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.
Billiard Table Cloth
You can dramatically increase the life of your table’s cloth simply by changing ends when you break. Alternate ends when you break and the cloth will not wear as badly. Also, brush the table frequently. No only does this help keep the table clean, it restores the cloth’s pile or nap and keeps the balls running true. — Max
It Almost Here
Don’t look at the thermometer, or the weather forecast, but check out the calender. The Groundhog says that spring 6 weeks away, and now is the time to plan for spring projects. One question that we hear quite a bit referring to spas is questions about the deck, and how strong it has to be to support a spa. Standard 2″x8″ joists set at 16″ on center is generally acceptable for most spas. Make sure to check with the salesperson that the spa you are looking at is a fully framed system. With a fully framed spa the weight is distributed evenly throughout the entire footprint of the spa, much like a waterbed frame. If however this is not the case and the spa is not fully framed there will need to be special accommodations made to carry the weight of the spa, as the bulk of the weight will be located in the footwell area of the spa. Make sure to check with a spa salesperson prior to construction of a deck, or running electric as different manufacturers have different wiring requirements. It is much better, and less expensive, to have the information in front of you prior to construction as opposed to having to undo and redo what has been done.
UGH Get Off Of Me!
This is what your spa cover is saying after the last round of snow and ice. The beauty of a spa cover is that it is a great insulator, and like the failed McDLT sandwich it keeps the hot side hot and the cold side cold. The problem with this is that it allows snow to build up on the cover, and by the snow building the weight also builds. At my house I only got about 4 inches of snow, but also a 1/4″ of ice first. The weight of the ice and wet snow puts a tremendous strain on the spa cover, and can cause serious damage. I wish that I didn’t have to write this, but we do live in Cincinnati and volatile weather is a fact of life. Long and short is this any snowfall, especially wet snow, puts weight on a cover and can cause damage and there is only one way to prevent damage-Remove the snow as soon as you are able.
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
I’m Soaking In WHAT?!
Just obtain a spa from a friend? Just find a killer deal on a used spa in a local listing? Here’s a friendly tip – clear out the lines before you soak in the tub for the first time! Even if the surface of the spa is spotless, oftentimes things can remain in the lines in the various bends and twists. If your
spa is used, it is very likely that remnants off of the previous owners are lurking in the lines. The second you fill up the spa and turn it on, the waste from the previous owners will be introduced into your “fresh” spa water. Sounds gross right? Right. Fortunately, there is hope! There is a product we sell called Swirl Away. Fill up the tub, add the proper amount of Swirl Away and let it run. This chemical will get rid of all the unwanted waste and buildup in your lines without hurting the spa. Drain the spa, scrub down the surface, and you’re set! You can now rest assured that the next time you fill your spa and soak in the nice, relaxing, warm water, you won’t be bathing in someone else’s gunk! – Stacey
Winter Hot Tub Check
I like using my hot tub when it is cold. The colder the better! I also know that there are those out there that don’t use it when it gets real cold. If you are one of these people and you’re awaiting a warm-up before you jump back in, keep an eye on your tub. The ‘out of sight – out of mind’ philosophy is a bad practice. Every day or so, lift the cover and make sure there hasn’t been a malfunction. You don’t want a big ice cube inside. And assuming it will warm back up, keep your chemistry in line. This way you can jump back in on short notice. –Max
A Frog You Want In YOur Spa
For users of the Nature 2 system, we now carry the Frog Stick. The Frog Stick is similar to Nature 2 in that they are both mineral disinfectant systems, yet the Frog is compatible with Bromine, Chlorine and Oxidizer while the Nature 2 system is not compatible with Bromine. If you are currently using the Nature 2 system you will be happy to know that the Frog Stick works in a very similar manner as Nature 2, you simply insert the Frog Stick into the filter cartridge core (or into the skimmer well of some spas) and allow it to go to work for the next four months. The Frog Stick works together with lower levels of bromine or chlorine for a much more enjoyable spa experience.
Dazzling Demo Deals
It’s the time of year when you can save some serious cabbage—cash that is!
We have great deals on demo hot tubs. Our manufacturers do the same thing every year. They change one or two things on several models and force us to sell off existing in-stock units. Then we buy the new model and they’re happy. Well, this is your change to maximize the savings and get a demo or ‘closeout’ model. We have quite a few and you can THOUSAND dollars on some of them. Hint: They go quickly. –Max
The Battle Of The Scum Line
A constant complaint we hear from our spa customers is the issue of the never-ending battle against scum lines on their tub. The dirty truth is that YOU are creating that scum. Oils off your body, makeup, lotions…you name it, they all contribute to that beautiful scum line. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can prevent it. First of all, shower off before you soak in the spa. By washing away many of the days dirt and grime, along with a lot of the oils on your skin, you can help reduce the amount of “scum” introduced in your spa. Second, check your weekly chemical routine for a clarifier. Oftentimes, clarifiers can actually make that scum line worse because of their oily consistency. If those two tips still don’t work then we have a couple products on our shelves that can help you out. The first thing is our SunSorb. This is a foam cutout of a sun that you can float in your spa. It will do a great job absorbing a lot of the oils in the water that create the scum. You can simply set it on the side when your tub is in use so it does not get in your way. The best thing about this particular item is that you can actually reuse it! Rinse it out really well with running water and throw it back in the spa for another use. Our other product you can use is called Spa Pizazz. This is a natural enzyme that, when added weekly, will do wonders for your spa water. Not only will it cut back on the scum line, it will actually keep your water clearer. A small amount added once a week will work miracles. Just remember not to add too much! A little will go a long way, and in this instance, too much can have the opposite effect that you want. Any of these tips should greatly help you win the frustrating battle against your scum line. -Stacey
How To Spot Quality
It’s that time of year where game tables become a hot commodity once again. I would say our biggest seller, other than a pool table, is the infamous air hockey table. The tricky thing about game tables is that often times it is difficult to spot quality. Sure, you want a table to look pretty, but if you want your table to last you’ll need to look for more than just aesthetics. First and foremost you want a good, durable playing surface. Tables with a smooth, thick surface will allow for your optimal game experience. The smooth surface will allow the puck to glide easier across the table, while the thick top will provide a more durable table with less chance of warping. Air distribution is also a very important factor to consider. A table with air channels will provide the most even distribution of the air through the holes in the surface. This will help keep the puck from getting stuck in bad spots on the table, allowing it to glide even easier across the surface. Finally, you want to make sure the structure of the table itself is sturdy enough to sustain hours of vigorous play! We have plenty of quality options here at Eastgate Pools at many different price points. Please feel free to stop in and ask for our help in picking out the right table for your family. We’ll even let you test it out for free! -Stacey
Re-filling Your Hottub
Procrastinators rejoice, for those that are just like me and try to put things off until the absolute last minute, that time may be approaching. We still are getting a few days, here and there of warm weather. With that being said is it time to drain and re-fill your spa? At Eastgate Pools we recommend that this be done every 3-4 months depending on usage. If you are within or approaching this window now would be a good time to take care of this before the harsh portion of the winter. Just remember if you are draining it make sure to re-fill and re-start it immediately as to not run the risk of running into adverse weather and having to deal with frozen pipe problems.
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.