If you are the pool owner, hopefully by now your plans are in place for this weekend—the yard is mowed, the food is planned, the guests are invited, and the pool is ready!   Following are some last minute tips to assure that your Memorial Day weekend will be an enjoyable one.

Be sure that your pool is ready

To avoid last minute water problems such as cloudy water or a green pool, be sure that your pool water is balanced—have it professionally analyzed at Gohlke Pools sometime before your party.  This preventative maintenance will help prevent eye and skin irritation that sometimes accompanies a weekend of swimming in a pool of unbalanced water.  Eye and skin irritation are usually due to insufficient sanitizer levels or incorrect pH levels.

Prepare the area surrounding your pool

In addition to preparing the pool, the area surrounding the pool will also probably need some attention—such as mowing, trimming plants, cleaning the patio, etc.  Consider using container plants in the pool area to help dress it up.  Also, do not forget to get rid of pests such as wasps & ants.  It would probably be a good idea to have wasp spray on hand for any unwelcome pests that arrive during your party.

Decorations & music

Decorations and music really help set the mood.  Seasonal decorations really can add to the feel of the party.  Paper products, such as tablecloths, plates, cups, and napkins are also available in a pool party theme.  Party stores such as Party City, PJ’s Party Supply, or Hobby Lobby are an excellent source for these festive decorations.  For evening parties, try stringing Christmas lights along the fence and in the trees and shrubbery or use tiki torches.   Beach music (try some Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffet) really adds to pool parties and is available at music stores.

Safety

Pool safety should always be a concern.  Many drownings and accidents occur during parties as children are often ignored while parents socialize.  It might be a good idea to either hire a lifeguard or have parents take shifts being the pool monitor (even provide a whistle and a list of pool rules if you feel it is necessary).  If you are serving alcohol, be especially careful.  Make sure that your pool’s depth is known by the swimmers and what areas are safe for diving.  In addition, do not forget to keep plenty of water available as spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration.

Sun protection & eye/skin irritation

As you and your guests enjoy the pool party, you should be aware of the possibility of sun protection  and eye/skin irritation.

Applying sunscreen thoroughly and liberally is the key.  Many times we overlook the fact that we need a waterproof sunscreen for use in pools.   Men with thinning hair should be extremely careful and apply sunscreen liberally to the top of the head or wear a hat.   To prevent eye/skin irritation—be sure that the pool water is chemically balanced.  Once the damage is done, eye drops will usually provide relief for irritated eyes.  To treat irritated skin, take a cool shower and then apply a moisturizing lotion.

Pool games & activities

Although providing a pool and some food is usually enough to provide for your visiting guests, activities such as pool games and activities can really add to the party.  Following are some pool games and activities to add excitement to your party:

• Relay races
• Dive games
• Chicken fights
• Inner tube races
• Water volleyball, basketball, baseball, or football
• Scuba relay–Gather two sets of scuba gear (flippers, snorkel, and mask) and form two teams.
  At the word “go!”, the first player on each team puts on her team’s gear, jumps into the pool, swims to the other side and back, gets out of the water, and removes the gear.  Then the next player does the same.  The first team to finish wins.  This game can also be done with t-shirts, shorts, and socks.              
• Sharks and minnows – This game is good for a large group.  One person is the shark and starts in the middle of the pool. All other players are minnows and start out of the water on one side of the deck.  The shark yells out “minnow!” and the minnows must jump in and try to swim to the other side of the pool without being tagged by the shark.  The minnows that get tagged become sharks and the game is replayed until only one minnow remains.  That person starts the new game as the shark.

In addition to these pool games and activities, there are many more that can be found online by Google searching swimming pool games and activities.

The main thing to remember is that planning and delegation are the keys to having a good party that even you, the host, can enjoy.  Have a great weekend!

Competitive swimming—Most competitive swimmers like the water to be fairly cold, somewhere in the low to mid 70’s, depending on the intensity of the training.  At these temperatures, the water will feel cold initially but once training begins, the body will heat up.

Lap swimming for exercise—Most lap swimmers like the water temperature to be somewhere between 75-80 degrees.  Being active by swimming laps will cause the body to heat up fairly quickly.

Casual swimming—Most casual swimming pool users like the water in the 84-86 degree range.  Hotels and resorts typically try to maintain their pool water temperature in this range.

Warm water swimming—There are some people that like the water to be in the low 90’s before they are real comfortable in the water.  Many pools in the north Texas area, especially pools without shade, reach the low 90’s in July and August.  During the record-breaking heat of 2011, the water temperature of many unshaded swimming pools reached the mid 90’s—which is very warm.  This warm water caused some problems—as warm water is also more prone to chemical imbalances, and require more maintenance and upkeep than water that is colder.   Chlorine in colder water lasts longer than in warm water.

As a convenience to pool owners, we have started including the average water temperature for unheated north Texas area swimming pools.  If your water temperature varies from this by more than a few degrees, let us know.

Happy swimming!

What is going on with this weather?

LaNina weather typically means warmer-than-normal temperatures and less rainfall.  We have certainly had the warmer-than-normal temperatures, but we have had quite a bit of rain this winter—which was badly needed and very much appreciated, by the way.  I recently heard Pete Delkus, chief meteorologist of WFAA-TV, state that we have just experienced the 6th wettest winter on record, and the wettest in the past 14 years.  In addition, he stated that we are currently tied for 1st with the fewest number of freezes thus far this winter—with 14.

What will the future weather be?

In an article in the Denton Record-Chronicle (February 10, 2012), The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center announced that La Nina will end sometime between March and May.  But Victor Murphy, the climate service program manager for the National Weather Service’s southern region, has stated that LaNina’s departure will not lead to immediate weather changes.  That’s why forecasts are still showing below-normal rainfall across the state this spring, usually the wettest months of the year in Texas. The Farmers Almanac Annual Weather Summary for 2012 states that April & May will continue to be warmer than normal, with summer being a bit cooler than normal—I hope that they are right.

What does this mean for pool owners?

No one really knows for sure what the weather will be, but  the combination of what has been forecast (warmer than usual) and what has actually happened (warmer than usual), has many pool owners excited about the possibility of a long swim season this year.  Most north Texas area swimming pool companies are busier than usual for this time of year with new pool construction, pool renovations & repairs, and equipment repairs—as pool owners are getting ready for what appears to be a long pool season.

If you need help or advice on any pool related problems, please give us a call at (940)387-7521.

Renovations can include, but are definitely not limited to, replacement of the filtration equipment, the addition of a heater or automatic cleaner, the addition of computerized pool and spa control systems, replacement of the tile or coping, resurfacing the interior of the pool with a dark finish which can give your pool that lagoon look, or virtually anything else that one can imagine.  Pool renovations can do wonders for the overall appearance of the backyard.

Following are some tips in selecting a pool renovation contractor and how to finance the project.

Selecting a Renovation Contractor

Finding a dependable, experienced contractor is the key to a successful renovation.  Pool owners whom have had a pool renovation done are often the best source of advice when trying to select a pool renovation contractor.

• When obtaining estimates ask the following of the contractor:
• Do you have completed renovation projects that I can see?
• Can you get me a list of referrals?
• What type and length of warranty will you provide?
• What is covered and what is not covered under the warranty?
• Can you provide a copy of your liability and workers compensation insurance?
• Who will supervise the job?
• How long will the project take?
• Who is responsible for cleaning up after the project is complete?

Financing a Pool Renovation

After the contractor has been selected, a pool owner must decide how to fund the project. Very few people are in a financial position to pay for a swimming pool renovation project without borrowing money.   Therefore, financing (or borrowing money) is a very common method of funding these types of projects.  The two most popular types of loans that are available are a home improvement loan or a home equity loan.  Each of these two types of loans has its advantages and disadvantages. Denton is blessed with fine lending institutions that are able to provide assistance and advice when it comes to financing.

By selecting the right contractor and financing plan, you will be ready to start the swim season this summer with a renovated pool that should provide many more years of enjoyment.

Natural Pool           

This trend had been popular for several years—to make the backyard look like a dark lagoon surrounded by landscaping.  This is done not only by designing a freeform shape that flows, but also by using a dark interior finish, flagstone coping surrounding the pool, and installing waterfalls or boulders on the pool.  Natural pools have are becoming more and more popular as people want their pool to look natural.

Vanishing-Edge Pool

The vanishing edge pool is common in areas that have more elevation changes, such as hillside construction, than the Denton area, but it is still a design that has been used several times in the Denton area.  The vanishing-edge pool is a pool design that is most often used to enhance a lake, ocean, or valley that is just beyond the pool.  The back wall of the pool is lowered allowing the water to appear to fall into the background, making the pool and the background become one.  In the ideal backyard, this is a beautiful design.

Beach Entry Pool           

Beach entry pools are pools that have a gradual walk-in entry into the pool, much like a beach into the ocean.  It is great for small children and can be used as a shallow water tanning area and can also give a pool that tropical beach look.

In addition to design changes, homeowners are now looking beyond the pool to create a backyard environment by adding other elements.  There is a growing trend in outdoor living, cooking, & entertaining.   Today’s backyard possibilities are virtually endless and can include many features and considerations, such as landscaping, water features, outdoor cooking areas, sheltered areas, lighting, putting greens, children’s play area, and outdoor sound systems.

Now that you are aware of some of the possibilities for your backyard, you can begin planning your backyard environment.  You will then be well on your way to having one of the best summers that you have ever had creating memories of good times with your family and friends.

Call us at (940)591-9070 for a free on-site consultation to create the best pool design for your backyard.

A swimming pool would be considered a non-necessity—much like a boat, motorhome, or lakehouse.  Therefore, in my opinion—swimming pools, boats, motorhomes, and lakehouses—would definitely fall under the category of  “I really need to evaluate the pros and cons of this purchase” category.

Pool aficionados will tell you that life is too brief and too fragile to spend without a swimming pool.  For these pool owners, it is hard for them to consider not having a swimming pool.  On the other hand, there are pool owners that would probably be better off without a swimming pool.  Not taking the time to enjoy or maintain the pool are the primary reasons that some are simply better off without a swimming pool.

Even though it is not good for my business to think this way, I realize that a swimming pool is definitely not for everyone, and I do not believe for a second that everyone should have a swimming pool.   Owning a swimming pool is a commitment that takes time, much like having a motor home, boat, or lake house.   Therefore, I offer you a list of pros and cons when considering if you should move forward with a swimming pool.

Pros

Cons

Hopefully these questions will help you make the right decision when considering whether or not to purchase a swimming pool.  If you think that you might be interested in a swimming pool, call (940)591-9070 and we can discuss further.

I often get asked whether I believe if having a swimming pool is a good decision.  It really depends on the situation.

There are some who have pools who would probably be better off without them—due to time, financial, and other issues.  There are many factors to consider when determining if a pool would fit your needs.  Following are some questions to consider when weighing the pros and cons of pool ownership.

Does it fit the needs of our family?  Being able to enjoy time at home with your family is priceless.  Being able to stay home to beat the heat is much more desirable than having to travel to another location to enjoy a swimming pool.

Does it fit our lifestyle? Relaxing by the pool is another common reason that pools continue to be popular—poolside reading and meditating are popular activities.

Would we use it to improve our health? This has become an increasingly popular reason to own a swimming pool.  Lap swimming and water aerobics are very common, but there are also medical benefits such as weight control and heart and lung conditioning.

Would we use it for entertaining?  Backyard cookouts become even better when you have a pool to keep guests entertained.  If celebrating birthday parties, anniversaries, holidays, etc., there is no better place to celebrate a special occasion than poolside.

Would it improve the look of our backyard? From waterfalls to dark bottom pools, today’s consumers are adding the natural look to their backyard, creating a tropical paradise right at home.  Most pools considerably improve the look of the backyard.

Do we have time for a pool?   People are so busy that having something that they do not use does not make sense.  Pools need attention, and I always tell people that if they cannot come up with at least one hour per week that they could care for their pool, then they probably do not have enough time for a pool.  In the fall when the leaves are falling, it takes more than one hour per week.

Can we afford a pool? There are several costs of owning a swimming pool.  Typically pools are financed.  Most inground swimming pools range from $30,000—$65,000.    A $30,000 loan at 9% for 15 years creates a monthly payment due of approximately $300.  In addition, monthly chemical and utility costs (electricity and water) are approximately $100 for the average-sized residential pool.  That makes the cost approximately $400 per month.  If you do not use the pool or could use the money elsewhere, then purchasing a swimming pool is probably not a wise financial move.

Hopefully these questions will help you make the right decision when considering whether or not to try to endure another summer without a swimming pool.

If you believe that a swimming pool might be right for your family, give us a call at (940)591-9070 and we will be happy to begin the planning process.

• Write your resolutions down on paper and review them periodically.
• Make resolutions that can be attained.  For example, if you want to lose weight, set a goal that you can reach, not a goal that will be next to impossible to reach.
• Set monthly goals.  This will give you 12 opportunities to succeed, and if you fail, you will have another chance the next month to succeed.

One of my resolutions annually is to maintain my exercise program.  Many exercise enthusiasts are now turning to aquatic exercise.  Aquatic exercise is an activity that millions of people are engaging in and it is gaining in popularity.   It is easy on your knee joints and back, and has been used in sports rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation for years, but it has now entered the mainstream.  It is used not only for rehabilitation, but offers other benefits as well; increases lung capacity, burns calories, tones and strengthens muscles, and the list goes on.

When we think of aquatic exercise, we tend to think of the following of lap swimming, water walking or jogging, or water aerobics.   Although these are excellent forms of exercise, aquatic exercise equipment that was once available only for professional gyms and fitness centers has now become available for pool owners.  Some of the unique equipment available is as follows:

Buoyancy belts - Buoyancy belts allow you to exercise in deep water allowing your body to be suspended while keeping your head above water.

Water weights - Water weights are great for resistance training to improve muscle development.  They are usually constructed of foam or plastic with cushioned handgrips that are long lasting, even when used in the chemically treated water of a swimming pool.

Swimming tether (also called swim cords) - Swim jets have been installed in pools for years for resistance swimming.  If your pool is not equipped with these swim jets, there is now an alternative.  A bungee style line is secured around your ankle or waist and extends to the side of the pool where it is tied to a ladder, rope anchors, etc.  They allow you to swim in place for cardiovascular conditioning, weight loss and increased endurance.

Exercise paddles - Exercise paddles simulate rowing movements which tones and strengthens your upper body.

Kickboards - Kickboards have been around for years but are still one the most common aquatic exercise aids.  They are great for any age and any level of swimmer and are lightweight and inexpensive.

Regardless of your New Year’s Resolutions—I hope that you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy 2012!

Most pool builders are asked one simple question more than any other that they hear, and it is—“What is the best time of year to build a swimming pool?”   The answer will probably not surprise you—it is now, during the off-season.    This is true of not just swimming pools—but other backyard improvements as well.  There are really four reasons for this:

1. Landscaping—The best time to install landscaping is during the late winter or early spring.  Summer is actually not a good time of the year to install landscaping as it is too hot for the actively growing plants—making them more susceptible to damage.   If you install a pool and landscaping before the growing season, by the time summer arrives you have a wonderful looking backyard—not something that looks like a construction site.
2. Better construction conditions—By the time April/May arrives, the north Texas area is in the midst of the rainy season, which typically delays construction and causes more of a mess when work does take place due to the soggy conditions.  We do not yet know what this spring will bring when it comes to weather—but it will likely be wet at times.
3. Well-rested work crews—Like anyone else, excessive work can lead to tired and stressed out workers and sometimes attention-to-detail is not where it needs to be.  Therefore, it can be advantageous to build a pool or make other backyard improvements before the busy season and heat arrives to ensure that the workers are well-rested and less stressed.
4. Ready for use—The best reason to begin planning for the pool or backyard improvement now is that if you start now, it will be ready when the warm weather arrives.  There is nothing more frustrating than having a project under construction and wishing you were already using it.

We will soon be approaching the end of this window, so now is the time to get started on that backyard improvement that you desire.

1. Continue the regular weekly routine of testing the water, adding chemicals as necessary, cleaning out the baskets, etc.  Pay particular attention to the chlorine test, as you will not have to add as much chlorine during the winter as you have this summer (with cooler temperatures, less sanitizer is required).
2. Backwash the filter as necessary—it is very important to have good water flow and a clean filter, especially going into a freeze situation.
3. Keep the water level at the normal level—typically the middle of the tile.
4. Be sure that your pump(s) is/are running when the temperature is freezing.  This will help prevent freeze damage to the equipment and plumbing which is an expensive repair.  Many pools are equipped with a freeze sensor, which should turn the main pump on, which circulates water through the equipment, including the automatic cleaner booster pump.  It is a good idea to make sure that your pump is on during the first freeze just to be sure that your freeze sensor is operating properly.  Booster pumps for waterfalls, etc. are usually not freeze sensored, and either must be drained or manually turned on during freezing.

Again, the pump should come on when the air temperature reaches 38 degrees F and below.  Please check to be sure that this is happening when these temperatures are occurring.

If temperatures reach the single digits, please contact us for more information on avoiding freeze damage.  Should you have any questions concerning winter pool care, please feel free to give us a call.