December 2021

Pool Maintenance

Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022

Yvette Craig December 31, 2021

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...

Pool Services

How to Keep Your Spa Clean

Yvette Craig December 29, 2021

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...

Pool Care

The Holidays are Here. Get Your Swimming Pool Ready!

Yvette Craig December 23, 2021

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...

Pool Care

Why Does it Take Longer to Build a Pool Now?

Yvette Craig December 21, 2021

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...

Pool Maintenance

Pool Accessory Must-Haves

Yvette Craig December 15, 2021

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,...

Pool Care

Getting Access to Excavate a Swimming Pool

Yvette Craig December 9, 2021

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...

Pool Care

Our Featured Project – December 2021

Yvette Craig December 3, 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...

Pool Services

To Winterize Your Pool or Not?

Yvette Craig December 1, 2021

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...

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.
Conquer the Winter Blues with Hydrotherapy At Home

Exercise and relaxation can lift your spirits during the long winter months. Hydrotherapy is a centuries-old method used to improve mental and physical well-being — the CDC reports that water exercise is beneficial for people with chronic conditions such as arthritis as well as for mood and mental health. But, getting out to the gym or to the spa can be a struggle to schedule. Recently, there have been many closures and changes due to the pandemic, or those icy cold mornings can make it hard to get out in the morning. This year, skip the gym membership and create your own at-home workout and spa space with a swim spa or hot tub. A hot tub or swim spa can upgrade your backyard or finished basement space, to make relaxing and exercising easy for the whole family. Here are tips for creating your own home gym and spa: Select Your Vessel Is a hot tub or swim spa better suited to your wellness needs? A hot tub is optimal for hydrotherapy, with high temperatures and jets that can help with stress relief and muscle relaxation. You can also do light workouts in the hot tub, but if exercise is your goal, a swim spa may be the right choice. Swim spas are larger, allowing for more movement like lunges, rowing, aerobics, crunches, and even swimming laps. You’ll need to consider the location, maintenance plan, and budget before making your choice and building your space. Read here for more information about hot tubs and swim spas, and how to decide what’s right for you. Build A Workout Plan If you’re not already into water aerobics or swimming laps at your local pool, find which exercises are right for you to meet your goals. For your home gym or spa time, set a schedule for your workouts so you can prepare the hot tub or swim spa, like heating up the hot tub in the morning for exercise and again in the evening for a soak. Picking days and times will help keep you on track and on schedule, to get the most physical and mental benefit. Create Ambiance Create a calming space for your at-home spa days. Set up lighting around your hot tub or swim spa, you can add outdoor lights or maybe colored lighting inside the vessel. Add scented candles in the room – away from the hot tub – or an essential oil diffuser. Make sure to find a space to store the equipment you need, such as noodles or weights for swim spa workouts and towels and a hamper nearby. Keep the It Clean and Ready for Anything Hot tub water and sweat from swimming laps in a swim spa can make cleaning and maintenance a challenge. The chemicals need to be balanced regularly to prevent bacteria that can cause hot tub rash. Technology can make managing a home gym or spa easy: The pHin Smart Water Monitor helps you keep water in balance by taking measurements, sending alerts, and guiding you through custom chemical dosing instructions. Learn more about pHin at phin.co. The post Conquer the Winter Blues with Hydrotherapy At Home appeared first on pHin. Did you miss our previous article… https://www.poolerskennel.com/?p=334
Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner by the Pool

Since the Pandemic in 2020, Thanksgiving is now taking a different turn. Many will travel to spend the long weekend with loved ones, with some restrictions lifted, while others stay close to home. Anyway, if you have a swimming pool, then why not start a new Thanksgiving tradition? If you want to avoid the travel or not to slave in the kitchen, then a new Thanksgiving tradition might be idyllic. There is no better way than to spend Thanksgiving by the pool. Start a new Thanksgiving Tradition Do you live in an area where the pool is still open? Sure, you can maintain a pool tradition, but we think you’ll thank us if you enjoy the spa on Thanksgiving Day. Invest in a towel warmer, or place some in the dryer to warm them up before using. Better yet, luxurious bathrobes that are soft and thick are great to use after a spa session. Thanksgiving Decorations There is nothing that brings them closer than a great home-cooked meal. And it is the holiday that kicks off the Christmas season. It is also the time to decorate. If your swimming pool is still open, there is a possibility that you have a heater. Then, take advantage of the outdoors to celebrate a memorable holiday. The decorations also play an essential role in creating the ambiance you want. Here are some ideas that can make your Thanksgiving memorable: Plastic Pom-Poms Use inexpensive plastic tablecloths and have the kids create Pom-Poms for decorating the pool. Just fold them cross-cornered, tie them with a string, and cut them with patterned scissors. At the end of the pom-pom, glue it into a base that will let it float in the swimming pool. Paper Lanterns Your kids will enjoy making these beautiful paper lanterns. Just get poster paper, string, and battery-operated candles, available all at your local pharmacy. It creates a great time to share with the whole family. Mini Golden Pumpkins There is a trend going on for tinting pumpkins. If you’re looking for a more elegant, sophisticated look, consider a centerpiece with mini golden pumpkins… it’s not just for Halloween anymore! Thanksgiving Garlands Garlands always help decorate the room for any occasion, and with this lovely array of fall colors, it goes excellent outdoors. These can be hung on the fence or just over the swimming pool for a great afternoon detail. Thanksgiving Lights Whether they are floating lights or LED string lights, the tones are what will make them memorable. When you use the right color for the occasion will make your swimming pool look more attractive. Ensure that when installing your lights, it mixes with the scenery. It will provide a great accent to the pool and the surrounding areas. Music There’s no special music for Thanksgiving. So, you can either turn on Christmas carols or just put on your favorite classics or even your favorite dance songs — the choice is yours! Start Cooking the day Before Thanksgiving Bake pies the day before Thanksgiving. It is also good to have all the supplies and ingredients to prepare the meal. If cooking on the same day, remember that most side dishes go in the oven. So, coordinate which ones take longer to cook and do those first. Food The turkey is center stage, of course. But make a variation of the side dishes this year. For example, rice pilaf with mushroom gravy is daring but delicious. Have some appetizers like prosciutto and manchego cheese; they are light and go well with wine or sangria. Create a Land of Desserts with our favorites like pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies. Add coffee with hazelnut cream or a dollop of whipped cream is ideal for those who travel back by car after a hefty meal. We hope that your Thanksgiving goes well. Most of all, continue staying safe. From our Platinum Family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! The post Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner by the Pool appeared first on Platinum Pools. Did you miss our previous article… https://www.poolerskennel.com/?p=333

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