Take the plunge! Create your very own backyard pool paradise

Who doesn't dream of owning their own swimming pool? It's like having your own tropical resort and vacation destination right outside the back dooran instant private escape from the stress of daily life. But there are plenty of reasons besides these for owning your own pool. Consider these:

It's fun for the whole family. What other gift is so universally pleasing? A pool makes everyone happy and provides year after year of pure enjoyment. Vacations come to an end but your own pool will be there 24/7/365.
You'll spend more quality time together as a family. A pool acts like a magnetthe whole family will want to spend time there. This means that you'll all spend more time together bonding and having fun.

The kids will want to stick around. A pool makes staying at home a lot more appealing to youngsters and teens who always complain that being at home is so boring. And grandparents, take note: a pool is a wonderful incentive for the grandkids to come visit.

Stay fit and look great! Swimming and aquatic exercise are excellent fitness activities for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking to balance a workout, recovering from an injury or have a rheumatologic condition like arthritis, water exercise is fantastic because it can be adapted to individual needs. And in addition to achieving a better swimsuit body you'll also be rewarded with a gorgeous tan.

It's a great way to keep cool in summer. Nothing is more refreshing than a dip in the pool after mowing the lawn, playing tennis or a long day's work. It beats staying cooped up in an air-conditioned house any day.

You'll enjoy a private, crowd-free atmosphere. Gained some weight over the winter? Now you don't need to parade your less-than-perfect swimsuit body around the local swim club. You'll also avoid the noisy, crowded atmosphere of swim clubs and resorts.

It's an incredibly romantic rendezvous in the moonlight. Turn every night into a hot date or mini-vacation with your spouse, right in your own backyard. There aren't many other places where you can go skinny dipping under the stars

Everyone loves a pool party. A pool is the perfect place for entertaining guests of all ages.

It's a wise investment. A pool increases the value of your home and improves your lifestyle without having to relocate. Plus, with a pool at home you'll be able to reduce the amount you spend on entertainment and vacations.

It will beautify your home. The clear, sparkling water makes for a beautiful garden centrepiece.

Once you've made the decision to buy a pool, in order to ensure it's a source of safe fun for everyone there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. Keep children safe by following these guidelines at all times:

  • Never leave children alone in or near the pool. Always be within arm's length of children aged five and younger. Remember: flotation devices and the fact that a child knows how to swim are no substitute for adult supervision.
  • Learn CPR and how to swim. Know what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Keep rescue equipment and a phone with emergency numbers handy next to the pool.
  • If you have an in-ground pool, put up a four-foot fence around it with a self-closing and self-latching gate. If your house is adjacent to the pool, equip doors leading to the pool area with alarms to notify you when they're opened unexpectedly. If you have an above-ground pool, secure or remove steps and ladders when it's not in use.
  • Never use a pool or spa with broken drain covers.
  • If a child is missing, check the pool first.

It's also important that your pool is kept clean and well-maintained. After all, crystal-clear water with only a mild chlorine aroma isn't only pleasing to the sensesit's good for your health. Follow the cleaning and maintenance guidelines specific to your pool in order to avoid these problems:

  • Contamination with algae and bacteria The chemical balance of the water must be controlled to avoid the proliferation of these organisms, which can give the water a repulsive odour and appearance.
  • The harbouring of pathogens The concentration of pool disinfectant must be closely monitored in order to create an environment antagonistic to the survival of viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing organisms.
  • Debris accumulation Clean your pool regularly and keep the surrounding area clear of debris to avoid this.
  • Strong chlorine smell and burning eyes This is indicative of a problem with the water's chemistry.
  • Pool staining To avoid this problem, the water chemistry should be periodically tested.