The weather is heating up and with it comes much more time spent outdoors, enjoying those active days of summer. Many of our kids are running and swimming, playing around and participating in outdoor sports.

Warmer weather means much more skin is exposed to the sun, so this is the time to pay extra attention to preventing sunburn. During the months of June, July and August, the sun’s UV rays are at their most powerful; just ten minutes can leave your child with a painful reaction.

Read on for tips on protecting your kids to the maximum and putting your mind at ease so you can all focus on what summer’s all about: having fun!

Apply Sun Block in Advance

Before going out in the sun, be sure to liberally apply sun block (SPF 30 or higher) to all exposed areas of skin and allow time for it to absorb properly.

It makes no sense to apply sun block if it will immediately dissolve in the water or rub off on clothing. You also won’t want to be caught in the hot sun rushing to apply sun protection- apply it at home, at your leisure, and you’ll be able to leave the house knowing your children are protected until their next application.  

Reapply Sun Block Often

Especially when swimming, children need to have sun block reapplied often in order for it to be effective. Set reminders or alarms on your phone to get them out of the pool and dry them off for a reapplication. Pay special attention to lips, cheeks, noses and shoulders, and be sure to wait a few minutes for the cream to absorb before allowing them back out in the sun.

Use Clothing to Your Advantage

The best way to really block the sun’s harmful rays is by creating a barrier between it and your child’s sensitive skin. Sun protective shirts, hats, shorts and even jackets are now available from many major retailers. This is a great way to protect large areas of skin- experts say that tightly knit, darker coloured clothing will have a similar effect, so even a cotton t-shirt can offer a good amount of protection.

Watch the Clock

The sun is normally at its strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm. During this time you can anticipate the highest level of sun protection needed, although this is not a steadfast rule and children can also get sunburned before and after.

When planning activities in a hot place, keep in mind that being outdoors during these hours poses the greatest risk for sunburn and heat exhaustion, meaning it’s generally best to leave things like hikes or walks for very early mornings or late afternoons.

Seek Out Shade

Although it may be tempting to sunbathe yourself or make the most of sunny weather, it’s really best to have your base in the shade. Find a shady spot under a tree, or make shade when possible. Carrying a large beach umbrella or shade tent with you is a good precaution if you’re unsure of the facilities will offer.

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Author bio: Sonia Moran is the mother of three active fair-skinned children who need extra protection from the sun. She is also a writer for www.amoralia.com, where you can find parenting advice and stylish maternity and nursing wear.   

If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool and also lucky enough to have the sun to use it then keeping it clean is all important. You want a pool to be fresh and inviting for everyday use and so you can get the most from this refreshing pastime.

By taking a constant but thorough routine with pool maintenance you can cut down on the work in the long term and also save on a lot of money. It also means there’s no need for last ditch attempts to sort something out when something goes wrong. So, here are ten tips to keep your pool sparkling clean and healthy.

1. Maintain the pool by keeping an eye on the pool chemistry a few times a week in summer and around once a week in winter.
2. Keep a close eye on the skimmer basket and clean it out weekly or even more-so if it needs such care.
3. Keep an eye on the hair and lint filter. This will need to be emptied every few weeks and you should ensure that a build-up doesn’t occur.
4. Water levels are also something that need inspection and should be adjusted if needed. Ideally they should be at the center of the tile.
5. The in-line chlorinator needs a weekly check-up and if it needs adjustment then you should do so. Check the chlorine readings and ensure they are in the unit to ensure adequate levels of chlorine.
6. Clean the filters. These should be cleaned after a storm or every couple of months. The best way to remember this is to base it around something you do a couple of times a year. If you’ve extra elements this can be a lot easier to do, if not you will need to use chemicals to clean the filters. Make sure to use eye and glove protection when doing so and make sure the filters are rinsed well.
7. The tile area on the outside of the pool should be cleaned on a weekly basis when the pool is in use or less so when it’s not. This can be done by using  pressure washing services and will help keep your pool spic and span from build-up.
8. Always keep the chemicals you use stored in the dark and away from direct sunlight as this can cause issues with them.
9. If you do not have an ozone system your pool won’t need to be shocked. However, if you do need to shock it does it at night. People swimming soon afterwards should use a non-chlorine shock to clean the pool. Alternatively, it’s possible to do so by running your pump for a full day and night with your ozone system. Just ensure you’re on 24 hour circulation.
10. Cracks can turn into bigger problems. These should be dealt with through silicone and as we all know prevention is better than cure.
11. Keep vegetation and animals, as well as fertilizers away from the area as they will feed algae in the pool.

These tips should help you keep your pool clean and perfectly usable.

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Jacob Ryan is a lover of swimming and the great outdoors and also enjoys fishing. 

Building a pool or spa is a large investment and should be done right the first time because it a permanent addition to your home. Once you commit to building, there are a lot of decisions to make, and each one deserves thoughtful consideration. What shape do I want? How big and how deep should the pool be? Should I do a pool and a spa or just a pool? Should I tile the walls? And last but certainly not least, what special features do I want to include?

Adding water features to and around your pool is the key to making people say “WOW” when entering your backyard oasis. Whether you implement one or multiple features, consider each carefully as you begin the pool building process.

Fire Pit: Adding a fire pit to the side of your pool or spa is a great entertaining feature. Those who enjoy swimming can slip into their suits and enjoy the water, while those who prefer to not swim, can relax by the fire pit with their feet up and a marshmallow roasting stick in hand. Everyone can still converse together and enjoying the evening as a group. Oh and did I mention that a fire pit is just all around gorgeous and adds a beautiful element to your backyard? Especially since most can be custom built to your exact design preferences.

Water Slides: This feature is one for the kids! Who wouldn’t love having a water park in their own backyard? While most people instantly think of the typical blue pool slide, there are other sizes and styles are available, some of which are quite beautiful. In fact, many waterslides are integrated into the surrounding landscape, making it a stunning focal point in your backyard.

Water Features: What’s a pool without some amazing waterfalls, fountain bubblers or deck jets?! These water features can turn any normal backyard pool into a spectacular pool! Waterfalls not only add a beautiful feature to both your pool and backyard, they also provide a soothing environment for you and your family to relax in. So even if you are not actually swimming, they still provide a great benefit. Deck jets create a graceful arc of water that lands peacefully into the pool and appears magical to the eye. They are a captivating focal point and easily enhance the serenity of any backyard. Finally, fountain bubblers are geyser-like pool features that are usually built into a pool’s shallower areas. Once again, it’s gorgeous to the eye and serene to the ear.

Lighting: Most pools are built with underwater lights, but are they built with colored lights? That’s right, these days you can choose from a variety of colored LED lights to give your pool that extra something you are looking for. Using fun colors such as blue, teal or pink can change the mood of your backyard for any occasion! For new pools, ColorLogic 4.0 offers a great lighting option. Their lights are both vivid, bright and energy efficient.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to additional pool and spa features. Do your research before committing to a pool, you won’t regret adding a gorgeous water feature!

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To see more examples of stunning water features, visit www.poolandspaexperts.com.

Especially in the warmer months, decks, porches, and patios around the pool are some your house’s most important “rooms.” They’re the perfect venues for leisurely brunches, festive grills, and just hanging out after a relaxing swim. But, when the sun goes down, you don’t want to scrimp on beauty or have any unnecessary hassle because your pool area is poorly lit. Here are a few lighting tips to keep your sacred space stunning and safe: 

1. Aquatics.

Hidden lights at the edges of your pond or pool, or even underwater will add an extra touch of glamour, and make it safer and more fun for you and your guests to swim at night. Just make sure the lights you choose are waterproof!

2. Landscaping.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could enjoy your favorite flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs during your late night swims? Once you choose your space’s focal points, the right outdoor lighting will let you do just that. For example, a bright, weatherproof up-light at the base of each tree around your patio is a regal way to beautify your whole yard!

3. Thoroughfares.

For paths leading from your home to the pool, you’ll probably want to invest in some path lights. These can be really fun, you can choose between plain white and color-changing varieties, with an array of battery operated options so you don’t have to worry about unsightly power cords.

4. Structures.

Rope or tape lights along the handrails of your porch will not only help you and your guests see at night, but the warm glow will give the whole space a magical ambiance.  Other places that benefit from stylish accent lights include dining areas on decks and patios, and staircases (lighting these areas also make negotiating them in the dark much more manageable).

5. Sensors.

Automating your lights with motion sensors, photo sensors, and/or timers will save you endless hassle every night. They’ll keep the lights on when you need them, and shut them off when you don’t. Photo sensors and timers are perfect for those areas you want constantly lit at night, and motions sensors are more ideal for utilitarian purposes. Both will keep your home and pool area extra safe.

6. Barbecue Lights.

If you love cooking for friends and family after a long afternoon swim, you may want to invest in a small barbecue or grill light. They clip or rest easily on your grill, and allow you to see perfectly while cooking in the dark. You’ll never risk cooking mishaps like burning yourself or undercooking meat!

7. LEDs.

Here’s a final piece of trivia: LED lights don’t attract any bugs, because they don’t emit UV rays like other light sources. Therefore, if you choose to light your pool area with LEDs, you won’t have to deal with hundreds of pesky insects swarming around. Finally, you can relax in peace!

There are nearly limitless choices of how to light your pool – it’s the perfect opportunity to exercise your creativity and show off a space you’re really proud of!

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Annie Josey is a blogger for Pegasus Lighting, a nationally acclaimed specialty lighting retailer. At Pegasus, it’s Annie’s objective to help all homeowners enhance their dwellings with impeccable illumination.    

When you live in the desert, having a house with a swimming pool is a no-brainer. Unlike other regions of the country, having a pool is a definite asset, and for many a requirement.

In the community of Anthem, Arizona (a Del Webb community about 30 miles north of Phoenix), residents turn their back yards into an extension of their living space, complete with large patios, outdoor kitchens, and luxurious pools.

The beautiful desert landscape includes plants that require little water, and plenty of hardscape and ground cover.

This is just an example of what outdoor desert living is like.  Beautiful views abound and the swimming pool is just part of the outdoor appeal. Outdoor fireplaces, gazebos, and bar seating lend to the outdoor lifestyle.

Another breathtaking desert pool is this one in Cave Creek, Arizona. The pool of blue is refreshing against the desert backdrop — the dogs even think so.

This pool has the popular, resort-style infinity-edge feature, which appears as if the water extends to the horizon, vanishing, or extending to “infinity.” The term also is used to describe perimeter overflow pools (pools that may be on level parcels, wherein the water flows over one or more edges, usually flush with the decking elevation). Sometimes with these types of pools the infinity edge appears to merge with a larger body of water — the ocean—  or with the sky.

The view is a little different across the country for the next homeowner in Miami, Fla. This elegant pool is gorgeous against the white geometric features of the house. The tall glass windows and the lofty trees and surrounding greenery lend to a cozy, private feel while the length of the streamlined pool gives a feeling of vastness.

And a raised hot tub lends beautifully to the geometric design of the back yard and provides dimension at a higher level.

Another breathtaking look is the likes of this lavish swimming pool in Austin, Texas.

The pool is built at a lower level than the house. The rectangular shape of the pool and the not-often seen jagged square stepping stones in the pool (giving that walking on water look) offer a nice contrast to the numerous arches in the design of the house. Imagine plopping yourself down into one of the four lounge chairs and looking out onto the blue pool below, and perhaps even a gorgeous scene on into the skyline.

And you don’t need to take vacations when you have a pool like this one in Palm Springs. This swimming pool is nestled among the mountains, the palm trees, and an expanse of lush, green lawn. The simple rectangular shape complements the understated elegance of the house. The entire look of the house and back yard is breathtakingly beautiful — not to mention perfect for swimming laps when those desert temperatures spike.

The setting is perfect for entertaining and hosting large parties and family get-togethers.

Article is courtesy by Movoto.com

There’s a snarky answer to this one: Find a friend with a pool instead of installing one yourself. But there’s a much better set of answers that should allow you to enjoy a pool at your home without facing legal problems.  Why is it such a big deal? Because about 10 people drown every day in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. Not all of these are attributable to swimming pools, of course, but the statistic does suggest the need for swimming pool safety.

Following are steps that you should take to minimize the safety risks – and lawsuit potential – of a swimming pool while still having a way to cool off on those hot summer days:

Build a fence around your pool

Swimming pools are known legally as attractive nuisances. That means a landowner can be held liable for injuries to children trespassing on the land if the injury is caused by a hazardous object on the property that could appeal to children who wouldn’t appreciate the danger. Trampolines and swimming pools are among the most common attractive nuisances, and both pose legal threats to homeowners.

However, the threats aren’t insurmountable. The most important step to take is building a fence around the pool to deter children from gaining access. The fence must be at least five feet high, and it must have a gate that can be – and should be – locked. The gate should also be self-closing and self-locking, to ensure that it isn’t ever accidentally left open.

You should also look into installing an audible pool alarm. It will alert you if someone falls into the pool when it is unattended.

Before you fill your pool

• Make sure the adults in the household know how to swim well and have training in lifesaving techniques, including administering CPR.
• Buy rescue equipment such as life preservers and a shepherd’s hook, which is a long pole with a hook at the end – and store them near the pool.
• Obtain a swimming pool cover and use it whenever an adult is not at the pool. You can employ either a manual or motorized cover. The cover should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of two adults and a child.
• Never let children go in the pool alone. There should always be an adult within arm’s reach.
• Don’t allow running near the pool, and make sure non-slip materials are used on the pool’s deck and ladders. Steps on the ladders should be at least three inches wide. The ladders should have handrails on both sides.
• Don’t leave toys in the pool; they can entice children.
• Teach any children who will use the pool to swim as soon after the age of 4 as possible.
• Don’t allow diving. This will eliminate a leading cause of serious neck and spinal injuries. While you’re at it, don’t allow running around the pool either.
• If you have a water slide, require everyone who uses it – adults, too – to go feet first.
• Never allow anyone into the pool who has been drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Once the season is over, lower the water level of your pool. It is important to keep it covered during the winter months.

After you fill your pool

Set rules for your pool

With proper planning and strict adherence to safety guidelines, swimming pools can provide years of fun. But with great fun comes great responsibility. Let the steps above be a starting point to help ensure the safety of your family members – as well as neighborhood children. The peace of mind you gain will give you greater enjoyment as your envious neighbors look on and wait for an invitation to the fun.

This article was contributed by Arthur Murray, who writes for HomeInsurance.com. Arthur has more than 30 years of experience writing for newspapers and magazines. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

If you have a lot of space in your backyard or garden and have been pondering how to use it, then consider an above-ground swimming pool. During hot and humid summers, a swim in a pool conveniently located in your backyard is a real treat. A membership at your local club or paying to go to a public pool might cost you a small fortune. You might also be forced to think twice before driving all the way to a faraway pool. However, with an above-ground pool, you can have a cool splash any number of times in a single day or even at night. Not only do above-ground pools suit your budget, they are also easy to maintain and manage. An above-ground pool is one of the best choices if the weather conditions in your area do not permit a full-fledged in-ground pool. Let us discuss the benefits and disadvantages of an above-ground pool in detail.

Temporary Arrangement

Above-ground pools are portable and movable, which means you can install them anywhere you wish and dismantle them. Setting up an above ground pool is just as easy as putting up a tent. All you have to do is position it in a predetermined area, inflate it and then fill it with water. However, a real swimming pool is a permanent and perpetual structure. You can neither move it nor dismantle it when you need extra space. Above-ground pools are simple structures that can be moved easily from one place to another.

Attractive and Easy to Maintain

Above-ground pools are easy to maintain and manage. Unlike permanent pools, they do not require regular cleaning, bleaching, filtering and the like. Also, you do not need to treat the water in it regularly to avoid allergies and infections. In an above-ground pool, the water never remains stagnant. If you setup your pool in the garden and have nice landscaping done around it, you will create a more realistic look.

Adjustable Size

Above ground pools are movable, so you can place them in whatever part of your yard that you like. They are also available in different shapes, sizes and depths. While your kids play independently in a toddler pool, you can swim laps or relax on a float in a full size pool. You can also increase the depth and size of your pool as your kids get older.

Easy to Install

You can take inflatable above-ground pools wherever you go and have them setup in no time at all. You can do this all by yourself without any professional assistance. No digging, leveling or tilling is required for setup. In the case of traditional pools however, you must have a hole dug a certain depth, have it flattened, have pipes and filters connected to it, have it cemented, tiled and later on filled with water. All of this is a tedious and time taking procedure. You will need to pay for the items necessary to put in the pool and the contractors to work on it. All of this requires a huge financial investment and plenty of time.

Privacy Guaranteed

With your own backyard pool, you will still have your privacy. You can wear any kind of swimwear you like without worrying about being looked at or criticized. This is not always possible at public pools, as there are often restrictions.

Now let us discuss the cons of installing an above-ground pool.

Fencing or a Barricade Might be Required 

Though above-ground pools are simple and easy to maintain, you might have to barricade them if you have kids or pets at home. You cannot leave the pool unattended when it is filled with water. Also, the local authorities might impose some rules as to the maintenance of such pools, so better to check with them before you install one at home. Some above-ground pool kits do not include fences. To keep them upright you might have to invest in fencing separately, and this could be an expensive affair.

Brave the Damages

If you install an above-ground pool in your garden, the weight of the water filled pool will spoil a huge patch of grass, so once you take it down, you will have to wait for new grass to grow. The pool itself could get punctured if it comes into contact with sharp edges or rough surfaces, and that much water leaking out in your backyard could cause quite a mess.

Cost Difference

The difference in the cost of above-ground pools and in-ground pools might seem to be a benefit factor for some while others might consider it a con. While an above-ground pool costs $1,500 to 5,000, the cost of installing an in-ground pool ranges from $7,000 to $45,000. Last but not least, selling a house with a permanent pool would be a nice payday for anybody; however, the choice is yours. If you are considering a home with a pool already built-in, consider these new homes in Mission Viejo, CA.

When the holidays roll around, it’s all about the decorations! Holiday decorations shouldn’t be limited to the inside of the house. There are a lot of creative things you can do outdoors to make your yard stand out. Here are a few decorating ideas you can use to bring your outdoor area to life.

First, place holiday string lights on the trees and bushes in your yard. Wrapping string lights around your trees and bushes will give your outdoor area a little festive flair. String lights come in several sizes and colors, so decide what type look you’re going for before you begin. If you want a fun holiday feel, opt for medium or small multicolored lights. If you are going for an stylish holiday look, small white lights will provide your yard with a sense of warmth and the elegance.

Next, focus on creating a grand entrance by placing lighted candy canes up the walkway. Most lighted candy cane kits include stakes that you can easily stick in the ground. If you don’t want the walkway in your yard to be too colorful, opt for solar powered snowflake markers or plastic luminaries.

To bring your outdoor look together, hang white snowflake icicle lights around the gutters to accent the house. Finish your backyard holiday decorations off by placing a pre-lit, evergreen garland on the front door.

In the midst of all the holiday hoopla, don’t forget about swimming pool safety. If you plan to have kids running around enjoying your festive yard, pool safety is a must. Use a fence to ensure kids can’t gain unsupervised access to the pool area. 

Who says that Christmas parties need to be indoors? Whether it’s frosty outside or just inside your drink glass, there are a lot of great ways to celebrate with friends and family outdoors this holiday season.

Winter Wonderland
Halloween isn’t the only time of the year for festive walk-throughs and front-lawn setups. If you’ve got the time and the money, make up your front lawn like the North Pole. Hopefully it snows, or you’ll have to bring in a snow maker to make up the difference. Be creative and include elves, reindeer and of course Santa. Then invite everyone over for a North Pole Party complete with milk (and other beverages for the adults) and cookies.

Christmas Movie Film Festival
Hold a Christmas movie showing outside. If you don’t happen to have a giant movie screen lying around, get a giant white sheet or bedspread to hang up or find a white wall of a house. Then all you need is a projector that connects to a TV or computer. Some great choices include It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Home Alone but feel free to pick your favorite. Everyone can cuddle up with some hot chocolate and enjoy the movie together.

Snowball Fight!
You’re never too old for a good, old-fashioned snowball fight. Get the whole neighborhood together to build forts and barriers and, of course, snowballs. Then, pick sides and let the fun begin. If you live in an area without snow, see if you can find a snowmaker to make this dream come true. 

Christmas Pool Party
Pool parties aren’t just for the summer. Get some inflatable Santas and reindeer, put some Christmas lights up around the backyard, crank the holiday music and invite everyone over for a great time. Of course, make sure you keep pool safety in mind. A pool is always made safe with a pool fence and Guardian Pool Fence is here to help with that.