Monthly Archives: March 2015

Having a swimming pool in the back yard is a lot of fun. With a pool in place, you and your family can vacation without ever leaving home, but before you take your first swim you need to take safety into account.

The good news is that a few simple, commonsense safety precautions can prevent most swimming pool problems. Here are some things you can do, right now, to secure your pool and keep your friends, family members and neighborhood children safe.

#1. Invest in Family Swimming Lessons
If you have a pool in your backyard, every member of your family needs to know how to swim. It does not matter if Grandma just plans to do water aerobics or Junior plans to stay at the shallow end. A single mistake or moment of carelessness could be tragic.

You can take swimming lessons at the local YMCA or gym, or hire a coach to give lessons at your home. No matter which approach you choose, the peace of mind you receive will be well worth the cost.

#2. Exceed Local Fencing Requirements
Many townships impose fencing requirements for both in-ground and above-ground pools. Find out what those requirements are before you build, then exceed them.

If your township requires a three-foot fence, build a four- or five-foot one instead. Top it off with a childproof lock and make sure all gates are self-closing.

#3. Insist on Safe Behavior
Horseplay and other unsafe activities are a common cause of pool accidents. Insist on safe behavior around the pool at all times, and do not waver from that commitment.

Enforcing these safety rules, consistently, is vital, especially if you have children. Your kids will be watching what you do, and if you are not consistent they may let their guard down when you are not around.

#4. Store Your Pool Chemicals Safely
Water is not the only potential danger in your pool. The chemicals you use to clean the water, disinfect the pool and balance the pH can also be dangerous. Store all of your pool chemicals safely and in the original containers. Mixing the wrong chemicals can create toxic fumes, and those kinds of errors are more likely if the chemicals are removed from their original packaging.

#5. Keep a Flotation Ring and First Aid Kit by the Pool
Your pool should include safety devices like floatation rings and first aid kits. If you have a large pool, placing a floatation ring at each end (or each corner) of the pool is a smart idea. If your pool is a small one, you can probably get away with a single ring; just be sure you know where it is at all times. A first aid kit is another important line of defense, so keep it close by whenever anyone is swimming or hanging out by the pool.

#6. Check Drain Covers Before Every Swim
If the drain cover becomes loose or fully dislodged, long hair, jewelry and loose clothing can easily get sucked in. That could trap swimmers under the water and even cause a drowning. It only takes a minute to check the drain covers, so make it part of your everyday routine.

Installing a pool in your backyard should be a fun and exciting experience, and with the proper safety measures, you can ensure that it will always remain that way! What about you, do you have any safety tips for families with a backyard pool? What about rules for “pool time?”

Contact us if you’d like more information on our selection of pools, and pool accessories!

Whether you are installing a new pool in your backyard or remodeling an existing pool, there are a number of options available as you look to invest in a new pool. The biggest decision you'll face when buying pools is whether to select an above-ground or in-ground pool. In this post, we'll “dive” into the details of both, analyzing which pool is right for your budget, your family, and your home.

The Case for In-Ground Pools

When purchasing a new pool, the natural instinct for most is to go with an in-ground model. An in-ground swimming pool is permanently installed on your property and can add value to your home, especially if you live in a warm climate where your family and future homeowners can get a lot of use out of the pool. This type of pool also adds to the overall landscaping and appearance of your property by providing a water feature that is pleasing to the eye.

Unfortunately, in-ground pools come with a significant financial investment upfront to clear space, set the foundation, and install the required water, pump, and electrical connections for the system to operate properly. Add to that the yearly costs associated with cleaning, operating, and refilling your pool (as a result of evaporation), and you have an investment that requires yearly expenses to continue enjoying.

Drifting back to the positive for a moment though, in-ground pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with multiple options for customization. Add water features in the pool, custom tile linings, waterslides, and diving boards. Your dreams and budget are the only limitations.

The Case for Above-Ground Pools

First and foremost, above-ground pools require a significantly lower upfront investment than an in-ground model. An above-ground pool can be purchased and installed within a matter of days, allowing your family to enjoy the pool without waiting weeks or months for the installation process to be completed. Most above-ground pools come in prefabricated kits that can be put together by an installation team in just two or three days.

Additionally, you can purchase decking and rails to go around the outside of the pool, adding space around the pool's edge and safety features that help protect younger children from accidents.

While above ground pools do not add as much value to a home as an in-ground pool, buyers experience major cost savings up front on preparation and installation. There are no extra costs to operate an above ground pool and they are almost as customizable as an in-ground pool with all the decking and accessories available these days.

Buying pools is a tough process. As you are looking at pools for sale, don't allow the excitement of the purchase to cloud your judgment. It is important to keep your current budget, available space, and long-term interest in a pool in mind before making any decision. Following these basic guidelines for both types of pools for sale, you should be able to make an informed decision about which type of pool is better for you and your family.

If you are interested in purchasing a pool for your home, or have any questions about which model is right for you, give us a call, we’re happy to help!