Monthly Archives: May 2015

 
Summer always means lots of fun in the sun, and of course time spent at the pool! Whether you want to throw a small get-together with some family or a larger party with a bunch of friends, there are some great tips here to help you have the perfect, safe and fun summer pool party with guests of all ages.

Safety First!: A child’s safety is most important, especially when it comes to swimming. An easy and cute way to help make sure all kids are safe at your pool party is to fill your pool with lots of noodles. Kids can use noodles in games and activities in the pool, but they also keep kids afloat and allows them to take a bit of a break from swimming and rest by sitting on them. Keep a bucket or basket near the pool with some extra noodles in it for when you throw a big party and some life vests or arm floaters too. This allows younger children to go in the pool without a parent in the water, but still have adult supervision.

Fun & Floating: From tubes to chaises to sofas --- you are not going to want to miss out on these perfect and comfy loungers that you can get for your pool party. After a bit, many people get tired of treading water or even standing around. These comfy mats allow you to relax, even with a drink on a chaise under the sun with friends at the party. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes allowing you to pick the right ones for your pool so that you keep it comfortable and not crowded.

Organization is Key: With a crowded party you want to keep the stuff organized. In addition to a bucket or basket with some great safety tools, like life vests and noodles, be sure to store the toys that you’re not using at the time in an organization pouch. Pools & Stuff offers multiple pool organizers, including one with a hamper. These organizers will minimize the clutter in and around the pool and prevent items from getting lost or tripped over.

Sun & Sports: When neighborhood kids are over and swimming around, a great way to keep them active and entertained is with water sports. With an easily installed basketball hoop or volleyball net for the pool, kids have lots of options of what to do at your pool party. Additional games like shootball or accessories like the Mermaid Swim Fin can be fun for younger children, both boys and girls. All of these accessories can be easily removed when adults want to hang out in the water, too.

With lots of options of fun things to add to your home, your pool party is bound to be perfect! As always, feel free to search our website for more accessories to bring fun into your party. You can also contact your local Pools and Stuff with any questions or concerns.

 
If you've finally given in to the demands of your child or children to have a swimming pool installed on your property, you are no doubt relieved to no longer hear their constant requests and pleas. However, buying a pool doesn't mark the end of your concerns with that pool. For all the joy it will bring your family, it could bring you just as much stress if it is not properly cared for. This post is dedicated to providing you with an insightful guide to help care for your above-ground swimming pool.

In-Season Care Routines

The first routine you need to become familiar with is testing the water. Your pool's pH and chlorine levels should be checked twice each week. The ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6, with a chlorine level of 1.0 to 3.0 parts per millions (ppm). The best time of day to check the pool water's pH and chlorine levels is at dusk, with a few caveats to keep in mind:

• Ensure no one has been in the pool in the last four hours.
• Don't test water within eight hours of rain or wind storms.

Next, you'll want to clean the pool once each week, at a minimum. Common cleaning tasks include emptying the skimmer baskets along the side of the pool, and skim leaves and debris from the top of the water with the help of a skimmer net. If the bottom of your pool is filthy, it's probably time to invest in a pool broom at the very least, or a robot vacuum if you want the job done thoroughly.

Consider adding two types of chemicals to your pool to clean it off. Apply a pool surface cleaner to the waterline along your pool walls to eliminate stains along the side, and rub it in with a brush to reach deeper spots. Add a large dose of chlorine, known as shocking the water, to eliminate algae and other contaminants. Do this step no more than once a week, or the water could develop a chlorine level that is too high.

Last but not least, run your filtration system on a regular basis during the summer. If you keep the water running constantly, you are less likely to see dust, dirt, and environmental pollutants ruin the quality and appearance of your pool.

Off-Season Routines

Prepare the water in your pool for the winter by cleaning it as you would during the summer months. Remove all the objects from your pool, including ladders, diving boards, slides, and any other accessories that might be submerged underwater. Drain the water from your pool's pump, filter, heater, and associated tubing. If water freezes in these pipes, tubes, and systems, it could severely damage your pool.

Now that it is prepared, you can lower the pool water level. Do not drain your pool all the way, but rather, lower it down to a level just below the lowest pool return. If you have decorative tiles on your pool that are below the lowest return, you should further lower the level below those tiles.

With the water drained to lower levels, take time to inspect your pool. Look for cracks, leaks, or other types of damage that need to be addressed. Allowing these issues to persist through harsh winter temperatures may only exacerbate the issue. Cover the pool for safety, both of the pool's fixtures and those who might be in your yard during the winter.

If you cannot find the tools, equipment, and chemicals you need to care for your pool during the summer and winter, you'll find all the pool chemicals and cleaners you need here.