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4 Winter Relaxation Tips

So your source of enjoyment and exercise is out for the winter.  How are you supposed to relax during the cold months this year?  Well swimming may be out unless you plan for a trip to a gym with an indoor swimming pool (definitely not a bad idea for a high-energy afternoon) but since you won’t be needing to cool off, why not take these tips to heart to stay cozy and relaxed during the winter.

1. Read a Book

Stay inside, grab a book, and sit in a warm part of the house.  It doesn’t just have to be a book either, watch your favorite TV show, listen to music, or work on a puzzle.  Finding some alone time in a quiet corner of the house is a great way to relax and get ready, either for the next day or for anything else you need to do that night.  The point is to stay warm and to find a space where you can limit or control the number of sounds, lights, and motions that are around you.  If you need some help getting started, here’s a good list of classics that will take some time to read.

2. Warm, Healthy Food

For the more active relaxers, staying busy is important.  Having something with an immediate direct benefit is always rewarding when you’re relaxing.  Making a warm, tasty meal is work to some but to others it’s a great way to relax.  As an added bonus, the constant motion from cooking or baking mixed with the heat of the oven will keep you warm as you work. When you’re done, you’ll have delicious food.  While we recommend cooking healthier items for general wellness, comfort foods should never be frowned upon, so bake away and enjoy.

3. Personal Spa

If you’ve got an indoor spa or Jacuzzi, there’s nothing quite like the hot and cold contrast of warm water and cool air.  When you need a real break, try relaxing in a heated spa or tub of water.  If you own one, you never want to be left without access to it, so if there’s a problem, just give us a call and we’ll be there to fix it.

4. Professional Spa

Don’t have your own spa, or live in an apartment without access to one?  It’s not a problem, just look for one of the local spas in your area. There are plenty of available places and opportunities.  From small and inexpensive spas to the large resorts like the Lake Austin spa, there’s always a choice.

Contact the professional pool technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service with any questions about spa, hot tub, or pool maintenance and cleaning.

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need.

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How to Chemically Treat Your Spa

On a regular basis you should sanitize your spa and rebalance the pH to ensure the cleanest, healthiest water.  

This is especially true if you plan to be gone for more than a few days.  Before you leave you should always sanitize, re-balance, and check the level of calcium in the water, then repeat after you’ve returned.  This basic maintenance will not only prevent undesirable buildup inside your spa, but will help to promote a longer lifespan for the spa itself.

1. Use Test Strips to Measure Water Content

Mineral testing strips can be purchased at any pool store and most department stores.  You should already have these on hand because you want to test the water in your pool regularly, every 3-4 days.  A full package of spa test strips will check for alkalinity, chlorine, pH, calcium hardness, and bromine.  They’re simple to use as you merely place them in the water for 15-20 seconds.

2. Take Care When Adding Chemicals

Always add chemicals one at a time.  The spa should be running with jets engaged and water cycling to help distribute the additives more easily.  After each chemical is added, it’s best to wait at least two hours for it to distribute evenly before adding the next one.

3. Adjust for Alkalinity

Based on your alkaline test, you’ll need to adjust the parts per million (PPM) of total alkalinity.  Your spa’s water should read somewhere between 80 and 120 PPM.  The most common balancers for alkalinity are sodium bicarbonate (which will raise the PPM of your water) and sodium bisulfate (which will lower it).  Test, add bicarbonate or bisulfate to adjust the level, and then allow two hours to settle before testing again.  We recommend checking the alkalinity first to make it easier when you test for pH later.

4. Sanitize the Water

The two most common pool and spa sanitizers are chlorine and bromine.  While we think of chlorine most often, bromine has become more popular because of its less harsh nature and milder smell.  Both kinds are available in tablet form while chlorine can be sold in a powder as well.  Whenever you buy a sanitizer, you should follow the recommendations attached with it. However, chlorine should stay between 1.5-3 PPM while bromine (if you’re using it instead) should show a 3.0-5.0 on the testing strip.

5. Check Water Hardness

High levels of calcium in your water will leave scale on the sides of the spa.  Calcium levels are what determines water’s hardness.  In general, scale left behind by especially hard water is bad for heating elements, pumps, filters, and surface. You want to balance the calcium level in your water because, while you don’t scale left behind, you don’t want to remove calcium completely or the water will start to draw minerals from other sources.  Calcium should stay between 100-250 PPM for acrylic finished spas, and 250-450 for plaster.

6. Balance pH Values

Once you’ve finished adding all the necessary chemicals to keep your water balanced and clean, perform a final pH check.  The spa water should be between 7.2-7.8.  If it’s off, recheck alkalinity and then balance the pH level with sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulfate to raise or lower the pH to normal.

7. Shock for a Final Cleaning

Your final task is to place an odorizer into the water to kill waste, keeping the water clean and clear. Use an ozone shock treatment if you use a mineral sanitizer.  Otherwise, use chlorine or bromine shock treatments depending on which you use on for regular sanitization.

Contact the professional pool technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service with any questions about spa, hot tub, or pool maintenance and cleaning.

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need.

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Prep your Pool for Winter

The weather has started to cool off and, while it may still be warm enough during the day to swim, unless you have a heated pool the nights maybe cooling off the water too much to enjoy it during the day.  Looks like it’s time to prepare your pool for the coming winter (though many of you may still enjoy a brisk swim).  Get your pool ready by preparing it in case of freezing and protecting the inside surfaces with a chemistry-balancing treatment.

Treat Your Water

Balance your pool’s chemistry, making sure that the pH value is between 7.2 and 7.6.  Keep the alkalinity of your water at 80-120 parts per million (ppm) and the calcium hardness at 180-220 ppm.  Once the pool has been balanced, chlorinate it to kill off any existing organisms.  Test the water over the next few days and, once the chlorine reaches 1-3 ppm, use a pool winterizing agent to prevent algae buildup.  The winterizing agent will keep your pool blue and beautiful throughout the winter.

Freezing Prep

While your pool itself is unlikely to freeze, the water in your pump system will certainly freeze at least once during the winter.  Water expands as it freezes, which can severely damage your pump, heating, and filtration equipment.  This leaves you with two simple options for protecting your pool system.

Lower the water Level – drain the pool until the water level does not reach the pump and filter system.  If no water can enter the system, it can’t expand within the pipes to damage them.  Once you’ve drained part of the pool, blow out the pipelines to evacuate the water from the system and plug to ends.  Plugging the entry and exit points of your system will keep weather-water out of the lines and will prevent pests from crawling in and nesting within the system.

Remove the filter and pump system – If sensitive components are not in the water in the first place, they cannot be damage.  This isn’t always the most effective means of preserving components (it depends on how easily removed or installed the devices are). It’s a good idea to clean, dry, and store many of these components anyway, so a hybrid choice between this and lowering the water level.

Once you’ve drained all components, and sealed them against any new water arriving, you’re pool is ready for the winter once more!  Over the course of the winter, occasional debris may end up in the pool (sticks or trash for instance).  Don’t worry, you can call your friends at Texan Blue Pool for help!

Contact the professional pool technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service with any questions about pool maintenance or cleaning.

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need.

Stay Connected! Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Decorate Your Pool For Halloween

Halloween weekend is in two weeks, and if you haven’t already prepared for it, you still have time to put out some high quality decorations or gear up for a spectacular party. It may be fall, but this is Texas so you can look forward to mild-warm weather, perfect for an outdoor Halloween event.  So take advantage by decorating your pool to match the rest of your house.

Pool Decorations

If you’re worried about it being too cold to go for a swim, use your pool to inspire terror with some amazing decoration ideas instead.

Classic Halloween decorations are still excellent.  A mixture of jack-o-lanterns around the pool, skeletons hanging from overhangs, and nylon rope spider webs are all classics that you can use to decorate the general area around your pool.  But then you should take it a step forward and turn your pool itself into the scariest spectacle of the season.

Pool Dye is a simple trick that can change your pool from clear to a murky red, orange, or green depending on your personal preference. Accent with pool lights to give it a mysterious glow or to highlight features around the pool for an added spooky factor.

Pool Noodle Monsters are a crafty and creative way to add some spectacle.  A properly weight set of pool noodles can look like a submerged monster ready to rise out.  Alternatively, suspend webbed, mummified, or hanged decorations above the pool if you have a place to do so.

Dry Ice is the perfect way to obscure the bottom of your pool and set everything off for maximum eeriness.  Adding dry ice to your pool will cover the surface a swirling mist. The combination of lights, monsters, pool dye, and dry ice gives the illusion of a bubbling mire filled with danger and mystery.

Then again, if you’d rather keep things on a more light-hearted note, go for silly and just place skeletons in the water doing normal pool-goer activities.

Safety

As always, when you’re around water, stay safe.  Make sure that someone is keeping a watch for accidents, especially if there are small children around.  Otherwise, have fun and look forward to the best Halloween party on the block!

Contact the professional pool technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service with any questions about pool maintenance or cleaning.

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need.

Stay Connected! Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Saltwater Pools Advantages & Disadvantages

There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with saltwater pools. Before you go ahead and install a saltwater pool filtration system, learn the pros and cons first.

Source: houzz.com

Saltwater Pool System Advantages:

By producing chlorine through electrolysis, you don’t have to store, handle, or add chlorine anymore. Also, the softening effect of using electrolysis gives you a milder and less-irritating cleaning agent for your hair, skin, and eyes. 

For those sensitive to the harsh effects of chlorine, a saltwater system is a smarter choice. One more thing: salt is cheaper than chlorine! This combined with the knowledge that salt will not evaporate and gets used and regenerated throughout the day will save you over $100 on your yearly pool maintenance.

easier on the hair, skin, and eyes

less maintenance time and cost

no need for storing or handling toxic chemicals

less chlorine odor

no more fading swimming suits, red eyes, dry skin, and green hair

self-cleaning system (prevents algae growth)

water softening effects of electrolysis

higher upfront costs, but you end up saving money in the long run

salt is much cheaper than chlorine and won’t have to be added as often

better system for those with asthma and allergy

extremely versatile (can be used in nearly any body of water)

Saltwater Pool System Disadvantages:

On the negative side of things, there are a couple things to be aware of.

more expensive installation cost, however, this is normally offset within a couple of years by the savings on not having to purchase chlorine

pool components, like lights and pool lines, are more prone to regular wear and tear

the water that escapes your pool could damage nearby plants and landscaping

saltwater pools require larger amounts of electricity, since your salt water chlorinator needs electricity to work

If you asked us, we’d say that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but that’s for you to decide.

How much does a saltwater pool conversion cost?

Saltwater pool conversions cost around $1200 - $1600. This may seem fairly expensive, but remember that a chlorine pool costs about $300-$350 a year to maintain. Saltwater pools only cost about $30 to maintain for the whole summer pool season! And you won’t have to replace those fading swim suits anymore! Considering all of this, you will recoup the costs after just a couple of years. And who can put a price on healthier skin, hair, and eyes?

There are many benefit of converting your pool to a saltwater chlorination system, however, upfront costs are pretty high. While saltwater pools are more cost-effective, it will take some years before you start making your money back. Also, it’s important to clean your salt cell, filters, and other pool maintenance to keep you saltwater pool running properly and efficiently.

Whichever sanitizing system you have for your pool, the friendly and professional technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service can take the poolowner’s responsibilities off your shoulders and keep your pool healthy and clean for a long time. You may also be interested in our other recent blog articles:

Swimming Pool Water Conservation Tips

Saltwater Systems vs. Chlorine Pools

How to Heat Your Pool: Gas Heater vs. Heat Pump

How to Clean Cartridge Pool Filters

Hot Trends in Pool Design

Contact the professional pool technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service with any questions you have about saltwater conversion. We can set up and maintain any saltwater pool system!

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need.

Stay Connected! Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

[texanbluepoolservice]

Swimming Pool Maintenance for Fall

Fall is officially here, which means it’s time to start thinking protecting your pool for the winter. Although Texans use their pools well into autumn, the pool season is sadly coming to an end. That is, unless you have a heating system for your pool.

Learn the difference between a gas heater and a heat pump on our blog or call us with your pool heater questions at 877-730-7665. Consider investing in a pool heater to extend the swimming season while keeping you in comfort.

Installing a pool heater, however, means more fall pool maintenance. There isn’t much of a difference between fall pool maintenance and summer pool maintenance. For some general pool maintenance tips, you may want to check one of the links below:

Pool Maintenance for Homeowners

How to Get Rid of Pool Algae

When & How to Shock Your Swimming Pool

Top 5 Pool Maintenance Tips

Fall pool maintenance is basically the same as summer pool maintenance, with one major difference - leaves! You can cut down on your fall pool maintenance by getting control over the falling leaves:

Skim the pool regularly (consider purchasing a pool leaf rake and small leaf skimmer)

Clean your pool skimmer basket every week

Clean out pool pump basket

Check and/or clean your pool filter (if you have a DE filter, backwash and recharge every 2 weeks; clean every 6 months; sand filters only have to be cleaned every 4-5 years)

Vacuum the bottom of your pool

You may want to change the direction of your pool jets to flow toward your skimming basket. This sends most of your leaves and debris into the basket, reducing the need to use your pool leaf rake and skimmer.

As in the summer, it is important to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks such as balancing chemicals, monitoring water level, and sanitizing the water. Take care of your pool in the fall and enjoy your swimming oasis for as long as you possibly can.

Maintaining a clean, chemically balanced, and operational pool is very rewarding. A well-maintained pool will look clean and clear all the way to the bottom. There should not be strong odors emanating from the pool and pH and chlorine levels should be consistently maintained.

Call a professional pool service technician for expert service:

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

For more useful information and helpful tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Sold on Salt Water? How to Install Saltwater Pool System

Last week we went over the pros and cons of salt water pool cleaners. For the most part, we highly recommend them, especially if you are sensitive to the effects of chorine (itchy eyes, irritated skin, etc.). If you’re ready to convert your regular chlorine pool to a saltwater pool, great, but there are a few things you need to know first.

Installing a Salt Water Pool System

The upfront costs of converting your pool to a salt system is around $1200-$1600, however, the savings you reap from less maintenance and not having to add chlorine will offset the costs in just a couple of years. Compare chlorine, which costs $25-$45 a month with a bag of salt, costing only about $10.

1. Choose your salt cell chlorinator.

There are many options are available, so we recommend getting a professional’s opinion before choosing a salt chlorinator. The most important thing to consider is size. You want to make sure that your salt cell can produce the necessary amount of chlorine for the size of your pool. We recommend getting a slightly larger salt chlorinator for your pool than the size it is rated for. This will put less strain on your salt cell, allowing it to live longer.

Click here for a list of top-of-the-line salt cell chlorinators.

2. Choose your salt

Regular non-iodized table salt is just fine. Don’t buy any rock salt, iodized salt, or salt with any additives. You can buy salt in bulk at your local pool store or hardware store in 40-60 pound bags. When you add the salt to you pool, walk around the perimeter and distribute it evenly. You can use your pool brush to stir the salt in.

3. Setting up the pool

When adding a salt water chlorinator to your pool, you will need to balance your water with sodium bicarbonate to raise pH and alkalinity levels. Next, stabilize your pool with cyanauric acid. Then, you want to add about 150-250 pounds of salt depending on the size of your pool. You’ll want to add oabout a third of this amount every day for three days. Make sure the pump is running and your salt is getting evenly distributed. You’ll also want to prevent algae growth by adding about 6 oz of Sun Algaecide 60. Weekly maintenance of your salt pool is necessary. Click here for salt water pool maintenance tips.

4. Installing your salt cell generator

Installing a salt cell is only something a homeowner should do if they have some plumbing and electrical experience. Since the process is fairly in-depth, we recommend hiring a professional to perform this task. If you really want to try to save some money by installing it yourself, there are several useful guides available:

How to Install a Salt Chlorine Generator

eHow Install a Salt Chlorinator

Once you have added your salt and installed your chlorine generator, simply turn it on and enjoy your pool without the harsh effects of a regular chlorinated pool!

Texan Blue Pool Service installs and maintains the best salt water pool filters from high-rated companies such as Jandy, Hayward, Pentair, Davey and Zodiac. If you are installing a new salt water pool system or need assistance with any maintenance, care, or problems, Texan Blue Pool Service can take the responsibilities off your shoulders. Just give us a call and we’ll send a qualified technician right away - 877-730-7665.

You may also be interested in our other recent blog articles:

Swimming Pool Water Conservation Tips

Saltwater Systems vs. Chlorine Pools

How to Heat Your Pool: Gas Heater vs. Heat Pump

How to Clean Cartridge Pool Filters

Hot Trends in Pool Design

Swimming Pool Buying Guide

How to Test pH and Chlorine Levels

5 Pool Maintenance Tips

Cleaning or Replacing a Cartridge Pool Filter

How to Get Rid of Pool Algae

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need.

For more useful information and helpful tips, follow us on Facebook,Twitter, and Google+.

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How Saltwater Pool Systems Work

Although most people own regular chlorine pools, the people that have decided to switch to a salt system rarely go back after experiencing its many benefits. Yes, both systems use chlorine, but the main difference is in one you manually add the chlorine, whereas with a salt system, chlorine is produced on-site. This reduces the need for pool maintenance, getting rid of the need for storing, handling, and adding chemicals to your pool.

How Does a Saltwater Pool Work?

Basically, low levels of chlorine get produced after salt ions go through a simple electrolysis phase in your pool’s filtration system. The salt water passes through your chlorine generator (aka salt cell, electrode, salt generator, or salt chlorinator), which uses electrolysis to turn the salt (NaCl) into hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the two common cleaning agents found in swimming pools (wikipedia).

Salt cells are added to your existing pool filtration system, where your pool water is already passing through every day. The hypochlorous acid (chlorine) from the salt dissolves into the water to kill bacteria, algae, and other pool contaminants. Eventually, the chlorine gets converted back to salt and the the process starts all over again.

Since a saltwater system is a closed system, you will only need to add more salt due to things like leaks, filter backwashing, splashing, and rainwater overflow. You should maintain your pool’s salt level at 4,000 ppm (most salt cells have a salt level indicator).

Contact the professional pool technicians at Texan Blue Pool Service with any questions you have about saltwater conversion. We can set up and maintain any saltwater pool system!

Saltwater Pool Maintenance

The need for maintenance is greatly reduced for a saltwater system, however, that doesn’t mean you can just set it and forget it. 

Keep you eye on your salt levels and add some more if necessary to maintain 4,000 ppm.

Check are pH levels (7.4-7.8), about once per week.

Clean your sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), or cartridge filters.

Clean your salt cell, as electrolysis attracts calcium and other damaging minerals to the specially coated titanium plates.

Yes, saltwater pools are easy to maintain, but they are far from maintenance-free.

Swimming Pool Buying Guide

How to Test pH and Chlorine Levels

5 Pool Maintenance Tips

Cleaning or Replacing a Cartridge Pool Filter

How to Get Rid of Pool Algae

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need. 

For more useful information and helpful tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

[texanbluepoolservice]

Water Conservation Tips for Your Swimming Pool

As a pool owner, you have the power and responsibility to conserve water. At Texan Blue Pool Service, one of our goals is to educate consumers on practical ways to save water with their pool and/or spa. Not only will these tips help save you money and energy, but they will also help maintain your pool for years to come.

In fact, if you replace your relaxing baths with a spa and/or pool, you could end up saving a lot of water throughout the year. While a bath gets filled and drained repeatedly (about 80 gallons for a normal-sized tub), a spa uses the same 400 gallons continuously for 4-6 months. 4 or 5 baths uses about the same amount of water as having a spa for 4-6 months!

Here is a list of things you can do to conserve water with your swimming pool/spa, plus an infographic provided by SwimUniversity.

How to Conserve Water in Your Pool or Spa

Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation by 95%! Investing in a solar cover provides the added convenience of heating the pool. Make sure to properly maintain your pool or spa cover (consider replacing your covers after 3-5 years).

Get professional pool and spa maintenance and fix any leaks immediately! To test your pool for leaks, take a piece of tape or grease pencil and mark the water level of your pool. Then, check the water level again after 24 hours. If it has decreased by more than ¼ inch, than you have a leak and should get it repaired as soon as possible. For more information on finding and fixing pool leaks, see this Wikihow.

Some pool owners drain their pool every year, but this is more than likely excessive. If the pool has been maintained, there should be no reason to drain the pool and add fresh water. Pools should only be drained every 3-7 years and should be done by a professional. Talk to your professional pool technician before you drain your pool!

Since heated water evaporates at a higher rate, lower your pool temperature! You’ll save on energy costs as well.

Backwash your sand filter only when necessary (about every 3-4 months). Keep you pool filters clean to reduce the frequency of backwashing. When backwashing your sand filter, use the extra water on your salt-tolerant plants. Click here to learn how to clean your cartridge pool filter. When cleaning your filter, do it over lawns and shrubs so as not to waste water.

Make sure you have the correct water level in your pool. The water should be a little over halfway up your skimmer. This will not only help prevent water loss from splashing, but will also help keep your skimmer and pump working properly.

Source: thepoolfactory.com

The most important thing for pool and spa water conservation is proper maintenance! 

For more information on proper pool/spa maintenance and conserving water, call Texan Blue Pool Service; we’re happy to answer any questions you might have!

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665    Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009     Austin - 512-238-7665

You may also be interested in:

2015 Pool Design Trends

Top 3 Swimming Pool Myths

Your Pool Needs Some Love Too: 5 Maintenance Tips

How to Get Rid of Pool Algae

To help your pool remain cleaner and trouble free longer, Texan Blue Pool Service offers filter cleaning. When you call for a filter clean for your pool, our technician will clean and inspect the filter from top to bottom.

Whatever your pool system, Texan Blue Pool Service is the trusted choice for repairs, installations, service, or maintenance.

If you have any questions, you can give Texan Blue Pool Service a call at 877-730-7665 or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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How to Heat Your Pool: Gas Heater vs Heat Pump

The summer is almost over, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your swimming pool! By utilizing a heating system, you’ll be able to extend the pool season way past the last day of summer (Wednesday, September 23). With the help of air source heat pumps or gas heaters, you can enjoy your pool all year long, extending its use and saving you money.

Air-Source Heat Pumps vs Gas Heaters

If you’re considering purchasing a heating system for your pool, let’s talk pros and cons:

Is one better than the other?

It’s important to note that the answer is not cut and dry. You will have to decipher for yourself which of the benefits are more important to you as well as which benefits you’re willing to sacrifice. We will, however, present to you the pros and cons of each so that you can make a decision that best suits your budget and individual needs.

Air-Source Heat Pumps:

Air-source heat pumps do not generate heat. Rather, they utilize electricity to capture heat and move it from one location to another, like any heat pump. In this case, it would transfer heat from the air to your swimming pool. Even in cold weather, there is heat available to extract.

Pros:

Low Operating Cost

Energy-Efficient

10-Year Life Span

Environmentally Friendly

Cons:

High Purchase Cost

Requires Average Air Temperature of 50⁰F (10⁰C) or Higher to Operate Efficiently

Slow Heating

Gas Heaters:

Gas heaters use either natural gas or propane. Energy.gov has this simple explanation to share:

“As the pump circulates the pool’s water, the water drawn from the pool passes through a filter and then to the heater. The gas burns in the heater’s combustion chamber, generating heat that transfers to the water that’s returned to the pool.”

Pros:

Low Purchase Cost

Operates Independently of Air Temperature

Fast Heating

Cons:

High Operating Cost

Not Energy-Efficient

5-Year Life San

Not Environmentally Friendly

Source: aquacal.com

Heating:

Because gas heaters operate independently from air temperatures, they are able to effectively heat swimming pools during cold weather. So if you’re the type who likes to swim even when the ground is covered in snow, gas heating may be the option for you. They heat your pool quickly, but air source heat pumps can maintain the heat for longer.

Efficiency:

When it comes to efficiency, air-source heat pumps are the reigning champions. As opposed to a gas heater that uses either natural gas or propane, an air-source heat pump generates more energy than it takes in because it is able to harness heat from the air, transferring it to your swimming pool.

Did you know?

Air-source heat pumps produce five to six units of energy for every unit it consumes.

Gas heaters produce less than one unit of energy for every unit it consumes.

Air-source heat pumps, then, cost significantly less to operate than gas heaters. Many consumers determine that air-source heat pumps are the better choice for them over gas heaters because they are more affordable in the long run.

Now that we’ve given you the pros and cons of both air-source heat pumps and gas heaters, we hope that you feel ready and able to make a decision that best suits you and your needs. If you’d like to speak with a professional on the matter, Texan Blue Pool Service is here to help.

Whichever heating system you choose, make sure you get it professionally installed. In addition, in order to keep your pool heater running at optimal level, have a professional inspect and maintain your pool heater on a regular basis. 

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009  Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need. For more useful information and helpful tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Back to School Pool and Water Safety

Swimming and other water-related activities are great for exercise, relaxation, and bonding with family and friends, but did you know that water is also one of the biggest sources of danger to humans, especially children?

Although school and community pools are required to post pool safety rules, it’s important to know them beforehand. Some life-saving skills, such as CPR and being a good swimmer, require knowledge and practice. The good news is that there is a strong correlation between pool safety education and drowning and injury prevention.

Considering the fact that “drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years old,” it’s crucial to educate our children on the dangers of swimming pools and how to prevent drowning for themselves and others.

Here’s a handy list of swimming pool safety tips to keep in mind when returning back to school:

No running or rough play

No swimming alone

No diving

etc...

Aquatic accidents happen frequently and suddenly. In the event of an emergency:

Check the scene for conditions that would make it unsafe for you to help the victim.

Call 911 or your local emergency number.

Care for the victim until emergency personnel arrive. Keep the victim’s face out of the water and support his or her head and neck. Never attempt CPR or any other lifesaving procedures without proper training.

Use the Red Cross’s Head and Chin Support method for victims near the surface of the water:

Watch this video for some more essential pool safety tips:

Step 1: Supervision

Step 2: Fencing

Step 3: Pool & Spa Covers

Step 4: Alarms

Step 5: Safety Drain Covers

For more swimming pool safety tips for school and home, check out our other safety tips:

Swimming Pool Electrical Safety

April Pools’ Day: Pool & Water Safety

Beach Safety Tips

Water Safety Checklist

Top 3 Swimming Pool Myths

You can get even more safety tips and advice from redcross.org.

Texan Blue Pool Service is here to solve all your pool problems. Whether you need maintenance, weekly cleaning, or complete renovations, give your expert pool technicians a call at 877-730-7665.

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

For more useful water safety information and helpful tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Have a great first day of school! 

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Hot Trends in Swimming Pool Design | TX Pool Service

Texas in August is nearly unbearable without a pool. If you are sick of returning home from work without a relaxing oasis to help cool down, then this is the guide for you. From LED lighting to fire features, find out which pool features will help transform your underused pool into a backyard sanctuary you’ll never want to leave.

Learn all the latest swimming pool design trends to help you with your new pool construction or remodeling project:

Hot Pool Design Trends

1. Swimming Pool (duh!)

This is a no-brainer, but if you want to have a backyard oasis, you’ll need a body of water. Whether your backyard is more suited to a rectangular pool, a kidney-shaped pool, or a custom-shaped pool, your decision is reliant on expert advice. Contact Texan Blue Pool Service for a swimming pool consultation and get ready for exercise, relaxation, and fun!

2. Landscaping

Add some lush greenery to your yard to complement your yard and create more shade and privacy for your get-togethers and backyard bashes. Strategically placed trees and other plants can also help reduce your heating and cooling costs as well as reduce your pool’s rate of evaporation. Study the sun and take into account wind patterns.

Click here for landscaping design ideas from HGTV.

3. Decks, Porches, and Patios

Enhance the use of your outdoor spaces by zoning the area with furniture, decks, pergolas, and porches. Create different areas for playing, cooking, or just relaxing. 

Click here for outdoor space design ideas from HGTV.

4. Outdoor Cooking

What’s a pool party without a grill? Sadly, the average American spends over 90% of their time indoors. Change that statistic by adding a barbecue area outside and enjoy your time outside. Your outdoor area will serve as a second kitchen, reducing the time you spend indoors and subsequently lowering your energy bill. Add counters, sinks, a fridge and more to really highlight the area and spend less time back-and-forth between your kitchen and your frill. It makes cleanup a lot easier too!

5. Pool Accessories

A pool without accessories isn’t much fun, but be careful because it’s easy to go overboard. Between waterfalls, waterslides, grottos, spas, gazebos, and fire features, you can easily find yourself spending a small fortune. Speak with a professional pool technician to discuss the best options for your desires.

Click here for cheaper pool accessories that will help you throw the best pool party of the year!

6. Lighting

Add safety and visual appeal to your backyard pool with strategic lighting techniques. You can choose from a variety of different lighting options in all colors of the spectrum. Adding lights will extend your pool time, allowing you to enjoy nighttime swimming and evening get-togethers.

Here are some more hot trends in pool design (courtesy of oliveirapools.com):

We hope you found these hot swimming pool trends useful in designing your backyard oasis!

Call Texan Blue Pool Service with all your swimming pool questions:

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665    Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009     Austin - 512-238-7665

Check out our other blog articles for more useful swimming pool information:

Pool & Water Safety

Opening Your Pool for Swim Season

2015 Pool Design Trends

Top 3 Swimming Pool Myths

Pool Maintenance Tips

Swimming Pool Electrical Safety

Your Pool Needs Some Love Too: 5 Maintenance Tips

How to Get Rid of Pool Algae

For more permanent upgrades to your pool and a better pool party experience, call Texan Blue Pool Service for professional pool lights, filters, cleaning, heaters, and maintenance.

Whatever your pool system, Texan Blue Pool Service is the trusted choice for repairs, installations, service, or maintenance.

You can keep in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Happy Swimming!

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Swimming Pool Buying Guide | How to Choose the Right Pool

After a demanding work week, there are few things more relaxing than a day at the pool. For those of you who don’t have a pool of your own, it’s traveling to the nearest neighborhood or community pool.

Often right down the street, these types of pools do offer convenience for those of you who don’t have a pool of your own. But lounging by the pool with a good book or playing chicken with your kids can soon be interrupted by noisy pool-goers who don’t respect your personal space. 

Let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced a rowdy group that interrupts our pool zen. Not to mention, how sure are you that the management is being vigilant about monitoring the chemicals and cleanliness of the pool? We’ve all seen people jump into the pool with their regular clothes on. 

Having a pool of your own doesn’t have to remain a dream; it’s time to make it a reality! But before you go ahead and just pick any pool, it’s important to check out the facts and make an informed decision. There are several things to consider on the matter, so let’s get cracking!

What to Look for When Shopping for a New Pool

1. What’s your priority?

Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this pool?” Is it simply for aesthetics? Or is it more about maximizing family and leisure time? Schedule an appointment with a trusted pool expert and speak with them about your desires. Explain your wants and needs to your local pool builder so that he/she can give you all your options. It would be unwise to begin shopping for a pool without first discussing your options with a professional.

2. Decide on a budget

How much are you able to spend? Make sure that your priorities are, in fact, a necessity. Don’t solely think about the installation cost. You will also want to consider the constant upkeep and maintenance your pool will require. If what you want doesn’t quite fit within your budget, see if some things can be added a later date. 

In addition, consider the different pool options that will add to your budget, such as spillover designs, hot tubs, decks, fountains, fire features, slides, diving boards, and more.

3. Decide on which type of pool you want installed

It’s important to look at all your options! Understand the various pros and cons of each type and have a knowledgeable expert help you decide. Depending on the layout of your home, a certain type may be recommended. Our trusted pool experts can take a look at the layout of your property and give you a list of options that will best suit it.

Types of residential swimming pools:

Above-ground

Fiberglass

Vinyl-lined in-ground

Gunite

Knife-edge

Spillover

Poured-concrete

If you have a very limited budget, an above-ground pool will likely be your best option as they are the cheapest to build and install. Additionally, these are comparatively easy to disassemble and re-install. 

Gunite, a type of in-ground pools, is the most popular type of pool homeowners have installed. They are extremely durable and can be built in any shape or size. Call your local pool experts to see which type best suits your needs and property type!

4. Decide on a pool layout

Rectangular-shaped pools are classic, but depending on your property type, it might not look aesthetically pleasing. You do have some options when it comes to the shape of your in-ground pool. You may even want a pool that is kidney-shaped to compliment your property type. Contact your local pool experts to design a custom pool that fits your every need.

The layout of your pool doesn’t consist only of the shape; it also includes features such as waterfalls or grottos for a more exotic look.

5. Find a trusted pool builder

When it comes to pools, don’t risk a botched installation. Do some research and calling around to find the best pool builder. The last thing you want to end up with is a poorly installed pool that is essentially just a giant, ugly pit in your backyard.

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we don’t install pools, but we service and install many different features and guarantee a perfect installation, the first time around. We are meticulous throughout the entire process and guarantee your complete satisfaction. Every single one of our pool experts has the necessary knowledge and ability to inspect your home for the perfect pool that will last for years to come.

6. Find out the building codes in your town

Often an afterthought, building codes are an important part of the installation process. Find out about your city’s building permits and if installing a pool will affect your property taxes. A reputable pool company will know your city’s building codes.

POOL FUN:

And what’s a pool without pool toys and accessories. Check out the coolest pool toys and games here.

Don’t let this list of things to consider overwhelm you or discourage you from installing a pool of your own! We simply want you to be informed so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.

For more information on having a pool installed on your property, go ahead and give us a call! We will be more than happy to assist you with any inquiries you may have, and we’ll even come up with a custom plan for you.

TEXAN BLUE POOL SERVICE  (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed)

Dallas - 972-985-7665       Fort Worth - 817-332-7665

Houston - 281-713-9009   Austin - 512-238-7665

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we exist to meet your every pool need. For more useful information and helpful tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Your Guide to the Best Pool Toys & Accessories

A pool without any accessories can get pretty boring pretty fast. To rekindle your pool love affair, consider purchasing some of these great swimming pool toys and accessories.

The 10 Best Pool Toys & Accessories for Summer

1. Swimline Pool Jam Basketball Game Pool Toy

What swimming pool toy list would not be complete without the obligatory basketball hoop? Nearly all of my childhood swimming pool memories include a basketball and a hoop. If you have boys, you need this pool toy, but people of all ages and genders will enjoy this one.

Source: kmart.com $195.95

2. Floating Golf Green Swimming Pool Game

Work on your golf game and after you work up a sweat, dive in to retrieve the balls. We could spend all day doing this! You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this game.

Source: amazon.com $409.95

3. Swimline Galleon Raider Inflatable Pool Toy

The kids will have countless hours of fun playing pirates with this pool toy. Think of it... buried treasures, walking the plank, cannonballs, violent storms, mutiny on the high seas, and other pirate-related conflicts. This toy is all you need to spark the imagination! And according to a Smithsonian study, “pretend play is not only important for kids; it’s a crucial part of what makes all humans so smart.”

Source: kmart $107.95

4. Camp Chef 120-Inch Portable Outdoor Movie Theater Screen

There are other makes and models, but the general idea is the same. Whether you choose an inflatable projection screen or a more sturdy one like the one shown, you can now enjoy your favorite movies outside, lounging in or out of the pool. After a long, hot day, it’s time to relax!

Source: amazon.com $222.99

5. Ivation Waterproof Bluetooth Swimming Pool Floating Speaker

It’s always stressful when you see someone move the music speakers closer and closer to the pool. Don’t they know that water and electricity don’t mix? Well, now you can satisfy those music lovers and your peace of mind with this floating speaker that can be controlled by nearly any device up to 33 feet away!

Source: amazon.com $79.99

6. Sea Doo Dolphin Sea Scooter

For that extra boost needed to beat your sibling or friend in a swimming race. Heck, at an extra 2 miles per hour, you could even challenge Michael Phelps to a race.

Source: amazon.com $204.46

7. Remote Control Snack and Drink Pool Float

Remote-controlled floating drink and food carrier? Do I have to say more?

But, if you’re looking for something a little bigger, click here for a large floating cooler (109.99). There’s no remote control though!

Source: homewetbar.com $54.95 (sale)

8. Swimline Floating Card Game Station

The opportunities are endless with this floating table and chair set. You can play cards, chess, and board games all while lounging in the pool with a refreshing drink in your cup holder. 

Source: toysplash.com $35.95

9. Poolside Rock Climbing Wall

Combine your two great loves into one -- rock climbing and swimming. You won’t need to wear any safety devices because your pool is there to break the fall. The fall may just be the best part!

Source: aquaclimb.com $4,554.00

10. The Floating HotTug

The crème de la crème of all the water-related accessories we could find. Sadly, the only manufacturer is located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. You can email them here if you can’t live without this floating wood-fired hot tub.

Source: hottug.nl $$$$

If you are getting ready to throw a pool party for your friends and family, you might want to purchase some of these poll toys and accessories, but you’ll definitely want to check out our How to Throw the Best Pool Party blog.

Swimming Pool Maintenance

In order to really get the most out of your pool, it’s important that you maintain your pool for the entire season. This means keeping the filter clean, vacuuming the pool once a week, and testing the chemical levels every day. To ensure maximum efficiency, have your pool checked and maintained by a professional at least twice a year (before opening and closing pool for the season).

If you are ever in need of a professional pool technician, don’t hesitate to give the experts at Texan Blue Pool Service a call. We’re here to ensure that you enjoy your pool all summer long.

You can reach us at 877-730-7665 or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Have a great summer, Texas!

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How to Test Your Pool for pH and Chlorine Levels

In order to do anything with your pool regarding chemicals, you will need to test it first.

Here are 3 different ways you can test your swimming pool for pH and chlorine:

3 Ways to Test Your Swimming Pool

1. TEST STRIPS

Simply take a sample of pool water in a clean cup and dip a dry test strip in it for about couple seconds. Being careful not to shake the test strip, hold it in the air for about 15 seconds for the colors to start appearing.

Once the strip is dry, match it up with the color chart on the package. The main things you should be looking for are free chlorine, pH, and alkaline levels.

Source: simplepooltips.com

You should do this strip test every week or so.

2. LIQUID KIT

A liquid test is more prone to human error since it relies on your ability to distinguish between different shades of the same color.

Using a couple drops of phenol red, you can test for chlorine. 

Watch this video to learn how to use your liquid test strip:

3. PROFESSIONAL TEST

We recommend getting your pool water professionally tested every couple of months and especially whenever you open or close your pool. You can bring your water in to Texan Blue Pool Service (Austin, Houston, Dallas) to have it professionally tested or you can have regularly scheduled swimming pool maintenance and cleaning by a professional.

Watch this video from SwimUniversity.com for a recap:

You may also be interested in:

Best Pool Party

Pool & Water Safety

2015 Pool Design Trends

Top 3 Swimming Pool Myths

Pool Maintenance Tips

Swimming Pool Electrical Safety

How to Get Rid of Pool Algae

No matter what pool or filtration system you have, Texan Blue Pool Service is the trusted choice for pool maintenance and repairs.

If you have any questions while testing your pool water, call Texan Blue Pool Service at 877-730-7665. You can also ask us questions on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+

Get to Testing!

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Why You Shouldn’t Swim in a Pool with Street Clothes on

We’ve all been pushed in a pool while wearing street clothes at one time or another; some of us more than others. Once you’re in, you think “Ahh…what the heck?” and shrug it off as you continue to swim. For some of you, swimming in street clothes isn’t that big of a deal, especially if it’s just shorts and a t-shirt.

But what if we told you that wearing street clothes in your pool could actually have a negative impact on your water and on top of that clog your drains, filters, and pipes. Of course, an occasional dip in the pool while shorts and a t-shirt isn’t a big deal, but when it becomes a routine affair, that’s when it needs to stop.

For many of you, this is completely new. Let’s take a look as to why this swimming in regular clothes can have a negative impact your water and the pool itself.

Clothing Materials

Most of the clothes you’d wear on a normal basis are probably made from cotton or some type of cotton textile such as denim. This type of clothing can actually fray really easily, leaving behind fragments such as fray from your favorite pair of cutoff jeans.

If one or two strands are left behind, your pool won’t take on any harm. However, if these happens routinely or if you have a lot of people swimming in your pool with street clothes, it can start to add up quickly. Overtime, these strands will clog your drain and possibly even your filter or pipes. If this does happen, give the experts at Texan Blue Pool Service a call. 

Clothing Dyes

Have you ever washed a new shirt with a load of whites only to find that it bled into every other piece of clothing? Now all your clothes are the color of that shirt. Sometimes, this same thing can happen to your pool, turning your once clear pool into a murky mess.

This is due to a large group of people wearing heavily dyed clothing. Chlorine interacts with these dyes, which causes them to bleed into the water, giving off a darkened appearance. Texan Blue Pool Service offers weekly cleaning services so that you don’t have to worry!

Health Concerns from Clothing

Think about the kind of clothing material you wear on a day-to-day basis. Now think about the material of your bathing suit. Cotton fibers can actually retain bacteria and fiber for longer periods of time, as opposed to your swimsuit.

A swimsuit is worn specifically to swim in. You wouldn’t normally wear it out to dinner, or the movies, or even to work. The truth is, you can’t always know where everyone’s been before they jump into your pool. Their clothing could be harboring a harmful bacteria or viruses that has the potential to infect other guests, causing them to get sick after taking a dip.

Chlorine is a powerful destroyer of bacteria, but the truth is, some bacteria can withstand even something as strong as chlorine.

Uncomfortable Clothing

Most of us know that jumping into a pool with street clothes on is uncomfortable. Your t-shirt and shorts become heavy, and moving around is now a chore. That’s because this type of clothing wasn’t designed with swimming in mind.

Swimsuits, however, were! They’re what you should wear when swimming. They’re designed to get wet and can withstand the chlorine. Wearing the proper attire will not only make you feel more comfortable, it’ll also protect you and others from illnesses. 

Texan Blue Pool Service is here to solve all your pool problems. Whether you’re wanting to restore your pool to the reprieve it was before your kid had a party, or the filter isn’t working properly anymore, give us a call. 

For expert pool service you can trust, you can reach us at 877-730-7665.

Visit us online or keep in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Pool Yoga is All the Rage | Water Exercises

With pool yoga on the rise, “I don’t have a mat” is no longer an acceptable excuse to get out of trying one of the most rewarding workouts there is. If you’ve always wanted to try yoga but have never had the confidence, this is the exercise for you! 

Trying to hold a pose while still maintaining grace and balance can be hard, which is why pool yoga is the answer for you! Not to mention, you’ll find that you won’t sweat nearly as much. And if you do, just duck your head under and you’ll feel refreshed all over again!

Yoga is a great way to achieve both mental relaxation and flexibility, and when you add water to equation, it only gets better! Water is a great way to alleviate any joint pain or bone stress you may have, not to mention, it helps with buoyancy. 

If you have arthritis or are recovering from surgery, why not try pool yoga? Because you’ll be in the water, you won’t have to worry about bearing all the weight. You’ll also find that you feel better both mentally and physically.

Don’t worry – these pool yoga poses won’t require that you stand on your head with your legs in the shape of a pretzel. But by all means, send us a picture if you do that.

Exercises courtesy of The Pool Center

At Texan Blue Pool Service, we want our customers to enjoy their pools in as many as ways possible - whether that’s through hosting a pool party, reading a good book while dipping your feet over the edge, having a competitive match of Chicken, or getting some peace and quiet with pool yoga. 

The opportunities are endless! But that’s what we’re here for...to help broaden the ways in which your pool can be utilized. And of course to help keep your pool maintained so that you can enjoy all the various activities.

Click here for more yoga exercise poses from womenshealthmag.com!

Show us your best pool yoga pose! Upload your photos to our Facebook, Twitter, or Google+!

What’s keeping you from enjoying your pool? Give us a call at 877-730-7665.