Outdoors Pools

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?

Any above-ground pool can become uneven over time, due to faulty installation or because the ground under it shifts or settles. Even a slight loss of balance can result in wasted water and damage to the pool’s structure. In extreme cases, the walls may collapse, resulting in serious injury or death. This is why it’s important to level your pool.

Maintaining a pool is never easy—at least, when it comes to the tedium and actually keeping on top of it. At times, you might even have your tools fail you while you’re trying to work on the upkeep. Keeping things working smoothly can be difficult, especially if you noticed that your pool pump loses pressure after a few minutes of work. What causes this to happen, anyway?

Frequent shocks are required for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is to keep the hot tub clean. There are a few additional explanations listed below:

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.

If you have a pool, you’re no stranger to the work that goes behind maintaining it year after year. One of the most important parts that keeps your pool running in top shape is your pool filter. There are a handful of different filter types from which you can choose depending on your personal preferences. If you are planning to use a sand filter for your above ground pool, it’s important to choose the right size.

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?

In recent years, our society has been on a march towards the “chemicals are bad” style of life. Saltwater pools’ popularity are a sign of it, really. The thing is, saltwater pools are not exactly easy to care for. That’s why people like to have chlorine pools. Though rare, you’ll hear of saltwater pool owners who want to convert their gig into chlorine. Is that even a thing?

If you’re like me, there are few things that are as fun as feeling the pool jets running near your body. Pool jets aren’t just a fun thing, either. They are meant to help stir up the water and improve the overall flow of your pool. Preventing stagnant water is a major issue in pool upkeep. So, what should you do if your pool jets suddenly go kaput?

If you’re considering installing a saltwater pool in your backyard, you likely have a lot of questions. Saltwater pools serve as an alternative to traditional chlorine pools, and although you don’t have to manually add chlorine to a saltwater pool, they still contain chlorine. They have a much smaller amount, which is produced by a salt chlorine generator. This filtering system turns salt into chlorine, to effectively clean a saltwater pool.

Gunite is a pool material that is pretty notable. It’s a concrete pool wall material that is famous for durability. Sadly, it’s also known for being a bit rough on skin. That’s why some people want to switch from gunite to vinyl pool times. The most obvious way to make the switch would be to add a liner around a gunite pool. But, is that even a potential option?

There are very few things more relaxing than lounging in your own private hot tub, whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening or soothing your aching muscles. Despite the host of benefits that come with owning a hot tub, the perceived costs often prevent many homeowners from buying one in the first place. If you’re considering installing a hot tub in your outdoor space, you’re likely asking yourself: Are hot tubs expensive to run?

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. 

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?

The best way to keep your pool cover from sagging, depends on the cause of the problem. Luckily, stopping a pool cover from sagging only takes a few steps.

If you’ve ever splashed around in an outdoor pool, you already know how different the air can feel once you swam. It’s not unusual for people to worry about it being too cold to swim. The area’s air temperature will affect your swimming pool’s temperature and your health. Ever wonder when it is too cold to swim?

Frogs are not the first thing people think of when they are about to become a pool owner. However, they can prove to be a bit of a pest for people in certain parts of the country. When frogs see your pool, they’re going to want to hop in. Unfortunately, chlorine and pool water isn’t good for them. How long can they survive in it?

People don’t always realize this when they’re bathing, but pools require a lot of electricity to make things work. Pools have to have that current running so that their vacuums work, so that things are heated, and so their pumps work. They tend to put a lot of stress on breakers. Sometimes, it may be too much for older breakers. That’s why you should know what size breaker you need for a typical pool pump.

It is a great practice to regularly shock your pool, and timing is a big part of that. You always want your pool to be safe and clean, and it takes strong chemicals like shock to do that. It can be tempting to jump in the clean water, but how after shocking a pool can you swim?

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.

Having your own private pool on your property is an amazing bonus, and likely makes you one of the most popular neighbors on the block in the summertime. Maintaining a pool, however, can be a bit costly when you use a professional cleaning service. This is why many pool owners try their best to treat and clean pools without the help of professionals. But sometimes regular pool maintenance is not enough, and your pool can look dirty or stained. When you notice your pool tile is starting to stain, how do you clean it?

Saltwater pools are more popular than ever before, and rightfully so. They offer a more eco-friendly alternative to bleach for your pool’s sanitation, and also make you feel like you are in the middle of the ocean. Though saltwater pools are hip and trendy AF, there are a lot of questions to ask about how to filter them. I mean, can a regular sand filter work?

Hot tubs rely on pumps to circulate the water and make it feel comfortable. Pumps have bearings that reduce friction and allow for a smooth performance. Over time, the bearings can become loose or damaged due to years of use. 

Is your pool filled with cracks and discolorations? Do you miss the days when your pool’s finish was smooth and beautiful? If so, it might be time to resurface your pool. But before you hire professionals or get working on the project yourself, do you need a permit?

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.

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?

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 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.

A swimming pool is one of the most common items in a home owner’s wishlist. Thanks to Intex’s assortment of above ground pools, having a backyard pool is more affordable and convenient. To make the most out of your Intex above ground pool, it needs to be cleaned and maintained.

The first and most basic approach to child-proofing a swimming pool is to build a fence around it. This creates a barrier that toddlers and children simply cannot get around. Fences are effective at protecting toddlers from both in-ground and above-ground pools.

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?

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. 

When it comes to finishing and waterproofing the inside of your new or remodeled swimming pool, you have a number of different options to choose from. While standard plaster – which consists of cement, sand, and additives – is the most popular, Pebble Technology International (PTI) offers several distinct textures of pool finishes.

Nothing is worse as a proud pool owner than the sight of murky, green pool water. The sight of green pool water can dissuade anyone from swimming, and it can be quite concerning. As unappealing as it looks, is it safe to swim in green pool water?

Having an inground pool can be an awesome feeling, but will an inground pool increase property taxes? It is a question you have to ask yourself anytime you make home improvements. With this informational guide, you will have that answer.

When you are ready to go for a swim in your pool, there is nothing better than seeing the sun reflected in its crystal clear surface. However, over time you may begin to notice stains beginning to build up in your pool to dull its shine. A quick acid wash could restore the beauty of your pool, but will it damage your fiberglass pool?

Saltwater pools are all the rage these days, and part of the reason for it deals with the way that they work with plants. Having a little plant life breathes an eco-friendly freshness into your spa area. Of course, you will have to pick the right plants. Saltwater pools tend to salinate the area around them, so it’s important to know what type of plants work well around them.

If you want the area around your inground pool to look both tropical and colorful, then birds of paradise is a great option. This plant is a relative of the banana family, and produces some long-lasting and colorful blooms that are orange, purple, and very stunning.

I’ll be honest. There are so many different terms that you can learn when it comes to pool talk, it kind of shocks me. (See what I did there?) When I first heard about swim spas, I assumed that they were the same things as pools. Believe it or not, they aren’t. Swim spas and pools are different, and if you’re looking into getting one, it’s good to know what you should expect.

After you’ve bought a brand-new hot tub for your backyard space, your next most important decision is to decide where you’re going to put it. Not only must the location be sturdy enough to support the hot tub, but you also want to ensure that it looks appealing and complements your landscaping to create a tranquil, outdoor sanctuary.

If you take the right precautions, you can leave a hot tub empty indefinitely. However, you must empty the tub, including the plumbing, or you may suffer consequences. For example, harmful bacteria may appear and thrive if water still sits in the plumbing and pump.

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?

When I first felt a pool jet on my feet, I remember feeling it like was the best thing ever. As I started to learn about pools, I realized that jets aren’t always just there to feel nice. They also can carry certain roles in pool cleanliness as well as water refreshing. I was surprised, though, to hear that pool jets need to face a certain way. But, which way are your pool jets supposed to face?

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.

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?

Whether it be low chlorine or algae blooms, many signs indicate that it’s time to shock your pool. Pay attention to the following signs that show the water in your pool needs treatment, such as:

Adding tile to your pool can create a stunning showpiece in your backyard. Not only are glass and ceramic tiles beautiful to look at, but they are strong, long-lasting, and very low maintenance. Pool tiles can transform the entire look of your pool with just one simple installation.

Pool ownership entails a significant amount of upkeep and effort. However, once you are into the full swing of things, you’ll develop a routine that ensures your pool is always clean and swimmable. Despite your regimen, you can sometimes get into difficulties, such as creating pool foam. But why is your pool foaming in the first place?

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.

Ah, there’s nothing like a day in the pool. The sun is shining, the water is cool, the pool pump is making a loud buzzing noise…Wait. The pool pump isn’t supposed to sound like a loud motor having a temper tantrum. Pool pumps are supposed to be (kind of) quiet. When your pump is getting as loud as a nightclub on a hot day, you need to get to the bottom of whatever is causing it.

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With shorter days and brisk temperatures upon is, it may be time to prep your pool for the winter. If you own a pool and live in an area that experiences below-freezing temperatures during winter, you are probably very familiar with the process of closing a pool for the season. However, you may not be as familiar with pool air pillows.

Pool plaster is the most popular pool resurfacing option for concrete pools. Part of its success is its time-tested results as well as the wide range of different colors that it comes in. If you love customization, then you might want to know what the most popular pool paster colors are. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

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.

Summer is here, and you’re ecstatic because your new pool is ready to use. Then you notice that one side of the pool has more water than the other. This indicates that the ground beneath your pool isn’t precisely level. You will need to re-level your pool since it’s hazardous to swim in it under these conditions. But how do you do it without draining it?

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.

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.

Installing a swimming pool is no small endeavor. It is also the kind of decision that requires some thought, planning, and information. There are safety considerations to consider along with deciding on what type of pool, and the impact that installing a swimming pool may or may not have on your property. One question that may likely surface is regarding property taxes and does an above-ground pool increase property taxes.