There are several ways to beautify your swimming pool area —some more involved than others. For example, a few well-placed plants can improve the visual appeal of your swimming pool. You can choose to do several small beautification projects gradually or to complete one grand project after your pool installation. Here are some suggestions to take into consideration. When you’re ready to turn your pool area into an oasis, be sure to hire a full-service swimming pool company near Salt Lake City to do the job for you. An experienced pool contractor can help you with the designing, planning, and implementing processes.

Adding a Water Feature

Water features of any kind can make a space relaxing and tranquil. The sound of moving water from a stream or a fountain is undeniably soothing. The sight of a cascading waterfall can be awe-inspiring. Whether it’s beside your pool or it’s a part of it, a water feature is sure to elevate your outdoor space.

Putting in a Hot Tub or Spa

If you’re planning a swimming pool installed on your property, consider putting in a complimentary hot tub or spa. Nothing quite beats the sensation of soaking in a hot tub after a nice swim in a cool pool. A well-designed pool and spa combo can be visually stunning.

Using Rocks and Boulders

If you want to have a more natural-looking pool area, you should use rocks and boulders. These accent pieces can be made of actual rock or manufactured material. Natural stones can really be attractive when placed around your pool, but they can be costly to purchase and install—especially larger boulders. Artificial stones are much lighter and can be made to look like natural stones. Larger structures, such as rock waterfalls, can be fabricated in whatever shapes you desire at reasonable costs.

Creating a Sanctuary with Plants

One of the best ways to beautify your pool area is to add landscaping. Plants are pivotal in creating an oasis-like space, and they work well with natural elements like rocks and boulders. Not only can plants make an area look lovely, but they can also be used to create privacy. Tall shrubs or fanning palms can block the view from a nosy neighbor or a passerby on the sidewalk.

During the winter months, it is important to contact a pool contractor and perform seasonal swimming pool maintenance. When outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, your skimmer could crack if you neglect to blow out the lines. Your pool contractor can remove water from the lines so that they are protected from bursting. If you schedule this service with a highly rated pool contractor in Salt Lake City, you will not need to lower your pool water. However, inground pools with tile borders should have their water lowered below the tile line to prevent damage. For a closer look at some winter maintenance tips for your swimming pool, be sure to watch this video from SwimUniversity.

How to Keep Critters Out of Your Pool

How to Keep Animals Out of Your Pool

Nothing ruins a relaxing pool day quite like discovering critters trying to make a home in your pool. Frogs, insects, mice, raccoons, and more can all hole up around your pool and stay for the season. Left unchecked, you could even end up with a dead animal in your pool! Thankfully, you can take some steps to keep critters away from your backyard paradise. Here are a few tips to discourage pests.

1. Start With Physical Barriers

Your first line of defense is setting up a few physical barriers. These are usually the most effective long-term solutions for keeping a critter-free pool. Start with the following:

• Pool Covers—A quality pool cover keeps animals from accessing the water and prevents excess debris. A mesh cover is good for keeping larger animals out while still allowing rainwater to pass through, but smaller creatures might still find their way inside.
• Fencing—Install a fence around your pool or backyard to keep large animals away from your pool entirely. This is especially useful if you have a raccoon problem. For smaller critters, you might need fencing with tighter mesh or additional ground-level barriers.

2. Install Pool Alarms and Motion Sensors

A physical barrier might be all you need to keep animals out of your pool. But if you’re still concerned, try installing pool alarms and motion sensors, too. Modern systems can detect even small critters, and motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter animals without harming them.

3. Implement Some Natural Deterrents

Some plants act as natural deterrents, keeping frogs out of the pool (as well as other animals). Strong-scented herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint discourage insects and small mammals. Marigolds repel many flying insects, while citrus plants deter cats and some rodents. In the same vein, avoid adding plants to your landscape that attract the critters you’d rather deter. For example, flowering plants can attract frogs, and fruit trees might catch the attention of larger animals.

4. Change Up Your Landscape Design

Your landscape could be making your property more attractive to all kinds of unwanted critters! If this might be the case for you, try creating buffer zones between natural areas and your pool. Remove brush piles, tall grass, and dense vegetation near the pool area. A decorative barrier can work well here—instead of putting grass right next to the open water, use raised planters or intricate tilework to separate the areas.

5. Try Pest Control Traps

If a specific pest has gotten out of hand, it might be time to lay down some traps around the pool area. Insects and rodents in particular can be deterred with traps, especially if they’re placed near food sources. If you take this approach, consider working with a pest control company. The experts will help ensure you aren’t contaminating any plants or pool water.

6. Keep Up With Pool Maintenance

Regular pool maintenance is one of the best ways to keep mice out of pools. A clean pool makes for an environment that is much less attractive to pests of all kinds. Here are just a few specifics to keep in mind:

• Balance Your Chemicals—The proper chemical levels make pool water less attractive to animals seeking a cool drink. Most animals prefer fresh water over chemically treated water, so consistent chlorination encourages them to seek alternatives.
• Skim and Clean Often—Every day or so, skim the water to remove insects and debris that might attract scavenger animals. Pay special attention to leaves and other organic matter, as these can decompose and bring in even more critters.
• Clean Pool Equipment—Pool pumps, filters, and heating equipment create warm, dark spaces that appeal to small animals seeking shelter. Talk to your local pool experts about regular cleaning and inspection to prevent animals from establishing nests.

Enjoy Your Pool This Summer, Critter-Free

Keeping a critter-free pool doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. With the right tools and strategies in mind, you can enjoy a clean pool without pests all summer long. If critters are an ongoing issue at your property and you need some help with maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact Deep Blue Pools and Spas. We specialize in all kinds of pool upkeep. Contact us today to learn more.

A swimming pool installation is a significant investment for any homeowner. To preserve the quality and condition of your new pool installation, you will need to perform routine pool maintenance services with the help of a pool contractor in Salt Lake City. There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate that your pool is in need of a swimming pool maintenance appointment. For example, you may notice that your water level has begun to drop more rapidly than usual. In addition, the water in your chlorine pool may start to cause eye or skin irritation after you take a tip. You may also notice dirt or debris building up on your pool lighting, liner, or tile. Finally, when your pool pump begins to make loud or unusual noises, you should be sure to set up swimming pool services right away. A pool contractor in your local area will be able to fully diagnose and troubleshoot any problem that may be affecting your pool.