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Picking out pool furniture is similar to designing the patio or outdoor porch; you need to think of the outdoors, weather, quality, and maintenance along with design. The only difference may be the “floating on water requirements” you would like to do with such things as life rafts and loungers! Make sure they can hold up to the sun, chemicals from the splashing pool water, and they need to be functional: strong, comfortable, and easy to store when swimming season is over.
When ordering table sets, make sure the table has a shade umbrella hooked to it, so when you are enjoying snacks or drinks you can get away from the sun for a short time. The chairs should have high strength fabric that is colorfast, resistance to soiling, and resistance to wear and tear. Make sure there are footpads for resistance on slick surfaces and hard decks. Some have a locking device the safely secures the seat pad into a safe position, which should be a standard device for all pool furniture. When I look back on the “good old days” when we had a big old gray tub and a faced umbrella along for our high-class pool furniture, along with a picnic basket full of leftovers for all of us, I compare it to the new furniture styles of today. You can pool furniture today that makes many living room sets look obsolete: aluminum, wicker, rattan, wrought iron, teak, and cedar. Moreover, some styles can have a combination of different materials such as metal and wood. Regardless of the difference between then and now, pool furniture should be durable due to where they will be located and how they will be used, which also brings in water resistant and sun damage resistance. Pool furniture can be purchased either as separate pieces or as a complete set. It is a personal choice and depends on the look you want. Some people have the ability to mix and match with design ability, while for others it is just as easy to go into a place and say, “I’ll take that set.” But some of the old looks are still there. The is the ol’ umbrella but today it is usually mounted into the table for sun protection. These vinyl umbrellas have aluminum poles while some of the fancier ones have an Asian-inspired wood look that has woven fabric. These sets sometimes are from the same material as the separate pieces, but are just available in a group for combined décor and style. |