Backyard Pool Accessories for Toddlers

 

Backyard swimming pools add activity and entertainment to the backyard oasis and summer fun. What better way to enjoy the hot days of summer than splashing in a pool? But when you have toddlers in the house pool safely becomes a bigger concern.

Most toddlers do not know how to swim but enjoy the water and are fun to watch splashing about.  It is great exercise for them and teaches co-ordination so the pool is a  wonderful summer activity to introduce them to. However, extra precautions will need to be taken to ensure their safety. Pool accessories will help with additional safety.

If you are a pool owner, you probably have many pool accessories already but there are popular pool accessories designed with the toddler in mind.  These are known as lifesaving devices such as arm floats and lifejackets.  Arm floats are safety devices that go on a child’s arm and enable a child, who would otherwise not know how to swim, to stay afloat.  Lifejackets serve a similar purpose. They attach to a child like a piece of clothing and are available in very small sizes.

Pool toys also aid in toddler safety in the pool. They include a wide variety of different items such as baby floats, beach balls, kickboards and swim rings. Toys that float on the water, such as fishes and beach ball are very intriguing to small children. They are entertaining watching the toys float and bobble on the water.

Baby floats, kickboards, and swim rings are toys that may also assist toddlers and children that are unable to swim on their own. Swim rings are ideal for toddlers who may have some swimming knowledge. My nephew used these one summer when he was learning to swim. By the end of the summer his swimming skills were amazing and he no longer had to wear them.

Swim rings can be used along with arm floats or a small life jacket for more safety. For small toddlers or infants, you may want to consider a baby float. Baby floats often have leg holes and they are specially shaped for stability, making them perfect for the small toddler and a safer swimming experience.

Pool accessories and additional pool hardware that will add safety to your backyard pool or kiddie pool can be purchased from many different stores or online. And by looking at the wide selection of products available you will be able to find the perfect toys and accessories to create a safe and fun water environment for your small child.

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Choosing a Fruit Tree

 

 

Choosing a tree for the backyard can be a challenging task as there are many considerations to take into account. Size, purpose and endurance are only a few decisions to be made. Often selecting a fruit tree can be an easier choice, as you will have a preference for the fruit you wish to grow and most fruit trees are smaller trees.

Planting and Caring for a New Fruit Tree

First see what available room you will have in your backyard. This will decide if you buy an espalier tree, dwarf or semi-dwarf fruit tree. Next you will want to select the fruit variety you want. You will have to take into consideration your climate and if you need another tree to help with pollination, or if this fruit will grow in your area.

Shop around for a good value in a fruit tree, but more importantly, a healthy tree. It’s best to buy from a local nursery that has been in business for years.  And before I purchase the tree I have already chose the location for the tree and have a hole dug so that I can take the tree home and plant it immediately.

Once home check the size of the hole you have dug for the tree.  You want the hole to be twice as wide as the root clump, and just a little less deep. The reason for the hole being slightly bigger than the roots is that this allows room for the soil that you dug out to be put back in.

Place a small amount of fertilizer in the hole and take a good look at the roots of the fruit tree. If there are any roots that are damaged clip them off. Also make sure the roots are not knotted up. You want them to be able to grow up and spread.

I mix a little compost in with the dig that I removed for the hole. Next place half the dirt in the hole and water well. As you plant the tree make sure the tree is standing straight and not leaning. You may need someone to help and hold it in place. Finish filling in the hole and water one more time. Tamp the soil in place. You will want the soil to be a couple of inches higher than the rest of the yard. In time the soil will settle and this will make your tree base even with the rest of the yard.

Tip: You may want to stake the tree in place to that it stays vertical and does not bend in the wind.

Your fruit tree should start producing fruit in three to five years after planting.

Once your tree starts to produce a lot of fruit you should periodically pick off some of the unripe fruit so that the branches aren’t weighed down too much. Remove the small or deformed fruit. If the fruit gets too thick, the branches can break off from the weight and by picking off fruit, what is left on the tree will be bigger.

Fruit trees will need pruned and checked for insect problems each year. But if properly cared for will produce for years to come and add value and beauty to your backyard oasis.