In the beginning of human history, mankind discovered the purposeful use of fire. Since then, the mysterious light, warmth, and energy source became an integral part of every age and every society, springing forth thousands of new inventions in its wake. Now, in the twenty-first century, landscapes and swimming pools look to capture the age-old feeling of natural outdoor living. That being said, any outdoor living space should naturally pay homage to possibly the greatest discovery of mankind: fire.

There are a number of ways to incorporate fire into a landscape. For a more formal approach, outdoor fireplaces can bring warmth to outdoor gatherings as they complement the home or cabana. While this idea strays slightly from the naturalistic approach, one cannot underestimate the combination of fresh air and warm fire on a Spring, Summer, or Fall evening. For the rugged naturalists, fire pits can also be inserted anywhere in a landscape. Fire pits can lay in small caves directly adjacent to swimming pool waterfalls. They can also be set back on the patio as a survivor-style fire pit. Fire pits can even be hidden deep in a backyard landscape for a peaceful, rugged retreat.

Now, let us list some of the advantages of including fire in your landscape or swimming pool. First, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces provide warmth in back yards after the sun goes down. Fire, just as it is used on hikes and camping trips, creates usable outdoor living spaces after sundown. In addition to warmth, these landscape features also produce dynamic, natural light. The natural light of a fire pit or outdoor fireplace dances as the wind blows the fire from side to side, providing an active display of nature’s energy. The unpredictability of fire sets itself above any type of artificial light source.

Despite their natural advantages, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces hold distinct visual benefits as well. As was mentioned earlier, fire pits can lay directly beside a swimming pool or waterfall. This placement creates a unique balance between fire and water, two completely opposing components of nature. The contrast can be quite intriguing for guests as they set foot in a scene of nature’s beauty. Outdoor fireplaces, too, can improve the aesthetics of a yard, possibly highlighting a comfortable outdoor living room.

Technically speaking, these fiery components of a landscape do not shy away from sunlight either. On a hot day, stone fireplaces still complement the home’s architecture in unique ways. Customized outdoor fireplaces showcase gorgeous masonry. Outdoor fireplaces attached to the home can even be transformed into clock towers or other unique elements as they extend up the wall of the house. Fire pits, during the day, blend into natural landscapes; fire pits are composed of crushed glass set on top of boulders, and they are gas-lit. When the fire is not lit, the fire pits remain relatively inconspicuous. If noticed, the colored crushed glass creates an interesting display on its own.

Plan on spending the night in your back yard? Plan accordingly with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Our oldest source of light and warmth should be included in every personal outdoor living space. Having been used for hundreds of thousands of years, the overall benefits of fire cannot be ignored. Now swimming pool and landscaping companies are reviving earth’s most compelling source of excitement with tremendous skill and innovative design.

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