Our Favorite Pool Accessories

Summer is in full swing here in Austin, which means the temperatures are above 100º and the kids are bored. Thankfully, you have an in ground pool to keep everyone busy and cooled off. At Crystal Clear Pools and Spas, we specialize in pool renovations from the smallest job to a complete remodel. However, sometimes all you need are a few accessories to change the look and function of your pool, as well as a few toys to keep it fun and fresh.

Pool Lighting: Most pools are equipped with lights so you can swim in the dusk and early morning, or if you simply want to add ambiance to your backyard in the evening. If you are looking to add a splash of color or a fun conversation starter for your next pool party– try some floating lights. There are many choices of floating lights available for both above ground and in ground pools. Our favorite are these Jellyfish Floating Lights that illuminate vibrant colors on the pool’s surface as well as underwater.

Pool Toys: From basketball hoops to water guns to volleyball nets – there is no shortage of pool toys to choose from. Our favorite is the Floating Table Tennis set. Not only does the table float, but so does the paddle and ball. It’s a great way to keep your kids entertained or to add a some healthy competition to your next pool party.

Pool Alarm: Not all pool accessories are fun – sometimes they are just Functional. If you don’t have an alarm on your pool, we urge you to consider purchasing one. There are many types of pool alarms; ones that attach to the gate of your pool or exterior door, wristbands for kids and pets, or in ground pool alarms. In addition to a pool alarm, we certainly recommend taking other safety precautions such a lockable fence and a pool cover.

Pool Accessory Organizer: Now that you have a lot of pool accessories, it’s time to keep them organized. There are many pool organizers out there such as benches, boxes, and buckets. Our favorite, however, are hanging mesh organizers which saves floor space and allows the water to drain so the toys dry quickly.

Pool Fencing: We often hear that ‘Good Fences Make Good Neighbors’, but at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas, we believe that ‘Good Fences Make Safer Pools’. Our final favorite accessory is pool fencing. Fencing can be easily installed by a pool professional and can prevent children and pets from getting into the pool unsupervised. There are a variety of fences to choose from: Mesh, Wrought-Iron, Vinyl, and Glass. We love the modern look of glass which renders the fence almost invisible, however can be difficult to keep clean. Regardless what material you choose, fencing in your pool is the best investment you can make.

Swim Your Way to Good Health

There is certainly no shortage of outdoor activities to keep active and fit here in Austin, however, with the hottest month of the year approaching, it is getting difficult to enjoy many of those activities. There is one outdoor workout that will keep you physically fit and can be enjoyable in this heat – swimming!

Here are four reasons why swimming is the perfect workout:

NO WEIGHT LIMIT
Swimming is a perfect workout for people of all sizes as it is easy on the joints and an effective way to burn fat. A 300-pound person will burn about 470 calories in 30 minutes of moderate lap swimming. Doing this five days a week, even with no dietary changes, will burn about half a pound of fat.

INEXPENSIVE
Forget the expensive gym memberships. While not everyone has an inground pool in their backyard, finding one to use doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many public pools available with low entrance fee, as well as local organizations such as the YMCA for little to no cost.

NO AGE LIMIT
Swimming is a wonderful activity for both kids and adults. By making it a family affair, the kids can have a great time while you get in a workout. Additionally, you will set a great example of health and fitness for your children. Encourage them to swim laps, have races, dive for rings, or toss around a ball.

IT CAN SAVE LIVES
Regular exercise has been shown to prolong one’s life. Aerobic exercise promotes oxygen delivery to the muscles, which prevents inflammation, reduces the risk of heart disease, blood pressure, and diabetes. Additionally, knowing how to swim will reduce your own risk of drowning and allow you to maybe save someone else’s life one day.

If you are interested in having your own backyard in ground pool, let Crystal Clear Pools & Spas give you a free quote and you will be swimming your way to good health in no time!

Why You Should Own a Backyard Pool

People often ask us the benefits of owning an inground pool. There are of course plenty of things to consider when deciding to purchase a pool, for example, safety, cost of installation, and ongoing maintenance. Most people consider a swimming pool to be a luxury – much like a boat, ATV, or a motorhome. However, for those Pool owners who use their pools consistently, they will tell you that the non-financial benefits most certainly outweigh the overall cost. Here are some benefits you will enjoy when owning a backyard pool:

Convenience: Forget about packing three bags full of towels, snacks, sunscreen, and drinks, only to drive ten minutes to go swimming. Instead, conveniently walk out to your backyard and be swimming in a matter of minutes.

Family Time: You can’t put a price on spending quality time with family. A backyard swimming pool allows conversations, laughs, and making memories. It will force your kids to put down their electronic devices and hang out with Mom and Dad for a while.

Relaxation: While the kids are at school, take some time to relax poolside. Read a book, listen to music, or meditate. Lounge in the pool with a floating bed and take in some Vitamin D (just don’t forget the sunscreen).

Health: As we mentioned in a previous post, swimming is a perfect way to get exercise outdoors. Swimming is low-impact and works many different muscle groups at the same time. Why spend time driving to a gym or money on a membership, when you can get a full-body workout in your own backyard?

Entertaining: Neighborhood BBQ’s, birthday parties, Dive In Movies – the options are as endless as your imagination. With a backyard pool, your house will most definitely be the fun place to hang out.

Yard Work: With less grass to trim and weeds to pull, you can spend a lot less time doing yard work and more time playing in your pool!

Preparing Your Pool For a Storm

Austin is nothing short of unpredictable. One minute we are complaining of the record heat, and the next minute we are in the middle of an unexpected flash-flood. Did you know that Texas ranks near the top of the nation in weather-related property damage each year? At Crystal Clear Pools & Spas, we want to make sure your pool and spa is prepared for the next big storm.

Should I Drain My Pool Before a Big Storm?

It’s understandable to be concerned of overflow and potential flooding of your pool when expecting a huge rainstorm. However, a properly installed pool will come equipped with an overflow system that will drain excess water. If you want to slightly empty the water level, be certain to lower it no more than two feet, otherwise, the hydrostatic pressure can be too strong, possibly causing the pool to ‘pop’ out of the ground.

Should I Turn off the Power to the Pool Equipment?

In short – Yes. More specifically, storms most often damage pool pumps and motors, so it’s important to turn off the circuit breaker to the pump, motor, lights, etc. In fact, it’s often best to completely remove the motor and ensure it’s securely placed away from the storm.

Should I Bring In My Pool Equipment?

Not only will severe weather damage your pool equipment, but more importantly, your pool equipment can damage your property. Objects that can get swept up in the wind, such as toys, gardening equipment, and pool equipment and cause damage to your windows or even your neighbors home.

The Storm Has Passed – Now What?

After the storm it is important to do some cleanup before getting back into your pool. Check out our blog post When it Rains Cats & Dogs for a complete comprehensive list of storm clean up procedures. Most importantly, call Crystal Clean Pools & Spas and we will come out and clean your pool, balance the chemicals, and assess the electrical system.

Winterizing Your Texas Pool

The kids are back in school, the mornings are darker, and the evenings are cooler – it must be Fall. We are lucky enough to live in the great state of Texas, where we don’t have to worry about cooler temperatures for quite a while. However, even though we don’t technically have “winter”, it is important to begin the process of Pool Winterization. During the cooler months, most Austinites rarely use their pool, but want the pool ready for that one January day when the temperature reaches 70 degrees.

At Crystal Clear Pools & Spas, we are often asked, “If I’m going to use my pool year-round, why should I winterize it?” The reason is because the temperature will most certainly fall below freezing during the winter months, which could cause your pipes to freeze. Additionally, partially winterizing your in ground pool will save money on utility expenses, as well as pool supplies and maintenance.

Here are some tips for winterizing your Texas pool:

•  Remove all dirt, leaves, and other debris from skimmer baskets  Clean the filter
•  Check your pump to ensure it is in working order and consider adding a freeze sensor that will start up your equipment when the temperature falls below freezing
• Check your pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels and adjust to correct levels. After balancing, shock the pool with either chlorine or non-chlorine pool shock. During the winter months, your pool will get much less sun due to the shorter days, which means less algae, and therefore less chemicals (saving you money on your supply and maintenance costs).

While it may seem like a good idea to winterize your inground pool yourself to save some money, if done improperly, damages to your pump or heater can cost anywhere from $400 to $1000. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and hire a licensed pool professional. Contact Crystal Clear Pools & Spa and ask about our winterization packages. We will take care of everything, so all you have to do is swim!

How a Spa Benefits Your Health

Are you considering installing a spa with your in-ground pool? Many people are unaware of the many benefits a spa pool can provide. For centuries, people have used heat and water as a healing remedy, however, even after years of study, physicians and therapists are only beginning to understand the mental and physical benefits that warm water hydrotherapy can provide. Here are just some of the benefits of owning a backyard spa:

Pain Relief: Warm water stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, which can reduce tension and alleviate pain. It also increases blood flow, which helps to heal damaged cells.

Stress Relief: After a stressful day, there is no better remedy than escaping into your own backyard spa. The buoyancy reduces body weight relieving pressure on joints, which will allow the body to enjoy a full state of relaxation.

Better Sleep: Studies have shown that spending ten minutes in a spa pool before bed will help your body and mind to transition into sleep. In addition to the stress and pain relief previously mentioned, the shift in temperature can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. This will not only help to fall asleep more quickly, but to also stay asleep.

Lowers Blood Pressure: In addition to simply feeling more relaxed, there is a more scientific reason why spending time in a spa can reduce your blood pressure. The heart is constantly working to keep your body’s temperature warm. Once the hot water raises the core temperature, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, therefore lowering the blood pressure.

Year Round Use: A spa can be used year-round, and in fact is most commonly used in the winter. Often times colder weather can exacerbate joint pain making the heat therapy even more necessary. Additionally, some people experience a higher rate of depression in the winter months, and the endorphins released with hydrotherapy can help to improve those symptoms.

If you are ready to take advantage of the many health benefits of owning a backyard spa, contact Crystal Clear Pools & Spas in Austin, TX to see our spa gallery, and ask how we can customize a spa just for you.

Top 5 Smartphone Swimming and Pool Apps

At Crystal Clear Pools & Spas in Austin, we believe there is no substitution for trained and licensed pool cleaning professionals. However, we found five smartphone apps that provide interesting information for both swimmers and pool owners, as well as helpful tips to utilize between our cleaning services:

1) FitVideo Swimming: This App offers video tutorials of swimming strokes, drills, and workouts. FitVideo also allows you to chat within the application and share thoughts, techniques, and other tips with other users.

2) Swim University: This app provides content and tutorials on subjects such as pool & spa, filter & cleaning, as well maintenance. Here you will find the following categories:

- Swimming Pools
- Hot Tubs & Spas
- How-to-Videos
- Buying Guide

3) Pool Calculator: While there is no replacement for a certified pool professional – the “Pool Calculator” app will help you to balance the chemistry of your pool water between services.

4) Pool Genius: This intuitive app will help you weigh the pros and cons of a salt vs. chlorine pool system. Additionally, it has a pool volume calculator and tips for maintenance and renovation projects.

5) Pool Doctor: This app will assist you with your chlorine, bromine, salt, pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. It will also display readings that apply to your pool type and will save treatment records.

While these apps can be fun and informative, it’s important to call an Austin in ground pool professional. At Crystal Clear Pools and Spas, we do more than maintenance and repair – for over 15 years, we have specialized in:

-Plaster and aggregate surface renovation
-Modifying design and layout
-Deck removal and replacement
-Adding lighting, diving boards, and slides.
-Plumbing and equipment installation
-Tile renovation

Take all of the guess-work out of maintaining your pool and contact us today!