Is it that time of year again? How did July speed by in such blur? It seems we were just planning our Memorial Day pool parties and here we are seeing back to school advertisements everywhere.
We say you have to fight to keep the summer season going as long as possible. It is not time to abandon your pool parties just yet!
First of all, if you have spent the summer in indecision about whether or not a backyard pool is the right addition to your home, it is not too late to get started.
Today’s pool installation techniques are so streamlined that you still have time to get that sparkling addition added to your home before the seasons change. If you live in states like Florida, California, Georgia, and Texas, you have even more time to break ground on the best investment you will ever make in your family’s health and wellness.
Let’s Get This Party Started!
If you already own and love your backyard pool, then you know you don’t need a national holiday to enjoy a day swimming or playing pool volleyball.
However…it IS always fun to have a reason to throw a party. If you feel you need to give your party a theme, here are our Top Five Best Pool Party Themes That Make a Splash.
With the graduation season and July 4th behind us, if you want an occasion to celebrate, we found these ideas on TimeandDate.com where you can search by month for inspiration! How about:
August
Aug 3 Watermelon Day
Aug 3 International Beer Day
Aug 10 Lazy Day
Aug 26 Dog Appreciation Day
Aug 31 Eat Outside Day
September
Sep 5 Cheese Pizza Day
Sep 17 International Country Music Day
Sep 19 International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Sep 28 Ask a Stupid Question Day
Sep 28 Good Neighbor Day
…just to name a few! Click the link for the full list.
The Summertime Mindset
Although you probably don’t have those three glorious summer months off like you did when you were a kid, you just have to work a little harder to keep that mindset alive. Back then, the summer was a blank slate. A time to do whatever you wanted. As an adult you no longer have that latitude, but you can bring back some summer freedom by being a little creative.
Let’s face it. No matter how luxurious or modest your pool setting, it is a shining centerpiece. There’s just something about the atmosphere it creates – one of relaxation and laughter. Perhaps this would be a good time to start a new tradition with your family or with your favorite neighbors. Maybe you want to plan regularly scheduled poolside game nights?
Real Simple Magazine has a suggestion to keep it easy with a chili recipe that takes 25 minutes hands-on, 50 minutes total time, and serves 8. Add a little friendly competition with the electronic version of a game like Catch Phrase. It’s easy to play in an outdoor setting while the chili is a perfect food solution if the evening turns a little cooler.
And there’s always the grill to fire up and throw on some kabobs or burgers. You know the drill. Paper plates and a recycle bin and you’ve got instant merrymaking.
As always, we think it’s the greatest thing to feel like a guest at your own party so encourage invitees to bring their specialty dips, chips, and desserts. It actually makes for an even homier event when everyone contributes.
History of the Modern Swimming Pool
It’s interesting to reflect on the origins of something now so commonplace. We may take pools for granted but they were once built for only the super-wealthy and for specific purposes like military exercises and athletic training.
Extraordinarily ornate, the ancient pools constructed in Sri Lanka boasted features that are emulated today in unique pool steps and designs.
According to Wikipedia, the “Great Bath” at the site of Mohenjo-Daro in modern-day Pakistan was most likely the first swimming pool, dug during the 3rd millennium BC. This pool is 12 by 7 metres (39 by 23 feet), is lined with bricks, and was covered with a tar-based sealant.
Ancient Greeks and Romans built artificial pools for athletic training in the palaestras, for nautical games and for military exercises. Roman emperors had private swimming pools in which fish were also kept, hence one of the Latin words for a pool was piscina. The first heated swimming pool was built by Gaius Maecenas of Rome in the 1st century BC. Gaius Maecenas was a rich Roman lord and considered one of the first patrons of arts.
Ancient Sinhalese built pairs of pools called “Kuttam Pokuna” in the kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka in the 4th century BC. They were decorated with flights of steps, punkalas or pots of abundance, and scroll design.
In the 19th century, indoor pools became the fashion in London. When the modern Olympic Games started in 1896, they included swimming races. From there, pools continued their popularity as public gathering places and eventually made their way into the private residences of people all over the world.
If you love your swimming pool as much as we do ours, you know it’s the people who make the party. You want the food to be great and the event to be an entertaining one. No matter what you serve, if those tiki torches shine on the faces of those most dear, you will have a successful bash!
So you may have getting the kids ready for school on your mind, but don’t count the summer out just yet! There’s plenty of daylight left. (Especially since daylight savings time doesn’t end until November 4th this year!) So throw on a hoodie and a pot of chili and you’re golden.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. There’s plenty to do to keep the season going!
We love the difference we can make for your family by providing something that puts years of memories within reach. Call 877-754-5966 for more information.
