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—Raise the “bar” on outdoor entertaining by bringing the resort experience home
The first time people discover the upscale delight of enjoying a cool beverage in a swimming pool swim-up bar is often when they’re vacationing at an exotic hotel. Relaxing on a barstool built under the water with a handy countertop to place your drink or a snack is the ultimate resort experience—and it’s a feature that more homeowners are now including in their own backyard retreats.
Topics: Backyard Additions, outdoor kitchens, Design / Features, Health/Lifestyle Benefits, Spas, Construction, Buyer Tips, Backyard Entertaining
—Make the right choices for the microclimate around your pool and patio
Guest Author: Tony Steine
When homeowners build a swimming pool, they often add landscaping to complete the project with style and beauty. A common approach is to pick your favorite plant varieties. However, this could be a mistake.
Topics: Backyard Additions, Design / Features, Buyer Tips, Maintenance, Landscaping
—Yes, you can include this relaxing, functional feature during a major renovation
A Baja shelf on a swimming pool delivers a big win for both relaxation and convenience. And for existing pool owners, the good news is that you can add this handy, attractive feature during a major pool renovation.
Topics: Remodeling, Design / Features, Health/Lifestyle Benefits, Construction, Buyer Tips
—From better sleep to safer exercise routines, how a spa promotes well-being
Ready to build a swimming pool and deciding which features to include with your new backyard oasis? If health and wellness are important to you and your family, making a hydrotherapy spa part of the plan for your new aquatic retreat is a smart move.
Topics: Design / Features, Health/Lifestyle Benefits, Spas, Buyer Tips, Fitness/Exercises, Games & Activities, Backyard Entertaining, Heating
How big, how deep, what shape?—Fundamental design factors for concrete pools
You’ve decided to build a backyard swimming pool, but don’t know exactly how to begin. Particularly with a concrete (gunite/shotcrete) pool, the process is rather detailed, with a wide range of design and construction elements to discuss with your pool builder.
Topics: Backyard Additions, Design / Features, Construction, Buyer Tips, Fitness/Exercises, Games & Activities, Backyard Entertaining, Health & Lifestyle
—Inspiring style for your new inground pool beyond a standard rectangle
Think that a backyard lap pool comes in only one form—a traditional rectangle? Well, think again: As long as your pool’s overall shape includes a straight, clear swimming lane that avoids steps, spas, and other design features, you don’t have to build a long rectangular design for swimming laps.
Topics: custom spas, Design / Features, Health/Lifestyle Benefits, Construction, Buyer Tips, Fitness/Exercises
