Category Archives: Outdoor Entertaining

Outdoor Entertaining, Pool Fun

Top Remodeling Trends for 2011

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Tahitian Above Ground Pool
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recently released a report that outlined the twelve biggest remodeling trends expected for 2011. Along with going green in larger areas of your home and warming up your interior color palate, one of the top trends is adding a deck and pool to your backyard area (which comes in at number four on the list). Leading experts stated in this study that people are spending more time at home and, therefore, are sprucing up their backyard areas in order to maximize their family relaxation time. A great way to get in on this trend AND stay within your budget is to consider an above ground pool. Above ground pools are available in many sizes and shapes. The unattractive, eye-sore pools of the past are long gone. Above ground pools are now stylish and sleek, blending into any backyard. By adding a beautiful deck around your pool, you will transform  your backyard into the oasis of relaxation and fun that you have always dreamed of! Save additional costs by looking into resin above ground pool decks instead of traditional wood.  They offer the same convenience without the steep price. Don’t miss out on this exciting trend in home renovation.

Source:

Glink, Ilyce “12 Biggest Remodeling Trends for 2011” CBS MoneyWatch.com (2010, December 17) Retrieved from: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/12-biggest-remodeling-trends-for-2011.html

Hot Tubs and Saunas, Outdoor Entertaining

Summon Your Inner Snow Monkey

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Japanese Snow Monkey

While most people I know look forward to lighting candles and decorating trees in December, I look forward to summoning my inner snow monkey.  Japanese macaques spend a good deal of their time soaking in naturally steamy volcanic hot springs, but since I live nowhere near a hot spring, I count on my portable hot tub to whisk me away to snow monkey paradise.

There’s really nothing quite like lounging in a hot, bubbling spa when the surrounding air is cold enough to turn breath into ice crystals.  Falling snow and winter bird activities make for relaxing entertainment while basking in warm Portable Hot Tubwaters.  At night, clear winter skies spread out a blanket of stars to which no holiday light show can compare.

Japanese snow monkeys know that the secret to enjoying cold winter days is to spend as much time as possible in a steamy bath, preferably with friends.  Following their example, with the help of a portable hot tub, makes for a truly happy holiday season.

Holidays and Gift Ideas, Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Pool Equipment Storage, Pool Fun

Affordable Gift Ideas For the Swimming Pool Enthusiast

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Great Gift Ideas

What’s the best kind of gift to get?  One that you would like to buy for yourself, but never do.  When it comes to backyard swimming pools, there’s always something else more pressing to pay for — pool chemicals, replacement filter cartridges, upgraded equipment… So, if you are wondering what to get that special pool-loving person in your life, here are some fun and practical ideas that won’t drain your wallet:

Fun Stuff

  • Pool Games — They come in all types and all price ranges.  Think about what kinds of games your friend likesRemote Control Water Soaker to play.  Toss games?  Ball games?  Team games?  Games that can be played solo?  It’s hard to go wrong if you keep in mind your friend’s preferences.
  • Remote Control Toys — Even adults enjoy these pool toys.  Whether your friend would prefer a remote control boat or water soaker, or a more practical (but still fun) remote control water skimmer, you have a number of affordable options from which to choose.

Practical Stuff

  • Fattowels — The ultimate pool towel, the Fattowel is ultra-absorbent and constructed from high quality 100% cotton.  Fat and fluffy, they leave you deliciously dry after a soak in the pool.   This is a practical gift that is always appreciated.
  • Raft and Towel Caddy — This handy item is best reserved as a gift for a family member or close friend because it’s purpose is to tidy up a generally untidy pool deck.  The raft and towel caddy corrals pool floats, balls, and other small pool toys, plus it supplies a nifty bar for hanging wet towels.  This is a gift much appreciated by neatniks (like me) who like to have everything contained.Ergonomic Lounge Chair
  • ErgoLounger — A dream of a lounge chair, this ergonomic beauty is perfect for people who love to read or relax while laying flat on a lounger to soak up the sun.  It’s not easy or comfortable to lay flat on a standard lounge chair, and it can be especially straining to read a book or magazine while facing down. The ErgoLounger, though, provides ergonomic padding and a face hole so that, whether you face up or down on the chair, your body is cushioned appropriately, and you can fully relax or enjoy a favorite book.

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, a fun or practical gift for your pool-loving friend will be greatly appreciated, especially if that gift is something unique that your friend wouldn’t normally think to buy for him or herself.

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining

In-Pool Furniture – You Have To See It!

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Pool Party Swimming Pool Furniture

 

Picture a group of friends, lounging around the pool under an umbrella, sharing drinks and conversation. Sounds fun, right? Now imagine that table and chair IN the water! Swimming pool furniture is a great way to add some unique seating to your pool. With unique foot pads designed for any type of pool finish, your furniture will stay in place without the worry of it scratching and tearing your liner. The furniture and cushions quickly fill with water when they enter the pool, providing balance and security. When lifted from the water, the quick drain features make sure that you can transfer your furniture from pool to pool side with very little effort. This table and chairs is the perfect way to relax and stay cool in your pool!

Outdoor Entertaining, Pool Accessories

Pool Lounge Chairs Offer Best Summer Relaxation

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What could be more relaxing than sitting by the pool side on a warm summer day?  Sitting in the pool on a warm summer day.  Pool lounge chairs combine the comforts of a standard lounge chair with a traditional pool float.  You can soak up the sun, read a good book, or have a cozy conversation as you float gently in your pool.   Most pool lounge chairs come equipped with built-in cup holders, and many have adjustable backs so you can find the most comfortable position.  Some pool lounge chairs even feature a removable canopy so you can decrease the amount of sun exposure while you still enjoy the pool.