Turn your backyard into a great place for family and friends to cool off and unwind all summer long by adding an above-ground pool. Easier to install and maintain than an in-ground pool—and nicer on your budget—an above-ground pool can typically be set up and enjoyed on the same day, so you don't have to wait months for a professional to install one in your yard. Plus, with so many options available, you can find one that is best suited for your outdoor space and needs. Many options can even be taken down and stored during the winter months, so you can enjoy more of your yard when it's too cold to swim.

To swim in clean, clear, pleasant-appearing water in your backyard pool, you need to make pool shock treatments part of your pool maintenance routine. This step ensures that your pool has the right balance of chemicals to keep contaminants from overtaking your water while eliminating chloramines: chemicals created when ammonia is added to chlorine.

Pool covers serve a few functions. They can keep debris out, help the water retain heat, prevent evaporation, weatherize your pool in winter, and, in some cases, enhance safety. Then, there are safety covers designed to minimize the risk of accidents. But not all covers do all these things.

A hot tub is meant to be a relaxing experience, whether you’re soaking solo or socializing with a group. So when choosing accessories, consider what puts you at ease—and what is easy to use.

Liven up any pool day with a pool basketball hoop that’s fun for the whole family. They allow you to elevate the experience of your in-ground or above-ground pool and provide hours of entertainment during sunny summer days. 

To fully enjoy your above-ground pool during the summer, having pool steps is crucial. Not only do they provide a safe and secure means of entry and exit from the pool, but they also ensure that you can access the water easily, even if the pool walls are particularly high. 

Whether your favorite pro athlete uses them or your physical therapist recommended one, there are many good reasons to use cold plunge tubs. "The most impactful benefit is building resilience to stress," says Richard Malone, co-owner of IceBurg Cold Plunge. "Placing oneself in freezing-cold water is clearly uncomfortable, but in that discomfort, you can achieve a level of calmness."

Owners of small outdoor areas can all relate to the struggles that come with the modest square footage: angling chairs just right to get a sliver of sun, bumping knees with your partner while you lean over your meals, your deck becoming a full-blown jungle when you've only added three plants. But leaving outdoor areas bare means you can't fully take advantage of having your own personal space outside, thanks to a patio set for small spaces.

If you love gardening—or if you don’t love gardening and want to spend minimal time and effort controlling weeds—you need a good weeding tool or two that can effectively remove them.