Summer heat can quickly turn a backyard from a place you love into one you avoid, espesically when you have children. But it doesn't have to be like this and our team have put together their top tips to turn your backyard into a cool, summer-ready escape (without spending a fortune).
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite summer-ready upgrades to help keep your backyard cool, functional, and fun. Plus at the end you'll find our customer and staff recommended product ideas to make planning easy.
How We Help Customers Keep Their Backyards Cool in Summer
Every summer, we hear the same thing from customers “we love our backyard, but it’s just too hot to use properly when the weather heats up". The good news is, staying cool doesn’t mean starting from scratch or taking on a major project. Small, well-chosen changes can make a huge difference.
Here are a few of the things our team looks at when helping customers create a backyard that actually works in summer.
Think in zones, not just open space
One of the biggest mistakes we see is treating the backyard as one big area. Breaking it up into zones such as water play, shaded seating, and open play can help to manage heat and makes the space feel calmer and more usable. It also means everyone can enjoy the backyard at the same time without getting in each other’s way.
Use water where it counts
Water is one of the quickest ways to cool things down. Whether it’s active water play for kids or somewhere to dip in and cool off, these areas often become the most-used part of the backyard in summer. Plus because your kids will feel cooler they'll use it for longer which means more rest time for mum & dad!
Put shade where people actually spend time
Shade works best when it’s over the areas you use the most, not just along the fence line. We often recommend thinking about where kids play, where adults sit, and where people tend to gather. Well-placed shade can completely change how comfortable the backyard feels during the middle of the day.
Let the breeze do some of the work
A backyard that feels stuffy will always feel hotter. Keeping airflow in mind especially around shaded areas helps prevent heat from building up. Even small changes in layout can make the space feel noticeably cooler.
Make summer use easy, not fiddly
Hot days mean more filling, draining, hosing off, and quick clean-ups. SJ Plumbing and Gas suggest having outdoor connections checked if you’re regularly filling and draining water features, as the added use can expose small leaks or drainage issues. When everything’s simple to use, the backyard gets used more often.
Products We Love & Recommend
Below, we’ve pulled together some of the summer cooling products our team most often recommends to customers looking to make their backyard more enjoyable during the hottest months.
Water Slides & Inflatable Water Parks
For families looking for instant relief from the heat, inflatable water parks are one of the most popular summer upgrades. The Bestway Inflatable Water Park Pool Slide Castle Playground – H2OGO Splash Course gets great feedback from our customers because it offers climbing, sliding and splash zones together in one easy setup.
We often hear that it becomes the most-used part of the backyard during summer. It’s big enough to keep kids entertained for hours, while the splash pool at the bottom provides proper cooling on hot days without needing permanent installation.
Cold Plunge & Ice Baths
Cold plunges have become a go-to option for customers wanting a reliable way to cool down during long stretches of hot weather. The Regen8 PolarBarrel Cold Plunge Ice Bath with T2 Chiller Unit is a recommendation our team often makes for people who want consistent cold water without the fuss.
Customers love that the chiller does the hard work, so there’s no need for bags of ice or constant resetting. Whether it’s used for recovery after exercise or simply as a quick summer reset, it’s a simple way to get fast, refreshing relief from the heat.
Gazebos & Pergolas
Shade makes a noticeable difference to how comfortable your backyard feels in summer, especially in the middle of the day. The Maryborough 3m x 3m Timber & Steel Double Hip Roof Gazebo is a popular choice because it creates a genuinely usable shaded zone without making the space feel boxed in. It also has a double hip roof which promotes good air flow.
This gazebo works well over seating areas or near pools and water play, helping reduce direct sun while still allowing airflow.
Above Ground Pools
An above ground pool is a great to get a decent size space to cool off with committing to a permanent pool The Bestway Steel Frame Swimming Pool Set (6.1 x 3.66m) is a favourite thanks to its generous size and straightforward setup.
Families love having a dedicated place to swim, float and cool off whenever the temperature rises. A pool like this quickly becomes the centre of summer activity and makes the whole backyard feel more inviting on hot days.
Sun Loungers
Cooling isn’t just about water, it’s also about having comfortable places to rest and recharge. The Siesta Slim Sunlounger is a simple upgrade our team recommends for creating a more relaxed summer setup.
Customers appreciate the clean look and supportive comfort, whether it’s placed poolside or under shade. It’s the kind of addition that encourages slower, more enjoyable summer afternoons.
Water Play
For quick cooling that doesn’t take up much space, slip-and-slide style water play is always a hit. The Bestway 4.88m Triple Water Slide is a great option for families wanting active fun with maximum splash.
With multiple lanes and constant water spray, it keeps kids moving while helping everyone stay cool. It’s easy to set up and tends to get used again and again throughout summer.
Simple & Smart Cooling Additions for Your Backyard
You don’t need a full backyard renovation to beat the summer heat. A few smart cooling additions can completely change how your space feels. Everything from water play that offers instant relief, to shade and features that make outdoor time more comfortable for longer.
Elevate your backyard today and create a space where kids have fun, adults can chill and you and your family can spend time creating magical memories together (just don't be surprised when your house becomes the go to destination in your neighbourhood on hot days!).
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