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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With the summer season approaching and swimming pools becoming the focal point in many backyards pool accessories are becoming an important decision for the home.
photo credit: chaps1

It’s fair to say most family members enjoy the pool but for some reason a swimming pool seems to hold the teenagers attention more than other backyard activity.

Teens can easily keep themselves entertained but pool accessories purchased with the teenager in mind will add to the enjoyment of the pool.

When purchasing pool accessories for the teen start by reviewing some of the most popular pool accessories on the market. And as with any purchase the teens age and personality and the way they use the pool will determine which accessories you decide to add to the backyard pool.

If your teen uses the pool mainly for relaxing you may want to consider purchasing floating rafts or floating chairs. Teenage girls seem to enjoy floating furniture for relaxing, reading and working on the “perfect” tan.

Pool toys bring fun and excitement to the swimming pool. They also appeal to all ages. Popular inexpensive pool toys, for teenagers, may include, swim rings, beach balls, basketball hoops, and volleyball nets.

Pool fixtures are more expensive and care must be taken in selection and installation, but family and friends will enjoy a diving board or a pool slide.  Before purchasing one of these items its best to the teenagers feedback will help to ensure that the slide or diving board will be used.

After you have decided on what pool accessories you wish to purchase its time to shop. Department stores, dollar stores, discount stores, pool supply stores and online retailers are places to check and compare prices.

Water slides or diving boards may only be available for sale at pool supply stores or online. And with their selection check safety features and the quality of the item for durability, shape edges and how they are assembled.
photo credit: vauvau

Having a wide selection of pool toys on hand will give the teen and families the opportunity to relax, have fun, or entertain friends.

Technorati Tags: backyard oasis, backyard pool, backyard swimming pool, pool toys, pools, swimming pool, teenagers and swimming pools