Enjoying the summer in the shade

The past 30 days have been scorching across not only the US but other parts of the world as well.

And we have definitely been feeling it in California! However, at the same time who wants to stay cooped up inside all Summer? We've had our fill of that during the lockdowns.

So, what can be done?

Outdoor living - all year round

The term 'outdoor living' means just that: living outdoors. The way that is achieved is by dealing with the elements (temperature, precipitation, etc.), so that they don't interfere too much, with the experience. In order to do that, you need to have a space tailor made for your area's climate.

Creating an outdoor living space

Spending time outdoors during the Summer is one thing, but what about during a heat wave?

No problem.

You simply need two things:

A water feature where you can submerge the body to cool off.
A shade structure for you to sit under.

Water features

If you don't have space for a full-sized pool, there are other options for you to get wet and cool off:

Hot tubs: Just turn off the heater and let the water reach an ambient temperature. While it won't be 'cool' per se, it will still be cooler than 100 degrees, and when you hop out of it, you will feel cooler.
Slip & slides: A very inexpensive way for kids (and adults!) to get wet and wild without having to pay for hardscaping or water features.
Small fiberglass pools: Thanks to the magic of pre-built fiber glass pools, they are coming in ALL shapes and sizes these days, accommodating nearly any size backyard.
Rain curtains: These are inexpensive, look cool, AND will keep you cool, just walk right through it! Takes up less space than a pool and keeps you just as cool.
Recessed floor fountain jet: You typically see these at hotels and parks, but why not get one yourself? While they are expensive you get a tremendous ROI, with not only value to your property but tons of fun for your family.

Shade Structures

After you take a dip, you'll want a nice, shaded spot in which to cool down. Here are some ideas:

Triangular patio cover with canvas. These are extremely affordable (it's just a piece of canvas and some ties), and make a great make-shift patio cover if you need one in a pinch, or you're just a penny pincher. They are also known as 'shade sails', as they resemble the sails of a ship.
Pergolas. These take the term outdoor living to a whole other level. Keep in mind while pergolas do not have a covered roof, many builders can offer a clear plastic covering so you can have the look of a pergola, but protection from rain.
Pavilions. Think of a pergola but instead of the crisscross of wood planks at the top, it has a pitched roof, like from a home! These are more expensive, but they look gorgeous and of course do a great job keeping the rain away.
Umbrellas. A great advantage of an outdoor living umbrella is that you can move it anywhere you want and even remove it entirely and put it in storage. Probably the best all-around solution, if you're not ready to commit to a pergola.

Conclusion

There you have it, some ideas and tips on how to make your backyard oasis a little more 'heatwave friendly' but adding shade and water.

If you have questions about patios, fountains, and outdoor living, just give us a call, we'd love to talk to you!