Gohlke Pools News Updates

Installing a mesh cover on your swimming pool is an option that has increased in popularity in the Denton area in recent years.  This is due to the oak trees having made pool care in the fall such a chore.  Following is some information on mesh covers that might be helpful in determining if it is the best winter pool care option for your pool.

Mesh covers allow water to pass through but catch debris such as leaves.  If the pool equipment is winterized (drained) and chemicals are not added periodically, the pool will be fairly dirty and green by the end of winter—this is due to the untreated water that enters through the pool cover.  If it is understood that it is best to run the equipment and add chemicals periodically, then this type of cover is an excellent choice, especially if leaves are a problem and safety is a concern.

Following are the suggested steps for covering a pool with a mesh cover:

1)    Clean and Prepare Pool – Covering a dirty pool is like sweeping dirt under the rug.  It will just fester and return to haunt you later.  If you leave the pool sparkling clean by following the next few steps, there is a higher probability you will find it as you left it when spring arrives.

A.    Vacuum pool and thoroughly clean pump basket and skimmer baskets.
B.    Remove ladders and any other obstruction to the mesh cover.

2)    Chemically treat the water - When covering a pool with a mesh cover, it is critical that you begin with the proper water balance.  If using Baquacil or Softswim, follow their winterizing plan – do not add chlorine.

A.   Take your pool water to a pool store for a thorough analysis.
B.   Adjust the pH to 7.4.
C.   Add a preventative algaecide to your pool per label directions.
D.   Superchlorinate pool using granular chlorine.
E.    Every 2 to 4 weeks pull part of the cover back, test the water, and add chemicals as needed.

3)    Cover the pool - Take your time covering the pool as it will be there for several months and a good fit helps assure the cover will stay in place.

A.     Stretch cover over pool while anchoring cover to deck.
B.    After several days, adjust and straighten cover by adjusting straps.

4)    Running the pool equipment - We recommend running the pool pump 1-2 hours per day and running the automatic cleaner for 30 minutes to 1 hour per day to keep the pool clean.  The pump must run continually when the temperature is freezing to prevent freeze damage.

It is very important to check the pool water level every two weeks and add water as needed.  If the water level gets below the skimmer it can damage the pump motor.

Should you have any questions about mesh pool covers or other winter pool care options—give us a call at (940)387-7521.

What a hot summer that it has been!  Although it does not compare to the record setting heat that we experienced in 1980, we did have 18 straight 100-degree days in August.  This makes it hard to believe that soon it will be winter, and swimming pool owners will be making a decision as to whether or not to cover their pool for the winter.

In areas without a large number of trees, oftentimes the best option is keep the pool uncovered and to just continue to operate the pool equipment.   On the other hand, in the heavily treed neighborhoods of southeast Denton (Southridge, Montecito, & Forrestridge), the leaf problem can be particularly difficult to deal with.

What can a pool owner do to combat this problem?  Short of cutting the trees down (definitely not recommended), installing a mesh cover is probably the best option.

Mesh covers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Mesh covers allow rain water to pass through but catch debris such as leaves.  Although the leaves still have to be removed from the cover and the backyard, mesh covers helps prevent them from getting into the pool.  A properly installed mesh cover (which resembles a trampoline-look over your pool) allows you use a blower to remove the leaves from the cover.

When using a mesh cover, it is best to continue operating the pool filtration equipment.  If the pool filtration equipment is winterized (drained) and chemicals are not added periodically, the pool will be fairly dirty and green by the end of winter—this is due to the untreated rain water that enters through the pool cover.  If it is understood that it is best to run the equipment and add chemicals periodically, then this type of cover is an excellent choice, especially if leaves are a problem and safety is a concern.

Following are the suggested steps for covering a pool with a mesh cover:

1. Clean and Prepare Pool – Covering a dirty pool is like sweeping dirt under the rug.  It will just fester and return to haunt you later.  If the pool is sparkling clean before covering it there is a higher probability the pool will be sparkling clean when spring arrives.
2. Chemically treat the water – When covering a pool with a mesh cover, it is important that you begin with the proper water balance.  Bring your pool water to Gohlke Pools for a thorough analysis and follow our recommendations for chemical treatment prior to covering the pool.
3. Cover the pool – Take your time covering the pool as it will be there for several months and a good fit helps assure the cover will stay in place.
4. Ongoing maintenance – It is recommended to operate the pool pump 1-2 hours per day and operate the automatic cleaner for 30 minutes to 1 hour per day to keep the pool clean.  Please note that the pump must run continually when the temperature is freezing to prevent freeze damage.  Every 2 weeks it is recommended that you remove a portion of the cover and test the water and add chemicals as needed. This is also a good time to check the pool water level and fill if necessary—if the water level gets below the skimmer it can damage the pump motor.

Although mesh covers seem to be the best alternative for most pools in the area, there are certainly others that Denton area pool owners have successfully used.  We would be glad to discuss the winter pool option that fits you best—give us a call at (940)387-7521.

More and more homeowners are beginning to create outdoor kitchens in their backyards.  While pools were once the focal point and often still are, outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity.  The weather in the north Texas area, especially spring & fall, is very conducive to being outdoors.   Whether it is a large gathering of friends or a relaxing evening with the family, outdoor kitchens seem to serve as a natural gathering area that draws people together.

If you are considering an outdoor kitchen, it is important to do some thoughtful planning prior to coming up with a final design.  Proper planning will save you from regret once the project is complete.

A well-designed outdoor kitchen should meet the cooking and entertaining needs of the homeowner.  The possibilities are endless and sometimes overwhelming.  Following are some considerations that might be helpful in planning an outdoor kitchen.

Placement in yard

1. Is there an area that works best?  Many parties are indoor/outdoor gatherings—so typically outdoor kitchens are relatively close to the house.
2. Will the area be shaded or will a shade structure be needed?  With the summers that we experience, shade is an important factor to consider, as is wind direction. 
3. Does an area of the yard have a better view or provide better privacy from neighbors that other areas?

Theme/style

1. Do you have a theme or style that you have seen that you like?  It might be a good idea to go online or look at magazines that include outdoor kitchen areas.  Incorporate some of these ideas in your outdoor kitchen.
2. What is the architectural style of your home and landscaping?  It is important that the style of your outdoor kitchen is consistent with the architectural style of your home.
3. What types of material do you prefer for the structures—stone, travertine, tile, brick?
4. What type of flooring do you prefer for the flooring—plain concrete, acid stained concrete, patterned concrete, travertine, brick, stone?

Entertaining needs

1. How many people do you typically entertain outdoors?  What is the smallest size (such as family only) and the largest group?  Perhaps your entertainment area can have a smaller area for the small group and an overflow area for the largest group.
2. How many people need to be able to sit at any one time?
3. What features will you need—fireplace, firepit, bar, shade structure, etc.?
4. What kind of furniture do you see in your outdoor area?  And more importantly, how much space will the furniture require?

Equipment needs

1. How large of a grill do you need?
2. What other appliances do you need?   There are many available—rotisserie, smoker, side burner, warming drawers, refrigerator, ice maker, storage drawers, sink, trash receptacle, pizza oven, cutting board, towel rack, etc.

Miscellaneous

1. Will you be outdoors on cool nights?  If so, and outdoor fireplace or firepit might be a good heat source.
2. Will some of the entertaining be at night?  If so, lighting is a very important consideration.

Like any project, proper planning and research will help ensure that your outdoor kitchen fits your needs.  Give us a call at (940)387-7521 to schedule an appointment to discuss the possibility of your very own outdoor kitchen.

Matt Gohlke and Jody Horton are featured speakers at the International Pool, Spa, Patio Exposition at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas this November.  Here, experts in the field share their valued knowledge with professionals across the nation and the world. Matt and Jody will absorb the wealth of knowledge and expertise they have been invited to add to and return to offer Gohlke Pool’s clients an even wider experience in back yard living.

The conference runs from October 31st through November 5th and exhibits run from November 3rd through the 5th.

Labor Day has come and gone, which means Fall is right around the corner.  Most pool owners hate this time of year because they know they are about to start the battle against the leaves.  Why not be ready for them?  There are many things pool owners can do to help make this time of year easier on themselve

#1 – Arm Yourself

It is important to make sure your leaf removal tools are at the ready, so when the leaves really start falling you are prepared.  The quicker you can get the leaves out of the pool, the less damage they can cause.  Leave use up your chlorine, can stain your pool surface, and even clog up the intake for your pump.
Make sure you have a good leaf rake. It is easier to get the leaves off of the surface of the pool rather than the bottom, so make sure your leaf rake is in working order.  If it is full of holes it might be time to replace it.

Full skimmer baskets can prevent water from getting to your pump.  You can really damage your pump if you let it run too long without water.  You can replace your skimmer baskets with the Skim Pro basket (they fit most skimmers) and buy yourself some time.  Even when the Skim Pro basket is full, it continues to allow water to the pump through its patented tower.  That way on a windy day you don’t have to come home to a overheated pump.

If you have an automatic cleaner, most of them have leaf bags and traps available to use.  The added storage capacity can really reduce cleaning frequency.

If you don’t have an automatic cleaner or looking for a better way to get leaves off of the bottom of the pool, leaf eaters work really well.  They work off of the water pressure from your garden hose and vacuum up all sorts of debris into an easy to clean bag.

Pool Nets

Leaf Bag

Skimmer Basket

Leaf Eaters

#2 – Take Cover

Covers can certainly ease the burden of keeping pools clean in the Fall.  However, there are different types which have various pros and cons.

Pool Cover

• Solid Winter Covers – These types of covers are similar to a thick tarp.  They come in various rectangular sizes and are typically held down with water bags.  They are usually the most least expensive option, but you do have to make sure that there is not too much weight on the cover (debris and/or rain water) or the cover will collapse into the pool.  They are very dangerous for children or pets because they do not offer any type of drowning prevention.  They do give you the option to completely shut down the pool and equipment and save yourself the electricity to keep the pool circulating.
• Leaf Nets - Similar to a Solid Winter Cover, except they are made out of a mesh material.  The mesh allows rain water and dirt to pass through, but keeps the large materials like leaves out.  That means you have to keep your pool circulating all winter, but you don’t have to worry about pumping water off of the cover.  They are also very dangerous for children or pets because they do not offer any type of drowning prevention.
• Anchor Covers – These covers (pictured above) are custom designed to fit your shape of pool.  They come in both mesh and solid.  The mesh lets rain water drain through and the solid option allows you the ability to shut down your equipment for the winter.  The covers are typically the most expensive option, but they are designed to last 12+ years.  They stay nice and neat and are the best at keeping the pool clean.  They are also very safe for children and pets.

Many exercise enthusiasts have turned 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:

Exercise gloves – Exercise gloves, or webbed gloves, provide resistance for upper body conditioning.  They are available in different sizes and are used for lap swimming.

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.

If you do not own a pool or prefer group activities, there are several opportunities in the Denton area—including City of Denton’s natatorium and the TWU Wellness Center.  Both have indoor pools, which allow for year-round aquatic programs.

As with any exercise program, it is important to check with your physician prior to beginning an aquatic exercise program.

One area that is often overlooked by designers is backyard and pool area lighting.  This is beginning to change as homeowners want to stay at home and enjoy their backyard environment.  When daylight savings ends, many people will be leaving for work when it is still dark and return after dark, only getting weekends to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and pool environment that they have spent thousands of dollars creating. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, safety (to avoid injury) and security (to avoid intrusion by a trespasser) are also benefits of lighting.

After determining what your motives are for your outdoor lighting, take a tour of your backyard and determine what you would like to illuminate.  Then stand inside at the back of your house and determine what you would like to see when viewing the backyard and pool area at night.  The next step is determining what type of lighting technique would best provide the desired look for the particular item that you are illuminating, followed by determining what type of fixtures would best serve your needs, and then selecting the proper method of controlling your lights.

Types of lighting

Uplighting—As the name implies, lights are aimed upward to illuminate.  This is a particularly good method of illuminating trees.

Downlighting—This method works very well to create a light over outdoor activity areas, such as patios.

Spotlighting—This method tends to work well when trying to light waterfalls, statues, and occasionally plants or small trees.

Pathlighting—This is often done for safety as well as aesthetics.

Moonlighting—This is an increasingly popular method of lighting .  It is most often done by mounting the lights in mature trees, with the fixture pointing downward.  It tends to create the same shadowing effect as a full moon, creating a natural effect.

Types of fixtures

Decorative fixtures—typically add to the landscaping during the day as décor.

Lanterns—This illumination is typically a soft light.

Path fixtures—This type of lighting creates lighting for pathways during the nighttime and decoration during the daytime.

Mounted or hanging fixtures—The main purpose of these types of fixtures is decoration, but they also provide some light benefit.  The mounted variety are usually mounted n a post or an exterior wall.  Hanging fixtures are less common, but are also used occasionally.

Functional  fixtures—typically hidden from view and provide lighting benefits only.

Ground mounted fixtures—These are very common and are used to highlight structures, objects, or plants.

Surface mounted fixtures—Typically mounted on a building or tree to provide general lighting or accent lighting.

Ground-recessed fixtures—These lights are mounted below grade (flush with the ground) and typically used for highlight trees, statues, etc.

Types of controls

There are several ways to operate backyard and pool area lighting.  They are as follows—an on/off switch, a dimmer switch, a photoelectric control (turns on at dark), and time switches.

There are many resources for outdoor lighting information, including the following books:

The Landscape Lighting Book by Janet Lennox Moyer

The Art of Outdoor Lighting by Randall Whitehead

How to Design & Install Outdoor Lighting by William H.W. Wilson

There are many different considerations when planning and implementing backyard and pool area lighting, therefore it might be helpful to consult a landscape architect or lighting expert to help determine the best solution for your backyard and pool area lighting needs.