What Size Pool Do I Need?

You’ve decided to fulfill your lifelong dream of owning your very own pool, but the journey doesn’t end there. Here’s where the important decisions begin.

Adding an in-ground pool to your backyard alters your outdoor living space considerably, so it’s crucial to consider every factor before finalizing your design. What materials should be used? Who will be using your pool? How much space is enough?

Whether you are looking for a smaller 14ft. x 25ft. pool for personal use, a medium 16ft. x 32ft. pool for entertainment or a larger 18ft. x 36ft. pool for sports and swimming laps, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself before committing to your final choice.

Here are a 3 things to consider when finding your perfect pool size:

  1. Who Is Your Pool For: Think back to when you first decided to add an outdoor pool to your home — what went into that decision? Did you envision yourself lounging with a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon? Or did you picture your kids learning to swim and inviting their friends over for pool parties? Will you need a shallow end for the younger kids? While you can use your pool for different occasions, you’ll want to factor who will be using your pool the most before you decide on size. If your pool will be used mostly for sport or entertainment, a medium to larger pool would be your best option. If you want your swimming area as a place to unwind, a smaller pool would be the perfect fit.

  2. Determine Your Space: Once you’ve decided who the pool is for, it’s important to decide on how much space you are willing to designate for your new addition so you and your family can still move around comfortably. As well as deciding on the patio space surrounding your pool, you’ll want to consider other backyard elements you have or plan to have in the future such as a garden or grilling station. Ensuring your pool is the right size for your yard will help it to blend nicely into your landscape’s overall atmosphere.

  3. How Often Will You Use It: When you’re investing in a new feature for your home, you want to make sure it’s going to be used. That’s why before breaking ground on your new pool, you should ask yourself how often you plan on using it. If it’s going to be used frequently by family and friends, a medium-sized pool is going to be a great investment for guests to enjoy during the summer. However, if you don’t plan on having many gatherings, a smaller pool would be more ideal.

For more tips on determining the perfect pool size from the experts at Outdoor Essentials, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.560.0904.


5 Reasons You Need An Outdoor Kitchen

Whether you’re building your home from scratch or looking to expand your current living space, an outdoor kitchen is sure to bring your outdoor dining and entertainment to the next level.

More than just a trendy way to enjoy eating outside, outdoor kitchens offer the perfect solution to the struggles many homeowners face when entertaining guests. Whether it’s lack of space or a need for a change of scenery, the benefits of adding an exterior kitchen to your home remain endless.

Outdoor kitchens offer numerous benefits for homeowners, including:

  1. Increase Home Value: Whether you’ve considered selling your home or not, adding an outdoor kitchen to your property will increase your home’s value exponentially. Not only will your home be worth more, but if you use the right materials, you can also enjoy the benefits of outdoor dining with family and friends for years to come.

  2. Enjoy Convenience: How often do you run from your patio back to your kitchen during a party only to find yourself missing all the fun? With an outdoor kitchen, you can skip the hassle by keeping everything in one location. Not only will you be able to entertain your guests more easily, but your outdoor kitchen will provide the convenience and access you need to enjoy the party while being a better host.

  3. Great For Entertaining: Whether you are celebrating a birthday, promotion or just hanging out, indoor parties can become crowded fast. Adding an outdoor kitchen will open up your party space so guests can move around more comfortably while keeping your home free from major messes.

  4. Expand Living Space: Exterior kitchens are great for more than just parties. They help to utilize more space in your home on any day. If your family needs a break from the typical family dinner, an outdoor kitchen gives you the opportunity to enjoy a change of scenery and new conversation opportunities.

  5. Keeps Smells Outside: Although the goal is to make a dinner to remember, you don’t want the smell of it lingering in your kitchen for days to come. Whether you are cooking fish or frying chicken, rich foods have stronger smells that tend to stick around. With an outdoor kitchen, you will not only keep those smells outside, but it’s the perfect location for messy food preparation and food disposal — enabling you to enjoy the party with a fraction of the clean up afterwards.

To learn more about the five reasons you need an outdoor kitchen from the experts at Outdoor Essentials, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.560.0904.


4 Tips For Installing A New Patio

Designing and installing a new patio may seem like an exciting experience. However, without the right plan in place, the process can quickly turn out to be frustrating and overwhelming.

Fortunately, taking the time to figure out a few things beforehand makes all the difference. Whether you want a new patio or you need to replace an existing surface, knowing the right options and methods available for a smooth installation helps make the process more enjoyable.

Read below for a few easy-to-follow tips for installing a new patio:

  1. Consider the Size: Before anything, consider what size you want your patio, and remember there’s no right or wrong answers when it comes to size. Whether you want to admire the natural ambiance of your yard from a small patio or opt for a large patio for entertaining guests, determine what you want from your patio and what you need to fulfill your vision of the perfect outdoor patio. 
  2. Find Your Location: Once size is determined, explore the different options for placement. The location of your patio needs to match your needs. If you want to enjoy eating or cooking outside, place the patio near your kitchen or consider implementing a custom outdoor kitchen to minimize cooking hassles. If you want to enjoy the natural world from your patio, place it in an area with a nice view. 
  3. Get Creative: When installing a new patio, you don’t have to go bare-bones and plain. Now is the perfect time to get creative and explore different designs, materials, colors, patterns, layouts and extras. Consider what type of concrete you’d like, if you’ll be including decorative retaining walls and even what walkway you want leading up to your patio. Invite beautiful colors into the mix with these features and give your patio the perfect feeling of home. 
  4. Use What Lasts: When you invest in a patio, you want to make sure it will last for decades. When installed and maintained properly, most stone or concrete patios will last for decades. Whether it’s stamped, stained, traditional or exposed, your concrete patio design should compliment your home and landscaping while adding an aesthetic and functional element to your property.Of course, your surface must also be able to stand up to that of West Michigan.

For more tips for installing a new patio from the experts at Outdoor Essentials, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.560.0904.