Best Places to Get Swimming Lessons in Cincinnati in 2022

Swimming lessons in cincinnati

Summer is just around the corner. The weather is heating up and pools are starting to open. Going for a relaxing swim to cool off has never sounded better. However, are you confident in your swimming skills? What about your kids? Would you be able to prevent yourself or your child from drowning? It might be time to look into swimming lessons in Cincinnati.

According to a survey by the American Red Cross in 2014, 54% of all Americans either don’t know how to swim or don’t have all of the basic swimming skills. This frightening statistic means that over half of the population might not be able to prevent themselves or their children from drowning. In the same survey, only 40% of parents of children ages 4-17 report that their child can perform all five of the basic swimming skills. Essential swimming skills include being able to enter the water and resurface without assistance, controlling breathing, floating, turning, and moving to safety in the water and exiting the water.

Learning to swim and knowledge of basic water safety are imperative if you or your children are going to be around the pool this summer. Fortunately, it is never too early or too late to learn to swim. Many places in Cincinnati offer swimming lessons for babies, children, teens, and adults. And best of all, some of them are free. Read on to learn where you or your child can learn to swim in Cincinnati this summer.

Free Swimming Lessons in Cincinnati

People may not seek out swimming lessons for themselves or their kids because they’re under the impression that lessons might be too expensive. This is not the case. There are several programs in Cincinnati that offer free swimming lessons to people of all ages.

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission has partnered with the American Red Cross for its annual “I CAN SWIM!” program. This program is designed to help swimmers of all ages begin, develop, and refine swimming skills, regardless of their ability to pay. The I CAN SWIM program is dedicated to the memory of 10-year-old Cameron Jeff and his 8-year-old brother Bryce, who tragically drowned in a neighbor’s backyard pool because they were unable to swim. This program honors their memory by teaching kids and adults to swim in an effort to prevent more drowning deaths.

I CAN SWIM opened their registration for 2022 on May 2nd, and sessions begin in June. Session 1 is from June 13th-July 9th, and Session 2 is from July 11th-August 6th. They offer 3 levels of lessons: Parent & Child (Ages 6 months-3 years), Levels 1-5 (Ages 4 years-17 years), and Adult & Senior lessons for anyone 18 or older.

Ziegler Park also offers free swim lessons as part of the P&G EverybodyIn program. Registration for 2022 is open now, and sessions begin on June 6th. Ziegler Park offers lessons for all levels and ages, including Toddler & Parent lessons, Beginner Child Lessons, Intermediate Child Lessons, and Adult Lessons.

Swim Lessons at Membership Locations

Several membership organizations, such as health clubs, offer swimming lessons for free or for a reduced fee for people who subscribe to a membership. These class sizes may be smaller than free lessons, but it will depend on the location and type of membership.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers swimming lessons to members year-round. These lessons are delivered in sessions that last 6 weeks and are offered for multiple swimming levels and age ranges. The cost for a 6-week session for YMCA members is $60 per swimmer. Lessons are available at several branches of the YMCA. Session 4 is accepting registration now and will last from May 15th-June 25th, and session 5 opens for registration on June 5th and will span from June 26th-August 6th.

TriHealth also offers reduced-cost swim lessons for members of all ages. For $75, members can enroll their children in Aquababies (Ages 6 months-3 years) or Preschool Lessons (Ages 3 years-5 years). Members can also enroll in adult swim lessons. You can inquire about the next session of TriHealth classes on the TriHealth website.

Coney Island offers 4-week swim lesson sessions for season pass holders at several different levels. They offer classes for infants starting at 6 months of age, up through beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons for older children. Sessions begin on June 6th, with registration fees due by June 1st.

Paid/Open to the Public Swimming Lessons

Finally, a number of organizations offer paid swim lessons to members of the community. From the previous section, the YMCA and TriHealth offer lessons to general community members without memberships, for a higher cost. The YMCA lessons are $120 for community members, and TriHealth is $100 for community members.

The Goldfish Swim School has locations in Anderson and West Chester and is well-known for its wide variety of lessons for children under 12. They have small class sizes, with a 4:1 student to instructor ratio for individualized, dedicated instruction. Classes are offered year-round with flexible time slots to fit into busy schedules.

The British Swim School also offers paid lessons for children at its three locations in Crestview Hills, KY, Cincinnati, and Springdale. Children as young as 3 months can get familiar with the water in classes of 6 or fewer students. The British Swim School also offers courses for adults at select locations and courses for students with disabilities.

Swim Safely, Cincinnati

Swimming is a fantastic summer pastime in Cincinnati, but it’s important to know how to do so safely. With the wide variety of swim lessons available to the public in Cincinnati, children and adults alike can master the water in a few short weeks. We hope our list was helpful for you and your family, and that you can take advantage of the 2022 summer offerings.

Once your family is swim-ready, you might consider adding your very own pool to your backyard. After all, practice makes perfect! Get in touch with our pool installation experts if you’ve been thinking about installing a pool in the future. We’d be more than happy to go over estimates and installation timetables with you.

4 Signs a Semi-Inground Pool is Right for You

Stealth Semi-Inground Pool

You may or may not have heard of them, but there’s a new player in the pool industry. Semi-inground pools are quickly rising to become a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a pool to their backyard. But what is a semi-inground pool, and how do you know if it’s right for your household?

A semi-inground pool is a pool that is halfway between an above-ground and an inground pool. It offers a variety of landscaping options to mimic the look of an inground pool but is closer in price and function to an above-ground pool. Most semi-inground pools are a consistent depth throughout, and can be only partially sunken into the ground, or nearly entirely submerged. Semi-inground pools are a versatile choice for a variety of backyard types and situations.

There are a lot of factors to consider when thinking about purchasing a pool. If you’re still on the fence about what type of pool to get, take a look at our checklist of signs that a semi-inground pool is the right choice for you.

1.      You want something nice, but you don’t want to break the bank

Cost and your family’s budget are probably the most important factors when shopping for a pool. You’ll need to determine how much pool you can afford, and how much you can spend on installation costs.

Generally speaking, above-ground pools are the least expensive option, and inground pools are the most expensive. Semi-inground pools fall in the middle of the two and are a good option for the family that wants something a little nicer and a little more permanent than an above-ground pool but doesn’t have the money to spend on an inground pool.

These are fairly general numbers and not a full price estimate, but you can expect the following types of pools to fall between these ranges:

  • Above-ground pool – Between $1,000 and $6,000
  • Semi-inground pool – Between $8,000 and $23,000
  • Inground pool – $35,000 and up

2.      You have a yard with uneven or difficult terrain

Inground pools require digging deep into fairly soft, even ground over a large area. Some yards are perfect for this, but others not so much. Slopes, rocky terrain, and other environmental factors may make your backyard inhospitable to an inground pool.

Semi-inground pools can be built to work with the natural slope of a yard, seeing as only some of the pool is submerged into the ground. With minimal digging and landscaping, you can have a semi-inground pool installed to be flush with the higher elevation portion of your backyard. Then as the pool stretches across the yard, there are a variety of decorative options to dress up the wall of the pool as the yard slopes downward.

As with traditional above-ground pools, you can also have decking installed along your semi-inground pool. Some decking and landscaping options are so seamless, it may even look as if you have an inground pool from a distance. Certain brands of semi-inground pools, such as Stealth, are known for blending into your landscape.

3.      You want something that lasts

In comparison to a traditional above-ground pool, semi-inground pools are much stronger and last longer. With an above-ground pool, the freestanding nature of the structure means that the water pressure inside the pool is what keeps the walls sturdy. But too much force or pressure and those walls can crumble or fracture, and you have a costly repair on your hands.

Semi-inground pools, due to their partially submerged nature, need stronger walls to withstand the pressure and shifting of the earth around them. Semi-inground pool walls are fully insulated and several inches thick. Many are constructed out of steel, and often come with extended warranties to protect against damage, depending on the brand. Because of this, these pools are permanent structures, rather than the semi-permanent type of an above-ground pool.

A middle-of-the-road semi-inground pool will usually last somewhere between 10 and 20 years, with higher-end models easily lasting in the 30-to-40-year range. Either way you go, a semi-inground pool will be a fixture of your family’s summer entertainment for years to come.

4.      You don’t want a lengthy installation process

Inground pools may look nice, but in addition to their cost, they can take a long time to install. Depending on the materials and how it’s installed, an inground pool can take several weeks from the time the technicians excavate your yard until you’re able to swim.

This isn’t the case with a semi-inground pool. While it is true that unlike above-ground pools, it takes more than a single day to install a semi-inground pool, the installation process is not nearly the intensive time commitment that it is for an inground pool. From start to finish, a semi-inground pool usually takes around 3-5 business days to complete the installation. Sometimes, however, a bit more time is needed to finish landscaping and finishing touches. But you can be swimming in as little as a week with a semi-inground installation, which leaves you more time to enjoy your pool.

Let Cincinnati Pool and Patio Help You Choose Your Semi-Inground Pool

There are more things to consider when choosing the type of pool that’s right for your family, but if these four statements are true for you, a semi-inground pool might be your best choice. Cincinnati Pool and Patio offers a variety of pool installations, and we carry several brands of semi-inground pools that will be right at home in your backyard.

The pool season for this year may be almost over, but it’s never too early to start planning an installation for next season. If you’d like to know more about adding a semi-inground pool with Cincinnati Pool and Patio, get in touch with us for a consultation. We can go over the entire installation process with you, so when the time comes, you’ll know what to expect. And in no time you’ll be enjoying your very own semi-inground pool.

5 Easy Tips to Swim Safely in Your Pool This Summer

Boy Swim Safely in Pool

Your pool can be an amazing way for your entire family to have fun this summer. However, pools have a lot of hidden dangers that you need to be aware of. There is a right and a wrong way to swim safely. Without the proper precautions, a fun afternoon at the pool can turn into a nightmare. Drowning is a leading cause of death in children, but adults are also susceptible. According to the CDC, there are an average of 11 deaths due to drowning every day in the United States.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect you and your family from the risk of drowning. Follow this guide for the most important safety tips so your whole family can swim safely this summer.

1)     Never Swim Alone

The first rule of swimming is to always have a buddy. You are statistically more likely to drown if you’re in a pool by yourself. Children should always be supervised by an adult while in a pool or while near water. Supervising adults should be designated “water watchers,” which means that they should not be distracted while supervising others who are swimming. Do not text, read, or play games while watching swimmers. Water watchers should also have a phone nearby to call for help in case of a drowning emergency.

Even if you are at a public pool with lifeguards, an adult should supervise children while swimming. Lifeguards cannot see everything. If one lifeguard takes a break or is distracted, other lifeguards may not be able to see the entire pool area.

2)     Secure Your Pool

Many drowning accidents with children happen when children were not expected to be near a pool in the first place. If your pool is not properly secured when not in use, children or pets may be more likely to wander too close and fall in. By the time an adult notices they may be missing, it is often too late. Securing your pool properly when not in use is the key to making sure this doesn’t happen.

Make sure your inground pool is surrounded on all four sides by a fence or other barrier that is self-latching and out of reach of children. Four-sided isolation fences that separate the pool from the yard reduce a child’s risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.

Above-ground pools should have lockable covers or have the steps or ladders locked or removed so a child cannot climb in when they aren’t supervised.

You can also install door and gate alarms that will alert you when someone crosses into the pool area. There are even alarms that you can place in the pool that will sound when motion is detected in the water.

3)     Teach Proper Pool Etiquette

All adults and children in the family should be taught proper pool etiquette, starting with swimming lessons. Every member of the family should be able to enter the water safely, stay afloat, change position, swim for a distance, and then get out of the water safely. If you have small children or family who are not strong swimmers, they should wear lifejackets while near the water to keep them safe from drowning. There are many free and reduced-cost options for swimming lessons from local YMCA branches or Park and Recreation Departments, so check around and enroll your family ASAP.

Learning to swim, however, is only half of pool etiquette. You should never run near a pool; you could slip and fall in or injure yourself. Stay away from pool drains to avoid parts of your bathing suit, hair, or jewelry being sucked into the drain. Adults should always swim sober; do not ingest alcohol before or during swimming. Don’t bring glass bottles into the pool area either. They could break and cause a hazard. Make sure everyone swimming knows the pool rules, and as a pool-owner you should be prepared to remove any guests that may not be following the rules to keep everyone else safe.

4)     Keep Up with Maintenance

As a pool owner, it is your responsibility to make sure to keep up with regular pool maintenance. Letting any kind of maintenance slide could create a problem or pose danger to swimmers. Make sure that all your drain covers are working properly to avoid clothing or hair from being sucked into a drain. You should also ensure that any adult supervising your pool knows where the safety release system is in the case of a drain emergency.

You should stay on top of the chemical maintenance of your pool, as well. When used properly, chlorine kills bacteria and parasites in the water to keep you healthy. However, if the chemicals used to clean your pool are mishandled or misused, you could be at a risk for waterborne illness. And never leave chemicals unattended; keep your pool chemicals in a locked cabinet out of reach of children where they cannot be accidentally ingested.

5)     Create Layers of Protection

Adhering to all the above tips simultaneously creates what is called “layers of protection” in water safety. Just one prevention strategy often isn’t enough but combining them all together is what is the most effective in preventing drowning or other water-related injury. Preventing access to the pool when not in use, supervising, keeping up with maintenance, following pool rules and making sure all swimmers know the basics of swimming are a multi-layered strategy that works to keep people safe.

Have Fun and Stay Safe

Having a pool in your backyard is a big responsibility, but when safety procedures are followed properly, swimming can be fun for the whole family. Pools can be daunting to maintain by yourself, so if you’re ever in doubt or have any questions, you can call your friendly, local experts at Cincinnati Pool and Patio for help with water maintenance, safety equipment, and pool openings and closings. We can even inspect your pool to make sure everything is working properly; there could be something you’re missing that an expert would catch!

With all this in mind, have fun, be safe, and happy swimming!

Pool Opening 101: How to Open Your Pool for the Summer

Flotation Device in Pool for Pool Opening

Summer is just about here, and that means it’s time to think about swimming. If you’re a pool owner, you may have been longingly staring at your pool just waiting for the weather to be warm enough to enjoy it again. There’s nothing better than lazy summer afternoons spent by the pool. However, for even the most seasoned pool owner, there’s a lot of work that goes in to opening your pool for the summer season. The multi-step process can seem like a lot, but we’ve broken everything down into three simple sections so you can open your pool with ease. Follow our pool opening guide and you’ll be ready for summer in no time!

Step One: The Pool Cover

Your pool cover likely has gotten fairly dirty over the course of the winter. Standing water, leaves, and other debris are probably all floating on the top of the cover, creating a wintertime eyesore and a headache to clean up. But rest easy knowing that at very least your pool cover has done its job, and it’s just a couple simple steps to getting it clean and ready to store away for the summer.

Use a pool cover pump to remove the standing water from the surface of your pool cover. Once the water is gone, you can use a soft broom or skimmer to brush any debris from the cover that may still be left. Be gentle so as not to tear your pool cover. Try to remove as much debris from the cover as possible during this step, so that you don’t have much to scoop out of your pool later.

Once your cover is clean, get a friend or family member to help you remove the cover from the pool. Go slowly to avoid spilling excess debris into the pool water. Some will likely fall in anyway despite your best efforts. You can remove the rest of the debris later before you chemically clean the water.

Lay out your pool cover on a flat surface and rinse it off with the garden hose. Then, use cover cleaning solution or a diluted bleach solution to scrub and clean your pool cover. Use a soft broom or sponges to avoid damaging the pool cover. Rinse the cover and allow it to dry or dry it off with a leaf blower before storing it. Note that if you leave the cover out on your grass for too long, it may cause damage to your lawn, so drying the cover with a towel or leaf blower may be your best option to get it completely dry. Store the pool cover in an airtight, heavy-duty container with a lid to keep out bugs and other pests and to keep your cover in good condition for the fall.

Step Two: Prepare the Pool

Now that your pool is uncovered, it’s time to prepare it for use. First, take a moment to skim large debris from the surface of the water with a pool skimmer or net. Doing this first before adding water or turning on the filtration system will prevent large debris from getting stuck in the filtration system and causing a problem later. Take your time and remove as much debris as you can so the filtration system and chemicals don’t have to work as hard to clean the water.

Once the surface of the water is cleaned up, you’ll need to remove the winter plugs from your skimmers and reinstall the regular drain plugs in your pumps, filter, heater, or other equipment. You may notice some air bubbles as water flows back into the pipes when your winter plugs are removed. This is normal, and the bubbles will dissipate shortly.

With the winter plugs removed, reconnect your pool equipment and filter. You’ll want to inspect each component thoroughly to make sure it was not damaged over the winter before you turn the systems on for the summer. The pump, filter, heater, and other systems should all be inspected one by one. Clean your filter if necessary.

Lastly, you’ll want to reconnect and reinstall any pool accessories that you took down for the winter, such as ladders, slides, and diving boards. This is a good time to lubricate the bolts used for these items, and grease the hinges on your diving board, so be sure to check that everything is in proper working order before letting you or your family use the accessories.

Step Three: Water and Clean

Shew! We’re nearly there! Now that all the systems are working properly, it’s time to make sure the water is cleaned and ready for action. First, if you lost any water over the winter, you’ll want to refill your pool with the garden hose until the water level is even with the skimmers. Once you have the correct amount of water in your pool, remove any excess dirt that your filtration system may not pick up. Use a pool brush to scrub the walls of your pool and finish up by using a pool vacuum to vacuum dirt and debris from the pool floor and stairs. The water may still be murky at this point—this is okay! The chemicals will take care of the rest.

Next, balance the water in your pool. You can use a testing strip to determine which chemicals you’ll need to add to get the water to the correct levels. As a rule of thumb, for inground pools, the following levels are the baseline you want to reach:

  • pH – 7.2 – 7.6
  • Total Alkalinity- 120 – 150ppm
  • Calcium Hardness – 200 – 250ppm (Concrete Pools)
  • Calcium Hardness – 175 – 225ppm (Vinyl Pools)
  • Free Chlorine – 1 – 3ppm
  • Free Bromine – 3 – 5ppm
  • Metals: Copper – 0ppm
  • Metals: Iron – 0ppm

Follow package directions for each chemical used, and wear gloves if needed. Once your water is balanced, the last step to get crystal clean water is to shock your pool. Double shocking is recommended when opening your pool to kill any algae spores, bacteria, and other nasty stuff that may be lurking in the water. Two pounds of shock per 10,000 gallons of water is recommended but follow package directions when in doubt. Make sure to use safety goggles and gloves when pouring shock into your pool.

Now that you’ve added the proper chemicals to the water, it’s time to let them and your filtration system get to work! Allow the filter to run for 24 hours and test the water again before swimming. In the meantime, while you wait for the water to clean, use a broom or mop to clean up any dirt from your pool deck that may have accumulated over the winter. A clean deck will add that finishing touch to your pool space and make the water seem that much more inviting!

Ready for Summer!

Voila! Your pool is now open and ready for action! Get out the bikinis and board shorts and do a cannonball to celebrate a job well done. For more tips and tricks or to get expert advice on all your pool needs, get in touch with us! And if you’re unsure if you can open your pool yourself, or you just think you need a little help, you can always schedule your pool opening with us and our experts will do it all for you!

Retaining Walls for Pool

retaining walls

Retaining Walls for Pool

Retaining walls are usually used for sloping backyards. Sometimes a wall is used to add more room by cutting into a small hillside. While other times its to allow perimeter space around the pool. Some homeowners incorporate a retaining wall into a water feature, such as wall spouts or rock waterfalls.

SLOPE

One of the biggest challenges that pool owners run into is the grade of their yard. Very rarely is someone’s backyard completely flat. If you have a sloped backyard, then you’ve probably considered incorporating a retaining wall into your design.

Sometimes with some extra gravel and some creative backfilling, we can get by without the extra expense of walls. Sometimes walls can add to the aesthetics of the pool when incorporated properly.

Determining when a wall is needed is the most important thing. This can become a disaster for the homeowner if the pool goes in and no wall was put in place to divert water. What this means is that the rainwater coming off the slope is going to end up in the pool carrying with it all the dirt and debris that comes along with a storm.

The slope is usually determined by how much dirt is left from the excavation of the pool. Sometimes the homeowner will have some extra fill dirt brought in to help feather the slope out.

RETAINING WALLS STYLE

There are two main styles of retaining walls, both with their method of construction. Masonry walls are built out of either poured concrete or concrete block and faced with stone.

Segmental retaining walls are constructed of dry stacking pre-cast concrete block together. Segmental block retaining walls are the most popular for several reasons, including being very attractive and more budget-friendly than masonry walls.

Sometimes when there is a slope in the yard that goes down to a level spot where the pool can go, it may be possible to put in a French drain to catch the water before it runs onto the patio. If you have to cut into the grade of the yard to put the pool in then this will probably not be an option for you.

LENGTH

One thing to keep in mind is that you do not sell yourself short on the length of the wall. When the wall is tapering down it is good to carry it a few feet longer then what is needed to ensure that water does not wash around the wall and onto the deck due to trying to save a couple of hundred dollars.

WALL FEATURES

When doing walls, you should try to make the wall more than just a wall. You can do an elevated patio which is always nice. Another option is to put the wall right on the pool itself with a cascade or two in it. It is always nice if the wall can be 20 fiberglass pool with retaining walls 24 inches so that the wall can be used to act as a sitting wall.

Not all walls are designed to keep the water from running onto the pool deck. Sometimes the wall is there to keep the pool in place. When dealing with these walls it is a little harder to incorporate them into the project to make it play a role in making the pool look better. A lot of times with the proper backfill and compaction a wall can be avoided in these situations.

Perhaps your property is level, but you want to add a dramatic backdrop to your pool with a raised wall on the far side. On top of the wall, you can add water features, a raised spa or additional pool deck spaces. Retaining walls can be topped with small bushes to add greenery and act as a barrier to blowing leaves. They can also serve a safety function by restricting access on one side of the pool.

There is usually extra cost in the gravel that is needed and the extra time in prepping the ground. But it can be much less expensive than the wall itself. The area would have to lend itself to enough area for grading the slope out so that it is not to steep.

COST

How much do retaining walls cost? This is a pretty broad question with a variety of answers depending on which options you choose. Retaining walls are typically priced by the square foot, so the length and height will directly influence how much you spend.

The cost of segmental walls is also determined by the size and shape of the block used. Walls with multiple sized blocks are typically more attractive.

Have any questions about retaining walls or the pool construction process? Contact us here!

How To Get Ready For National Pool Opening Day

national pool opening day

National Pool Opening Day

There is a national holiday for each date on the calendar and also for every subject under the sun, but National Pool Opening Day is a holiday we can all rally round.

Schedule Your Pool Opening Today

As a pool owner, you understand there’s a lot of things that go into opening your pool. National Pool Opening Day is an amazing reminder to prepare for the summer season!

Test the Water First

Once you peel the winter cap and realize the challenge before you, begin by assessing your pool chemical levels. A good water test kit is important for testing your pool’s chemical balance.

When stocking up for summertime on pool shock and pills, don’t forget to purchase water balance chemicals for pH, alk, and calcium. You might also need an algaecide to control algae. And a water clarifier to remove finer particles out of the water.

Pool equipment

Examine the pool gear, mainly the filter and pump, but also other pool equipment like pool valves, chlorinators, heaters, cleaners, skimmers, ladders, slides and diving boards.

Start looking for any soil, mulch, trees or nearby plants that may get in the way of your equipment. Pool equipment does better in a sunny, dry location and not buried in bushes.

Pool cleaners have wearable components, and generally, require more frequent repairs than other pool equipment. Inspect closely for the cleaner parts that contact the surface, or debris totes or hose components that are worn.

Pool filters, either sand, DE or cartridge will need the filter press replaced at a single point. Sand lasts about 5 decades, DE grids for ten decades, and filter capsules 2-3 years for a good-sized filter. You can prolong the life and improve filtration by using a Pool Filter Cleaner before and after opening your pool.

Pool pumps have electric motors that will fail at some point in time, usually at spring startup, or at the hottest aspect of the summer. When your motor will not turn or trips the breaker, it might be a loose cable, triggered GFCI or it might be an engine that is fried. Pumping problems may be air leaking to the pump, or a clogged impeller, or the water level.

Pool Accessories

Pool Ladders, Slides & Diving Boards possess a lot of bolts that need to be checked for tightness. Notably the step treads, which can loosen over time.

Chlorinators are normally easy to care for, but the chlorinator lid o-ring needs to be lubed often to protect the o-ring from the chlorine.

Pool Heaters

If you have a pool heater, the best spring maintenance you can do is clean out the base of the device to remove any leaves, cobwebs, and anthills. Make sure the air vents and drain holes aren’t blocked in the cabinet. If leaves have collected inside a heat pump, or in addition to a gasoline heater exchanger, remove the heater top to wash out them.

Above-Ground Pools

Above ground, pools will join the hoses or pipes from the wall skimmer to the pool filter and then to the pool pump, and back to the pool return. Open the filter air bleeder, open the lines to be flooded by the valves and fill the pump with water. After being sure that the return and suction valves are available plugs the pump into a grounded electrical socket, and the pool skimmer and wall return aren’t plugged.

Inground Pools

Inground pools equipment reassembly is a bit more complicated, but it begins the same way, by screwing the drain wires back to the pump, heater, filter. Together with the water level up, pool plugs can be pulled out of the skimmer and wall contributes to flooding the lines. Contrary to Above ground pools, inground pumps sit above the water level. Fill the pump with water from a hose or hose, and seal. Open the filter air bleeder, open the return and suction valves, and then turn on the pump. Start-Up with a multiport valve on the ‘Waste’ place is a fantastic way to flush out the skimmer and drain, and it has much less resistance too, great for pumps that have difficulty ‘grabbing prime’.

 

National Pool Opening Day is the last Saturday in April. Make it your annual tradition to join us in welcoming spring by opening your pool! In case the final Saturday is too soon to start your pool, then join in by cleaning off your pool cover and prepping it to open when it’s warm enough. If you open the pool in May, it is the ideal time to examine your pool water.

If you need help opening your pool, contact us today!

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!

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 Properly Store Pool Chemicals

pool chemicals

Pool Chemicals

Having a regular supply of the necessary pool chemicals is essential to keep your swimming pool in good condition. However, to keep the chemicals themselves in good working order, it’s important to store them correctly. Here are some frequently asked questions about where and how to store pool chemicals.

What Kinds of Storage Containers Are Best?

Pool chemical storage is safest when the chemicals are stored in their containers. The product packaging provides safe storage.

The safest option for storing chemicals is to put the sealed containers into hard plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Ideally, use several bins so that you can separate liquids and solids, and so that reactants such as chlorine and muriatic acid can be stored separately.

Where Should I Store Pool Chemicals?

The best place to store chemicals is in a cool and dry location. Your storage area should be well-ventilated.

Can Pool Chemicals Freeze?

In most cases, pool chemicals are more sensitive to heat than to cold. Some kinds of chemicals can withstand freezing, but it’s generally best to avoid exposing chemicals to extremely cold temperatures, as some may lose strength after cold storage.

Are Pool Chemicals Heat-Sensitive?

Some chemicals do react with heat, so it’s safest to store chemicals away from all heat sources, including sunlight. Pool chemicals should be in a cool and shaded area.

Check Your Products for More Information

While these are some good general rules to follow for safely storing chemicals, hazards can vary according to the different products you use. Most pool chemicals come with a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that provides details of hazards and safe handling practices, so check these to make sure you’re staying safe.

Gave any questions about storing your chemicals? Contact us here!