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.

When you are preparing for a new swimming pool installation, you will have many factors to consider. A pool contractor in Salt Lake City can help you with every aspect of your swimming pool design, including the size and shape of your pool, as well as your water features. Pool covers are essential features for any pool installation. With the right pool cover, you can enhance the safety of your pool, while also protecting your pool tile and materials from damage. To help you with your purchase, here is a look at some factors to consider when selecting a cover for your swimming pool.

Mesh Swimming Pool Covers

Mesh swimming pool covers are among the most popular types of pool covers available. When you choose a mesh swimming pool cover, your cover will be very light and easy to remove from the surface of the swimming pool. During the winter months, a mesh pool cover will also allow rain and snow to transfer through its surface, eliminating the need to remove excess water after a storm.

Solid Swimming Pool Covers

For the ultimate level of protection and safety for your swimming pool, you may want to choose a solid swimming pool cover. With a solid swimming pool cover, your pool area will be completely sealed off from outside elements. This type of swimming pool cover will also protect your pool water from bacteria and algae, ensuring that you will have less maintenance when you reopen your pool in the spring.

Making the Choice

Ultimately, the type of swimming pool cover that you choose for your pool will be up to you as a pool owner. Mesh pool covers offer fantastic ease of installation and removal, and can also reduce maintenance during the winter season. With a solid swimming pool cover, you may cut down on your pool cleaning in the long run. Your pool contractor will be able to answer any questions that you may have about choosing the best cover for your pool.

A hot tub installation will provide you with spa-like relaxation at home. To keep your hot tub in great condition for many years to come, you will need to avoid some common hot tub maintenance mistakes. For example, neglecting to check the chemistry in your hot tub could lead to calcium build-up, corrosion, and other issues. With a simple test kit from a swimming pool company, you will know precisely which chemicals need to be added to your water. A company offering hot tub installation near Salt Lake City can assist you with all of your spas and swimming pool maintenance needs. For a closer look at some of the fundamentals of hot tub care, check out this video.

A pool installation will provide countless outdoor recreation opportunities for you and your loved ones. If you are the parent of small children, it is of the utmost importance that you keep your young ones safe when they are playing in or around your pool. To help boost the safety of your pool, you may want to ask your pool contractor in Salt Lake City to incorporate safety features into your design. For example, your swimming pool builders can include pool covers and fences that will protect young children from accidental injury around the pool. To help you prepare your family for your pool installation, here are some tips for setting pool safety rules.

Ensure Adult Supervision

One of the fundamentals of pool safety is to make sure that children are supervised at all times when they are using the pool. When your children are swimming or playing near the pool, you will want to make sure that there is a responsible adult in charge. With adult supervision, you can keep an eye on children as they play.

Consider Rules for Play

Along with making sure that children are always supervised, you may also want to set safety rules regarding play and conduct around the pool. For example, you can set a rule that prevents running or roughhousing near the pool. Additionally, pushing and other behaviors should also be discouraged. By keeping play and activities calm and controlled, you will be able to help prevent an accident around your pool area.

Evaluate Diving Rules

Diving is a swimming pool activity that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. However, if a swimmer dives into a shallow area of a pool, serious injury could occur. To allow children and adults to dive safely, you may want to consider designating a dive area on the deep end of the pool. Diving should be off-limits in shallow pools, or in spaces where other water features are present. By setting pool rules, you can enjoy many years of fun and safe play in your backyard pool.

As you are preparing for a swimming pool installation serving Salt Lake City, you may want to talk to your swimming pool builders about incorporating exciting outdoor fire features in your design. By including an outdoor fire pit near your swimming pool or hot tub installation, you will create a natural gathering place in your backyard. In addition, an outdoor fireplace can offer you cozy comfort and warmth on a chilly fall night. Fire features are also natural additions to an outdoor kitchen design. As you are planning out spaces for your grill, bar, and prep areas, you may want to incorporate seating around a luxurious outdoor fire pit installation. For those homeowners who are avid chefs, outdoor ovens and barbeques can be used to create tasty outdoor meals. With the assistance of pool and spa designers serving your local area, you will be able to incorporate the perfect fire features in your newly updated backyard.

Balancing your pool chemistry is among the most important steps of pool maintenance. After your swimming pool installation has been completed, it will be up to you to make sure that your swimming pool water is not too acidic or alkaline. The process of balancing your pool water is known as maintaining a neutral pH. A pool contractor in Salt Lake City can provide you with all of the swimming pool maintenance tips you need to ensure that your chlorine or saltwater pool has a neutral pH. Read on for a look at some of the basics about pH and your swimming pool.

The Importance of pH Balance

There are several reasons why it is very important to keep the pH of your pool water balanced at all times. Since the chemicals in your pool are responsible for clearing away bacteria, algae, and other unwanted particles, balancing your pool water is an important step in keeping your pool water clear. In the event that the pH of your pool water gets too low or high, your swimming pool may become an unhealthy environment for swimming and recreation.

Signs of High pH

When the pH of your pool water becomes too high, your pool may begin to exhibit the signs and symptoms of acidity. For example, you may notice calcium deposits on the surface of your pool, and you may also find that your pool water is cloudy or murky. Additionally, you may experience burning or redness when you enter your pool. Certain pool chemicals can be added to your water to drop the pH instantly.

Signs of Low pH

In the event that the pH of your pool water gets too low, your pool may begin to experience the symptoms that are associated with alkalinity. You may notice that the grout around your pool is corroding, or that the metallic elements around your pool are rusting. When your pH is low, your chlorine tablets may also dissipate very quickly. To remedy low pH in a pool, it is suggested that you add a base to your chemicals.

A Guide to Firing Up Your Fire Pit

There’s something truly special about gathering around a crackling fire. Whether you’re sharing stories under a starry sky, roasting marshmallows with family, or simply unwinding after swimming in your pool or relaxing in your hot tub. However, starting a fire in your outdoor fireplace in Salt Lake City, UT, can be difficult for some, leading to a smoky and frustrating experience. Deep Blue Pool and Spas’ fire starter guide is meant to provide you with the steps and knowledge to create a cozy fire for you and your guests. Learn more before your next outdoor get-together.

Prepare the Area

Preparing the area is the most crucial step every time you build a fire. Safety should always be a top priority. Ensure your fireplace is clear of any flammable debris, keep your pets and children clear of the area, and your fireplace should be at least 15 feet away from any structures. Also consider any low-hanging tree branches that could catch fire. Next, you will need all the necessary materials, including newspapers, firewood, matches, and a bucket or hose. Having everything you need beforehand ensures you’re not leaving your fire unattended and makes the process smoother.

Building Your Fire

Assembling the firewood is a critical step for a successful fire. The key is to ensure the fire receives the necessary heat, fuel, and oxygen to burn. A well-built structure allows for proper airflow, which is essential for a robust and smoke-free fire. The two most popular fire-building methods are the “log cabin” and “teepee” methods:

• Log Cabin Method – Begin by creating a central tinder bundle at the base. Then arrange progressively larger twigs, sticks, and logs in a box-like structure, building upwards.
• Teepee Method – Place loose bundles of tinder in the center of the fireplace. Lean the kindling sticks against each other over the tinder, forming a cone. Next, add large sticks and logs to the outside. Make sure to leave space to access the tinder.

Tips for Enjoying Your Fire Safely

With your fire burning steadily, you can sit back and enjoy the warmth and ambiance with friends and family. However, a fire should never be left unattended. When adding more wood, place the logs on gently to avoid sending a shower of sparks into the air. Prevent smoky fires using dry firewood and ensure your kindling receives enough oxygen. On a particularly windy day, it might be best to postpone your fire. Wind can make a fire unpredictable and dangerous.

Dousing the Fire Once You’re Done

A fire that appears to be out can still have hot embers hiding beneath, which can reignite hours later. Here’s what you should do to ensure your fire is sufficiently doused. First, you’ll want to stop adding fuel about an hour before heading inside. Next, use a shovel or fire poker to spread the embers inside the fireplace. Slowly pour water over the embers until the hissing sound stops completely. Don’t stand too close, as the steam can be very hot.

Fireplace Building FAQ

• What Is the Best Type of Wood for Building a Fire? – Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple provide a long-lasting burn. However, they are harder to ignite. Softwoods like pine ignite quickly but burn faster.
• Why Does My Fire Keep Going Out? – The most common reasons a fire keeps going out include insufficient airflow and wet wood.
• Is it Safe to Have a Fire When it’s Windy? – High winds can cause your fire to act erratically and spread. Outdoor fireplaces are enclosed, which will help shield them from the wind. However, checking your local weather report before starting a fire is essential.

Creating Unforgettable Moments Around Your Fireplace

An outdoor firepit or fireplace is the focal point of your outdoor living area. At Deep Blue Pool and Spas, we create custom fire features in Salt Lake City, UT designed to accentuate your home and match your style and need. Safely using a firepit or fireplace is crucial for getting the most from your home investment. If you’re interested in installing a fireplace or other fire feature, contact our team to schedule your free project estimate.

When you are planning a swimming pool installation near Salt Lake City , you will have many factors to consider. From the shape of your pool to the materials that you use for your pool deck, it is essential to make sure that you carefully consider each element that goes into your pool installation. Swimming pool builders in your local area will be able to help you construct the swimming pool of your dreams. By matching your swimming pool or hot tub installation to the shape and design of your yard, you will create a pool area that matches perfectly with your property. Here is a look at how to select the perfect swimming pool for your outdoor space.

Rectangle

The rectangle is a classic shape for swimming pool design . When you choose to install a rectangular pool on your property, your new pool will provide the perfect place for swimming laps and playing games in your pool. Since rectangular pools are more formal in their design, these types of pools will match perfectly with formally landscaped outdoor spaces.

Oval

If you are seeking a unique swimming pool style for your property, you may want to consider choosing an oval pool. Unlike rectangular pools, which have perfectly squared edges, oval pools are soft and rounded in their designs. An oval pool will be a good fit in an outdoor space that is contemporary or more informal in design. In addition, your oval pool will provide you with ample perimeter space for setting up lounge chairs, games, and other items.

L-Shaped

An L-shaped pool is a popular choice for many homeowners. This type of pool will allow you to create separate spaces for diving, lounging, and swimming laps. When you are considering installing a pool around the corner of your house, an L-shaped pool may be the perfect fit for your property. With its contoured shape, an L-shaped pool can be customized to fit in with many different landscaping arrangements.