Outdoors Pools

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 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?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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…

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?

You have had your above-ground pool for several seasons and notice that the flexible pipe provided by the manufacturer is beginning to show its age. To keep your pool and filter operating properly, you consider replumbing your pool with PVC pipe. However, PVC pipe is not the same size as the flexible tubing, and you wonder what PVC pipe you should use for your above-ground pool.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

As an avid fan of hair products, I know a ton of different conditioning treatments for my hair. As a swimming enthusiast, I had absolutely no idea that pool conditioners are a thing, too. We all know that conditioners are supposed to make the quality of the intended object improve. However, pools are pools. So, what is a pool conditioner supposed to condition? The water’s already clean, so….what’s going on here?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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?

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:

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.

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:

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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:

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.

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.

A  hot tub is one of the most luxurious ways to relax during the colder months, but where should you have it installed? Can you put a hot tub on gravel?

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.

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.

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.

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?