How To Open Your Pool

open your pool

How To Open Your Pool

We know there’s still time before pool season starts. But there’s no harm in being extra prepared when spring rolls around. There’s, unfortunately, some necessary tasks and work that needs to be completed before you can open your pool for the season. If only there were some ways to make this daunting task seem easier. Luckily, we are here to help you with two time-saving tips on how to open your pool.

Clean The Deck First

Always sweep and clean your decking before you begin to clean your pool. Nothing will frustrate you more easily than watching leaves from your deck blow into your freshly skimmed and vacuumed pool.

Use Your Pump

If you’ve had a cover on the pool for the winter, chances are some water has pooled upon it. You can utilize your sump pump to drain the water off before you try to move it. This will help to eliminate excess debris from falling into your pool and also make the cover much easier to move and open your pool. (You can also create a siphon effect with your garden hose to remove water from the top.)

Need help opening your pool this year? Contact us here!

Easy Grill Recipes

grilling recipes

Easy Grill Recipes

These easy grill recipes will help you and your grill cook some delicious food!

Pizza

The only thing better than pizza is grilled pizza. Grilling pizza isn’t as daunting as it sounds. It’s also the perfect way to get a crispy crust with a great charred flavor.

You can use any topping you’d like, but seasonal toppings will always “top” the competition.

Chicken Wings

That’s right, frying isn’t the only way to enjoy chicken wings. Grilling chicken wings can give a great smokey flavor to them, and enhance the flavor of their marinades or sauces.

Grilled Peppers

Flame-licked red, green, and even bell peppers make a great appetizer for outdoor parties.

You can fill them with anything from a cream cheese spread to a spicy sausage mix. They’re spicy, filling, and satisfying.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

An easy way to improve your usual taco recipe is to cook them on the grill.

Nothing is better than coating your shrimp in olive oil, herbs, and spices and charring them on your grill.

You can even crisp up your tortilla on the grill to add an exciting element to the dish.

Are you looking to replace your grill or just looking for something new? Check out our selection of grills here.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Patio Furniture: How To Prepare For Spring

furniture

Patio Furniture: How To Prepare For Spring

Clean and comfortable patio furniture helps you create a relaxing spot for your family during warm weather. Preparing your patio is fairly simple and is an easy way to refresh your outdoor living space.

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.

Vinyl is your Best Friend

Vinyl covers should be used during foul weather or the off-season. Water-resistant patio table covers with UV protection to help prevent fading are optimal when protecting your outdoor table. Covers that protect both chairs and tables are available, so check the size for what you might need.

How To Clean Your Patio Furniture

Depending on what type you have, you will have to use a different method to clean it.

Metal requires very little cleaning. You can simply spray with a bit of water or mild soap and you should see a clean surface.

Hardwood can last longer once you clean it with penetrating oil to help resist moisture.

Wicker is probably the most difficult material to clean: Spray it with a hose, and for more difficult cases, use a soft brush and mild soap to work out stubborn areas of moss or mildew.

Cushions, canvases, or vinyl covers also require cleaning — make sure you allow enough time for it to dry before storing.

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.

Need help preparing your patio furniture or looking for a new set? Contact us here!

How To Prepare Your Grill For Spring

grill

How To Prepare Your Grill For Spring

With spring on the horizon, so is the season’s first backyard cookout. If your grill has been braving winter’s storms on your back deck, it might be time to get it ready for this year’s BBQ season.

Follow these simple steps your neighbors will be jealous of the delicious smells coming from your backyard in no time.

Make sure you’re covered.

When your grill isn’t in use, you should ensure you have a cover that will protect it from the elements.

How’s the tank?

You must check your propane tank to ensure all connections are tight, and that you have enough in it to start grilling.

Check burners

Your grill burner should evenly distribute heat and flame. If it seems blocked it may be time to replace parts. Leftover food from last season? Nothing a little soapy water and a wire brush can’t fix.

Contact the Cincinnati Pool & Patio with any questions about our wide selection of custom gas grills to liven up your outdoor living space.

How To Prepare For Your New Pool

pool opening

How To Prepare For Your Pool

Have you been dreaming about constructing your new pool but never had the time to make it happen? Now is the perfect time to start planning!

Here are a few questions you need to start thinking about to enjoy your backyard oasis!

What can I afford?

As with any large purchase or project, it is always a good idea to have a budget in mind. There are many components to include in your budget preparations – installation, decking, landscaping. Having a roundabout number in mind is a great step to take before visiting a dealer to get the process started.

How often will I use this pool?

Determining how you will use your pool can help determine what size you need, what special features you may want to add, and the overall feel of your space. Will you be using it mainly with your significant other, or will you frequently have family members and friends over for parties and get-togethers? Do you plan to play games, or is it simply for rest? These are easy things to think about to ensure that you have exactly what you want in your backyard space.

Do you have any questions about options, sizing, or if being a pool owner is right for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us here!

Pool Tips: How To Choose The Size of Your Above Ground Pool

above-ground pool

How To Choose Your Pool

Once you’ve decided to get a swimming pool, you have an endless array of options. So that you get the pool that is best for you and your family. You can pick the shape, the material, extras that can be installed around the pool. And, sometimes the most important factor of all, height. If your family is ready to purchase an above ground pool, we highly recommend reviewing these pool tips.

How Should You Choose The Size of Your Above Ground Pool?

Before making a purchase, we recommend you researching your local pool ordinances. To make sure the size of the pool you want aligns with your local codes and ordinances.

Based on Budget

Above-ground pools tend to come in three standard heights: 48 inches, generally used by people with families that have young children, and 52-54 inches, which is a little bit taller to allow for more swimming.

What is the layout plan?

Whether you plan on just having a margin along the top or you plan on having material along the bottom of your pool as well, subtract those inches so you can better imagine the height of the water and choose which height works best.

Who is the pool for?

The taller your above ground pool is, the more water you have and the more fun swimming can be. Especially if you or other adults are going to be the primary ones swimming in it. However, if you have children who are also going to be swimming then choosing a pool height, like the standard 48 inches, can be a safer choice.

If you’d like to learn more about Cincinnati Pool and Patio’s options and installation process, please contact us here.

Why You Need A Spa In Your Backyard

spa in your backyard

Why You Need A Spa

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

A Spa In Your Backyard is GREAT FOR SOCIALIZING

Looking for a fun new way to hang out and relax with a cold drink and a few friends? Spas 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.

SPAS 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. Spas can add to the desirability of your home and increase its value.

RELAX AFTER A SWIM

If you’ve been playing hard and spending a lot of time swimming around your pool, a spa 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!

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

Cleaning Your Pool: Broken Glass

cleaning your pool

Cleaning Your Pool: Broken Glass

Broken glass near or in a pool is a hazard for your family and guests, and cleaning your pool in this event is a delicate process.

Not only is it hard to see in the pool or on the ground, but it’s also difficult to clean in a safe way.

Here are 3 ways we recommend cleaning your pool in the case you have broken glass in your pool.

1. Use a net

Use your pool net to scoop out the large pieces of glass from your pool. You should do this from the outside of your pool. The risk of stepping on the glass as you’re cleaning it up is too high.

You should try to scoop up as much as you can, to avoid large piece getting into your pump.

2. Vacuum

Once you’re sure that there are no more large pieces of glass in the pool, you can start vacuuming the glass out of the pool. You should do this slowly, and make sure you’ve listened for any weird noises that may come from a big piece of glass. If a big piece of glass gets stuck in the pump, you’ll need to call in a professional for help.

3. Drain Your Pool

If the amount of glass requires it, you may have to drain your pool to take care of it.

Turn off your pump and drain your pool. Once the water is gone, you can use a broom to sweep the glass out of the pool.

Draining your pool can be a serious task, and you’ll likely need the help of a professional.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to help you drain your pool. We service all pools!

Preparing Your Patio For Spring

preparing your patio

Preparing Your Patio For Spring

Clean and comfortable patio furniture helps you create a relaxing spot for your family during warm weather. Preparing your patio furniture is fairly simple and is an easy way to refresh your outdoor living space.

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.

Preparing Your Patio

This step depends on what sort of material your furniture is made of. Metal furniture requires very little cleaning. You can simply spray with a bit of water or mild soap and you should see a clean surface.

Hardwood furniture can last longer once you clean it with penetrating oil to help resist moisture.

Wicker is probably the most difficult material to clean: Spray it with a hose, and for more difficult cases, use a soft brush and mild soap to work out stubborn areas of moss or mildew.

Cushions, canvases, or vinyl covers for outdoor furniture also require cleaning — make sure you allow enough time for it to dry before storing.

Protect With Vinyl Covers

Vinyl covers should be used during foul weather or the off-season. Water-resistant patio table covers with UV protection to help prevent fading are optimal when protecting your outdoor table. Covers that protect both chairs and tables are available, so check the size for what you might need.

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.

Need help preparing your patio furniture or looking for a new set? Contact us here!

Saltwater vs Chlorine

psw-saltwater vs chlorine

Saltwater vs Chlorine

Getting a pool always comes with the big question, saltwater vs chlorine?

Today we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of specifically using saltwater in your pools versus only chlorine.

Saltwater Vs Chlorine

Saltwater systems make chlorine, the exact same chlorine that is released from pool chlorine products. In a saltwater pool, when H2O + NaOCl are run through the salt cell, the electric charge breaks apart molecules to create chlorine (Cl) and a few other byproducts, which are generally reabsorbed. The chlorine that is instantly created, hypochlorous acid, is the same exact chlorine that is released from chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or granular chlorine.

Saltwater Pools Do Have Benefits

  • You can’t taste the salt, but it can make the water feel softer
  • Less storage and handling of hazardous chlorine products
  • Breakpoint chlorination inside the cell reduces chloramines constantly
  • Easily raise or lower chlorine levels, and view status on a digital display

Saltwater Pools Are Not Maintenance Free Pools

  • You still have to monitor the system, and test for salt, chlorine and stabilizer levels
  • You have to maintain good water balance; saltwater pool pH and Alkalinity rises rapidly
  • Salt cells need cleaning to remove scale, although some systems do it automatically
  • The cells about 5 yrs; salt system parts like boards, sensors, and switches may last longer

You May Still Need To Use Chlorine Products

  • To raise the chlorine level very fast for shock treatments
  • Maintaining chlorine level during pump, filter or salt system equipment problems
  • To clear the water during opening or closing the pool, or for treating various water problems

Saltwater can attack Soft & Shiny Surfaces

  • Galvanic corrosion can oxidize chrome surfaces in the pool, although sacrificial anodes can be used
  • Salt residue can slowly corrode soft coping stones or stone decks, although sealers can be used

Have any more questions about saltwater pools? Contact us here!