Outdoors Pools

Most people expect their swimming pools to smell like chlorine, and any deviation can be alarming. That’s especially true if you smell a fishy odor, which can easily make you think twice before swimming. So, why does my pool water smell like fish?

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.

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.

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?

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.

A pond in your backyard can be a fun feature, adding beauty and a relaxing, calming atmosphere. But if your pond ends up grimy, full of algae, or otherwise yucky, it’s anything but beautiful. So, how do you keep a backyard pond clean so it’s worth having as part of your oasis?

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?

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.

Winter is particularly harsh for pond fish, especially those living in small, artificial ponds. If you live in a cold climate and own a pond with fish in it, it’s essential to know that without your help, there’s a strong possibility your fish will die in the winter. Therefore, you should know all the best ways to help keep your fish and pond healthy throughout the coldest months of the year. 

Natural swimming pools are unique and beautiful, and they’re becoming more popular. However, the word “natural” makes this type of pool sound less casual and easier to install than they are. So, how much does it cost to install a natural swimming pool?

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:

Pool maintenance can be a burden between all of the chemicals and daily upkeep. It can be hard to keep everything straight between the waiting times, chemicals, and cleaning processes that it takes to maintain a pool. Many of us have wondered; can you shock your pool and add a stabilizer at the same time?

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?

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.

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…

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.

A pool heater is a big investments, so you may understandably feel apprehensive about getting one. You can make your decision much easier if you consider a few things, such as:

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?

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

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 there is one cleaner that is old-fashioned and incredibly popular, it’s borax. Borax has been a staple in laundry, tiling, and even carpet cleaning. Nowadays, people are starting to pour it into pools. Believe it or not, adding a little borax to your pool water might be a smart idea. The question you need to know, though, is what it can offer a pool owner.

There are few ways more fun to beat the summer heat than to jump into your swimming pool. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, then you know how much fun they can be. However, you also know how much work they can be, especially with dirty water. One of the best ways to take your water from dirty to clean is to add a pool clarifier.

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?

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?

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.

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.

Owning a pool is like having a slice of paradise in your backyard. Not only is it a great place for entertaining, exercising, and cooling off on hot summer days, but it’s also a beautiful water feature. Unfortunately, dirt from your yard can get into the pool, turning it into a filthy eyesore.

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?

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?

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.

It’s currently the best time for a pool day in my neighborhood. We all love to splash and play in the sun, but it’s important to realize how much water can evaporate during these hot days of the year. Conserving water is a smart (and earth-friendly) way to avoid higher bills. Having a cover that helps keep water in your pool, therefore, is a must.

Your pool is your oasis. You want it to be cool, calm, and relaxing. But you also want it to be beautiful all year long. So, refinish the surface to match your house with the best color for a pool deck.

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:

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.

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?

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.

Buying the right pool furniture is critical when you are trying to create the perfect vibe for your backyard oasis. A pool is a great way to create an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, but without the right furniture, a pool can look drab and shabby. So, when you are shopping for pool furniture, you want to make sure you buy something long-lasting and chic. But what is the best material for pool furniture?

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.

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 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.

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?

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.

Everybody wants to get a good deal and save money. However, it’s important to closely scrutinize pricing options when you look for a pool contractor. Any deal that seems too good to be true is a major red flag, and it could indicate a scam. 

Pools from time to time will need maintenance. Most simple repairs and cleaning tasks can be fixed with the water still in the pool. However, for larger issues, you may need to drain it. If you have to call out a professional to drain your pool, you may be wondering if you can just leave it empty until the next time you need to use it.

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?

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.

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.

While some people close their hot tub in the winter, others look forward to soaking in warm water during colder months. Using a hot tub throughout the winter is a luxurious pastime, but doing so is not as simple as plopping down in the water like any other time of the year. That’s why we put together a list of the most essential tips for using a hot tub in the winter.

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!

Getting rid of an above-ground pool is a big commitment, but it’s doable. Keep in mind that many people hire professionals, but you can do it without help. That said, we don’t recommend trying this unless you have lots of DIY experience. It takes a lot of work, and it’s only advisable if you have experience with power tools, such as reciprocating saws.

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.

A swimming pool adds value, character, and a wealth of fun opportunities to any home. A heated pool takes it even further by allowing you to enjoy the pool and swim when it’s cool out. Naturally, many builder-owners set their eyes on a pool heater, but how much does one cost?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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?

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?