The Importance of A Pool Safety Cover

pool safety cover

Pool Safety Cover

The statistics don’t lie. With an average of 10 deaths a day by accidental drowning in the USA it is up to everyone who owns a swimming pool to be aware of the steps they can take to help try and prevent these needless deaths.

Even though there are over 80 million residential swimming pools in the USA and these numbers represent a minuscule fraction of the people that swim in them; our goal and yours as a pool owner should be to get this average amount of daily accidental drownings down to zero.

One of the important items you need to ensure your pool is safe is a pool safety cover.

When People are using your pool

When there are people in the pool it is up to you and the supervising adults to keep a close eye on the children. Establish a firm set of rules for your pool that everyone clearly understands and are strictly followed.

When the pool is unattended

This is where a pool safety cover comes in handy. These covers will ensure that no unattended child or animal is able to fall into the pool.

It’s important to check your cover to make sure it is working properly. This will keep your family and pool safe during the entire year.

If your pool isn’t covered, you need a cover that will protect your pool from harm. Contact Cincinnati Pool & Patio and we can find the perfect safety cover for you.

Closed for the Season!

pool-closed sign on door

Closed for the Season!

Closing your pool for winter is the most important step in ensuring it lasts season after season.  But, with so many different how-tos available online how can you be sure you are closing it correctly?  That’s what we’re here for.

We have composed a list of generic steps to help you with your pool closings:

  1. A few days before you plan to close sweep all silt off the bottom of the pool and remove all debris
  2. Two days before closing add a phosphate remover to prevent and kill algae
  3. Run the filter for 24-48hours
  4. On Closing Day add or remove water to reach the level specified in your owner’s manual
  5. Balance the chemistry of your pool: total alkalinity should be between 80-120ppm and the pH between 7.4 and 7.6
  6. Drain pool lines and add antifreeze to prevent damage to your pipes
  7. Turn off all power to support equipment and remove fuses/turn circuit breakers to off
  8. Remove and store ladders, slides, and diving boards
  9. Install your safety cover, winter cover, or leaf net**

**optionally install an air pillow first.  An Air Pillow is a large air pocket underneath your cover that stops water/snow from pooling in the center of your cover

 

Remember, if you have any questions you stop in the store or give our friendly experts a call and we will be more than happy to help you.

Patio Furniture: 3 Ways to Keep It Looking Brand New

patio furniture

Patio Furniture

Patio furniture can turn your backyard into the perfect entertainment space, but maintaining that new look of outdoor furniture is difficult when facing the elements. Whether hauling out your tired and true patio furniture or shopping for new pieces to add to your backyard for any season, here are some ways to help keep your patio furniture looking new.

Furniture covers

Furniture covers are a great way to extend the life of any outdoor living set. Covers protect your furniture all day and night from sun or storm. The fear of fading will no longer be a problem with a furniture cover since it protects from the sun. Covers also come in a large variety of shapes and sizes to fit any backyard piece.

Regular cleaning

By cleaning your furniture on a regular basis you are able to not only extend the life of your furniture but also keep it looking new. For the most part, basic cleaning for outdoor furniture can be soapy water, but any wicker pieces should be washed with water alone.

Storing Patio Furniture

Winter can take a toll on patio furniture. The cold can cause furniture to crack and if it gets wet mold and mildew can be a major problem. Finding storage for your pieces during the winter can allow them to last many more seasons. If you are unable to find storage, use a furniture cover, but make sure it is waterproof to prevent mold and mildew build-up.

Using these steps will help keep your furniture looking spotless giving you a beautiful outdoor space to relax and entertain all summer. If you’re in need of the perfect patio furniture, contact us for more information.

Keeping Your Pool Clean with Enzymes

inside pool

Keeping Your Pool Clean

Nobody likes a murky pool with slimy water. Even if you take all the right traditional steps to clean your pool. Such as adding chlorine and algaecide and removing debris. Sometimes the water can get dirtier and dirtier.  And sometimes that can seem impossible to remove. Many pool experts turn to enzymes to help keep a pool clean.

HOW CAN ENZYMES HELP KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN?

They target organic contaminants.

  • People swimming in your pool leave behind oil and lotion that is made with organic material. Enzymes are a type of protein that, depending on which type you add to your pool, collect oil and lotion filtering through the water and this triggers a chemical reaction that eats away at the contaminants.

Enzyme helpers lift the debris to the surface so that you can easily remove it.

  • They have to be carefully tailored to your pools environment and temperature. And a pool care specialist can help you find the right ones for your pool. Usually, they are combined with another chemical called surfactants that make OC enzymes. Additionally, they make the captured oil rise to the surface. Through the hard work of both the surfactant and the enzymes, oil and other organic contaminants are broken down and anything left behind can easily be scooped off the surface.

Depending on how many people use your pool and how often, your pool may be gradually building up with layers of oil that have been left behind. Adding enzymes is a great way to clean your pool without any effort or concerns about dangerous chemicals. If you’d like to learn more about pool maintenance and how to keep your cool clean and refreshing, please contact Cincinnati Pool and Patio here! 

The Dangers of Backyard DIY

outdoor living

The Dangers of DIY

One of the biggest new trends today is the art of Do-it-Yourself (DIY). These projects are online tutorials for creating everything from your very own backyard water-blob to an entire in-ground pool. Step-by-step instructions seem easy to follow; however, complicated processes have oversimplified or even skipped entirely. We want you to be fully informed and not find yourself in the middle of a costly DIY mistake!

The most dangerous aspect of a water-blob is the risk of it popping and washing away some landscaping or the plastic getting caught in your mower. Neither of these seems like especially horrendous outcomes. That being said, let’s go over a few things to keep in mind if you decide to DIY an entire pool.

To DIY or Not To DIY

First, please watch where you dig. Be sure to double check the placement of any gas pipes or in-ground power line, hitting either of these, especially so early in construction, could be a catastrophe! We do not recommend digging your own inground pool, it’s better to let the experts handle it.

If you live in a more rural area familiarize yourself with your water-waste system. A leak in your brand new pool is not only aggravating but could lead to an infiltration of your septic tank.

Lastly, double check with your city/township what sort of pools are allowed in your area. Also, what building codes apply for any additional structures you may wish to accompany the pool.

If you are looking to add a pool or water feature to your backyard entertainment this summer visit Cincinnati Pool & Patio where we believe buying a swimming pool should enhance your lifestyle without breaking your budget. To best fit your home, we offer a vast variety of affordable in-ground or above ground designs. Along with accessories, chemicals, pump, and filters to make your pool sparkle.

Tips on How To Properly Balance Your Swimming Pool

enzymes, pool

Balance Your Pool

With your swimming pool, it’s important to ensure that your water is properly balanced. This will help your pool stay clean and stay in the best shape for many years to come. This will also to ensure that your family and anyone else who swims in your pool is safe. Here are our best tips on how to balance your pool.

Balancing

Before you add chemicals into your pool, you should turn on your pump. This will circulate the chemicals you add throughout the whole pool.

When working with chemicals, you can only add a certain amount of each chemical per 10,000 gallons of water at one time. The amount depends on the chemical and your pool size.

If you need to add more than the maximum amount, add it slowly. You should add the max, then wait 6 hours before adding any more.

Alkalinity

Total alkalinity refers to the amount of alkaline in the water.

Adding alkaline material into your water first is the best method. It will act as a buffer for your pH scale.

pH

This is the acidity of the water. Ideally, you will want your water between 7.4-7.6.

Keeping your PH balanced will ensure the structure of your pool and equipment are not damaged from low or high levels.

Do you have questions about which chemicals you need for your pool, or how to balance your pool properly? Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Above ground pools let you have the swimming space you want without worrying about digging a gigantic hole in your yard, but that doesn’t mean they have no effect on your yard whatsoever. Even though you no longer have to worry about removing all that soil, you still have to be careful about where you place the pool, and about what landscaping you place near it.

SPACE AND ACCESS

Any landscaping you do around the pool should allow you and pool maintenance workers to access all parts of the pool. Shrubs should be at least a few inches away from the edge of the pool and not right up against it. Equipment for the pool, such as pumps, should never be blocked or enveloped by plants. You can certainly plant shrubs and hedges between the pool and your view of it from your house if you don’t want to see the equipment, but you must leave empty space around the outside of the pool.

Part of the reason for doing this is to leave access, as noted, but it also helps prevent mold and fungi from taking over the plants and pool perimeter. That space lets air flow easily between the two, drying out excess moisture.

ROOT PROBLEMS

All plants near the pool, be they shrubs, flower beds, or trees, should have nonaggressive roots that won’t suspend the edge of the pool. For most shrubs and flowers, a few inches or a couple of feet will provide enough space to mitigate root issues. Any trees that are close to the structure, though, need to have taproots instead of large, spreading root systems. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pool out of the tree’s drip line, which is the line on the ground that corresponds to the approximate circle formed by the edges of the tree’s canopy.

GRADING TO PREVENT PUDDLES

Like in-ground pools, above ground pools can get a bit splashy as everyone inside has a lot of fun swimming around. Excess water that splashes out needs to drain away from the pool (and your house). Before installing the pool, have landscapers double-check the slope of the land in the area where you want the pool. They can regrade the land if necessary.

When you’re ready to choose a pool, contact Cincinnati Pool and Patio. You’ll be able to see different pool sizes and configurations that allow you to find one that will work well in your yard.

Using In-Ground Pools to Create a Backyard Oasis

open your pool

Your Backyard Oasis

Whether your backyard is a clean slate waiting to be turned into a Rembrandt, or an outdoor oasis that just needs a few touches, options abound. From in-ground pools to water features, decking and lighting, living spaces and landscape, the choices may seem endless. Consider these important design elements before creating your own backyard oasis.

THE SETTING

The first step in creating the backyard of your dreams is to determine what setting you’d like to create. Is your backyard going to become a relaxing, tropical retreat? A kid-friendly fun park? A hip and slightly eccentric hangout for family and friends?  An elegant and luxurious oasis? Browse through some magazines and see what sparks and ignites the “wow” factor in you.

THE IN-GROUND POOL

A pool makes a definite statement and, depending on the added touches, begins to set the tone. Consider a vinyl lining for the following reasons:

  • There is no limitation to length, width, and depth, and there are a variety of colors and an array of patterns to choose from. This important attribute allows your creativity to blossom and inspires possibilities. If you can dream it, a vinyl lined pool makes it achievable.
  • Easy installation makes it one of the lowest initial costs of all types of pools.
  • The material is durable, smooth and inhibits the growth of algae.

THE WATER

This would seem fairly straightforward, but the advent of salt water pools has introduced an alternative. Saltwater pools are not chlorine free. They do, however, use a chlorine generator that turns salt into chlorine. This results in less chlorine which is gentler on your skin. It also requires less maintenance.

THE LIGHTING

Lighting offers both beauty and safety, and it is a vital element in setting your tone. From underwater hues to subtle illuminations along walkways and lights filtering through trees and waterfalls, the possibilities really are endless.

THE DECKING

A touch of teak, a splash of colored concrete, slabs of granite or slate, travertine or brick pavers. The choice of your decking material makes a dramatic impact on your outdoor living space.

WATER FEATURES

This is the pièce de résistance–the crowning glory. From waterfalls to grottos to diving rocks or unique and inventive slides, this is the place where your imagination soars.

We are recognized as the leaders in our market for innovation and the use of the latest green technologies and, in the process, save you thousands of dollars in wasted water and energy. Contact us and we will help you create your vision.

Safety Measures to Take For Summer Grillin’

grill

Safe Summer Grillin’

Summer is the season for grills and barbecues. The increase of grill usage comes with an increase in accidents related to grills too. When using your grill, make sure you’re taking the safety precautions necessary to keep your summer party safe and fun!

1. Fire Safety

When dealing with fire, it’s important to take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of you and anyone who is near your grill.

The first important task is making sure you have a fire extinguisher close. In the case of any accidents, you need to take care of it quickly.

When dealing with fire, it’s important to know how to stop it from spreading.

2. Charcoal Safety

On average, charcoal grills cause more fires than gas grills. The biggest problem with these type of grills is lighting the charcoal.

Dealing with lighter fluid can be quite dangerous, and using too much or using it at the wrong time can cause mishaps or accident to happen.

3. Food Safety

Basic rules for food safety are: inspect everything you’re serving, keep it covered while it’s outside, keep it cool before you cook it, thoroughly heat it up, and always use your head.

Bacteria can grow at any temperature above freezing and will stay alive until it reaches 165 degrees.

4. Gas Safety

For a gas grill, you need to regularly check your gas lines, and make sure none of them are clogged up from debris, food, or bugs.

At the first sign of any trouble, you should turn off the valves, the fuel tank, and disconnect everything before you attempt to fix it.

5. Alcohol Safety

It’s important that when you’re operating a grill, you should be wary about how much alcohol you consume.

Just like when you operate a moving vehicle, you shouldn’t operate a grill under the influence of alcohol.

6. Smoke Safety

Even though there’s no way to stop smoke coming from your grill, it’s important not to breathe it directly or have it blow towards others at your barbecue.

Smoke from your grill contains carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances. It’s not healthy for your guests to be directly exposed to these chemicals.

If you have any questions about our supply of grills, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How To Keep Your Pool Healthy in Summer

pool

How To Keep Your Pool Healthy in Summer

The Dog Days of Summer. The hottest time of the year and the busiest time of the year for pool owners. It’s also the time of year when your pool water is exposed to higher bather loads, intense temperatures, and prolonged sunlight. Here is our list of things you should do to keep your pool healthy in summer.

Run The Filter More

July and August are the time when you need the most filtering of the season. Set that pool filter timer a few extra hours longer each day. What you spend on electricity you will save in chemicals which can really add up. Your water is warm enough to shut off the pool heater and the combination of warm water, bright sunshine, and frequent rainstorms, all call for more filtering time each day.

Add More Chlorine

Warmer water, more swimmers and longer sunlight hours mean that your chlorine will deplete or burn-up faster. Add extra 3″ tabs to your chlorinator, and/or turn the dial higher to maintain chlorine levels. Pool shock frequency may also rise during the hottest parts of the summer, to fight algae, bacteria, chloramines, and cloudy water.

Keep Calm & Stay Stable

Sunlight is an enemy of all pool chemicals on some levels. Long hours of daily sunlight means that stabilizer levels are even more important, to prevent degradation of chlorine when you need it most. Keep your stabilizer level between 20-50 ppm, and reduce or dilute if over 100 ppm.

More important than stabilizer, however, is to consistently test your pool water balance during July and August. Your pool water is ever-changing, but never more than during the hottest summer months, when pH, Alkalinity, and stabilizer levels can rise and cause water balance problems.

Stay Cool, Beat the Heat

Hot temperatures, long sunlight exposure, and more pool parties mean more friends and family with more sunblock and oil. This can lead to a ring around your waterline, more organic solids dissolved in your water, and cloudy or hazy pool water.

Enzymes are natural oil-eaters that also clean the pool filter of trapped oils and greasy gunk, and reduce chlorine demand by removing organics from the pool and pool system.

Have any questions on keeping your pool in tip-top shape? Contact us here!