Landscaping & Outdoor Building

Installing a swimming pool can be a great way to raise not just the fun quotient but also the value of your home. Swimming pools come in a vast array of shapes and sizes so you will want to think...

To enjoy the benefits of a pool on your property without the lifetime commitment, consider installing an above-ground pool. Unlike in-ground pools, an above-ground pool can be dismantled and...

There are several different kinds of in-ground pools, from concrete and tiled to vinyl-lined. The process for installing an in-ground pool will depend on the look and shape you choose. However,...

A swimming pool is a long-term investment that could be a backyard fixture for years. Because of the money involved, it is important to take the time to research available options. Two popular...

A small pool is a nice way to cool off quickly in the summer, or to add an accent to a flower or rock garden. However, small pools, simply because they are small, require a little extra care than...

Many pools include an accessory called a solar cover. Confusion about the proper use of a solar cover often exists because there are different times and environments when it is appropriate to use...

Swimming pools are the epitome of summer relaxation. School is out, the kids are home and the weather is sunny and hot. Installing a swimming pool can take a lot of time, money and effort, but...

Fiberglass inground swimming pools are one of the most popular choices among those who elect to install a pool in their backyard. They offer a great balance of affordability and appearance, and...

When deciding on what kind of pool to install in the backyard, choose wisely. If cared for properly, a pool can last 50 years. Many homeowners choose a pool made of either fiberglass or vinyl lining.

Swimming pools have been a common backyard luxury since they became more affordable following World War II. Today, the standard freshwater chlorine pools are still popular, but more and more...

Swimming pools have become more and more affordable over the last 50 years, offering homeowners a way to cool off in the summer, exercise and have fun. That said, deciding to invest in a swimming...

Maintaining the chemical balance in your above-ground pool's water will make it difficult for algae to become a problem. Adequate chlorine and pH levels are key in creating a healthy aquatic...

Today, there are more than 5 million in-ground pools in the United States, according to the annual report of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (see Reference 1). In-ground pools are...

Above-ground pools provide hours of fun and welcome relief from excessive summer heat. They are generally cheaper than in-ground pools. Above-ground pools are a good alternative for people who...

Pools are great for relaxation and exercise, but the chemicals used to keep them clean and safe might not be so safe for the environment. In many areas, it is illegal to release chlorinated pool...

Pool fences are structures built around backyard swimming pools that protect children and animals from falling into the water accidentally. Placing fences around swimming pools has become an...

When making the decisions involved with installing an in-ground pool, the most important factors to consider are its location, style and any extra amenities it may incorporate. Make sure that you...

A pool filter cleans out the water of your pool as it passes through the system. The size of a pool filter is determined by its surface area, as measured in square feet. The most common pool...

Salt water pools, while harmless to humans, can be damaging to pool equipment and vinyl siding. The effect of saline water against the skin leaves it feeling soft and refreshed, but salt water...

A swimming pool can be a fun and attractive addition to any home, until the dreaded algae bloom appears. Almost every pool owner will have to deal with algae at one time or another, although black...

An inflatable pool can be an instant hit with any family as well as a money-saver over in-ground pools. For a fraction of the price, an inflatable pool can provide the same cooling benefits as...

Salt chlorine generators can be used on aboveground pools. While aboveground pools have the same chemical service issues and operating principles as inground pools, the plumbing and capacity are...

Pool heaters are important, especially if you live in an area where the temperature gets cold in the winter and you want to leave your pool open year round. If your pool is not heated, you will...

An inground swimming pool needs a pump to move the water through the filtration system and back into the pool. Without a pump, the water would not pass through the filter. If the filter is not...

Fiberglass pools are not for everybody, and if you are considering a new pool, take the positives and negatives into account first. While fiberglass pools used to be simple and boring, they are a...

Installing an in-ground pool can increase the value of your home while offering great exercise and fun that the entire family can enjoy. Choosing the building materials for your pool should be...

The size of your pool heater for your above-ground pool depends on the surface area of the pool, the surrounding temperature and the set temperature of your pool. The amount of heat your need in...

In-ground swimming pools are more durable, more beautiful and add more long-term value to property than above-ground pools. However, they also come with a higher price tag, and they can't go with...

With an above-ground pool, you and your family can delight in a refreshing oasis in your backyard. In addition to costing much less than in-ground pools, above-ground pools are faster and easier...

A backyard swimming pool provides a cool oasis from everyday stress, a place to relax, exercise or spend time with family and friends without leaving your back yard. If you decide to add an...

If heat has gotten to you, you may consider the option of paying for a pool to be installed in your backyard. Although the thought of a pool makes you daydream of pool parties, and cooling off in...

A built-in swimming pool offers a lot more than an above-ground pool. It looks so much nicer, and offers a calming effect that cannot be realized with any other kind of pool. However, it is...

Swimming-pool liners form a watertight barrier that allows the pool to hold water. In addition to serving this important function, they are available in a wide range of colors and patterns that...

Inground swimming pools are quite popular. Not only do they add more value to your home, but they provide cosmetic appeal to any outdoor space. Inground pools also offer unparalleled fun and...

A healthy above-ground pool contains sanitary, balanced and clear water. Successfully caring for an above-ground pool and the pool water preserves the pool, extends its life, and ensures greater...

When installing an in-ground pool, you have choices to make concerning the materials used. Two common options for in-ground pools are fiberglass and vinyl, with each having its own benefits and...

Building a swimming pool is likely one of the largest expenses you will make in your life, second only to your home. Until the 1970s homeowners had two choices: in-ground gunite or above-ground,...

With the cost of in-ground pools being out of reach of the average person, above-ground pools present a more affordable option. Less accessible than their subterranean cousins, above-ground pools...

Above ground pools are designed to be temporary structures that can be taken down and moved to a different place if necessary. You can purchase an above ground pool that has been designed by...

An above ground pool can be a great place to cool off during a hot summer afternoon. Above ground pools have many advantages. Compared to an inground pool, above ground pools are far less...

Salt water pools use a chlorine generator in place of the homeowner adding his own chemicals to the water. The start-up costs are more expensive than for a traditional pool, and salt water pools...

It wasn't long ago that the only place you could swim in salt water was at the beach. A few luxury hotels and cruise ships began installing saltwater pools a few years ago, and the popularity is...

The cost of installing and maintaining a permanent pool can be very expensive. From the initial construction to ongoing filters and chemicals, the idea of creating a homemade pool seems rather...

According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, Americans have 175,000 to 200,000 new pools built each year. When it comes to the cost of an in-ground pool, prices vary widely,...

Swimming pools must be maintained properly to avoid accumulation of bacteria and algae. However, the most common method for cleaning swimming pools is to add chlorine. Chlorine -- which you can...

Green-minded homeowners wary about chemicals, and others who just like the feel of saltwater, are opting in greater numbers to install saltwater pools. In 2009, saltwater pools numbered about 1.3...

Salt water pools are quickly gaining popularity because of the environmental and financial benefits. Converting your pool to salt water is healthier, cheaper, requires less maintenance and is...

Are you interested in purchasing a pool but would like to save money on the pool purchase? There are many types of pools that you can buy - some pools are cheap but will not fit your needs. ...

According to pool maintenance expert Bob Stevenson, chlorine gets a bad rap. Certainly it's hazardous and environmentally unfriendly in high concentrations, but, "It's still the best disinfectant...

When it comes to in ground and above ground pools, there are a number of differences. In looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each type, you may be surprised to find out how much...