We are all looking at the summer of 2020 very differently than just about any other year in decades due to COVID-19, but that does not mean we have to sit around our homes and do nothing. A backyard pool or spa is a great way to forget about the world for a bit, especially during the heat of summer. Not only do you get a bit of sun and fresh air, but swimming will also give you a bit of exercise as well. But pools are not just about work; they are supposed to be fun as well. Here are some Goodall Pools & Spas ideas on how to enjoy a pool, especially with family and kids.
Build a Backyard Pool Challenge Course
Have you ever watched one of those amazing ninja athletic shows on TV? Create your own course in your backyard and see which one of the kids will win. Make it interesting by having to cross the pool a number of times or retrieve something at the bottom faster than the others. Keep it safe, of course, but a simple obstacle course for kids is really easy to make with a bit of creativity.
Boat Race!
If you are old enough to remember the early boy scouts, one of the badges was for creating a toy boat and then winning a race. These skill challenges are a great way to teach your kids something away from the computer as well as use your pool as the environment for the challenge. And if you really want to make it interesting, you can create a digital badge online to award them for winning or for crafting skills. All you need is some balsa wood from the model shop, waterproof wood glue, and a few fishing weights for ballast.
Capture the Flag Bottle
If you have enough in your family and a big enough pool you can play a water polo version of Capture the Flag. Two teams defend either side of the pool. A weighted liter bottle is sunk to the bottom of the pool at each end. Each team has to find a way to swim, out-maneuver or water-wrestle their way to the opponent’s bottle and get it back to their side. This game could get quite physical with some families, so it is a good idea to have rules of engagement ahead of time.
Get Your Floatie!
Who says floaties are just for kids? If you have a big enough floatie and the kids are busy, mom or dad can easily just enjoy hanging out floating in the pool and enjoying a bit of sun. It is amazing how relaxing it can get just floating on water without worrying about anything else.
Fido Can Swim Too!
If your dog is not afraid of water, he or she can jump in too. Dog lifejackets are perfect because they keep the dog’s head out of the water and let them float without effort. Your dog will get used to the idea pretty quickly and enjoy paddling around to cool off as well. Experts note that owners should watch out for the dog’s nails with temporary pools.
Your friends at Goodall Pools & Spas hope you have a fun-filled summer and enjoy spending quality time in your backyard pool. Check out our gallery of incredible builds for design inspiration and contact us to get started on your pool build.
