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Pool Maintenance

Owning a swimming pool can be fun. A pool makes your outdoor barbeques and events more memorable and can make your house the centerpiece of the neighborhood. But maintaining a pool can be quite time consuming. Whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire a pool maintenance service, you should know these ten tips to make sure that your pool stays in top shape for as long as possible.

Maintenance Tips

1. Always inspect the areas between the deck and the pool to see if water is leaking into deck areas that could get water damage. If you have tile, check the areas to see if cracks in the grout are developing. Use calking to seal small cracks and make sure you are using waterproofing on your deck.
2. Clean your filters often to keep hair and other solid debris from clogging them. This keeps your filters working at peak condition and keeps your pool water looking clean.
3. If you are using chemicals yourself, you need to keep them out of direct sunlight. Many of the chemicals degrade with prolonged exposure and will not perform as you expect.
4. Make sure you clean the surface of the pool often using a leaf basket or net. This removes the leaves, bugs and other debris that would otherwise end up in the filter.
5. If you choose to maintain the pump, do so only with recommended factory maintenance guides. Otherwise, this would be good to leave to a professional.
6. Check Ph levels twice a week to maintain proper alkalinity of the water. This is where the chlorine tablets come in handy.
7. Inspect the liner periodically for rips and tears. These can not only cause further pool damage but can hurt people who step on a tear in the liner and cut their feet.
8. Before using a pool after winter ends, be sure to shock the pool to kill any algae growth. This will also need to be done periodically to keep algae growth away.
9. Inspect any ladders or rails attached to the pool for rust or other damage to ensure their proper function.
10. 10.  Have fun with your pool. I know this seems a bit off here but always remember that your pool will give you a lifetime of enjoyment so make sure to take advantage of it.

Latest Trends In Pool Design

Disappearing Edge pools are designed so the water flow seems to vanish on one or more of its edges. They are also known as infinity edge pools. The disappearance of water on either a single or more of the edges effectively treats the pool as an expansion of the natural environment. An unobstructed view of the landscape makes the pools to appear more ideal. The only thing that the hidden edge does is to create your attention to the pool. Lagoon Style pools, Lap pools, Geometric pools are all different design styles that can choose to meet their individual preference and needs. The important thing is that you find a pool builder that you are comfortable with and who has experience.

Waterfalls & other water features provide a pleasant, tranquil water sound which cascades around and into the swimming pool.A fountain can also generate soothing sound in your back yard. It is becoming increasingly popular to integrate water and fire into landscaping and pool designs. An outdoor fireplace adds warmth and style to your poolscape. For more ideas and information on outdoor fireplaces, clickhere.

If you are considering building a  pool and need advice or help with ideas, budget and design, please contact us at 979-690-3343.

Each year, a large number of pool owners host a pool party. A pool party is similar to any other backyard party; however, the party is mostly centered on swimming. If you are a pool owner, especially one that regularly hosts pool parities, you may want to consider purchasing a bar for your pool. These bars are commonly known as swim-up bars or

pool bars

A bar for the pool? If you are wondering how that is possible, you are not alone. In many areas of the United States, pool bars are relatively unheard of, especially in residential pools. When they first appeared on the market, bar pools were mostly found in popular vacation destinations, namely the Caribbean. They were, and still are, a popular attraction at many popular hotels and resorts. Despite the fact that pool bars are most commonly found in hotel or resort pools, you can have one in your own pool.

The first step in purchasing a bar for your pool is to familiarize yourself with all of your available options. Perhaps, the easiest way to do this is by using the internet. Online, you will find a large collection of online retailers and product manufacturers that either make or sell pool bars. If you are unfamiliar with pool bars, researching the products that are currently available for sale is a great way to familiarize yourself. In fact, while further examining pool bars, you may even find one that you would like to purchase.

When examining pool bars, it is likely that you will come across a number of different bar styles. This is because there are a number of different product manufacturers who make them. Since each manufacturer is likely to produce their own, unique pool bar, it is likely that that you will have quite the selection to choose from. That is why it is important that you properly review each pool bar before making a decision. This will help to ensure that you purchase the pool bar of your dreams, while also ensuring that you get the best deal possible.

Although you are advised to purchase the type of pool bar that best fits your needs, you may want to examine the most popular and well-known pool bars available for sale. These types of bars are known as in-pool bars and poolside bars. Poolside bars are bars that are along the side of your pool. While they may not be positioned directly in your swimming pool, they are still considered pool bars. The advantage to having a poolside bar is that there is extra storage space. Perhaps, the only downside to having a poolside bar is that you must exit the pool to get what you want. If a poolside bar is not what you are looking for then you will want to examine in-pool bars.

In-pool bars, also commonly referred to as swim-up bars, are bars that are positioned directly in your pool. These bars often include a small table with matching chairs. In many cases, a matching umbrella can also be purchased. Pool bars are ideal because you can easily set your food or drinks on the table. This means that you do not have to get in and out of the pool to get a drink. One of the downsides to in-pool bars is the limited storage space. Depending on the size of your pool, you may also find that a pool bar limits the amount of swimming space you have.

pool bars

If entertainment is what you are looking for, you may find that a pool bar has just what you need. Whether you purchase a poolside bar or an in-pool bar, it is likely that you and your party guests will be pleased with your purchase. Pool bars are a convenient way to serve food or drinks at your next pool party. In addition to convenience, pool bars also help to create a fun and entertaining environment. Convenience and entertainment are just what you need to make you next party a success.

ground pool

In ground pools are a great way to add to the value of your home. They may cost a lot of money, although they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and they also give you the most versatility. You can choose to have a shallow end for children and those who are learning to swim, then add a deep end on the other side for diving boards and lap swimming.

Pool

Above ground swimming pools on the other hand are much cheaper, although they require a deck and privacy fencing for those who want their privacy. Adding a deck around your above ground pool will raise the value of your home as well. Even though above ground pools aren’t that deep, they are great enjoying yourself on a hot day, or just getting out there and splashing water with your family and friends.

Instead of going with a swimming pool, you can also choose a hot tub. Hot tubs cost quite a bit of money, although they are an excellent way to relax. Hot tubs have been well known over the years to enhance the value of property. You can relax in a heated hot tub with your other half, or just let your kids relax in the tub with non heated water.

Even though a hot tub is a great investment, most people looking to add value to their home choose to go with an in ground swimming pool. In ground pools cost the most money, adding instant value to your home. If you are planning to install an in ground pool, you should pay very close to the location, as this will impact the value. Normally, in ground pools work the best and bring the most value if they are installed behind your home, with a fence going around them.

Keep in mind, that installing an in ground pool will take quite a bit of time. It also involves digging up your yard, which is why you want to select a location for it where nothing runs under the ground. When your contractor looks at your property before installing the pool, he will go over that sort of thing with you. Once the pool is installed and everything is set up, you should have your home appraised and see what the value is. Truth be told – you may find yourself simply amazed at just how much value a pool can add to your home.

You must get your pools equipped with pool heaters to enjoy swimming in warm water in chilly winters. Swimming pool heaters are wonderful devices to make your pools fit for swimming after summer and the year around. These fine amenities for your swimming pools help you adjust your water temperature. Your pool heater can help you adjust your pool water temperature from 65 degrees to 80 degrees.

Your pool heaters help you enjoy safe swimming in lukewarm pool water in your winters. They help you enjoy swimming in all weather conditions. There are mainly three types of swimming pool heaters; gas heaters, electric pool heaters and solar pump heating systems.
Gas heaters are automatically temperature controlling pool heaters. Gas fired heaters use LPG to warm up your pools. These are common and affordable pool heaters. Gas heaters boast up to 90% efficiency ratings and use as much gas as required. These heaters have on-off switches, pressure switches, gas valves and high limit switches in the safety circuitry. Gas heaters are the best option for quick heating.

Electric pool heaters are based on a heat pump designs. Electric heaters are known working finely when the out side air temperature is above 45 degrees. There are a number sizes and models of electric heaters for the different sizes and designs of your pools. Electric heaters are recommended for the athletic trainers.

Solar pool heating systems are the safest ways of heating your swimming pools. Solar pool heaters use solar energy to heat up your swimming pool water in day time. These heaters get heating energy from the sun at no cost.

Swimming pools equipped with solar heaters require pumps to pump pool water to solar swimming pool heaters and heated water back to pools. The major drawback of the solar pool heating systems is that they work only in the sunny days to keep your pool temperature comfortable.

There are various types of swimming pools depending on the construction of the basin. It is easy and economical to build the Above-ground pools with the help of prefabricated kits. Molded fiberglass-reinforced plastic, in the shape of a basin, is used to build the Fiberglass pools. A Vinyl-lined in-ground swimming pool is cheaper than the other in-ground designs, but the liner has to be replaced every ten years. The durable Gunite swimming pools with tile or fiberglass finish are the most popular. The Poured-concrete swimming pools are harder than the Gunite pools.

The public swimming pools include an indoor heated pool, an outdoor saltwater pool, children’s and toddler’s pool. Some of the public swimming pools have exciting features like an artificial waterfalls, fountains, splash pads, isolated bars, and wave machines. There are various lockers resent for storing clothing and other belongings.

The exercise swimming pools, also called swim spas, have various modes of resistance swimming. Swimming helps to tone the muscles, improve strength and flexibility, increase blood circulation, control body weight and enhance body contours. Various kinds of water exercises that can be done in a swimming pool are water walking, water jogging, water toning, water therapy, water aerobics, and water yoga.

It is extremely important to keep the swimming pool clean of pathogens and maintain a perfect chemical balance. A wrong chemical balance can cause damage to the pool, and can irritate the eyes and skin. Thus it is essential to disinfect the water in the swimming pool by adding chlorine, and other bromine compounds. Purifying the water of the swimming pool is essential to maintain proper health and hygiene.

For safety measures, avoid swimming for an hour after heavy meals. Eating heavy food and then going for a swim in the swimming pool or any other water body can be risky. Chances of developing cramps are higher, thus swimming after meals should be avoided. A swimming pool provides not only recreation and fun, but also keeps us fit and healthy.

Swimming Pool Games

Colors

One of my kids favorite pool games.  Choose a person to be “it”.  “It” stands on the side of the pool with their back to the other swimmers who are lined up in the water on the same side of the pool as “it”.  Players choose a color and keep it to themselves.   “It” begins to call out colors one at a time.  If a players color is called out they must try and make it to the other side of the pool as quietly as they can.  If “it” hears them swimming then they can dive into the pool and try and tag a player.  If “it” turns around and the players still have a hand on the side of the pool then “it” must take a step away from the edge and start again.  If “it” catches a swimmer then the swimmer becomes the new “it”.

Octopus

Choose a person to be “it”.  They stand in the middle of the pool.  Players line up on one side of the pool and try and swim to the other side without being tagged.  The players who are tagged hold hands with “it” and for the next round all the players holding hands try and tag the swimmers as they try and make it to the other end of the pool.  Keep going until all players have been tagged – then choose another “it” and start again.  Lots of fun!

Noodle Joust

Select 2 players to sit on a blow up raft in the middle of the pool.  Give each one a pool noodle and have them joust with the noodles and try and get each other off the raft.  The winner takes on the next player.

Marco Polo

Choose someone to be “it”  They close their eyes and try and tag the other players.  Whenever “it” calls out “Marco”, the players must answer “Polo”.  If “it” tags a player then that player becomes “it”.  If you allow players to get out of the pool while playing the game then if “it” calls out “Fish out of water!” and there is someone outside the water then that person becomes “it”.  If there is more then 1 person outside of the water then “it” gets to choose who takes their place.Jump or Dive
Players line up on the side of the pool and one person stands away from them in the water.  All players must jump into the pool on the word “go”.  The person in the pool calls out “Jump!” or “Dive” and the players must try and obey the command while in the air.  If they do the wrong command they must sit out.

Water Tag

Use a splash ball or large sponge for “it” to tag other players.  Throw the ball or sponge and whoever “it” hits  becomes the new “it”.

Ping Pong Scramble

Players form a large circle in the pool and scramble to collect ping pong balls and place them in their container.  Dump a large container of ping pong balls in the middle of the players circle.  Whoever collects the most balls wins!  Have them collect them in different colored laundry baskets or buckets that are placed on the edge of the pool.  Great for individual or team play.  Variation:  Before the party use a permanent marker to give each ping pong ball a point value.  The team with the highest score wins.   Or place a small colored dot on each ball in different colors.  Teams must only collect the balls with their color.

Frozen T-Shirt Contest

Dunk a 2 shirts in water and freeze in gallon size storage bags. During your birthday party take the shirts out and divide your friends into 2 groups. Each group is racing to thaw and put on the shirt. You can use anything in the yard to thaw it: hose, pool, slam it on the pavement, use your hands, breath on it, etc. Every 15 seconds you switch the person thawing the shirt. Have someone shout out “switch” every 15 seconds. The first one team to thaw it and puts it one one of their teammates wins.   *This would be a great game to play while it is hot outside and before you play the Soaked Shirt Relay below.  

Soaked Shirt Relay

Fun pool game and relay for all ages.  Teams line up on one side of the pool.  They must put on a large t-shirt and swim to the other side of the pool and back.  Then take off the wet shirt and the next player must put it on and swim to the other side of the pool and back.  Keep going until all players have completed the task – first team done wins.  The shirt is very hard to get on and off while it is wet.  Variation:  Add other items that the players must put on such as a diving mask, flippers, shorts, bathing cap, nose plugs, pool ring … etc.

Watermelon Push Relay

Funny relay race for individuals or teams.  Players must push a watermelon from one end of the pool to the other without touching the bottom of the pool with their feet.  To make it extra difficult rub Vaseline on the watermelons to make them extra slippery.

Water Freeze Tag

Choose a person to be “it”.  “It” tags players and once tagged the player must freeze where they are.  Other players can unfreeze them by swimming under their legs.  When all players are tagged then “it” chooses a player to be the new “it”.

Water Balloon Toss

Water balloon tosses are even more fun in the pool.  Separate players into teams and have them toss water balloons back and forth.  Start with players close to each other and after each round have each player step back.  If the balloon pops then that team is out.  (Be safe — pick up broken balloon pieces right away and keep away from small children.)

Crazy Catch

Line players up in a single file line.  Have an adult stand at the side of the pool (or in the water) and throw a beach ball up so that the players must jump to catch it.  Variation:  Have the adult call out an animal and the kids must act out that S E A H O R S E
Played just like the basketball game H O R S E only using a water basketball hoop.

Relay Races

Make up fun relay races for 2 teams of players to complete.  Players take turns going from one side of the pool to the other doing crazy requests such as:

Swimming backwards
Riding a pool float
Crawling on the bottom of the pool

For more fun ideas you can visit : Pool Party Theme Ideas

Winter is not the best time for your pool, so before the cold season comes in with full force, you should prepare your pool for the tough weather. Winterizing your pool guarantees you that it will survive the season and be spared from possible winter damages.

Pools differ from one another, that is why it is best to consult your pool manufacturer about properly winterizing your pool. But there are general guidelines in winterizing pools, which will give you a good head start. Here are a few of them:

1. Remove any deck equipment. This includes ladders, diving boards, rails, and slides. Store them in places where they will be secure and away from the harsh weather.

2. Check the water’s chemical balance. The pH level should be anywhere between 7.2 to 7.6; alkalinity, 80 to 120 ppm; and calcium hardness, 180 to 220 ppm. If the water chemistry is unbalanced, you run the risk of damaging the pool surface. Chemical winterizing kits, which contain the necessary chemical treatments, are available from pool supply stores. Use them as instructed in the product label.

3. Blow out the water from pumping, heating, and filtering systems. You can use a shop vac or air compressor to do this job. Make sure all water comes out. By draining these systems, you avoid the possibility of freezing water and cracking the lines.

4. Lower the water level. This is necessary if your pool has tile liner, because when the water expands, it can push outward and may crack the tile. Keep the water 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. However, if you have drained your underground pipes and are using gizzmos to plug the skimmer, there is no need to lower the water lever. Remember, the higher the water, the better for the pool to hold the cover.

5. Clean the pool. Remove leaves and other debris using a filter or net. Some owners prefer not to clean the pool, especially if there’s only a few floating debris, and clean it only upon opening the pool in the spring. However, it is still advisable to clean the pool before closing it for winter to ensure you of clean water come spring.

6. Cover the pool. This will keep debris out of the pool and prevent algae build-up. Pool covers come in different varieties and likewise offer various advantages and disadvantages. Regardless, choose the cover that provides the most protection and fits your pool the best. When installing the cover, make sure the wire is tight enough, so no amount of wind can topple off the cover and expose your pool. To provide support, you can use air pillow or any other floating devices. These devices absorb ice expansion in the pool and prevent the pool sides from cracking.

Be extra careful when winterizing your pool. If you have any questions, contact your pool manufacturer or any pool expert. Don’t take chances, as repairs are painfully costly.

For help with winterizing your pool and for pool supplies, call us at (979) 690-3343 or visit us online at http://www.sunshinefunpools.com

Having good pool chemistry is critical for preventing bacterial and algae growth, insuring the pool’s health and optimal safety for people swimming in the pool. So what do you need to know about pool water chemistry?

==> Picking and Using Chlorine

The first step to maintaining healthy pool chemistry is selecting the right kind of chlorine.

When it comes to choosing chlorine, you really do get what you pay for. There are cheaper sticks of chlorine that you can purchase that may look a lot like the more expensive ones, but once they’re in use you’ll notice a big difference.

High quality chlorine dissolves very slowly in the pool. On the other hand, low quality chlorine dissolves much more quickly and will have disappeared in about three days. The stick may look like it’s the same size, but much of it is filler.

The most cost effective kind of chlorine comes in 3-inch tablets, though if you run a smaller pool you may choose to go with a 1 inch tablet. Aim to get a table that has at least 85% of Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione.

==> Chlorine Feeding System

The system you use to feed the chlorine into your pool matters a great deal. If you just place the chlorine in your pool or put it in a skimmer, your chlorine levels will be far too high. That level of chlorine will corrode your pump and circulation systems.

Instead, opt for purchasing either an automatic feeder or a chemical feeder. Both work very well for dispersing the chlorine into the pool slowly.

==> Get Your pH Levels Right

If your pH levels are off, your swimmers are going to feel like their eyes are burning when they swim in your pool. In order to manage your pH, you’re going to need a pH testing kit.

The ideal pH for a swimming pool is 7.4, plus or minus 0.2 pH. If you’re off by even 1 pH, the chlorine in your pool won’t be able to do its job. Bacteria and insects will be able to invade your pool freely.

It’s rare that you’ll have a low pH problem. Generally, your challenge will be lowering the pH levels of your pool. You can do this by using granular acid (slower) or muriatic acid (faster but more dangerous.) Make sure your pump is turned on full blast when you add these chemicals.

Change your pH levels slowly and keep retesting. Don’t add a ton of chemicals only to find you overshot your goal, only to have to use more chemicals to bring the pH back up.

These are some of the most important factors you need to know about to maintain a healthy pool chemistry.