Author: JasminIgby

How To Get The Most Out of Your Hot Tub: Fall Edition

The warm days of summer are coming to an end and the nights are getting steadily cooler. As the weather shifts into an autumn chill, most people find themselves enjoying their hot tubs on a more frequent basis. Now is a great time to prepare your spa for fall use. Following the simple steps below will ensure you get the most out of your hot tub this season!

Hot Tub Cover Care

Early fall is the perfect time to clean and treat your spa cover for the coming cold season!

To properly clean your cover:

Hose down the vinyl to loosen dirt and grime.
Apply the gentle non-abrasive oil-free cleaner on a rag or soft sponge.
Wipe off dirt and grime, regularly hosting off rag or sponge to prevent smearing.
After the cover is dry, apply alcohol and oil-free protectant.

Cleaning/Replacing Your Filter Cartridge

It’s good practice to clean your filters every time you drain and refill your spa. Not only because a clean filter promotes cleaner water and reduces cloudiness, but also because it increases the longevity of the filter itself. With regular cleaning, your filter should be replaced about once every 6 months. So, if you replaced your filter in the spring, it’s time for a new one.

Spa System Flushing

Flushing your spa plumbing system prior to draining will save you time in the long run by eliminating scum build-up in the pipes which often cause water balancing problems if left unchecked. We recommend Spa System Flush for its unsurpassed cleaning performance and economical price.

Draining

Always start your hot tub draining procedure by shutting off the heater and powering off the spa, then switching off the power service at the breaker panel or disconnect box for safety. Once the power is shut off to your tub, you can resume your normal training routine.

Refilling

Before refilling your spa, take time to wipe down the shell with a rag and gentle non-foaming cleanser. This will remove the remaining contaminants and help you to start your hot tub with cleaner clearer water. If you have well water or live in an area with hard water, consider using a hose-end pre-filter to filter out excess minerals and other small particles before they enter the spa. A pre-filter can also prevent hard-to-remove waterline stains and scale build-up on the equipment.

Have questions about hot tub maintenance? Contact us here!

Why Should You Add Enzymes to Your Pool?

Nobody likes a murky pool with slimy water. Even if you take all the right traditional steps to clean your pool, such as adding chlorine. Sometimes the water can get dirtier and dirtier. Organic contaminants usually cause a floating layer. This collects dirt along the water surface and skimmers. And sometimes that can seem impossible to remove. Many pool experts turn to enzymes to help keep a pool clean.

How can enzymes help keep your pool clean?

Enzymes target organic contaminants.

People swimming in your pool leave behind oil and lotion that is made with organic material. Enzymes are a type of protein that, depending on which type you add to your pool, collect oil and lotion filtering through the water. Therefore, this triggers a chemical reaction that eats away at the contaminants.

Enzyme helpers lift the debris to the surface so that you can easily remove it.

They have to be carefully tailored to your pools environment and temperature. And a pool care specialist can help you find the right ones for your pool. Usually, these are combined with another chemical called surfactants that make OC enzymes and the captured oil rise to the surface. Through the hard work of both the surfactant and the enzymes, oil and other organic contaminants are broken down and anything left behind can easily be scooped off the surface.

Depending on how many people use your pool, your pool may be gradually building up with layers of oil. Adding enzymes is a great way to clean your pool without any effort or concerns about dangerous chemicals. If you’d like to learn more about pool maintenance and how to keep your cool clean and refreshing, please contact Cincinnati Pool & Patio here.

Care Tips For Your Spa

Spas are some of the most luxurious additions you can add to your home. Not only do they help you physically relax, but they provide great entertainment for guests of all ages. Naturally, you want to keep the benefits of your spa flowing for as long as you can. The following routines will help you maintain your spa in peak condition for years.

1. Check And Adjust Chemicals

Once a week, check the various chemical levels of your spa water. You will have to check alkalinity, water hardness, chlorine or bromine levels, and calcium. There are test strips in any pool store that you can use. The chlorine and bromine are for keeping the water sanitized and preventing algae. You can use either chemical. The chlorine level should be 1.5-3 PPM. Bromine should be 3-5 PPM.

The other tests are for keeping scales from forming in your tub from minerals in the water. Add one chemical at a time while the water is running for maximum effectiveness.

2. Change Filter Regularly

Twice a week, take the filter out of its home and rinse the pleats out with cool water. You want to remove the debris, and then let them dry out completely.

Every 3-4 months, you can give your filter a more thorough going over by soaking it in a granular filter cleaner. Rinse it and then let it soak overnight in the solution. Let it dry thoroughly before putting.

3. Change Water Regularly

How often you should change the water depends on the amount of use the spa gets. Anywhere from 2-4 times a year should work. The important thing is to add a flush product to the water for a thorough cleaning once a year. Generally, these flushes should be added at least 20 minutes before you drain the water and when the temperature will be above freezing. Remove the filter for a thorough draining.

4. Leave It Running

The pump in your spa keeps water circulating to discourage algae and move debris into the filter. Run the spa at least 12 hours out of the day for peak performance.

If you follow these routines, your spa will work at maximum efficiency for years, which will reduce wear on the inner workings. If you have any questions about how to care for your spa, feel free to contact us. We are leaders in the spa making business, and we are only too glad to lend our expertise.

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Landscaping Requirements

Above ground pools let you have the swimming space you want without worrying about digging a gigantic hole in your yard, but that doesn’t mean they have no effect on your yard whatsoever. Even though you no longer have to worry about removing all that soil, you still have to be careful about where you place the pool, and about what landscaping you place near it.

Space and Access

Any landscaping you do around the pool should allow you and pool maintenance workers to access all parts of the pool. Shrubs should be at least a few inches away from the edge of the pool and not right up against it. Equipment for the pool, such as pumps, should never be blocked or enveloped by plants. You can certainly plant shrubs and hedges between the pool and your view of it from your house if you don’t want to see the equipment, but you must leave empty space around the outside of the pool.

Part of the reason for doing this is to leave access, as noted, but it also helps prevent mold and fungi from taking over the plants and pool perimeter. That space lets air flow easily between the two, drying out excess moisture.

Root Problems

All plants near the pool, be they shrubs, flowerbeds, or trees, should have nonaggressive roots that won’t spend the edge of the pool. For most shrubs and flowers, a few inches or a couple of feet will provide enough space to mitigate root issues. Any trees that are close to the structure, though, need to have taproots instead of large, spreading root systems. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pool out of the tree’s drip line, which is the line on the ground that corresponds to the approximate circle formed by the edges of the tree’s canopy.

Grading to Prevent Puddles

Like in-ground pools, above ground pools can get a bit splashy as everyone inside has a lot of fun swimming around. Excess water that splashes out needs to drain away from the pool (and your house). Before installing the pool, have landscapers double-check the slope of the land in the area where you want the pool. They can degrade the land if necessary.

When you’re ready to choose a pool, contact the Cincinnati Pool & Patio. You’ll be able to see different pool sizes and configurations that allow you to find one that will work well in your yard.

Patio Furniture Care: 3 Common Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Patio Furniture Care

Proper patio furniture care can keep your investment looking good, and help you enjoy outdoor living more. In fact, many patio sets require nothing more than simple upkeep so you can rest easy as long as you avoid the common mistakes. Here are 3 tips for preventing your tables, chairs, and cushions from revealing their age.

Forgetting to read the manufacturer’s guidelines:

All patio furniture is not created equal, and your new set may need different handling than your old one. You don’t want to power-wash or use abrasive cleaners unless you’re sure that is okay. Read the directions, and visit the company’s website to be safe. Chances are, soap and water will be all you need, but using the wrong products could make a mess, and void your warranty.

Throwing away the card:

Speaking of your warranty, hold onto it. High-quality outdoor furniture often comes with a warranty for 5 years or more, so if accidents happen, you may be able to save big by making simple repairs using covered parts.

Not covering up adequately:

There are times when outdoor furniture shouldn’t stay outdoors. Bring it inside or cover it up when it’s not in use or during harsh weather, especially freeze-thaw cycles. Measure furniture carefully to be sure your covers provide full coverage. Look for covers that are UV-treated to block out damaging rays that could otherwise cause cracking and discoloration.

Located in Cincinnati, Cincinnati Pool & Patio offers it all for outdoor living and entertaining. Contact us for the best values, friendly service, or for tips on patio furniture care.

The Benefits of Installing a Hot Tub

Installing a Hot Tub

Have you ever considered installing a hot tub for your home? A hot can be a fun and relaxing way for you to spend your time. There are many benefits to owning a hot tub. Here are a few reasons why you should install a hot tub for your home this summer.

Relax After a Swim

If you’ve been playing hard and spending a lot of time swimming around your pool, a hot tub can be a relaxing way to unwind and soothe your muscles after you’re done. Not to mention, sometimes you need a way to warm up after you get out of that cold pool!

Hot Tubs Are Great for Socializing

Looking for a fun new way to hang out and relax with a cold drink and a few friends? Hot tubs are a great way to bring a social dimension to your pool time. They can also be a nice little bonus to any pool party.

Hot Tubs Can Add Value to Your Home

When it comes time to sell your home, it’s nice to have a little added value to make it easier to sell. Hot tubs can add to the desirability of your home and increase its value.

If you are looking for a way to spruce things up around your pool this summer, consider getting a hot tub installed. Cincinnati Pool & Patio has a knowledgeable staff that can help you with all your hot tub needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to making your hot tub dreams a reality.

Gas Grill Care 101

It’s that time of year. Cold, dark winter days are slowly becoming longer and warmer, which can only mean one thing…grilling season is back!!! Soon it will be time to fire up your gas grill and start enjoying the great outdoors, but before you throw those steaks and burgers on you’ll want to give your grill a thorough cleaning to ensure it’s ready to go! Cleaning your grill before its first seasonal use will help extend it’s life, as well as improve the flavor of the food you cook.

Whether you own a tried and true stand-alone gas grill or the latest in built-in island luxury, the following steps will help ensure that you get the most from your appliance.

What You’ll Need:

A bucket of hot soapy water
A Wire scrub brush
A sponge
Cleaning cloth or rag

Get Cleaning:

Make sure your gas source is off
Remove the grates
Scrub grates with the soapy water and wire scrub brush
Remove the metal plates that protect the burners, and clean using your sponge
Use your rag or cloth to wipe down the burners with the soapy water
Remove any food drippings or burned bits from the bottom of the grill
Replace the grates
Turn on your gas source and fire the grill up to high
Close the lid and let the heat finish the job by burning off any remaining food bits or residue
Use a clean cloth and tongs to distribute an even coat of canola oil over the grate this will help keep food from sticking

For more information on how to get the most from your gas grill, please contact us.

Outdoor Living: Everything You Need For Your Dream Backyard

Outdoor Living

You’ve got your dream house. Now it’s time to design your dream backyard for a blissful outdoor living experience. Summer’s on the way, and those evenings are meant for entertaining friends and family outside on your custom patio.

But where to begin? There are so many options when it comes to designing your outdoor living space, and the choices are personal. That’s why you have the opportunity to sit down with one of our consultants to share your ideas and come up with the perfect arrangement for you. We have everything you need for your backyard.

Patio Furniture

Obviously, everyone needs a place to sit! We have a wide variety of high-quality furniture sets that are built in the USA and made to last for years. They’re comfortable and stylish, and you’ll be able to find just the right option for your backyard setting.

Hot Tubs

What’s more relaxing than soaking in the water? We feature energy-efficient spas, many of which are made with recycled materials.

Outdoor Kitchens

This is the ultimate in backyard entertaining! Why shut yourself inside to prepare meals and snacks while your guests are outside enjoying your beautiful backyard? With an outdoor kitchen, you’ll never miss a moment of your gathering (and you won’t risk burning the pie!).

Grills

No outdoor living space is complete without a grill, even if you do have a full outdoor kitchen. There’s just something about the taste of ribs, burgers, and vegetables on the grill–it wouldn’t be summer without that! We carry a wide variety of top-of-the-line grills to fit your space and your budget.

Pools

Everybody loves a pool party! We can install an energy-efficient in-ground or above-ground pool of the shape and size that perfectly fits your needs. And if you’d like a waterfall or a slide, we can do that, too.

Finishing Touches

Work with us to choose the perfect flooring, patio covering, countertops, and more. We make it as easy as possible for you to create the ideal outdoor living space according to your desires and your budget. Contact us to get started.

How to get Patio Furniture Ready for Warm Weather

Patio Furniture Ready for Warm Weather

Clean and comfortable patio furniture helps you create a relaxing spot for your family during warm weather. Though, when you pull your furniture out of storage for the season it may be dirty or rusty. Cleaning patio furniture is fairly simple and is an easy way to refresh your outdoor living space. Here is how we get patio furniture ready for warm weather.

Before you clean your furniture assess it. Look for stains, mold or missing parts. Replace any lost foot caps or tighten loose screws. If a piece is too wobbly or damaged to be safely used, discard it and buy a replacement.

Clean any cushions first, removing the covers if there are any. Vacuum the cushions before you wash them. They can be dusty, and once dust hits the water it turns to mud and becomes much more problematic to remove. If your cushion cover comes with the manufacturer’s washing instructions follow those.

As for the furniture itself, the material it is made from determines how you clean it.

Plastic and resin-

Wipe this type of patio furniture down with warm soapy water and then hose it off.

Wrought iron-

First, look for rust and sand it off. Next, repaint it to prevent more rust. If there are no rust spots you can simply wipe your wrought iron furniture down with a soft dry cloth.

Wicker or teak-

Use oil based soap mixed with water and clean the material with a scrub brush.

Aluminum-

Like plastic, you can use mild soapy water and a soft cloth. But, be gentler than you would with plastic because aluminum can scratch.

If your outdoor furniture is in bad shape and needs to be replaced, contact us. We have a wide selection of many different types of pool and patio furniture by the finest manufacturers.

In-ground Pools and your Backyard Oasis

Whether your backyard is a clean slate waiting to be turned into a Rembrandt, or an outdoor oasis that just needs a few touches, options abound. From in-ground pools to water features, decking and lighting, living spaces and landscape, the choices may seem endless. Consider these important design elements before creating any in-ground pools.

The Setting

The first step in creating the backyard of your dreams is to determine what setting you’d like to create. Is your backyard going to become a relaxing, tropical retreat? A kid-friendly fun park? A hip and slightly eccentric hangout for family and friends? An elegant and luxurious oasis? Browse through some magazines and see what sparks and ignites the “wow” factor in you.

In-ground Pools

A pool makes a definite statement and, depending on the added touches, begins to set the tone. Consider a vinyl lining for the following reasons:

There is no limitation to length, width, and depth, and there are a variety of colors and an array of patterns to choose from. This important attribute allows your creativity to blossom and inspires possibilities. If you can dream it, a vinyl lined pool makes it achievable.
Easy installation makes it one of the lowest initial costs of all types of pools.
The material is durable, smooth and inhibits the growth of algae.

The Water

This would seem fairly straightforward, but the advent of saltwater pools has introduced an alternative. Saltwater pools are not chlorine free. They do, however, use a chlorine generator that turns salt into chlorine. This results in less chlorine which is gentler on your skin. It also requires less maintenance.

The Lighting

Lighting offers both beauty and safety, and it is a vital element in setting your tone. From underwater hues to subtle illuminations along walkways and lights filtering through trees and waterfalls, the possibilities really are endless.

The Decking

A touch of teak, a splash of colored concrete, slabs of granite or slate, travertine or brick pavers. The choice of your decking material makes a dramatic impact on your outdoor living space.

Water Features

This is the pièce de résistance–the crowning glory. From waterfalls to grottos to diving rocks or unique and inventive slides, this is the place where your imagination soars.

We are recognized as the leaders in our market for innovation and the use of the latest green technologies and, in the process, save you thousands of dollars in wasted water and energy. Contact us and we will help you create your vision.