Firebird Concrete & Pools Blog in Jefferson City, MO

When most people think of swimming pools, they think of splashing around in them during the summer months. What happens when winter comes, though? Believe it or not, pools still need some care in the winter months, and providing that care is one of your most important jobs as a pool owner To Close or Not to Close First things first, when winter comes, you’ll need to decide whether or not you intend to close your pool. While people in warmer climates may be able to safely leave their pools open all year, most others will need to close their pools. Generally, if you are likely to experience nighttime temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to close your pool, and you need to do it before the temperatures dip this low. Use a Quality Pool Cover Once you’ve closed your pool, cover it with a good, high quality pool cover. If you don’t have one, invest in one. It is, without a doubt, worth it. Not only will it keep your pool free of debris, but it will also keep out snow and rain. And, all of that not only protects your pool but also reduces the maintenance you’ll have to do when summer comes around again. Open your Cover at the Right Times As great as a pool cover is, there will be some times when you’ll need to open it. If, for example, you’re expecting very heavy snow, it should be opened. Yes, some of that snow might get into your pool, but it’s better than having your pool cover collapse under the weight. You may also need to open it if the weather grows unseasonably warm since the unexpected temperature surge can cause algae to bloom. As you can see, pools need care all year long, even in the winter. And, by following these tips, you’ll be off to a great start! Remember, if you treat your pool right when it’s cold outside, it will reward you by being in awesome shape for summer!

There is nothing worse than coming out to take a dip in your pool . . . and finding the water green with algae. If this ever happens to you, don’t panic! There are many things you can do to quickly rid your pool of this problem. Prevention First Remember that the only thing better than treating algae is preventing it in the first place! To keep algae at bay, brush your pool walls at least twice a month. Also, shock your pool on a regular basis, and vacuum the pool regularly as well. You can even invest in an automatic vacuum to reduce your workload. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll never, ever get algae if you do these things, it definitely lessens the possibility significantly. Start with Water Chemistry If it’s too late for prevention and you’re already staring at a pool full of algae, take a deep breath and then check your water chemistry. Often, the water chemistry can give you a clue as to what went wrong to produce the algae in the first place. If something is out of balance, take steps to bring everything back to where it should be. If you can’t, then enlist some outside professional help since proper water makeup is extremely important. The Next Steps Once your chemistry is right and all the necessary chemicals have been added in, wait until nightfall and then shock the pool. You can also add in some algaecide at this point as well. When you’re done or in the morning, brush your pool walls and surface thoroughly, clean your filter, and then turn your pump on high. The water should clear up pretty quickly after that! Once the algae clears, you can start carefully following the prevention tips described above. If, for some reason, that still doesn’t work and the algae comes back, you should consult with a professional pool service to figure out what’s causing the problem since many factors could be to blame. While algae from time to time is just part of pool ownership for most people, the tips provided here should keep it from becoming a major issue for you. Remember, take good care of your pool in all possible ways, and it should reward you by staying healthy and in great shape for years to come.

In today’s world, people like having lots of options and thinking outside of the box. In fact, a combination of those two things is likely what has led to the recent surge in popularity of small pools. And, for many people, they are the perfect option. The question is could they be right for you? Who Won’t Want A Small Pool? While plenty of people absolutely love small pools and swear by them, they aren’t right for everyone. If, for example, you’re someone who wants to swim laps, a small pool isn’t your best choice, unless you turn it into an endless pool. You may also not want a small pool if you have a big family, especially if it includes lots of children who love to splash around. And, if you really love a nice, deep pool, then a smaller pool will likely leave you dissatisfied. If you don’t fall into any of the above categories, however, then a small pool may be just what you’re looking for. The Best Candidates for Small Pools So, what makes someone a good candidate for a smaller pool? Well, for one thing, they’re particularly ideal for people who have smaller yards. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, a small pool just makes sense. These pools can also work for people who are considering an indoor pool. They’re also great for anyone on a more limited budget since, as you might expect, they typically cost a lot less than their larger counterparts. If you want a pool that’s light on maintenance, a small pool will likely suit you just fine. And, of course, if you’re just someone who prefers a smaller pool or who wants to have yard space left over for other activities, small pools are a great choice. As you can see, small pools are not for everyone. But, they are for a lot of people! If you think you may be one of them, research this option and then contact a pool company to start the journey toward having your own small pool!

Everyone knows that, for as much fun as they are, pools can be incredibly dangerous, particularly for children. In fact, drowning is a major killer of children under the age of five, though it can and all too often does affect children of all ages. It’s not just drowning you have to worry about either. There’s also the risk of slips, falls, and even inhaling too much water. Thankfully, though, there are ways to ensure that your pool is as safe for children as possible. Institute a “No Swimming Alone” Rule One of the first things you should do, for the safety of everyone, is to institute and then firmly enforce a “no swimming alone” rule. Ideally, this rule should apply to both children and adults since anyone can have an accident at the pool. But, at the very least, enforce it for all minors. Some children may object, particularly if they’re strong swimmers, but talk to kids about the other dangers that could occur and about how they might not be able to get help in time if they were swimming alone. When all the kids understand the reasons behind the rule, as well as the consequences for breaking it, they’re more likely to comply. Take a CPR Class For an added dose of safety, consider taking a CPR class. You could even have all the adults in your household attend. These classes can be surprisingly fun and will teach you an incredibly valuable skill. After all, if you know CPR, you could potentially save a child’s life were they to drown or suffer another accident at the pool. Make Swimming Lessons Mandatory It’s also a good idea to have all children who will be using the pool take swimming lessons. Even if you have kids who are self-taught swimmers, it’s wise for them to learn proper techniques from a professional instructor. You may even want to take a brush-up course yourself. The more skilled and adept at swimming children are, the more likely they are to stay safe. Pool safety, especially for children, is something that every pool owner must take seriously. Thankfully, by following these tips, you’ll be off to a great start.

Welcome 2021!

There are two kinds of people in this world: pool people and beach people. Thankfully, though, “beach people” can easily become “pool people” just by realizing the error of their ways. In fact, for some, installing a swimming pool of their own is all it takes to see why the pool wins out over the beach every time. There’s No Traveling Unless you happen to live right on the beach—which costs a fortune—chances are you’re going to have to travel, often quite a distance, to get to the water. And, worse yet, once you get there, you’ll have to find somewhere to park, which is often either costly or impossible. Avoid the fees and those long, hot roadtrips just by having a pool in your own backyard. It’s a lot more convenient and relaxing, which is what you want your downtime to be all about. No Sand in Your Shoes While beach sand can be kind of pretty from a distance, it’s also a huge hassle. You’ll get it all over your shoes and clothes and, no matter how much you rinse, you’re sure to track some back into your car and your house. Even worse yet, you’re bound to get sand in your mouth at some point, and no one likes that unpleasant, crunching feeling. With a swimming pool, there’s nothing but sun and water to contend with, and they definitely don’t make a mess or cause a nuisance. Beat the Crowds Finally, beaches tend to be incredibly crowded. Even if you go during a weekday or a less busy time, there are always going to be plenty of college students on break, vacationers, or retirees whooping it up. If you want solitude and some real peace and quiet, nothing beats having your own pool. Ultimately, even if you do like the beach, it’s easy to see that a pool is a better option in a lot of ways. And, if you’re still not convinced, try it for yourself. After a few weeks or even days of owning a pool of your own, you’re sure to see the light!

All too often, people rely on community or neighborhood pools as their space for “fun in the sun.” However, having your own pool is almost always a better option for a variety of reasons. No Pool Hours to Adhere to First things first, chances are that your local public or even private pool has strict hours of operation. For example, no one may be allowed in before 10AM or after 8PM. While those hours can sometimes work, what happens when you want to have a late-night swim with your friends or when you want to get in some early morning exercise? You’re either breaking the rules, which could get you banned, or doing without. Having your own pool, setting your own hours, and swimming whenever you want is infinitely better. Invite Your Friends Another rule many pools enforce is that people are only allowed a set number of guests at a time. With some pools, this could be as small as one or two. If you want to be able to host big gatherings or to invite as many people as you want, you are going to need your own pool! Play Your Way Finally, believe it or not, a lot of pools actually have rules about whether or not you can bring floats, kickboards, and other fun items to the pool. This is often because they’re trying to preserve room for everyone to swim. While that may be understandable, it’s no fun. If you want to float, dunk, dive, and maybe even do a little “horseplay” without having a lifeguard blow a whistle at you, just bite the bullet and install your own pool. Ultimately, public and community pools can be a great thing for a lot of people. And, while they do have many rules and regulations, they’re often there to keep people safe. However, it’s much better to have your own pool and to make your own rules. You’ll not only enjoy more freedom, but more privacy and spontaneity as well. So, if you’re sick of paying to use a pool only to follow a bunch of rules, contact your local pool installation company today.

People buy swimming pools for all kinds of reasons. One of the top reasons, among adults, however, is to get more sun! While people constantly debate whether or not tanning is healthy, the fact remains that many adults love to do it. If you do, then make sure you’re making the most of your pool and your tanning time by learning how to maximize sun exposure for a deep, beautiful tan. Use A Reflective Towel Many people are unaware that reflective towels, which were once extremely popular, can still be purchased today. Just look for them online, or ask your pool company where you can find them. These towels are designed to attract the sun and then reflect the rays right onto your body. This helps you to limit some direct UV exposure while still getting a nice, deep tan. Use the Right Sunscreen Getting a tan by your pool doesn’t mean throwing all caution to the wind. You should still use some sunscreen to help block out those dangerous rays. For best results, opt for a sunscreen product around SPF 30. That way, you’ll still get some sun, but you won’t overdo it. Just make sure you apply plenty of it, ideally about twenty minutes before heading out to the pool. Apply Moisturizer As a final tip, be sure to apply moisturizer before and after heading to the pool. Moist skin is more capable of soaking up the sun’s rays and developing a nice, even tan. You can even find some moisturizers that contain special tan accelerants for that purpose. Tanning is definitely something that should be done in moderation. But, it’s also one of the major joys of owning a pool. If you’ve got your mind set on tanning, then just do it the right way. Follow these tips, don’t stay out too long, and drink plenty of water. If you can do those things, then you should get the results you want without doing excess harm to yourself in the process.

When it comes to buying a fiberglass pool, there is, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation floating around. This type of misinformation can be harmful to people who are trying to buy a pool and can sometimes lead them to make the wrong decisions. If you're in the market for a pool, know that a fiberglass pool is one of the best choices that you can make and also that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Read on to learn some of the truths about fiberglass pools—things you truly need to know to decide whether or not this option is the best fit for you. They Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune Often, people, especially those on a budget, are told that fiberglass pools should be avoided due to their high costs. However, the people telling them this are typically shady salesmen hoping to sell them a cheap, poorly-made pool for a fraction of the cost of a fiberglass option, but with a whole lot more problems in store. The truth is that most fiberglass pools are very high-quality and well-made. And, while they sometimes can be more costly than other options, they are well worth any extra money you may spend due to their strength and durability. Plus, you can have control over the price by deciding on the size, features, and more. Find a good pool company that will explain to you how pricing is decided, and you can get a fiberglass pool within your budget and, even better yet, that will last you for a very long time to come. They Last (Practically) Forever As mentioned above, a good fiberglass pool can last you for a really long time. In fact, most last for thirty years or more! And, while that might not be “forever,” for the average person, it practically is. Of course, with that said, you do still need to be careful about where you buy your pool. Plus, ideally, you should make sure it has some kind of warranty or guarantee to protect your investment. But, if you put in the time and research, chances are that you can find a fiberglass pool that will last you a whole lot longer than most other options out there. They are Low-Maintenance You might also have been told that fiberglass pools require a ton of maintenance and care. However, this, too, is very untrue. In fact, fiberglass pools are one of the more low-maintenance choices. Unlike with other options, you won’t have to worry about replastering or relining the pool. You may need to replace the gel coating a time or two in the pool’s lifespan, but other than that, these pools really don’t require much when they’re well-made from the start. As you can see, fiberglass pools are a great choice in many ways. So, before you believe everything you're told, do your own research. Chances are that, if you put in the time and work, you’ll end up with the best pool for you, which is very likely to be a fiberglass pool.