Summer Heat Wave Pool Give-away

The box arriving at my house the other day was perfect timing. It sure has been warm in Ann Arbor the past week or so! We finally flew past 90-degrees straight into a week of summer. Of course my children were crushed when they realized that they can not enjoy what was in the box due to the way our yard slopes.

Wait, what was IN the box? Funny you should ask!

Right now on the Ann Arbor Mom blog, local families have the opportunity to WIN a free backyard pool from Backyard Ocean! You read that correct as one Ann Arbor family gets their very own 8' x 26" Float to Fill Ring Pool Set. All you have to do to win, is comment below with one of your favorite ways to cool off in summer. For us it is a trip to the Argo Cascades followed by wading in the river at Island Park. Need some hints? Backyard Ocean has several great ways to cool off this summer and I highlighted a few of my favorites from their list!

Top Ways to Cool Off this Summer

1) Create a Slip n' Slide - This last week while visiting Silver Lake State Park, we heard of a local that creates a killer water slide using just sheets of plastic and a water pump. The slide starts at the top of the dune and ends in Silver Lake. Unfortunately he did not put it up while we were there. I also appreciate this great idea of a water-slide baseball! Honestly though the kids will have a lot of fun using a plastic drop cloth and sprinkler this summer!

2) Ice Cube Relay Races - Love, love, LOVE the idea of using ice cubes for any kind of game or relay race. I especially like freezing mini toys in ice cubes, then in using a stray see who can "thaw" their toy the fastest using only their breath. Although it is not a "ice cube" also consider stringing together frozen spoons then run an in and out relay.

3) Stay off Hot Pavement with a Bike Wash - No we are not talking a motorcycle wash (although pretty sure the riders would think this is cool) but how about using PVC a drill and a garden hose to create this front yard monstrosity? Pretty sure ALL the kids would want to play, making your the "cool house" for more reason than one! You can get all necessary supplies at Lowes.

Bike wash project directions courtesy of Lowes

 4) Homemade Popsicles - We used to make these ALL the time with small Dixie Cups, popsicle sticks, plastic wrap and a juice of choice. Consider adding real fruit too. Just drop fruit and juice into a cup, wrap the top with plastic wrap and insert a popsicle stick. Then freeze until solid! Easy peasy.

So what are your thoughts on the best way to keep cool? Comment below with your tip for a chance to with backyard pool from Backyard Ocean. All comments received by midnight August 7 will be entered into a random drawing. There is one caveat though, the winner must be available to meet with me in the parking lot of the local Sheriff Station in Ypsilanti - I already have the pool in hand, ready to give to the winner.

Thank you to Backyard Ocean for this amazing pool give away.

After you win your backyard pool, you may also appreciate some information on swimming pool safety and maintenance!

Hope to see many great tips - Stay cool.