Swimming pools provide hours of enjoyment for the entire family. Besides keeping the children occupied they add to any family event such as parties and get togethers. They turn your backyard into the oasis that you always dreamed of.

photo credit: sflovestory

But a pool is a large investment, takes time and space though, so selection and price is very important. You will also have to consider your property value and landscaping needed for the project.

These are a few points to consider when selecting a pool.

Decide what type of pool you want to buy. Above ground pools are less expensive and can be made nicer looking with a deck and landscaping. They can also be removed relatively easily if needed.

In-ground pools are more expensive and will usually increase your property value. But you must carefully consider where you plan to place it.

Shop for the best-priced pool. Try local pool companies and look online for deals.

Make sure you get several references from the companies you contact. Also check with the check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they’re trustworthy and have a good rating.

Get three quotes to five quotes in writing. Make sure the quotes include all installation costs and any extra costs.

Swimming pools can cost more than you expect. So leave room for unexpected expenses. So when shopping try to buy a swimming pool for $1,000 less than your set budget. This extra money will absorb any unexpected costs.

photo credit: Schantzilla

Budget the extras right into you pool costs and budget. Once you add a pool you will need the area landscaped. Possibly a deck, outdoor kitchen or patio placed near the pool area and safety features. Safety features would include a fence, pool chemicals, equipment, pumps and filters. Pool toys will also be a consideration.

Figure out how much money you’ll have to put away each month or week toward your swimming pool. If you have children they may enjoy putting money toward the pool too. It will give them a feeling of accomplishment.

And you may want to put the money in a higher interest account. It will increase faster if you put the money into a mutual fund or credit union with a higher interest rate.

Once you have the money for the pool be prepared to have a new life and look to your backyard.

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Fall is setting in and the leaves are getting that “I am about to break into full color look.”  I now know it’s time to prepare my above ground swimming pool for winter weather.
photo credit: lepiaf.geo

Preparing the pool for winter will protect it from the elements, wandering animals and possible inquisitive children. And by preparing your pool properly, reopening it in the spring will be much easier and you will also add years to the pools life.

How to prepare the above ground pool for winter

Clean the pool first. Hopefully you have all your pool supplies close at hand. Use a net to remove bugs and leaves from the surface of the water. Remove the ladder and all toys from the pool and store them for the winter. I store all my pool accessories in the garage near the pool. Basements and a shed are also good storage places.

Next, vacuum the pool as you normally do throughout the season. Once clean, its time to add any chemicals that are needed to control bacteria. Consult your local pool company for suggestions. I use a winter pool kit that seems to have all the right products for my climate.
photo credit: JoshMcConnell

Carefully place plugs in all the inlets and a skimmer cover over the skimmer. This will protect them from getting water inside that could freeze and break parts of your pool. In my zone 5 climate this is a very important step.

Unplug your pump and make sure you get all the water out. Do the same with the filter and the filter hoses. Again, you don’t want the water to freeze and break the pump.

I buy additional air pillows, inflate them, and place them on the surface of the pool’s water. This will keep the pool cover from touching the water, which is easier on the pool cover. And later in the fall season air pillows are on sale so you will save quite a bit of money buying late in the fall.

Tip: Don’t inflate your air pillows all the way Climate change will affect the pillows, so less air is better.

Drape your pool cover over the top of the pool and over the air pillows.  Tighten the pool cover in place with buckles. Make sure the pool cover is secure for you winter storms and high winds.

I always take one more check around the backyard and make sure any pool accessories are cleaned and put away. I also store the leftover chemicals in cool dry place, my garage, so that they will be useable for the following year.

Swimming pools can be work, but the added fun and activity they add to the backyard oasis area make them worth the extra time. And by preparing the pool in the winter you will have a much easier time in the spring preparing the pool for the summer.

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photo credit: joey.parsons

By landscaping your pool area you add beauty and comfort to your backyard and will create that perfect area to relax and entertain.

The selection of plants will vary depending on your climate, backyard needs and if the pool is an in-ground pool or an above ground pool.

In-ground pool

Trees, shrubs and certain smaller plants should be kept away from the edge of an in-ground pool because their roots could crack the side of a pool and create a pool that leaks. One suggestion if you want small trees near the pool, grow them in movable containers.

Another item placed near the pool would be a security or privacy fence. This needs to be far enough away from the pool as to not crowd the area and give a feel of space. You could also locate any trees or shrubs outside of the fence, usually about 4-foot way from the fence so that the roots and any limbs will not create havoc to the fence.

Annuals and perennial plants will also not do well near a pool. They do not like chlorine and will more than likely be exposed to it by pool activity. One option is to again place plants in containers that can be moved and would also offer them protecting from the pool.

When planning your trees, shrubs and plants for outside a fence or further away from a pool its always best to keep the size of any taller shrub or tree small in stature. This will prevent your pool from ending up filled with leaves.

Above ground pools

And for above ground pools, the same for trees and shrubs apply, keep them smaller the size near the pool. And if you live in a neighborhood with children to have children a security fence is a must to keep children out of the pool unattended! A pool cover is also helpful to keep children out of the pool when not being used.

The above ground pool and your backyard will benefit from finding a way to enclose any areas that are open and expose the pool workings. This can be done with shrubs, flowers or a small decorative fence area.

The most important consideration when landscaping around your pool is to blend it into your backyard so that you add to the comfort and relaxation of your private oasi

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With the increase in backyard swimming pools it more important than ever to think of pool safety. Many pool owners have at least one child and you also need to think about the neighborhood children who may be inquisitive and looking to adventure in your backyard.
photo credit: Indiewench

If you are the owner of a pool, have children or live in an area where there are neighborhood children you may want to equip your pool with a fence. A fence isn’t just a popular pool accessory; it is a lifesaving device. And if a fence saves a life and deters a serious injury it is worth installing

In many areas of the United Sates, a pool fence is required either by the local townships or by state law. So before having a pool installed in your backyard, it’s best to check on any pool regulations and restrictions. Even if you weren’t planning on installing a pool fence, you may find out that you are required to.

A pool fence is considered a pool accessory. And you will discover that pool fences come in a wide variety of different designs, shapes, sizes and styles. This will give you the opportunity to match a fence with you backyard design and home.

When looking for a pool fence you can stop by your local pool supply store or shop online.  And as with any pool accessory purchase take you time and carefully compare price and quality of the fencing.

Available Pool Fencing Varieties

If you are looking for a study, dependable, and attractive looking fence, you may want to consider purchasing a metal fence. Metal fences are dependable, attractive, and sturdy and will last for a very long time.

Wood fences are attractive and very versatile in matching your colors and design of the backyard area. They do have a drawback of needing repairs every few years.

Mesh fences are a fairly new in pool accessories. They are becoming very popular because many are removable where as metal and wood fencing are more permanent. If you are only interested in using a pool fence for a short time you will benefit from purchasing a pool fence that can be taken down in a matter of minutes.

A pool fence will add an additional safety factor to your backyard pool particularly when you are not at home. By adding a pool fence you will be protecting your family, adding more privacy to your backyard and you will also be protecting yourself from being held liable in the event a tragic accident occurs.

You may also want to consider the additional safety added with a pool cover.

A backyard pool is meant to be enjoyed.  So add that extra feeling of safelty with a pool fence. And with all the fencing varieties available you will be able to add addtional beauty to your backyard oasis

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If you are looking for a pool that blends into your backyard and creates that overall oasis feel, the in-ground pool is the answer. For those who can afford the extra expense the In-ground pool is more attractive and with landscaping becomes the focal point of the backyard.
photo credit: leozaza

To keep your pool looking good the pool must be kept clean.

In-ground pools require different cleaning supplies than above ground pools and its best to familiarize yourself with all of the in-ground pool cleaning supplies that are available.

One of the easiest ways to learn about pool cleaning equipment and supplies is to talk with friends that own a pool in your area. They probably have product recommendations and stories of supplies that they were not fond of. Their experiences will give you a starting point on what to look for in cleaning supplies.

The Internet and local pool supply stores are also a great source of information for pool cleaning supplies. You may learn about products that do not work in your area or that have problems from your local pool supply store or neighborhood pool owner.

There are two types of pool cleaners, automatic and manual pool cleaners. Both styles of cleaners have advantages and disadvantages.

Automatic pool cleaners are popular because they save time.  In most cases, automatic pool cleaners work without your assistance. Chemicals may be used to clean your pool. Pouring the proper amount of the chemical cleaner into the pool when required will clean your pool easily, but because of their strength, it’s best to use chemical cleaners at a time when the pool will not be used for a while.

Pool vacuums are also available. There are vacuums available that only require that you turn them on. The vacuum will do the rest. There are also automatic pool vacuums that require assistance to clean the pool.

Manual pool cleaners and cleaning supplies are ideal for those who want to save money. It may take time to manually clean your in-ground pool but you will save money and if done properly the first time, the pool will not need cleaned for a while. Manual cleaning supplies are available online and in local pool supply stores or most hardware stores.

From personal experience I have found that its best to have both types of cleaning supplies on hand. An automatic pool vacuum for when you need the pool cleaned quickly and manual supplies for when the vacuums may not be working. If both cleaning varieties are on hand your pool will be ready to use at any time.

An in-ground pool in the backyard will add to family entertaining and backyard activities. They add beauty to a yard but you have to remember to clean them regularly to keep the water healthy and the pool beautiful.

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