Now that the weather is warming up, it makes sense to begin revitalizing your home’s outdoor living spaces. Just imagine how nice it will be to spend time outdoors with family and friends within a comfortable and beautiful environment.
A Houzz study recently showed that 56% of the participating homeowners were in the process of upgrading their backyards for entertaining. Around 83% of the homeowners in the 2014 Houzz Spring Landscaping Trends Study believed their yards were an ideal place to entertain.
In 2014, landscape architects were asked to rate the popularity of specific outdoor design elements. Living spaces such as kitchens and entertainment areas were the most popular projects for 92% of the homeowners for whom these architects designed.
Relaxing seating and lounging areas, outdoor kitchens, and other amenities, such as fire pits, all contribute to entertaining in style. Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are also appealing features for enjoying the outdoors throughout the year.
If you recently moved into a home with an existing pool, you may want to consider replacing its liner. Pool liners for in-ground pools usually last 5 to 12 years. Above-ground pool liners, however, tend to last 6 to 10 years. Since you want your pool to be inviting to family and friends, relining it will make it look brand new.
Even plaster-lined pools can degrade over time, particularly after 10 to 15 years. Does your pool’s plaster have stains or etching? Are the edges crumbling? If your pool has these or other issues, it would be a good idea to have it resurfaced. While this is being taken care of, your pool contractor will likely recommend having your pool deck resurfaced as well.
Whether you already have a pool or are in the process of having one constructed, you want to ensure this area is protected. Accidents can be prevented when pools can’t be directly accessed from side yards, backyards, or the house itself. In order to ensure that your pool area can’t be easily accessed, your contractor may recommend having a 4-sided isolation fence installed. These fences should be at least 5 feet tall and include a self-closing and latching gate.
Another beneficial and attractive option is having a pool screen enclosure designed and built. In addition to their other safety features, pool screen enclosures provide UV-Ray protection. While your pool screen contractor will be able to list other benefits, you may be interested to know that these screens keep insects and other debris from entering your pool area.
When you consult with a pool screen contractor, they will be able to make recommendations and show you a variety of designs. If you have a patio or lounging area surrounding your pool, for example, your pool screen contractor may recommend extending the enclosure to cover these spaces. Add in soft LED lighting, and you can entertain well after the sun goes down.