3 Tips to Grow a Bold, Beautiful Backyard

(NewsUSA) - It's time to start heralding the outdoors by beautifying the backyard. So, don the appropriate garments, grab some tools and turn your backyard into something ideal for entertaining.

Families love to spend time outdoors -- especially if they have a pool, patio or deck -- so take the time to administer some TLC to the lawn, pool, patio and garden.

The following tips will help you get the most out of your backyard:

1. Grow some privacy. Depending on the size of your backyard, consider installing a fence, arbor, pergola, row of bushes, trees or hanging vines to shelter your property from the neighbors. This helps make gatherings more private and gives your lawn a "secret garden" feel. Plus, a fence, trellis or arbor can offer a wind-break and much-needed shade -- both of which can be key for pools. Flowering vines like trumpet vines, clematis or morning glory attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

2. Get cozy outdoors. If you have unused deck space, create a family-friendly area perfect for entertaining outdoors: cook-outs, lounging, games or parties. All you need is some inexpensive patio furniture -- clusters with chairs and a sofa -- and small tables for surface space. To make it really cozy, add some brightly colored throw pillows and potted plants.

3. Simplify pool maintenance. Family pools tend to make the best summer parties, but all investments include maintenance. Adding a pool cover can reduce pool heating costs by 50 to 70 percent. Or if your pool has problems with cloudy water or chlorine levels, BioGuard's new Pool Tonic removes phosphate and many other unwanted contaminants for beautiful water that is easy to maintain and enjoy. For complimentary water testing, bring a sample of your pool water to any BioGuard dealer, and receive the right prescription for your pool. Visit www.bioguard.com to find your nearest dealer.

Another option to reduce the complexity of pool maintenance is BioGuard's Smart Shock. This multi-functional formula combines key elements of pool care into one easy-to-apply product. Smart Shock requires no mixing or predissolving, and you can re-enter the pool in as little as 15 minutes.