Blue skies, warm temperatures, and summer vacations are in the air, and so is more time spent outdoors doing the things many of us have waited months to enjoy, like hanging out by the pool. Roughly 10.4 million homeowners have a backyard pool. Owning a pool means routine tasks to keep it running correctly, such as checking chlorine or salt levels, filtration, pumps, drains, and returns are all working correctly.
As a pool and outdoor living professional, whether you are a pool builder, service technician or retailer, homeowners look to you for advice in setting the stage for a safe, secure, and enjoyable time in their backyards.
Here are four simple steps that you can share with your customers to help set the scene.
- Safety and security: Drowning is the single leading cause of death among children age 1-4, and it is preventable through several layers of protection. The security and safety of the backyard are a top priority for homeowners with a pool. There are several ways to help boost security. First, add a heavy-duty, fully adjustable hinge that includes a self-closing option. This will ensure complete closure. Next, look for a latch that locks from both sides with an option for reversible mounting on various post sizes without having to drill holes through the post. For pool safety fences, another option is a latch with a strong magnetic closing power to ensure that the gate stays closed.If your customer already has all of the above installed, then an inspection of the fence and gates is needed. Check the perimeter fence, pool cage and pool fence for any damaged areas, from loose and warped boards to loosened fasteners, and replace them as necessary. Replace hardware, such as gate handles, hinges and latches. Problems such as a sagging wooden gate can be quickly and easily fixed with aluminum braces.
- Lighting: A practical addition to the backyard, lighting also creates a nice ambiance. Consider adding walkway illumination or tabletop lanterns for those long summer evenings. Or add a few post cap solar lights that add lighting to the fence.
- Pest control: Bring a pest control service to rid the backyard pool area of unwelcome bugs. Add a pool cage to your design — while also acting as the next level of security — to keep unwanted bugs and debris out of the pool area.
- Landscape refresh: Perk up the backyard after a long winter by cleaning out leaves and weeds, and pruning trees and shrubs. Fill in bare spots and container pots with brightly colored plants.
Swimming is one of the most popular activities in the country and something to be enjoyed in the backyard. Keeping the backyard pool safe and inviting is essential. With a few simple steps to get season ready, your customers can maximize its use and entertain all season long.
Learn more about the three layers of security to secure backyard pools.
