Buying new or existing homes Archives - Scottsdale Real Estate Team / Arizona Luxury Homes

Creating Privacy in your Yard by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 30, 2020 Joe Szabo

As the summer of 2020 carries on, families and friends alike are spending more time in their own backyards. From intimate family time to responsible social gatherings, comfortable outdoor spaces with adequate privacy have never been more prevalent.

Whether you are looking to block out the neighbors, hide an unappealing view, or chisel out a dedicated space in your backyard, creating privacy can be a challenge. The good news is there are many solutions depending on the space and your needs. From pergolas and freestanding canopies to hedges and privacy fences, discover all the ways to create a secluded hangout space. Here are a few ideas for creating some private spaces in your backyard, rooftop, or balcony.

1. Fence It!

When it comes to outdoor privacy, wood fences are a practical necessity. There are a variety of species to choose from, ranging from light to dark, and just as many style choices. Wooden fencing not only enhances backyard privacy – it also enhances the overall design. Compared to other materials, wooden fencing can be cost-effective and long-lasting with routine maintenance. For additional privacy in their backyard, the homeowners also installed a versatile freestanding canopy.

2. Use a Hedge

A tall hedge provides as much privacy as fences. In fact, it’s known as a living fence. While trees usually create a sense of traditional look to an exterior, hedges are often synonymous with a modern flair. A hedge often reaches higher than a fence for even more screening. This privacy landscaping idea provides year-round screening for homeowners. Where space may be tight, fast-growing evergreens or a sheared private hedge can provide a simple solution for separating joined yards or blocking sight lines out of the kitchen window.

3. Privacy Panels

A short wire fence encloses this backyard and a wooden lattice screen is erected at the back of the pergola, adding architectural interest and creating privacy. Privacy screens are normally made from lattice, shutter-like louvered wood panels or sections of ornamental iron. They have anchoring posts that can be set into the ground, enclosing a cozy corner while preserving desirable views. Wooden screens may not provide complete privacy, however, they add that visual interest to a landscape and allow natural light and breezes in.

4. Draw the Curtains

Just like curtains in your bedroom conceal what’s inside, outdoor curtains will also work like a charm in your backyard. The curtains on this pergola help block the neighbors’ view as well as add to the exterior design of the space. Provided by ShadeFX, these outdoor curtains are available in different styles and colors, which means you can pick ones that blend seamlessly into your outdoor décor, or pick a color with pop as a focal feature.

5. Grow a Garden

Going natural with a mix of ornamental trees and grass is a great alternative to create a bit of privacy while adding a pop of color. If you are lucky enough to have space in your backyard like this residential project, you’re really only limited by your budget. It’s a good idea to check with a nursery or landscape professional to see what combination of trees, grass, and tall-growing flowers might be best to fit your needs. If you have a small balcony, you can use potted trees or plants to easily block off your space.

6. Add Retractable Shade

It may seem farfetched, but retractable canopies provide plenty of privacy from second-story windows, particularly those of neighboring houses. Of course, you also gain protection from sun and rain, as well as an attractive addition to your pergola, trellis or outdoor structure. This backyard has a ShadeFX custom structure and a retractable shade attached to the house.

Sunshine and warm temperatures continually invite you and your loved ones to spend entire days outdoors. It is important that you be able to enjoy endless hours in your backyard without worrying about too much exposure to the sun or curious onlookers.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

7 Great Pool Shade Ideas by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 28, 2020 Joe Szabo

When you think of a pool, it’s natural to think of sunshine. Pools are a hallmark of the summer months, keeping families and homeowners outdoors and entertained during hot and sunny weather. For more and more pool lovers, grabbing a bit of shade is becoming a priority. Whether it’s from concern over UV exposure, a need to find some respite from the hot midday sun, or simply to avoid a sunburn, many pool owners are turning to shade solutions for their pools.

Installing a shade structure over pool can deliver a range of benefits beyond UV protection and relief from the rays. Today’s shade structures can be great aesthetic additions to a pool, giving you a bit of ambiance and style. And with well-structured, large-scale permanent structures, you’ll also be adding value to your home. Let’s take a look at the seven best pool shade ideas:

1. Shade Sails

Shade sails are increasingly popular options that give a truly modern look to a pool. These interestingly shaped sails can be placed in an array of unique angles, giving a pool a very edgy and modern look. The downside of shade sails is that they can give inconsistent shade (requiring several shades to cover an entire section of a pool) and because they have to resist high winds, can be surprisingly expensive.

2. Pergolas

A pergola can provide ambient shade with just the right amount of filtered light over a pool. Placing a pergola over one end of a pool can also create a great, visual centerpiece. Today’s pergolas are made from quality woods and add value to your home, provided you know what to specify. Read our guide on pergola building materials for more information.

3. Retractable Shade Canopies

Pool Shade Ideas Retractable Canopies — ShadeFX by Wizard Industries

Retractable shade canopies are probably the most comprehensive shade solution for a pool, capable of delivering reliable sun protection to an entire section of a pool with ease. These large canopies run across the pool along beams spanned between support posts on each side of the pool, giving homeowners an easy and very stylish way to shade a pool. The retractable option is a necessity. Otherwise, you might as well have an indoor pool.

4. Umbrellas

Sometimes the traditional answers are the best. Freestanding umbrellas, such as the ones that have provided shade by pools for decades now, are a great option for those who want flexible and moveable shade. An umbrella placed on the side of the pool can provide a modicum of shade for those in the water and out and homeowners can place them wherever they like, adjusting them with the movement of the sun throughout the day. The downside is they look unseemly when closed.

5. Cantilevers

Pool Shade Ideas Cantilevered — WeatherSafe

Cantilevers are shade structures similar to canopies that use just a single support structure on one side. Support posts are driven into the cement around the pool; horizontal, with a canopy, extend over the pool from these vertical support posts, providing shade for poolside guests and those in the water.

6. Retractable Enclosures

A large-scale solution that offers a good deal of flexibility and that might have appeal for many homeowners is a retractable enclosure. These enclosures are skeletal structures constructed from a series of arched trusses that nest into each other when retracted. Retractable shades run between each section of the enclosure, providing as much or as little shade as homeowners want any moment of the day.

7. Poolside Freestanding Structures

For those who don’t want to shade the pool itself but still want a refuge from the sun, a shade pergola can be a good option. You can place one of these freestanding structures right next to a pool, placing lounge chairs and other outdoor accessories in it to create a relaxing enclave. Enjoy as much sun as you like on the water, then retreat to this comfortable and shady spot to enjoy conversation, relaxation, and even drinks with family and friends.

Whether you are looking for a lightweight answer such as a shade sail or a more permanent option such as a pergola, you have a wide array of options available to you today. Look for shade options that use the latest technology in terms of material, so that you get the greatest value and a shade solution that protects you from harmful UV rays well into the future.

Don’t Lose Your Cool with High AC Bill by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 23, 2020 Joe Szabo

This time of year all many of us can think about is keeping cool. But escaping the searing heat that blankets entire swathes of the country comes at a cost. But where does a person turn for help making decisions about cooling off when it seems like everyone has something to sell? Roofs, windows, air conditioning systems, insulation — companies making and selling these products all have their claims about cooling and energy savings. And how do you separate fact from myth when it comes to adages about keeping a home cool and keeping a lid on the utility bill?

Fortunately a couple of experts weighed in for NBC BETTER with some tips for how you can keep cool and carry on this summer. Lauren Urbanek is a senior program advocate, Center for Energy Efficiency Standards, Climate & Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. And Robert Daguillard is a spokesperson for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They helped us break down some cooling essentials.

Start with your windows

It sounds basic, Urbanek said, but “if sun comes in through your windows it’s going to make your house warm. Using things like window coverings to their full advantage in the middle of the day [can] keep your house cooler by keeping that sunlight from coming in, particularly if you are gone during day, and in rooms that face west or south.”

Anybody else’s grandma do that back before air conditioning was ubiquitous? She knew what was what.

So what’s best for window covering? Looking for a product like a thermal curtain that’s designed for that purpose is generally a pretty safe bet, Urbanek said. “The idea is to keep the light and heat from coming through.” That could even mean having a thicker curtain vs. something sheer. Of course, there are also thermal shades (we use those on south and west-facing windows and they make a dramatic difference), actual blackout curtains, even interior shutters.

Yeah, you might be giving up light and a view, but isn’t it nice to be cool?

Hot air is likely coming in from everywhere

If you were to add up all the little cracks and places in your house where warm air gets in, the average house would have a hole the size of a basketball, Urbanek said. “If you had a basketball-sized hole in your wall you’d take care of it right away.” What people often don’t know, she said, is how many places you can have hot air coming in: think around windows, door frames, and crawl spaces, even around recessed lights.

If you were to add up all the little cracks and places in your house where warm air gets in, the average house would have a hole the size of a basketball.

A great resource for finding all those little culprits, she said, is your local utility company. Many can provide a home energy audit and some even offer rebates if you take their advice. “You get a professional to do some diagnostic testing and they will give you a list, generally with information about what makes the most sense to invest in,” she said. (Don’t wait; I called mine weeks ago and the soonest they could come is mid-August.)

Insulation is key year-round

All those beautiful photos you can find on Pinterest of glorious exposed rafters notwithstanding, insulation is a must, Urbankek said. She lives in a century-old house herself, and although “it’s not something fun to spend money on — even as somebody who knew this was the right thing,” adding insulation to the walls and attic was one of her first priorities. “It’s not as fun as new countertop but it will save you money and make you more comfortable in your house.”

How exactly does insulation work? “The way thermodynamics work is heat flows from a hotter place to a cooler place,” Urbanek explained. “Not having insulation means heat is seeping into your house and your air conditioner is having to work a lot harder.”

Or, to use the words of the insulation contractor who came to our house to take thermal images, “heat is screaming in through your ceiling.”

When and how to run your air conditioner

It’s an age-old debate: is it better to leave your air running all day so the house stays cool and it doesn’t have to work so hard to get back down to a comfy temperature? Or should you set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re not home?

It’s all about equilibrium, Urbanek said. “Heat is going to flow from a hotter environment to a cooler one. So in this case the heat will want to come from outside into your nice cool house. If you set your thermostat higher so it’s warmer in day there’s going to be less airflow. If it’s 85 out and you set it to 65, the air conditioner has to work harder. Now if you set it to 78 during the day and set it back [lower] when you get home it may have to work a little harder and run longer … but at the same time it’s not going to be running all day.”

This also speaks to importance of a programmable thermostat, she said. “That allows you to set your temperatures and forget about it.” This is another area to check with your utility company to see if they have thermostat rebates, she said. Of course what’s really nice is a wifi thermostat you can control with your phone so you can cool your house before you get back home.

A better way to beat the heat

One of the simplest solutions of all, Urbanek said, is to focus more on what the air feels like than the actual temperature. “If you have ceiling fans make sure you’re using them — and the right way, making sure the direction is set correctly. As you’re standing under it looking up, it should be running counterclockwise … it pulls cooler air from ground and blows it back on you.” Just the air from the fan “on your skin can make a room feel ten degrees cooler,” she said. And no need to run it if the room is empty, she added. “It does nothing but use energy.”

Best Ways to Clean Up Pet Gifts Left on The Carpet by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 21, 2020 Joe Szabo

Many pet owners are faced with the challenge of cleaning up a mess (or a special surprise) from their adored pet. This can be frustrating to say the least. But alas there are methods and substances that can rid the odor acquainted with these types of accidents, and remove the carpet stains entirely. Here are some tips to remove pet stains from carpet:

First, clean up the initial mess. If there is debris on the carpet, pick it up with gloves and dispose of it. If it is wet, simply use the blot method to soak up the moisture without smearing or rubbing. Blot repeatedly until the carpet is almost dry to the touch and carpet stain is removed.
In the event the stain has already dried on the carpet fibers, the best way to treat this type of carpet stain is to moisten it. Then apply a carpet stain cleaning product specifically formulated for pet stains.
To neutralize the odor and spot, you may need to try several different tactics. Try using white vinegar (you may also substitute white vinegar for white wine) to perform this action. Simply mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with a quart of warm water and spritz on the stain. Allow the vinegar spray to soak for several minutes and then proceed with the blot technique until stain is gone and spot is dry.
Another method that can rid pet stains effectively from carpet is to mix a quart of water with a stain-fighting laundry detergent in a spray bottle, then spray it on the spot. Allow this mixture to soak for a few minutes, then blot, rinse with warm water, and repeat as necessary.

Clean the Inside of Your Fridge with these Helpful Tips by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 16, 2020 Joe Szabo

Don’t be afraid — cleaning a refrigerator (and keeping it clean) isn’t a herculean task if you follow these tips:

Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge. This no-rinse formula is a degreaser that prevents mold and mildew. Wipe down the entire refrigerator with this solution, including the drawers and shelves.
To prevent grease and odor buildup on top of the refrigerator after you’ve cleaned it, just buff some paste wax into the surface.
Use toothpaste to remove tough stains. It contains a gentle abrasive and has a pleasant odor.
To get those dust bunnies out from under the refrigerator, remove the grill and run a yardstick covered with a pair of pantyhose underneath. Also check the pan of water under the unit, since it can hold unpleasant-smelling water.
To combat household odors, fill a clean old sock with activated charcoal from an aquarium store, tie a knot in the top and place it in the back of the refrigerator. This will last a month or two, depending on the size of your refrigerator and how heavily you use it.
For a faster fix for odors, sprinkle vanilla extract on some cotton balls, place in a shallow dish and put in the refrigerator. Orange extract also works.
Eliminate lingering odors in your vegetable bins by putting a crumpled piece of a brown paper grocery bag inside and leaving it for 48 hours. The paper will absorb the odor.
Check for adequate tightness of the insulating seam around the door by placing a lighted flashlight inside the refrigerator and closing the door. Turn off the lights in the room (this should be done at night) and see if any light escapes from the seams. This will help you pinpoint any leaks.
If you don’t keep your refrigerator full, fill a large bottle (at least a gallon) with water and leave it in the refrigerator. It helps keep the refrigerator cool and running efficiently.
Keep your refrigerator at 37 degrees.

How to Clean a Dishwasher by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 14, 2020 Joe Szabo

It might seem strange to worry about how to clean your dishwasher. After all, it’s an appliance with a job of washing dishes. But these handy machines need routine cleaning just like your other kitchen appliances. That’s because the door attracts fingerprints every time you load it with dirty dishes, and the interior (especially the corners and crevices) accumulates residue comprised of food particles, grease, and soap scum. Not only do these deposits look bad, they eventually begin to make your dishwasher stink because of bacteria that thrives in warm, moist, and dark places. Cleaning your dishwasher doesn’t take much and doesn’t need to be done very often. In fact, monthly cleaning can keep your dishwasher looking like new and running well.

Step 1: Clean the Door

Keep the dishwasher door fingerprint-free by wiping the outside with warm, sudsy water. Or use a homemade dishwasher cleaner. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 quart of water. Avoid harsh cleansers or too-tough scouring pads that might scratch the dishwasher’s finish. When the door is clean, wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Wipe away tricky fingerprints and smudges with a little rubbing alcohol on a soft, dry cloth.

Open the dishwasher door so you can get at its top and sides. Dip a small toothbrush in hot, soapy water, and scrub around the door. Make sure you dig into the grooves of the rubber seal and any other crevices, including the hinges. This step might require gentle scrubbing with abrasive cleanser if there is a lot of buildup. Wipe up the resulting grime with a household sponge dipped in hot soapy water. Wipe away any cleaning solution left behind with a clean, wet sponge.

Step 2: Clean the Tub

Before you start cleaning the tub, use a handful of paper towels to grab any debris from the base of the dishwasher. You’ll find most of the debris around the drain.

Once the debris is removed, you’ll want to run a cycle to clean the dishwasher. (It should be run empty.) You can use one of several DIY dishwasher cleaners. Here’s how to clean a dishwasher with vinegar: simply set a dishwasher-safe cup of plain white vinegar on the top rack. Then run a full cycle, choosing the hottest water possible to disinfect the unit while it’s being cleaned. When the cycle is done, wipe out the inside of the dishwasher with paper towels or a clean, dry cloth.

In place of vinegar, you can put a packet of unsweetened lemonade mix in the soap cup. Learn how to clean your dishwasher with baking soda, too, by sprinkling a cup of it on the bottom of the tub. For either method, run a complete cycle using the hottest water possible. Each will help clean and freshen your dishwasher.

Step 3: Clean the Accessories and Parts

Next, clean the dishwasher accessories and parts. Take out the racks and utensil holders. Wipe off any stuck-on food particles or other debris. Scrub the spray arm with a soft brush or toothbrush to remove clogs.

Step 4: Clean the Filter

To access the dishwasher filter, pull the bottom rack all the way out. The filter is usually located in one of the bottom, back corners of the appliance. If your filter is removable, twist to remove it from the dishwasher and rinse under hot running water to remove food particles and other debris. Wipe out the area beneath the filter inside the dishwasher with a damp cloth, sponge, or toothbrush. Once clean, add the clean dishwasher filter back into place.

Note that filters vary greatly across appliances. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to clean your dishwasher filter. (Don’t have the manual? Many manufacturers have them available on their websites.)

Step 5: Tackle Rust Stains

Depending upon your water source and the state of your pipes, you might see mineral or rust stains inside your dishwasher. Check the laundry detergent section of your home center for products that remove rust stains from clothing or appliances. Place the product into the soap dispenser cup in your dishwasher and sprinkle some freely on the bottom. Run the empty dishwasher through a complete cleaning cycle.

Since the source of rust stains is systemic (e.g. your water comes from a private well or your home’s pipes are rusty), you will likely need to repeat this process on a regular basis unless you take care of the problems at their source. You might also want to ask a plumbing contractor to install a filter that can help with rust control.

Step 6: Eliminate Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

Depending on the type of water you have, your dishwasher may be susceptible to hard water deposits or mineral buildup. Cleaning with lemon can work wonders. Place a cup of lemon juice in the top rack or basket of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. The acidic lemon juice will work to remove hard water spots and iron buildup.

The best way to clean a dishwasher is by doing a thorough cleaning once a month and tackling smudges and splatters on the exterior as they happen.

Let’s Talk Dishwashers by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 9, 2020 Joe Szabo

Dishwasher designs continue to improve as manufacturers offer an ever-growing selection of dependable energy-efficient machines at every price point. Review dishwasher features and buying tips before purchasing a new model for your kitchen. Whether standing idle or in operation, dishwashers serve a kitchen well. They rinse, clean, and dry plates and glasses, but also provide a handy cache for stashing dirty dishes and cookware when food prep or a party is underway.

Interior capacity (calculated by the number of place settings that fit inside) is tied to model size and doesn’t increase with higher prices. Standard dishwashers measure 24 inches wide and accommodate between 12 and 15 place settings; compact models measure 18 inches wide and hold eight or nine place settings. Both sizes are available as built-in units or as portable versions (including convertible models that also work as built-ins). Portable dishwashers can be positioned wherever there’s extra space and rolled to connect with a faucet when needed. Dishwasher drawers measure 24 inches wide and are sold singly or as a pair of independently operating dishwashers, with each drawer handling six or seven place settings. Countertop dishwashers, measuring 17 inches high, are designed to slide beneath upper cabinets, attach to a faucet, and clean six place settings.

Available in bisque, black, white, silver, and stainless-steel finishes, basic-to-best dishwasher categories deliver attractive options that advance contemporary to classic decorating styles.

In fact, when it comes to dishwashers, higher prices don’t necessarily signify increased value for your dollar; even basic models are equipped with energy-efficient systems and desirable cleaning and loading options.

Home Quarantine Prep-Tips if You Need to Stay at Home by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 7, 2020 Joe Szabo

Quarantining yourself at home means staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you have developed, or been exposed to, an infectious disease, until the infectious period of the illness is over, or until you know that you have not contracted an illness to which you have been exposed. Quarantine helps to slow the spread of infection across a population. These coping tips are listed as a guide only. More disease-specific details will be provided by your doctor. You may be asked to stay at home until at least seven days after the onset of symptoms or after you were first exposed to someone with the disease. Your doctor will tell you exactly when your quarantine can safely end.

Have a home quarantine plan in place You will find it easier to cope with quarantine if you are prepared for its possibility. Practical suggestions for every household include: Anticipate at least seven to 10 days in isolation at home. Try to have a two-week supply of non-perishable food items in the pantry. Stock long-life alternatives to perishable food items, such as powdered and milk, shelf-stable fruit, and frozen vegetables. Have a supply of disposable tissues, antibacterial wipes, and latex gloves.

Check that your first aid kit includes a thermometer and pain meds (to reduce fever). Make sure you have enough of any prescription and non-prescription medication you need to last a couple of weeks. Talk with friends and relatives who don’t live with you about supporting each other if one household has to be quarantined. For example, agree to drop groceries or other supplies at the front door. Family quarantine at home If a family member has an infection and everyone in the household is quarantined, suggestions include: All family members should stay home. Do not allow any visitors. Only one adult should look after the sick person. It is best if the carer is not pregnant because a pregnant woman is at increased risk of complications from many infections.

Try to keep the sick person away from other members of the household. For example, they should stay in their bedroom with the door closed, and they should not share a bedroom. If the sick person needs to share a common area with other people, they should try to stay three feet or more from other people to reduce the spread of illness, and wear a facemask. Arrange for the sick person to have exclusive use of one bathroom (if your house has more than one bathroom). Keep the sick person’s items separate from everyone else’s. For example, don’t share towels or eating utensils, or store toothbrushes in the same holder. Use disinfectant to clean items touched by the sick person, such as bedside tables and bathroom surfaces.

Providing Quick Shade for your Pet by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

June 30, 2020 Joe Szabo

As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of factors that could create or become health concerns for your pet and then take steps to ensure they’re not in danger. With summer comes all sorts of hazards for dogs and cats, from an increase in the possibility of coming into contact with parasites to poisonous plants and problems associated with heat, just to name a few. Whether you leave your dogs outside all day while you’re at work or even for just a few hours at a time, it’s critical that you provide them with shade throughout the day. If you don’t have any trees, and for whatever reason, you can’t build a DIY sunshade, consider purchasing a portable lanai of sorts.

Puppywalk Green Breezy Ultra

If you take a quick visual stroll around Amazon, you can find a few examples of shade-bearing devices with dogs in mind. One of them is called the Puppywalk Green Breezy Ultra, and it’s perfect for creating a cool shady place for dogs. Made from sturdy weather-resistant canvas, the elevated bed or hammock keeps your pet off the ground away from fleas and ticks, while allowing for circulating airflow, and the canvas awning overhead shields them from the sun’s harsh rays. The fabric is quick drying and can be washed easily with a garden hose. At only 24 lbs., it measures 48 x 39 x 39 inches and is strong enough to hold dogs weighing up to 100 lbs. (There’s one bad review for this product on Amazon here, but the product in so unique, I still thought it and the next item worthy of highlighting.)

K&H Manufacturing Pet Cot Canopy

Another choice along the same lines comes from K&H Manufacturing. Their Pet Cot Canopies follow the same principal as Kittywalk’s, but in this case they more closely resemble a dome tent, and you have to buy the cot and dome separately. You can choose between sizes small, medium and large for both, and the cots are said to hold dogs up to 150 lbs. The domes generally run under $20, but the cots vary considerably. When purchased together, though, depending on the size of the cot, they can still be cheaper than the Kittywalk shade beds, but I can’t attest to equal or lesser quality.

Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Pet Shade with Elevated Mesh Bed

Here’s another choice in elevated beds with a sunscreen. Quik Shade’s covered bed is said to have a sturdy frame that locks into place, ensuring your dog can’t collapse it when jumping on it. The bed is mesh, for even more airflow, and it comes in four different colors. It comes in three sizes and even includes a carrying case, if you want to take it with you camping or out of town.

10 Best Floating Pool Lights & Underwater Pool Lights by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

June 25, 2020 Joe Szabo

Pool lights are a trend that’s been sweeping the U.S and Europe for quite some time and it’s easy to see why. Adding lights to your pool not only makes it more attractive and has the benefit of giving you the ability to see in low light conditions but it also has a number of other benefits that can prove useful to the pool owner.

Some of the benefits of these light include enhancing and defining architectural elements, extending the use of the pool for you and your family into the evening hours, creating a bubble of light that can make the pool area and surrounding yard safer to use, can be used as a mood enhancing element and enhance water effects such as spas and waterfalls.

Because these lights have become popular, they now come in a variety of different forms. There are underwater led lights and floating pool lights. There are types of lighting that hang over the pool and there are spotlight lamps which only light up a particular portion of the swimming area.

Of course, the more variety you have in pool lighting, the harder it can be to choose a model that fits your needs and your budget. Which is why I’ve decided to write this guide. It will detail the best options you have when it comes to lighting for your pool and will tell you how to find a model that will make you happy every time you go out to swim.

Floating Pool Lights & Underwater Pool Lights

1LOFTEK LED Light Ball With Remote Control

If you’re looking for a lighting option that allows you to not only add light to your pool where you need it but also add some color, then the LOFTEK LED Light Ball might be a viable option. This 16-inch ball can be lit in 16 different RGB color and has four different lighting modes.

It can be used to add a splash of color to one portion of the pool or several of them can be used to create a party atmosphere. And with its enclosed remote control, you can control it from quite a distance away. It’s a light up ball that can be lit for 12 hours at a time on a single charge and only takes about 4-hours to completely recharge.

2Intex LED Pool Wall Light

The Intex LED Pool Wall Light is a good option for pool owners who own metal pools. The side on the inside of the pool delivers 50-watts of halogen light to the pool, while the other part of the light is plugged in outside the pool and transmits the energy needed to power the light safely through the pool wall.

It’s a cool, innovative and safe way to light up your pool. The light will float harmlessly once it has been discontinued from its power source and the whole unit is easier to use than battery-powered models. It’s a lighting option that will provide the light you need for swimming and playing pool games.

3Main Access 13-Inch Floating LED Light

This ball light is designed to place the light you need where you need it. It features a waterproof design that allows it to easily float in your pool and can be set to display a number of colors. Not quite round, its ellipsis design will also add a unique note to your pool’s atmosphere and can be set with the push of a button on the wireless remote.

It takes about five hours to charge this device and it can last about ten hours before it needs to be recharged again. This LED ball is an easy solution to add light, atmosphere, and mood to your next pool party or family gathering.

4Topist Submersible 10 LED Lights For Pools & Ponds

The Topist Submersible LED Light For Pools & Ponds is a pack of 10 led lights that can be used in and around your pool or pond. These units are completely submersible and can be programmed to display a variety of RGB colors, change the light levels or set it to flash, fade, smooth or strobe settings.

Pool areas aren’t the only areas where you can place these lights. You can also place them into aquariums, flower vases or any other place you want to light up with a colorful light. It’s a great and inexpensive solution for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their lives.

5Mood Light Garden Deco Balls

This 12 pack of 3-inch balls are a great solution for lighting pools, ponds, aquariums or any other aquatic environment you want to add a burst of light and color. They can be set to one of 7 solid colors or can be set to transition through all of the colors—one after another.

They are completely waterproof and are equipped with replaceable batteries that contain low levels of mercury. Other uses for these swimming pool lights include using them to light a darkened path, lighting up table centerpieces or use them in place of candles for a night time party or dinner.

6Intex Floating Battery-Operated LED Light

This led pool light is designed to be used in small in-ground pools or for above grounds pools up to eighteen feet in diameter. While this unit doesn’t give off a ton of light, it does give off a nice color that can add atmosphere to just about any pool or pond. If you want a solution for larger pool models, you can also buy several of these and use them all at one time.

These units use 4 AAA batteries, which have to be purchased separately and have a 2-hour automatic shut off feature. If you’re looking for a simple lighting solution, then this unit may prove useful to you.

7Dragonfly LED floating Lotus Light

The Dragonfly LED floating Lotus Light is the perfect solution for someone who is looking to add a romantic flair to their pool or pond or merely wants a lighting solution that’s unique and different from other lighting solutions. These warm and romantic lights are made for both indoor and outdoor use and are completely waterproof.

These color changing have no flame and dispense no heat, so they can be used just about anywhere candles can or can’t be used. It’s a great solution for home use and also for weddings, parties or any other special event where a unique lighting solution is needed.

8GAME Solar Underwater Light Show

Are you tired of having to replace your batteries in your pool light every other week just to keep a festive atmosphere going? If so, then the GAME Solar Underwater Light Show might be the solution you’ve been looking for all of this time.

This light can be used both in and out of the water and can fully charge with just 8-hours of daylight—even if it’s partly cloudy. When the sun goes down, this unit then automatically comes on and puts on a show that will really set the mood. Thanks to its ultra bright LED lights, it can put out a 10-foot display of disco-effect lighting.

9Generic Le Magic Solar Powered Color LED

The Generic Le Magic Solar Powered Color LED is a night light that’s powered completely by the sun and can be placed in your swimming pool, garden pool, spa, pond or courtyard. During the day, it absorbs the power of the sun and stores it so that when night finally comes it can come on as a nightlight.

It only requires 6-hours of sunlight to be fully charged and will provide hours of light for your party or swimming session. These color changing lights will add atmosphere to just about any occasion. It’s a solution that seems perfect for people who don’t want to mess with battery-operated units.

10Superdream Solar Power Floating Lotus Flower Accent Light

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the beauty and serenity of lotus candles floating upon the water but don’t want to worry about the fire hazard? Well, then the Superdream Solar Power Floating Lotus Flower Accent Light might be the lighting solution you desire.

This solar powered light will give twelve hours of continuous light if left to charge for at least 8-hours in direct sunlight. It doesn’t need batteries, candles or any electricity whatsoever and its long-life bulb will deliver at least twenty thousand hours of service. It’s a good solution for adding ambiance to pools, ponds or any other body of water you want to add atmosphere.