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The Coolest Pools in Austin, TX

. Posted by in • Austin

Spring is upon us! With such pleasant weather, it’s hard to imagine the sweltering temperatures heading our way in the next several months. Get prepared for the heat ahead of time by scoping out the best public pools Austin has to offer. Austin also has some beautiful hotel pools as well, for those times when you just need an escape, in or out of town.

For the most current opening and closing dates, fees, hours, and locations check the City of Austin’s website.

North: Northwest Hills, Allendale, Shoal Creek

Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Municipal Pool is located in the park of the same name, near the intersection of Burnet Road and Greenlawn Parkway. It is a large pool with lanes for lap swimming, a more shallow open swimming area, and a wading pool for the little ones. There are shaded picnic tables in the pool area, as well as a playground, picnic tables … Read Full Post »

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It’s Only a Swimming Pool. What Could Go Wrong?

. Posted by in • Houston

Summer’s over, and for many Houston homeowners that means one thing: It’s time to close down the old swimming hole. Off-season pool maintenance is an annual chore, and doing it right can be trickier than you think. Don’t make these common mistakes with your pool.

Failing to Clean It One Last Time

We know, we know: Those summer cleanings were bad enough. What would it hurt to leave a few sticks and dirt clods over the winter?

You’d be surprised. Organic matter can quickly decay and foul the water. Worse, on warmer winter days, any algae remaining behind will multiply exponentially. It’s up to you to prevent this, so get outside and:

• Turn on the filtration system
• Scoop out the bugs and fallen leaves
• Vacuum the bottom and brush down the sides to remove any stubborn algae. Stop often to clean out the skimmer basket
• Backwash the filter to get rid of any … Read Full Post »

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Cloudy Pool Water Woes

. Posted by in • Houston

It’s finally summer, so you, your family, and all the kids in the neighborhood want to use your pool. But if you’ve been neglecting it all winter, it might need a little bit of a tune-up before anyone will want to jump in. But if you’ve already spent hours with the skimmer and the water’s still cloudy, we’ve got you covered.

Cloudy water is generally caused by three things: chemical imbalances, algae or particles. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to figure out what the problem is. The bad news is that you might have to spend a few days mucking around with pool chemicals and cleaning. But first let’s talk about how to diagnose your problem.

You do have a water testing kit, right? Go ahead and dust it off. If you’ve never looked at it before, figure out what it tests for. Even the most basic tests should … Read Full Post »

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How to Create an Epic Pool in Your Own Backyard

. Posted by in , • Houston

If you own a backyard pool, you may have the typical oasis that many of your neighbors also have. Wouldn’t you prefer to flaunt the same kind of spectacular pool that famous hotels and resorts feature? You may not be able to match the extravagance of a five-star accommodation, but you can apply some similar design ideas and create an aquatic masterpiece in your own yard.

By pulling specific qualities from elaborate designs, you can customize your pool to give it epic appeal. Remodeling a pool may be as simple as adding some landscaping, or it can be a marathon renovation. The initial idea of a pool overhaul may seem overwhelming, but imagine diving into your new luxurious splash zone as a reward for your efforts.

Before you take the sledgehammer or ax to your backyard, consider what you can do to avoid total annihilation. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. Landscaping … Read Full Post »

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Give Your Pool a Makeover in Time for Spring

. Posted by in • Houston

Are you planning to leave a pool remodel until the weather turns warmer? Consider getting your pool makeover finished now in order to have your pool ready to go when warm weather returns.

Getting the Deck or Patio Prepared

Not all of the action is in the water, so anyone who wants to lounge poolside without swimming needs to have a relaxing patio or deck space in which to unwind.

Getting the deck or patio ready adjacent to the pool doesn’t necessarily have to involve a renovation. Consider purchasing some outdoor furniture that’s modern, sleek and high-quality in order to achieve a relaxing and attractive atmosphere without construction.

Popular outdoor furniture that is functional and beautiful includes hardwood and wicker furniture in dark shades. Real Simple Magazine suggests looking for furniture pieces that are easy to move for convenience that can also withstand the local climate.

Pool Re-Tiling

Tiles can get worn out and damaged over … Read Full Post »

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Why is My Pool Green? How to Keep Your Water Crystal Clear

. Posted by in • Houston
My above ground pool is green

One of the best ways to beat the heat on a hot summer day is to go for a swim. If you have your own pool, you know that maintenance is no small task. The last thing you want as a pool owner is to discover that your pool water is green and cloudy instead of crystal clear.

Why is My Pool Green?

Keeping a pool looking clean and clear requires paying special attention to the water chemistry. Let’s discuss the three basic factors in pool operation—physical, chemical and biological—how they impact the color of your water and what to do if your pool water becomes cloudy and green.

Pool Filtration & Circulation

The most basic part of your pool’s operation is your filtration system, which is responsible for keeping your water clean. The filters in your pool should remove dirt and debris which make their way into your pool from the air or from your … Read Full Post »

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