With the storm approaching, several pool owners have asked what they should do to ensure their pools remain protected. Assuming your pool was properly closed and winterized, the short answer is: not much. However, a few winter best practices are worth reviewing.

Many owners would like to walk on their autocover lid. Some even hope the kids can jump off of it safely. We wish there was something that could make this an absolute possibly but unfortunately that is just not realistic.

Including a spa in your pool space can add a lot of class to your project. Before you decide, it is important to understand how the spa will be controlled and operated. There are three ways to plumb and operate a pool / spa combo in your backyard. A passive system, a split system, and a dual system.

In Ohio there is no sales tax on the installation of a fiberglass pool. At least there shouldn't be. In Ohio the builder should be paying sales / use tax on everything that is purchased and used on the installation when the items are purchased for your project.

Draws and down payments are a very large and important part of a construction project. The way a pool installer sets up draws should be carefully considered. It is important that neither the pool builder nor the client is ahead or behind the other. Otherwise, it could end up creating a hostage situation. If a pool contractor is not good with finances, they may be cash flowing other jobs with YOUR money and at some point be unable to complete jobs. You don't want to be the las

Over the last few years, the pool industry has shifted to ONLY focus on START times for projects. The covid boom trained consumers (and contractors) to talk about how far they were booked out and focus on when the project would start. That has been damaging to the pool business. The start date should be discussed, but isn't knowing when things are going to be DONE more important? Recently, a lot of projects have been started, and MANY projects never completed.

Having a crack or series of cracks in your skimmer is not abnormal. We wish it didn't happen but it does and is difficult to mitigate. The skimmer itself is a 'weak spot' in the concrete slab. It is a void in the concrete and is naturally much more susceptible to becoming a crack point.

The connection between the fiberglass pool shell and the concrete slab is a delicate point. If either the pool shifts OR the concrete shifts, it can cause a crack and break off. Despite our custom forms having a very favorable and durable return, there is no way to mitigate the risk completely. There are several causes of these shifts but the solution is the same.

The Lux Capacitor (yes we are Back To The Future fans) is a device that is installed on your pool filtration equipment that offers a few special and unique benefits that may seem like magic. At its core, the Lux Capacitor is a device that creates structured water. It is passive, so it requires no power or servicing, and will last nearly indefinitely.

It's not the news you want, but the truth is there is no immediate antidote to scale removal. All water has the potential to scale particularly if the 'wrong' conditions are permitted. This fountain maintained by the team at NASA has even been allowed to scale out. But what can be done now?

For decades the pool industry preformed backyard consultations with clients. The pool was painted out in the grass and some flags were placed to represent the pool corners and concrete apron. In the early 2010's this became less important with the development of 3D design software but many pool installers continued to meet at the house. Why?

Autocovers are an amazing system to have on a fiberglass pool. They keep the pool safe and secure of course, but for many pool owners the real benefits are the other ones. The pool is warmer, cleaner, it uses even less chemicals, doesn't evaporate, and overall, it is easier and cheaper to own. Safety covers do however need some care to keep them at their best and operating properly.

Autocovers are an amazing system to have on a fiberglass pool. They keep the pool safe and secure of course, but for many pool owners the real benefits are the other ones. The pool is warmer, cleaner, it uses even less chemicals, doesn't evaporate, and overall, it is easier and cheaper to own. Safety covers do however need some care to keep them at their best and operating properly.

The IntelliConnect from Pentair is a handy piece of automation designed for the 'simple pool.' It offers pool owners basic automation via a wi-fi connection and the 'Pentair Home' application, giving you control of you pool systems anywhere in the world. It has a lot of horse power when you consider what it is, AND what it costs.

Calcium hardness (CH) refers to the amount of calcium mineral in your pool water. When CH is above 275ppm we refer to the water as being 'hard.' When the water is below 175 we refer to it as being 'soft.' If you have ever lived with well water you may be familiar with high or low levels of 'hardness.' And what that feels like.

Good question, and we get it somewhat regularly. We call this recycling a hole. It's possible but not a cost savings measure. It is delicate, harder, and more expensive than if there was nothing in the back yard in the first place. Sorry. For many that doesn't matter. People love their pool and are ready to renovate their back yard.

Changing weather can mean varying pool conditions and chemical needs. As most of us are finishing up a terrible year for openings and algae growth, our pools need different care. If you have dumped an unusual amount of liquid chlorine in your pool, the water is still not completely clear, and your CL test is zero, you need more chlorine. Larger doses. Keep your PH down as you go but YES you need more CL. Feels wrong but your pool has an infection.

Many of our families have reached out this Spring after or during their opening, surprised at the amount of 'gunk' in their pool. Filters may seem ineffective and / or they feel like they need to clean their filter much more often. Yes... To all of that.

Over the last several weeks we have met with many families that are looking for a new pool and are excited to order. Over a dozen of those families have reported they have had encounters with Columbus pool installers that are asking for 40% OR MORE of their contract as a DOWN PAYMENT. Two families reported that they were asked for 70% down. That much money is absolutely not need and would suggest that the installer is cash strapped. BEWARE. That much money is a HUGE warning s

A splash pad is a great feature that can be added to any pool design. They add a ton of pool area that can be used for tanning, hanging out with friends, or a place for littles to be on their own and enjoy. It's a place that the family dog will have an absolute blast running through as well!