Get Outside After Your Thanksgiving Dinner!
We’ve all experienced that post-turkey dinner food coma, and for years we’ve been told that “tryptophan” is to blame. We could take comfort in the fact that all we wanted to do was nap on Thanksgiving, because our turkey had, in essence, slipped us a sleeping pill. Well, we’re sorry to have to tell you this, but apparently that’s an old wive’s tale. Tryptophan is found in many common foods, including cheese, chicken, beef and eggs. So much for our napping excuse. (We KNOW our need to sleep doesn’t have anything to do with the three servings of mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie we had, right?) So if we don’t have a good excuse to nap, what should we do? Get outside after Thanksgiving dinner, that’s what! There’s nothing like a brisk jaunt around the neighborhood to shake off the after-dinner fog. Haul everyone off the couch and toss a football around in the backyard. Get the kids to play a game of freeze tag or throw a frisbee for the pup. (Or, if you have a pool, have an after-dinner swim!) It’s essential that you burn off some calories so that you can have enough energy to dive […]
Read MoreWays to Heat Your Swimming Pool
It gets cold in North America, even in our most tropical climates. Depending on where you live, nighttime cooling or winter weather can interfere with an enjoyable swim. That’s why before purchasing, buyers commonly ask, “can a fiberglass pool be heated?” The answer is yes: like other inground pools, you can heat a fiberglass pool. In fact, they tend to heat faster and retain heat longer than other pool types. Let’s explore the options for heating a pool. Gas Pool Heaters Gas heaters are relatively more cost effective upfront, but can be expensive to operate. While gas pool heaters will heat your pool quickly and are durable in inclement weather, they wear out faster than other pool heating options. They are an ideal option if heating your pool as quickly as possible is an important feature. Gas heaters run approximately $1,500 to $6,000 for a typical residential inground swimming pool on average, and installation typically costs another $500 to $1,500. Operating the heater may run around $200 to $400 per month, depending on how frequently you run it and the utility prices in your area. Gas Heater Pros: heats up fast Gas Heater Cons: more expensive to […]
Read MoreBenefits of Owning a Spa
No one can doubt that a spa can add an extra relaxation element to your backyard. Spas are popular choices among most people. They make for the perfect place to relax, as well as a perfect place to host friends and family. There are more advantages of owning a spa than just having a place to relax. As relaxing as spas are, other benefits help improve overall physical and mental health. Improved sleeping habits There are many studies out there that suggest that soaking in hot water before going to bed at night can help you fall asleep and have a more relaxed sleep. Getting into the hot pool spa before bed helps regulate your body temperature to a comfortably warm level that helps you fall asleep quicker and sleep through the night with fewer disruptions. Good sleep improves everything from your mental alertness, stronger immune system, rejuvenated muscles and even the way your body metabolizes food. Pain relief While soaking in a hot spa may not cure any pain disorders you may experience, it can significantly alleviate chronic pain and provide relief. Heat can reduce the symptoms and alleviate pain associated with many different conditions. Muscle inflammation, arthritis, and […]
Read MorePool Floats that You Need Now for Your Pool
Pool floats are essential for when you’re spending your days in your swimming pool. Whether you’re relaxing all day and splashing with your family and friends, floats for pools are crucial components to do both. With pool floats, you can be guaranteed to have a good time with all your pool party guests. For any pool owner, pool floats should be considered a necessity. They come in handy if you have children who may be scared when they’re in the water. Children can enjoy floating in the water without fear with the help of kid-friendly floats. Floats for pools are also perfect for when you just want to lay and relax on stressful days. Who doesn’t love to relieve stress floating in the pool all day? No matter what you want to use a pool float for, there are a lot of different options for you. We have put together a few different types of floats that we think you will enjoy. Classic and inexpensive floats If you’re looking for something simple and easy, the classic floats such as the mesh loungers and the bubble chair floats are great options. Both are comfortable and inexpensive choices. They let you relax […]
Read MoreBeautiful Water Features for Your Pool
You have your new inground pool in your backyard, and obviously, you want to create your backyard paradise. Water features are an excellent addition to any poolside backyard. Flowing water not only enhances a tranquil atmosphere, but it also adds a sense of fun and elegance to the pool. A swimming pool will bring hours of fun and relaxation, but water features can add an entirely new dimension to the usual sitting-by-the-pool experience. Of course, it is best to plan your water features while your pool is under construction. However, if you already have a pool and now you’d like to add a feature, you don’t need to worry because these elements can be added to existing swimming pools. Laminars Laminars are becoming more and more popular. They are strong, sleek streams of water that come from the decking surrounding your pool. The jets have a smooth uniform look and can be used with any inground pool design. You can add a LED color display to your laminars at night. Cascades Cascades are similar to waterfalls but offer a slightly different effect. With cascade features, the water rolls over several rocks or rock slabs and then tumbles into the pool. […]
Read MoreHow Do I Know If I Have A Groundwater Issue?
Groundwater is virtually everywhere. It lies below the earth’s surface in the cracks and spaces of soil, rock, clay, and sand. In some areas, it may be closer to the surface than in others. The upper level of which the ground saturates with water is known as the water table. Often homeowners know they have a ground water issue when they have a high-water table. Their yard may remain soft and wet for many days after rain. Your water table does vary over time and is generally at its highest later winter/ early spring. Even if you do not have a high-water table, you still need to be aware that ground water exists and can have damaging effects on your fiberglass pool if it is not accounted for properly.  Here are some ways you and your pool builder can prevent and reduce the risk of groundwater issues: Install a well pit or sump pit. A well pit or sump pit is usually an 8”-10” corrugated pipe that runs from the top of the deck to 1’ below the deepest depth of an inground swimming pool.  The well pit allows you the ability to visually see when groundwater is present […]
Read MoreMosquito Repellent Plants for Your Backyard
There’s no doubt about it; mosquitoes can ruin everyone’s time around the swimming pool. We all do what we can to keep them away at all times because we all know that they are annoying to have around. You can rely on chemical treatments to keep them away, but that requires planning and researching. Chemical treatments require professionals and the pesticides can contaminate your pool water making it difficult to keep your water chemistry balanced. To avoid all of this, we suggest including mosquito repellent plants in your landscaping. There are a couple of plants that you can trust will act as insect control and be an eco-friendly solution for being a mosquito repellent for swimming pools. The mosquito-fighting plants that you have to choose from are well-known and easy to maintain in your backyard. Citronella Citronella fills the air with a strong and citrusy smell that works to keep all kinds of insects away. Typically, citronella is an active ingredient in pesticides, repellant candles, and wearable repellant devices. The powerful odor from the citronella hides the scent of the plants and people that usually attracts bugs. The plant grows well in full or partial sunlight and can be grown in […]
Read MoreKid-Friendly Features for Your Swimming Pool
When purchasing an inground pool, how a pool is going to look and fit in your backyard isn’t the only thing you need to consider. You also need to think about features that are kid-friendly. Don’t worry; there are plenty of features that your kids will love, but will also complete the aesthetic of your backyard. If you invest in the right places, you can create the perfect and relaxing outdoor living space of your dreams. And you can also have the fun place-to-be for all your kids and their friends. Here are some features that can help you achieve both. Spas After a long game of Marco Polo, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the spa, regardless of how old your kid is. Kids, big and small, love spas and they are very easy to add to your backyard. You do need to choose one that flows with the aesthetics of your pool and backyard. Also, make sure there’s always an adult around to supervise. Waterfalls Waterfalls are a great water feature to add to your pool that will complete a perfect touch to your yard. They look beautiful and add a relaxing sound to your backyard paradise. Kids will […]
Read MoreShould I Buy A Cover For My Pool?
Pool covers are common in areas where pools have an “off-season” or when they close during the winter months. If you expect to winterize your pool for some time, we recommended that you buy a pool cover. Keeping your pool covered during winter months will protect your pool and make getting your pool ready for use easier. If a pool is left uncovered, the leaves and debris will not only be a hassle to remove in the springtime but will break down over the winter months and cause havoc on water chemistry and possible staining. There are three basic types of pool covers: tarp covers, safety covers (both solid and mesh) and automatic safety covers. Tarp covers are tarps that are made to fit over your pool and rest on top of the water. They are secured by being weighted down. Often, they are weighted down with water tubes (vinyl bags filled with water). Safety covers are available in mesh and solid. Safety covers are anchored to the perimeter of the pool deck using grommets and steel springs. These are made to suspend freely and fit snugly over the pool. Mesh safety covers allow water to filter through the cover […]
Read MoreStyle Your Backyard!
How to Improve Your Backyard Style You’re spending most of your time dreaming about opening up your swimming pool this summer, aren’t you? We know you are ready to open your pool for the season. But is your space and environment surrounding your swimming pool ready? Your backyard style can make a big difference in your backyard pool parties. Now is when you should be taking the time to decide on how you want to style your backyard. We know it’s hard to decide on a design for your backyard style. We want to help you think about all the ways you can achieve any style in your backyard. In our guide, we cover four different styles; caribbean, modern, rustic cottage, and whimsical. In each style, we cover how small touches work together to achieve the style. For a caribbean style backyard, we explain how details like plants and the furniture can turn your backyard into a beach paradise. In a more modern style backyard, we advise paying close attention to the color scheme and accent details to complete a more clean and polished look. A rustic cottage look can be reached by creating cozy outdoor living spaces with vintage […]
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