Now that you’ve got your pool (or at least have the design of it in your head), it is time to build a pool deck that goes with it. Whether you already have something in mind or are simply looking for inspiration, read this guide to see what different kinds of pool decks exist. The material you choose for your pool deck will transform its final look so consider all of them and choose carefully.

Wood

When asked about what a standard pool deck looks like, a lot of people would answer ‘wood’. Wood has become a staple in the decking business and for good reasons. It looks amazing when paired with the blue water and the green lawn, giving your yard that natural look that will make you think of sunny resorts in tropical climates. Wood also comes in many colors which you can change at will if you have a can of wood paint and some free time. It is also the cheapest option out there, apart from not having a deck at all. Handy DIYers will also be able to handle the whole building process on their own so wood decks serve great as a weekend(s) home project.

However, wood is also prone to water damage. If you go for a wood deck then you will need to spend more time on its maintenance. Regular staining and sealing is an absolute necessity when it comes to wood decks and it’s not something you can run away from or you risk having your deck collapse. You also need to polish it to keep the wood’s surface smooth and prevent any splinters. All of this adds both time and cost to the price of a wooden deck.

Concrete

Concrete is much more water-resistant than wood so no wonder that it is often found on the sides of a pool. It is also quite heat-resistant. Concrete is a durable material that will last you for a long time. If you aren’t a fan of how it looks then check these deck paints. A layer of paint on top of your concrete deck will change its look and also allow you to keep the deck in top shape by protecting it from external weather conditions like UV rays and rain.

However, avoid having concrete that is completely smooth because it will be more slippery, especially when wet. You can get your concrete stamped, even if it’s just the area closest to the edge of the pool. Also, some concrete deck paints add a non-slip finish to your deck’s surface.

Unfortunately, concrete decks are not a good idea if you live in an area with cold snowy winters. Freezing and thawing concrete cracks very easily and there isn’t much you can do to prevent that.

A pool deck is an indispensable addition to any pool. It will give you and your family a place to relax and watch over kids while they play in the water. A deck will transform the look of your yard completely. For other tips about pool maintenance, see this poolside site.

Pet Fever

Humans love company. We love it so much, in fact, that our brain evolved to use up 20% of all the calories we consume, while only weighing around 3 pounds. Why is that relevant? Well, because mother nature decided that granting us the ability to communicate was worth the calorie sacrifice. Whether we’re talking about verbal or non-verbal communication, mankind really is the cream of the crop. We weren’t blessed with the huge fangs of lions or the sharp claws of tigers, so words became our weapon of choice. Instead of waiting for evolution to instill new information into our DNAs, we could now verbally pass down customs and traditions to younger generations. We didn’t need to wait 5 million years for our stomach acid to turn nuclear so that we could digest raw meat –  we could just roast it over an open fire! Back then, we relied heavily on animals both as food sources, as well as for companionship, so we worked our magic and succeeded in taming them. Times have changed and, though we no longer require little critters to help us hunt or protect our food supplies, we’ve embraced pets and brought them along with us as our way of life changed. Nowadays, we like to be greeted by a pair of excited eyes and a wagging tail when we get home from work. We like snuggling up on the couch on lazy Sundays or doing homework in the company of a little rodent or colorful fish. The more time we spend caring for this other being, the better we feel about ourselves.

The Most Underrated Pet

Whether you have young children who are constantly begging you to get them a pet or you’re looking for a furry little buddy to keep you company while you’re stuck at home, I would highly recommend getting a guinea pig! They are smart, resilient, and reliable little creatures with an unquenchable thirst for adventure and a curious personality. They don’t require as much upkeep as cats and dogs, and they are a good size for both a house and an apartment. As far as rodents go, they are definitely on the bigger size, more closely resembling a bunny rather than a hamster or a rat. They like to keep to themselves – but are also open to human interaction and they’re very easy to train. As an added bonus, they are really easy to care for, so they make wonderful pets for children and young teens. Be prepared to spend a bit more money on supplies right before you get your fur baby, but don’t worry! You won’t spend nearly as much money as you’d have to shell out for a puppy or a baby cat. The one item you’ll be spending the most on is the cage. Food, bedding, and toys are relatively cheap, and pigs don’t require any special solutions or vitamins. The best guinea pig cage is one that gives them enough space to move around, without occupying half the floor space in your home. If you’re on the prowl to get a new hairy friend, definitely give guinea pigs a try! You won’t regret it!

Do you use a night light lamp when going to sleep? Or maybe you switch it on so that your children can fall asleep when afraid of the dark? If so, make sure that the kind you are using is not having any detrimental effects on your sleep pattern.

People have been using night light lamps to alleviate the pitch-black darkness of the night. These night lights should be bright enough to make out the contours of the room and furniture so that we do not trip when walking to the bathroom at 3 am. They give off gentle and dim lighting that can be comforting, especially for young children.

Brightness

We should not overlook the lamp’s brightness when choosing to purchase one. Using bright lights during the time we’re supposed to be asleep can mess with the brain’s perception of daytime and nighttime. If the lamp tricks us, subconsciously, into thinking it is still daytime, the hormone called melatonin will not be released. Melatonin is the body’s natural reaction to darkness. It makes us drowsy and is helpful when falling asleep. Being around bright lights makes people alert and ready to work. Staring at bright lights during the night disturbs the body’s circadian rhythm which is why it is essential to choose a night light lamp that doesn’t shine too bright.

It is especially crucial when the night light lamp is supposed to go into the child’s bedroom. If the night light’s purpose is to combat the child’s fear of the dark then that means the lights are often going to be switched on throughout the whole night. And while the child might be able to fall asleep, that sleep will not be the best quality. If your child is waking up tired then check if the light in their room is not too bright. Multiple failures to sleep well can cause problems with the body’s development if the child is still growing. Lack of good quality sleep may result in irritability or difficulties with learning.

Color

We know that light can have different colors. The lights used in supermarkets are often white while spas and other relaxation spaces tend to use more gentle, yellow lighting. This is connected to the concept of light temperature. The higher the temperature (measured at degrees Kelvin), the more ‘bright’ the light appears to be. Lower temperatures are warmer and more ‘yellow’ or even ‘red’.

Higher temperatures are similar in quality to the light given off by the sun. This is why brighter lights are able to make our brains think it is daylight. When choosing the night light lamp (or the lightbulb for the night light lamp) we should opt for brightness not higher than 3000K, maybe even lower than 2000K if you can find one. Warm lights promote relaxation and can make us feel sleepy even if we’re not.

Scientists say that sleeping with no lights at all is actually the best for the human body as it completely reduces the risk of melatonin decrease. But if you or your child have trouble falling asleep in the dark and you need to have a night light lamp in your bedroom, choose one that will help you sleep well.