15. May. 2020 / by Weston Darling / Splash Pool & Spa Products / 0 comments

5 Swimming Pool Accessories You Need

Pool season is here! We are so excited to unpack our deck chairs, beach balls, and pool noodles. Just imagine the bliss of splashing in the water while your favorite tunes play in the background. To get ready for summer FUN, we’re sharing our five favorite swimming pool accessories. These tools make maintenance a breeze so you can focus on making memories.

Snap Pole

We love the Xcalibur Pro Animal ProLock Snap Pole. This telescopic tool makes it easy to reach far into your pool. Add a brush to scrub tough spots or clip on a net to capture debris. Some brands are hard to twist and lock in place, but this model has a simple push button. This professional-grade pole comes in two versions that extend from 6-12 feet or 8-16 feet.

Leaf Rake

It’s common for big leaves and sticks to drop into your pool, especially if you live in a wooded area. Most skimmers have a flat, square net and are perfect for trapping fine particles. But sometimes you need a sturdier tool to scoop out large objects. The Pro Animal Leaf Rake is shaped like a fishing net and can hold substantial debris. It clips onto the Animal Snap Pole so you can easily switch to this reinforced net when needed. Plus this brand comes in lime green – you might as well have tools in fun colors!

Brush

Sometimes a little bit of algae or a dirty spot won’t come off with vacuuming. A brush attachment for the Animal ProLock Snap Pole is just what you need to blast through those tough areas. They have models designed for plaster, pebbled, and vinyl pool surfaces. The bristles are designed to gently cling to surfaces so you don’t have to break a sweat scrubbing. Especially as you open your pool this spring, this tool will help you tackle any targeted cleaning.

Robot Cleaner

That’s right – there’s a machine that automatically cleans your pool and all you have to do is place it in the water! The Pentair Prowler 920 is so powerful that it can actually climb the walls of your pool. Its high-speed scrubbing brushes ensure your pool gets the deep clean it deserves. You can also adjust the filtration level for fine or large debris.

Pool Toys

No pool is complete without a fabulous floatie! There are so many fun inflatable shapes available today. The Splash Pool & Spa team is definitely a fan of anything that resembles a tropical island. Llamas are also really big this year with kids and adults alike.

We also love BigMouth beach blankets. Their towels are gigantic and so soft! Plus they come in super fun designs, like cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches, sugar skulls, sushi, and even pizza. You’re sure to find one that reflects your personality.

We carry all of these great swimming pool accessories in our store! Come visit us during our summer hours M-F 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. #SplashUpYourSummer!

15. Mar. 2020 / by Weston Darling / Pool Design / 0 comments

8 Ideas For Decorative Pool Lighting

Need some bright ideas for swimming pool decoration? Lighting instantly elevates the mood of your pool. From softly shimmering white lights to rainbow LEDs, pool lights can create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in your backyard. Here are eight types of decorative lighting to customize your pool project.

1) Classic White

These inset lights offer strong, bright illumination. They’re great for safety as they keep the pool clearly visible in the dark. They also really enhance the blue color of the water. Plus it’s nice to see your friends and family when you take an evening dip!

2) Color-Changing LEDs

The awesome thing about LEDs is that they can change colors. Red for the 4th of July, purple for a birthday party, orange because it’s your favorite color – you can easily change the color setting with a simple app. We love party mode, which cycles between all the colors.

3) Bubblers

Do you love the sound of trickling water? A bubbler is a fun feature that combines a column of rippling water with colorful lights. These aquatic displays are placed on flat surfaces, like tanning shelves or sun decks. Many customers enjoy bubblers because they’re relaxing to listen to and watch.

4) Laminar Deck Jets

Imagine a graceful arc of colored water streaming into your pool. Deck jets are a stunning way to add serenity. When paired with an LED, the continuous stream of water shoots colored light into the pool. Like bubblers, laminar jets are pleasing to the eyes and ears.

Laminar Deck Jets from Pentair

5) Illuminated Fountains

Fountains are another amazing way to incorporate light! Just think of the famous Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. An illuminated fountain is simply mesmerizing at night. Some homeowners enjoy a small version of the Grecian styles you see in public parks. There are even some floating varieties that run on batteries.

6) Waterfalls

You can also go for a big wow factor with a waterfall. These can range from a small ledge with a stream of water to one that uses rocks to mimic natural waterfalls. Recessed LED lights or strips create a charming backlight.

7) Perimeter Lighting

One way to add subtle decorative pool lighting is around the perimeter. This is a cool way to show off the shape of your pool. This effect can be done in a soft white light or colored LEDs. Either way, your pool water will simply glow.

8) Landscape Lighting

Don’t forget landscaping lighting! You want to create a cohesive environment in your backyard. Many homeowners add lighting along pathways and stair risers for extra visibility. Some tuck lights around bushes or trees for a nice ambiance.

Every pool needs basic lighting for safety, but the rest depends on your preferences. Standard lights cost approximately $2,500, but two bubblers, four deck jets, and a waterfall is easily another $10,000. It’s all about creating a backyard that will provide years of enjoyment.

We love designing pools! If you’re thinking about a new pool this year, there’s still time to schedule. We can’t wait to help you create the pool of your dreams. Call us today at 319-200-7665 or send us a message to get started.

15. Feb. 2020 / by Weston Darling / Pool Design, Swimming Pool Construction / 0 comments

Seven Pool Remodel Trends for 2020

Is your pool over 20 years old? Then it’s time for a remodel! Every pool reaches an age where it needs a facelift. In addition to new tile and plaster, a renovation is a great time to finally get the pool of your dreams. Refresh your swimming pool with one of these seven hot trends.

1) Swim-Up Bars

Want to feel like you’re on vacation in your own backyard? A swim-up bar or ledge is a great way to add another entertainment area. It’s like being at a resort pool without having to get on a plane!

A swim-up bar is super easy to include during a remodel. You’ll have a blank canvas to pick the shape, number of stools, and a design look. Composite, stainless steel, or custom concrete are all popular options right now.

2) Dark Colors

Forget aqua – navy is the new pool color! We’re seeing more homeowners ask for a rich indigo blue for their interior finish. These cobalt tones create the look of a peaceful lagoon. They also complement backyards with natural landscaping.

Darker blues also have the advantage of being timeless yet chic. Even Pantone’s Color of the Year is a classic blue! These hues won’t go out of style anytime soon. Plus they’re better for maintenance because they hide grime and buildup.

3) Tanning Shelves

About 90% of our pools include a sun deck or tanning ledge. Set up a few lounge chairs and bask away in the warmth of the sun. We like to think of these as “the kitchen” of the pool – everyone wants to sit and chat here! And because the water’s only a foot deep, these shelves are also great for families with little ones.

4) Pool Automation

There’s an app for everything, including your pool! A few years back, we started to see controls that could adjust lights, temperature, and water features right from your phone. Now automated cleaning is making waves.

As an industry, we want people to spend more time enjoying their pool than maintaining it. Many brands now offer software that monitors chlorine or acid levels. And if you’re familiar with Roombas, there are even robot cleaners that will scrub your pool!

Pentair Prowler 930 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner

5) Decorative Concrete Decking

Is your concrete decking cracked? Has it faded to the same ugly grey as your driveway or sidewalks? Replace it with a totally new look – stamped concrete.

While a flat (or broom) finish is standard, it’s also pretty boring. Decorative concrete can be texturized to look like tiles or cobblestone. You can even add color that mimics natural stone. We have an excellent network of concrete companies we can refer you to!

6) Water Features

Water features are such a beautiful way to enhance your pool. We’re seeing more people opt for a deck jet. The laminar flow is great for kids (and adults!) to play in. The streaming water also creates a soothing sound that can mask unwanted noise.

You might consider adding an infinity edge during a remodel too. There’s something truly magical about how the water’s surface disappears where it meets the sky. It’s the ultimate luxury right at home.

7) Custom Shapes

It’s not always hip to be square. Rectangle pools are easy to design and are compatible with autocovers, but it’s also fun to think outside of the box. Freeform pools are a creative way to break the mold. Make a statement with a squiggly shape or gently curved sides.

If you’re thinking about remodeling your pool this year, now is the time to schedule. We can get a jump on demo work early in the season because we don’t have to break any ground. Then we’ll complete plaster and concrete when the temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees.

10. Oct. 2019 / by Weston Darling / Pool Maintenance / 0 comments

8 Steps To Properly Close Your Pool

The weather is growing chilly and the trees are changing colors – it’s officially time to close your pool! Once the temperatures consistently dip below 65 degrees, you can start preparing your pool for the winter months. These eight steps will ensure your pool is protected against freezing weather and ready for fun in the spring.

1) Clear Off Deck

Clear off your pool deck for the same reason you clear off your patio – pool equipment isn’t designed to be exposed to Iowa winters. Remove all skimmers, hoses, diving boards, and ladders.

2) General Cleanup

Do a deep clean on your pool at the end of every season. The cleaner your pool is when you close it, the cleaner it will be when you open it. If you leave any organics or bacteria in the water, they will spawn algae growth and eat up all your chlorine. You don’t want your swimming pool to look like a swamp in the spring!

3) Test Water

Test your water in the fall, even though it won’t be used over the winter. To keep bacteria at bay until the pool reopens, we typically recommend bringing chlorine levels up to 5 ppm. If you have a liner or fiberglass pool, however, you should consult with the manufacturer.

Winter chemicals also have an added bonus – you don’t need to do monthly testing in the off season, especially once ice forms.

4) Partially Drain Water

In Iowa, you only need to do a partial drain at closing. If the pool is completely empty, harsh temperatures can damage exposed elements.

Water in the pool is also necessary for structural integrity. This is because as the ground contracts and expands during freeze-thaw cycles, it can push the pool walls inward if there is no water to resist that pressure.

As a general rule of thumb, drain your pool several inches below the lowest return.

5) Add Winter Chemicals

These winter treatments help chlorine stay active in the water. Remember that bacteria love to thrive in warm water – if you’ve already closed your pool but temperatures are still above 65 degrees, the chlorine is going to dissipate at a faster rate. Winter chemicals means your pool will have a sanitizer to fight off bacteria and algae.

6) Blow Lines

You also need to blow out skimmer lines with an air compressor. This step can be intimidating for homeowners but it gets easier with practice. Blowing out the lines removes any standing water from your pipes. You must also add antifreeze for extra protection.

7) Insert Winterizing Plugs

These plugs are inserted into skimmer returns and sometimes main drains. They are similar to a bathtub stopper, but their purpose is to seal openings and hold antifreeze in the lines. This prevents water from getting into the piping and damaging it during freeze-thaw cycles.

8) Install Pool Cover

The last step is installing your winter cover! If you have a tarp version, you’ll need to routinely clear off any accumulated debris, snow, or ice. Otherwise the weight could break the cover and dump everything into your water. You may want to consider a mesh version, which you can read about in our Quick Guide to Pool Covers.

Because every pool is unique, we recommend that you have a licensed and qualified pool professional help you with proper closing. Call us today to schedule!

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