Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Mon, Apr 30, 2012 @ 03:22 PM
It’s that time of year again!
The temperatures have started to rise, and it seems everyone is thinking about getting back into the pool. In the spirit of the season, we’ve rounded up some party tips for your first poolside event of the year…
1. Pay attention to the invitations. We love the idea of incorporating some pool gear into the invitation. The cost doesn’t have to be out of control though. Pool noodles or small water guns are affordable, but fun accessories to hand out with invitations. If you’re looking for something a little bit smaller and more manageable, some fun water-inspired graphics and colors will help your invitation pop!
2. Think about a theme. Perhaps you’re not interested in having a themed get-together, but if you are, be sure to incorporate that theme into the decorations, food, music, and the invitations. For example, you might put up some tiki torches, roast a pig and hand out leis for a backyard luau. Let your imagination run wild and be creative!
3. Come up with some games to play. From the old standbys like Marco Polo and Categories to diving sticks and water basketball, guests of any age likely will enjoy some fun pool activities. Just be sure to set aside any items you might need to play and a list of rules for the different games. Also, if you have the time, it might be fun to include some small prizes for the winners!
4. Make sure to stock some extra supplies. While your invitation probably will remind guests to bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and anything else they might need, it’s never a bad idea to have some extra items on hand (towels, goggles, a plastic bag for toting wet suits, etc.). Sunscreen is particularly important to keep in stock when spending all day in the sun!
5. Safety first. Pool party or not, you should always remember to keep the pool area safe. Some house rules like no running or rough play will help prevent injury, and a well-stocked first aid kit will be a huge help should anyone get hurt. Also, plenty of shaded areas and water will help ensure you and your guests have some relief from the summer sun.
Whatever theme you choose or games you play, one of the most important things to do in your pool this summer is to have fun!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Mar 07, 2012 @ 10:09 AM
That's right! We're on Pinterest.
If you've been online lately, you've probably heard people talking about the site. It's an electronic version of those inspiration boards so many of us made when we were younger. From crafts to quotes to vacations, boards are made to collect all sorts of dreams and ideas.
We thought it would be a fun way to collect some really neat ideas for pools and spas and outdoor areas. We've also collected a few pool party photos and recipes to use as inspiration. There are just so many great ideas!
For example, check out this awesome idea for a water-themed dessert! So cute and perfect for a pool party. We also found a fun list of games to play in the pool ... just don't play them too soon after eating!
Sure, pool season is still quite a few weeks away, but coming up with lots of fun ways to enjoy your pool is a great way to pass the time until then!
If you're already pinning away, please follow us! We'd love to share ideas and inspiration for the backyard!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Feb 09, 2012 @ 12:30 PM
(Photo courtesy Untapped Cities/Thermal Baths of Budapest)
Check out this description of Budapest's Széchenyi Bath, one of more than a thousand thermal springs in Hungary.
We don't personally know of any thermal springs around Atlanta ... and certainly none with such beautiful surroundings. However, a spa might do in a pinch!
Whether in a spa, a thermal spring, or even your bathtub, one thing is for sure: a relaxing warm soak is just the thing to power you through the remaining weeks of nippy winter weather!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 08:37 AM
While your pool might be closed for the winter, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be making plans for any changes you might want to make come spring and summer! In fact, now is the best time to start thinking about and even making some of those changes.
Changing up your pool cleaning method can potentially cut down on the time it takes to balance chemicals on a regular basis, giving you more time to enjoy your pool! It can also mean getting rid of harsh chemicals around your backyard.
In the past, pool chemicals pretty much consisted of the industry standard – chlorine. The chemical doesn’t smell wonderful, sometimes burns the eyes and skin, and it isn’t great for the environment but it does kill the bacteria in your spas and pools. However, today there are plenty of alternatives for keeping your swimming pool clean and bacteria-free.
Here are a few options to keep your pool clean:
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Electronic water purification: This system cleans your pool by ionizing the water. There are water systems that generate copper and silver ions that purify the water. The method was perfected and used by NASA as a way to purify the water for the astronauts. Electronic water purification eliminates the need to use pool chemicals. Though there may be a bigger upfront cost to install an ionization system, in the long run, it is usually less expensive than buying chemicals. Also with the automated system, it can eliminate the need to test the water daily.
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Ozonators: Ozone generators are another popular choice for pool and spa owners. While an ozone generator doesn’t completely eliminate the need for pool chemicals, they reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the water free of bacteria.
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Salt: Using salt to keep a pool clean isn’t a new technology, but it is gaining popularity with many pool owners. With a salt-based pool cleaning system, table salt, a power pack, and cell are used to keep the pool clean. Using a salt-based purification system gets rid of viruses, algae and bacteria in the water, and it’s environmentally friendly.
When you’re installing your pool, be sure to contact your swimming pool builder to see what type of pool cleaning system they recommend. Shop around and ask friends and family what kind of systems they use and how they perform for them.
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Nov 30, 2011 @ 01:10 PM
The holiday season is officially upon us!
Are you already done with your shopping, or have you not even started? Maybe there are just a few more things to pick up?
No matter where you stand, choosing just the right gift for the important people in your life can be a daunting task.
Perhaps this year you should forego the usual gifts and instead treat yourself, your family, and your backyard to a pool, spa or deck upgrade!
Remodeling your pool and spa area certainly can be pricey, but it’s an investment that will give you years of enjoyment. What sweater or gadget can do that?
Whether your pool and spa need replastering, new tile, or a complete overhaul, we can help you create your ideal backyard oasis.
Of course, as temperatures outside continue to drop, it can be easy to forget about the backyard pool and any nagging problems it has. Indeed, the cold weather even means it can be difficult for us to work on a pool (the harsh temperatures make the ground particularly hard).
However, calling us today means even if the weather slows down work, everything will be done before it’s time to open up the pool next summer. You’ll be put at the front of the line for spring work, a particularly busy time in the pool business.
So contact us today! Even if you’re not sure about repairs to your pool, our swimming pool specialists can help you decide if the work can wait, and what the most affordable repair and remodel methods are!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Mon, Oct 31, 2011 @ 02:08 PM
Happy Halloween, everyone!
The temperatures here in Metro Atlanta have taken a definite dip in the days leading up to this spooky holiday. Hopefully most of you have already prepared your pool for the winter!
Just because the weather is too chilly to take a dip in the water doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy spending a little more time in the backyard.
A patio heater is a great investment for keeping warm outside when the weather gets a little chilly. They come in a number of varieties and prices to fit your budget.
Propane-powered heaters are a popular option. They’re powered by a propane tank stored in the heater, which makes them completely self-sufficient. They also usually come with a safety shut-off switch in case the unit is ever tipped over. Models are made to sit on the floor or on a table.
If you’d rather not deal with buying propane to power your heater, a halogen heater is another good option. These plug into an outlet and use halogen bulbs to keep your backyard area nice and toasty. Models are available for mounting or sitting on the floor or a table.
Infrared heaters are also a good option for anyone looking for an electric heater to keep warm on winter nights. They’re affordable to run and don’t take long to warm up. Infrared heat is also unique in that it heats objects rather than the air. Most models are wall-mounted or made to sit under a patio umbrella.
If you’re looking for a more classic heat source, a fire pit is a good option. They come in a variety of styles to match your backyard, and they’re powered by either gas or wood. Stand-alone varieties are available at most home goods retailers.
Whatever your choice, the addition of an outdoor heater can help extend your backyard enjoyment through the fall and winter!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:03 PM
It’s getting pretty chilly here in Metro Atlanta! Temperatures today are set to stay in the 50s or 60s, a big drop from the warmth of this past weekend (and if the weather reports are right, this coming weekend).
While the temperature will continue to fluctuate, there’s no denying fall and winter temperatures are on their way, which means it’s time for most pools to close up shop (if they haven’t already). So, if you’re looking to prepare your pool for the winter ahead, here are some useful tips:
-First and foremost, clean your pool thoroughly. That means clearing out debris, cleaning filters and baskets, brushing, and vacuuming. Even if it looks clean, be sure to go over everything one last time. You’ll also need to remove any pool toys or anything else that floats in the pool.
-Adjust the pool’s chemicals, adding in some extra sanitizing chemical (like chlorine) to shock it. In addition, winter chemicals designed to prevent algae growth should be added.
-Drain and clean out the pump, filter, and if you have one, the heater. That will keep water in those elements from freezing and expanding, thereby damaging or even destroying the equipment. You can also add anti-freeze to the lines to prevent damage there.
-Once the pool and equipment have been properly cleaned and winterized, it’s time to put a cover over your swimming pool for the winter so you can enjoy it this coming spring!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Mon, Oct 10, 2011 @ 04:20 PM
Happy Columbus Day, everyone!
It’s a gray and rainy day here in Metro Atlanta, and looking at the forecast, it looks like tomorrow is going to be more of the same chilly, dreary weather:
Obviously, summer really is coming to an end. And while we love fall (and winter and spring!), there’s nothing quite like the summertime!
That’s why we were so happy to find this article on Aqua Magazine’s site about Houston-based underwater photographer Danny Clark.
The bright and cheerful photographs on his website really remind us of summer fun and playing in the pool:
(photo courtesy AzulAquatic.com)
Luckily, it looks like this rainy weather will break on Wednesday. Until then, we think these pictures of pool playtime will help get us through the cloudy days!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Oct 06, 2011 @ 11:06 AM
When imagining your dream pool and spa, it’s pretty easy to picture the setting: a balmy summer day with clear blue skies and just a slight breeze.
However, it’s important to remember the pool and spa will be available year-round, day and night! And when you go for a dip after dark, one of the most important safety features you can have is proper pool lighting.
Not only can well-placed lights amp up the beauty of a pool, they're also a crucial part of keeping swimmers safe.
The lights allow swimmers to see where they’re going, how deep the pool is, where walls are, and more. If someone gets hurt, the lights can be even more important, lighting the way to the swimmer in distress.
Of course, pool owners have a number of other concerns when choosing lighting for the pool, like cost and energy efficiency. While potentially more expensive at first, the efficiency of newer LED lights can recoup that initial investment and save you money over the life of your pool.
For more tips on how to best light your pool for looks and for safety, check out this excellent article from Pool & Spa News that does a good job of thoroughly explaining the subject!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 @ 03:48 PM
(image courtesy ksl.com)
An update to this bit of news we told you about yesterday: the Consumer Product Safety Commission voted today to change the definition of unblockable drains in the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.
The new definition requires not only that the drain cover be at least 18 by 23 inches, but the sump (the area underneath the cover) must be 18 by 23 inches as well.
When the VGB Act took effect, a number of pool owners used VGB-compliant covers over sumps that were small enough to block. Now, those pools will have a to-be-decided amount of time to come into compliance with the new requirements.
A public comment period of 60 days will decide that deadline.
Pool operators that placed the unblockable-sized cover over a single blockable-sized drain will now have to install secondary safety measures -- like a vent pipe -- or change the draining schematics of the pool.
If your pool will need to come into compliance with the new regulations of the VGB Act, remember that the Southeast’s swimming pool specialists at WaterColors LLC can help you figure everything out and update your pool so it’s within the new regulations before the deadline and next year’s swimming pool season!
Source: CPSC Ruling Upends Drain Requirements