November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
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This may be the year of the “staycation,” as more people opt to relax at home and take day trips to nearby attractions in lieu of far-off vacation spots. As a pool owner, your staycation can be especially fun and entertaining. In fact, Randy Colomb, branch manager of Pool World Porch and Patio in Middlebury, Vt., says many of his customers are embracing the concept. “They’re thinking about enjoying their home rather than packing up and going away,” he says.
You can spice up your time at home this summer with a few of the latest and most popular pool accessories, toys and games.
Pool Accessories for Fun and Relaxation
Make your pool and backyard the choice spot for fun and relaxation. Outdoor fire pits are ideal for unwinding from a busy day. Invite your family and friends to cozy up to this poolside addition after a nighttime dip in the pool. “They’re all over. The idea has spread quickly,” says Jennifer Clements, co-owner of Mechanicsville, Va.-based Pla-mor Pools. Fire pits, which hook up to propane tanks, can be bought separately or packaged with chairs, a small table and logs in the center.
Also for those who need pampering, consider two-seated pool floats, which range in price from $50 to $75, says Nichole Anderson, vice president of Dover Pools, which specializes in above-ground pools and spas in Delaware and Maryland. Each year, these pool accessories sport new features, such as mesh bottoms, individual cup holders and built-in coolers. Some are equipped with floating trays, which are great for staying cool on hot summer days.
To keep the kids entertained, check out a few of the latest pool toys and games. Sprinkler toys are a hot item this season. These inexpensive accessories take on many forms, from toys that float and squirt water to fun sprinkler attachments. Inflatable play centers are also available so toddlers and small children aren’t left out. Some come with small slides attached; others feature separate sections for younger age groups just getting used to the water. Ask your pool dealer for his or her recommendations.
Solar Power Shower
Solar power has emerged as a way to save on plumbing, heating and electricity costs. Take advantage of this eco-friendly technology by investing in an outdoor solar-powered shower. These showers can be mounted to most surfaces and attached to a garden hose. Some solar-powered showers include temperature adjustments and a swivel showerhead. In addition, eco-friendly floating solar pool lights automatically illuminate at night without batteries or electricity.
Floating Fountains, Floating Lights
In recent years, floating fountains that spout water or create light shows have become a popular choice for pool owners, inspiring an entire product line by Game. “That’s bar none, in the last two seasons, the most popular line of entertainment-type products for swimming pools,” Anderson says.
Floating lights, available in solid colors or in flashing lights, are a great option to illuminate your pool area at night. These lights can be used in the pool or as tabletop accents to add after-dark ambiance. Some even come with detachable lenses for color changes.
And for your inner child, character inflatables that float on the water’s surface never get old. “People always come in for the whales, the sharks, the humongous ducks. Those are very popular in our area,” Anderson says.
