Backyard Tips

How To Make Your Backyard More Accessible

An older adult using a wheelchair to water the garden in their backyard.

Backyard accessibility involves creating an environment where everyone can move around safely and comfortably, whether using a wheelchair, a walker, or just their own two feet.

Does a Swimming Pool Add Value to Your Rental Property?

Potted plants adorn a swimming pool with a slide in a fenced-in backyard.

Rental property owners need features that will attract residents. Swimming pools are one option if you want to stand out from your competitors. 

Analysis by Zillow's rental search engine, HotPads.com, found that pools not only attract more residents, but people are willing to pay higher rent for them. The study, which included data from 50 major American metro areas, found that renters were willing to pay 4.5% more (that’s $70 per month, on average) for a place with swimming facilities. 

Family-Friendly Pool Games and Activities To Help You Stay Active

Four smiling family members in a pool float side-by-side on a pool noodle wearing sunglasses and posing for a picture.

Summer is a time for family, fitness, and fun. Some may spend the break from school indulging in lazy days in front of the television, but for many of us, the warmer weather invites us outdoors. It’s important to find a balance and encourage your entire family to get outside an be active. One of the best ways to accomplish this during the simmering summer days is to plunge into the cool water of a swimming pool.

5 Ways to Cool Your Pool House

Pool House with Origin Bi-Fold Doors & 3 Sets of French Doors

Adding a pool house to your poolside makes for a great relaxation and entertainment space for your backyard. It allows you to use your backyard is a ton of new ways, even if the day isn't quite perfect for actual swimming. With an enclosed or sheltered pool house, you still have a great hangout spot to relax, have a few drinks, enjoy some shade, etc. 

New Styles of Our Siesta Poolside Bar are Now Available

Blog Image of new Siesta Styles

One of the best parts of our job here is brainstorming new pool house designs to keep our styles fresh. The Siesta Poolside Bar (everyone’s favorite little pool cabana) is a great example of this.

When we first released the Siesta about 10 years ago, it came standard with a hip roof design (and a myriad of siding, bar counter, and interior options.) A little over 5 years ago, we introduced the Siesta with an a-frame roofline.

And now, we have 2 more styles we’d love to introduce you to, which are almost a year in the making.

The Ultimate Guide to Pool Safety for Children and Pets

A child with goggles on in a swimming pool hugs their pet bulldog. The bulldog is wearing a lifejacket and standing at the pool’s edge.

If you have a pool, it’s likely the beloved centerpiece of your yard and garden. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also a place where you and your family can gather for fun, spend time together, and make lasting memories. However, your pool is also one of the most dangerous parts of your home, especially for your children and pets. 

Fulfilling Nonprofit Programs That You Can Run From Home

An individual sits at a desk in a brightly lit home office speaking on the phone.

Nonprofit work is a fulfilling endeavor for many people. However, involving yourself in nonprofit charity projects may seem intimidating from the outside looking in. Luckily, it is often an easier task than it might appear. There are many relatively simple charity projects that you can develop and manage from the comfort of your own home. 

Outdoor Dinner Party Do's and Don'ts

A backyard pool in the foreground, with people mingling around an illuminated canvas tent and twinkle lights in the background.

Dinner parties are a great way to celebrate big life milestones, or simply connect with friends and family over food. Coming together and sharing a meal can help you foster a sense of community, create a chance to get to know new neighbors, or even try out new recipes on an audience. 

DIY Pool Ideas - Pool and Backyard Decorating Ideas

Once the pool is installed, it is time to get to work decorating it. A few seconds searching online and your mood is already dampened. It is so expensive to fix up and make your pool look amazing! But with a little creativity and a little elbow grease, you can make some of your décors and decorate your pool area the way you want, without the high price tag. Some of the ideas you can try to help decorate your pool include:

Make Your Own Poolside Chairs