October 30, 2021

Pool Maintenance

Pool Deck: Why is it Beneficial to Have One?

Yvette Craig October 30, 2021

Not so long ago, a client told us a story of how his in-laws didn’t bother to add a pool deck to their swimming pool. It seemed that they...

Pool Care

MythBusters – Swimming Pool Edition

Yvette Craig October 30, 2021

We are not strangers to fables, urban legends, or mythical stories. It surprises the number of people who believe in such tall tales. Myths can be rational, functional, structural,...

How to Find the Best Pet Sitters

Raleigh Pet Sitters provide temporary care for your pets. While most often done at the pet owner’s home, the pet sitting provider can also provide care in a pet sitting business or organization. In any case, you can expect your pet to be well-cared for. You can rely on their service to help you avoid any inconveniences and stress caused by your absence. Here’s how you can find the best pet sitters for your needs: Depending on the type of care your pets require, the price for pet sitting may vary. For instance, a young pup is likely to be a ball of energy and play nonstop. You should also charge more if you plan to sit for two animals, especially if one of them has special needs. However, if both of your pets need special attention, you should charge higher than a single pet. If you want to make your pet sitter happy, consider asking them questions about their routine. While pet sitting can be a rewarding career, it can be physically demanding. Your sitter may need to take your pet to a veterinarian, walk it on a leash, or take it for a walk in the neighborhood. Therefore, you need to choose someone who has a high level of reliability and is willing to work around your schedule. In addition, you should choose a sitter with a track record and references. If you have good reviews, you are more likely to get more gigs and repeat customers. When selecting a pet sitter, make sure to choose someone with experience taking care of your particular type of pet. While most people are familiar with taking care of dogs and cats, not everyone is knowledgeable about exotic pets. Ask for references and make sure the person can provide you with references if needed. The references you receive should be comfortable answering your questions and provide you with a good reference. If you’re concerned, you can always call the pet sitters’ references. When hiring a pet sitter, be sure to interview the candidate before allowing them to stay in your home. It’s a good idea to meet your pet sitter in person so you can ask questions about their experience, techniques, and education. You can also ask about cancellation fees and emergency procedures. Also, it’s helpful to visit your dog during an interview with your potential pet sitter. This will give you a better idea of what kind of a person they are. If you’re traveling for a long time, pet sitting is a great option for a vacation. Pet sitters can visit your home several times a day and give your pets the attention and exercise they need to stay happy and healthy. Your pet sitter will also clean the litter box and administer medications as needed. Some pet sitters even offer house-sitting services, which you may be able to negotiate separately. A pet sitter can be hired for several hours or more, and they can be scheduled for as long as you need. You can even schedule your pet’s feedings yourself if you’d prefer. Pet sitters also keep your pet’s routines on schedule. They can exercise a dog that has a lot of energy and play with another pet while sitting in your home. They can even snuggle up on the couch to ensure that your pet remains happy. While there is no formal education needed to become a Pet Sitter, it is beneficial to have relevant work experience to help you get started in this career. A background in animal care gives potential clients peace of mind and looks great on a resume. Working at a pet shop, veterinary clinic, or pet grooming business will provide valuable experience that will boost your chances of getting hired. Alternatively, you can volunteer at a local animal shelter to help people who need a pet sitter while they are away. Pet Sitters work in a variety of settings, from small homes to large homes. They are often hired to care for a pet while their owners are on vacation or traveling. Generally, pet sitters will stay in the pet owner’s home while they are away. They may also offer basic services like mail delivery, alternating blinds, and performing other tasks. They may also offer overnight services, depending on the needs of the client.
How Often Should I Post On Social Media For My Business?

While each business is different, there are a few general guidelines on how frequently to post on each social media platform. A general rule of thumb is to post once per day on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest. Once a day is not enough to keep followers engaged, a higher frequency is needed to increase engagement. Global businesses should aim to post between 10 and 15 times per day, while local businesses should aim to post no more than four times per day. Check Jason Capital Net Worth to learn more. The best time to post on each social network varies, but Facebook and Twitter both recommend posting at least three times a day during business hours. Instagram users are encouraged to post up to three times a day, but some experts recommend posting even more frequently. While this might seem like an excessive amount of posts, it is a proven method for increasing engagement. Top brands typically post twice a day. Among them are posts about company culture, products, and events. Some even post-behind-the-scenes videos, stories, and live streams. On the other hand, LinkedIn suggests posting up to 20 times a month. The frequency of social media posting is determined by the type of audience you’re targeting. While the minimum posting frequency is once per day, the optimal frequency ranges between three and six times a day. The highest-followed accounts on Twitter tweet at least twenty-three times per day, and have no decline in followers as their tweet count increased. Likewise, don’t disappear from social media for weeks at a time. If you’re unsure of how often to post on Facebook, start by studying your competitors. Look at what they’re doing and see if you can improve their strategy. For example, check out your competition’s Facebook page and results. Adapt and optimize your content to make it stand out from the crowd. But remember: never copy another’s content or post it as your own! The two-post per day rule has been around for a long time, but if you’re not posting on Facebook often, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities to reach a larger audience. The two-post rule works fine for those with ten thousand or more followers, but smaller businesses need to weigh their audience’s interests and clicks. The most effective way to post is twice a day or every other day, but posting on Facebook too often can actually decrease engagement. While posting frequency is important, the time and day you post on each platform depend on your business. The best days to post are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, at early morning and around 9 pm. Mondays are the worst day to post on social media, as people start the week again, and social media falls lower on their to-do list. Also, people are more likely to engage on social media during the evening, trying to unwind and relax. Content quality is another important factor. If you post on Facebook too often, you risk triggering people to unfollow you or unsubscribe from your page. The best way to avoid this is to create relevant content that your audience will find valuable. Jay Baer, an author of The Power of Relevant Content, suggests that you should publish content every day to stay relevant. Keeping your audience in mind, you can frequently post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and see your engagement levels skyrocket. Facebook: Facebook pages with fewer than 10,000 fans should post once a day. If you post more than once a day, you risk losing your connection with your audience and creating a feeling of being spammy. Facebook has a sweet spot for post frequency, which is between five to ten times per week. If you can do so, go ahead and try it. If you don’t have time to do this, you’ll lose engagement. When posting, timing is also a crucial factor. Generally, motivational posts are more successful at early morning hours, when people are more likely to share them. Posting during peak hours can work against you. It’s best to post at non-popular times, because the chances of people seeing your posts will be higher. So, it’s important to find a good posting frequency and stick to it.
Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022

A new year is around the corner, and it is time to recap the events of 2021. From material and labor shortages to waiting lists, winter freeze, and a takeover, we also had wonderful events that keep us going and looking forward to 2022. The Pandemic Continues, and Remote Work Too The pandemic of 2020 continued through 2021 with fewer restrictions and more COVID variants. One of the most significant changes in 2021 is the increase of working remotely. Many people decided to either change their home and move to a new area or upgrade by adding special features such as a swimming pool. Hotels, apartment complexes, and gyms are getting more business as people have more time to travel. Remote work is skyrocketing, and more people are working from different locations or taking more vacations. So more remote work equals more swimming pools. The Texas Snowstorm Many industries, including the pool business, had significant hits in the year. The abnormal winter freeze rolled into Texas, driving temperatures to shocking lows overnight and power failure. People went to sleep, only to wake the following day with no electricity. It caused pipes to freeze. When the temperature drops, the freeze protection on the pumps kicks in, so those pumps are running. Unfortunately, with power failure, the filter is full of water with no water circulation, there is pressure, and it starts freezing, causing cracks on the whole filtering system. Some larger areas around Dallas, Austin, and Houston were without electricity for days, forcing many to replace much of their pool equipment. Shortage of Materials and Labor Swimming pool projects increased in 2021. Many pool companies started putting customers on a waiting list as they desperately try to meet demand while dealing with supply shortages. The demand for raw materials and labor resulted in a more extended waiting period for customers as the pool industry struggled to meet requests. Valves, pool pumps, heaters, PVC pipes, and pavers for pool decks, manufacturers of these popular products, such as Pentair, cannot keep up with demand, and it does not look like the problem is going away anytime soon. Another issue is a shortage of qualified workers. Many pool companies are desperate for staff but cannot find the employees they need. While there is much debate about what is causing the labor shortage, we want to make our customers aware that due to the labor shortage, the time frame for completing pool projects or maintaining your pool may be longer than you are used to. Joining Forces Cody Pools and Platinum Pools joined forces in August 2021. Platinum Pools continues to operate under their well-known branded name. Customers who choose Cody and Platinum Pools now find an unmatched combination of value, quality, and customer service. Both companies offer an extensive range of specialist personnel and expertise in the pool and spa industry, holding similar values and philosophies on doing business: Producing an excellent job for the clientEmphasizing honesty and integrityThe importance of bringing a positive attitude to work wards and Accolades Platinum Pools had an amazing year of awards and accolades: Pool and Spa News – Top 50 Builders 2021 Ranked #21 NationwidePebble Technology International – The World’s Greatest Pools 2021PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance)2021 Gold Award (Vanishing Edge Category)2021 Silver Award (Geometric Category)2021 Silver Award (Vanishing Edge Category)2021 Merit Award (Traditional Category)Houston Chronicle – 2021 Swimming Pool BuilderVictoria Advocate – Best of the Best 2021Better Business Bureau – BBB Awards for Excellence, Pinnacle Award 2021 What We Learned and What to Do in 2022 If you are hoping to have a new pool built sooner than later, now is the time to get in touch with good pool contractors like Platinum Pools. If you start the process early, you’ll have a much better chance of completing your backyard oasis earlier than if you wait to start. Pool builders need plenty of time to design, plan and source the materials required to ensure the best result. If there is a shortage of pumps and filters, getting all the necessary parts will take longer. We recommend our clients to allow more time. In that way, you can worry less about whether your pool will be ready on time. We look forward to a New Year with hope, love, and platinum dreams. From all of us at Platinum Pools, Happy 2022! The post Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022 appeared first on Platinum Pools.
How to Keep Your Spa Clean

If your pool has a spa, you need to watch for cloudy, milky, or foamy water. But don’t worry, as these are easy to resolve by using the proper care. Let us instruct you about the methods you need to get your spa water sparkling again! Cloudy Spa Water Cloudy spa water means that there appear to be small particles floating around in your hot tub water, and they are not large enough to touch but appear just floating particles. It is a recurring situation with other types of water issues, too, such as: Unbalanced core levels (disinfectant, PH, alkalinity) Low disinfectant levels are more likely with cloudy water.Insoluble suspended solidsdead algaeorganic debrispoor filtrationheavy use leads to an imbalance in core levelsaeration with nozzles turned on How to Correct Cloudy Spa Water Check your filter(s) for water quality issues, especially if the clarity is an issue. If the filters cannot catch small particles, resolving the problem is extremely difficult. Get your filters, rinse them thoroughly, or soak them overnight in a filter cleaner. Check the water balance. Your second port of call is the water balance. Check that the PH is correct and change it if necessary. Ensure the sanitizer level is accurate, neither too high nor too low. Keep in mind that high sanitizer levels can cause problems with the water clarity. Shock the spa. If you use a shock without chlorine, you can usually clear the water quickly without having to set the sanitizer level too high. With your clean filter, the shock will eliminate the particles and, in most cases, solve the problem.Try using a clarifying agent. A product like Spa Sparkle is similar to a flocculant in that it clumps all the small particles together to filter efficiently.Empty the spa. It is the last resort if none of the above work. Drain the spa, flush the system with a pipe, and start with fresh water. Occasionally, this is the best solution, especially after heavy use (like after a hot tub party!). Milky Spa Water Often, spa water can look like milk, giving the water a white tint and making it difficult to see the bottom of the hot tub. Like cloudy spa happens by the following: Imbalanced core levels (sanitizer, PH, alkalinity). If the water is milky, it is probably too much disinfectant.Insoluble suspended particlesdead algaeorganic debrispoor filtration (dirty filters) How to Fix and Clear Up Milky Spa Water Check the filters. Get them rinsed or soak them overnight in a filter cleaner. Check the water balance. Your second port of call is the water balance. Check that the PH is correct and change it if necessary. Ensure the sanitizer level is accurate, neither too high nor too low. Keep in mind that high sanitizer levels can cause problems milky looking water. Shock the spa. If you use a shock without chlorine, you can usually clear the water quickly without having to set the sanitizer level too high. Together with cleaning the filter, the shock will eliminate the particles and, in most cases, solve the problem.Try using a clarifying agent that helps clump all the small particles together, making it easy to filter.Empty the spa – if nothing works, drain the spa, flush the system with a pipe flush, and start over with fresh water. Occasionally, this is the best solution, especially after heavy use (like after a hot tub party!). Foamy Spa Water Foamy spa water means that foam forms on the water’s surface, which can sometimes cause a film to start on the water’s surface and around the waterline. The cause of this problem is somewhat easier to determine than for cloudy or milky spa water. Non-organic products such as cosmetics, such as deodorant, makeup, and cleaning products on swimwear create foam and are also due to an imbalance in the PH, but this is less common. How to Fix and Eliminate Foamy Spa Water Prevent inorganic substances from getting into your hot tub water. Also, rinse your bathing suits under the faucet and get them to dry so detergent does not get into your spa. Shock your hot tub and clean your filters. If you use a non-chlorine shock, these non-organic products will oxidize and dump the particles on your filters. Clean your filter thoroughly with a filter cleaning solution. Empty the spa – if nothing works, drain the spa, flush the system with a pipe flush, and start over with fresh water. Occasionally, this is the best solution, especially after heavy use (like after a hot tub party!).Flushing the pipes will help flush the system before draining. By draining the spa, you remove the water affected by the foaming and refill with fresh water to reduce the foaming. Remember that Platinum Pools is your place where we custom-build the pool of your dreams. Call us at 281.870.1600 or visit our website for a free quote. The post How to Keep Your Spa Clean appeared first on Platinum Pools. Did you miss our previous article… https://www.poolerskennel.com/?p=354
The Holidays are Here. Get Your Swimming Pool Ready!

Perhaps people do not use their oases during the cooler winter months, but we all like to admire a pool, especially the lights, jets, and other decorations. Perhaps it has to do with the sense of calm that water gives us. And while December is a great time for all kinds of “get-togethers,” it’s important to make the most out of it for your next party if you have a pool. Before you start decorating your pool for Christmas, make sure it’s always clean and in good condition so it looks as radiant as possible. Ideally, you should have a preventive maintenance program specifically for the year’s colder months of the year. Decorating your swimming pool for any event or holiday is a trendy thing to do. Just looking at it is relaxation therapy! You can also outfit your pool with decorations that work every day so that when you come home after a long day, you can enjoy a tidy pool every day. Here are some ideas and tips on how to spruce up your pool and patio for the holiday season. You know that a pool is a significant investment. That’s why we should make the most of it in every season. Christmas Lights! The Christmas tree does not have to be the only thing decorated with lights. Remember, you can never have enough Christmas lights this time of year. Place light decorations on hedges, trees, and around the garden in your yard. This will create the perfect holiday ambiance for your pool. You can also use them to create a unique holiday atmosphere that is perfect for any evening party. Turn on the lights to delight your guests and make them shine, even if the party is indoors. A well-lit pool is an elegant and warm image that sets off the entire backyard in the evening. Pencil jets and waterfalls can also be a spectacular sight at night. We never tire of listening to the sound of falling water and creating a stimulating natural environment. Floating ornaments help make a pool a great and memorable environment for Christmas celebrations. We recommend not using small floating artifacts such as candles or flowers; they can block the skimmers. In Addition to the Lights Do not forget to add poinsettias as part of the holiday decorations. It is a fabulous Christmas flower that adds an exquisite look to any room. Combine bright-green and red flowers to create a lush effect. Imagine… Add Christmas lights, poinsettias, and pool accessories running will have everyone remember this Christmas forever. Best of all, you can enjoy it every night during the holidays! Do not forget that Platinum Pools can guide you in purchasing your new oasis for the holiday season. It all starts with a phone call to 281.870.1600. Remember, Platinum Pools can prove the difference. The post The Holidays are Here. Get Your Swimming Pool Ready! appeared first on Platinum Pools.
Why Does it Take Longer to Build a Pool Now?

Building a swimming pool is an exciting process, and if you are like many homeowners, you want to complete it quickly to enjoy your new outdoor oasis. While construction time used to average a few months, today’s “new normal” caused longer construction times, leaving homeowners wondering how long it will take to build their pool. Why have pool construction times increased so much? High Demand for Swimming Pools It’s no secret that we all need to do more exciting things without leaving the house. Playing in the backyard is great but having your swimming pool is even better. That’s why the demand for swimming pools is so high now. Since 2020, the trend of wanting an oasis has continued, and most pool builders now have a long waiting list to work through before they can start your project. The good news is that this shows you are making a good decision! A swimming pool is excellent for having fun and making memories safely, all in the comfort of your own home. However, due to high demand, there may be construction delays. Check with your local swimming pool builder for the current construction schedule so you can prepare accordingly. Shutdown Equals Delays Building a pool is an extensive construction project. There is a design phase, and then your contractor must obtain permits from the city government before construction begins. Unfortunately, most city governments have fallen behind in processing permits and have limited staff to process them due to the prolonged shutdown. Even after the offices and cities reopen, many are not necessarily at total capacity and will need time to catch up. So, it’s best to apply for your permits as early as possible, or you may experience further delays once your pool builder is ready. Short Supply in Materials The pandemic has affected all industries in 2020 and 2021, including construction. It means that construction materials are harder to come by and take longer than expected. Pool equipment manufacturers and pool material suppliers have had to halt or slow production as companies take extra precautions to stay safe and healthy. Some equipment is taking twice as long to arrive once we place our orders, simply because of the domino effect of the pandemic. The increasing number of customers building pools across the country also impacts this delay. Suppliers and builders suffer shortages when demand is exceptionally high. It’s Worth the Wait Despite Everything Even if your pool takes longer than usual to build, we can assure you that your new oasis will be worth the wait. In the end, you will have a safe and beautiful outdoor oasis to enjoy with your family and friends for years to come. At Platinum Pools, our experienced staff will work closely with you throughout the design and construction process to always be aware of any delays that may affect your project. You can count on us to move as quickly as possible without compromising the integrity and quality you expect from our work. Are you ready to start your new pool project? Contact Platinum Pools today at 281.870.1600 or visit our website to request a free quote. The post Why Does it Take Longer to Build a Pool Now? appeared first on Platinum Pools.
Pool Accessory Must-Haves

At Platinum Pools, our designers are ready to provide a layout of what an oasis will look like in your backyard. It includes accessories like water features, tiles, waterfalls, grottos, and more. As the year comes to a close, we will take another look and add a few more items that became popular in the second half of 2021. At Platinum Pools, our designers are ready to design what an oasis will look like in your backyard. It includes accessories such as water features, tiles, waterfalls, grottos, and more. Remember, we are not selling the items we are about to talk about but keeping you updated on some popular swimming pool accessories. Frog Pad Some critters will get into your pool, including frogs. If they’re alive, they may want to get out of the pool. Here enters the Frog Pad, a convenient escape item for small creatures. It is an animal-saving ramp designed for swimming pools and ponds. Imagine a ramp that can save frogs, bees, lizards, rabbits, and other small creatures. It helps them to escape the dangers they face. There are many styles and designs available. However, green and black are eye-catching standard colors that are helpful for creatures to identify and guide animals to the ramp. Setting the Frog Pad only takes a few minutes to bring safety to animals. It is small and flexible, easy to carry, easy to roll up for minimal space storage, and easy to clean. The animal escape ramp has a durable oxford and mesh, with an inflatable swimming mat inside; durable and resistant that lasts a long time. The flat area has a waterproof effect, providing stable foot support for small creatures so that they can get up and avoid injury. Inflatable Serving Bar Summer is almost here. Despite the pandemic, a day in a backyard is a great way to enjoy family time. When it comes to refreshments, an outdoor kitchen is convenient, and so is an inflatable serving bar. Most brands provide two inflatable serving bars and a hand pump. Its design allows to fill it with ice, keeping food and drinks fresh for hours. Best of all, it is lightweight and portable. The size is good for accommodating multiple serving bowls and other food items. It is an excellent artifact for use in summer parties indoors or outdoors, such as pool parties, BBQ, cookouts, sports parties, beach weddings, camping, and reunions. Lastly, it has a transparent plug to drain the water, and it is easy to store and use for the next party. Silicone Glasses Save the environment with silicone glasses. Homeowners can now enjoy a beverage stress-free without creating garbage or, worse, serving in a crystal glass that can break. The manufacturers of silicone glass use a 100% top-rated food-grade silicone material and a platinum curing process. There are other advantages of having silicone glasses: Dishwasher Safe: put them in the dishwasher.Travel Friendly: since they don’t break, these glasses can go in a backpack, purse, beach bag, or pocket. Perfect for that Hard-to-Shop-for Person: anyone who enjoys having a drink in the great outdoors will find the unbreakable wine glasses elegant. The stemless design looks great and fits comfortably in any size hand. LED Light Balls The amphibious LED pool lights are cordless and waterproof; excellent for swimming pools and other multiple uses like a night light, a mood light, or outdoor decor. Many pool owners also use them for parties and events. The LED Light Balls come with a customizable feature to adapt them in any color, brightness, and mode (fade, smooth, flash, and strobe). Best of all, the sphere lights have a polyethylene and thick sealing ring, making it a waterproof item. Also, the sphere shells are integrally formed without gaps, allowing them to float on any water surface; even in extreme weather, they can still work well. The feature is rechargeable, and it can last up to twelve hours of light. It only takes three hours to charge fully. Water Hammock There are many pool floats to choose from but to fully relax in a swimming pool; there is nothing better than a water hammock. The water hammock is a unique feature. It is a three-on-one inflatable item with 80% wider dimensions. It also converts to a lounge and drifter chair fitting for two people. It features a cool-weave fabric that contours to a desired floating position. The air pillows inflate and deflate quickly with duo-lock valves. Best of all, it is portable, so a homeowner can take it anywhere. Many people say that it is the easiest to get on and off while in the water. Bluetooth Speaker for the Pool The Bluefree Bluetooth speaker is a practical and fun item for the pool: It’s waterproof enough to submerge in as deep as three feet of water.Daytime to nighttime? The Bluefree Bluetooth has seven color-changing light shows that you can switch. Imagine swimming for a fun underwater party.The battery lasts up to eight hours. Floating Canopy Bed The Intex Canopy Bed is a perfect artifact for people who like to combine pool and nap time. It has a removable sunshade and two cup holders. Best of all, it’s big enough to invite a friend over or have it to yourself and enjoy a day of relaxation. Deck of Waterproof Playing Cards With Hoyle’s waterproof playing cards, you can play Gin Rummy or any other card game by the pool. The ultra-rugged, flexible cards are washable and have a rigid plastic sleeve for storage. The sleek design looks uniquely cool while still hiding the cards’ faces for a fair, fun, waterproof game. We hope you liked our pool item selections. Also, visit our page on Facebook and join in on the conversation. The post Pool Accessory Must-Haves appeared first on Platinum Pools.
Getting Access to Excavate a Swimming Pool

Today’s modern building codes may have many homes on property boundaries with either no setbacks or limited setbacks; it means that the full-length access on one or both sides of a property is now a thing of the past. When building a pool, we will sometimes have as little as 32” or doorway width to access a backyard and thus make a pool through. It is essential to consider the access widths for the pool excavation, so the cost of works is inversely proportional to the size of the equipment used. Regardless of the limitations, expectations, and possibly restrictions in each case of a pool construction project when requesting any required approvals, there are also considerations about the spacing of your property lines and how it may affect your neighbors. The cost of using larger equipment for excavation may be less. We always say that there is space for a swimming pool and can undertake all other aspects of a pool’s construction through standard doorway access. We hire tight-access pool excavation equipment (hand dig pools in cases where even the smallest machines can’t get access), which efficiently removes all excavated materials from the site. We can build your pool if you have a doorway-sized opening to access the proposed construction area. Excavation Access to the Pool Site Some properties require clearance between the furthest edge of the house or structure and the fence in urban neighborhoods. Or, the home is on an open plot of land, where access to the pool could be from any direction. However, it requires a minimum of eight feet for normal-sized equipment to access a property and get the job done fast. Keep in mind that the excavation process is as important as the shape of the finished product. Unearthed Discoveries We recommend that the distance between the house and the fence be approximately eight feet for access to the site. If not, then we get smaller machines that are available. Keep in mind that it takes a bit longer to complete excavation. With our 20+ years’ experience, we can tell that we find many objects, including sprinkler systems, sewer pipes, rocks, tree stumps, buried old swimming pools and even burn piles. We recommend getting information and learning more about the history of the property, if possible, as finding any of these during the excavation process will increase the cost for your pool. If you want an in-ground swimming pool, we recommend a few helpful hints that will help you with excavation aspects of swimming pool construction: Distance – measure the distance between both sides of the house and your fence to ensure it is there, at least eight feet. If not, you need to speak with a pool builder and your neighbor to see other potential options.Restrictions – if you have an HOA or are under deed restrictions, ensure that you can access construction equipment on your property. We have experience and knowledge with all local building codes and most neighborhood associations in Houston and Beaumont, so feel free to ask.Sprinkler Pipe Network – check the location of your sprinkler pipe network if possible; however, we can assist you with that. Expect some damage to a sprinkler system when digging a hole for your pool; it may be that the direction of the pipes could be unknown or listed incorrectly.Trees – check if there are any trees in the area where you want your swimming pool. Depending on the pool design, ensure that they don’t end too close to the oasis; later, it can be a problem. Remember that our staff at Platinum Pools is ready to assist you from the design to the finishing project and pool school. Call us today for an appointment or visit our website for a free quote. The post Getting Access to Excavate a Swimming Pool appeared first on Platinum Pools.
Our Featured Project – December 2021

Missouri City Oasis $125,000 – $150,000 A freeform-designed pool provides room for the amenities you want. In the case of this job, they opted for a bit more than what the majority of pool owners have, a bridge. You can also appreciate great features like a lagoon-shaped raised spa, a raised wall with a straight line firepit, and a fountain with gushers and spillway. Pencil jets cover part of the pool, and there is a tanning deck or beach entry, perfect for children to enjoy the oasis. Lastly, a flagstone coping defines an overall beauty to the home retreat. Here is a great fire pit area with amazing outdoor furniture to unwind and relax. This customer opted for a bit more than what the majority of pool owners have, a bridge. Imagine walking over the pool to reach the sanctuary. Also, this photo provides a better view of the lagoon-shaped raised spa with a bridge spillway. Here is another angle where you can appreciate the bridge. We can see how the kids will have fun with this feature. Pencil jets cover part of the pool. You can also appreciate the raised wall with a straight line firepit and a fountain with gushers and spillway. The flagstone coping defines an overall beauty to the home retreat. The brushed concrete decking comes in a range of colors to choose from. Are you ready to take the plunge? Platinum Pools’ designers are ready to make your backyard dreams come true. Visit our website or call us at 281.870.1600. You can also leave any questions or comments in the comment section below. We would love to answer and guide you in getting the pool of your dreams. The post Our Featured Project – December 2021 appeared first on Platinum Pools. Did you miss our previous article… https://www.poolerskennel.com/?p=343
To Winterize Your Pool or Not?

Pools in Southeast Texas should be designed and built so they are easy to maintain through the off-season without the winterizing process. Pipes and the equipment do not blow out, and there is little to no worry about frost damage in normal weather conditions. Then it happened. An abnormal winter freeze rolled into Texas, and drove temperatures to shocking lows overnight, and also knocked out power. This second part was the part that no one had seriously thought about. People went to sleep on Sunday night, and the following day there was no electricity leading to various pipes to freezing. When the temperature drops, the freeze protection on the pumps kicks in, so those pumps are running. Unfortunately, with power failure, the filter is full of water with no water circulation, there is pressure, and it starts freezing, causing cracks on the whole filtering system. Some larger areas around Dallas, Austin, and Houston were without electricity for days, forcing many to replace much of their pool equipment. The Farmer’s Almanac is warning of more bad weather this winter. The long-running publication predicted Texans will be “chilled to the bone” and experience “near-normal precipitation” in its 2021-2022 Winter Outlook. The Almanac indicates that late January may bring frigid and flaky weather like in February. Hopefully, it won’t be as robust, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare in the event of another winter freeze with potential power outages.” How to Winterize an In-Ground Swimming Pool With this experience, it is now time to go through the steps on how to winterize a pool: Gather supplies Gather any chemicals and supplies used from previous years, such as cover weights, skimmer plugs, antifreeze, and flotation devices for a cover. Also, use an air compressor to blow out swimming pool pipes for a complete winterization process. Prepare the Filter It doesn’t matter if it is sand or DE filter; backwash it. Drain the main tank by pulling the filter plug. If it is a “push-pull” or slide-style backwash valve, pull the backwash valve and leave it open. It is not good to remove the top and expose the spider gasket to ice build-up, especially when it has a multiport backwash valve or a dial. On the other hand, check to see that there is no water inside. Using an Air Compressor Use a shop-vac to blow out the lines if possible and plug them. Prepare the Pump If the pump has unions, completely disconnect it from the plumbing and turn it upside-side-down to get any remaining water out; otherwise, disconnect the drain plugs on your pump and put them in the pump basket. Get the Heater Ready Not all heaters have multiple drain plugs, so if the pump has unions, disconnect it from the plumbing and turn it upside-side-down to get any remaining water out. Use an air blower or a shop-vac to eliminate any leftover water out. Do not remove the heat exchanger or the burner. Check Any Additional Equipment Please do the same procedure to any other equipment, and we mean booster pumps, auxiliary pumps, valves with drain plugs, and in-line chlorinator. Ensure to loosen and unscrew quick disconnect fittings on the pump and filter systems. Jets and Skimmers Require Removal Too Remove skimmer baskets, skimmer weirs, and any jet fittings. Blow The Return Lines Use an air compressor to blow out all the return jet pipes. Ensure keeping the air blowing until the air is visible, coming back into the pool’s jets. It can help remove over 95% of the water out of the return lines. Blow The Suction Lines If an air compressor can help blow out any water, it is also suitable for suction lines. Use a Gizmo-style screw to plug the skimmer when bubbles are visible. Be careful to get the Gizmo-style screws appropriately installed. To ensure a tight seal, use PTFE tape on the threads. Black rubber-type plugs are also a good choice, and so are empty plastic bottles of soda. They work wonders, especially when something allows water expansion and helps to avoid cracking your skimmers. If you have a slide, an auto-vac system, or a waterfall, you will have to drain and blow out that suction and return pipes as well. Water Levels and Chemistry Preparation Test the pool water to ensure the chemicals are in balance. The perfect balance is when pH is between 7.2 – 7.6 and Alkalinity between 80-120 ppm. On the other hand, you need to drain the water a few inches below the ceramic tiles and no more than that. Place the Pool Cover Inspect the cover before installing. Inspect for any rips or tears. You can use a swimming pool patch tape or heavy-duty duct tape to patch lightweight covers and a vinyl pool patch for vinyl covers. Now, if you use water tubes, then place them through the loops on the cover. Fill lines with water until they are at 85% percent capacity. You do not want the water to expand and let the pipes split. Lay them out end to end no more than 1 foot apart. It is a must to replace any leaking pipes. At Platinum Pools, we are here to help you with any questions regarding the care of your swimming pool. We also have an excellent service department ready to help your pool stay in top-notch shape. Call us today or visit our website for an appointment. The post To Winterize Your Pool or Not? appeared first on Platinum Pools.

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