Swimming Pool Design Trends for 2012
Each year brings new trends for home and garden design, including swimming pools and spas. In 2011, exciting design and technology options helped create beautiful pools that were integrated into lush landscapes for a more holistic experience.
Residential pools embraced amazing features that added beauty and intrigue, and in the past could only be found at resorts. In adding these features it made the backyard pool experience more like a vacation or spa – allowing pool owners to enjoy their pools new ways.
We see these trends extending into 2012. Of course, there will be some new developments along the way, and we can't wait to see them!
Top 10 tips for Planning your Swimming Pool Construction Project
Pool Plans - 10 Tips
Like any new endeavor, planning and building a pool can be exciting—but for many, it is full of unknowns. If you are ready to build your backyard retreat and are wondering where to begin, start here. These 10 pool planning tips will help you put everything into perspective and give you the tools you need to guarantee years of enjoyment.
Incorporating water into Urban Landscape Designs
H2O My Goodness! Beautiful Designs for Outdoor Spaces
Oh how I love the work of H2O Designs–a Melbourne company that specializes in the custom design and production of dynamically designed water features, planter boxes, and outdoor seating for rooftop gardens, balconies, and courtyards.
Tons of outdoor ideas for your swimming pool and backyard from HGTV
Carve out a cozy outdoor space ideal for entertaining. We share inspirational deck and patio pictures, porch design ideas and step-by-step construction tips.
Top 5 tips for dream decks and patios
Your deck or patio can either be a peaceful place with tranquil scenery or a fun spot for entertaining. These 5 tips for creating dream decks and patios will hopefully inspire you to turn that boring outdoor space into something you can enjoy.
Online landscape design puts the power of professional design within reach
Homeowners Looking for Landscaping Ideas for Their Backyard Get Do-It-Yourself Options to Improve Their Home in Time through a New Online Landscape Design Service
PlanWorx℠, a new online landscape design service powered by national landscape architecture firm Knäak Design Group (KDG), offers homeowners a progressive do-it-yourself solution to improve their outdoor living space, allowing them to add beauty and value to their home at a fraction of the cost.
Tips for sprucing up your patio this spring
From Patio to Paradise
As we welcome spring and warmer weather, we all look forward to spending more time outdoors. But your patio may not be in outdoor living condition after a long winter. Don't worry; there are numerous ways you can quickly spruce up your patio. You'll go from patio to paradise in no time; just take a look at the following patio makeover tips:
Important things to know about fences in your landscape design or pool design
Rules for Fences for Private Pools
With the joy of owning a swimming pool comes the responsibility of enclosing it to prevent children and pets from accidentally gaining access. There are no federal laws governing swimming pool fences, but many states and communities have building codes establish their own regulations. Many fencing requirements are common throughout American neighborhoods, but check your local building code to be sure your fence meets all the requirements for a safe and happy swimming season.
Can a swimming pool be used to power your home?
Students' Device Taps Swimming Pool for Power
Most American teens may see a pool as a chance for a swim or lazy summer relaxation, but one group of California high school students envisions swimming pools as a new source of electricity to power U.S. schools, homes and businesses.
Their energy solution relies upon the power of thermoelectric panels capable of harnessing the temperature difference between a hot surface and the cold water. That could do much more than just power household devices — huge floating farms of the devices might create electricity for energy-hungry coastal towns and cities.
"As this device floats on water, reflector panels focus sunlight onto a black surface that converts the solar energy to heat," said Anthony Silk, a math teacher and adviser to the Harker School team in San Jose, Calif. "This heat is then passed through thermoelectric panels and passively dissipated into the surrounding water."
Click here to read more about this invention
More outdoor rooms for ideas on your landscape design and renovation
12 Simply Stylish Outdoor Room Updates
Turn your outdoor space into a lavish retreat with these stylish updates, from elegant water features to cozy porch swings.
* By Kayla Kitts
