Automatic Pool Equipment for Easy Maintenance

Routine maintenance is a necessary part of pool ownership—and it’s easier than you think. Thanks to technological advances in swimming pool equipment, pool care has become more simple, convenient, and efficient than ever. Here are six pool tools that will make taking care of your pool a quick and easy process.

1. Automatic Pool Cleaner

Automatic pool cleaners automate the otherwise manual task of removing dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pool. There are different types of automatic pool cleaners and most manufacturers offer a variety of models to fit any swimming pool, budget, or lifestyle.

Suction-side pool cleaners are the least expensive option, ranging in price from $200 to $500. These cleaners attach to the suction (input) side of the pool’s filter system and suck up dirt and other fine particles and transfer them to the skimmer.

Some models come with a separate filter bag to keep large debris from building up in the skimmer basket while others contain features that remove algae. For instance, the foot pad on the Kreepy Krauly® SandShark™ (pictured at right) has rows of squeegee-like fins that wipe away dirt and debris from vinyl, gunite, or fiberglass surfaces as the unit moves across the pool’s floor.

Click to see more automatic pool cleaners from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

Pressure-side pool cleaners use either the return (output) side of the pool’s circulation system or a separate booster pump with a dedicated water pressure line to move around the pool and draw up dirt and debris into its attached filter bag.

Pressure-side cleaners have a larger intake than suction-side cleaners and can handle both small and large debris. Most models have a tail that stirs up the pool water and helps filter out finer particles to the main drain. Models typically cost around $425 without a booster pump and approximately $900 with a booster pump.

Robotic pool cleaners contain their own filtering systems and are self-powered by solar energy, a rechargeable battery, or a water-safe cord plugged into a standard GFCI-protected outlet. Because they have two intake ports, robotic cleaners are efficient at sucking up small and large debris, from pollen and sand to leaves and small twigs.

Many cleaners will also dislodge dirt and grime from the pool’s floor, walls, stairs, and waterline tile using built-in rotating brushes or powerwashing jets.

Robotic pool cleaners cost more than other automatic cleaners, with basic models starting at $1,190 and higher-end versions running as high as $3,350; however, they offer the most convenient and efficient cleaning process.

How to choose the right automatic pool cleaner model for your pool >>

2. Automatic Pool Covers

The simple addition of an automatic pool cover provides major maintenance benefits: Covering your pool between swim sessions not only keeps your pool cleaner longer by blocking out dirt and debris; it also prolongs the need to replenish water and chemicals by stopping the evaporation process.

Most automatic pool cover systems consist of a rectangular vinyl cover that fits into tracks permanently installed along the sides of the pool.

These cover systems can be installed in a variety of ways to fit any type and shape pool or design aesthetic: the tracks can be mounted into the pool deck, installed under the pool coping or in the pool wall for a seamless look, or mounted under a slightly raised rectangular or cantilevered deck to accommodate freeform pool shapes and vinyl-liner or fiberglass pools.

Above: This automatic cover by Cover-Pools, Inc., is able to accommodate a freeform pool with a built-in spa and water feature. View more automatic pool cover installations by Cover-Pools, Inc. >>

Right: The HydraLux cover from Aquamatic Cover Systems (right) is a trackless automatic pool cover system composed of interlocking PVC slats that float on the water’s surface. The cover deploys from a flooded vault installed behind the pool wall or in the pool floor and each slat is individually cut to fit the exact length and contour of the pool. The trackless design allows for installation on the most complex or limited pool shapes.

See more photos and watch a video of the HydraLux pool cover in action >>

3. Chlorine Feeders

Chlorine feeders, also called erosion feeders and chlorinators, hold several chlorine sticks or tablets (trichlor) and continuously dispense a stream of chlorine as the pool water passes through the feeder and slowly dissolves the tablets.

Chlorine feeders are available as a floating dispenser or an automatic chemical feeder that is plumbed into the pool’s filter system. Most automatic chemical feeders feature a regulation valve or dial that lets you adjust the feed rate to meet your pool’s specific needs.

4. Salt Chlorinators

While saltwater pools still contain chlorine, they produce and disperse the chlorine automatically via a salt chlorinator or salt chlorine generator. Instead of using sticks or tablets of chlorine, salt chlorinators use pounds of sodium chloride (salt) to indirectly chlorinate the pool water. At startup, and typically a few more times throughout the season, several bags of salt are added to the pool. As the salt-infused pool water passes through the chlorinator, an electrolytic cell inside the device converts the salt in the water to chlorine before it re-enters the pool. Once the pool is effectively sanitized, the chlorine converts back to salt and the process starts over.

Check out automatic chlorine feeders and salt chlorinators from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

5. Digital Test Strip Reader

Digital test strip kits make maintaining balanced water chemistry an easy and straightforward task.

After a test strip has been placed in a water sample, a digital test strip reader will automatically compare the reacted color blocks on the test strip against the color chart pre-loaded inside the device and translate the reading into numerical results, displaying the current levels of sanitizer, pH, and total alkalinity in the water on an LCD screen.

Photo courtesy of Hach Company/ETS Business Unit AquaChek

6. Floating Pool Sensors

The floating sensor continuously monitors the water’s chemical levels, and if they become unbalanced, the indoor unit will register the exact chemicals and dosage that the water needs. In addition, the indoor unit monitors the temperature of the pool so you’ll know when it’s time to turn up the heater.

Photos courtesy of Great American Merchandise and Events

Gallery of 150 Beautiful Pool Photos

Top Pool Designs: Infinity Pools, Lap Pools, Beach Entries, and More!

By Patti Plummer

There are a wide variety of swimming pool designs, and by discussing your options and preferences with a professional pool designer, you can choose the best one for you based on your property’s surroundings, your home’s architecture, and how you plan to use the pool. Once these questions have been answered, the designer will determine the ideal pool design for you, along with the best swimming pool shape and size to meet your needs.

Here are the top six pool design features to get your ideas flowing:

1. Splash Pools

Also known as play pools, splash pools contain a shallow area for recreation or lounging, making them fun for kids and adults alike. Many splash pools are shallow enough to accommodate lounge chairs, enjoyable for children to splash and play, and just deep enough to host an in-pool volleyball or basketball game.

Splash pools can be attached to multi-depth pools and cordoned off for privacy, although some homeowners prefer to build just the splash pool. For numerous homeowners, a play or splash pool is the perfect solution for settings that are too small and cannot accommodate deeper pools.

Above: This elegant splash pool is perfect for relaxation and entertaining: It features multiple shallow tanning ledges (also called sunshelves), a swim-up bar, a sunken seating area with a fire pit, and a path to a separate portable spa. The shape of the pool, along with the wall of features and design accents on the tanning shelves, make this pool visually stunning.

To see more beautiful pools by Aquatech pool builders, check the photo gallery of award-winning pools >>

2. Infinity Pools

Known by a variety of names, including vanishing edge pools, negative edge, disappearing edge, and flooded edge, the infinity pool is ideal for properties overlooking spectacular scenery like the ocean, a lake, or a mountain.

How do infinity pools create the amazing effect of disappearing into the horizon? The water flows over a weir wall and into a waiting catch basin that re-circulates the water back into the pool; the water acts as a blurring agent, blending the line between the pool and the adjacent view.

Many designers finish the pool to match the adjoining scene. A skilled pool professional can capture the hue and tone of the surrounding environment and determine the perfect color that unifies the pool and its setting into one harmonious unit.

See more photos by members of Master Pools Guild in the award-winning pools gallery >>

3. Perimeter Overflow Pools

A perimeter overflow pool creates another interesting effect in which the pool resembles a sheet of glass. It produces a reflective surface by circulating water over the pool’s sides, into a container or holding tank, and then back into the pool in a constant motion that creates a smooth surface with no discernible ripples to destroy the illusion.

Many perimeter overflow pools are set at ground level, with the water flowing into a slot or grate, producing a mirror-like surface while others are elevated and formed into a preferred shape.

Either way, the ebb and flow that results in traditional pools as water hits the sides is not a factor. Perimeter overflow pools always retain their glass-like qualities—that is, until someone jumps in!

See more pools by Aquatech pool builders and designers in the photo gallery of award-winning pools >>

4. Beach Entry Pools

Ideal for lagoon-style or tropical themed settings, a beach entry pool features a gradual sloping from the pool deck into the depths of the water—just like a natural beach.

Also called a zero-entry pool, the beach entry pool does not usually include stairs or ladders and can be finished in a variety of colors and textures to mimic sand or other organic materials.

Right: This tropical style pool features a beach entry that gives the effect of wading right into the ocean of a tropical Caribbean island. The Pebble Tec interior finish and natural rock waterfalls recreate the look and feel of a private beach resort without ever having to step foot outside your backyard.

5. Lap Pools

A lap pool is built to provide a straight-away for swimmers training for a sporting event or for those who swim for exercise. Usually long, narrow, and rectangular in shape, a lap pool can be any length, although most average between 50 and 60 feet.

Although usually built for athletic pursuits, lap pools do not have to be sterile in style or finish. Many pool builders surround a lap pool with attractive backdrops like stack-stone walls or they include water features that can be activated when no one is using the swim lanes.

See more swimming pool photos by Anthony & Sylvan Pools >>

6. Pools with Connected Spas

The best of two worlds, a pool with a connected spa is designed to provide homeowners with a place to swim and enjoy warm therapeutic benefits. In fact, swimmers can easily slip into the bubbling spa after physical activity in the pool.

Based on the pool’s shape, a connected spa can be placed anywhere along the pool’s framework or depths: on the pool’s edge, elevated and doubling as a water feature, or within the pool itself.

Additionally, by including a spa during the planning stages, a homeowner can guarantee that the spa and the pool will integrate completely with each other as well as the setting.

See more photos of beautiful swimming pools by Master Pools Guild members in the award-winning pools gallery >>

Safety Pool Covers: Types, Materials, and Installation

The month of May marks the start of pool season for many homeowners across the country. It also marks National Water Safety Month, a joint effort by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), the American Red Cross, the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) and the World Waterpark Association (WWA) to educate the public on safe water practices in all types of swimming environments.

In honor of National Water Safety Month, we spoke with LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta, President and CEO of Loop-Loc, Ltd., to learn what to look for in a safety pool cover to ensure ultimate protection.

PoolSpaOutdoor.com: How long have you been working in the pool industry and how did you get started?

LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta, Loop-Loc, Ltd.: I’ve been working in the swimming pool industry for 20 years. My father, Bill Donaton, was the co-inventor of the safety swimming pool cover and started Loop-Loc in 1978 with five employees. He was instrumental in bringing safety to the forefront for consumers and dedicated his entire career to making the highest quality safety cover on the market. In 1993 my father asked me to join the Loop-Loc team, and I have been proudly serving as President and C.E.O. since 2001.

PSO: What makes a pool cover a safety cover?

LDP: There is a big difference between a standard pool cover and a safety pool cover. A typical solid vinyl pool cover is little more than a tarp to put over your pool—it does not prevent children or pets from gaining access to the pool. For a pool cover to be a safety cover, it must conform to the Standard Performance Specification [F1346 – 91] set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). According to the ASTM, a safety cover must be able to support 485 pounds, not permit gaps that a child or pet could squeeze through, and remove standing water.

PSO: What types of safety covers are available?

LDP: Safety covers are available in mesh material and in solid material. It is important to note that different manufacturers use different grades and types of mesh and solid material in their manufacturing. LOOP-LOC utilizes a superior super dense mesh fabric which allows water to drain through while blocking virtually all sunlight. Our mesh fabric also has 87 percent black yarns for better U.V. stability. Our exclusive solid material is proprietary to Loop-Loc and is made of 100 percent polypropylene solid material; this fabric allows for ease of use, is recyclable, and ultra-sturdy. Other types of solid covers available in the market are manufactured using a vinyl type fabric which tends to stretch out and become brittle over time.

See photos and learn more about Loop-Loc safety swimming pool covers >>

PSO: What should pool owners consider when deciding between a mesh cover and a solid cover?

LDP: Mesh covers do have one safety advantage: they do not permit water to collect. In order to meet safety cover performance standards, solid covers must provide for the elimination of standing water.

Solid safety covers are usually available in two versions: one with mesh panels that allow water to drain through, and an all-solid version that should always be sold with an automatic cover pump. The pump must be used at all times in order to maintain the safety of the cover and meet the ASTM standards. Ultimately, though, the choice between a mesh or solid safety cover is up to the preference of the user.

PSO: There are a variety of pool safety covers on the market. How can a homeowner be sure they’re buying a quality safety cover?

LDP: The safety of the cover entirely depends on the quality of its manufacturing and materials, which include the threading on the cover as well as the straps and springs. At Loop-Loc, we live by and are motivated by the banners my dad hung in the building the day Loop-Loc opened, which read, “The quality of the cover you make today can save a life tomorrow.”

We pride ourselves on using some of the highest quality materials available to ensure safe, long-lasting covers. We use double perimeter webbing and double-thick straps, along with extremely high-strength 302/304 stainless steel springs.

Loop-Loc also uses a multi-passed white bonded polyester sewing thread that is 30 percent stronger than what is typically used throughout the industry. This thread produces a higher margin of safety in all seams and ensures durability. As we hand inspect ever pool cover, the contrasting white thread also allows our inspectors to instantly see if a single stitch was missed in the manufacturing process.

It’s also important that safety cover manufacturers not only meet the ASTM standard F1346-91 for manual safety covers, but also follow up with the outside testing agencies that perform all of the actual tests listed in the ASTM guideline, such as Underwriters Laboratories (known as U.L.).

At Loop-Loc, we are so proud of the safe, high-quality cover that we manufacture that we went the extra step to confirm that we not only meet, but also exceed the guidelines set forth for safety swimming pool covers, earning Loop-Loc the U.L. seal of approval.

PSO: What are the installation requirements for safety pool covers?

LDP: Safety covers must be measured to exact specifications in order to ensure proper fit. Rectangular pools are usually measured by overall width and length, while formfit [freeform] pools and pools with raised wall areas and special treatments need to be AB measured, which is a form of triangulation.

Swimming pool professionals are trained to take exact measurements of your swimming pool to ensure that the cover you receive meets all of the ASTM safety standards. For example, you would never put a rectangle safety cover over a formfit type swimming pool. This scenario would create too much material lying directly on the deck around the swimming pool which can cause excess and extreme wear over a matter of months. A rectangle cover over a formfit pool will also not get the proper tensioning required to maintain safety standards.

Once the pool is measured properly, the second most important requirement for safety covers is the actual installation of the cover. Swimming pool professionals are trained as to how far back and between the anchors must be placed in order to ensure proper tensioning.

PSO: How can a pool owner tell if their safety cover is properly installed?

LDP: When a cover is installed properly it should lie flat across the swimming pool, like a trampoline. It is important for the safety cover to have proper overlap, which is the distance the cover extends past the swimming pool coping and onto the deck. The general rule for overlap is 12 inches to 15 inches, but that can vary on larger or commercial type swimming pools. Too little overlap will not give the cover the proper stability, and excessive overlap can cause premature wear. Also, when a cover is reinstalled after the summer it is important to remember to re-adjust all springs so that there is proper tensioning during the winter months.

PSO: Are there any steps or precautions homeowners should take to ensure the quality and longevity of their safety cover?

LDP: It’s important to do a lot of research. Not all safety covers are the same, and the safety of the cover entirely depends on the quality of its materials and manufacturing. It is also important to remember that proper tensioning of the cover, along with keeping your water levels at the manufacturer’s recommended level at all times will ensure a longer lasting cover. When storing the cover in the summer, be sure to use the storage bag provided and to hang it high up and off of the ground, in a shed or other storage area. (Leaving the cover on the ground can allow for small rodents to crawl inside the cover and start eating away at the material of the cover.)

PSO: How long should a safety pool cover last?

LDP: In general, a safety cover will last an average of 10 to 15 years.

View more photos and watch videos of Loop-Loc safety covers >>

Click here for more Swimming Pool Safety Tips >>

Photos courtesy of Loop-Loc, Ltd.

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About the Expert: LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta has held management positions at LOOP-LOC, Ltd., since 1993 and has proudly served as president/CEO since 2001. Over this time, she has continued her company’s leadership in pool safety, overseeing major product line expansions, including Loop-Loc Luxury in-ground liners, and the introduction of new, patented technology. Under her leadership, LOOP-LOC has sold safety pool covers on every continent except Antarctica.Today Loop-Loc has close to 300 employees who are dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality safety swimming pool covers and in-ground luxury liners. All of Loop-Loc's products are made in the U.S.A. at the company's headquarters in Hauppauge, New York.

Waterproof Speakers, Phone Cases, and music players for Your Pool

Normally electronics and water don’t mix—which can be a real bummer if you want to listen to music while lounging in the pool or swimming laps. Luckily manufacturers have developed waterproof music players, phone cases, and speaker systems that are ideal for swimmers, pool-goers, and pool owners who like to entertain.

With summer just around the corner, a waterproof phone case or audio system can come in handy and add to your enjoyment when spending time at the pool. Check out these waterproof devices to see which option is best for you.

Compact Waterproof Music Player for Swimmers

At first glance, you may mistake the Sony Walkman® Sports MP3 Player for just a pair of headphones… but look closer and you’ll see the music player is built right into the headphones!

This portable music player has a lightweight, compact design that’s not only sweatproof but waterproof up to depths of 6 feet, making it a great option for gym-goers, runners, and swimmers.

Whether you’re doing a moderate or intense workout indoors, outdoors, or in the pool, this waterproof music player has a new tension band for a supportive fit to keep it securely in place during all activities. With 4GB of built-in memory, users can easily drag and drop MP3s from iTunes® for Mac or PC, Windows® Media Player, or Windows Explorer.

The Walkman Sports MP3 Player delivers up to eight hours of audio playback on a full charge and is available in four colors: white, black, blue, and pink.

Waterproof Phone Case with Built-In Speaker

If you’re like most people, you don’t go anywhere without your smartphone—including the pool and the beach. If you are looking for a waterproof case for your phone/portable music player, the EcoExtreme not only keeps your device safe in and around water, but also allows you to play music through its built-in speaker.

Place your phone or media device into the durable waterproof case and take it with you for any kind of outdoor activity. It also has an internal compartment to fit small items like keys, credit cards, cash, and other items you want to keep dry.

Designed to fit mp3 players and smartphones--including iPhone 4/4S & 5, Samsung S3, Android, Windows, and Blackberry--this waterproof phone case is ideal for swimming, hiking, going to the beach, and other outdoor activities.

The EcoExtreme speaker case is powered by 3 AA batteries and has a 30-hour battery life. It comes in seven colors: black, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and red.

Floating Waterproof Speaker for Your Pool

Another option for playing tunes in and around your pool is a waterproof speaker. The EcoXGear ECOXBT by Grace Digital Audio is a portable waterproof speaker system that streams music via Bluetooth from your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled audio device.

You can take the ECOXBT speaker right into the pool with you while keeping your phone safely away from the water. The ECOXBT streams audio from up to 33 feet away, providing a convenient wireless way to play music at your next pool party.

The ECOXBT is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium battery and provides 10 hours of audio playback. It is available in three colors: black, orange, and red.

Video: See the ECOXBT Floating Waterproof Speaker in Action

Spa Design: Best Features and Design Options for Custom Spas and hot tubs

Must-Have Pool Products for Fun, Fitness, and Faster Maintenance

Today’s high-tech pool equipment and accessories can boost your pool’s fun factor, improve your fitness level, and make pool care a breeze. Enjoy a great swim season this summer with the help of these top 5 pool products.

1. Swim Current Generators

A swim current generator can maximize your pool’s fitness factor. This portable, self-contained unit sits at the edge of your pool and produces a smooth adjustable current that you can swim in place against for a low-impact, high calorie-burning workout.

With a swim current generator you can enjoy continuous swimming without the interruption of flip turns or risk of injury. They can be used in aboveground and inground pools of any shape, size, and depth and are especially great for small or oddly shaped pools that are not conducive for swimming laps.

Variable speed settings offer a range of current paces to suit swimmers of any age or fitness ability. You can also swim laps, jog, or walk in place while the rest of your family relaxes and enjoys the pool.

The new Stream by SwimEx is a convenient swim current generator that operates via a rechargeable battery and requires no installation or setup.

Check out swim generator photos and videos of Stream by SwimEx >>

2. Automatic Pool Covers

An automatic pool cover retracts open and slides closed over your pool via a motor-driven track system that is permanently mounted along the length of your pool. Most automatic pool covers operate at the push of a button or turn of a key and can be installed on any type or shape pool, old or new, and indoors or out. Additionally, the track system can be mounted on top of your pool’s existing deck, under the coping, or seamlessly built into your pool’s design during construction for an aesthetically pleasing look.

Using a pool cover can significantly reduce your pool’s energy consumption and operating cost by minimizing the evaporation of heat, water, and chemicals. A pool cover also helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the water so your pool stays cleaner longer and requires less frequent skimming and vacuuming. This also reduces the workload on your pool’s circulation system and equipment.

In order to reap all the energy, money, and time savings, however, you need to keep your pool covered between uses. Automatic pool covers make it quick and easy to cover your pool when it’s not in use.

View more automatic pool cover photos and videos from Cover-Pools, Inc. >>

3. Control Systems

Swimming pool control systems allow you to manage all of your pool and/or spa equipment with the push of a button. Daily pool operations such as filtration, sanitation, and cleaning cycles are programmed or activated from a wireless, easy-to-use control panel located outdoors or inside your home. Most pool control systems can manage an unlimited number of pool equipment and features, including pumps, heaters, waterfalls, pool and landscape lighting, fountains, and more.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer optional remote controls, such as a spa-side remote or handheld wireless remote so you can operate equipment from anywhere in your yard. Automated pool control systems are available in various configurations, including pool only, spa only, pools and spas with shared equipment, and custom pools and spas with separate equipment.

With everyday pool operations on autopilot, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your pool. In addition, having automated control over your filter pump’s run time can help you save energy and money. For instance, when manually operating your pool, you’re probably running your filter during the day (between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.) when demand for electricity is at its highest. What’s more, chances are you’ve forgotten to turn off the filter on more than one occasion.

With an automated control system, you can set your filter pump to run during off-peak hours (before 1 p.m. or after 9 p.m.) and for the minimum duration. (Note: Time requirements for filtering depend on pool size, bather load, equipment, and amount of debris. Generally, filter operation should be no less than 4 – 5 hours.)

Learn about automatic pool control systems from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

4. Pool Waterslides

There’s no doubt your swimming pool provides countless hours of fun and excitement for you and your family, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping down a pool slide and splashing into the water. From stand-alone units with a straight or corkscrew runway to custom built-ins that zig and zag around landscaping or take riders through a cave waterfall, there are a variety of waterslide options to fit every swimming pool.

Fiberglass pool waterslides have become a common choice among homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and customization. Pre-designed models are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes and can typically accommodate any pool design or decking allocations. If you can’t find the exact waterslide you’re looking for, the majority of fiberglass waterslide manufacturers will work with you and your pool builder to create a custom slide that’s just right for your pool, family, and thrill-seeking needs.

See more photos and videos of fiberglass waterslides from Dolphin Waterslides >>

5. Robotic Pool Cleaners

Want to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning? Replace your manual pool vacuum with a robotic pool cleaner. A robotic pool cleaner is a type of automatic pool cleaner that is driven by an electric motor, which can be powered by batteries, solar energy, or a low voltage water-safe cord plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. The self-contained unit roves around the pool, sucking up dirt, leaves, and finer particles and transferring them into an attached filter bag; some models feature rotating brushes or rollers that scrub surfaces.

The majority of robotic pool cleaners contain a microchip that allows you to program the cleaner’s route for effective and efficient cleaning, though most pools can be cleaned in about one to two hours. Some models come with a remote control for easy spot cleaning.

The perks of a robotic pool cleaner go beyond not having to manually clean your swimming pool: Because a robotic pool cleaner does not hook up to your pool pump or filter, it reduces the use of your pool’s circulation systems, which lowers energy costs and extends the life your pump and filter.

Check out automatic pool cleaners from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

Coral stone decking, made of coralina, adds beauty to your swimming pool and backyard.

New Outdoor Furniture Designs offer
Flexible Style and Indoor Comfort

2. Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are a top trend this summer as the desire to bring the look and comfort of the indoors out remains in high demand among homeowners. Just like an interior rug, an outdoor rug can pull your entire outdoor space together, as well as define seating areas and add a warm and welcoming feel to your patio, porch, or deck.

Outdoor rugs are available in all shapes, sizes, colors and patterns to match any décor theme and can even extend the look of your home’s interior. Most outdoor rugs are made from polypropylene for water, mold, and mildew prevention and are treated to resist fading from UV exposure.

3. Deep Seating Furniture

Deep seating outdoor furniture, which includes upholstered chairs, sofas, loveseats, chaise lounges, and ottomans, continues to grow in popularity. Like the cozy furnishings that make a living room the most relaxing place to gather inside the home, deep seating outdoor furniture features large, wide seating areas and soft, oversized cushions to create an equally enticing refuge outdoors.

Deep seating patio furniture comes in a variety of durable, weather-resistant materials, including synthetic wicker, cast aluminum, wrought iron, and wood. Design styles range from traditional to contemporary to country chic and can either extend the look of your interiors or create a new décor theme outdoors.

Modular deep seating sets are a popular choice because the sectional pieces can be moved around or grouped together to best fit the occasion or space. Source Outdoor’s Lucaya collection (pictured below) offers a range of 14 different pieces “so people can customize the look of their space, big or small,” says Shvartsman.

4. Outdoor Fabrics

Outdoor furniture fabrics continue to improve in performance, design, and texture. Outdoor cushions made from acrylic, polyester, and olefin fabrics feel just as comfy and soft as their indoor counterparts and are resistant to water, stains, and fading from UV exposure so there’s no need to bring them inside after every use. Cleaning is also simple: just wipe them down with a mild soap and a little warm water.

Along with enhanced durability, outdoor fabrics are now being produced in wider ranges of colors, patterns, and prints and offer unlimited design possibilities for outdoor spaces. Everything from outdoor furniture cushions to patio umbrellas and awnings to accent pillows, outdoor curtains and rugs can be mixed and matched to add depth and personality to your space.

The latest design trends for 2013 call for out-of-the-ordinary combinations such as mixing contrasting prints such as stripes and floral and mingling bright vivid shades like poppy red and zesty yellow with neutrals like gray and tan.

The abundance and diversity in outdoor fabrics make it easier and more affordable to update the look of your outdoor space from one season to the next and as trends come and go.

5. Multifunctional Pieces

With the rise of the “outdoor room,” backyards have become multipurpose spaces for dining, swimming, lounging, cooking, and entertaining. As such, outdoor furniture designers are now creating pieces that cater to a variety of needs and activities.

Dining or bar height firepit tables are one of the latest outdoor furniture offerings and provide the warmth and ambiance of a fit pit along with adequate space for dining and socializing. Many manufacturers produce a range of dining fire table sizes to accommodate any space and family, big or small.

A few companies have taken multifunctional furniture a step further with accessories like a Lazy Susan that fits over the fire pit section if extra table space is needed and a table top grill pan that allows you to cook food right at the table, creating an interactive dining experience.

Other multifunctional furniture trends include outdoor storage ottomans, benches, and chaise loungers that provide seating as well as a discreet place to stash furniture cushions, garden tools, or pool toys.

Pride Family Brands is one outdoor furniture manufacturer incorporating this trend into its product line. The company has designed a selection of woven aluminum outdoor storage units, including an oversized coffee table, end table, and an armoire/side board.

6. Motion Seating

In keeping with the notion toward indoor comfort, motion seating such as swivel chairs, gliders, and rockers are making a bigger presence in outdoor furniture collections this year.

Though they’re not a new trend, outdoor rocking chairs, swivel seats, gliders, and swings are now being designed in a wider array of materials and styles, including deep-seating designs with plush cushions and contoured seats for maximum comfort and relaxation outdoors.

7. Transitional Style

Overall, the biggest trend in outdoor furniture this year is the move toward transitional design. A mix between classic and contemporary styles, transitional outdoor furniture blends the clean lines of modern furniture with the curves and comfort of traditional designs for a look that is simple, yet inviting.

The popularity of transitional style furniture stems from its design versatility: Transitional outdoor furniture can easily be mixed and matched with more modern or traditional pieces and works well in any backyard setting. Additionally, transitional style outdoor furniture affords homeowners the flexibility to revamp the look of their outdoor space from one design scheme to the next just by switching out the cushions and accessories.

Beautiful Award-Winning Pool Photos from NESPA