Backyard Pool Accessories for Toddlers

 backyard pools  No Responses »
Mar 302009
 

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. Summer holiday, day 24
Creative Commons License 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.

Posted by Denise at 11:04 am  Tagged with: ,

Backyard Pool Safety

 backyard pools  No Responses »
Mar 292009
 

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.
Creative Commons License 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. summertime blue
Creative Commons License 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.

Posted by Denise at 9:47 am  Tagged with: , ,

Backyard Pools

 backyard pools  2 Responses »
Mar 032009
 

Backyard pools add a new dimension to your backyard living area. It gives the backyard more on an oasis or tropical feeling and will add to family entertaining events. But adding a pool will be one of the biggest decisions that you will make for your backyard oasis area. So careful consideration and care must be taken when finalizing your decision. Codie & Clay's Kegger 123
Creative Commons License photo credit: Stephen Glauser

Swimming pools come in a variety of sizes shapes and designs that should accommodate your family’s needs and your backyard design and space requirements. You can chose from a built in pool or an above ground pool. You may also find out after all considerations and take in to account that a small pond will serve a better purpose.

  • Built in swimming pools need to be very well thought out. They become a permanent fixture in your yard. The advantage of the built in swimming pool is that it blends into your backyard design and creates a total atmosphere of relaxation. This pool will need professional advice and installation.
  • The above ground pool will add more backyard entertainment possibilities for the family and are relatively easy to install and maintain. The money that your family saves with staying at home quickly covers the cost of the pool.

Considerations for Backyard Pools

Backyard space

Pools take room. Besides the size of the pool you will need to consider the traffic pattern it adds to your backyard and any additional pool accessories. Will you add a pool house, deck, or nearby patio for relaxation? You will need additional storage space somewhere in your yard for pool supplies. There are many sizes of pools available and one will fit your needs.

Backyard Design

Backyard pools will quickly become a focal point of your yard, so placement is important. The current design of your yard will also influence whether you decide on a built in pool or an above ground pool. The pools shape will also be decided on your backyard. Round or curving edges flow more with a softer backyard design while rectangular pools blend in with a formal look Rectangular pools are also better for those who want to use a pool for exercise and water laps.

You will also have to take into consideration the trees and shrubs in your yard. Placing a pool to close to a tree what creates a mess I the yard will mean you are cleaning out the pool on a more regular schedule.

Family needs

Ages of your children are a very important consideration along with any health issues of family members. Will the pool be used for family fun or will it be used for exercise and training. This is also where you will also need to consider pool safety for the family and even neighbors who may stray into your yard. Portrait
Creative Commons License photo credit: Wetsun

Cost of backyard pools

Cheaper pools have a lower durability and you may need to practice caution when using them. A pool liner can be expensive to repair or replace. But if this is your best option, just shop around for the best bargain and lay down pool rules.

The least expensive pool is an above-ground pool. This will require leveling the ground and some basic assembly. They are perfect for a small family and have the advantage of being moved later. They do tend to stand apart in the yard so it requires some backyard design planning to help them blend into the yard. Pool decks or patio are perfect for making the pool a part of the backyard.

In-ground pools are sturdier and quickly become part of your yard. They add a backyard oasis feeling and become the center of most family and entertaining function. In-ground pools are usually made of pre-molded fiberglass, which is dropped into a hole dug in your yard. They are more durable.

The gunite pool, which is reinforced with a steel frame and coated in a mixture of cement and sand, is the most expensive pool but will last with little pool repair indefinitely. These pools are built to be a permanent fixture in the backyard and are usually surrounded with concrete patios, wooden decks and terraced gardens for sunbathing or entertaining guests. These are the pools that are best for diving.

If you take all these consideration in to account when choosing and planning for your backyard pool: you will be able to select a backyard swimming pool that will fit all your families needs for years to come.

Posted by Denise at 1:37 pm  Tagged with:
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