In southern California we can swim in our pools for many months during the year. Adding a pool to your backyard can be an investment but safety is the number one priority.

A fence is a must to ensure child safety around the pool. Make sure your fence is at least six feet tall and difficult to climb. Fences are the best way to ensure safety.

You can soften the look of a fence by training vines to grow over the surface. Avoid bordering the fence with trees or shrubs because they could provide an easy boost for curious children to climb over the fence. Keep the door or gate leading to your pool locked at all times.

Be sure to keep rescue equipment easily accessible around the pool. It is also a good idea to have someone in your household trained in CPR.

Develop a plan for what to do in case of an emergency and teach it to your children.

Pool Fences

Swimming Pool Nets

Having a focal point is important if you want to create a room that feels both comfortable and useable. Also, when selling your house, you’ll make the room more attractive to buyers.

Some rooms have natural focal points, such as a fireplace, architectural details or a picture window with a view. If the fireplace is your focal point you can add an accent painting or a mirror above the hearth.

If your room has none of these, you could gry placing a large piece of furniture such as an armoire or a tall bookcase along one wall or adding a table with your favorite ornaments or mementos on it.

The focal point doesn’t have to be on the wall, a large area rug placed under a coffee table can also work well.

All furniture in a room should be arranged around the focal point, helping draw your eyes to the right place.