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How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter

October 20, 2022 | DIY

Your pool is much more than a luxury, it’s a major investment that you’ve likely put a lot of money into maintaining. So when the weather starts to shift from the balmy summer to the brisk fall, you need to act quickly to get it ready for the freezing winter ahead. Insufficient preparation can wreak havoc on your pool. By the time spring comes, you’ll have burst pipes, ruined filters, and an algae-ridden body of water to deal with.

We’ll discuss the most essential things you can do to prepare your pool for winter so when next spring comes, you can open it with no problem.

When is the Best Time to Close a Pool?

Depending on where you live, the time to change your pool is different. If you live on the west coast, for example, you likely never have to worry about closing your pool. For people on the east coast and throughout the midwest, however, it’s often best to close your pool towards the end of September.

The time to close your pool depends on the temperature. It’s important to fully close your pool before it gets too cold out, or a number of issues may occur. The temperature will also depend on your location, but once the fall chill does start to creep in, it’s time to put the swimsuit and beach towels away.

How to Properly Prepare Your Pool

1. Clean the Pool

Before you think about throwing your pool cover on and forgetting about your pool until next spring, it’s important to clean it. Scrub the walls and floor of the pool as best as possible, vacuum any leftover dirt, and clean all debris from your filters. This will prevent excess algae from building up over the next few months, preserving the integrity of your pool as a whole until next year.

2. Test the Levels

Although you won’t be swimming in your pool until the weather gets warmer, you should test the water’s levels to make sure the pH, and minerals are balanced. Once you’ve balanced everything, add winter chemicals to prevent algae from infesting the water.

Algaecide and pool enzymes can provide sufficient protection and ensure the water remains clear until you open it again. Shocking the pool one last time and adding chlorine tablets can also help.

3. Lower Water Level

It’s important to lower the water level before covering the pool. There are a number of types of pool covers, so make sure you understand the requirements based on your type of color. You can find this information by searching the brand or calling the manufacturer.

Blowing out your pool’s lines is essential before the winter weather comes in. If you don’t, your pipes will likely freeze, burst, and force you to spend a lot of money replacing them. It’s best to hire a professional for this as it can be tricky. Antifreeze can also be used to further prevent any burst pipes. If you’re concerned, you can call your local plumber.

4. Cover Pool

Before you can finally put the cover on your pool, be sure to remove any ladders, rails, and other accessories from the water. Leaving them in the water throughout the winter could cause them to rust, especially if you have a saltwater pool.

Now that all preparations have been taken care of, you can put your pool cover on and set up your pool pump if necessary. Some pool covers are made to withstand all weather, but there are types that take a little more care. You may have to help keep the cover in good standing, such as removing snow. Keep in mind there other steps and hacks when dealing with an above ground pool.

After properly preparing your pool, when you’ll be able to reopen your pool in the spring with little to no issue.

Tags: backyard, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, pool

A small guide to swimming pool styles

October 8, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Swimming pools, just like houses, come in all sizes and styles and you have a whole variety of models to satisfy your family with. There are lots of ideas worth trying, but finding the right one requires time and patience. Luckily for us, new technologies make it a lot easier to install and maintain a pool in your garden. If you’re planning your DIY small project there is no reason to waste your time and be unmotivated when you have so much information on how to start if you already established a budget by now. Be aware of your family needs and taste, and patiently plan your next move. A spacious landscape is essential when you decide to incorporate a swimming pool in your garden, so plan carefully. Here are a few options of plain ideas perfect not only for you two but also for the little ones:

The Average Rectangular Pool

The main purpose of having a pool in your backyard is to have fun and relax. This simple style with a symmetrical design and blue tiles is perfect for those who want to stress the importance of big spaces and important gatherings. Its concept is plain but satisfying when it comes to recreational purposes. The pluses this pool offers is that you could delight the small ones incorporating all sorts of fun ideas like tunnels, caves, crazy slides, ideal for all ages. The maintenance should not be a headache, especially with lots of necessary equipment and information at your disposal. You could pay a visit to the nearest store or do small Internet research where you’ll find plenty of helpful experts like 1st Direct Pools and lots of handy details to begin and maintain your small project.

The oval shaped pool

The oval-shaped pools maintain the cosy design and offer your back-yard a much-desired appearance. Its smooth appearance and the total lack of corners makes it ideal for late-night pool-parties and not only. Is one of the frequently used designs and the simplest choice for your garden. Thanks to it a plain style you’re allowed to decorate and designs its surroundings as you wish. You could use decorative pave stone with different patterns or build amazing travertine terraces to upgrade this beautiful place. With a bit of imagination and patience using colorful ambient lights and the right choice of plants to surround it, not only your pool but the entire garden can be entirely transformed according to your wish.

Above-ground Pool

Have always been a choice for starters. They have become more alluring in time for those who don’t have that much space available in their gardens. This style is more appealing for all types of family, are much easier to maintain when its design makes harder for natural debris to get into the pool. Its main advantage is portability, the above-ground pool is suitable for every type of land even on rocky terrains. Its shape should not impede if you wish to transform your backyard into a much-desired oasis.

The Lazy River

A charming addition to your backyard, the lazy river is ideal for people who are already bored with those plain pool ideas. Frequently seen in hotel resorts, at a high scale, the river shaped pool requires a lot of space but also can be incorporated and designed for private homes. Just imagine how many plants and decorative stones you could place along this river. Its design allows you to maintain a jungle-like aspect and play with a diversity of greenery. The lazy is one of the craziest and most wanted projects you could try in your backyard and you’ll never get bored with its complex design.

Weston Style

Ideal for couples this small oval-shaped pool offers a dramatic surrounding. Its originality consists of bluestone pavement presenting an oasis-like ambience. If possible, you can spice up its style using huge rocky stones and ferns to remind you of your last mountain trip. It requires simple maintenance, and the necessary equipment is to be found almost everywhere.

Lap pool

Perfectly designed for fitness and health purposes, this long and narrow pool has almost 45 feet in length. The lap pool has been first designed in a rectangle form by the ancient Greeks and Romans, for athletic purposes like nautical games or military exercise. They’ve gained popularity as residential terrains have become smaller. To maintain the heat in your pool during cold days and reduce the utility bills, a cover should be handy.

Natural pool

Ideal for those who love gardening this lake like style, allows you to set free your imagination stream and experiment with a variety of wild plants and moss. It can be designed in a rustic manner with waterfalls and boulders. Natural pool requires more attention especially when you have to maintain a wild aquatic landscape. This charming design is reinforced with polyethylene, so-called “regeneration zone” which functions as an organic cleaning zone. The aquatic landscape is given by the variety of wild pond plants and grass you choose to incorporate. Its maintenance could be difficult if you don’t have excellent gardening skills.

Garden Island

For those who want to maintain a tropical vibe in their backyard, this pool is brilliant. Undoubtedly, you could use a huge variety of tropical plants to decorate your island, like Anthurium, The Bird of Paradise, Ficus and Palm Trees. Tropical plants require plenty of sun and humidity, don’t forget to tend them correctly if you wish to maintain your tropical ambience. This is one of the most common styles of pools and building don’t require too much budget or time. The Island Pool can be built at any scale for any type of backyard and is enjoyable for every age. Your kids will love reaching and conquering the island every time they’ll get in the pool.

Finding the perfect swimming pool for your recreational space should not be a hassle, especially when you’ve already planned your projects and gathered what is necessary. It is an enjoyable process through which you can discover and apply your longings.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, home improvement, leasure, outdoor, patio, pool

5 Ways to Modernize Your Pool Area

June 2, 2014 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Are you ready to stop dreaming about creating a personal oasis in your outdoor space and make it happen? These 5 spectacular add-ons and build-ins are virtually guaranteed to turn even the drabbest backyard into a resort-quality retreat:

1. Swim-Up Bar with a Sunken Patio

With this design option, there’s no reason for anyone to feel left out of the party just because they can’t bear to get out of the pool. A strategically placed bar allows everyone to enjoy a cool, refreshing drink and a little conversation poolside by integrating underwater seating on one side and a sunken patio on the other. Don’t forget an extra-large market umbrella for shade; it will keep your guests and bartender just as cool as that clear, blue water while it adds to the festive atmosphere.

This sleek, contemporary design option is a smart way to use a rolling landscape to your advantage, but it’s also possible to create a dual-purpose bar on even the most level space with a little excavation and sturdy retaining walls. To stay safe, use break-resistant drinkware.

2. Grottos and Shaded Caves

On the hottest summer days, even the coolest pool water isn’t a match for the unrelenting heat of the sun. Update your pool with a natural-looking grotto complete with a cascading waterfall for a relaxing retreat that will calm your mind while it provides welcome relief from the high temperatures.

Grottos vary from small, cave-like recesses that can shade one or two people from the sun to full caverns with multiple entrances, dramatic lighting and convenient ledges. These areas can provide complete privacy and an exotic atmosphere in addition to protection from the sun.

The most attractive grottos have a natural, seamless appearance that blends in perfectly with the surrounding environment. If your pool area doesn’t incorporate natural or natural-looking stone, you can create this design feature using poured concrete with rock facing paired with complementary boulders and greenery.

3. A Multi-Functional Outdoor Living Space

With today’s modern amenities, there’s absolutely no reason to ever take the party inside. Weather-proof outdoor furniture and carpeting is every bit as attractive and comfortable as anything designed for indoor use, and you can complete your poolside entertainment area with a retractable high-definition TV so that no one has to make a choice between catching the big game or spending time with friends and family around the pool. Position the screen just right and you won’t even have to get out of the pool to view the action.

On cool days or nights, take the chill off with a poolside fireplace or build a fully integrated seating area with a fire pit that extends out into the pool for cozy chats or some quiet contemplation. Even if it’s too cold to swim, this type of add-on allows you to take full advantage of your new outdoor living space.

4. Protective Domes and Enclosures

The clear ceilings and screened walls used in modern pool enclosures protect swimmers from insects and rain without taking away from the natural beauty of a thoughtfully landscaped pool area so that you can fully enjoy your pool even when the weather isn’t picture perfect. Pool enclosure designs range from permanent screened-in structures to fully retractable glass that can turn your outdoor pool into an indoor recreational area at the flip of a switch.

In addition to increasing the time you can use your pool, domes and enclosures protect finishes and prevent leaves and other debris from falling or blowing into the pool to keep your water cleaner and cut down on the time it takes to complete routine maintenance.

5. Waterpark-Quality Slides

Bars, fire pits and grottos are great for the adults, but let’s not forget the young and the young at heart. Nothing’s more fun than sliding into the pool, especially when you consider the many features that are now available. Today’s options deliver waterpark-quality experiences to backyard pools with attractive slides that appear to be carved out of the landscape.

Some of the most sought-after features include free-flowing water inside the slide to reduce friction, waterfalls that drench the slider and curves and drops to add excitement. With carefully-planned lighting, thoughtful placement and a sophisticated design, a waterslide will tempt the biggest thrill seekers in your group while adding to the visual appeal of your modern pool area.

Tags: exotic pools, modern pools, pool, pool bar, pool grotto

The Average Cost of Installing a New Inground Pool

May 21, 2013 | Remodeling

The idea of your own pool in the backyard entices many homeowners, but not many people realize how expensive installing an inground pool can really be until they see the quotes from the pool companies. Pool installation is a major project that takes significant planning, preparation, time, and – unfortunately – money. But just how much does it cost to install a pool in your yard? On average, you should expect to spend anywhere between ten and fifty thousand dollars, depending on the style, size, shape, and materials used in your pool. Vinyl-lined pools are the cheapest, hovering around the $10K mark, while concrete pools are the ones that will cost you something closer to $50K, based on average size and pricing.

This average cost doesn’t take all of the landscaping associated with installing a pool in your yard, either. While you could technically just dig a hole in the grass, many homeowners prefer to build a deck around the pool for aesthetic reasons and fences for safety reasons, particularly if there are going to be small children playing in or around the pool. These additions can cost you an additional $40,000 on top of a $50,000 pool. So in reality you are looking at a price closer to $90,000 for a large pool, with landscaping and hardscaping to blend in to your back yard.

The good news is that these average prices include just about everything you need to get your pool up and running. Filtration systems, lighting and all of that will all be put in by the pool installers as an inclusion to whichever price you end up paying. They will also fill your pool up for the first time at no extra charge, allowing you to jump in and start enjoying your pool as soon as construction is complete. Of course, one more thing that isn’t included in the price of your pool is all of the flotation devices and other toys that you’re going to want!

All in all, installing a pool is not cheap, but it will undoubtedly raise the value of your home and provide you and your families with hours of entertainment that can’t really be matched by any other household amenity. So if you can afford the cost and have always wanted a pool, go for it!

Tags: average cost, pool