Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

While they may not be as common as their outdoor counterpart, indoor swimming pools can be a highly coveted luxury to affluent homebuyers. Whether youre a devoted swimmer or simply appreciate lounging on an inflatable at any time of year, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about this feature. If youre considering purchasing a home with an indoor swimming pool, here are just a few of the benefits you can look forward to.

1. Year-Round Exercise

It doesnt matter if its the middle of a blizzard or hurricane, you can still get a full body workout and enjoy the fact that your exercise routine will never be interrupted by inclement weather. As swimmers are likely already aware, this is the perfect activity to build strength and cardio abilities with low impact on your body. Who wouldnt want to do that year-round?

2. Private Wellness

These days, indoor swimming pools are often designed to feel like your own private wellness area. From striking glass walls that feel connected to nature and open up in the summer, to underground retreats that epitomize secluded serenity, an indoor pool is like having an oasis that you can escape to at any time.

3. Easy Maintenance

Because theyre protected from the elements, indoor pools typically require less maintenance and dont have to be cleaned as often as outdoor pools, which have a tendency of accumulating leaves and twigs.

4. Winter Pool Parties

When the temperatures get frigid and everyone feels like they could use a tropical vacation, the perfect antidote is inviting friends and family over for an afternoon of swimming and spending time together. Winter pool parties are a great activity that everyone will enjoy deep in the depths of the cold season.

5. No Winterizing

When the summer ends, outdoor pools need to be drained and closed for the year. Sometimes theyre damaged by weather or prolonged exposure to chemicals. However, with an indoor pool, you need not worry about any of that, meaning you can spend more time relaxing in the deep end and less time winterizing your pool.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The backyard serves a variety of purposes, from an outdoor entertaining area to a private oasis. If youre looking to do more than hang out by the pool this summer, it can also be the perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Here are several backyard features that are sure to get you off the lounge chair and moving around outside.

Sports Court
A versatile sports court is a favorite among homeowners who have enough space to build one. Typically, they can be used for playing both tennis and basketball, but the kids will also love having a backyard area where they can rollerblade, skateboard and ride their bikes. The best part is, theyre extremely low maintenance when installed correctly, so you wont have to worry about upkeep.

Chipping Area
For the golf enthusiasts who want to keep their short game sharp, theres nothing like having a putting green right in the backyard. If you want to take it a step further, however, theres no reason why you cant have a professionally designed chipping area. Some homeowners have even gone so far as adding a sand trap. While you can always use synthetic turf for the putting green, if you want the real thing youll need to grow the right type of grass and invest in a greens mower.

Paddle Tennis Court
If you cant get enough paddle tennis at the country club, why not build a court in your backyard? It requires significantly less space than a regular tennis court and is sure to provide the family with endless fun while staying active. You can even make it a year-round activity by installing a heating system underneath the court to melt away ice and snow during the colder months.

Kid-Friendly Features
Of course, you might be specifically looking for backyard features that will keep the kids active. A wooden playground complete with a swing set, monkey bars and slide is always an excellent choice for the little ones, but an in-ground trampoline is another fun option that will let them bounce out all of their energy each day.

Published with permission from RISMedia.