(ARA) - When the weather is warm, Americans flock to the water. Community pools are overflowing with children playing games, adults swim laps at the local high school pool and vacationing families excitedly splash in hotel pools and relax in nearby hot tubs. But moments at the pool are fleeting unless you know the secret to a year-long backyard vacation.

While purchasing a swimming pool or hot tub is an investment, it can be a very smart one. Upgrading your home with an area for swimming and relaxation enhances your living space, enriches family life and can cut the costs and hassle of joining a health club, buying endless pool passes and even going on vacation. Depending on where you live, you can enjoy your pool year round. Even in colder climates, you can expect four months of pool use each year. When was the last time you could afford to take your family on a four-month trip?

(ARA) - Now that warmer weather is here, people are gearing up to make some repairs and updates to their homes. From new roofs and siding to adding state-of-art kitchen and other household appliances, people have more options than ever when it comes to making purchases that can help them save money and the environment.

The ENERGY STAR program, a joint effort from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is designed to help people save money on their utility bills while reducing greenhouse gasses. In 2008, more than $19 billion was saved on utility bills through the program. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, investing $3,000 to $8,000 in your home -- not including rebates -- can result in savings of 10 to 30 percent annually on utility bills.

(ARA) - In today's economy, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their home without spending a lot of money, and there is no better way to change the look and feel of a room than painting.

But even if you are a first time painter, there's no need to worry. Just follow these simple tips from the experts and you'll end up with a room looking like it was painted by professionals.

"Preparation is 90 percent of the battle," says Lou Manfredini, Ace's 'Helpful Hardware Man.' "Before you pick-up the paintbrush, take a moment to look at the space you are working with and determine the tools you will need for the project. This will help insure you have the right supplies for the job and save you unnecessary trips to the hardware store."

(ARA) - Owning a home may be the American dream, but taking care of it can be a nightmare. Across the country, warm weather is prime time for clean-up and home improvement projects. Often postponed are outdoor chores like raking leaves and mowing the lawn, but most despised is the job of cleaning gutters. Each year, millions of Americans climb ladders to rid their gutters of gunk accumulated during the fall and winter months.

For homeowners like John Manos of northern New Jersey, anything that makes cleaning easier is a welcome relief. "I don't mind raking leaves too much -- but I'd be more than happy to never have to climb a ladder and clean out clogged gutters again."