Like every other area of consumerism, the world of residential outdoor living spaces was affected by the declining economy and stock market crashes of 2008. No doubt about it -– 2008 was a rough and rocky year. Let’s look at the top stories and events that influenced the world just outside our doors in 2008.
During the summer, staycations become the holidays of necessity, as many would-be travelers have little choice but to stay at or near home due to the sagging U.S. economy and record-breaking gas prices. Staycationers didn't need to any farther than their own backyards or outdoor living spaces for a change of pace.More »
With a succession of bad and badder news in 2008, there are a few bright spots. Inspired by the creative headgear on display at the Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival in New York City, I envisioned a trend for those whose outdoor living space it limited. Yes, you, too, can enjoy the pleasures of patio culture and landscaping even if you have no yard to speak of. There's always your head -- and what better way to announce it's spring than to proudly parade your personal eden atop your noggin. Nobody can accuse you of trespassing, and, as with the city's buildings, the sky's the limit for your head-based paradise.More »
•The Economy Takes a Perilous Dive
No need to elaborate-- it's on every other "top news of 2008" list. The financial crisis was and is big news directly affecting at least a few of the other issues that made this list. Read on.More »•The Pool & Spa Safety Act: One Year Later
The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act: Signed by President George W. Bush on December 19 2007, the federal law states that all public swimming pools, wading pools, spas and hot tubs must be fitted with an approved anti-entrapment drain cover. Compliance with the stipulations established by the VGB Act has not occurred as easily as anticipated. Many public pool owners and operators point to high demand and a shortage of drain covers for missing the December 19 deadline. Others have been confused about which type of drain cover is needed, identifying Consumer Product Safety Commission-recommended manufacturers, and where to buy them.More »•Home Construction Down; Pool Construction Follows
If new home-building has screeched to a halt because of the nation’s economic woes, that means fewer new swimming pools are being built. Several pool builders in the western U.S. and Florida have had to lay-off staffs, close doors of some of their branches, and, in some cases, have completely gone out of business.•DIY Renaissance
Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, a DIY renaissance has been underway in 2008 – out of necessity and stronger than ever. This means that more homeowners and renters will be joining the ranks of do-it-yourselfers. This is not good news for pool and spa service professionals (once glamorized in movies as the "pool boy”), but probably good news for pool supply stores and companies.Same goes for outside-the-home deck repairs and extends to DIY projects. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Hardware stores will be happy.More »•Staycations
During the summer, staycations become the holidays of necessity, as many would-be travelers have little choice but to stay at or near home due to the sagging U.S. economy and record-breaking gas prices. Staycationers didn't need to any farther than their own backyards or outdoor living spaces for a change of pace.More »
•No Backyard? There's Plenty of Head Room
With a succession of bad and badder news in 2008, there are a few bright spots. Inspired by the creative headgear on display at the Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival in New York City, I envisioned a trend for those whose outdoor living space it limited. Yes, you, too, can enjoy the pleasures of patio culture and landscaping even if you have no yard to speak of. There's always your head -- and what better way to announce it's spring than to proudly parade your personal eden atop your noggin. Nobody can accuse you of trespassing, and, as with the city's buildings, the sky's the limit for your head-based paradise.More »
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