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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.