Prepare your Above Ground Pool for Winter

 backyard pools  No Responses »
Sep 302009
 

Fall is setting in and the leaves are getting that “I am about to break into full color look.”  I now know it’s time to prepare my above ground swimming pool for winter weather. The way I see it
Creative Commons License photo credit: lepiaf.geo

Preparing the pool for winter will protect it from the elements, wandering animals and possible inquisitive children. And by preparing your pool properly, reopening it in the spring will be much easier and you will also add years to the pools life.

How to prepare the above ground pool for winter

Clean the pool first. Hopefully you have all your pool supplies close at hand. Use a net to remove bugs and leaves from the surface of the water. Remove the ladder and all toys from the pool and store them for the winter. I store all my pool accessories in the garage near the pool. Basements and a shed are also good storage places.

Next, vacuum the pool as you normally do throughout the season. Once clean, its time to add any chemicals that are needed to control bacteria. Consult your local pool company for suggestions. I use a winter pool kit that seems to have all the right products for my climate. A Winter Wonderland... In April?!!
Creative Commons License photo credit: JoshMcConnell

Carefully place plugs in all the inlets and a skimmer cover over the skimmer. This will protect them from getting water inside that could freeze and break parts of your pool. In my zone 5 climate this is a very important step.

Unplug your pump and make sure you get all the water out. Do the same with the filter and the filter hoses. Again, you don’t want the water to freeze and break the pump.

I buy additional air pillows, inflate them, and place them on the surface of the pool’s water. This will keep the pool cover from touching the water, which is easier on the pool cover. And later in the fall season air pillows are on sale so you will save quite a bit of money buying late in the fall.

Tip: Don’t inflate your air pillows all the way Climate change will affect the pillows, so less air is better.

Drape your pool cover over the top of the pool and over the air pillows.  Tighten the pool cover in place with buckles. Make sure the pool cover is secure for you winter storms and high winds.

I always take one more check around the backyard and make sure any pool accessories are cleaned and put away. I also store the leftover chemicals in cool dry place, my garage, so that they will be useable for the following year.

Swimming pools can be work, but the added fun and activity they add to the backyard oasis area make them worth the extra time. And by preparing the pool in the winter you will have a much easier time in the spring preparing the pool for the summer.

Posted by Denise at 10:02 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Pool Fences: Create a safe Backyard Pool Environment

 backyard pools  4 Responses »
Jun 102009
 

With the increase in backyard swimming pools it more important than ever to think of pool safety. Many pool owners have at least one child and you also need to think about the neighborhood children who may be inquisitive and looking to adventure in your backyard.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Indiewench

If you are the owner of a pool, have children or live in an area where there are neighborhood children you may want to equip your pool with a fence. A fence isn’t just a popular pool accessory; it is a lifesaving device. And if a fence saves a life and deters a serious injury it is worth installing

In many areas of the United Sates, a pool fence is required either by the local townships or by state law. So before having a pool installed in your backyard, it’s best to check on any pool regulations and restrictions. Even if you weren’t planning on installing a pool fence, you may find out that you are required to.

A pool fence is considered a pool accessory. And you will discover that pool fences come in a wide variety of different designs, shapes, sizes and styles. This will give you the opportunity to match a fence with you backyard design and home.

When looking for a pool fence you can stop by your local pool supply store or shop online.  And as with any pool accessory purchase take you time and carefully compare price and quality of the fencing.

Available Pool Fencing Varieties

If you are looking for a study, dependable, and attractive looking fence, you may want to consider purchasing a metal fence. Metal fences are dependable, attractive, and sturdy and will last for a very long time.

Wood fences are attractive and very versatile in matching your colors and design of the backyard area. They do have a drawback of needing repairs every few years.

Mesh fences are a fairly new in pool accessories. They are becoming very popular because many are removable where as metal and wood fencing are more permanent. If you are only interested in using a pool fence for a short time you will benefit from purchasing a pool fence that can be taken down in a matter of minutes.

A pool fence will add an additional safety factor to your backyard pool particularly when you are not at home. By adding a pool fence you will be protecting your family, adding more privacy to your backyard and you will also be protecting yourself from being held liable in the event a tragic accident occurs.

You may also want to consider the additional safety added with a pool cover.

A backyard pool is meant to be enjoyed.  So add that extra feeling of safelty with a pool fence. And with all the fencing varieties available you will be able to add addtional beauty to your backyard oasis

Posted by Denise at 9:31 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Cleaning In-Ground Pools

 backyard pools  3 Responses »
Jun 082009
 

If you are looking for a pool that blends into your backyard and creates that overall oasis feel, the in-ground pool is the answer. For those who can afford the extra expense the In-ground pool is more attractive and with landscaping becomes the focal point of the backyard. Waterfall feature at Pan Pacific Hotel KLIA
Creative Commons License photo credit: leozaza

To keep your pool looking good the pool must be kept clean.

In-ground pools require different cleaning supplies than above ground pools and its best to familiarize yourself with all of the in-ground pool cleaning supplies that are available.

One of the easiest ways to learn about pool cleaning equipment and supplies is to talk with friends that own a pool in your area. They probably have product recommendations and stories of supplies that they were not fond of. Their experiences will give you a starting point on what to look for in cleaning supplies.

The Internet and local pool supply stores are also a great source of information for pool cleaning supplies. You may learn about products that do not work in your area or that have problems from your local pool supply store or neighborhood pool owner.

There are two types of pool cleaners, automatic and manual pool cleaners. Both styles of cleaners have advantages and disadvantages.

Automatic pool cleaners are popular because they save time.  In most cases, automatic pool cleaners work without your assistance. Chemicals may be used to clean your pool. Pouring the proper amount of the chemical cleaner into the pool when required will clean your pool easily, but because of their strength, it’s best to use chemical cleaners at a time when the pool will not be used for a while.

Pool vacuums are also available. There are vacuums available that only require that you turn them on. The vacuum will do the rest. There are also automatic pool vacuums that require assistance to clean the pool.

Manual pool cleaners and cleaning supplies are ideal for those who want to save money. It may take time to manually clean your in-ground pool but you will save money and if done properly the first time, the pool will not need cleaned for a while. Manual cleaning supplies are available online and in local pool supply stores or most hardware stores.

From personal experience I have found that its best to have both types of cleaning supplies on hand. An automatic pool vacuum for when you need the pool cleaned quickly and manual supplies for when the vacuums may not be working. If both cleaning varieties are on hand your pool will be ready to use at any time.

An in-ground pool in the backyard will add to family entertaining and backyard activities. They add beauty to a yard but you have to remember to clean them regularly to keep the water healthy and the pool beautiful.

Posted by Denise at 9:25 pm  Tagged with: ,

Cleaning your above ground swimming pool

 backyard pools  2 Responses »
Jun 012009
 

Swimming pools add entertainment, activity and exercise for the family and the ease and benefit of having a swimming pool in your backyard that will cut down on travel. Your backyard will take on whole new party like atmosphere.Portrait

Creative Commons License photo credit: Wetsun

But with the additional activity and beauty of a pool comes maintenance and cleaning. Your style of backyard and habits will affect how often you need to clean but pool, but a rule of thumb is to clean it regularly so it does not become a burden. There are also steps that will add to the ease of pool maintenance.  Pool cleaning supplies will help you8 keep your pool clean and ready for any backyard entertaining.

Pool cleaning supplies

Many consider pool cleaning supplies a pool accessory but if you want a pool that is inviting you need to be diligent in cleaning your pool and surrounding area.

Cleaning supplies are typically not included with the purchase of a pool. So if you are a new pool owner you may be wondering what supplies are right for your aboveground pool.

It’s best to familiarize yourself with pool cleaning supplies by browsing through the products that are currently available for pool cleaning. Your first choice would be to ask questions and purchase the supplies from the store where you bought the pool.

Your local pool store, sports or department stores or an online online pool supply store will also be able to help answer any questions you have and help you select the proper supplies. supplies.

And while local stores will be helpful and you can purchase pool cleaning supplies the same day you may find it beneficial to research pool cleaning at the local library or online to have a better understanding or what all is available. You will also want to select the easiest method of cleaning your pool to be able to enjoy the pool and not spend hours maintaining it.

Pool supplies, are available in manual or automatic cleaning supplies. One of the most popular automatic cleaning supplies is the swimming pool vacuum.

Pool vacuums are faster and involve less little hassle.  There are some vacuums that may also be considered manual; however, there others that are completely automatic. There are even pool vacuums, known as robotic pool vacuums that can operate without your assistance.

Many people prefer the manual cleaners, which include skimmers and scrub brushes. You may only want to purchase one type of aboveground pool cleaner or consider purchasing both.

Automatic pool cleaners are nice, but they do take some time to clean the pool. This means that if you are looking to take a quick swim, you may not have time to clean your pool or your swim will have to wait.

If you have a skimmer or another similar product on hand, you could easily give your pool a quick clean before going for a swim and do a more thorough cleaning later

Whatever type of pool cleaning you decide on you should get started using as soon a possible. The longer that your pool goes without cleaning; the harder it will be to clean. So plan accordingly and keep an adequate amount of pool cleaning supplies or equipment on hand.

One other pool supply that will aid you in keeping the pool clean is a pool cover. You may want to add this to your pool supplies if you have a yard that has abundant leaves.

Most of all enjoy your backyard pool. It will add to that garden oasis feel and add hours of entertainment to your home.

Posted by Denise at 12:41 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Colorful Patio Plant Designs

 guest writer  1 Response »
May 232009
 
by Kent Higgins

Patioscape design allows for a lot of creativity.

Flowers ..... i think they are ..
Creative Commons License photo credit: Koonisutra

In fact, the possibilities for patios and pools are nearly limitless. Still, the best in the business recommend following basic design rules by answering these questions:

  • What materials and colors go well with the property’s existing design?
  • What are the project’s budget constraints?
  • Who will take care of the containers, and will they be watered by hand or automatic irrigation?
  • Do the specified containers have drainage holes? If not, can holes be drilled into them?

    • After a careful assessment, it’s time to select your plants.

    Color, of course, is the element that usually catches the eye first. Though it can be tough, the designer in you needs to exercise restraint in this area.

    Choose colors based on your individual situation. For example, blue tones are popular because they give a feeling of serenity. They look great near a pool. Warm, bold colors – reds, orange and yellows – are temperamental and have a high impact. Mono-aromatic designs are elegant and trendy.

    No matter what the trends are, don’t just consider aesthetics. Make sure the plants you choose have similar requirements for light exposure and water. They should also have similar growth vigor, or more aggressive ones might outpace those that grow slowly.

    For a well-balanced design use tall, upright plants, mounding or medium-height plants and trailing elements. Work your way from the center to the rim, placing uprights in the center, medium plants around them and trailing elements along the edges.

    If the planter is against a wall or in a corner work your way from back to front, with tall plants in the back and trailing elements in front.

    Other important considerations are proportion and texture. Aim for the plants to take up to 2/3 of the entire design, leaving 1/3 for the visible part of the planter.

    Keep in mind that trailing plants will hide part of your container. Use simpler plants to accent a showpiece planter.

    For a pool landscaping plan, one idea is to consider using texture to create a natural design.

    Incorporate foliage plants for richness and work with different foliage and flower shapes and sizes. Design professionals favour such varieties as purple fountain grass (regular and dwarf forms), New Zealand flax, Mexican feather grass and sedges. You can also try perennials with intriguing foliage like Hosta, Heuchera, Ajugn, Euphorbia, Sedum or ornamental herbs.

    Other excellent foliage plants are coleus, English Ivy, Ornamental Sweet Potato, and Strobilanthes.

    For novel flowering plants try Ange Ionia, Nemesia, Bacopa, Calibrachoa or Cleome ‘Linde Armstrong’.

    In most cases it’s best to make a design last the entire year, but some gardeners prefer spring and fall planting.

    Sometimes plants become less attractive as summer wears on and fall planting becomes necessary. In this case consider including evergreens for winter interest. Try to limit complete change-outs to two to four times yearly, typically when the seasons change. Choose bromeliads over annuals for their longevity. Using mostly perennials will make fewer change-outs necessary.

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