Outdoors Pools

Pool pumps are clearly a major part of every in-ground and above-ground pool. They are the thing that pushes water through your filter and also help power your jets. So, it’s not like you can have a healthy pool without a pump for too long. However, there has to be a point where you can leave a pool unpumped without too many problems, right? How long can you use a pool that has no working pump?

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.

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.

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?

Swimming pools are just as relaxing and enjoyable as they are sometimes high maintenance. Maintenance and repairs are a part of owning a home with a pool, but unexpected damage means unexpected costs. Pool surfaces are susceptible to damage, and builder-owners are left wondering how much they’ll have to spend this time.

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.

Pool pumps are a necessary part of swimming pool health, and they help sanitize the water. However, they can run into trouble and fail to operate properly if the capacitor is outdated or damaged. So, how can you tell if a pool pump capacitor is bad?

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?

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.

When you first get to an indoor pool, chances are that you already remember feeling the floor underneath your feet. Flooring tends to come in one of two “flavors:” tile and poured concrete. If you have a tile floor in your pool room, then you probably will have that tile expand into the pool itself. Making a tiled pool is no small matter, and if you’re ready to begin, it’s crucial to know the type of grout to use.

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.

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.

Everything from the chemicals you use to the size of your pool affects how much you must spend on its maintenance. Many factors affect your monthly pool budget, such as:

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.

A temporary pool can be an exciting addition to your yard during the hot summer months. It offers a fun way to cool down, enjoy the season, and spend time with family and friends. But before you purchase a temporary pool, you might be wondering: Do you need a permit?

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…

Got a swimming pool? Where do you drain it? There are many situations that warrant draining your pool, such as winterization or significant algae, but you should always consider the ecosystem before draining or leveling the water in your pool.

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?

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. 

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.

You have your home, but you want to create a perfect little oasis that you can escape to when you want to relax. This usually includes a nice hot tub you can take a dip in to draw a close to the day or night. But, as with any big-ticket purchase, you need to make sure you’re making an informed purchase. That means you need to know what brands you should steer clear of.

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.

The only way to tell if your pool has too much chlorine is to test the water. Never swim in a pool that has more than 3.0-5.0 parts per million of chlorine. That is too much chlorine, and it can irritate your skin and eyes.

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.

Intex pools are one of the most affordable types of pools on the market. They’re above-ground pools that are durable and at the same time,  relatively easy to maintain. However, they tend to have one major snag. Sometimes, they end up being uneven. When this happens, you need to know what to do…and if you’re at risk of something worse.

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?

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?

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?

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?

Pool liners are what separate your pool’s water from the rest of the world. They are a mainstay when it comes to your pool’s ability to contain water well. In fact, you kind of need to have a pool liner that’s fully functional in order to properly swim in your pool. When you have a hole in your liner, it’s normal to have a need to patch things up. It’s clear that you are going to need to fix holes, but how big is too big to fix?

It’s a tough time of the year when you have to say goodbye to your swimming pool until the spring or summer. Closing a pool can be intimidating and difficult because of how much can go wrong if you skip a step. Because of that, many homeowners struggle with how to winterize an inground saltwater pool.

The color of your pool water can tell a lot about your pool’s health. That’s why we all naturally gravitate towards pools that have rich blues, crystal clear hues, and maybe a little turquoise in them. One color no one wants to see in a pool is brown. That’s a major ick right there, and it’s enough to have people run in the opposite direction. So, what is brown pool water doing in your pool?

Fiberglass pools have such a popular following. They are sturdier than typical vinyl or Intex. They also tend to work well with people who want to customize them with bells and whistles. As a person who gets the need to be customized, I understand the love people have for adding a coat of paint to their pool walls. We know it’s cool with concrete, but can you add flair to your fiberglass too?

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. 

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. 

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.

When you have a pool of your own, water temperature matters quite a bit. You don’t want it to be too cold, but you might still want it to give you some feeling of refreshment. If you want to have a warmer pool, you might have considered getting solar pool heating for it. It’s definitely an option, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right for you. You might even be wondering whether it’s even worth the price tag…

A deck is a fun escape and a way to add value to your backyard, especially if you add other luxuries. It is natural to picture yourself living a life of leisure in a hot tub on your deck. Countless homeowners have asked themselves the question; can I add a hot tub to my deck?

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.

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 unsafe for a dog to walk on a pool cover, as they aren’t designed to accommodate dogs. Of course, the biggest risk is that your dog may fall through the cover. This is quite unsafe, as the water beneath a pool cover is often quite shallow, so they can get stuck far below.

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.

Pool filters serve a single purpose: get rid of impurities in the pool. Plain and simple, right? Well, sometimes what they are supposed to do isn’t the thing that they are doing. If you recently noticed your pool filter burping out sand, it’s clear something isn’t right. It’s not supposed to do that! But, why is it blowing out sand like it’s going out of style?

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?

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.

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?

Owning a pool is a great investment, particularly if you live in a hot and dry environment. Nothing beats being able to cool off with a relaxing dip when the temperature starts to rise. However, while a pool is a blessing during the hottest months of the year, it can require a lot of upkeep and maintenance.

Pool covers are always made out to be flimsy things. In the past, that was just the way things were. Today, things are a bit different. Your pool cover can turn a pool into a fully covered sidewalk…if you get the right type. While they are not quite common, you can now buy pool covers you can walk on. The question is, which ones are the best walkable pool covers on the market?

Pools and spas are, in my opinion, some of the best outdoor fixtures that a home can include. But without electricity, these fixtures wouldn’t be the wonderful luxuries we know today, as many of their features require electricity. Pumps, lights, and heaters are all pool components that require electricity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Imagine the following moment: you’re in your pool, enjoying the jets. Then, the jets stop working and your pool lights shut off. Your breaker has tripped. You run over, untrip the breaker switch, and get back in. Within a matter of minutes, you can’t enjoy your pool anymore. The breaker tripped again. Your GFCI breaker is supposed to protect your system. So, what’s going on?

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.

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.

A solar cover is a great addition to your heated or non-heated pool. If your pool has a heater, you will have to retain all the heat you can. If it is heated, saving heat with a solar cover is a great way to save money.

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.

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?