Summer backyard equipment
Cheap Swimming Pools & Mosquito Traps Recommendations
Summer may be half over but that's no reason to do without summer backyard equipment that can make the rest of the season so much more pleasant. We recently posted a couple of new buying guides that can help you choose quality summer backyard equipment for less.
Our guide to cheap mosquito traps explains the pros and cons of electric and propane models and fills you in on the chemicals used to kill the pesky bugs. Mosquito traps rely on scent, heat, or light -- or some combination of these -- to keep the insects out of your way. The best cheap mosquito traps start at $25, but these are meant for indoor use. The best cheap outdoor mosquito traps cost more (nearly four times as much) and cover about half an acre of yard. Traps are most effective if used all the time; that means morning, noon, and night, regardless whether you're sitting outdoors. Two top brands are Dynatrap and Stinger.
A second summer backyard equipment guide is devoted to cheap swimming pools. The Cheapism price range for above-ground pools starts at $200 and tops out at $900. Pricey, perhaps, but what you get is a pool with a structural frame. Experts say metal-framed pools are safer than inflatable pools and consumers note they happen to be more durable. Backyard pools are usually round, but you can also find models that are rectangular and oval. Sizes range from eight feet to 30 feet across with depths of 30 inches to 52 inches. Most backyard pools come as a kit that contains a liner, pump and filter, and skimmer. Top brands include Intex, Heritage, and Seaview Club.
Check out our mosquito traps and swimming pools guides for more pointers about which cheap summer backyard items to buy.
