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—No room for a pool? A spa can serve as the centerpiece of your backyard retreat
A soak in warm, bubbly spa water can be a delight to both mind and body. That’s the goal of thousands of homeowners across the country who build a swimming pool-spa combination to enjoy.
But while you, too, may crave the relaxation and hydrotherapy benefits that a spa brings—what if your home lacks the outdoor room for a full swimming pool?
Topics: Backyard Additions, Design / Features, Health/Lifestyle Benefits, Spas, Construction, Buyer Tips
—See beautiful concrete pools that “rise above” construction challenges with added style and function
While most concrete (gunite or shotcrete) pools are constructed beneath the ground, did you know that some are built partially—or even entirely—above it?
On-ground and semi on-ground pool designs achieve an inventive, multi-level aesthetic that’s popular with homeowners striving for an inspired outdoor addition. The out-of-ground pool concept also provides a solution for backyards with certain construction challenges.
Topics: Design / Features, Construction, Buyer Tips
—You may save time and negotiate a better deal by building your gunite pool in the fall or winter
Hands-down, spring is the busiest time for building inground swimming pools—but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best time to build your new backyard oasis.
Topics: Remodeling, Construction, Buyer Tips
—Chasing waterfalls? Natural rock can dramatically enhance your backyard oasis
A natural rock waterfall delivers unique sights, pleasant sounds, and a greater sense of serenity around your backyard swimming pool. These delightful custom features fit a range of swimming pool budgets, and they’re worth considering as part of your design plans for a new pool or remodel.
Topics: Backyard Additions, Remodeling, Design / Features, Construction, Buyer Tips
—How to protect against cryptosporidium and other chlorine-resistant organisms in your pool
Have you noticed more news reports chronicling outbreaks of dangerous microorganisms in public swimming pools? One pathogen, in particular, cryptosporidium, has been rearing its ugly head with greater frequency, passing along—yuck—gastrointestinal distress and other aggravating side effects.
Topics: Remodeling, Equipment/Technology, Buyer Tips, Purification, Health & Safety, Maintenance
—Decorative and functional design elements to include in your backyard resort
Would you like to make the experience around your backyard pool the most enjoyable one possible for your family? When you’re ready to design a new concrete (gunite or shotcrete) swimming pool, don’t forget about great options that deliver added comfort and convenience.
Toward that end, here are three leisure-oriented pool features to consider: an umbrella-covered pool ledge for tanning and lounging, a built-in table and seating area inside your pool, and an activity-oriented, shallow-depth pool design.
Topics: Backyard Additions, Remodeling, Design / Features, Buyer Tips
—Negotiate a better home purchase price with an in-depth pool inspection
Seeking a new home with outdoor space for keeping cool, entertaining, and exercising? Many people are, and for these reasons, some house hunters see the advantage of buying a home with an existing inground swimming pool. With a ready-made backyard resort, you can begin enjoying a private aquatic leisure center on move-in day.
Topics: Equipment/Technology, Spas, Buyer Tips, Purification, Maintenance, Heating, Filtration
