To see this working, head to your live site.

Building Our Dream Pool: A Journey from Mud to Oasis

Hey everyone! 👋

I just wanted to share our recent adventure into the world of swimming pool construction because, wow, what a ride! If you’ve ever thought about putting in a pool or are just curious about the process, grab a drink and settle in. This is the story of how our backyard went from a plain ol’ patch of grass to a shimmering slice of paradise.

The Idea 💡

It all started last summer. The kids were constantly begging to go to the community pool, and my partner and I were dreaming of lazy weekends by the water without the hassle of packing up the car. So, we thought, "Why not build our own pool?" Easy decision, right? Ha! If only we knew what we were in for...

The Research Rabbit Hole 📚

The first step was figuring out what kind of pool we wanted. Concrete? Fiberglass? Vinyl liner? Endless options. We spent hours scrolling through Pinterest and YouTube, drooling over infinity edges and dreamy water features the we contact to silverline pools for more advice.

Then We decided on a concrete pool for durability and customization. Plus, we wanted a deep end for diving and a shallow lounge area for chilling. The vision was clear: tropical vibes, right in our backyard.

Breaking Ground 🚜

Let me tell you, the day the excavators showed up was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Watching them dig a giant hole in our yard made it all feel so real. But here’s a tip for anyone planning a pool: prepare for mud. Our backyard looked like a swamp for weeks, and I lost count of how many times we had to wash the dog after she decided to explore “the construction zone.”

The Unexpected Twists 😅

Here’s where it got interesting. About halfway through, we hit a snag—literally. The builders uncovered a giant rock right where the deep end was supposed to go. Cue the mini-crisis! Luckily, our contractor was amazing and brought in some heavy-duty equipment to remove it (after an extra expense, of course).

Then there was the time we had to decide on tile color. Who knew choosing between “Caribbean Blue” and “Lagoon Green” could cause so much marital debate? (Spoiler: We went with blue, and it’s stunning!)

The Silver Lining 🌟

Despite the hiccups, the process was so rewarding. Watching the pool take shape was like seeing a dream come to life. One of the best moments was the day the water finally went in. It was crystal-clear and glistening in the sun—worth every late-night Pinterest session and muddy backyard day.

Pool Party Time! 🎉

Now, we’re officially pool owners! The kids are loving it, we’ve hosted a few BBQs, and our backyard feels like a resort. Plus, it’s become our favorite way to unwind after a long day. Honestly, the journey was just as fun as the destination (okay, maybe not the mud part).

So, if you’re thinking about building a pool, my advice is: go for it! Just be ready for surprises along the way, and don’t skimp on a good contractor.

4 comments

4 Comments

ewfwsd ffsdgd

Jun 12

U4GM - Top 5 Elden Ring Items Only Found in Secret Areas

Elden Ring is full of hidden corners and cryptic locations that reward the most curious and persistent Tarnished. While many players focus on mainline bosses and well-known dungeons, some of the game’s most powerful or unique gear is stashed away in obscure, secret places. If you’re willing to go off the beaten path, these five Elden Ring items are absolutely worth the trouble.

1. Mimic Tear Ashes

Hidden deep within Nokron, Eternal City, the Mimic Tear Ashes are widely considered one of the most overpowered Spirit Ashes in the game. Unlike other summons, this one creates a clone of your current character — gear, stats, and all. To access Nokron, you must first defeat Starscourge Radahn, which unlocks the crater that leads into the city.This item is invaluable for solo players who want an AI companion that truly pulls its weight. It's a prime example of the kind of gear you’ll never stumble across unless you actively seek out secret content.

2. Moonlight Greatsword (Dark Moon Greatsword)

Fans of FromSoftware’s previous titles will know this blade well. In Elden Ring, the Dark Moon Greatsword is acquired at the end of Ranni’s questline — a multi-step journey involving hidden towers, optional bosses, and some of the game’s most beautiful locales.This weapon isn’t just a legacy nod; it’s a powerful Intelligence-scaling sword with strong magic damage. Definitely not something you’ll find unless you fully explore the hidden side of Liurnia and beyond.

3. Pearldrake Talisman +2

Located in a late-game hidden zone — Miquella's Haligtree — this upgraded version of the Pearldrake Talisman offers increased resistance to non-physical damage. To get there, players must complete an intricate puzzle at Ordina, Liturgical Town, which unlocks the Haligtree’s secret path.The talisman’s benefits are subtle but crucial for endgame survival, especially in areas saturated with elemental threats.

4. Lionel’s Set

Hidden in a locked room in Leyndell, the Lionel’s Set is one of the heaviest and most defensive armor sets available. It’s found on a seemingly innocuous bed near the Lower Capital Church Site of Grace. Getting there requires some thorough exploration of the royal capital’s convoluted layout.This set is excellent for tanky builds and pairs well with weapons that require poise-heavy combat styles. It's easy to miss if you don’t comb through every corner of the capital.

5. Bolt of Gransax

One of only nine Legendary Armaments in the game, the Bolt of Gransax is a colossal weapon found in Leyndell — but only before it transforms into the Ashen Capital. If you progress too far, the item becomes inaccessible for that playthrough.To get it, find the massive spear lodged in the city’s corpse-dragon and climb it from the Erdtree Sanctuary. It’s a time-sensitive item, which makes it all the more elusive.

These secret-area treasures reflect the true depth and design of Elden Ring. They’re not just optional rewards — they’re game-changers for the players who take the time to look beyond the obvious.

If you’re a collector or want to try new builds but don’t have the time to search every crevice, some players look for Elden Ring items for sale or cheap Elden Ring runes from third-party communities like U4GM. Just remember to tread carefully and focus on enjoying the journey — the thrill of discovery is what makes the Lands Between so unforgettable.