The 4 Easiest Ways to Open Your Pool for 2018

open your pool

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 four time-saving tips to open your pool.

Adjust your filter basket to catch tiny debris:

If your pool is looking cloudy or filled with very small particles of leaves and other debris you can help your pool filter by stretching a piece of pantyhose over the filter basket. Then, by just running your filter for a while, you will be catching the finer particles. You can also stretch the pantyhose over your pool skimmer while you are using it. This will help you to collect the small bits and also assist in cleaning the skimmer. When the pantyhose are full, just toss away and add a new piece.

Use your sump pump:

If you’ve had a cover on the pool for the winter, chances are some water has pooled up on 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.)

Clean your deck area 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.

Brush and Vacuum with a purpose:

When cleaning your pool make sure you start in the shallow end and work your way toward the deep end. Gravity will help to collect debris at the bottom of the deep end as you work your way in that direction.

Want help creating the perfect outdoor oasis? Contact Cincinnati Pool & Patio for ideas on making your pool the highlight of your home.

2018 Pool Trends Part 2

2018 pool trends

Pool Trends

2018 brings in a new year full of new possibilities and new ventures. One of the hottest 2018 pool trends going into the year is building a pool for your home.

Building a pool for your backyard starts off as an exciting experience, but can easily become a very daunting task.

To help you out, we’ve assembled some of our favorite 2018 pools trends.

2018 Pool Trends

Ledges

Adding extra ledges around your pool can give it a relaxing and resort feel to it. These ledges are generally no more than 12 inches deep. They’re perfect to sunbathe and relax in the sun while you still enjoy the cool water of your pool.

Automation

One of the newest trends to hit the pool industry is having a part of your pool automized. Features such as Lighting, pumps, temperature, cleaning, music, water features, pool covers, and more can be automized.

You can connect this to your phone or smart home device such as Google Home.

Have any questions? Contact us here!

2018 Pool Trends Part 1

2018 pool trends

2018 brings in a new year full of new possibilities and new ventures. One of the hottest 2018 pool trends going into the year is building a pool for your home.

Building a pool for your backyard starts off as an exciting experience, but can easily become a very daunting task.

To help you out, we’ve assembled some of our favorite 2018 pools trends.

2018 Pool Trends

Pool Heaters

With people wanting to get the most out of their pools, they’ve turned to pool heaters. With a pool heater, you can extend the life of your pool during the year. You’ll be open to open and close outside of the typical pool season.

Extra Water Features

To extend the impact a pool can have on a backyard, many homeowners are adding in extra water features in or around the pool.

People are creating anything from waterfalls to tanning ledges. These extra features can be a statement piece and functional.

Check back with us next week when we cover part 2 of 2018 pool trends!

Have any questions? Contact us here!

How To Prepare Your Yard for An Above-Ground Pool

above-ground pool

Preparing For A Pool

When it comes to installing your new aboveground pool, the most important part is choosing the best spot in your yard for the pool, and then prepare your yard for the pool.

Here are our tips on how to prepare your yard for a new above-ground pool. 

Choosing a Location for an Aboveground Pool

When choosing your pool location, watch to see what area the sun hits best, for the longest part of the day. Try to choose an area that doesn’t have overhanging trees or branches; even if they are small trees now they won’t be that way forever. Having a bit of shade or privacy bushes around the pool is nice, but too many large trees and you’ll spend a lot of time and effort cleaning them out.

Look for the area in your yard that is the flattest area as that will require less excavating work on your part. Also, having convenient access to power and water is important, and for safety reasons, as well as aesthetics, place the pool in an area that is most visible from the house.

Prepare your yard for Your New Aboveground Pool

Now we want to remove all the grass and loam inside the circle that you made. If you have the availability of using a bobcat or bucket loader; that would be the easiest way to remove it, but picks and shovels work fine too.

Level is Important

While you prepare your yard, you should begin to do any leveling work that is required. Even though it may look level, it may not be. This step is very important, to ensure that your new aboveground pool won’t be lopsided. A sit level or a transit is the easiest and most accurate way to accomplish this, but if you don’t have that available, a couple of stakes and a ball of twine and a line level will do the trick just as well.

Now it’s time to start building your new above ground pool. If you have any questions about this process, contact us here!

Pool Trends for 2018

in-ground pool

Pool Trends

Are you considering building or reconstructing your own pool? New pool trends pervading across the industry are offering more features that add more individuality and pizazz to your pool design. Designs and features that make your pool unique and appealing are endless and the trends continue to emerge.

Take a look at the latest pool trends:

Infinite Edge

Infinite-edge is a cosmetic design feature that allows the edge of a swimming pool to drop off into the horizon. An effect created through a lowered lip, which overflows over one edge and allows the pool to merge into the surrounding landscape.

Remote Controlled Pools

As technology evolves, innovations to custom pool design mature with it. The most recent technological developments allow your luxury pool to be controlled remotely. Often offering features that allow you to connect to the pool over your smartphone or mobile device. This puts features like lighting, pumps, temperature and cleaning at your fingertips, wherever you are.

You can now heat your pool on your way home from work!

Natural Lighting

Lighting is an integral aspect of architectural design, and the lighting for your pool is no different. Skylights, windows and sliding doors are a must have for indoor pools that require natural lighting. In-ground deck lights add drama to the design, whilst illuminating the path to a pool. The addition of carefully selected lighting helps control the atmospheric quality of your pool and can be used to create exciting effects on both the main pool and water features.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Pool heating is not new, but the options available on the market are becoming increasingly sophisticated and efficient. Some heat pumps now include cooling functions to keep the water comfortable on those hot summer days. Luxury options can also provide ecological heating solutions, such as solar and geothermal energy.

Outdoor Living Spaces

With a growing emphasis on family and lifestyle design, Canny has long emphasized the architectural importance of well-integrated indoor and outdoor spaces. Swimming pools that serve as a central feature of your outdoor living spaces and serve a variety of entertainment functions are by no stretch a thing of the past. But how well do they fit in with your indoor living spaces?

Interested in using one of these trends for your pool? Contact us here!

Backyard Living Trends for 2018

backyard living trends

Backyard Living Trends

2018 is almost here, but are you ready for it? The new year brings on new backyard living trends that you should take notice of.

We’re going to break down some of our favorite trends going into the new year.

Eco-Friendly

Modern backyard designs in eco style are so connected to the nature that use only those plants and flowers that fit harmoniously with the local natural environment, attracting insects and birds and creating the wildlife friendly environment for small animals. Recycling ideas are another eco-friendly trend that is very popular and creative.

Greenery

Natural yard landscaping ideas, local plants, and flowers create harmonious compositions and require less care. Also, perennial grass plants and flowers, evergreen plants, edible herbs, and local flowering plants are great latest trends in decorating outdoor living spaces.

Blending Comfort and Functionality

Portable and multifunctional items, outdoor furniture and yard decorations define the latest trends in decorating outdoor living spaces, blending comfort and functionality with modern ideas.

Planters and stands on wheels, light outdoor furniture, and modular furniture add a contemporary vibe to yard landscaping.

Folding chairs and tables are great space saving ideas that help transform outdoor living spaces and create comfortable dining areas or outdoor seating areas. Outdoor shelving units and storage furniture pieces improve backyard designs also.

Get Geometric

Simple and attractive backyard designs are the most popular trends in decorating outdoor living spaces. Horizontal lines, circles, octagonal or rectangular shapes are simple and versatile. Therefore, these simple decoration patterns and geometric shapes bring interest in backyard designs with green plants and flowers.

Additionally, horizontal stripes can be added to planters and fences painting, garden benches, and other outdoor furniture, bringing modern ideas into backyard landscaping.

Have any questions about how to stay on top backyard living trends for 2018? Contact us here!

3 Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

home in winter

Beat The Winter Blues

During these short, cold days it can seem natural to choose to stay indoors, cuddled on a couch, instead of spending time in your yard in the winter. Yet winter can be an ideal time to enjoy your outdoor space, especially if you implement features that help you capitalize on seasonal changes rather than dread the winter blues.

If you want to have an inviting and unique outdoor living space, Cincinnati Pool and Patio can help! Here are three suggestions to put into consideration to enjoy your yard in winter:

Fire Pit

One way to extend the life of your backyard is a fire pit. Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces allow you to enjoy relaxing outside even in chilly temperatures.

What’s better than enjoying a cup of hot cocoa with your family as you sit next to the warm fire?

Cover It

Open patios are exposed to the weather and subject to wear and tear of winter weather. One way to enjoy this family area well into fall is to make it more versatile. A screened-in patio, or one with retractable canvases, can help shield the area from falling leaves, drizzle or wind. This enables families to use their patios year-round instead of restricting activities to spring or summer.

Patios are a versatile addition to any home and can be outfitted for any use. Adding a heat source and some fall decor can transform your space into an outdoor oasis in any weather. Don’t let the cool weather get you down! Use these tips to extend your stay on the patio.

Get Hygge with it

Perhaps you’ve heard in the past few months about the Danish lifestyle concept of ‘hygge’. Roughly translated to ‘coziness,’ the concept of hygge means creating a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere, both inside and outside of the home.

Have any questions about improving your patio or backyard and beating the winter blues? Contact us here!

Winter Pool Care Tips

winter pool

Winter Pool Care Tips

For any pool owner, it’s important to take care of your winter pool to ensure you can use it during the next season.

We understand that it’s hard to know EVERYTHING you need, so we’ve compiled a short-list to help you care for your pool this winter.

Give it the Winter Pool Treatment

Before settling your swimming pool down for winter, perform some water testing to ensure the chemicals are balanced. You’ll want to make certain the pH and alkalinity of the water are at appropriate levels. Testing kits can be purchased from your local pool maintenance experts, and you can contact them with any concerns about chemical imbalances. Shock treatment may also be a good choice for your swimming pool.

A shock treatment involves giving your pool a very large dose of chlorine. Boosting its cleanliness and health for a longer period. Lastly, a quality algaecide should also be added to the pool water as this will aid in preventing unwanted algae growth. While adding these chemicals to your pool, be sure to run the filter for a few hours, to ensure the chemicals are spread evenly throughout the water.

Continued Winter Pool Maintenance

During the winter months themselves, you won’t need to spend a great deal of active time maintaining your pool. However, the filter should be run for several hours each week to keep the water from growing too stagnant. And to keep chemicals flowing properly. Additionally, you should perform water tests every few weeks to ascertain that the chemicals are still at the correct levels.

Following this simple plan of winter maintenance is a breeze. So when the temperatures rise and the bathing suits come out, your pristine swimming pool will be ready for you.

Have any questions about keeping your pool in top shape this winter? Contact us here!

How To Care For Your Pool In Winter

pool in winter

Your Pool In Winter

During the long winter months when your pool isn’t in use, caring for your pool in winter even more important.

Don’t let it sit there forgotten about until next season.

The better you take care of it now, the easier it will be to open for next season!

Pool Covers

In colder areas, many of you closed your pools months ago to protect your pool from the harsh conditions. Adding a pool cover is a necessity to protect your pool from snow, debris and any animals, so it’s important all pool owners understand how to maintain them.

First, ensure that your winter pool cover is securely attached to your pool. That can mean for an above ground pool inflating the air pillow, tightening the cable, or securing cover clips. For an inground pool, you need to make sure the water blocks or bags are secured and all your safety components are in place.

Remove debris and water from your pool cover. Use a hose to remove plant debris, such as leaves and twigs, and a vacuum to remove any excess water.

Use a roof rake to pull the snow off your pool cover. The excess weight can cause damage, especially when dealing with above ground pools. It’s easiest to remove the snow when it’s still fresh, but always make sure to take the proper safety precautions when dealing with snow and ice.

Pool In Winter Chemistry

Most of us do not completely drain our pool in winter, so chemically balanced water is key to a clean swimming pool. Balanced water will prevent algae, bacteria, waterlines, and decontamination making the opening process much easier for pool owners.

Check your pool chemistry every two months when not in use. Improperly balanced pool chemistry can be the cause of algae and bacteria growth.

Discard all pool chemicals from the previous season. You don’t want to save the chemicals for the following year as they lose their potency.

Use an enzyme product to help break down non-living contamination and prevent a waterline ring from forming. Adding this product will save you from having to scrub your pool tile or finish when opening your pool in the spring.

Have any questions about the proper care for your pool during the winter? Contact us here!

4 Ways To Prep Your Backyard for Winter

backyard for winter

Prepping Your Backyard

If you’ve put a lot of time into designing your outdoor living space, winter’s probably your least favorite time of year. The cold weather can present challenges for using your space and keeping your accessories in good shape. But no worries – we’re here to help you with all that. Here are 4 areas in preparing your backyard for winter so you can enjoy it all season long.

Coverings for water features, outdoor kitchens, furniture

You’ve invested a lot in the items you put in your outdoor space, so it’s important to make sure they stay in good shape all year long. Winter is one of the hardest times of the years on them, as the excess moisture and freezing temperatures can bring a whole host of problems.

For items like fountains or grills, heavy-duty vinyl covers should keep them safe and dry all winter. For outdoor furniture, look for covers made from water-resistant material to prevent any damage to the fabric. Make sure to get your items covered before the first snowfall!

Lighting Your Backyard for Winter

Though often overlooked, lighting is essential when preparing the patio for winter. The winter months offer the least amount of daylight at any time of the year, which can complicate using your outdoor space. With some good lighting, you’ll get more use out of the area plus have a natural security and safety feature. Your light fixtures don’t have to be fancy – basic ones are usually the best way to go and do better when it comes time to sell the home.

Patio Heating

By far, heating is the most crucial element for any outdoor space in the winter. If you don’t keep it warm then it’s going to be hard to spend quality time out there! Wood burning or gas fire pits always make a great option here, as they can double as both a heating device and a great patio centerpiece.

For the smaller outdoor space, try something like an electric patio heater, which is both powerful and compact, providing plenty of heat without needing a lot of room.

Plants

Plants are one of the easiest ways to add color to the outdoor space, but they can also be some of the most fragile items out there. No time of the year is this truer than winter when the freezing temperatures can damage root systems and the moisture from snow and freezing rain can drown plants.

If you have plants that can be easily transplanted, try moving them indoors before you get your first freeze. For outdoor planters too big to bring inside, wrap them with a heavily insulated material, like burlap, to keep the soil warmer and prevent damage to the planter itself.

If you’re dreading the thought of not being able to spend time in your backyard for winter, put your worries aside. Just keep these 4 tips in mind and you’ll have an outdoor space you can relax in all winter long!

Have any questions about your outdoor space? Contact us here!