Turn your backyard into the retreat you always wanted.
By Patti Plummer
There is nothing sweeter than the first breeze of spring, carrying with it the promise of fun times spent outside in the pool, on the deck, or listening to the surrounding music of Mother Nature… Not feeling that vibe when you look at your backyard? Then it’s probably time for some changes.
From the simple to the extreme, a homeowner can transform an uninspired outdoor space into a family’s favorite hangout—all it takes is imagination and knowledge of what is available. There are a number of products that are specifically designed to do just that. But, before you begin, you need a plan.
Here is the first thing you should do: walk around your backyard and take stock of what you want to alter. Look things over, one by one. Do you need a new deck? Could your pool use some fun additions? How about new lighting or a pool heater or sauna? Once you know what you think you need, it is time to move onto the next step: figure out your budget. Do you want to keep to a tight budget, or do you want to rip everything out and start from scratch?
Now the fun part: picking out what you want.
Getting the Most for Your Dollar
There are plenty of ways to make changes at a reasonable cost. One of the easiest ways is to visit your local big box stores. Most of these establishments stock products like decorative lighting and full sets of patio furniture that will brighten your backyard economically. Plus, many of these stores also offer free design help, such as workshops, project calculators, and a variety of other in-store resources. Typically, these types of alterations are best suited for the do-it-yourselfers, so if you are looking for a more sensational makeover, seek professional guidance. Of course, this will add to your budget, but can be well worth the cost.
From artificial palm trees to mysterious grottos and waterfalls, a poolscape can be upgraded. Here are a few of the products that can turn your backyard into a go-to place for family and friends…
Faux Rock
One of the more popular pool designs features extensive rockwork, waterfalls, and grottos. But, if you already have a pool or if you don’t want to go the expense of harvesting natural rock, choosing a faux rock product is a great alternative. Cast-concrete rock products are cost-effective and take less time to install; plus, since they are molded from nature and manufactured out of a high-tech concrete mix, they look like the real thing. Once a style is chosen, a contractor can install the rock on any kind of pool, including vinyl-lined.
Waterslides
Pool owners can bring the thrills of a water park home with the addition of a waterslide to their pool. Inflatable products, which are ready to go almost right out of the box, can be found at most big box stores, while custom-made fiberglass or concrete slides need to be planned and installed by experts. Additionally, by incorporating one into a rock formation along the pool’s edge, a homeowner can enjoy a natural-looking oasis. There are also more detailed kits that an extremely skilled do-it-yourselfer can install. Of course, new construction makes this type of addition simple to achieve, but many styles can also be mounted to an existing deck.
Saunas
With the simple addition of a firepit or fireplace, the backyard season can extend past the usual warm summer months. The comfort of a sauna is another way to ward off chilly weather while also receiving a number of health benefits. Many experts recommend saunas because they can promote muscle relaxation, decrease pain, and improve circulation. The two most popular options are infrared, which utilizes a special heater that generates infrared rays, and authentic Finnish saunas, which employ rocks to radiate heat. Finnish saunas can be as dry as a desert or as humid as 28 percent by the simple addition of water onto the stones.
Barbecues
With one sniff, most people can identify what is cooking in the neighbor’s backyard. It just wouldn’t be summer without the enticing aromas of burgers, steak, chicken, and other delicious foods cooking on the grill. As more people are turning to their backyards for fun and relaxation, grills are being used for everyday cooking, and outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity. In fact, some of these setups put most in-home kitchens to shame. With beautiful stainless steel finishes and electric or gas power, these grills have features that allow outdoor chefs to whip up a feast without ever stepping back inside the home. Some purists, however, prefer to cook low and slow over charcoal. A number of models, including those that are made from ceramic, create an ideal setting for searing, smoking, and baking.
Heaters
Are you a toe-dipper? You are if after a quick skim of your toe over the pool, you skip the water and head for the spa or a lounge chair. Well, the addition of a heater will warm up the water so that even the most extreme toe-dippers can enjoy the pool. There are a number of options, including solar heating and outdoor hot water furnaces. By sourcing the sun, solar heating systems can raise a pool’s water temperature by 10 to 15 degrees F. You may also choose an outdoor hot water furnace, which is fueled by wood pellets that offer a clean, inexpensive heat source for pools and spas. Water travels to the pool and spa through insulated pipes about two feet below the ground; when it reaches the pool, it runs through a water-to-water heat exchanger. The heater is self-igniting, so it only runs when necessary, helping to reduce fuel costs.
The list could go on and on for how you chose to spruce up your backyard. From furniture and gazebos to landscape lighting and water features, you have a world of options. Now it’s just a matter of picking the right combination that gives you a personal oasis…and one you wouldn’t mind sharing with a few guests.
Photo courtesy of Pure Water Pools, Inc.