Mesh Safety Covers
I know a lot of people out there have a mesh safety cover on their inground pool. If you have had one for a while you probably know how to handle everything when you open up in the spring, but for those that are new to mesh safety cover I have some information that might be useful. The first thing I would tell you is to open the pool up as early as you can. If you do this you will cut down on the possibility of having a really green pool when for the start of the season. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that you need to watch the water level in your pool. If it gets to high it could cause problems. If it high undo a strap or two and pump some water out. When you do finally pull the cover off in the spring make sure you clean it well and when you fold it up store it in a dry environment away from mice. The last thing you need is to open your cover up in the fall and have it full of mildew and holes where mice have chewed through it. If you take a few precautions it will be a breeze when it comes to maintaining your pool.
Shopping For An Inground Pool? Here Is A Starter Checklist . . .
As one of the inground sales specialists here at Eastgate Pools & Spas I have found myself in a lot of backyards checking the lay of the land to see if we can install an inground pool. Most people are exploring the option for the first time and I thought maybe I would offer a few pointers to consider before you do too much homework.
- What does the city, county, or homeowner’s association say? There are specific setback requirements in most areas, fencing requirements, and other rules of thumb unique to just about every county, city, and township. Familiarizing yourself with these details will give you a better picture of just what is possible in your yard.
- So just how do we get to that backyard? In order for us to get everything in and out to complete an installation project we need at least 10 feet of level pathway. That clearance will cover all equipment. If can only get the backhoe in that is okay, but we will still need 8 feet for that. The other thing to consider is that full size loads of gravel and concrete are too heavy to cross a driveway, so it is best to have an alternate path.
- Nearly every yard can accommodate a pool, but yards with dramatic slopes can require retaining structures to ensure the pool stays right where it was put. I can assure you that if we advise such structures the long-term integrity of the pool is our primary concern.
- Don’t forget about utilities. Please be aware of overhead and underground power lines, gas lines, easements for sewer lines, septic tanks, and leech lines. All of these can be factors that can impact where the pool can go, and also influence the actual size possible. Most of the details can be found on your housing plot plan or through your state’s call before you dig hotline.
These are just a few things to consider before beginning the pool process. While you are at it take a look around our website and the Legacy Edition Pools website. I’m always happy to take a look at any yard and answer any questions you might have, but checking some of these details beforehand can save you some valuable time.
Water Test Center Under New Management
For those of you who don’t know yet, Chet the water test manager here has decided to retire and has since moved out of the area. Rest easy however as we are still doing professional water tests and will be more than happy to give our expert diagnostic help. With the vast amount of experience we have here we are still fully equipped to meet your every water test need. Remember to stop in during the spring and get your water chemistry balanced early in the year to allow for a hassle free pool season.
Vinyl Liner Versus Fiberglass
Here at Eastgate Pools & Spas we have been installing the Legacy Edition by Imperial Pools as our only option for an inground swimming pool since 1981. With over 3000 pools installed and no warranty claims on a pool wall we just don’t see any reason to mess with a good thing. That said we have an increasing number of potential customers that are looking at one-piece fiberglass pools vs. our vinyl-lined pool product. I just thought I would offer a quick insight into why we continue to offer the product we do, and why we have opted to stay out of the fiberglass market.
To put it simply, we don’t offer fiberglass pools because this just isn’t the right part of the country. If you travel to Florida, California, or any other state with a high sand content to the soil you will certainly see more fiberglass than vinyl pools. Well the opposite is true here in the Midwest because the heavy clay content of our soil, and the freeze/thaw climate make it the more appropriate and safer choice. The bottom of our pools have a solid yet porous base, which will allow in the worst conditions for water to “float” the liner. This defense mechanism ensures the pool structure is unharmed. With a fiberglass pool a similar situation would likely result in cracking or heaving of the pool out of the ground. Keep in mind, these are rare occurrences, but that is why we have chosen to stay with a proven commodity for this region. Each of these product options has advantages, but in our neck of the woods we believe in the benefits of the vinyl-lined pool. Over 3000 success stories can’t be wrong.
Hello. My name is Drew Chandler, and I am the Inground Pool Coordinator for Eastgate Pools. When you purchase an inground pool, I will be your primary contact throughout the construction process, which means that you will benefit from both my experience and expertise in pool construction, so anytime you have a question or concern, I am the person who can address it. My primary concern is the structural integrity of your pool, and this quite literally begins with a good foundation. I will therefore meet with you prior to starting your job to review the process, learn your wishes and assess the specific requirements of your yard. Once underway, you will see me frequently on your project and may rely on me to schedule and coordinate all of Eastgate Pools’ crews and materials. Upon completion, I will meet with you to review the operation and maintenance of your new pool, and afterwards should questions arise, I am happy to assist. I understand that an inground pool is one of the largest purchases you are likely to make, and I hope you’ll consider me your partner in the endeavor to make sure it is a successful one.
Pre-Season Pricing On Inground Swimming Pools
Are you waiting to realize your dream of having an inground pool as close as your own back yard just because it’s February, and summer’s sweltering heat seems worlds away? Well, let’s consider some good reasons to pursue your dream today. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start. Buying today places you early in our schedule so you can beat the summer rush, and that means the most possible swim time for you and your family. It also gives you plenty of chance to preen your pool landscaping during ideal growing conditions, giving you a beautiful back yard oasis in time for the swim season. And by getting the jump on your neighbors, you will also get the most for your money by taking advantage of our pre-season pricing. With all the benefits you receive by considering your inground pool now, why wait any longer? It all begins with a call – let us help!
Almost Time To Open Your Pool!
I know you think I am crazy saying this with 4 to 8 inches of snow on the ground, but it’s right around the corner!! I am sure most of you are sick of looking at that winter cover and wish you could start enjoying you pool again. People always ask me when should we open the pool. Honestly, that is up to you!! We have opened pools as early as March 1st and as late as July 1st. It is never too early or late to get your pool up and running!! At Eastgate Pools and Spas, we are your pool opening experts. Call in today to get that date you are looking for. Dates fill up fast, so call Tim or Brian to schedule your appointment. Just as a reminder our service hours are M-F 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm and Sunday we are off, but the store is open if you need assistance
Winter Wonderland
The snow is falling and over the last week or so it has just kept piling up on the pool covers here at the store. The big thing to remember with heavy snow like this is to keep an eye on the level of water in your pool. As more weight pushes down on your winter cover it will force water out of your pool, and in turn add more stress to the cover itself. If the level of your pool is good you won’t have to worry about it but if you have had a slow leak over the winter you will need to take action. An aboveground pool is strongest when the water is at the proper level and if your pool level is below half of normal you may want to loosen up your cover. If the water level is extremely low in your pool you might want to think about dropping your winter cover into the pool. I know that this is a pain and when you go to open your pool in the spring it will be a mess, but it might just save your pool from collapse.
Thomas
Come See Us At The Northern Kentucky Home & Remodeling Showcase!
February 5-7 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington Kentucky. Our resident in-ground expert, Craig Weaver, will be there to discuss new pool construction. He will also be happy to help you with any questions you might have about an existing pool or spa.
Northern Kentucky has always been a great market for Eastgate Pools & Spas and we are thrilled to set up house for a weekend at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
Craig has six FREE entry tickets for the first three couples to stop in at the store and ask for them. (Limit 2 free tickets per couple). First come-first serve.
Buying An Inground Pool . . . In The Winter?
That is right! We are here all year round, ready to help you figure out just the right pool for your backyard. All too often customers let the thought slip to the back of their mind because the weather isn’t that warm at the moment. As soon as the weather breaks the phone starts ringing…a lot! There is nothing I hate worse than having to tell someone that they will have to wait a few months to even start the pool because they waited just a little too long to make the installation list. Please don’t hesitate come in and sit down with us so we can help you build your very own backyard oasis. Even a rainy spring won’t prevent you from swimming this year, because you will be ahead of the curve. - Craig
Liner Rehangs
Never to early to start thinking about putting a new Inground Liner in. We are taking deposits for next year. Why not get a jump on everyone else and get that early install date you were looking for. Maybe you were putting it off because you were trying to get one more year out of the patched liner or it is faded so much that you do not recognize the color anymore. Let Eastgate Pools and Spas bring your pool back to life. You will love the NEW look it gives your pool. Stop in to see our great selection of liners and while you are looking we can give you a quote as well. We are you Liner Replacement experts!! – Service
Leaves On Your Winter Cover?
Here is a money saving idea for all pool customers. I know that this is not the time of year that you typically look at your pool but here is an idea that may save you some money in the long run. With the leaves off of the trees and if the weather is being co-operative, take a few minutes to remove the leaves from the cover. If you purchased a leaf cover this would be a good time to pull it back and get the lions share of this seasons leaves off of the cover. If there is no leaf cover on the pool you will need to use your leaf net. The advantage of taking the leaves off of the cover right now is that you will remove a significant amount of weight, and stress from the winter cover. By reducing the weight and stress you will lengthen the tensile strength of the cover, in the same fashion as removing the excess water from the cover surface. – Chris
As Of This Week
I have just been informed that we will be closing the inground pool, here at the store, in the very near future. As a result we will have an actual safety cover on the pool that will double as a demo for everyone to see. So if you have any questions regarding safety covers or have ever considered one for your pool we at Eastgate Pools would be more than happy to help. Come see if a safety cover is for you.
How To Give Your Winter Cover Long Life
1. Keep it pumped off. A 24’ pool has approximately 275 gallons of water per inch. This is over ONE TON of water. This is about the maximum you want. Don’t let that build to 4-6 inches.
2. Don’t drain you pool down a foot or so. If you do, there will be great stress where the cover goes over the top rail or the coping. It will start to unravel. Visit our web site or come to the store for free information on how you can winterize your pool without throwing away all that good water.
3. If you have an above ground pool, do NOT hang sand or water-filled chlorine jugs from the grommets. The intense pressure at the grommets will rip the grommets out and fray the cover. The psi is just too much. Use a winter seal wrap instead.
Don’t take the cover out of the box—don’t use it. JUST KIDDING!! If you don’t cover the pool for the winter you will have the mother of all messes. Some people say they don’t cover their pools because “…covers just don’t last.” Could it be because they practice the bad habits listed above? –Max
Winterizing Reminders For Filters and Pumps
Filters and pumps have drain plugs. Take them out and LEAVE THEM OUT. One of the big mistakes people make is that they take plugs out to drain the filter or pump and then put them back in when they think all the water is gone. WRONG!!!! Water will continue to settle to the bottom of a filter and it only takes an inch or so to make a substantial expansion point when it freezes. This causes the exploding tank syndrome and that is never covered by warranty.
I would also recommend that if you live in areas where there is an extremely high calcium level (Highland County, Southeast Indiana, Oxford, etc) you consider emptying the sand filter every fall. Yes, I know it may be overkill and a pain in the caboose but calcium frequently gets filtered out and collects inside the tank. It hardens and doesn’t allow water to drain properly. Let’s see—$15-$20 for new sand or several hundred for a new filter…???
As for the pump and motor, these are usually very easy to take inside for the winter but if you do choose to leave it outside, take those plugs out. The same goes for chlorinators. –Max