—Check out these muscle-building options designed for using in the water

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

Tired of boring workouts at the gym? It might be time to consider some aquatic fitness. 

A swimming pool is an ideal environment for exercise, and resistance training in water can be a great alternative to stale routines with the same old gym equipment. Plus you get to keep cool in the water and skip getting sweaty.

—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.

—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.

Relax in the sun & water with clever inflatable lounges

How do you relax in your backyard resort? If you’re like many swimming pool owners, you kick back by lounging on a comfortable pool float—or would like to, but need to shop for a few to outfit your pool.

Enjoy functionality and style in a private pool designed for fitness

Form & Function: Unlike generic lap pools at public facilities, the design you have custom built for your backyard can have eye-catching features like this towering planter-cascade waterfall, as well as a private hydrotherapy spa.

Swimming laps is an excellent form of exercise that delivers a full-body workout. While you may currently make them part of your fitness routine at a community pool or public facility, you could be doing so more comfortably in your own residential lap pool!

What to seek for maximum skin protection in and around your pool

While enjoying your swimming pool with friends and family, it’s easy to get caught up in the all the fun and relaxation and forget about guarding your skin against the sun. Before spending the day in or around the pool and patio, make sure everyone is using an effective sunscreen that blocks harmful rays and stays put even in the water.

Keep biting insects out of your outdoor living space

Mosquitoes are a nuisance that make you itch just thinking about them! Once they invade your pool and patio area, they can make a good time in your backyard less comfortable for you, family, and guests.