Ready To Close Your Pool?

This weekend, for some, marks the end of the summer. Which means getting prepared to close your swimming pool for the season and closing is just as important as the opening. If you do not close your pool properly you can guarantee problems at the beginning of next season.

This winter is predicted to be an actual winter and not a mild one.  Properly closing of a swimming pool can prevent damage during the dormant winter months.  In an attempt to save money, some pool owners opt to close their swimming pool themselves.  Hiring a professional to close your pool, the right way, is less expensive than you may think.  A swimming pool is an investment, and an extension of your homes value. When it is properly opened and winterized each season,  you will almost certainly extend the life of your pool, the equipment and your wallet in the long run.

Which would you prefer, instruction on a box or a professional with you poolside to instruct you on the proper procedures. The average consumer overspends on swimming pool products, and believe it or not, we believe in showing you ways to save money and extend the life of  your equipment.

Contact us today and let us show you how to save money on your closings and all year round.  Schedule a swimming pool consult or closing prior to September 15 and receive a special discount.

Celebrate National Water Safety Month

Memorial Day usually marks the opening day of local swimming pools and summer being just around the corner. This month is the perfect time to make sure your practicing and promoting water safety all year round.  Children come to mind first, when it comes to water safety, but adults can forget simple rules too when having a good time at the pool, on the lake, or at the beach.

I have listed pertinent information related to swimming pools, since that is my industry, but these guidelines can be applied to an unlimited amount of water related activities.  These are what I call “Rules by the Pool”.  I recommend that families that have residential swimming pools apply “Rules by the Pool” and keep them posted for handy reference.  Sometimes we all need a reminder that being safe goes along with having fun. Take these tips and apply them and start enjoying the water!

School will be out and kids want to go swimming! Make sure your swimming pool is ready for the chaos that comes with kids.  There are several things that need to be within reach in case of an emergency. Be sure to have “in date”, and stocked first aid kit, a working telephone (waterproof is recommended), and working rescue equipment. Rescue equipment should include a life ring and/or a shepherd’s hook.  However, these devices or being a good swimmer, should not be relied upon to make the water safe for children.  Constant supervision cannot be replaced with any device.

If you have small children in the household, or regular visiting ones, layer your swimming area with protection. All swimming pools should have a locking, gated, fenced area at least 4′ tall enclosing the pool.  Gate alarms, door alarms and alarms that will go off when someone enters the pool are recommended. A small child can wonder out the door and be in the pool within seconds. Drowning is a silent death and only takes seconds to occur. Keeping toys put up when not in use and removing flotation devices from the swimming pool will help prevent children or family pets from being enticed by the water.

These tips do not include all the available information. These are just a few important tips to help you get you going in the right direction.  By following a few guidelines, applying common sense and being responsible you can insure a safe and happy water filled summer!

 

 

 

 

Common Cents

In most recent years we have encountered more and more questions regarding chemicals or parts purchased via the internet. In the quest for saving a dollar the internet has become a favorite for numerous swimming pool owners. When using the internet as a purchasing tool one must use common cents.

The first thing to do is investigate the return policy offered, if any, on the product you are about to purchase. Also be sure the product is going to be usable on your type of swimming pool. Automatic cleaners can be confusing, expensive and must be compatible with your swimming pool system. Several customers have purchased automatic cleaners at a super price only to find out they have the wrong type. The local retail chain would not accept returns for items purchased online, and the online store would not be responsible for the customers lack of research before making the purchase. They only accept returns on manufacturing defects.

This is where we come in. We are called after the fact and the customer wanting to know what they can do with this cleaner that they have purchased and cannot use. On several occasions we have been able to connect them with other customers in search of that same product. But that is not always the case.

We are not against using the internet for purchasing pool supplies. However, we do recommend contacting us regarding the purchase your are considering. We may be able to match the price, give you information to help you make an informed decision, or even locate you a better deal from another reputable online retailer.