In the sweltering summer sun, pool water can reach temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above. While a pool can be a cool respite from the heat, hot swimming water (similar to a hot tub) is undesirable for most people. Thankfully, there are several quick-and-easy ways to lower your pool temperature this summer. Read on to discover some suggestions below.

Aerators
Cheap and easy, these attachments plug or screw into the side of your pool. They work by using return water from the pump to spray a fountain of water back into the pool. These tiny droplets of water have air in them as they are sprayed, allowing heat to escape more quickly by evaporation. If your pool temperature is at 94 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, you can expect it to decrease to roughly 90 degrees Fahrenheit with an aerator installed.

Fountain and Waterfall
Similar in concept to an aerator, these water features lower temperature by increasing air bubbles, thus encouraging evaporation. Decorative in appearance, these can also increase the value of your pool area by a few notches by improving the overall aesthetic.

Evening Pump
Running the pump at night will amplify the effects of aerators and fountains. The cooler temperature drop in the air will help to lower the water temperature more efficiently when the sun isn’t working against you. Even without an aerator or fountain, running the pool pump overnight will help circulate the water and release some heat into the cool evening air.

Solar Panels
While these are primarily purchased to heat a pool, they can also be used to cool water temperatures. Instead of letting water pass through the panels during the daytime, use them while running the pump at night to take advantage of the lower temperatures. Solar panels can be used in addition to other methods listed to further enhance cooling effects.

Pool Coolers
These dedicated “air conditioners” for your pool transfer heat with help from fans and refrigerants. Once cooled, the water is then pumped back into the pool. Most pools change between 10 to 15 degrees after a pool cooler is used. Temperature controls are useful to find the perfect comfort level.

Shade
A tried-and-true method of staying cool and out of the sun, shading a pool typically involves tall trees. Unfortunately, those trees are also associated with extra cleaning issues such as tree debris (leaves, pollen, etc.) that might fall into the water. Other options for shade include canopies or another physical structure that provides shade over the pool.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), roughly ten people die from drowning every day in the United States (not including boating accidents.) Water safety should be top of mind if you own – or are around – a pool this summer to avoid drowning disasters.

The Pool Safely campaign encourages people to follow six steps to remain safe in or near water. The steps include:

1. Never leave a child unattended in or near water
2. Teach children how to swim
3. Teach children to stay away from drains
4. Ensure all pools have compliant drain covers
5. Install proper barriers, alarms, and covers
6. Know how to perform CPR

Over 75,000 adults and kids have signed the Pool Safely Pledge. Take the Pledge and get a free Pool Safely Toolkit. The USA Swimming Foundation reported almost 90 children younger than the age of 15 drowned in a pool or spa from January through May 2018.

• Every year roughly 19 children drown during the 4^th of July holiday
• 74 percent of drowning incidents occurred in residential locations
• 351 children younger than 15 died in pools and spas during 2015
• Emergency departments treat around 6,400 pool and spa injuries in children younger than 15 every year

To avoid accidental drowning, keep the following tips in mind:

• Don’t go near water unless you know how to swim
• Never swim alone
• Learn CPR
• Stay calm if caught in a current or swim parallel to shore
• Swim with lifeguard supervision
• Don’t roughhouse in pools
• No diving in unfamiliar areas
• Avoid alcohol as it is involved in about half of all male teen drownings
• Wear life jackets to ensure water safety

Call the pool renovation experts at Pound Pool Plastering today to make sure your pool is ready to go this swim season.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

It’s almost pool season! If you’re hoping to remodel this spring or fall, here’s what to expect. Pool contractors commonly map out their estimated start and completion dates to organize schedules and manage expectations. Read on to review a general timetable for the pool remodeling process.

Draining
A pump is placed in the bottom of the pool attached to a hose leading out to the street. Depending on the size of your pool, the draining process can take anywhere between six to 12 hours. A loud “slurping” sound might erupt when the pool is totally drained. In this case, unplug the pump from the outlet.

Chipping
The pool’s old surface is removed, primed, and tiled if the owner requested it. Getting the pool prepped correctly is imperative to the job. This process takes roughly four to six hours, depending on the crew.

Tiling
Typically, homeowners select the tile they would like in their pool. After finalizing the homeowner’s selection, the tiles are laid, grouted, and set. The entire process takes roughly a day or two, depending on the pool size. If a plaster finish has been requested, the tile trims are added on the last day.

Surfacing
Pebble and plaster are mixed to the correct consistency and then pumped into the swimming pool using large hoses. The hand-troweling application takes roughly four to six hours.

Pebbling
An acid wash over the pool surface ensures the pebble application is complete. After this step, which only takes a couple of hours, the filling process can begin.

Watering
Water is added to the pool once the pebble acid wash and plaster are in place. The water must reach halfway up the tile line (or skimmer opening) before the water is turned off. If the water flow is stopped before the pool is entirely full, water lines will form on the inside of the pool. The owner should ensure the tap is left open until the pool is filled. This takes between 12 to 48 hours.

Balancing
Depending on whether the pool is plaster or pebble, it will take either a few hours or a few days to complete this chemical-balancing step. Plaster is more sensitive, which means the owner will need to monitor the water’s pH level to ensure it remains acidic.

Looking to get your pool remodeled? Contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering today.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

You might think robotic pool cleaners are a thing of the future, but actually, they have been around for quite a while. These powerful little machines suck up small and large debris. They don’t attach to your pool circulation system or rely on your pool filter; rather, they run on electricity by themselves.

Robotic pool cleaners navigate through the pool, scrubbing walls and floors with tiny brushes. They vacuum everything from small insects to acorns. Some models can even clean the waterline around the pool.  A built-in bag/cartridge holds debris. Since they filter and clean the water, pool robots are considered a secondary pool filter. As water is sucked in, debris is collected in a filter that removes up to two microns for a superiorly clean pool.

Running on low voltage, robotic pool cleaners are submersible. They have extremely long power cords that should only be plugged into Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which automatically shut off if any electrical imbalance is detected. Certain models are double insulated, meaning they are designed to work safely without the grounding prong. To ensure you don’t get shocked, only use GFCI outlets around water sources.

So, what features should you look for if you are in the market for a robotic pool cleaner? Here are ten suggestions:

Weight: Make sure you can lift it in-and-out of the pool with ease.

Tires: Wide rubber tires and four-wheel drive capabilities help the robot traverse over bumps.

Cord: Since cords can easily tangle, make sure it’s a swivel cord to enable proper movement.

Brushes: Seek robots with hard-bristle brushes or multiple rotating brushes that can scrub well.

Timer: Programmable timers are a breeze – set it and forget it.

Terrain: Ensure the robotic pool cleaner can climb the sides, waterline, or stairs with ease.

Sensors: Deflecting features help prevent the robot from getting stuck in a corner or on obstacles.

Efficiency: Cleaning cycles should be moderate, and multiple cycle options are ideal.

Durability: Read the warranty before using your cleaner, so you know what to do if it fails.

Energy: Try to avoid models that use more than 1,000 watts per hour as they can be expensive to operate over time.

For all of your pool renovation needs, contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering today.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

When planning your dream pool, it’s imperative to take size, aesthetics, and practicalities into account. What is your primary purpose of the pool? How much space will you need surrounding the water? How will you access it? These are just a few common questions one should ask and consider when preparing to build a pool.

Regardless of your overall pool design, pavers are a powerful aspect of your aesthetics, as they showcase a certain beauty, finish, and durability to stand up to weather conditions. Paver colors should not clash; instead, they should complement the pool’s interior. Consider all other features of your pool and ensure the colors pair well with each other. Your pool should seamlessly blend in with the pavers, landscaping, house exterior materials, and surrounding pool extras such as chairs.

Undoubtedly, pavers surrounding a pool will be heavily trekked on; therefore, it’s a no-brainer that they should be durable. Keep in mind they will have chlorine or saltwater splashed on them regularly, so remember to choose stones that won’t erode easily. Leaves and other elements (such as fruit from trees or fecal matter from animals) will also find their way on the pavers. Pool chemicals, sunscreen, juice, wine, etc., will probably also be accidentally spilled. Ensure you choose pavers that can withstand those circumstances and stand the test of time through weather patterns such as extreme sun, rain, snow, and wind.

Having slippery pavers is dangerous and can be hazardous to your family and guests. While choosing pavers for your pool, make sure the non-slip rating is high: aim for P4 or P5.

Marble: This beautiful, light-colored stone has many advantages and is relatively popular. Marble is hard and will last for years. Heat is no match for marble; it is ideal for smoldering summers.

Limestone: Regardless of the conditions, limestone is a fairly solid bet. Its earthy color makes it suitable for an outdoor environment. Heavy foot traffic is no match for this tough stone; it’s also available in various colors and textures, making it a popular choice.

Bluestone: Hard and dense; this is also known as basalt. Naturally salt-resistant, bluestone is a practical option for pool paving. It’s durable and versatile – and available in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors.

Granite: Naturally non-slip, this stone is ideal for pools. It’s elegant, contemporary, and extremely dense. Granite is a popular choice as it has a speckled finish, so it can easily disguise stains. It’s also low-porous, which means you can hose it down easily.

Need help deciding which natural stone best suits your needs? Contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering today.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Designing a pool takes roughly eight to twelve weeks on average. Winter will turn to spring before we know it; by then, it will be a primetime season for pool building. If you are planning on having a pool built, it’s best to start that process now. But just how does it all work? Read on for the details.

Design: 1 to 4 weeks
Whether you already had a pool or want to build something brand-new and fresh, it’s a good idea to meet with a pool designer to review your overall vision. With innovations in 3D modeling technology, your dream backyard pool will be a reality in no time.

Permits: 2 to 6 weeks
Most cities, townships, and counties require residential building permits before construction can begin on an inground pool. Permits are meant to communicate that you are building safely and legally. Neighbors, city officials, and local professionals can rest assured the project is being completed according to the law. It can take one to six weeks to process forms, wait times, and gain permit approval.

Excavation: 1 week
Access to the dig site can be restricted by utility lines or other challenges. The overall digging process, once cleared, will only take one or two days. During busier seasons, pool excavators might be backed up with other customers who scheduled before you. Even more reason why you should start planning sooner than later.

Rough materials: 1- 2 weeks
The steel, plumbing, and electrical will all need to be routed to accommodate your design. Your lighting, water features, spas, and overall system will need to be considered. Depending on the size and complexity of the pool, these materials are essential for the overall aesthetic.

Pool interior: 1 to 3 weeks
Vinyl, fiberglass, gunite, diamond brite, etc., are vital aspects of the pool’s interior. Crews might need to be scheduled for installation and plastering. After everything is set, it might take some time for the materials to cure.

Landscaping: 1 to 4 weeks
Decks, landscaping, and other custom features consisting of water or lighting can take a couple of weeks to finalize. Depending on the number of features you are looking to add, the process can be shorter or longer.

Looking to remodel or refresh your pool? Contact the professionals at Pound Pool Plastering today.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Maintaining your pool during the winter is important so that you may gain the full enjoyment of its pleasures during the peak-season. Taking care of your pool throughout the off-season will not only save you money but prevents any damage due to freezing temperatures or contaminated water. Preserve your investment and protect your swimming pool from winter damage. After properly winterizing your pool, make these steps part of your routine to keep it in tip-top shape.

Pool covers are necessary to protect them from snow, debris, insects, and animals. To keep your pool cover in working order:

• Ensure your cover is securely attached and insulated: inflate the air pillow, tighten the cable, secure cover clips, make sure water blocks/bags are secured, etc.
• Remove debris and water from the pool cover. Plant debris, leaves, and twigs can be removed with a hose. Use a vacuum to remove any excess water.
• Be sure to remove snow using rakes to pull or push snow off of the pool cover. Any extra weight can cause damage, especially to above-ground pools. The best option is to remove snow while it’s still fresh and hasn’t frozen to the cover.

Pool parts are quickly forgotten as they are tucked out of sight in the off-season. All parts need periodic maintenance to keep them running efficiently, no matter the geographical location. To keep your pool parts like new:

• Check your pool pump, filter, and heater periodically to verify they are in proper working order. These parts can be expensive down the road, so it’s best to catch any issues early before they get worse.
• Ensure all excess water has been removed while analyzing your pool parts. Freezing water can expand in pipes, causing significant cracks and problems.

Winter pool chemistry is key to a clean swimming pool, as many people do not entirely drain them for the winter season. Balanced water prevents algae, bacteria, waterlines, and decontamination. It is worth balancing your pool chemistry during the winter months, helping make the opening process much more efficient. Potential health risks can be avoided by keeping a clean and decontaminated pool.

To properly maintain your pool water:

• When not in use, check your pool chemistry every two months. Algae and bacterial growth can occur if the pool water is not balanced.
• All pool chemicals from the previous season should be discarded, as they lose their potency.
• Enzyme products help break down non-living contaminates and prevent water rings from forming. When you open your pool in the spring, you won’t need to scrub your pool tile or finish.

Freeze alerts are essential to pay attention to, as leaks in pool liners or cracked pipes can be invisible during the winter months but become obvious in the spring. To save you from any potential damage:

• Consider purchasing a digital thermometer sensor to notify you of dangerous temperatures.
• Set weather alerts on your phone to be ready for the next freeze.

Taking the initiative and protecting your pool during the winter can save you time and money in the spring. For assistance with winter pool maintenance, contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering today.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The earliest public water tank in the ancient world is the Great Bath. Found in the 1920s, it existed more than 5,000 years ago in Mohenjo-Daro (a core epicenter of the Indus civilization) Pakistan. Measuring almost 40 feet by 23 feet with a depth of nearly eight feet, two sweeping staircases lead down into the pool. Its significance is unknown, but historians generally link it to ritualistic or religious bathing of sorts. The ancient city featured numerous baths (most homes had restrooms) and a complex sewage system, suggesting that cleanliness and bathing was a priority for the indigenous people.

Ancient Greeks and Romans perfected the pool landscape, as individual wealth increased and luxuries were effortlessly implemented. Beyond aesthetic and enhancement of the property, pools were also used for bathing, war training, maintaining health, religious ceremonies, socializing, and much more. “Palaestra” were ancient Greek open-court wrestling or boxing sites that usually included pools for exercising, bathing, or socializing. Plato felt that every Greek child needed to learn how to swim along with a proper education in mathematics, writing, astronomy, etc. Starting in 400 B.C., it was standard to teach children to swim in pools.

In the 1800s, the British National Swimming Society introduced competitive swimming. New swimming strokes and kicking techniques were introduced, which lead to increased speed. In 1896, the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece introduced swimming as its own event.

Texas houses one of the oldest in-ground pools in America. Deep Eddy Pool in Austin has a bathhouse built during the Depression by the Works Progress Administration. Today, it’s still a popular pool maintained by the City of Austin. It is listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1907, the first recorded above-ground swimming pool was constructed by the Philadelphia Racquet Club. It, too, is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

The first pool to cross the Atlantic Ocean was installed on the Adriatic cruise ship from White Star Lines in 1907. The sister ship, The Titanic, also boasted a pool.

Following World War II, swimming pools became mainstream in America. They can be found in nearly every country in the world. The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates more than 10 million swimming pools across America, including more than 360,000 year-round pools.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The sharp decrease in travel to exotic places with beaches or pools has caused many Americans to look elsewhere instead: their back yards.

Searches for pool and spa professionals are up three times from what they were a year ago. Sheltering-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced the high demand for home improvements and remodeling.

More than three-quarters of all U.S. homeowners have done some sort of home improvement project during the pandemic, according to a report. A majority of those homeowners who responded said they plan on starting a new project in the upcoming 12 months. They attributed the motivation to an increase in spare time, adding value to their home, and making the house more comfortable. Pools increase property values and are clean, fun spaces for the family.

Even Wall Street investors are taking note of the soaring pool industry. Poolcorp, an international distributor of swimming pool supplies, parts, and outdoor living products hit an all-time high recently, and is up over 54 percent from last year. POOL stock is on its way to have its best year since 2003.

Pool remodeling projects are expected to climb during the fall and winter months, as these are typically the busier seasons; read one of our previous blog posts to find out why.

Are you looking to remodel or redesign your pool before next season? The time is now! Contact the professionals at Pound Pool Plastering to schedule an appointment today. To read more about the pool remodeling sensation sweeping the nation, read the original article by CNBC.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

With the crisp fall breeze upon us, winter will be here before we know it. Typically, pools are closed in the late summer or early fall. The process, called winterizing, helps protect pool’s structure from costly damage related to freezing water. It’s also a great way to ensure your pool is clean and ready for next year’s season.

Read the step-by-step winterizing process below:

1. Balance water. Ensuring your pool water chemistry is correct can circumvent laborious maintenance issues when you re-open in the spring or summer. Pool testing kits are essential for this step. Levels such as pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and more are crucial to assess. Incorrect chemical imbalances can lead to corrosion, effect comfortability, and promote algae growth. Winterizing chemicals can help keep your pool water balanced.

• Add a shock treatment. Chlorine is critical to pool water quality by preventing algae, breaking down bacteria, and keeping the water clean and fresh. Shocking pool water consists of adding a large amount of chlorine (10 to 12 PPM), then waiting a day or two for the PPM to be a normal level (1.5 to 3.5 PPM.) For best results, shock your pool a few days before you plan on shutting it down.

• Remove/clean tools and accessories. Remove all skimmer baskets, heaters, slides, wall fittings, vacuums, pool cleaners, ladders, and handrails. Clean well, allow to dry thoroughly, and store in a secure, dry place. After removing the equipment, collect debris from the pool using a net.

• Lower the water level. Use the filter pump or submersible pump to lower the water level in the pool. It needs to be roughly four to six inches below the plumbing line, which is normally the water return line. Ensure the water is below the skimmer; the above-ground skimmer can be removed.

• Drain your pool equipment. Your pool pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator have drain plugs. Drain manually or blow water out with a Shop Vac or something similar. Wash your filter and store during the winter. If you have a chemical feeder, drain and empty it.

• Add a winter cover. Solid pool covers keep out debris, block the sun, and discourage algae growth. Air pillows fit under the cover and help to relieve pressure and protect the pool’s walls as the water freezes. Air pillows also minimize the number of leaves, debris, and water that collects in the center of your pool cover.

Have more questions about winterizing a pool? Look no further; contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering who can assist with winterizing and renovations.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.