Backyard swimming pools add activity and entertainment to the backyard oasis and summer fun. What better way to enjoy the hot days of summer than splashing in a pool? But when you have toddlers in the house pool safely becomes a bigger concern.
photo credit: ansik

Most toddlers do not know how to swim but enjoy the water and are fun to watch splashing about.  It is great exercise for them and teaches co-ordination so the pool is a  wonderful summer activity to introduce them to. However, extra precautions will need to be taken to ensure their safety. Pool accessories will help with additional safety.

If you are a pool owner, you probably have many pool accessories already but there are popular pool accessories designed with the toddler in mind.  These are known as lifesaving devices such as arm floats and lifejackets.  Arm floats are safety devices that go on a child’s arm and enable a child, who would otherwise not know how to swim, to stay afloat.  Lifejackets serve a similar purpose. They attach to a child like a piece of clothing and are available in very small sizes.

Pool toys also aid in toddler safety in the pool. They include a wide variety of different items such as baby floats, beach balls, kickboards and swim rings. Toys that float on the water, such as fishes and beach ball are very intriguing to small children. They are entertaining watching the toys float and bobble on the water.

Baby floats, kickboards, and swim rings are toys that may also assist toddlers and children that are unable to swim on their own. Swim rings are ideal for toddlers who may have some swimming knowledge. My nephew used these one summer when he was learning to swim. By the end of the summer his swimming skills were amazing and he no longer had to wear them.

Swim rings can be used along with arm floats or a small life jacket for more safety. For small toddlers or infants, you may want to consider a baby float. Baby floats often have leg holes and they are specially shaped for stability, making them perfect for the small toddler and a safer swimming experience.

Pool accessories and additional pool hardware that will add safety to your backyard pool or kiddie pool can be purchased from many different stores or online. And by looking at the wide selection of products available you will be able to find the perfect toys and accessories to create a safe and fun water environment for your small child.

Keeping you backyard safe and enjoyable for you and your children will keep your backyard the oasis you envisioned and planned.

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With summer months ahead and people buying pools for their backyard or cleaning and preparing their swimming pools for the season its time to take a close look at pool safely in the backyard oasis area.
photo credit: Indiewench

Unfortunately thousands of children die each year from drowning and many of these deaths occur at residential swimming pools. When it comes to pool safely many adults are misinformed about their pool. They feel that as long as there is safely equipment and devices at the pool site their children are safe.

Pool safety devices are important but common sense and knowing how to use your equipment is equally important. And having a plan and staying calm in an emergency will help you and your family.

Pool accessories that aid in pool safety are arm floats, or baby floats and lifejackets. These are popular accessories that can also be considered lifesaving devices. Arm floats are perfect for children of any age. Once they are inflated, they slip onto a child’s arm and will help keep them afloat. But care and observation of use must be used at all times.
photo credit: plasticrevolver

A baby float is a great way for infants and lightweight children to enjoy the water. They have leg holes and squared shapes that add stability and will keep a small child above water. As with any water activity, but particularly with babies, remember the waterproof suntan lotion.

Lifejackets are most commonly used and associated with boating, but you can purchase smaller lifejackets that are ideal for swimming pools. These are idea for pool games where splashing and activity can be distractive to where the children are located in the pool.

Pool toys add to fun and activity to backyard pools.  Pool toys can include swim rings, beach balls, and other small toys. They are relatively cheap in price, sometimes only a dollar. Other swim toys can be expensive purchases, such as volleyball nets and basketball hoops.

When your children are playing a water games, it is very important that you keep a close eye on them. These games often become very competitive which adds to noise and confusion in a pool. These situations can become dangerous or deadly in a pool. Careful observation and having and enforcing rules will help keep active games safe.

Pool fixtures such as pool slides or deep end diving boards are also toys.  But since they are usually securely fastened to the pool or the side of the pool, they are called a fixture.  It is very important that you pay extremely close attention to anyone using slides or the diving board. Young children think these items look fun and often try to use these without supervision and if the child cannot swim this may lead to a tragedy. You may also want to make sure that divers are jumping a safe distance away from the pool’s side and that people are clear of the jumping area.

There are many considerations in pool safety and each family will have different concerns. But keeping an eye on the children in the pool and backyard pool area and making sure that all pool toys and accessories are in the proper working order will help keep your backyard oasis paradise a fun and safe place to relax and enjoy the summer.

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Rooftop gardens have a magic of their own, particularly at night. And with a little planning they are extremely successful. They also add to you living space. Many apartment dwellers have access to a portion of the roof but check with your landlord before you start your small space garden project
photo credit: MoToMo

You will need to study the rooftop at different times of the day. This will let you know how much sunlight and shade your garden area will receive. This will help you determine what plants you will be able to grow.

Next you will need to buy an assortment of containers. I like to find unique containers to use when container gardening just to add fun and flair to the garden area. You can also usually pick up different containers at garage sales for pennies.

But if you want to garden with a theme choose Terra cotta pots and other containers glazed in colors of the Mediterranean for a Tuscan look. Wood will give you a country look and feel.  And black and white, the contemporary look. This year’s garden trend is yellow and bright colors so you may want to try that.

Arrange your containers on the roof in an interesting pattern and at varying heights. You are creating a garden but you are also creating a place to relax and enjoy. And an artistic arrangement will add atmosphere to the space.

Get some advice from garden centers about what flowers and vegetables will grow in your climate. Select the best soil mix you can and them choose your seeds or transplants.

Now comes the fun part! It’s time to plant, fertilize and water. One challenge you may have on a rooftop garden is watering. I suggest a rain barrel and plastic jugs for storing water on the roof. I would also mulch the top of your containers with grass clippings or straw to help keep the soil cooler and moist.

If you share the roof with other renters they may also want to garden and share the space. You could share the work and produce just like in community gardens.

Add some furniture to relax and a table and chairs for entertaining. Your rooftop garden will provide you with a great place to escape to and fresh flowers and vegetables. You may also want to add night-lights to create atmosphere and extend you time on the rooftop.

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Children’s Backyard Play Area Tic-Tac-Toe Game

As the weather is improving and children will soon be on school vacation this is the time to be planning new backyard activities to keep you children happy and busy. Here is an easy to make backyard summer activity game that is perfect for those days when children are restless or for parties and family reunions. You can also involve your child in creative project.
photo credit: Conor Keller

Drop-Cloth Tic-Tac-Toe Board Game

Supplies:
5-foot by 8-foot canvas drop cloth
1-inch painter’s tape (painters tape is better but masking tape will work)
paintbrush
cardboard or vinyl pieces
1 pint semi-gloss paint

First measure and mark a 33 inch square in the center of the drop cloth to create the border of your backyard tic-tac-toe board. A yardstick and pencil will be needed for this step. Draw lines inside the larger square to create nine equal 11-inch squares.

Next place the one-inch tape along the outside edges of the large square, and center along the interior square lines making the game grid. Measure 1 inch from the tape along the outer edge of the large square and apply another border of tape.

Using semi-gloss paint, paint the nine inner squares and the border of the large square between the painter’s tape. Allow the paint to dry and apply additional coats as needed. Once the paint is dry, remove the tape.

Now it’s time to make the make the game pieces. Trace around a smaller six-inch paper plate on heavy cardboard or pieces of vinyl. Make 12 round pieces and place a painted X on 6 pieces and a painted O on the other six pieces. You may want to paint the X’s and O’s different colors and you may want to paint the background of the round circles a different color for each X or O too. Seal the pieces with clear varnish to protect the paint. You will not need these many pieces for each time the game is played, a few are extra pieces.

Tips

• Using thick cardboard or vinyl game pieces create game pieces that should not hurt children. Vinyl pieces can be picked up at most hardware stores or interior design stores.
• Select paint and varnish with no lead
• You may find it helpful to use tent stakes or long nails in the corners of the drop cloth. This will hold your backyard tic-tac-toe board in place if it’s windy.

Your children will enjoy helping create and paint this backyard game. Let them choose their favorite colors for painting the game pieces and game board. This game can also be used on patios and indoors.

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Backyard furniture adds to the comfort and inviting atmosphere of your backyard oasis paradise. And spring is often the time you replace or add new furniture to your patios, decks or outdoor living space.  So take time and think about what furniture you will add to the backyard and the activities that make it a home and place to relax and enjoy.
photo credit: tachyondecay

Below are ideas to keep in mind while selecting your furniture and the new look it will add to your backyard.

One of the most important considerations will be price. Set a budget and shop at various stores that match your price range and decorating needs. If you shop off-season you will get a better buy on your outdoor furniture. Also, if you buy a new but discontinued line of furniture you will often get a discount.

What will be the major use of the patio and garden furniture? When selecting an outdoor table you will need to consider the size and how many chairs you may need, particularly if you entertain larger groups. If the table is only for one or two, a cozy corner table or folding table may be a perfect selection.

Patio furniture for lounging and relaxing after a stressful day emphasizes the purpose of the backyard oasis and are a wonderful addition. You will be able to choose from gliders, lounge chairs, rockers or hammocks. You can also go casual with benches or picnic tables. It’s always wise to keep the furniture light so that it can be moved around the backyard or indoors if need be.

Outdoor furniture is meant for relaxing, fun moments with family and friends. So before buying check to see if the furniture contours well with the body or do you end up with tight muscles? Make sure any wood framing doesn’t bump legs or the back of the neck.  Remember that bare metal can get too hot or too cold and some cloth materials will be rough and scratchy. This is furniture you will be spending time with so check it out thoroughly before purchasing.
photo credit: focusedcapture

You will also want to match the décor and style of the furniture to your home. Furniture that compliments your backyard styling theme will create a flow that will bring backyard areas together. It may even tie indoor and outdoor space together giving you outdoor space a larger feel.

You last consideration for outdoor furniture is maintenance requirements, which is also influenced by climate. Outdoor furniture needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained to help it last. You will find wood tables and chairs need to be resealed or repainted and their cushions replaced or repaired. Metal furniture may suffer from corrosion so check it yearly. Aluminum and plastic patio furniture are easy to clean and low in maintenance, the perfect choice for children and the busy family

With proper selection and care your backyard furniture will last for years and add to the fun and relaxation of the backyard oasis

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