upside down in 2018, when my husband was killed and now the entire world is upside down,” she said this week. “It’s been so eye opening. But weeds are what life is full of sometimes, right? You try so hard to plant and cultivate, and then you turn around and some kind of pest has taken over.”

Thursday began a transformation as donors, led by one of the region’s largest landscaping firms, Stratton & Brätt Landscapes, launched a three-day overhaul of the farm to bring it back to working life and make it easier to maintain. The “major’s mini-farm,” as the family calls it, was his love. However his day had gone at City Hall, Brent Taylor liked to come home and dive into farm work with his kids, his widow said. She calls the place a metaphor for the family’s life without him.

Volunteers Help Fulfill Dream Of Former North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor

Prior to his death in 2018, then-North Ogden Mayor and Utah National Guard Maj. Brent Taylor wanted to use his “mini-farm” to help teach his children lessons about life.

Two years after he was killed in Afghanistan, preserving the space has proven to be trying for his widow, Jennie Taylor.

“It’s been really overwhelming in the three seasons that he’s been gone to try to keep up on it and water it and weed it,” Taylor said. “Getting little kids to work in the farm is a lot of work.”

Read more

Healthy Soil is the foundation of a stunning landscape: Here’s how to keep it that way.

by Perry Brätt for TotalLandscapeCare.com

World Soil Day, December 5, was established by the United Nations in 2013, as a way to recognize the importance of fertile soil on a global scale. When everyone does their part, global soil can be healthy and thrive, supporting not just food production and livestock, but gorgeous and sustainable landscape projects.

Millions of microorganisms live in soil, and they provide the nutrients that plants need, become healing medicines, and keep the environment healthy. Modern clients are looking for sustainable options that make a great impact on the world. It may surprise many of them to learn that developers and large commercial properties have the potential to help mitigate climate change, prevent droughts and improve air quality—all from maintaining healthy dirt in the many acres they control.

Whether it’s a xeriscape project or a luxury plaza, landscape design has to start from the bottom: with a healthy foundation of soil. The type and quality of the soil in any given project determines the success or failure of structures, sod, sustainability and plant growth. Healthy soil also promotes proper drainage, reduces corrosion and supports stable paths and walls.

With so much relying on proper soil, what can landscapers do to ensure that a project has the right base to begin? Here are five tips for maintaining strong soil in any outdoor space.

Plan ahead

Once a landscape is completed, it can be difficult to change up the soil texture and content, so it’s vital to start off on the right foot. Soil tests should always be performed in the planning stages of a project so that adjustments can be made. Testing helps identify the issues that may cause problems later. For instance, sandy soils don’t trap enough water and erode easily, while silty soils can cause rotting and even floods. Knowing ahead of time makes it possible to address any concerns with the soil and create a healthy base to start from.

Provide cover

Open spaces may help with water conservation and taking in the view, but leaving large areas bare in a landscape leads to serious soil erosion. Erosion isn’t just a problem for farmers. When too much soil is blown or washed away, what’s left isn’t conducive to attractive landscaping. All soil areas of a commercial or residential project should be covered—if turf isn’t an option, mulch, boulders and creeping ground covers all help to keep soil intact.

Compost

It’s a basic rule, but something that many commercial landscapers overlook. Organic matter is one of the best ways to keep soil healthy. Once it has been through the composting process, living material provides vital benefits to every kind of soil. Among some of its advantages, compost helps soil retain water, absorb nutrients, deter pests and balance pH. It can also be used as mulch when ground cover is needed.

Young green plant in soil

Design with soil in mind

Different plants thrive in different soil conditions. The flipside of that statement is also true. Different soils thrive with different types of planting. Plants that are native to the local environment tend to be a great benchmark for what will keep the soil healthy. Native plants grow quickly and establish strong root systems, both anchoring and aerating soil. And plants that already grow well in the locale of a project require less fertilizer, so fewer foreign chemicals get added to the soil.

Smart maintenance 

Healthy soil requires more than just proper preparation and planning. Clients should be aware that consistent maintenance is a key part of keeping a healthy greenspace. Pulling weeds by hand instead of using chemicals or machinery helps keep soil in place and filled with nutrients. Diseased plants should be removed as quickly as possible to avoid spreading to the soil itself. And plants should be rotated often, so the soil doesn’t get overtaxed or stagnant.

Soil seems like such a small thing, but it creates a huge impact on individual projects and an even bigger impact on the world at large. There are more than 40 million square miles of soil in the world, and it takes thousands of years for fertile soil to renew.

Smart soil care is every bit as important as the wise use of every other resource on the planet. Following these simple tips in the way landscapes are thought about can go a long way to producing beautiful projects with beautiful, healthy soil underneath.


Perry Brätt is a founder of Stratton and Brätt—the largest, longest serving privately owned landscaping family in Utah. For more than five decades, the Stratton and Brätt brothers have been creating beautiful landscapes to spec and on budget. Under Perry’s leadership, the company has completed a myriad of high-profile projects, including several major projects in Utah such as the Red Butte Gardens, Thanksgiving Point and religious edifices in Mexico and Haiti. Brätt holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a general contractor and engineer license. He also serves as the president of the board for the Child’s Hope Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicated to “Lifting Orphans from Surviving to Thriving.”


Read more

Lasting Memories Start in Utah’s Own Backyards

by Zack Stratton, CEO, Stratton and Brätt

Your Endless Backyard Vacation Awaits

Spring was spent doing online school, summer was full of canceled vacations and family gatherings, and the fall season brought distanced Trick-or-Treating and empty football stadiums.

The pandemic presents an opportunity for us to focus on our families and the sanctuary that a home can be. A landscape that is both stunning and practical gives homeowners the chance to create a little slice of paradise among the chaos.

Our family firm, Stratton and Brätt, is the largest and longest serving privately owned landscaping company in the region, specializing in bringing landscapes to life. Our work includes the masterful scenery at several LDS temples around the world, stunning artscapes at Thanksgiving Point, the grounds for the new Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, and many high-end residential homes along the Wasatch Front.

After the pandemic hit, all of us found out there were little options to family recreational activities; you can only hike your favorite trail only so many times. Aaron Brinkerhoff, our residential landscape manager at Stratton and Brätt, found his job incredibly busy.

Trampolines weren’t the only things sold out. “When families found out this last summer that they couldn’t rely on public pools for fun, we had a huge increase in pool installation requests,” he said. “And really, why not? With a pool or pickleball court in your own backyard, you can swim and play safely anytime of the year, avoid crowded courts and rec centers, and create those memories with your children or grandchildren.”

A backyard pool or splash pad can do just that. Families interested in installing a stunning aquatic feature should consider a few key things before signing a contract. Safety, quality and maintenance are important factors to research. Here’s the gist:

Safety

When most people think of a backyard pool, they picture a gorgeous oasis with laughing groups of family or friends. Or maybe a peaceful setting where they can relax with their favorite drink. Or both. A pool can definitely be those things, but it also needs to be safe. Every pool built in Utah must be fenced-in, either within the entire yard or just the pool itself. As an added layer of security where children and pets are involved, most customers opt for a sturdy cover. An alarm system is another great way to keep everyone safe and out of the pool without supervision.

Quality

A pool is a big investment, so it needs to be beautiful, functional, and long-lasting. No one wants to regret a lifechanging purchase like that. Look beyond just the initial price tag because reliable filtration systems, superior materials and installation practices are worth it in the long run. Unique features like a cleaning robot, a mobile app for heating and lighting control, a hot tub, a waterslide, fountains and even fire pits, make the pool owning experience practical and enjoyable for everyone.

Maintenance

Aquatic maintenance may sound overwhelming, but once a system is in place it really doesn’t have to be. Depending on budget and interest, there are several approaches to keeping a pool pristine and pleasant to swim in.

“Our pools come with several months of maintenance built in to the contract to help get you going, and that can be extended indefinitely to make it really simple for the owners,” Brinkerhoff says. Alternatively, do-it-yourself solutions are possible, although they take another precious resource: time. If neither of those plans is the right fit, Brinkerhoff says, “You can always install automation and a robot that will do a lot of that work for you!”

With features like full pool automation, controlled lighting for ambience, a splash deck for younger children or for lounging, and jetted options, your Stratton and Brätt pool is the envy of the neighborhood. Our company can even help design environmentally-friendly options that use salt water and clean energy to reduce the impact of the pool on the planet.

If you’re dreaming of swimming in your own backyard pool next summer, you’ll want to jump in now. Because of the high demand, pool installations are a few months out. Imagine your family’s smiles, on Christmas morning, when they see how much better summer 2021 is going to be, with their own endless swimming vacation.



Ready for your Endless Summer Vacation? Contact us and let’s get started!

Read more

Beyond Gravel and Succulents: Four Ways to Incorporate Xeriscaping Without Giving up a Beautiful Landscape

By Perry Brätt
Featured in Utah Construction & Design - November 2020 Issue 

For the past several decades, xeriscaping— or creating an outdoor space that doesn’t require a lot of irrigation—has been a popular way to create a beautiful landscape without relying on an abundant water supply. Clean, safe water is a limited resource that animals, plants and humans alike need in order to grow and thrive, so it makes sense to limit its use in dryer areas like in large portions of Utah. Despite its many advantages, xeriscaping can be a hard sell to people and corporations who love the look of a lush, green lawn.

Xeriscaping is often thought of as a sparse landscape with few to zero plants— but xeriscaping is about so much more than sparse planting and an overabundance of rocks. There is no official water use threshold that defines when a landscape becomes a true xeriscape project. The spirit of this kind of landscape design is to limit the impact of an outdoor space on its surrounding environment.

Here are four things to consider when incorporating xeriscaping into a residence or corporate environment, each allowing for less water without sacrificing plant options:

  1. Water recycling
    For some projects, large trees or lush vegetation are a necessity. Whether
    for privacy, oxygenation, shade or for structures like treehouses, larger
    plants can add a lot of value to the space they’re in. However, they often
    use a lot of water. Recycling is one way to offset the high impact on the
    environment. Rain can be collected and used in irrigation systems.
    Innovative water features can even use pumps to recycle rainwater or
    runoff. Additionally, features like rain gardens and permeable pavers help absorb water and return it to the soil.
  2. Local plants
    A basic principle of xeriscaping is that plants should be acclimated
    to the local climate. The reason local plants use less water is that
    they’re already adapted to the soil and hydrology of the region. Native
    plants have evolved to survive in the area without human intervention,
    so they can continue to thrive with natural rainfall and weather
    patterns. Not only do local plants generally require less water, they
    usually need less maintenance and fertilizer as well, so planting
    them can save money and reduce the amount of chemicals that seep
    into the ground. Native plants are naturally great for native species like
    birds and pollinators, too.
  1. Redefining turf
    There’s no need to give up a manicured greenspace in pursuit
    of an environmentally-friendly landscape design. Project managers
    and clients just need to adjust their conception of what grass looks
    and feels like. There are a variety of grasses available that will add that
    soft, green feel to an outdoor design without draining the local water
    reservoir. A promising specimen is the turf-type tall fescue. New
    cultivations have a strong green color with deeper roots and a higher
    drought tolerance. Turf-type tall fescue uses up to 30-percent less
    water than traditional bluegrass, so it’s a great option for xeriscaping
    when used in moderation.
  2. Unconventional choices
    A well-balanced landscape is about more than just plants. Play spaces,
    synthetic turf, lounge areas, fire pits, hammocks, sandboxes, paths,
    swinging benches and large outdoor games are all alternatives to water-using plants. Creative solutions like these add usable, beautiful touches to a planned landscape project without using more water. By reframing the ideas and philosophy of what landscape design has to be, landscaping can both look green and be green at the same time. The EPA estimates
    that 30-percent of the water the average American family uses is devoted to outdoor application. Utah is not only one of the driest states in the nation, it’s one of the fastest-growing. Wise water management is a key strategy to help keep the Utah economy strong.

Perry Brätt is a founder of Stratton and Brätt. For more than five decades, the Brätt brothers have been creating beautiful landscapes to spec and on budget. Brätt holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and general contractor and engineer licenses.

Read more

New Pool Safety Device Prevents Potentially Fatal Chemical Leaks

Developed by Stratton & Brätt, the secondary safety device meets new state code requiring them.

The change in code comes after a number of instances where certain pool’s primary safety systems malfunctioned, causing chlorine and hydrochloric acid to mix together.

The chlorine and hydrochloric acid that are normally used to maintain pH levels and disinfect the pool were both fed into the circulation line that was not moving during daily maintenance to the system. When the power was turned back on, the system pushed the chemicals out into the pool where people were swimming, which created mustard gas.

Two of those instances occurred in Utah County, sending patrons to the hospital. Both were attributed to mechanical failure within the pool’s system.

We created a solution

No matter what type of pool system is in use, the secondary safety system can be installed to the electrical side of things.

With over 3,000 public use pools that will have to be in compliance with the state code, Stratton and Brätt hopes to be the main supplier.

Parker added the system he helped to develop is the only one that he knows of. Stratton and Brätt officials felt as if they had a duty to the public to maintain their safety as well as a duty to the aquatic industry to help keep pools open.

Additional News Coverage


https://www.ksl.com/watchit/event/47203

The story begins at 18:00.


Read more

Sowing interest in landscaping careers

by Ryne Williams for Daily Herald.com

Excerpt:

The largest family-owned landscape company in the state of Utah is having a problem finding workers.

Normally during the summer, the company brings in legal immigrant workers from Mexico to help with its projects.

This is done under a program provided through the United States government. It is utilized as a way to supplement the current workforce locally, but the pandemic and current restrictions have taken that option away.

When asked about why the company brings in foreign workers each year, Stratton and Bratt general counsel and attorney Keven Stratton Jr. said that the company does it out of necessity rather than strategy.

“We have always been concerned with growing local jobs and keeping local jobs,” Stratton said. “The only reason we have used that program is because we have not been able to find willing and able workers here within the state of Utah.”

The company has worked on some temple projects for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Haiti, Tijuana, Mexico, and some in Utah while also doing more commercial and even residential projects. Splash pads, parks and other open spaces have all been built by the company.

Stratton characterized the problem surrounding local workers as one of the company’s biggest challenges and opportunities.

“We have been nourished and nurtured by this valley, by this community and our goal is to give back to that community,” Stratton said. “Our starting wage for our entry-level position is more than double minimum wage. It’s not that we are trying to lowball anybody, we want to hire people, give them a good living wage and a place that they can work and grow. Our success is the community’s success, and to be not able to fill that need is beyond frustrating.”

As for possible next steps to generate interest in the landscaping industry, Stratton and Bratt has been working with local universities to build programs to fit the needs of recent graduates. Attempting to show the need for workers in landscaping while also showing the possibilities.

The goal is to open people’s eyes to the growth opportunities available right in their own backyard, possibly literally and figuratively.



Read more