Cutting The Grass
I hate to cut the grass and I know that I am not alone in this feeling. It’s always hot and I seem to spill gas on some article of clothing no matter how careful I am. Don’t get me started on weed eating as it takes as long as mowing the grass. The only positive I ever get out of cutting my grass is when I’m done I know that I am going to be able to jump in my pool and cool off. My recipe for a perfect day of mowing the grass always ends with me jumping in my pool and enjoying cooling waters.
Thomas
Festival Time Of Year
It once again has come to that special time of year in the Cincinnati when all us together put aside our differences and come around these local venues to taste the different foods, explore eclectic crafts, and of course collect those mugs that really don’t fit in our cabinets very well. To me it is more about the joyous celebration of the nice weather that is close at hand but to others it is a chance to spend time with their families and play some old-fashioned carnival rides. It doesn’t matter why we go there as long as we get out and have a good time in the beautiful weather.
Thomas
What To Look For In An Aboveground Pool
It is a common question to hear a customer ask what they should look for in an aboveground pool. I always answer them with a question and ask what they want out of the pool. It may be tough to narrow down to a few items what you should look for but I’m going to give it a shot for you.
It is very important to have a large steel frame that will give you proper support and strength. Some pools come with a lot of plastic components and you want to try and avoid these because they get brittle and break. Watch out for those cheap pools you see that have the tiny toprails or those blow up rubber pools. The last thing to remember is you want to make sure that you buy your pool from Eastgate Pools & Spas and not from one of those fly by night guys down the street.
Pop A Shot
We have one of the simplest yet fun games made here at the store. It’s amazing to see children walk in the door and make a b line for the pop a shot. I don’t know what it is about shooting mini basketballs into a smaller hoop but it is addictive. We obviously don’t sit here at work and play it because we are all far to professional but I invite everyone and their families to come in and try it out and see how this simple game can bring a smile to your face.
Springtime Mud
When most people think of spring they think of warmer weather and blooming flowers. When I think of spring I think of something a little different. Mud. That’s right I said mud, and I have to say it really bothers me. According to scientists there are three main states of matter and some believe that a fourth exists. I know for certain that there are 5 states of matter since mud doesn’t fall into any of the other categories. It is obviously not solid. Some could argue liquid but it just doesn’t fit. We know its not a gas and since we aren’t sure what is or isn’t a plasma it falls short there as well. Since it doesn’t fit anywhere else I feel as though it should be classified as its own state of matter. That’s just my opinion but it seems to me that I must be right.
Thomas
Here It Comes Again
Its less than 2 months until the Reds season begins and I couldn’t be happier. The Reds are defending NL Central champs and the Cincinnati area could use some wins. The football season ended the wrong way but at least the Steelers didn’t win when it really counted. The Reds are the oldest team in baseball and have the reigning NL MVP for the first time in years. They have a fantastic young pitching staff and it will only get better. So, the next time you feel down about the football season cheer up and remember it won’t be long until the boys of summer are back on the field.
Thomas
The City Pool
As a young child growing up in a blue-collar middle class steel mill town we had very few extravagant things we could do. When the malls came in it was a huge deal and also showed what was to become of a great city filled with hard working men and women who loved their family, football, and country in that order. Ashland now stands as shopping Mecca for many in the Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia tri state area but some small reminders of what it was 20 years ago still remain. My friends who still live there have wonderful families and it makes me happy to know they are doing well. On crisp fall Friday nights many families still head down to Historic Putnam Stadium and show up 7,500 strong to root on the Tomcats. My fondest memory of those years were the many days spent at the local city pool about ¼ mile from my house. The pool was larger than life at about 300 feet long and ranging in depth from 6 inches to 10 feet. It was wonderful place to spend a summer day with more than enough activities to keep you busy all day. Its sad to say the have since filled in the pool and no longer operate any of the other city pools that existed when I was a child. Things have changed in Ashland but I still look back on it as wonderful place to grow up.
Thomas
Don’t Worry Be Happy
We just had a customer in the store today who has had their hot tub for a total of three days and they came in for their very first water test as proud new owners of their hot tub. They were worried that they were doing something wrong and could potentially harm the tub. When I found out how long they have had their tub I decided to have a little fun with them, and told them that they needed to be careful or they could really mess it up. After I calmed them down I told them to relax, and that within the first month they will probably have to drain it and start over but that it won’t be their fault. People tend to over think a hot tub and forget that the chemicals they get when they buy the tub are there to make it as easy as possible. Stop worrying over your chemicals so much and enjoy your new toy. Come back and see me in about 2 weeks.
Thomas
I’m Sure Some Of You Are Happy
The football season is over here in Cincinnati and I’m sure some of you are happy to see the Bengals finish last this year. They looked bad at points this season and many of you have called for a new coach or perhaps a new quarterback. It was most definitely one of the worst and most disappointing years in Bengals history. So for all of the fans out there who have been acting like Debbie Downer this year here is your chance to gloat. This is your chance to tell everyone out there you knew the AFC North championship was a fluke last year. I hope you are happy that the Bengals have proven you right once again, but I don’t feel this way.
I love the Bengals and I will never give up on them. We still have the best coach that we can get right now. I firmly believe Mike Brown wants to win, but loves making money slightly more. I still believe Carson Palmer is still an elite quarterback and that my Bengals will be AFC Champions in 2011. WHO-DEY
Thomas
It’s Almost February
It is still freezing outside but it wont be long until we open the Inground Pool here at the store. I know it may seem early to some but the pool season for Eastgate Pools & Spas starts in the middle of winter and goes until the middle of fall. We may not sell many in the really cold months but to us the fact that summer is never really that far away stays fresh in our minds. All I can tell you is get ready because it wont be long until the hot days are here again and sounds of summer overtake our brains in a audible coup d’etat.
Thomas
Help Me, Help You
Here at Eastgate Pools & Spas we pride ourselves on knowledge of the products that we carry. We have a lot of people who have been working here for more than 10 years and can answer questions about items that we don’t carry any longer. If you bought something used form one of our customers we will be more than happy to extend the same help to you. I have learned about many products both past and present and sometimes its hard to know what information you need but if you tell us as much as possible about what you have we should be able to help you.
Thomas
Customer Service
Every person has a different idea about what good customer service means and I believe that what we do here at Eastgate Pools & Spas stands out above anyone in our industry. We have always prided ourselves on our customer service and that is reflected by the over 10,000 customers in our frequent buyer program. It’s not that we answer their questions with a different answer or how we carry their purchases to the counter that matters; it’s the personal connection we have with almost all of our customers that means the most. We know about the lives of our customers and we take the time every time they come in to ask how things have been. The personal touch we provide makes our customers feel special and that is why they come back here time and time again.
Thomas
Best Christmas Movie Ever!
I know that my pick for the best Christmas move of all time will be up for debate. I have always loved Christmas and as such have loved watching the many movies that have dealt with the greatest holiday of all. My favorite and best Christmas movie of all time is Mickey’s Christmas Carol. I know people love “A Christmas Story” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” but to me Mickey is where its at.
Thomas
Cold Weather
I have a few reminders now that the weather is turning colder. Your above ground pool will freeze at some point this winter, but it doesn’t mean that you can walk out on the frozen surface. I know it sounds like common sense but I know we have customers every year that put their life in danger for a cheap thrill. You always need to be careful around your pool no matter what season of the year it may be and as we encourage safe swimming practices we also encourage our customers to follow our advice in the winter.
Thomas
Thanksgiving Traditions
I have been to many different Thanksgiving dinners in my life, sometimes hitting as many as five in one week, and have found that everyone does theirs a little bit different than what I grew up with. I grew up having a turkey but also having a leg of lamb. I have an Aunt who takes the meat off the turkey and bakes it with stuffing and gravy before serving. (Delicious) A friend of mine does turkey and a country ham that has cured in his basement for a couple of months. I have had regular mashed potatoes made from scratch and mashed sweet potatoes that I didn’t think I would like but ended up having seconds. It may sound like I enjoy almost all foods but I am a little picky. I don’t do cranberry sauce and if you make the mashed potatoes out of flakes I might throw them at you. We all do things a little different but the biggest thing is they are all right because we do it together. If you want I can visit you on Thanksgiving this year. Just let me know.
Thomas
