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Open Your Pool: The 10-step Checklist

. Posted by in • Houston

Sit back. Relax. It’s summertime!

Every May, thousands of Houston families open their backyard swimming pools for the summer season. Opening a pool isn’t as simple as pulling off the cover and jumping in.

We have put together a checklist for our ABC family insiders.

1. FILTER PUMPS AND OTHER PUMPS

Are they operable?
Are any of them making a loud noise?
Are they priming ok?
Are there any leaks?
Are the pump baskets intact?

2. CLEANER PUMP

Is it operable?
Is it making a loud noise?
Are there any leaks?

3. FILTERS

Check filter pressure. Your filter may need to be back washed or have the internal assemblies cleaned or replaced.
If your filter has a push/pull valve or multiport valve, do they operate smoothly?
Are there any leaks?

4. POOL CLEANER UNIT

Is it operable?
Inspect tires, wheel bearings, debris bags, etc.

5. WATERSIDE

Are skimmer baskets and skimmer covers intact?
Are there any cracks … Read Full Post »

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How to Child-Proof Your Swimming Pool

. Posted by in • Austin
pool safety tips

Having a pool at your home can provide endless entertainment for your family, but there’s also the ever-present danger of injury and drowning, especially for young children. The privilege of a beautiful swimming pool comes with the responsibility of protecting those around you from harm. Adopt these pool safety practices below to ensure the well-being of swimmers of any age.

Follow these steps to keep swimmers safe while they are in the pool:

  • Maintain adult supervision of children in the swimming pool at all times.
  • Store a first aid kit in proximity to the pool for the treatment of minor injuries.
  • Keep life preservers, kickboards, rope, and a pole in the general vicinity of the pool for easy access.
  • Learn CPR, and encourage all adult members of your house to become certified as well. The city of Austin provides training in CPR to residents. Learn more.
  • Create a list of pool safety rules, communicate them to … Read Full Post »

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What To Pack For Your Trip to the Swimming Pool

. Posted by in • Austin
what to bring to the pool

We’re inching closer to Memorial Day weekend, and pool season is upon us – once the rains subside! Many of us have already been to a swimming pool in between the rain showers, or are ready to visit the public pool once the summer heat hits in earnest. We have a wide variety of neighborhood and municipal pools to choose from here in Austin – don’t forget to check the City of Austin’s website for a massive list of pools and splash pads to plan your trip.

What to Bring to The Pool

Before heading out to take a dip, take a look at our list of what to bring to the pool below. You may not need all of these items, but there are bound to be a few you might want that you didn’t consider bringing.

Standard issue: for a trip to a public pool (or any pool for that matter) … Read Full Post »

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San Antonio’s Coolest Pools

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Coolest Pools in San Antonio

It’s already April, and summer is quickly approaching! With cooler temperatures and regular rain showers, it’s hard to fathom the sweltering summer months ahead. Prepare yourself by learning about the best public swimming pools available to San Antonio residents. The city also boasts many beautiful hotel pools, making it easy to get away and cool down.

For the most current opening and closing dates, fees, hours, and locations check the City of San Antonio’s Parks & Recreation website.

Central

San Pedro Springs Pool, located in the park of the same name, near the intersection of North Flores Street and West Ashby Place. Its claim to fame is its status as the second oldest park in the United States. The land it rests on was designated for public use by the Spanish government, back in the 1700’s. The pool is built on top of the San Pedro Spring, and is full of spring-fed water. … Read Full Post »

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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; 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 terrible 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, any algae remaining behind on warmer winter days 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 stubborn algae. Stop often to clean out the skimmer basket
• Backwash the filter to get rid of any acceptable debris … 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 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.

Chemical imbalances, algae, or particles generally cause cloudy swimming pool water. The good news is that figuring out the problem is pretty straightforward. 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. Go ahead and dust it off. If you’ve never looked at it, figure out what it tests for. Even the most basic tests should tell you your water’s pH, alkalinity, free chlorine, and total … 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 neighbors have. Wouldn’t you prefer to flaunt the same 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 yard.

You can customize your pool by pulling specific qualities from elaborate designs 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 how to avoid destruction. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. Landscaping is ideal for making slight alterations that pack … 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 project until warmer weather? Consider getting your pool makeover finished now 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 a relaxing patio or deck space to unwind.

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

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

Pool Re-Tiling

Tiles can get worn out and damaged over time. If you’ve been putting off a pool re-tiling, consider getting it done … 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 pool, you know 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 particular attention to the water chemistry. Let’s discuss the three primary 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 essential 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 your bathers … Read Full Post »

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