Set the Mood with Outdoor Sound

Nothing sets the mood like the right sounds. Whether you’re planning a pool party or a quite evening in the spa, background sounds can make or break your night. If you live in a busy residential neighborhood or in a downtown Sanford, the sounds of traffic, neighbors, and buzzing air-conditioning units are probably a constant soundtrack to your daily life. But there are many ways to drown out those background noises and create the backyard experience you’ve envisioned.

Music

Yes, this may be the more obvious option, but there are many ways to incorporate music into your backyard space subtly so that it adds to the atmosphere rather than dominate it. Here are a few tips:

Concealment

Don’t let ugly speakers detract from your outdoor space. Utilize large planters or ceramic rocks to conceal your outdoor speakers. Position the speakers carefully so that they are hidden from view without muffling the sound.

Use Wireless Options for Flexible Surround Sound

There are many wireless, Bluetooth options designed specifically for outdoor use. The freedom from wires allows you to create a surround sound experience throughout your backyard to set the mood in every space or zone. You can also place a few speakers along your driveway or walkway leading guests from the street to your backyard.

Pathways and Walkways

If you have a large backyard with several zones, out-buildings and winding paths, consider utilizing wired speakers on paths and more remote pockets in order to keep the sound quality high and avoid interference or distance issues. A subtle speaker that brings soft music to your garden walkway can be a very pleasant experience.

Create the Ultimate Playlist

Whether its from your personal music collection or a web based app, create a playlist that’s sure to set the right tone for your event. If you need ideas, here’s a link to one of our favorite playlistsfrom 8tracks.com that features some of the best 90’s tunes. (And let’s face it- just some of the best tunes ever.) Check it out here or build and share your own!

Water

There’s nothing more soothing or peaceful than the sound of flowing water. Whether a trickling stream or a bubbling fountain, the sound of water helps us detach from the outside world and calm our minds. It’s also a wonderful way to mask the more unpleasant sounds of the surrounding world.

Wind

For a truly serene backyard soundscape, let the wind make the music. Chimes and other musical lawn ornaments are the most obvious way to do this, but you can also use your landscape to create a wind soundscape. Consider planting large ornamental grasses, reeds and bamboo along your borders or in large pots around your patio. These give a wonderful rustling sound when the wind blows through them. Large, billowy trees also create a wonderful sound in a gentle breeze- just be sure the keep these away from your pool if possible to reduce the amount of debris that ends up in your water.

Nature

Have you ever heard the cheerful hum of a vibrant meadow? Nature creates its own heavenly music, and it’s not that hard to bring it to your own backyard. Simply create an environment that welcomes birds, frogs, dragonflies and other melodic creatures. Nestle an old pot in a hidden area of your garden, turning it on its side and sinking it partially into the ground to welcome frogs. Create a pond or watering hole surrounded by bright vegetation to invite dragonflies. (They’ll also cull your mosquito population.) Add bird houses and feeders to different corners of your yard, offering a variety of seed mixes to attract song birds.

Whatever mood you’re going for, there’s a soundscape to help you get there. You can also add beautiful lighting and underwater lights to complete the scene. Just remember to consider your neighbors and the local ordinances regarding sound volume. If you’re expecting a particularly lively night, you might want to invite your neighbors, even if just to keep them on-side.

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About All Seasons Pools

All Seasons Pools has been a trusted pool expert for Orlando, St.Augustine, Jacksonville, The Villages and other Atlantic coast communities since 1979. Started by John and Diane Watts, they specialize in creating amazing and unique backyard retreats for families to enjoy, including top-of-the-line custom pools and amazing outdoor living areas. They work hard to fulfill their motto to “leave every customer with a smile.”

As members of the Association of Pool & Spa Professions and Florida Swimming Pool Association, they put a strong emphasis on being strong, reliable builders and staying up-to-date on the latest pool industry technology and design trends. Visit their swimming pool gallery to see pools ranging from signature and geometric designs to natural forms.

Are you ready to get started on your Florida backyard getaway? Design your pool with our interactive guide and schedule your free consultation today!

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