I know we are repeatedly told that pools will only add realty value in a climate that is reliably warm and so many of us skip past the pools section of a magazine. However, there are so many new ideas, that you simply must read this pools article! It is almost worth having a pool even if you don't want to swim in it!

Did you know, for example, that you can now have a pool with an infinity edge for your toddlers? Or how about placing your lava rock bowl in a centrally placed rock formation in your pool and lighting it up different colors at night? Your back yard could look like the gardens of an exotic 5 star hotel!

While we have all been skipping the pool pages, it seems that swimming pools have been skipping into the 21st Century!

Apart from being a great place to cool off, or to get your daily exercise, swimming pools also serve as a gathering place. Often the home with the pool is the home with all the teenage friends hanging out - so at least you know where your kids are!

However, a pool may only increase the value of your home in warm climates, so before you take the plunge, you must thoroughly analyze whether or not you really want one - and want the cleaning of it.

Often new pool owners, who are unfamiliar with the procedure, hire a pool maintenance company to keep the Ph balance of their pool up to scratch. It is not a difficult job but it is a constant one. Pools nowadays come with filters that allow the odd leaf or insect to be whisked off the pool, so that cleaning maintenance is minimal.

There are several advantages to having your own pool. If you are a family member, then your children will inevitably learn to swim more quickly. It is also a great gathering place for social occasions and with 'outdoor living' becoming the trend, a pool has to be right up there with the outdoor living accessories.

Beach entries are also popular for family fun. The walk-in-shallow pool has gradual drops in depth utilizing steps that lower you into deeper water. Infinity edge pools are also suitable for a young family, and these look like radius shaped edges from which re circulated water keeps running off into a catch basin. You may wish to check out the new idea of a salt water pool, which has less maintenance and is still healthy to swim in.

Of course, if you do not have a family to think about, you can indulge in some of the latest trends in backyard pools. These trends include fire features, special effect fountains and in-pool rock centers.

The rock theme can be applied in smaller yards, and has been effectively used as a tall backdrop to a small pool that is at the bottom end of the yard. Larger pools are big enough to house clumps of man-made rock in the center of the pool.

The fire idea is caused by housing a lava rock fire bowl within these rock designs and then lighting the gas powered flame. Flame color can be changed and dramatic reflections can dance across the water in the pool.

Most fountains can also be dramatized by having a spotlight of a different color directed onto them after dark. The newest idea in fountains is to install a frothy, foaming one and have a mushroom effect head.

These additions of fountains, fire, rock and light can transform your modest pool into a secluded delight. But first you need the pool....!

Swimming Pool Article Credits:

Article written by Alan Olson. When searching for Fergus Falls real estate, plan to use Century 21 Vista for your buying and selling needs. If you enjoy water sports or lake side living, be sure to check out Ashby real estate.