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Three ways to enrich your backyard Warm weather is arriving and homeowners across North America are turning their attention outdoors. Pushing the physical boundaries of a house beyond exterior walls is a common desire as people look to take advantage of patios, decks and lawns during the warm-weather season. Improving the look and utility of a backyard can be simple. Here are three tips to consider: 1. Look at the backyard and patio as an outdoor room. Accessorize with furniture, gazebos, plants, privacy panels and decorative touches that extend the warmth and personality of a home outward, giving additional living space. 2. Add a hot tub. They are a great way for family and friends to come together, socialize, relax and revive. Hot tubs are less expensive and offer greater hydrotherapy options than in-ground pools. They are popular with people of all ages. 3. Delight all the senses. Don't forget to consider complementary elements such as water features, outdoor stereos and televisions that really help to create ambiance and set the right mood for guests. Current technology blends well with the outdoors and provides attractive, subtle accents that are wonderful for entertaining. "Today, we see people combining many of these elements," says William Smelley, marketing manager of Sundance Spas, the world's largest manufacturer of acrylic hot tubs. "Hot tubs are equipped with features such as soothing waterfalls and top-quality stereos that can be enjoyed regardless of whether or not someone is in the spa. In fact, we've found that people take advantage of these luxury entertainment features during dinner parties and backyard barbecues." "Families want intimate spaces both inside and outside their homes where they can retreat from the outside world and connect with people in small groups," reports Erica Moir, vice president of Jacuzzi Hot Tubs. "Many homeowners invest significant time in designing their outdoor rooms. They select premium furnishings and materials while seamlessly integrating larger elements such as spas, gazebos, trees and landscaping." To learn more about how you can transform your backyard in time for a season of entertaining, visit www.jacuzzi.com or www.sundancespas.com.