It’s summertime again and many homeowners will find themselves contemplating the addition of a backyard pool.  Pictured here is the pool at actor John Travolta’s Florida home.  Speaking in Architectural Digest, Travolta described the home’s design as a tribute to mid-century modern.  Note the private jet in the background – Travolta is an avid pilot and added a runway when his home was built.

Visit the Architectural Digest website to see a collection of pools belonging to celebrities of the past and present, including Jack Benny, Demi Moore, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jean Harlow, Sylvester Stallone and Esther Williams.  After all, what goes better together than movie stars and swimming pools?

An inground swimming pool is a great feature for any home.  One way to get the most out of your swimming pool and to add value to your home is by adding a pool deck.  A well-designed pool deck complements the home and yard.   Choosing the material is the first step in pool deck design.  There many types of materials available, including:

When deciding on the shape and size of your pool deck, take into account existing landscape in your yard and the path of the sun.   Then think about how you’ll be using the deck.  If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining, make a space for deck furniture and a grill.  Once you’ve made some basic decisions about your deck, it’s time to find a professional pool designer to create a final design.

Keep in mind these important pool safety tips when using your pool.