Pool Landscaping Tips and Tricks

Adding Beauty to your Backyard

Having a backyard space that is functional and beautiful is a dream for all of us. Not only does a great pool provide joy and entertainment, it also adds value to your home and your family. Whether you’re looking for a couple new ideas to add to your backyard or starting from scratch, you’re in the right place!

Color

No matter what your backyard looks like, adding color is a great way to open your outdoor space. You can add some color by selecting a variety of different plants like flowers, bushes, shrubs, or trees. By intentionally selecting the type of plants you want, you have complete control over what your eyes naturally gravitate to. Color can help hide and enhance features of your backyard so be sure to research what type of flowers have the best life span in your area.

Dimension

If you’re looking to make your backyard look a little bigger, adding different heights of plants and trees will help with that! Look for spots in your backyard that are bare or don’t create an “openness”. Adding dimension can be easy if you already know what features you want to accentuate in your backyard. So try to identify those features before you start planting.

Click here if you’re struggling with some inspiration!

Attract Wildlife

One aspect of your backyard that most people don’t think about is what kind of animals are attracted to your outside space. In Florida we all know we have many little creatures that like to hang out near the house so research the types of animals you are attracting with your plants.

A great trick is to invest in a bird bath or flowers that specific butterflies or hummingbirds are attracted to. By being intentional with your plant purchases, you’ll be able to have much more to look at than your pool and some trees. Also we all know how much the little ones love seeing a bunny or turtle in the yard!

Florida Tip: If you have a body of water near by your house, you may want to triple check if there are any gators hanging out near by.

We know that all backyards and landscapes are different, that’s why we included some of our favorite resources to help get your backyard looking like an oasis in no time!

Landscaping Resources

https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/florida-landscaping-ideas.html

https://www.improvenet.com/a/landscaping-ideas-for-your-pool

https://blog.hayward-pool.com/design/pool-landscaping-tips-and-ideas/

What are your best landscaping tips and tricks!? Comment below and let us know!

Happy swimming!

Pool Games to Play with Your Kids

One of the best advantages to having a pool is the memories you get to make with your family in your own backyard! If you had a pool growing up, you can think back to all the fun memories of jumping in the pool for the first time and sharing some great family memories. We’ve included some great game ideas and things to do with your kids so you’ll never get bored this summer!

Watermelon Ball

Do your kids like playing basketball? Then they’ll love watermelon ball! It’s made to dribble just like a basketball but under the water. So when there’s days that are just too hot to play basketball outside, get creative and play in the water! You can purchase a basketball hoop to hang over your pool as well.

Swim Rings

This is a classic water game that kids will never get tired of, especially if you’re working with you child on how to swim better! Swim rings are great to help your kids get some exercise while also getting out all that energy that they always seem to have.

Invisible Bottle

This game is one of the easiest to do with no purchase needed! Take some empty water bottles, pull off the wrapping, fill them up with water, and hide them in different parts of you pool. It’s a lot harder to find them than you’d think! Your kids will love this challenging but fun pool game.

Pool Toss N Splash

If you have kids that aren’t quite ready for the deep in, this is the perfect game! While standing in the shallow part of the pool, they can toss the balls to aim them in the holes that have the most points. The toss n splash will let your children play in the pool without getting nervous in the deep in!

We know these pool toys are great but we all love a game that’s free! We’ve included some classic pool games that don’t cost a thing.

• Belly Flop Content
• Canon Ball
• Chicken
• Marco Polo
• Sharks and Minnows
• Hot Potato

Let us know what your favorite pool games are by commenting below! We’d love to hear from you. Happy swimming!

Say Yes to Sun Protection

We all know sunscreen is important when spending time in the sun but how many of us actually make it a priority?

Sunscreen is much more important than we know! Not only does sunscreen protect your skin and health, it’s also about setting a great example for your family and the ones you love. Check out some of the best reasons that you should cover up this summer!

Lowers Risk from Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour.” These statistics can help us realize the importance taking care of our skin should have in our lives. No matter your skin type, using sunscreen is a must for the summer heat, especially if you’re living in Florida!

Protects Your Skin from UV Rays

A great thing about using sunscreen regularly while being outside in the sun, is how it protects your skin from UV rays that can be harmful. I know we all love to get that nice summer glow but it’s not worth damaging your skin in the process! Damage from UV rays can cause pre-mature aging of your skin (and let’s be real, no one wants that) and can also increase health risks such as sun spots that can turn cancerous. Looking for active ingredients like Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide in your sunscreen is a must if you’re being conscious for the best protection!

Set a Good Example for Your Family

Not only is protecting your health the top reason you should wear sunscreen, setting a great example for your family is also a great benefit. By making sunscreen a priority with your family, you’re helping them understand that their skin and health is important to a long lasting life!

Protects More than your Skin

Protecting your skin from the sun can mean more than sunscreen! Hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups are important in reducing risk for heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or any other issues that can arise from extended sun exposure. If you aren’t making this a priority, issues like nausea, muscle cramps, and even brain damage can occur from extensive sun exposure.

So say yes to great skin and health this summer season! We want to know how you stay protected during these hot sunny seasons, comment below and let us know!

Happy swimming!

Benefits of Pool Screen Enclosures

Tired of the love bugs!? Then you’re in the right place.

What is a Pool Enclosure?

A pool enclosure, or screen enclosure, is a structure that protects and encloses your pool! This includes sun rooms, screen porches, and any type of screen enclosure you may have seen before. Normally you see these enclosures in the backyard of homes to cover a pool or a screened room.

Why Should I Install a Pool Enclosure?

Pool Enclosure Offer Shade & Protection

If you live in Florida then you can already understand why most homeowners choose to have a screen enclosure over their pool. Pool enclosures help keep bugs and other pests out of your pool area so you can continue to have a relaxing backyard. Screen enclosures are also a great way to create more shade and minimize the hot Florida sun.  

So a combination of bugs, climate, and the sun are all what motivate many homeowners in Florida to invest in a screen pool enclosure.

Pool Enclosures Make Cleaning Your Pool Easy

No one likes a dirty pool right? The best way to keep your pool clean is to block debris and bugs from coming in! Pool enclosures help protect your pool from any leaves, buds, grass clippings, mulch, or anything else outside. Your pool cleaning system will also thank you when there is less dirt and debris to worry about!

Pool Enclosure Care & Installation

Another great benefit of a screen enclosure is how easily you can take care of them. Power washing or wiping down your screens are great ways to keep your enclosure clean and fresh! If you start to see serious damage to your screen or mold be sure to wear gloves when using harsh chemicals. Installing screen enclosures are very quick, usually taking a maximum of a few days.

Cleaning depends on what type of material your screen is made from so be sure to check with your screen company to ensure the correct cleaning method.

Do you think installing a screen enclosure is worth it? Comment below to tell us how your screen experience has been! Happy swimming!

Top Pool Tips for Dogs

A Man’s Best Friend Needs A Backyard Oasis Too!

Does your furry friend LOVE to enjoy the pool on hot summer days just like you? Swimming pools can benefit your dog by keeping them healthy and happy! We’ve included the best tips and tricks to help your dog enjoy and stay safe during these hot summer seasons.

Swimming

One of the best ways to help your dog get some healthy exercise is to let them take a swim! Swimming not only is a great way to keep your dog in healthy shape but it’s also a great way to burn some puppy energy when it’s too hot for a walk!

The Best Dog Floaties

If you’re worried about your dog jumping in your pool, then investing in some dog proof floaties is a great idea! Life vests are great for small to medium size dogs. Usually, they all come with a handle that’s easy to pick up quickly and in case they fall in, you don’t have to worry!

There’s also pool floaties specifically made for dogs. They’re easy for dogs to get on and won’t pop as easily as others would!

Dog Care

The most important tip when thinking about your pup during the summer is making sure they’re healthy! These summer days in Florida can be brutal, so making sure your dog always has access to water will help them stay hydrated. Shade is another component to helping your dog stay healthy! Keeping your dog’s paws cool is a must during the summer time when any type of pavement is extremely hot. There paws can burn, and it can easily lead to your dog becoming overheated.

We hope we’ve given you some ways to keep your pup healthy and hydrated during the hot summer months! Have some fun pictures of your dogs poolside? Share them below and let us know how you keep your pups cool!

Happy swimming!

A Guide to Solar Pool Covers

Why and When to Use a Solar Cover on your Swimming Pool

Do I really need a pool cover for my pool!? Are pool covers expensive? How do they work??

If you’ve ever had any of these questions, then you’re in the right place! We’ll be covering (ha ha get it?) everything you need to know about solar covers and how they can positively affect your pool’s health. Solar covers are used in your swimming pool to retain heat and conserve your pool water. Most solar covers have bubbles on them to help absorb the sun’s heat and send it back into the water. There are many other types of pool covers including thermal covers and automated covers but solar covers are the most common if you’ve living in Florida (you know, cause its summer year-round here). If you own a swimming pool then you’ll want to consider investing in a solar cover.

Benefits of using a solar cover for your pool

• Reduces evaporation and low water levels
• Helps the swimming pool retain overall heat
• Maintains chemicals required for water chemistry
• No professional installation required
• Cover blends in with pool water
• Cost efficient
• Lightweight and easy to use

Best Practices for Florida Solar Covers

Solar cover, sounds pretty easy right? Mostly! We’ve included some best practices for our Florida solar cover users!

• Be sure to spread your cover out, bubble-side down
• It’s okay to trim your solar cover to best fit your pool shape
• Leave a flap 2-3 inches long so you can tuck it under your skimmer’s edge, this allows you to push debris into the skimmer before removing the cover
• It’s okay to keep your pump running while your solar cover is in your pool.
• Don’t leave your cover out on your lawn/grass, this Florida heat will burn up your grass
• Fold or roll your cover to store it when you aren’t using your pool

You can use solar covers year-round to help conserve the water in your swimming pool and help the overall health of your pool! We’ve included some resources to help you find the best solar cover for your pool.

What is your first impression when you hear solar cover? What pool covers have you tried out? Comment below to let us know and happy swimming!

Resources

• Solar Covers
• Solar Rings
• Solar cover reviews
• Why cover your pool

Swimming Helps Reduce Stress

Feeling stressed out?

79% of Americans feel stressed out at some point during the day, so we’re not surprised! We’ve done some research and owning a swimming pool could actually be your solution! Swimming was ranked one of the best ways to relax and relieve daily stress, so check out the top three benefits that swimming can have on your health!

Relaxation

One of the main reasons swimming relieves stress is because it naturally relaxes your whole body. After a long day with the kids or at work, slipping in the pool for a quick swim can be the best thing for your body and mind. In a swimming pool, your body is completely surrounded by water, creating a sensation on your body that ultimately promotes relaxation that other types of activities don’t offer.

It’s natural for your body to relax in a body of water, where there is no tension or pressure. Relaxing your body and mind is so important when you’re in a stressful season of life.

Exercise

While you might be rolling your eyes at this exact moment, exercise is such an important aspect for relieving stress.

Swimming can actually have twice the amount of benefits for your brain compared to other exercises. Swimming has low impact and high cardiovascular benefits for your body and also helps your brain to relax. Focusing on your body gives your brain a mental break and helps you gain perspective about stressful situations in your life.

Healthy body = healthy mind! It work the other way around. Having a healthy body and mind go hand in hand when dealing with a significant amount of stress. Taking care of both areas will help you function at a higher level and more positive state overall.

Natural Refreshment

According to the 2012 Speedo Survey, 74% of adults agreed that swimming helps release stress and tension from their daily life. Swimming provides a feeling of “freedom” benefiting your mentality and self-perception.

Are you convinced yet? Swimming can help improve so many areas of your life, including the ones that are vital to a healthy lifestyle! We hope you take this simple step to a healthier, less-stressed you!

We hope this article was helpful to your health, comment below and let us know how you manage your stress! Happy swimming!

The 10 Best Poolside Snacks

It’s almost summer!

That means you’re either about to hear “I’m bored” a thousand times from your kids or there’s going to be an insane number of teenagers in your pool! What’s the next step right after a nice clean pool!? Well, FOOD of course!

Here are the 10 Best Poolside Snacks you can offer your friends and family this sunny season!

Homemade Ice Pops

Tired of the store bought & really expensive ice pops!? So are we! That’s why these homemade ice pops are easy to make and much healthier for your friends and family! Click here for the recipe!

Layer Dip Cups

No need for a plate! This easy poolside snack is perfect when your guests want something light to snack on right from the pool! Click here for the recipe!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kabobs

If you’re planning on having a large get together, kabobs are the way to go! With quick prep time and a large amount of quantity, you can serve your friends all day long! You can also substitute chicken or steak, click here for the recipe!

Pigs in a Blanket

These little piggy’s will be a hit at any pool party! Be sure to make an extra amount because they’ll go fast! Click here for the recipe!

Grilled Watermelon

Alright, we know what you’re thinking, grilled watermelon?? This snack is a “don’t knock it till you try it!” With Summer being a grilling season, this snack is easy to enjoy with a brush of olive oil and salt & pepper!

Cheesy Bacon Dip

Do we need to say more? Dips are always a must when inviting guests over to your house, easy for inside or outdoor snacking! Click here for the recipe!

Pepperoni Puffs

Pizza rolls? Nope, think again! You won’t regret making these pepperoni puffs to help give your guest that perfect bite sized snack! Click here for the recipe!

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Do you like cheesecake? Strawberries? Together this snack will definitely meet your sweet side! Click here for the recipe!

Aguas Frescas Drink

This refreshing fruit drink is simply made with fruit, water, lime juice, and some sweetener! Perfect for the summer heat! Click here for the recipe!

The Best Hummus

Hummus is the best dip when you’re some craving healthy flavor! Click here for the best hummus recipes!

We hope this was helpful for you in preparing for your summer snacks! Be sure to check out some of our other blogs to help you prepare for summertime! Happy swimming!

The Best Pool Accessories

It’s time to give your pool a face lift!

If you’re looking to spice up your pool, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve listed some of the best pool accessories that you can buy to create countless memories with the ones you love!

Pool Speaker

Every pool needs some music to liven up the day! Whether you’re having family and friends over or just relaxing by your pool, having an outdoor speaker to play music will definitely help enhance  your atmosphere! The one we’ve linked for you is waterproof and Bluetooth, perfect for poolside.

Fountains

If you’re looking to add some “wow” factors to your pool then look into having a fountain to do the entertaining for you! Some fountains will have to be installed by a pool company, but others you’ll be able to set up easily on your own!

Water/Outdoor Lights

Adding some different lighting to your backyard is a great idea for nighttime swimming or any pool parties you throw when it’s darker out! Whether it’s string lights across your backyard, lights inside your pool, or lights that sit on top of the water, they’ll all add something special to your outside atmosphere.

Floaties

Sometimes you don’t need anything fancy but some new pool toys and floaties! In that case, we’ve got you covered. Front gate has great quality pool rafts for affordable prices! They also sell more relaxed swimming pool rafts for a more comfortable form.

Don’t forget about buying some drink floaties in case you want to add a little flare to your pool (while remembering not to spill them in your pool).

Was this helpful? We hope you can create an atmosphere you’ve been wanting with the best pool accessories there is!

Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer

Ultimate Pool Time!

Spring is here and summer is coming! That means it’s almost ULTIMATE pool time. Your friends and family are probably already asking, “When’s the pool party?”. We know you’re already thinking about how to prepare for the non-stop season of summer so we want to help!

Cleaning

Cleaning your pool and the space around it is one of your first steps in gearing up for the summer! We’ve listed some easy steps to make sure your pool is clear and a beautiful blue for all to see.

• Add water to your pool if needed
• Turn your equipment on and test it to make sure everything is operating correctly
• Test your pools chemistry
• Brush and vaccum your pool
• Be sure to service your pool regularly

Outdoor Space

The space around your pool is just as important as cleaning your pool! You might already have some plants or statues that help add to the look of your space but it never hurts to change things up a bit!

Here are some great ideas to help your outdoor space look great for summer!

Plants and flowers that are drought-tolerant are great for Florida landscape! Blanket flowers, firebush, beautyberry, buttonwood, and saw palmetto are all great for the heat we get in the summer season!

When you look around your pool, you want to be proud of how it looks! Making sure you have enough storage and seating is so important but don’t forget about the rest of your space! We’ve listed some great ideas to make your backyard the oasis you’ve always wanted!

Dress up your pool

Adding things to your pool area doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be as easy as buying some bird feeders or built in coolers that can make your space look inviting and enjoyable. Below are some ideas to help dress up the area around your pool!

• Hammocks
• An outdoor rug
• Sail shade to drape over your patio
• String lights to help frame your space
• Fire-pit or fire bowl

Easy Upkeep tips

• Check the levels of your pool regularly or hire a pool service to help you
• Use an automated pool cleaner to help keep your pool clean throughout the week
• Check your equipment or any fountains you may have frequently

The great news is that Florida is best state to own a pool in because there’s great weather year-round! Although it can also come as a cost to keep your pool clean all year long if you don’t schedule regular cleaning and maintenance.We hope this was helpful to your pool preparations! Comment and let us know how you best prepare for busy pool seasons! Happy swimming!