When thinking of fall time, the image of trees with beautiful bright colored leaves comes to mind.  Although a stunning image, those leaves can become a pain when it comes to the leaves falling in the pools. 

Some ways to help prevent leaves from falling into the pool is by trimming the trees, keeping the swimming pool cover on, and creating a leaf block.  A leaf block is a strategically placed wall or hedge that prevents leaves from being blown into the pool.

Once those leaves are in the water it is important to start skimming those leaves from the surface.  First step is to increase the skimmer suction and create a circular flow pattern in the water.  This can be accomplished by closing some of your other valves partially and adjusting your return fittings so they all point in the same clockwise direction.  The water level should be mid-tile high so the leaves are able to flow into the skimmers.

To remove the rest of the leaves left use a leaf rake, leaf master, and/or an in-line leaf trap.  A leaf rake is a flat type of net that helps scrape leaves off the swimming pool floor.  A leaf master connects to your garden hose and your pool pole for a more powerful vacuum.  The in-line leaf trap is a large debris trapping device that can help speed up the vacuuming and removing of the leaves.

When Minnesotans think of inground swimming pools, they usually think of summer.  The gorgeous sunshine and the warm temperatures are perfect conditions for swimming.  What most people do not realize is that building an inground pool can be done year round.  It is best to construct a swimming pool when you don’t want to be using the pool.  Here is a detailed look of each season when trying to consider what time of year is the best for putting in your inground swimming pool.

 Spring-

Pros:  The swimming pool will be ready to swim in by summer.  The weather makes the ground softer for digging.

Cons:  Spring time usually means more intermittent rainfall which can cause delays in a build.  The softer ground can mean a bigger mess.

Summer-

Pros:  The weather is nicer to be outside and for building.

Cons:  Builds can take longer because it is a busy season for plumbers, excavators, gunite specialists, and other subcontractors involved in building a swimming pool.  The entire project could be delayed by trying to obtain a permit during the busy season as well.  The hot sun dries out concrete quicker and can create problems in the concrete in the long run.  As mentioned above, this is the time of year you want to actually use your swimming pool, not just look at it being built.

Fall-

Pros:  There is not much rain which may cause delays.  Construction schedules are more available.  The weather is more stable and constant.

Cons:  None!  This time of year is the best time for swimming pool builds.

Winter-

Pros:  It is a very slow time of year for swimming pool contractors.  There is plenty of time to design a pool and get the proper permits.  This time of year is possible to get some of the pool construction out of the way.

Cons: The concrete cannot be poured during cold weather.

If thinking about constructing a new inground swimming pool, contact us for estimates and ideas that will fit your budget.  Now is the best time to start planning for your beautiful backyard today!

Summer can be relatively short when living in Minnesota. While most people give up aquatic fun come winter, some people have figured out the fun of indoor pools and especially an indoor spa. Here are four ways to make sure your spa is in tiptop shape all winter long.

1. Check and maintain your chemicals on a weekly basis.- It is important to develop a routine so that your spa is maintained regularly. For chlorine or bromine systems, it is recommended to use metal and scale control and oxidizer. Oxidizer, otherwise known as shock, needs to be used in tubs that are visited frequently. For non-chlorine systems, you will need to add waterline control and oxidizer as needed.

2. Check sanitizer and chemical levels daily with test strips.- Most test strips indicate the current levels of sanitizer, pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness in your water. This information alerts you to know when any adjustments need to be made to your water.

3. Change your water every 2 months to 2 ½ months.- How often you change your water depends on how often the spa is used. If you use it frequently it is recommended to change the water every 60 days. At the very least it is recommended to change your water every 90 days.

4. When in doubt, seek a professional.- If you are a new spa owner or if you are questioning how to balance your spa chemical levels feel free to call us or bring your water in to a professional. It is better to be safe than sorry especially when working with chemicals. If done correctly you and your guests can relax about potential health hazards and enjoy the spa the way you intended.

When purchasing a home with a pool, it is hard to know where to start!  After you have finished unpacking the inside of the house, it is time to move to the backyard and learn how to use the pool.

It is important for pools to be cleaned weekly.  The best way to make sure this occurs is to start getting used to a regular schedule to make sure your pool is being properly maintained. 

Cleaning a pool includes:

-        Removing any dirt and trash from the pool area

-        Removing leaves from the cover, water, and skimmer baskets

-        Brushing any tile around the edges of the pool

-        Inspecting the heater pump for any debris

-        Vacuuming the entire surface area of the pool

-        Inspecting pool equipment for any breaks, leaks, or other malfunctions

-        Completing a water analysis to assess the water’s condition

-        Adding chemicals, conditioners, and water as needed

It is a good idea that you talk to a professional to show you what valves need to be turned on and off, how to inspect problematic behaviors before they become large problems, and look into getting a home warranty that offers swimming pool coverage. 

If your pool is maintained correctly, it prevents equipment failure and other safety concerns from occurring.  Swimming pools should have safety fencing surrounding the area and include some sort of life saving device nearby.  Examples of a life saving device include life vests, rope and float kit, and/or rescue equipment.  There are also alarms to look into to making sure your pool is guarded from unassisted young swimmers.  Some alarm options are pool sensor alarms, window and gate alarms, door alarms, and/or perimeter alarms.  The number one way to prevent drowning is education with swimming lessons.

Caring for a pool can be challenging.  Hiring a professional can prevent mishaps from swimming pools being out of balance.  Pool professionals will give you an ease of mind by:

-Making sure you have a scheduled day where your pool will be cleaned 

-Keeping your pool up to industry and health code standards.

-Looking for leaks or other problems that may occur

-Keeping your pool equipment running properly

More importantly pool professionals make sure your pool is ready to use when you are.  Call us today about getting your ease of mind when it comes to your swimming pool.