No longer limited to lavish swimming pools at resort hotels and homes of the ultra-wealthy, waterfall grottos are now common in backyards across America and can be the perfect complement to a lagoon-type pool.

A grotto typically is defined as a large rock waterfall with a nook or cavern-like space beneath it that’s large enough to swim into. Depending on the size, style, and configuration, a grotto can contain features like seating areas, lighting, or a therapy spa. They provide privacy and shade for swimmers, and kids can use them for imaginative play scenarios.

Large, elaborate installations are similar to actual sea caves from which swimmers can fully exit the water to lounge, have cocktails at the grotto bar, or get snacks from a built-in kitchen!

While that kind of ultra-deluxe grotto requires an ultra-deluxe budget, there are plenty of dramatic, beautiful grotto designs that an upper-end—yet realistic—pool budget can accommodate.

Do you suffer with arthritis pain? Comfortably exercising in a swimming pool may reduce symptoms of this inflammatory joint condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mobility, mood, and quality of life for many with various kinds of arthritis.

While physical activity can be beneficial, it can also be painful. Even worse, the wrong workout methods can actually aggravate your condition.

That’s why choosing swimming and pool-based exercises are a smart solution in the fitness equation for those with these inflammatory ailments. Aquatic activities can be the answer if you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. Let’s look at some reasons why.

Dog safety in and around your swimming pool

Your dog is like a member of the family. The last thing you would want is harm to come to him from an accident that could have been prevented. Let’s look at some ways that can protect your pup while he enjoys your backyard—including your swimming pool.

How conventional custom pools provide a practical alternative to natural swimming pools

Part 2 of 2

Natural swimming pools are a kind of pool-pond hybrid that use a dedicated zone of aquatic plants to maintain the water and they provide distinctive, organic beauty to backyards and pleasant, chemical-free swimming environments for families. Unfortunately, natural pools come with prerequisites and limitations that keep them from being a realistic option for many homeowners, as outlined in part 1 of this blog topic.

Factors such as construction costs, needed yard space, design challenges, and style and functionality preferences make these pools a boutique project. Couple these factors with the scarcity of pool builders who are skilled in this particular specialty installation, and it is understandable why a natural pool is currently out of reach for most Americans dreaming of one.

Determining if a Natural Swimming Pool is Right For You

Part 1 of 2

Natural swimming pools are the true realization of a healthy, environmentally friendly backyard resort. Not only does a natural pool look beautiful and seamlessly blend into its surroundings, it boasts special design, materials, and equipment that maintain the water

How to prevent swimmer's ear when enjoying your pool—5 tips

Swimming may be lots of fun, but getting swimmers ear is not. If you feel itchy inside your ears, have drainage or inflammation in your ear canal, or pain inside your ear when you tug on your earlobe, chances are good you have a case of swimmer’s ear.

The infection impacts the external ear, specifically the skin of the ear canal. When this skin gets wet and stays wet, it softens—becoming a warm inviting spot for germs to grow. Typically the culprit is bacteria, but it can also be fungal.