BKYD Life

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Pools

Q & A with the Editor

Hello and welcome to October! I have had a few questions and thought I would take this opportunity to answer them. It always seems if one person asks the question, others were thinking the same thought. So here goes and, please, if you have a question put it in the comments below. This will become a monthly feature.

Question 1 ~ We are thinking of putting a swimming pool in for next summer, when is the best time to start that project?

Answer ~ That is a great question. As with any project the sooner the better, but let’s get more specific. If you live in the Desert Southwest, specifically the Phoenix area, the best time to start a pool installation project is right after the first of the year. Pool companies and the contractors that will do the all the construction are a bit slower so your pool will be finished in time for the heat in May. If you need more information on what to consider when building a pool, click this link to read an article featured earlier this year on the subject.

Question 2 ~ With the holidays coming, we were thinking of hosting an outdoor gathering. Do you have any ideas for how to put it all together?

Answer ~ Wow, we love an outdoor gathering at the holidays. As a matter of fact, we will have an article coming at the beginning of November that will talk all about an outdoor celebration for Thanksgiving. Keep an eye out for it.

Question 3 ~ When is the best time to buy new outdoor furniture?

Answer ~ Patio or outdoor furniture typically goes on sale between August and October. That said, if you wait for a sale it might be difficult to find the type and style you want. Stores know which styles are popular and have a tendency to limit stock of those styles. Meaning what you really want doesn’t go on sale. If you can, subscribe to your favorite outdoor store emails. When they send a notice of a sale or discount, run don’t walk to get what you want.

Well, this has been fun. If you have any other questions please leave them in the comments and look for this feature next month. And, connect with us on our social channels.

It’s Swim Season!

Just look at the joy in her smile. There is so much fun to be had in a swimming pool in summer. But fun can come at a price. Too many people, both children and adults, don’t make it out of the pool on their own. While we want fun to take our breath away, that’s not the way a day swimming should end!

When I was a child, my grandparents had a swimming pool. Every member of the family was required to learn to swim, didn’t matter if you were a child or adult. It allowed for many fun summers of family gatherings around the pool.

Another rule my grandparents had for the use of the pool was that children couldn’t go swimming without an adult present. If you hadn’t noticed – my grandparents were very focused on safety. And they were ahead of their time. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, safety wasn’t a priority because of two things; there weren’t that many pools in private backyards and accidents didn’t happen as often.

Every member of my family followed the rules and we never had an accident. Today, it is just as important to have rules for your pool or for your family when visiting someone else’s pool. Did you know that May is Water Safety Month? Here is a link to Tips from the Red Cross.

Posting pool rules is a great start, if you are entertaining during swim season. Many are available online, you can even search Etsy for ones that will match your patio decor or personalized ones with the rules that best fit your family.

Swim lessons at your nearby swim school is also a great deterrent to danger. Although, accidents do happen it is always a good idea to take every step possible. You can also designate one adult to take watch duty during a party or neighbor gathering. Take turns doing this job so everyone can have fun, but don’t forget this step.

Childhood is all about fun ~ as adults, if we set some safety rules first then the day can be filled with fun for everyone!