Out of our circle of friends, we’re the only ones who live in an apartment building. Unfortunately, it’s not even one of those big, fancy complexes with its own pool. Meanwhile, all our friends have pools in their backyards. One couple has a fantastic, oval 4-foot pool which is a lot of fun because it means we can get in and actually swim along with the kids. The other two couples have the smaller, inflatable pools that come up to just about hip height on an adult that the kids can splash in and we can get in to sit down and cool off too.
Meanwhile, we don’t have a backyard. We have a decent little courtyard but it’s nothing special and it’s not as convenient as running out the back door.
My husband and I have been in this apartment since 2000 and we’ve never done much with our balcony but this year we’re changing that. We’re going to clear off all the stuff we have out there that we don’t need (an old toddler picnic table, a tricycle, our old BBQ that needs to be replaced) and set it up to make a little bit of a decent spot. We just bought a nice little bistro set (round table and two chairs) and we’re going to get some kid-sized chairs as well for the girls. We’ll get a new BBQ, and I want a privacy screen so that people don’t gawk at us when we’re outside (we also live on a main street so it will help cut down on dust and noise too). We’re also thinking of getting some sort of awning since we’re on the top floor and have nothing to stop the sun from beating down.
And we’re getting a pool. Granted it will just be one of those wee inflatable wading pools, but they kids can still cool off in it. I did that for my oldest when she was much younger, filling it up with buckets of cool water from the bathroom, and letting her splash around in it. I put a towel or tarp down to keep splashed water from streaming down and spattering anyone below us, and that worked pretty well. She enjoyed it then and it will give them a bit of relief from the heat on hot days.
(It’s nice for me to stick my feet inside too!)
I’m hoping a bit of effort can help turn our bland balcony into a pleasant family oasis of sorts.
I’d appreciate any tips!
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