FOR BREaAKING tNEWS VIhSIT WWWo.QNS.COmM e JUNE 13, 2019 •AT HOME • THE QUEENS COURIER 49
Spruce Up for Summer
Make your backyard the perfect outdoor space
To make the transition to summer season
eff ortless, there may be some backyard
upgrades and prep to be done to
ensure your outdoor space is in tip-top
shape. From your pool and patio to the
grill, these tips can help get your backyard
summer-ready.
Overhaul the Patio
Patios and decks are oft en considered
the hub of the backyard, so consider
sprucing yours up by power-washing
the stone to remove any winter buildup
or use stain for a complete refresh.
Adding a pergola or umbrellas can help
protect you from the elements and,
for added comfort, consider installing
an outdoor ceiling fan for humid days
and a fi re pit or patio heater for cooler
nights.
Upgrade Outdoor Furniture
To ensure your backyard furniture lasts,
invest in materials such as teak wood, redwood,
cedar or stainless steel, which are
typically durable and low-maintenance.
If you want to add a personal touch, consider
colorful cushions, throw pillows or
an area rug made of weatherproof fabric.
Smarten Up Your Pool
and Backyard
With smart homes on the rise, today’s
tech-savvy homeowners are not only looking
to automate appliances and gadgets inside
the home, but now want smart controls in
their outdoor spaces, as well. For example,
Hayward’s OmniHub smart pool control
off ers pool owners the convenience and customization
of complete pool, spa and backyard
lighting automation from smart devices.
Prep Your Grill
Get ahead of barbecue season by building
in ample time to prep your grill. Scrub
or season your grill grates to avoid rust,
stock up on charcoal and wood chips,
check gas grills for leaks and fi ll up your
propane tank. For safety, make sure your
grill is at least 10 feet away from your
home, outdoor structures and any trees
or bushes.
Convert Your Pool to Salt Water
For the ultimate in pool luxury, consider
switching your traditional chlorine
pool to salt water. It’s a surprisingly simple
project that can transform your pool
experience. Salt pools off er owners soft ,
clean and clear water that won’t irritate
eyes, dry out skin and hair, give off
harsh odors or cause bathing suits to
fade. Designed to be a convenient alternative
to conventional chlorine, Hayward’s
AquaRite system gently dissolves salt into
the perfect amount of chlorine to sanitize
your pool without harsh chemicals while
creating velvety-smooth water.
Keep the Bugs at Bay
Mosquitos and other bugs can put a
damper on outdoor entertaining, so be
sure to stock up on repellents to ensure
a bug-free backyard. Keep citronella or
eucalyptus candles and torches on hand
to maintain a pest-free space.
Whether you’re planning a family barbecue
or pool party, or just want a space
that off ers the ultimate in tranquility, visit
hayward.com for more tips to help jumpstart
your home improvement project.
Courtesy Family Features
/WWWo.QNS.COm
/hayward.com
