Outdoor is In!

Outdoor is in. Your home is your sanctuary, and probably your biggest investment. More and more, homeowners are looking to their own homes for escape from a hectic world. That escape can be found right in your own backyard! You can create an environment designed especially for your lifestyle.

Ready to make a splash? Today’s pools are easier to operate and maintain than ever before! With lots of innovative ideas and exciting trends in design, now is the time to create the poolscape of your dreams. Here are some helpful ideas to keep in mind for your own private paradise.

- It is all about planning. Stand in your backyard and think about relaxing each evening after the stress of the day. Imagine special times bringing your family closer together. Imagine starting the weekend with a Friday night get together or watching the weekend games from the comfort of your perfect outdoor space. Imagine parties with friends, celebrating special events and milestones. Your pool can be the centerpiece of these happy times, complete with water features, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and comfortable furniture. Your pool builder will help you turn these dreams into reality while planning your poolscape.

- Select the right type. What’s the right type of pool for you? Gunite, vinyl, fiberglass or above ground, there is a pool for everyone! Your builder to help you decide which pool type is right for your terrain and your lifestyle. Be assured that whichever pool type you choose, you will enjoy lasting beauty for years to come.

- Shape and size. Your builder can suggest a multitude of design options just right for you. From beach entries, to shallow and comfortable wet decks, to dramatic vanishing edges, the options are only limited by your imagination. Swim up bars, tanning shelves and more can be part of the pool designed especially for you.

- Finish with flare! Your builder will show you many options for the finish of your pool, to enhance the look of your pool water with decorative finishes and liners. Additions such as mosaic, glass, or decorative tiles will customize your pool. Next, there’s coping and decking options to create the perfect look just right for your taste. In the end, your pool will be as unique as you are!

- How about a fountain? Fountains add movement and soothing sounds to your environment. From a gentle bubbling to a bold splash, fountains will also help keep your pool clean. Create water park fun at home with intermittently squirting fountains for the young or young at heart! Trying to beat the heat? Misters create atmosphere and feel great. Laminar flow fountains project a stream of water through the air, dazzling during the day and down right dramatic at night with the glow of fiber optic lighting. Your builder can suggest the latest options to accent your pool.

- Take it to the next level with a waterfall! The most popular design element for pools, a waterfall is a must-have option. Go chic with a gliding sheet of water over a granite ledge, or mimic a more natural look of water cascading over rocks. The materials available to create the perfect waterfall are as varied as the design you and your builder can create together.

- Shed some light on the subject. Enhance your poolscape while also making it safer with decorative lighting. Lighting can show off the features that make your pool special. Options like perimeter lighting, floating, color-changing lights and fiber optics will make night-time swims and gatherings magical. Don’t forget about patios and walkways too!

- Sit back and relax. Take control of your pool with the latest in automatic controls. As easy as changing the channels on your TV remote control, you can do the same with your pool. Turn on your waterfall or set the lighting for an evening pool party all in the palm of your hands. Talk to your builder about energy efficient options for your pool. With automated systems you can control the temperature, clean the pool, dispense the chemicals and cover or uncover the pool. Pool ownership has never been easier!

- Pool care clear and simple. No matter what type of pool you choose, your local pool care retailer can assist you with the right products to keep your pool sparkling clean. Proper care and maintenance of your pool will keep your equipment working at maximum efficiency and can help you save money too! Always on the go? Why not consider a professional pool cleaning service. Professional service providers can help you keep your pool in tip top shape.

- Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Safety items, including pool safety, no diving and caution signs should be properly installed and/or displayed for the safety of all pool users. We encourage pool owners to request additional safety related publications from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), including: “The Sensible Way to Enjoy Your Pool,” “Children Aren’t Waterproof” and “Pool and Spa Emergency Procedures for Infants and Children.” These APSP publications can be ordered from the APSP by calling or writing them at APSP, 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 838-0083, or by visiting the APSP consumer Web site at www.theapsp.org. Keep a first aid kit and life saving equipment in close proximity to your pool. Do not allow unsafe or risky behavior in or around the pool. We encourage you to always maintain constant adult supervision when children are in or near any body of water. Install fences, barriers and pool covers to prevent unsupervised access, especially by young children.