Nothing screams “leisure” quite like a beautiful backyard pool. Besides the obvious benefits of relaxing in the cool water on a hot summer day, a backyard pool can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home. In fact, an inground pool can increase your home’s value by about 8%.

While professional pool installers will give you all the information you need to enjoy your new toy, you should know the basics of pool maintenance, saving energy, and a wide range of other things that can enhance your family’s experience. Here are the three most important things to keep in mind when constructing a pool in your backyard:

Proper, consistent maintenance. Weekly checkups and cleanings are the best way to make sure your pool reaches its full potential. The lifespan of your new pool can be cut in half if you fail to properly maintain it. During the summer, you’ll run your pump and filter for about six hours a day, so it’s crucial that you monitor it on a regular basis to make sure everything is running smoothly. Also, the cartridge filter on pools should be cleaned every four months, so checking it at the start and end of summer should be sufficient.

Invest in a pool cover. A pool cover does a lot more than keep unwanted insects and leaves out of your pool. Pool covers drastically reduce evaporation and can cut the cost of heating your pool by up to 70%. It’s important to limit the energy your pool uses as much as possible, and making sure it is covered when you’re away from home is the first step in saving money.

Add a few bells and whistles. If you’ve ever taken your family to a water park, you know the frustration of having to find parking and wait in lines. Water parks are expensive, and you can have your own amusement park atmosphere right in the comfort of your own home by attaching a slide to your backyard pool. Installing a slide or diving board for an inground pool is easy, and your backyard will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Find the best pool builders in the area to construct the perfect pool for you and your family. By keeping these three quick tips in mind, you’ll get to enjoy your beautiful new pool to the fullest for plenty of years to come.

A ski vacation is a great way to get the entire family out of the house and moving. However, planning a ski get away isn’t always easy, and there are a lot of different details you have to get down. For those struggling to plan the perfect ski vacation, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Find the Right Lodge

When trying to find a ski lodge to go to, keep in mind the skill level of all the members of your family. If your family has some beginners, you may want to avoid the resorts with more difficult slopes. Be sure to check around the area for what kind of other activities are accessible, such as shopping malls or grocery stores. If you have difficulty making a decision, have your family vote for which lodge they like the most.

Transportation

When thinking about how you’ll get your family to the ski lodge, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you have a lot of equipment, it may be best to try and store it in a car, as it can be risky and expensive to put in on a plane. For those who chose to fly to their destination, many resorts have shuttles that run directly from the airport to the lodge. Those who plan on renting their equipment would likely be benefit from the speed and convenience of an airplane

Ski Equipment

It can’t be a ski trip without ski equipment, so don’t forget to buy or rent ski gear for the whole family! To ensure a successful trip, make sure you and your family have everything they need, including ski jackets, helmets, pants, and of course, the downhill skis themselves. Avoid wearing jeans and cotton, which can absorb water.

Don’t Forget Food

Families have to eat, but food prices at a ski resort can be high. Be sure to bring some food that can be easily stored, such as cold cuts for sandwiches. It’s also good to bring snacks high in protein, such as beef jerky or trail mix, for when you need a quick pick-me-up on the slopes.

Hot tubs, pools, other spa equipment has become a popular and lucrative business in the United States. In 2014 there were approximately 21 million houses that had at least one of those units. The health, comfort, and luxury benefits of these products is substantial. But owning these products is not a one-time expense and setup. They need to be constantly cleaned, and kept up-to-date to run effectively, and efficiently. For these reasons it’s important to keep these three spa maintenance tips in mind.

1.) Energy: Possibly the most important of these spa maintenance tips is of course pertaining to energy usage. Hot tubs usually require around 240 voltages to operate which is more than a normal home outlet will supply. Installing a breaker to your electrical control box will be necessary to get your hot tub or spa up and running.


2.) Cover: It might seem insignificant, but buy a quality cover for your high quality hot tub is an absolute must. Even one with the slightest R-value is capable of achieving up to 75% reduction of heating costs vs. leaving the tub completely exposed. Considering even a quality, well-insulated hot tub will cost up to $30 a month to heat, saving money by keeping the heat you already pay for in is crucial.


3.) Cleaning: Keeping your hot tub and spa clean is essential to its daily maintenance. The hot, moist areas can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. One technique that is beginning to replace traditional chlorine cleaning solutions is Ozone (O3). In fact, it is 3,000 times more powerful than chlorine in eliminating contaminants. Plus, it does so without leaving any waste byproducts.

These are just a couple spa maintenance tips you’ll want to apply if you own a spa or hot tub. Additional attention will be required in the event of a malfunction, or outstanding circumstance. At least by following these tips though you will have a good base for maintaining a clean, and working unit.

When you hear the phrase outdoor sports what do you think of? Do you think of running around kicking a soccer ball, throwing a flying disk to your dog, or watching a football game? For many of you parents out there, your mind may have gone straight to the sidelines, where you’re sitting on the aluminum bleachers watching the young athletes play their game. For something so many people use, bleachers are rarely thought of.

What’s in a Name? The Origin of Bleachers

Now that you’re thinking of the seating, you may be wondering, where exactly did the term bleacher come from? Way back when before aluminum bleachers were created, wood was used for the benches. As many of us know first – – hand, wood tends to discolor in the sunlight, leaving a bleached look. Thus the term ‘bleacher’ was coined in 1889. Fans sitting on the benches were then called bleachers as well.

Bleachers For Children’s Events

Sports are incredibly important for children as they promote development, interaction, and good health. In fact, 75% of parents with middle school students and above encourage participation. This participation takes place both as an extension of the school and outside of school with the majority (60%) being the latter. Thirty – – five million children participate in sports each year – – those parents need to sit somewhere! This is where bleachers come into play. Most school bleachers are made of aluminum and, honestly, are incredibly uncomfortable. Parents of long term athletes often purchase foam cushions to sit on to protect their bottoms from what feels like warping due to the bleachers. Other types of cushions have backs to support a good posture.

Collegiate and Professional Sports Bleachers

The bleacher set – – ups for collegiate sports vary from school to school. Some of the less popular colleges or sports will have the aluminum bleachers or portable bleachers with between two to five rows of seating. More popular schools and professional sports will have much more sophisticated bleachers. These bleachers range from smaller bleachers that are 10 feet by 25 feet all the way up to full indoor and outdoor stadiums that are able to hold thousands of screaming fans. The average baseball stadium seats 47,000 fans while the average football stadium seats 70,000. Often, these will be fully equipped seats with padding and even a cup holder!

Next time you’re attending a indoor or outdoor sporting event, be sure to take a look at the seats you’re sitting on. Are they aluminum benches or plastic and foam fold – – down chairs? How many people can they hold? It’s amazing how many people don’t even given a thought to the simple things that make our lives easier!

Camping is one of the most popular and fun summer activities in America, and for good reason. You can reconnect with friends or family, without pesky technology getting in the way. You can also go on a new adventure every day, and make memories that will last a lifetime. However, in order for your camping trip to be successful, you should have all of the items necessary for both comfort and safety. Some of the most forgotten items are the most obvious items needed for camping, simply because they’re so obvious. Before you leave, double check to make sure you pack these three things!

The Tent

This is so painfully obvious, but you would be shocked at how many families assume that someone else packed it, or that they couldn’t possibly forget it. This is your shelter while you’re on your trip, so make sure it’s packed!

Cooler

Another obvious but easily forgotten item is a camping cooler. Keeping your food cool and properly stored is one of the most important things about camping. Not only will it keep the food at the correct temperature so that it doesn’t make you sick, but it also provides adequate storage to keep your food from animals.

First Aid Kit

If you’re planning on numerous activities, such as hiking, hunting, or fishing, while you camp, this is essential. Over 38 million Americans enjoy hunting and fishing, but it can be incredibly dangerous. Keep a first aid kit on hand, because safety while camping is the key to a successful trip!

In the next year, about 81% of respondents say they’ll be going on three or more camping trips, and in 2012, a study showed that about 74% of those camping chose a public campground. Camping is an awesome way to disconnect, get into the great outdoors, and relax! Will you be camping this summer? If so, what are your plans?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport that has been taking the nation by storm in the past couple of years. MMA is a full contact sport which uses striking and grappling techniques, mixing a variety of combat sports and other martial arts styles. Once you’ve decided you want to get into MMA and signed up for classes, you’re gonna need some sparring gear. If you’re looking to get into MMA, and aren’t sure what sports equipment you should buy, here’s a quick guide to everything you’ll need to become an MMA master.

Like any contact sport, MMA sports requires some major fight gear. If you come into the gym with an old t-shirt and your basketball shorts, you’re going to have a difficult time keeping up. The proper MMA sparring gear dress code consists of grappling shorts and a rash guard. Grappling shorts are durable and make of a material that clings to the skin, and can absorb sweat. Rash guards are a special type of shirt that helps protect the body from any cuts or rashes you may get during your training.

If you’re planning on competing in MMA, you’ll have to buy a special pair of MMA gloves. These gloves are similar to boxing gloves, and help protect both your sparring partner and your own hands. To ensure the proper sparring protection, buy a mouth guard to protect your teeth, along with other protective gear such as knee pads, head gear, handwraps, and of course, a cup.

Most of these items can be found at your local sports equipment store, but you can also buy MMA gear online. MMA gear can be found on a variety of MMA online stores, which offer a variety of professional equipment, including specialty grappling shorts, gloves, and other products that will help transform you from a MMA novice to a MMA pro.

Living in America, we have so much grandeur and beauty around us that we can just get lost in the great outdoors. Outdoor activities are not just a seasonal affair, for those who are properly equipped nature can be enjoyed all year-round. Here are the three most popular year-round outdoor activities.

Camping
For those who think that Americans are tired of camping, you may be surprised to know that 3 million more Americans went camping in 2012 than those in 2010. Camping activities are on the rise with camping supplies bringing in around 1.8 billion dollars in sales each year. The average camper goes on nearly 5 trips a year, with statistics showing that 84% of campers participate in multiple outdoor activities like biking, fishing, or hiking.

Hiking, Kayaking, and Mountain Climbing
Hiking, kayaking, and mountain climbing require the participant to be fit and attentive in packing their adventure gear. Over 38 million people went hiking in 2014 alone, making adventure sports one of the most popular ways to spend time outdoors. Typical hiking gear includes a first aid kit, canteen, food supplies, radio, and camping gear if you are spending the night. Safety must always be a priority with any outdoor activity.

Hunting and Fishing

Recreational hunters and fishers spend an average of $1,638 dollars annually on hunting gear and supplies alone. Most hunters start off young and quickly get hooked on the sport. More than 38 million Americans hunt and fish regularly, with all new gadgets and hunting gear coming out yearly to ensure that hunters of every age can bag a big one!

Parents often want what is best for their children, and that extends from education to play. While video games and apps have their place for learning, most parents worry about their children spending too much time in front of a TV or computers. And most kids do — getting an average of seven-and-a-half hours of screen time per day! As a result, parents who want to help their children grow and develop at a young age may struggle to find appropriate educational toys for their kids.

The good news for parents and kids alike is that there are more options out there. Some creative toys for children allow kids not only to get some free play time but to practice solving problems. For instance, using blocks that snap together or magnetic building toys can actually have numerous benefits for kids.

How do creative toys for children help kids develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills? Here are three of the most surprising benefits when it comes to educational toys for children:

1. Free play helps kids learn. When children have unstructured playtime, they actually get the chance to learn valuable skills. To get children to learn more and to improve their well-being, parents should aim for longer uninterrupted periods of at least 45 to 60 minutes of spontaneous play for their kids; however, even 15 minutes will give kids the chance to play and learn. Using educational toys, like magnetic construction sets or puzzles, is one method parents can use to encourage free play.

2. Creative toys for children can encourage early learning and brain development. Although the human brain grows until about age 18, children’s brains reach about 90% of their adult weight by the time they are eight years old. The early years are some of the most important, and toys can play a huge role in brain development. For example, three- to six-year-olds benefit from toys that get them to solve problems: puzzles of about 12 to 20 pieces, block and magnetic tiles that snap together, and even collection of objects grouped by color, shape, and other features. Some of this early learning can get kids to count at an early age.

3. Educational toys promote lifelong learning and success. Children who play with blocks, magnets, and other educational creative toys have a better chance of working in math-related jobs when they get older. For instance, 66% of adults in math-related roles, like bankers and accountants, enjoyed playing with puzzles when they were kids. Meanwhile, 60% of adults who know work as architects, designers, or in other design-related fields, like building blocks and other stacking toys. While there’s no telling which industry a child will choose early on, toys that are both fun and educational can give them a good head start for the future.

Which toys do your children enjoy the most? Do they play with creative and educational toys that let them solve problems? Tell us how your kids like to play in the comments.

If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, consider planning a trip to Roanoke Island to take in The Lost Colony, an outdoor drama production that portrays the events that occurred in 1587 on Roanoke Island.

In 1587, a little over 100 men, women and children arrived on Roanoke Island, 30 years before the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock arrived. Among this group of settlers was a man by the name of John White. Ten days after the birth of his granddaughter, he left for England to return with supplies. When he finally did return, three years later, all traces of the 100 other settlers was gone. Only overgrown brush and a plundered fort remained, along with one word carved into the surface of one of the palisades, “CROATOAN.” It was this mysterious disappearance of nearly 100 settlers that led to the creation of “The Lost Colony” concert.

Over the centuries, the fate of the 100 missing settlers fell subject to many myths and controversies. Some scientists have examined tree rings and deduced that the Roanoke Island settlement was going through the worst drought in 800 years at the time of the disappearances. Myths and conspiracy theories aside, now the story of the missing settlers has been crafted into the nation’s second longest outdoor drama and the beautiful outdoor theater has become a focal point for tourists visiting the Outer Banks.

Millions of Americans attend theater performances every year — 45.92 million in 2014 alone, to be precise. Simply put, people like being entertained. Theatrical performances like “The Lost Colony” concert appeals to a lot of people, and even boasts benefits, like instilling knowledge of historical events. In fact, studies have been done that show student who see live productions of events see an improvement of their knowledge on the events portrayed in plays by 63%!

Others are drawn to places like Roanoke Island because of a supernatural interest, and see the concert for those reasons. This supernatural element makes sense because polls show that 45% percent of U.S. adults believe in the supernatural and believe that the spirits of the dead are walking among us. They get a thrill out of places like Roanoke Island because they think it might be inhabited by the ghosts of the lost colony.

So if you’re looking for a unique experience with ties to our american history, consider a trip to the Outer Banks and check out Roanoke Island and the outdoor drama, “The Lost Colony.” It’s sure to be a trip to remember.

Many people are very happy to be around swimming pools in the summertime. This is why some people might want to have a swimming pool in their own yard so that they will have access to a pool at all times. This can come in handy in particular on days when it is extremely hot outside, and jumping into the pool would be the best way to cool down. There is quite a bit that goes into having a swimming pool constructed, however.

If you are interested in having a new swimming pool construction on your property, you probably want to figure out what your best options are. There are many different types of swimming pools that you can have constructed or installed, so you might want to learn more about all of the types to see which one would be best for you and your yard. For example, you might want to look up the best pools and spas, best cheap backyard pools, best-framed swimming pools, best home exercise pool, and other popular options. If you do the appropriate research, you should be able to find a swimming pool that will enhance your yard and make the lives of you and your family much more fun.

Summer is here and it’s time to hit the pool. While splashing around in any old pool is inherently awesome, there are ways to trick out your swim experience and make your pool the mainstay for summer swimming fun.
Check out these four pool features:

LED Pool Lighting
LED pool lighting is the cost-effective and energy efficient way to light up your pool and pool area at night, making pool time more than just a daytime activity. When installed properly LED pool lighting systems can run for 1,000 hours before they need to be replaced. Additionally, LED lights come in a plethora of colors, so you can create any kind of mood or aesthetic you so choose!

Built in Spa
There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the hot tub after a long swim. For an experience of total luxury and relaxation, attach a built in spa to your swimming pool. For athletes, people with chronic pain or aching joints, hot tubs are a great means of relaxing muscles and releasing bodily tension. Built in spas are a pleasure for all ages, and add tremendous real estate value to your home.

Swim Up Bar
For the fun lovers and the natural born party hosts out there, the addition of a swim up bar is the perfect way to transform your outdoor environment into everyone’s favorite place to party. With swim up bars, your guests never have to leave the pool to enjoy a drink or a meal. That way, the summer fun never stops.

Fire Pit
After a long day of swimming, there’s no summer activity more appropriate than gathering around a bonfire. But what if you could do both things in the same vicinity? Adding a fire pit to your poolscape to make your backyard the ultimate summer destination for guests and family members alike. Besides, who doesn’t like smores?!

Waterfall
Bring your backyard closer to nature by incorporating a ledge waterfall into your poolscape. Pool waterfalls are soothing in sight and sound, and provide added fun for any swimmer.

Sigh. Doesn’t this make you wish that you weren’t at your desk right now? Us too.