|
|
Dive
Into Pool Decor |
Few things
are more exciting or intimidating for a decorator than
designing successful pool decor. Lots of special events
take place around pools in the summer, and the smart
decorator knows how easy it is to make a splash with
balloons at an outdoor function. It’s important,
however, to first make a site inspection and construct
a reliable plan.
Before jumping in, go over these questions with the
client:
|
| •
What is the theme, desired effect, and purpose of the
event? |
| •
What is the budget? |
| •
What is the schedule of events? |
| •
Will the pool actually be used during the party? |
| •
What is the access time? How much time will I have to
decorate? |
| •
What size is the pool? |
| •
What area of the pool is to be decorated? |
| •
What are the rigging points? |
| •
What type of pool bottom—cement or vinyl? |
| •
Have there been any problems with the pool? |
|
Stretchy
plastic Deco Bubbles (shown double-stuffed) make an idea
base for pool decor! Learn how to make this “Fun
Flower Pool Float” in the Decorator Ideas archive.
|
Along
with a pre-event checklist, another important factor
to keep in mind when planning is safety. Here are some
helpful tips on how to be smart and safe when working
with pool decor. |
| •
Keep electricity equipment away from the pool. |
| •
Keep glass out of the pool area. |
| •
Never use sand weights in the pool. |
| •
Always bubble-pack wrap metal bases and secure with duct
tape to protect
bottom and sides of pool. |
| •
Keep all uninflated and broken balloons out of the pool |
| •
If covering the pool completely with air-filled balloons,
be sure to put
up signage so guests won’t try and walk on the pool’s
surface. |
| •
Avoid rigging monofilament line over the pool, as guests
could fall in
and get tangled. |
| •
Advise your client to avoid adding chemicals to their
pool at least
one week prior to decorating, as chemicals can eat away
at latex and
cause the balloons to pop. A chlorine level of 1.0 is
safe for balloons
while still keeping the pool clean. |
| •
Be sure to turn off the pool filter before installing
decor. |
| •
Check skimmer basket at the side of the pool before and
after the party
for any popped balloons. |
| •
Don’t use metallic balloons in the pool. The water
will cause the color
to bleed off and stain the side of the pool. |
Along
with safety, remember that communication with your client
is critical to the degree of their satisfaction, especially
when considering things that could potentially affect
the outcome or appearance of your work. Outdoor decor
considerations must be addressed during the site inspection
and on the contract.
Protect your profit by: |
| •
Communicating the impact of weather on designs. |
| •
Diagramming the decor placement for liability purposes. |
| •
Arranging who will remove and clean up. |
| •
Having a back up plan and being prepared to decorate inside
in case of bad
weather. |
| •
Explaining cancellation charges. What’s your company’s
policy? |
Once
you’ve covered all the bases in planning, ensuring
safety, and protecting your profit, relax and dive in! |
|
|
|
|
