Great Summer Garden Ideas and Activities for the Family

Pool Maintenance

Swimming pools are amazing and provide a huge amount of fun for the family during the summer months, however to keep them in a healthy, usable condition they do take a fair amount of upkeep and maintenance. Here follows the most important of these:

Keeping Your Swimming Pool Clean

To maintain a clean and safe swimming pool, regular upkeep is essential. Over time, stagnant water in a pool can develop algae and slime, creating visible and hidden health issues.

Adding chemicals like chlorine to the water helps keep it hygienic and safe for use, much like the chlorine-treated water in public swimming pools.

While we can’t provide specific advice on chemical types or quantities, consulting a professional pool maintenance expert is highly recommended for proper guidance.

Filtration and pumping are equally important for cleanliness. A pump circulates water through a filtration system to remove dirt and debris, ensuring the pool stays fresh.

Many above-ground pools feature combined pump-and-filter units, simplifying installation and making maintenance more efficient and cost-effective compared to separate systems.

Pool Pumps

The key to an effective pool pump is getting the right horsepower. A pump that’s too powerful will move water through the filter too quickly, preventing proper cleaning. On the other hand, a pump with insufficient power won’t circulate the water effectively.

Here are some general guidelines for pump sizing:

• Pools with a circumference under 24 feet: Opt for a 1-horsepower pump.
• Pools with a circumference over 24 feet: A 1.5-horsepower pump is recommended.

However, these recommendations are only a basic guide, so always consult a pool expert to ensure the best choice. Additionally, verify that your pump is specifically designed for use with above-ground pools for optimal performance and compatibility.

Pool Filters

Pool filters play a crucial role in keeping your water clean by removing dirt and debris as it flows through the pump and filter system. Filters come in various types and sizes, typically matched to your pump and pool size by the manufacturer. Always confirm compatibility before purchase.

Here are the most common types of pool filters:

• Sand Filters: A popular and cost-effective choice, sand filters use pool-grade silica sand to trap debris. They effectively filter particles larger than 20 microns. To maintain efficiency, these filters require regular cleaning through backwashing.
• Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filters: Considered the most effective, D.E. filters trap particles as small as 1 micron using D.E. powder made from fossilised diatoms. These microscopic openings allow water to pass while capturing dirt. Regular cleaning, via backwashing or hosing, and periodic recharging of the D.E. powder are necessary.
• Cartridge Filters: These cylindrical filters, made from pleated polyester, provide a large surface area for trapping debris as small as 10 microns. Over time, blocked pores improve filtration of finer particles. Cartridges require regular cleaning with a hose or replacement when worn.

For added protection, cover your pool when not in use with a pool cover. Covers keep out leaves and airborne debris while helping retain heat, especially with a solar pool cover, ensuring the water stays warm and ready for use the next day.

Garden Trampolines

Kids love trampolines! Not only are they fun, but they’re also an excellent way to stay active. Bouncing on a trampoline provides a great cardio workout, comparable to skipping, but far more enjoyable. It’s a full-body exercise, engaging nearly every muscle, and just five minutes a day can contribute to fitness and weight loss—even for parents!

For children, trampolines help build strength and improve fitness while keeping them entertained for hours. It’s a win-win, you’ll struggle to get them off it!

When choosing a trampoline, consider the size and shape that best fits your needs. A smaller model may quickly be outgrown, while a larger one, like a 14-foot trampoline, might offer lasting enjoyment.

Also, assess your garden space—would a 12-foot model provide the same fun while leaving more room?

Trampolines come in various shapes, including oval, square, and rectangular, in addition to the traditional circular design.

While non-circular trampolines may cost a bit more, they can offer better bounce dynamics and fit your space more effectively. It’s worth exploring these options to find the perfect fit for your family and garden.

Trampoline Safety Tips

While trampolines are great fun, safety is crucial to prevent accidents. Without proper safety features, users risk falling and injuring themselves.

As shown in the image below, trampolines with safety nets provide essential protection, preventing falls and accidents during use.

A hard fall from a trampoline could be as dangerous as falling from 10 feet, potentially causing sprains, fractures, or breaks. Most trampolines include a safety net, but if not, they can be purchased separately from DIY stores or specialist suppliers.

To enhance safety, consider these additional tips:

• Block Access Underneath: Install netting around the frame to prevent access underneath, where someone could get accidentally hurt during a bounce.
• Clear the Surrounding Area: Ensure there are no nearby trees, fences, or walls that users could bounce into.
• Cover the Springs: If not already included, buy a spring cover to avoid injuries from the powerful springs.
• Pad the Net Supports: Protect the upright metal poles supporting the safety net with padding to reduce injury risk.

Finally, always anchor your trampoline to prevent tipping over, especially when uneven weight is applied.

With these safety precautions, you can relax and enjoy watching your kids bounce safely, knowing they’re having fun without the risk of injury.

Sunken Trampolines

Yes, you can sink a trampoline into the ground, but it’s not as simple as digging a hole. The process requires careful planning and effort.

To sink a 12-foot trampoline, you’ll need a mini digger and a few skips for removing the earth, you’ll be surprised just how much you remove!

Be aware, it can be a very expensive and time-consuming process to dig a hole that large.

Another challenge is the trampoline’s bounce. When a trampoline is in the ground, the air that normally helps with the bounce is trapped, reducing the bounce and making it feel less responsive, however this can be solved:

• Leave an Air Gap: Leave a 12-inch gap around the trampoline to allow air to escape and maintain bounce. However, this can cause safety issues like children falling in or items being lost. A fence or netting around the gap can help keep it safe.
• Piped Ventilation: Install large drainage pipes around the hole to vent air and preserve bounce. This method avoids the safety risks associated with an air gap.

Drainage

When sinking a trampoline, proper drainage is crucial. Without it, the hole can collect water, leading to stagnant pools that attract pests and cause rust in the trampoline frame.

The best solution is to install a French Drain at the base of the hole to redirect water away. For step-by-step instructions, check our French Drain installation guide here.

To learn more about how French Drains work, see our what is a French drain project here.

Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is essential for sunken trampolines. It holds back the surrounding earth, preventing soil from collapsing into the hole.

For best results, build the wall using bricks or blocks, following the method outlined in our retaining wall guide here.

While sinking a trampoline is possible, it’s not ideal due to the complexity, cost (typically £1500+), and potential performance issues. If you choose to proceed, plan carefully and consider all the factors mentioned above.

Games for the Garden in the UK

Transforming your garden into a fun-filled space for games is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether with family, friends, or during gatherings.

Choosing the right games not only adds entertainment but also encourages physical activity and social bonding.

Here follows some fantastic garden game ideas suitable for UK gardens of all sizes.

Traditional Lawn Games

Classic lawn games like croquet, boules, or skittles are ideal for all ages and family members.

Croquet sets are widely available and easy to set up on a flat lawn, offering hours of competitive fun.

Boules, also known as pétanque, requires minimal space and is perfect for patios or grassy areas.

Skittles bring the excitement of bowling to your garden, and the game is simple to set up and play.

Active Games for Kids and Adults

Games that encourage physical activity are excellent for keeping both kids and adults entertained. If your lawn area allows, set up a mini football pitch with portable goals or create a badminton court using a simple net and lightweight rackets.

For younger children, games like ring toss, sack races, or hopscotch are easy to arrange and keep little ones engaged for hours.

Giant Garden Games

Supersized versions of classic games add a fun twist to outdoor activities and can be played by any family member of any age.

Consider giant Jenga, where players take turns removing wooden blocks without toppling the tower, Giant chess or checkers can double as a decorative feature while providing strategic challenges.

Giant Connect 4 and snakes and ladders also come in oversized garden versions, as does Pick Up Sticks and other similar games, making them great for parties and family events.

Water-Based Games

In warmer, sunnier weather, water games add refreshing fun to the garden and can entertain family members of all ages.

Set up a paddling pool for children or arrange a water balloon fight for all ages.

If you have a large lawn area, slip-and-slide mats are another popular choice, providing hours of laughter on sunny days. Just ensure you supervise young children around water activities for safety!

DIY and Custom Games

If you’re inspired, unleash your creativity by making your own garden games.

Paint a few stones to create a tic-tac-toe board on the lawn or build a DIY ring toss game using wooden pegs and hoops.

A scavenger hunt is another fun option, allowing participants to explore the garden while searching for hidden treasures.

If you have time and a little DIY knowledge, then you can make pretty much make all of the above games yourself.

Incorporating games and entertainment into your garden ensures it becomes a space where fun and relaxation come together. Tailor your choices to suit the size of your garden, the ages of participants, and the type of event you’re hosting. With a little planning, your garden can become the go-to place for outdoor entertainment in the UK.