How 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 […]
Read MoreGet Your Pool Ready for Summer
The warm air has finally arrived, and you are itching to celebrate.  There is no better way to celebrate summer’s arrival than to enjoy a relaxing day poolside with those whose company you enjoy most. Do you want to get pool ready for summer? Here are some tips on how to get your pool summer ready. Remove the cover. Before you can begin, you will need to be sure you have pumped off any water that may be on top of the cover. Once you have removed any water from on top of the cover, you can begin removing the winter cover or opening your automatic safety cover. Check water level. Ensure your pool water level is appropriately ½ to Âľ of the way up on the pool skimmer. Remove debris from around pool equipment. Remove any debris that may have gathered around your pool equipment over the winter months. Circulate for 12-24 hours. Get your pool equipment running and let your pool water circulate for 12 to 24 hours. After you have allowed your water to circulate properly, you should clean out your skimmer basket(s) and test your pool water. If you use reagents as part of your test kit, […]
Read MoreSaltwater Pool vs. Chlorine Water Pool
Choosing how to sanitize your inground swimming pool can be confusing when you are comparing a saltwater pool vs. a chlorine water pool. Overall, salt water pools and traditional chlorine pools are very similar. The differences lie in the method of adding chlorine to the pool. Salt systems use the dissolved salt in the pool water and a process called electrolysis. The dissolved salt passes through the salt cell to produce chlorine. Traditional chlorine pools use chlorine tablets or pucks that are made to dissolve as water passes over them. Pros of Salt Water Pools-The Benefits of Owning a Saltwater Pool Convenience. Pool owners don’t have to handle or store chlorine. With traditional chlorine options, you have to add chlorine granules, tablets, or pucks manually. Reduces the amount of chlorine needed to maintain a properly sanitized pool. Salt systems work as both a sanitizer and an oxidizer. Traditional chlorine pools will require a weekly or bi-weekly oxidizing shock. The pool water feels noticeably better on the skin and eyes. The chlorine water that the unit produces is very pure and does not have any irritating chloramines, unlike traditional chlorine pools. Cons of Salt Pools-The Disadvantage of Owning a Saltwater Pool […]
Read MoreHow to Make Your Swimming Pool Pet-Friendly
Everyone in your family loves your swimming pool, but don’t forget about your pets too! Pets enjoy the water as much as people do. Keep your pets in mind and think about making your swimming pool pet-friendly. There are simple things you should consider when you are looking to make sure you have a pet friendly pool. Fiberglass swimming pools are the best type of pet friendly pool because they have no problem withstanding your pet’s’ paws. Fiberglass is a durable material that can withstand nails. Pets’ claws can tear or puncture vinyl liners. Concrete pools can be harsh on your pet’s joints and can harm their pads and nails. The smooth material of fiberglass pools will not be rough on your pet’s pads or break their nails. When considering your options for keeping your pool’s water clean, you should know that chlorine is safe for dogs. The chlorine effects on dogs are similar to the chlorine’s effects on people. The most common issue that may arise is skin irritation. The best way to reduce the risk of skin irritation for your pet is to rinse them off after swimming in the pool. You may have to use more chlorine […]
Read MoreTop 5 Features to Look for in a Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pool designs are packed full of fun built-in features. Each fiberglass pool design offers you different features and benefits. Here are some top features and why you might want to look for them when selecting a fiberglass pool design for your backyard swimming project. Benches and Seats. In-pool benches and seats are an excellent way to enjoy your swimming pool. Benches bring a perfect conversation area into the pool. Most folks just want to chill when they hit the water; these offer a great way to do that. In fact, some of our customers have lovingly referred to them as their beverage bench. They enjoy winding down at the end of a long day with their favorite beverage in hand. Toddlers love to stand on them and waddle back and forth and try their chances at jumping into the deeper part of the pool. Benches and seats are generally down about 18”-22” from the top of the pool, so the water depth will be 14”-18”. Multiple Points of Entry and Exits. Having multiple entries and exit points has several advantages. More design freedom with the pool and patio layout is one big advantage. If you can only access the […]
Read MoreMaintenance Tools for Your Inground Pool
How to Clean a Fiberglass Pool We all know that fiberglass pools are a low maintenance option in comparison to other inground swimming pools. However, you might be wondering the easiest ways of how to clean a fiberglass pool. Even though they are low maintenance, there is tools and equipment that you should consider purchasing so you can properly take care of your pool. The tools you buy will make your durable fiberglass pool last longer and allow you to enjoy your fiberglass swimming pool for as long as possible. Robotic Pool Cleaner Robotic pool cleaners have their own filtration system and operate independently from your pool pump and filter. They can clean your pool faster and more efficiently than you can imagine. If you have a larger pool that may be difficult to clean, investing in a robotic pool cleaner will save you a lot of time. Cleaning Equipment Cleaning tools, such as a skimming net or a telescoping pole, will be a lifesaver for you when it comes to cleaning out leaves, bugs or other debris from your swimming pool. Do what you can to maintain a regular maintenance schedule to clean out debris like leaves and bugs. […]
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