Outdoors Pools

A deck is a fun escape and a way to add value to your backyard, especially if you add other luxuries. It is natural to picture yourself living a life of leisure in a hot tub on your deck. Countless homeowners have asked themselves the question; can I add a hot tub to my deck?

Owning a pool is already a luxurious thing in this day and age, but have you ever experienced what it’s like to have a pool with a slide? It’s an amazing thing indeed. Unfortunately, buying a pool slide is going to be a little difficult. We’re going to show you how to cut costs and keep things safe while you make your own.

Above ground pools are one of the most popular add-ons for backyards, and it doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out why. Pools rule! And above ground pools are the most affordable type. Traditionally, these are put on a grassy part of your backyard ontop of sand. But, what if you want to put it on something like concrete?

Finding frogs in your pool can be disconcerting. Not only is it a hassle, but chlorine is toxic to frogs and they can quickly die in the water. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep frogs out of a pool.

Swimming pools are a great way to cool down during the hot summer months. However, it’s not always easy to know when you should add a shock treatment and how much is too much. Can you put too much shock in a pool?

Depending on where you live, a swimming pool can make summer months much more enjoyable and an excellent way to cool off. In fact, during the pandemic, pool manufacturers and installers saw a major increase in demand with everyone stuck at home. Heaters, pumps, and building materials were out of stock for months, but the demand still remains consistent.

Gunite is a pool material that is pretty notable. It’s a concrete pool wall material that is famous for durability. Sadly, it’s also known for being a bit rough on skin. That’s why some people want to switch from gunite to vinyl pool times. The most obvious way to make the switch would be to add a liner around a gunite pool. But, is that even a potential option?

A pool heater is a big investments, so you may understandably feel apprehensive about getting one. You can make your decision much easier if you consider a few things, such as:

Summer is here, and you’re ecstatic because your new pool is ready to use. Then you notice that one side of the pool has more water than the other. This indicates that the ground beneath your pool isn’t precisely level. You will need to re-level your pool since it’s hazardous to swim in it under these conditions. But how do you do it without draining it?

Intex pools are one of the most affordable types of pools on the market. They’re above-ground pools that are durable and at the same time,  relatively easy to maintain. However, they tend to have one major snag. Sometimes, they end up being uneven. When this happens, you need to know what to do…and if you’re at risk of something worse.

Pool maintenance can be a burden between all of the chemicals and daily upkeep. It can be hard to keep everything straight between the waiting times, chemicals, and cleaning processes that it takes to maintain a pool. Many of us have wondered; can you shock your pool and add a stabilizer at the same time?

As an avid fan of hair products, I know a ton of different conditioning treatments for my hair. As a swimming enthusiast, I had absolutely no idea that pool conditioners are a thing, too. We all know that conditioners are supposed to make the quality of the intended object improve. However, pools are pools. So, what is a pool conditioner supposed to condition? The water’s already clean, so….what’s going on here?

Imagine the following moment: you’re in your pool, enjoying the jets. Then, the jets stop working and your pool lights shut off. Your breaker has tripped. You run over, untrip the breaker switch, and get back in. Within a matter of minutes, you can’t enjoy your pool anymore. The breaker tripped again. Your GFCI breaker is supposed to protect your system. So, what’s going on?

When you swim in almost any pool, you’ll end up tracking some small amount of dirt into the pool’s water. It’s just the way things are. If you have an outdoor pool in a windy area, you might also get some dirt blown in after a particularly strong gust of wind. Obviously, that’s pretty gross. So, how can you clean dirt that’s managed to settle at the bottom of your pool?

When you first get to an indoor pool, chances are that you already remember feeling the floor underneath your feet. Flooring tends to come in one of two “flavors:” tile and poured concrete. If you have a tile floor in your pool room, then you probably will have that tile expand into the pool itself. Making a tiled pool is no small matter, and if you’re ready to begin, it’s crucial to know the type of grout to use.

Got a swimming pool? Where do you drain it? There are many situations that warrant draining your pool, such as winterization or significant algae, but you should always consider the ecosystem before draining or leveling the water in your pool.

Do you have a gas pool heater that you’d like to power using propane? Propane-powered gas pool heaters are great for heating up pools in a short amount of time. They’re especially ideal if you only use your pool occasionally, since they only have to run when you’re using it. But what size propane tank is needed to fuel a gas pool heater?

Hot tubs are great for relaxing after a long hard day at work. They can also be beneficial for fibromyalgia, low back pain, and arthritis. But the damage that can be caused by your hot tub freezing in the winter is not so good. Because water expands to around 10% of its volume when it freezes, pipes and other equipment can crack or break due to the expansion. But there are many ways you can keep your hot tub from freezing.

A swimming pool is one of the most common items in a home owner’s wishlist. Thanks to Intex’s assortment of above ground pools, having a backyard pool is more affordable and convenient. To make the most out of your Intex above ground pool, it needs to be cleaned and maintained.

A pool that doesn’t have a filter isn’t a safe one to swim in. However, if you are swimming in a pool that has a malfunctioning filter, then you are still not entirely safe. Even something as innocuous as having a pool filter that’s leaking from the top can be a sign that it’s not good to swim in your pool. Before you dip your toes in, make sure you fix that leak!

After a long day working, the thought of easing into a hot tub and letting the high-powered jets massage your muscles is appealing. You want to kick back and relax while the bubbles soothe your worries away. In order to enjoy that luxury, you need to have a hot tub. Maybe you are replacing an old hot tub, or perhaps this will be your first time taking the plunge. You need to know your best options for buying the right hot tub at the best time.

Having a swimming pool is an excellent addition to just about any household. It allows you to kick back and relax on beautiful summer days. Plus, swimming and water aerobics are fantastic ways to keep your body in tip-top shape.

Swimming pools are just as relaxing and enjoyable as they are sometimes high maintenance. Maintenance and repairs are a part of owning a home with a pool, but unexpected damage means unexpected costs. Pool surfaces are susceptible to damage, and builder-owners are left wondering how much they’ll have to spend this time.

Saltwater pools are more popular than ever before, and rightfully so. They offer a more eco-friendly alternative to bleach for your pool’s sanitation, and also make you feel like you are in the middle of the ocean. Though saltwater pools are hip and trendy AF, there are a lot of questions to ask about how to filter them. I mean, can a regular sand filter work?

Building a pool can be challenging. And some properties aren’t fit for pool installation. So, can you put a pool liner on wet sand, or is it too risky? Here is everything you need to know.

In recent years, our society has been on a march towards the “chemicals are bad” style of life. Saltwater pools’ popularity are a sign of it, really. The thing is, saltwater pools are not exactly easy to care for. That’s why people like to have chlorine pools. Though rare, you’ll hear of saltwater pool owners who want to convert their gig into chlorine. Is that even a thing?

You have had your above-ground pool for several seasons and notice that the flexible pipe provided by the manufacturer is beginning to show its age. To keep your pool and filter operating properly, you consider replumbing your pool with PVC pipe. However, PVC pipe is not the same size as the flexible tubing, and you wonder what PVC pipe you should use for your above-ground pool.

Frogs are not the first thing people think of when they are about to become a pool owner. However, they can prove to be a bit of a pest for people in certain parts of the country. When frogs see your pool, they’re going to want to hop in. Unfortunately, chlorine and pool water isn’t good for them. How long can they survive in it?

Many plants contain citronella, such as lemongrass and citronella geraniums, and it’s a great way to keep bugs out of your pool. This powerful essential oil smells strong enough to repel bugs, even if it smells great to humans. Plants that contain citronella can keep bugs away, but oils and citronella candles are more powerful.

Vinyl pool liners are an amazingly affordable way to ensure that your home has a safe pool that you can swim in. As one of the most popular pool liner materials on the market, it’s easy to see why people enjoy them. Unfortunately, they do have the drawback of having to be pre-made. But, does that mean you also can’t paint them? Is customization really off-limits?

When you have a concrete in-ground pool, you are going to have to choose a finish for your pool. There are two major options that people tend to prefer: plaster and Pebble Tec. Both of them offer great perks and not-so-great pitfalls when it comes to their use. If you need to refinish you pool, knowing what to expect is a major perk.

The color of your pool water can tell a lot about your pool’s health. That’s why we all naturally gravitate towards pools that have rich blues, crystal clear hues, and maybe a little turquoise in them. One color no one wants to see in a pool is brown. That’s a major ick right there, and it’s enough to have people run in the opposite direction. So, what is brown pool water doing in your pool?

Adding tile to your pool can create a stunning showpiece in your backyard. Not only are glass and ceramic tiles beautiful to look at, but they are strong, long-lasting, and very low maintenance. Pool tiles can transform the entire look of your pool with just one simple installation.

A pool pump is the swimming pool’s lifeblood that keeps the water circulating, filtered, and safe to swim in. If it were not for this machine, the swimming pool would be a breeding ground for bacteria. Other contaminants would take over the crystal clear water that the whole family enjoys.

A pond in your backyard can be a fun feature, adding beauty and a relaxing, calming atmosphere. But if your pond ends up grimy, full of algae, or otherwise yucky, it’s anything but beautiful. So, how do you keep a backyard pond clean so it’s worth having as part of your oasis?

The typical sand pool filter holds 250 pounds of sand or more at any given time. This can be a lot of materials to handle at once, which is why it’s important to know what you can do with it once it’s time to replace it.

There are many reasons why you may need to drain your pool. You may want to add fresh water or prevent overflow from an impending storm. While it is possible to drain water out of your pool without a pump, adding a pump to the process can make things faster and easier.

Maintaining a pool is never easy—at least, when it comes to the tedium and actually keeping on top of it. At times, you might even have your tools fail you while you’re trying to work on the upkeep. Keeping things working smoothly can be difficult, especially if you noticed that your pool pump loses pressure after a few minutes of work. What causes this to happen, anyway?

You want a fantastic pool in your backyard. But the layout of your property may not allow for the design you created. So, what do you do when sewer lines get in the way? And can you install a pool close to the sewage line or not?

It is a great practice to regularly shock your pool, and timing is a big part of that. You always want your pool to be safe and clean, and it takes strong chemicals like shock to do that. It can be tempting to jump in the clean water, but how after shocking a pool can you swim?

Everybody wants to get a good deal and save money. However, it’s important to closely scrutinize pricing options when you look for a pool contractor. Any deal that seems too good to be true is a major red flag, and it could indicate a scam. 

When I first felt a pool jet on my feet, I remember feeling it like was the best thing ever. As I started to learn about pools, I realized that jets aren’t always just there to feel nice. They also can carry certain roles in pool cleanliness as well as water refreshing. I was surprised, though, to hear that pool jets need to face a certain way. But, which way are your pool jets supposed to face?

If you’re considering installing a saltwater pool in your backyard, you likely have a lot of questions. Saltwater pools serve as an alternative to traditional chlorine pools, and although you don’t have to manually add chlorine to a saltwater pool, they still contain chlorine. They have a much smaller amount, which is produced by a salt chlorine generator. This filtering system turns salt into chlorine, to effectively clean a saltwater pool.

Anyone who’s ever bathed in a poorly-maintained pool will tell you that an unsanitary pool is a serious threat to your health. That’s why most new pool owners tend to delve deep into their pool maintenance research. One of the more difficult issues to discuss is the topic of adding bleach to a pool in order to keep it sanitary. So, how much is enough…and how much is too much?

If there is one cleaner that is old-fashioned and incredibly popular, it’s borax. Borax has been a staple in laundry, tiling, and even carpet cleaning. Nowadays, people are starting to pour it into pools. Believe it or not, adding a little borax to your pool water might be a smart idea. The question you need to know, though, is what it can offer a pool owner.

Nothing is worse as a proud pool owner than the sight of murky, green pool water. The sight of green pool water can dissuade anyone from swimming, and it can be quite concerning. As unappealing as it looks, is it safe to swim in green pool water?

Most homeowners close their pools sometime between September and October. It ultimately depends on how the climate is where you live. Pool contractors and experts suggest that you close your pool once the temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

A swimming pool can be a terrific investment due to the value it adds and just how useful it is. If you have a swimming pool at home, you can use it for exercising or cooling down during the summer. Unfortunately, there’s also a chance that your swimming pool may largely go unused.

The only way to tell if your pool has too much chlorine is to test the water. Never swim in a pool that has more than 3.0-5.0 parts per million of chlorine. That is too much chlorine, and it can irritate your skin and eyes.

Many people buying an existing home put a backyard pool as one of their most wanted features. In many instances, the pool may be dated or in need of repairs. Bringing an existing pool back to pristine condition and making it a focal point rather than an eyesore can be challenging.

When you first install your pool in your home, you have to think about how you can pad the bottom of your pool. After all, above-ground pools need to have a nice, gentle support at the bottom. Traditionally, this would mean that you would add sand to the bottom of your pool. However, Gorilla pool pads are growing in popularity. Which material option is truly the king of this jungle?

Pools and spas are, in my opinion, some of the best outdoor fixtures that a home can include. But without electricity, these fixtures wouldn’t be the wonderful luxuries we know today, as many of their features require electricity. Pumps, lights, and heaters are all pool components that require electricity.

Adding a relaxing element to your home is as easy as putting in a swim spa or pool. Swim spas are similar to a pool, but also hold many characteristics of a hot tub. Because of that, many builder-owners set their eyes on a swim spa to boost their home’s value.

A  hot tub is one of the most luxurious ways to relax during the colder months, but where should you have it installed? Can you put a hot tub on gravel?

After you’ve bought a brand-new hot tub for your backyard space, your next most important decision is to decide where you’re going to put it. Not only must the location be sturdy enough to support the hot tub, but you also want to ensure that it looks appealing and complements your landscaping to create a tranquil, outdoor sanctuary.

I’ll be honest. There are so many different terms that you can learn when it comes to pool talk, it kind of shocks me. (See what I did there?) When I first heard about swim spas, I assumed that they were the same things as pools. Believe it or not, they aren’t. Swim spas and pools are different, and if you’re looking into getting one, it’s good to know what you should expect.

Pool pumps are clearly a major part of every in-ground and above-ground pool. They are the thing that pushes water through your filter and also help power your jets. So, it’s not like you can have a healthy pool without a pump for too long. However, there has to be a point where you can leave a pool unpumped without too many problems, right? How long can you use a pool that has no working pump?

Have you ever dreamed of having a  pool in your backyard but don’t want to pay for the expensive costs associated with installing one? Putting an above-ground pool in the ground may be the best solution.

Saltwater pools are all the rage these days, and part of the reason for it deals with the way that they work with plants. Having a little plant life breathes an eco-friendly freshness into your spa area. Of course, you will have to pick the right plants. Saltwater pools tend to salinate the area around them, so it’s important to know what type of plants work well around them.

The first and most basic approach to child-proofing a swimming pool is to build a fence around it. This creates a barrier that toddlers and children simply cannot get around. Fences are effective at protecting toddlers from both in-ground and above-ground pools.