Outdoors Pools

When it comes to pool safety, few things are as important as making sure that you don’t end up slipping and falling into the pool. The question of how to prevent slips often involves yelling at kids to keep walking and using the right materials. That’s why travertine is a bit of a contention. Does it get slippery when wet, or is that just rumors that should be water under the bridge?

You bought your house without a pool, but now you want to install one. Meanwhile, you live on a high water table. That means you have to be extra careful when you dig. So, can you put a pool in a flood zone or not? Let’s find out.

Evaporation is the most common reason why your pool keeps losing water. This is most common during the summer, but evaporation can also happen throughout the winter when the pool is closed. Swimming pools typically lose ¼” to ½” of water each day during the peak of summer.

A swimming pool makes a residential property so much better for a variety of reasons, and one that comes equipped with an LED light is even more ideal. An LED pool light will ensure the pool can be safely used 24 hours a day, and it will also boost the pool’s visual appeal as well.

Adding a relaxing element to your home is as easy as putting in a swim spa or pool. Swim spas are similar to a pool, but also hold many characteristics of a hot tub. Because of that, many builder-owners set their eyes on a swim spa to boost their home’s value.

When you first start reading up on all the bits and bobs surrounding pool maintenance, it becomes clear that salt is a thing. Like, big time. There are tons of different types of salt that are used in keeping our water’s conditions good to go. For example, most people don’t even realize that pool salt is different from the salt used to soften water. Check out the differences between the two…

The first step in end-of-season pool maintenance is cleaning. Take the time to thoroughly scrub all the surfaces of your pool. Use a pool vacuum, as well as some elbow grease to remove all the buildup that has collected.

Finding frogs in your pool can be disconcerting. Not only is it a hassle, but chlorine is toxic to frogs and they can quickly die in the water. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep frogs out of a pool.

Do you have a gas pool heater that you’d like to power using propane? Propane-powered gas pool heaters are great for heating up pools in a short amount of time. They’re especially ideal if you only use your pool occasionally, since they only have to run when you’re using it. But what size propane tank is needed to fuel a gas pool heater?

You will likely find mold in a hot tub that you rarely use. That’s especially true if you rarely remove the cover to let your hot tub breathe, so to speak. A covered hot tub that’s full of hot water is a perfect breeding ground for black mold.

One of the most effective and popular ways to keep birds out of a fish pond is to use pond netting. This netting is easily purchased and comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. The point of pond netting is to keep all sorts of pests and predators out of your fish pond.

Endless pools or swim spas have gained quite some popularities in recent years. Naturally, homeowners begin to ask the question about pricing. How much does an endless pool cost?

Whether you’re considering installing an above ground pool or inground pool, it’s important that you know about the various types of liners you have to choose from. When it comes to inground pools, the liner simply refers to the material that the pool is constructed out of – whether it be fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl.

Owning a jacuzzi is a fun way to enjoy the night air in the winter, or even to relax in the summer. They are extremely versatile as you can change the temperature of the water depending on the season. 

Owning a pool is already a luxurious thing in this day and age, but have you ever experienced what it’s like to have a pool with a slide? It’s an amazing thing indeed. Unfortunately, buying a pool slide is going to be a little difficult. We’re going to show you how to cut costs and keep things safe while you make your own.

If you are a pool owner, you know that there are numerous different maintenance tasks to keep up with in order to ensure that your swimming pool remains clean and functional. One of these important maintenance tasks that helps keep your pool’s filter system in proper working order is known as backwashing.

As tempting as it may be, you can overcrowd your koi pond if you put too many plants in it. Ideally, you should leave at least 40% to 50% of the surface and substrate free of plants. The pond will be hard for the koi to navigate if over 60% of the pond features plants.

A swimming pool can be a terrific investment due to the value it adds and just how useful it is. If you have a swimming pool at home, you can use it for exercising or cooling down during the summer. Unfortunately, there’s also a chance that your swimming pool may largely go unused.

Snakes cannot survive in swimming pools for long periods. Chlorine is toxic to many animals, and that includes snakes. Sadly, snakes get stuck in pools when they search for food and water, and they often can’t get out.

When it comes to your pool’s ability to stay safe for swimming, few things are as important as water sanitation. That’s why doing regular pool shock treatments is one of the most important things that you can do for your pool. Most pool owners have a schedule they stay by. Ideally, it’s a schedule that’s filled with sunshine. But, if you live in a rainy area, you need to be aware of whether it’s smart to shock a pool in the rain.

Anyone who’s ever bathed in a poorly-maintained pool will tell you that an unsanitary pool is a serious threat to your health. That’s why most new pool owners tend to delve deep into their pool maintenance research. One of the more difficult issues to discuss is the topic of adding bleach to a pool in order to keep it sanitary. So, how much is enough…and how much is too much?

Back when I was still in my 20s, some acquaintances of mine threw a rave in New York. They decided to fill up a pool with glowstick juice to add a glowing pool. Not long after, they got sued for damaging the vision of partygoers who swam in the pool. While you shouldn’t put glowstick juice in a pool, glowsticks themselves might be a different story.

Most homeowners close their pools sometime between September and October. It ultimately depends on how the climate is where you live. Pool contractors and experts suggest that you close your pool once the temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

When you first become a pool owner, the first thing that becomes apparent is that you are going to need a lesson in chemistry. There are so many chemicals that you are going to have to get acquainted with. You might already know that you’re going to need some form of chlorine, but did you ever wonder why people are talking about bleach? Is that even meant for pools?

Intex above ground pools is a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-ground pools. Intex above ground pools come in varying shapes and sizes to fit many different yard space and budget.

While alligators are aggressive predators, they are opportunistic and look for easy prey. They are less likely to pursue prey than crocodiles, and they instead typically look for an easy catch. You must remove things that may attract alligators to your yard.

Every hot tub owner should get into the habit of covering their hot tub when they aren’t using it. Your hot tub can quickly become contaminated if you don’t cover it. For example, you may notice green water if your hot tub has been uncovered for a while.

When you have a concrete in-ground pool, you are going to have to choose a finish for your pool. There are two major options that people tend to prefer: plaster and Pebble Tec. Both of them offer great perks and not-so-great pitfalls when it comes to their use. If you need to refinish you pool, knowing what to expect is a major perk.

There is much more to owning a pool than enjoying a refreshing dip on hot summer days. To keep your pool water and equipment in tip-top shape you must properly treat your pool by balancing various chemical levels. More specifically, your pool should maintain a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 and an alkalinity level between 80 and 120 ppm.

A swimming pool is a luxury, and while it requires a lot of maintenance, it’s worth every penny. However, the sight of green water in your pool can thwart any plans that you have of swimming laps or leisurely floating. Many frustrated homeowners have asked themselves the question: why does my pool keep turning green?

You want a fantastic pool in your backyard. But the layout of your property may not allow for the design you created. So, what do you do when sewer lines get in the way? And can you install a pool close to the sewage line or not?

Many people buying an existing home put a backyard pool as one of their most wanted features. In many instances, the pool may be dated or in need of repairs. Bringing an existing pool back to pristine condition and making it a focal point rather than an eyesore can be challenging.

Trekking through the snow in the middle of winter to get to your jacuzzi tub isn’t everyone’s idea of “relaxing.” To avoid this, many people are asking themselves- Can I put a  hot tub in my garage?

Many plants contain citronella, such as lemongrass and citronella geraniums, and it’s a great way to keep bugs out of your pool. This powerful essential oil smells strong enough to repel bugs, even if it smells great to humans. Plants that contain citronella can keep bugs away, but oils and citronella candles are more powerful.

Swimming pools are beloved fixtures of modern homes, but they don’t run properly unless they have effective filtration systems. The average residential pool can circulate its entire volume of water every six hours, which means the average pool filter can turn over 36 gallons of water per minute.

Have you ever dreamed of having a  pool in your backyard but don’t want to pay for the expensive costs associated with installing one? Putting an above-ground pool in the ground may be the best solution.

Vinyl pool liners are an amazingly affordable way to ensure that your home has a safe pool that you can swim in. As one of the most popular pool liner materials on the market, it’s easy to see why people enjoy them. Unfortunately, they do have the drawback of having to be pre-made. But, does that mean you also can’t paint them? Is customization really off-limits?

A pool is always a great addition to any home. However, owning a pool comes with a set of responsibilities. For regular maintenance, a pool needs to be cleaned.

Above-ground pools ruin grass in many ways, but it’s mostly because of its weight. Even a 30-foot above-ground pool weighs at least 300 pounds without water in it. Adding water to the pool can increase its weight by 3,000 pounds or more, depending on its capacity.

Depending on where you live, a swimming pool can make summer months much more enjoyable and an excellent way to cool off. In fact, during the pandemic, pool manufacturers and installers saw a major increase in demand with everyone stuck at home. Heaters, pumps, and building materials were out of stock for months, but the demand still remains consistent.

It is hard to resist the urge to get in the pool right after you add chlorine. There is nothing like the smell of chlorine that makes you want to spend a day in the sun and water. So, how long after putting chlorine in a pool can you swim?

Building a pool can be challenging. And some properties aren’t fit for pool installation. So, can you put a pool liner on wet sand, or is it too risky? Here is everything you need to know.

You must flush your hot tub’s pipes before you can clean the rest of it. Doing this as the first step is the best option, as cleaning the plumbing is easier if you add a solution to the water. You should use a trusted spa jet cleaner to ensure the best outcome. 

If you have a pool and live in the Midwest or East Coast, you’re probably expecting it to get covered with snow. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, that is, until you see how much snow accumulates on your pool cover. So, how much snow can a pool cover hold?

After a long day working, the thought of easing into a hot tub and letting the high-powered jets massage your muscles is appealing. You want to kick back and relax while the bubbles soothe your worries away. In order to enjoy that luxury, you need to have a hot tub. Maybe you are replacing an old hot tub, or perhaps this will be your first time taking the plunge. You need to know your best options for buying the right hot tub at the best time.

Whether purchasing a hot tub to entertain or as an exercise solution, there are several considerations to keep in mind. If you’ve looked at different styles and models, remember that you should also consider the size. Use this as a guide to determine the hot tub you need for your backyard or home. 

There are many reasons why you may need to drain your pool. You may want to add fresh water or prevent overflow from an impending storm. While it is possible to drain water out of your pool without a pump, adding a pump to the process can make things faster and easier.

Above ground pools are one of the most popular add-ons for backyards, and it doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out why. Pools rule! And above ground pools are the most affordable type. Traditionally, these are put on a grassy part of your backyard ontop of sand. But, what if you want to put it on something like concrete?

A pool pump is the swimming pool’s lifeblood that keeps the water circulating, filtered, and safe to swim in. If it were not for this machine, the swimming pool would be a breeding ground for bacteria. Other contaminants would take over the crystal clear water that the whole family enjoys.

Cooling off and splashing around in the pool is one of the highlights of summer. But it’s not so cool if you’re dealing with green pool water or a cloudy pool. In this article, we’re going to focus on the reasons your pool water is cloudy.

As the weather gets cooler, it’s time for many people to start taking care of basic pool maintenance and repairs. Many people assume that in-ground pools need to be drained during the winter months, but the opposite is actually true. 

Consistency is key when it comes to hot tub maintenance. A well-rounded maintenance routine should include several routine chores, such as:

Your pool served you well this summer. Now, it’s time to take several steps to prepare it for the offseason. Winterizing your pool isn’t hard. There are a few steps to follow to get the job done right. Next year, when the scorching hot weather returns, you’ll be glad you did. 

Your pool is going to be a unique construction that will most likely require a liner. That liner is supposed to stay flush with the walls of your pool. That’s the only way to ensure that your liner protects your pool and keeps water in. So when you see your pool liner pulling away from the corners, it can be very hard to feel safe swimming. You need to get that pool liner back on its track.

A swimming pool is high maintenance, but it is worth the work for the luxury it affords in hot weather. It is critical that you consistently add chlorine and shock the water to kill germs. So, why is it that the chlorine in your pool simply disappears?

Swimming pools are a great way to cool down during the hot summer months. However, it’s not always easy to know when you should add a shock treatment and how much is too much. Can you put too much shock in a pool?

Pools are great for when you want to cool off during the summer. They’re also excellent for those who love low-impact exercises. However, many people are not fond of the amount of chlorine that goes into regular swimming pools. To bypass the potential health effects of exposure to chlorine, people choose to install a saltwater pool, but at what cost?

A pool that doesn’t have a filter isn’t a safe one to swim in. However, if you are swimming in a pool that has a malfunctioning filter, then you are still not entirely safe. Even something as innocuous as having a pool filter that’s leaking from the top can be a sign that it’s not good to swim in your pool. Before you dip your toes in, make sure you fix that leak!

A pool is an irreplaceable asset in the summer, providing endless entertainment and relief from the heat. While there are many benefits to owning a pool, this water feature also requires significant maintenance and upkeep to run properly. As you prepare to open your pool this spring, there are many steps you must remember to ensure your pool operates optimally all summer long.