—Get a leg up on gunite/shotcrete lingo for planning your new backyard resort

Like any worthwhile endeavor, the design and construction of an inground concrete swimming pool come with its own set of vocabulary words. That’s why it’s helpful to bone up on some of the lingo before your first appointment with a contractor.

—How working out in in heated H20 can enhance your fitness and overall health 

By Guest Expert: Matt Dustin, BS Exercise Science, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

When the temperature drops outside, thoughts of going for a run or making a trip to the gym in the cold can be unappealing, to say the least.

Rather than break your good regimen, consider taking your workout to the closest hot tub, inground spa—or a heated whirlpool or hydrotherapy pool that may be available at your gym or housing complex.

Whether at home or at a public facility, the warm bubbling water is ideal for both exercise and hydrotherapy—even when it’s cold outside.

—What ozonation is and five reasons it makes swimming safer and more comfortable

When it comes to your swimming pool, the ideal scenario is to enjoy a refreshing dip—without worrying about the havoc that chlorine might inflict on your skin, hair, lungs, and eyes.

Your swimming environment shouldn’t be an anchor around your neck. To ensure smooth sailing, all it takes is having the right technology on your backyard resort.

—What to look for when it’s time to buy a new gas heater for your aquatic retreat

A quality swimming pool heater can extend your family’s swimming season by several months, allowing you to enjoy the water into autumn in many parts of the country—even into winter in some warmer regions.

Controlling the water temperature means you never have to dive into an icy cold pool. If you have an inground spa with your pool, it means being able to quickly fire it up for hot, relaxing hydrotherapy after a long hard day.

—Learn the benefits of portable spa models compared with custom concrete spas

Click here for part 1 of 2: Portable Hot Tubs

Part 2: Inground spas

A portable hot tub or an inground concrete spa—which one is right for you?

As discussed in part 1 of this article, both prefabricated hot tubs and their custom-built counterparts offer terrific benefits for your home and lifestyle.

—Learn the benefits of portable manufactured models compared with custom concrete spas

Part 1: Portable Hot Tubs

Few activities are more relaxing than settling into a warm, bubbly spa at the end of a hard day. Along with the health benefits of unwinding mind and body in heated, swirling water, a spa can make an excellent spot for entertaining friends and family. Depending on the type you choose, a spa can boost the visual appeal of your backyard as well.

—Buying tips for choosing the best unit for your backyard

Once found only in restaurants to make outdoor dining more pleasant for their patrons, patio space heaters have expanded to private backyards, helping warm homeowners across the country.

This trend has come about for a good reason: By extending the months possible to enjoy a pool and patio area, outdoor heaters maximize opportunities to take advantage of your exterior living space.