The 4th of July is almost here, and if you have a pool, you already have the best party venue in the neighborhood. All you need now is the food to match. This guide gives you three standout recipes (one from the grill, one no-cook app, and one drink that looks like it belongs at a catered event) plus simple styling tricks that make your spread look like you planned it for weeks. You didn't. But no one needs to know that.

Hosting a 4th of July pool party should feel fun, not stressful. You want a backyard that looks festive the second guests walk through the gate, food that fits the theme, and a pool that's the obvious centerpiece. You don't need a Pinterest budget or a full day of prep to pull it off.

Use this checklist to set the scene in an afternoon.

If your kids are spending more time at the neighbor's house than yours, your pool might be missing something.

The good news: you don't need a waterpark budget to build a backyard your family actually wants to use. Whether you're planning a new pool or thinking about a remodel, these seven features make a real difference for kids and teens.

—Gain functionality and save on operating costs by reducing your pool’s depth

Have you ever thought about changing the depth of your swimming pool?

If you have a deep backyard pool and are planning its renovation, consider the advantages that come from making the deep end shallower.

—Understanding styles and features on deck-mounted units for inground pools

Free-standing swimming pool slides provide a terrific way to capture a little waterpark-style excitement at home in your backyard.

—From better sleep to safer exercise routines, how a spa promotes well-being

Ready to build a swimming pool and deciding which features to include with your new backyard oasis? If health and wellness are important to you and your family, making a hydrotherapy spa part of the plan for your new aquatic retreat is a smart move.

How big, how deep, what shape?—Fundamental design factors for concrete pools

You’ve decided to build a backyard swimming pool, but don’t know exactly how to begin. Particularly with a concrete (gunite/shotcrete) pool, the process is rather detailed, with a wide range of design and construction elements to discuss with your pool builder.