—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.

—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.

—How your home’s property and location may factor into the construction budget

Like any key home improvement, a new inground swimming pool can bring years of enjoyment and boost your property’s value and beauty. And like most major home improvements, the construction of a new pool also represents a major financial investment.

—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.

—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.

—5 key backyard factors to consider for future pool construction

Buying a home with an existing swimming pool may be just the type of real estate purchase you want for your lifestyle.

But here’s what sometimes happens in this kind of scenario: You and your family have your hearts set on a private aquatic retreat; you find the perfect house—the one with the big kitchen you want, a spot for your fantasy man cave, and the top-notch school district for your kids.