The flowers are starting to bloom, the tree buds have started to show. Soon we will see mother ducks being followed by cute little ducklings and smell the BBQ filling the neighborhood air. Thats right, spring is here and swimming season is just about upon us in Utah. Its a good time to start thinking about going over the open your Utah pool checklist. There are four parts to this checklist that are vital to keeping your investment in tip top shape as well as enjoying the most out of it during the limited outdoor swim season we live with. This checklist will streamline your process when opening your Utah swimming pool for summer.

The Checklist To Open Your Utah Pool

Swimming Pool Chemical Safety

• Check the expiration date on all pool chemicals.
• Store all pool chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well ventilated area.
• Pool chemicals should NOT be stored above eye level.
• Make sure all chemical containers are sealed and closed tightly.
• Do NOT store liquid chemicals above powder or solid chemicals.
• Do NOT store oxidizers next to acids.
• Always discard used pool chemical containers properly.

The Equipment Pad

• Visually inspect the equipment pad, pool pump and filter for any cracks or breaks.
• Check the drainage area around the equipment pad, make sure it is clean and clear of debris.
• Check the pressure gauge found on the pool filter.
• Check the electrical wires and connections feeding the filter, pump and heater for any fraying or breakage.
• Clean the heat exchange on the heater before lighting for the year.

The Swimming Pool

• Trim all overhanging trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the pool.
• Remove any standing water on top of the pool cover with a cover pump or a shop vac and let dry.
• Inspect the pool, the pool deck and other surrounding visible areas for any swimming pool leaks, cracks or damage.
• Clean and sweep (pressure wash if possible) around the pool deck.
• Fill the swimming pool until the water line is half way up the skimmer weir.
• Clean and vacuum any dirt and debris from the swimming pool.

Test The Water

• Test your pool water for pH levels, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, free chlorine and metals.
• Add algaecide if necessary.
• Add pool shock and all other necessary chemicals.
• To open your Utah pool be sure to pour all chemicals very close to the surface of the water to prevent any splashing.
• Test the pool water to check for balanced swimming pool chemistry.
• Turn on the pool filter.
• Wait at least 24 hours before swimming.

Now You’re Ready To Open Your Utah Pool

Follow these guidelines for a quick, easy, streamlined process to open your Utah pool for the swimming season. Although most of these steps are very easy to do yourself, some may be a little overwhelming or even intimidating. We at Deep Blue Pools and Spas are here to help with any part of the open your pool process that you are not comfortable with. We have over 15 years of experience in the industry and a passion for swimming pool design, swimming pool construction, swimming pool maintenance and of course relaxing by pools and spas. Give us a call at (801) 272-7665 if you have any questions on opening your pool for a very enjoyable swimming season. These steps will put you on the right track for enjoying time with your friends and family under the sun this summer.

2013 was a great year for the swimming pool industry and creativity seemed to be key to stand out last year. What can we expect to see in swimming pool trends and design this year? Let’s take a look at what 2014 swimming pool trends we can expect to see. Swimming pool installations are on the rise due to the last few years of creative designs accenting home architecture. This has created a renewed spark in outdoor fun right at home. This means more time with the family and more time at home rather than expensive vacations.

2014 Swimming Pool Trends You Will Wonder How You Lived Without

Glass Tiles – One of the newest and most aesthetically pleasing swimming pool design trends for 2014 is the addition and use of glass tile. Glass tile is quickly gaining strength and use over tried and true ceramic tiles. Glass tiles are impervious to common problems associated with ceramic tiles. Glass tiles are harder than normal ceramic tiles and therefore are harder to crack or break. Pool tile has been placed under the coping to highlight the water’s edge since the beginning of swimming pools. Today, glass tiles come in a myriad of colors and finishes to complement any backyard pool. Glass tile is now used to accent the water’s edge, the hot tub area and even inside the pool.

Attached Hot Tubs – Swimming pools and hot tubs have seem to go hand in hand these days. Attaching the hot tub to the swimming pool has gained extreme popularity recently in swimming pool designs and we can expect to see them in the line up of 2014 swimming pool trends . Today’s hot tubs are accented with glass tiles and spill over features. The newest trend is not putting the hot tub in their traditional spot connected to the side of the swimming pool. Recent swimming pool designs have seen a growing interest in elevating the hot tub to gain a better view of the swimming pool. One of the other growing trends is the make the hot tub appear “invisible” in the design. These hot tubs are placed with walkways in the swimming pool or with negative edges on the side of the pool making an awesome effect that is very inviting to guests.

Hardscapes – While the word itself may be a bit rough for a smooth tranquil setting of your backyard oasis, hardscapes in 2014 are actually complimenting this design. Rather than the standard grey concrete or even stained concrete, 2014 swimming pool trends suggest the use of pavers, tiles, stamped concrete and travertine tiles. The beautiful thing about travertine tiles is no matter how hot the day, they stay cool to the feet. When you add a decorative surrounding and pool lip you actually invite the eyes to the oasis in front of you. Pavers are also an excellent choice as they offer great drainage, maximum traction and minimize moisture. Pavers are an excellent option for that rustic brick feel. Build your backyard design to accommodate your needs.

Geometric Design – Don’t be a square man. Pools have pretty much kept to the same form over the years but recently theres been a break in that trend. While most designs are still simple and subtle people are bending the rules and adding design elements that compliment their homes or yards for a true custom pool feel. One that was designed for you and one your neighbor will definitely not have. These designs will stand the test of time as they match your existing design features and add to the feel rather than take away from it.

Go Big At Home – Now this doesn’t mean to build the biggest pool you can. We don’t want to give up our entire yard for a small lake, well some of us might. However we are talking about a pool that truly fits your yard but is full of custom features. These features include water jets spraying across your yard landing in the pool making an incredible visual spectacle. This includes caves or grottos that look like natural rock, water falls or beach entries. This also includes proper lighting. you want to light up the pool and surrounding landscape in an ambient non obtrusive way. Something that doesn’t necessarily draw your attention away from your focal point but compliments it instead.

2014 Swimming Pool Trends WIll Be A Big Splash This Year

2013 was a great year for the swimming industry. We noticed a spark in outdoor activities being kept with the comforts of home. 2014 swimming pool trends will push the envelope for creativity and design. Creativity seems to be the only limit when it comes to swimming pool trends for this year but luckily we at Deep Blue Pools have been following these trends and are way ahead of the game. We are excited for what this year has to bring as well as what we will see for 2015. What trends do you expect to see arise for 2015?

The History of Swimming Pools Starts Around 2600 BC

Most people are unaware that swimming pools originated over 5,000 years ago. The first public bath (aka swimming pool) was The “Great Bath” in Mohenjodaro in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. around 2600 B.C. Furthermore between the sixth and eighth century, the affluent Greeks and Romans used swimming pools prominently as well. Many of these were typically great bodies of natural clean spring water used as a gathering place. The first man made pools were revealed in the 1800s in London and were used for swimming competitions. The first recorded swimming races were held in Japan in 36 B.C. It wasn’t until 1896 however that swimming competitions were introduced into the Olympics in Athens, Greece. As you can see the history of swimming pools dates back quite some time.

The History Of Swimming Pools Has Lead To Over 10 Million U.S. Pools Today

The history of swimming pools in the U.S. is quite young comparatively much like our nation. The first inground pool was introduced in Texas in 1910. It was commonly known by the name of Deep Eddy and is still operational in Austin to this day. In Philadelphia, the first above ground pool came into fruition in 1907. Following WWII, swimming pools soared in popularity especially for the wealthy. Today there are more than ten million swimming pools in the United States and over 360,000 that are open to the general public.

Other interesting facts relating to the history of swimming pools:

• President Ford had an outdoor swimming pool built at the White House in 1975.
• swim fins were invented by Benjamin Franklin.
• The first swimming pool on an ocean liner was built in 1907 on the White Star Line’s Adriatic.
• Sixty five percent of Americans don’t know how to swim.
• The bikini swimsuit acquires its name from a U. S. nuclear testing site in the South Pacific called Bikini Atoll.
• Florida is the only state in the United States that had a law on the books that requires Life guards and swimming instructors to be certified.
• An Olympic swimming pool can hold between 700,000 to 850,00 gallons of water!

The History Of Swimming Pools Has Advanced In Technology Exponentially

With such a deep rooted history of swimming pools spanning the globe it is obvious to see that swimming is one of the most popular recreational and therapeutic activities enjoyed today. The advancements in swimming pool technologies has come a long way with almost every customizable feature you could possibly dream of when it comes to your personal swimming paradise. That being said the basic principal is the same. Get out with the loved ones relax and have a good time. A lasting smile on the face is priceless. Take a look here this years swimming pool trends we were able to take part of. It is obvious our era will have made a huge impact on the history of swimming pools .

In reality, we all have heard a few swimming pool myths . Today, we will take a look at some of the most common and decipher if they are truly myths or actual interesting facts.

• You should wait at least an hour after you eat to swim otherwise you may get cramps.

The truth behind this assertion is that after you eat and you are in the process of digesting food, more blood is diverted to your stomach instead of your muscles. If you actively engage in swimming, there is a small chance you might encounter a cramp. To avoid this possibility, it is advisable to eat a small meal before entering the pool. There is factual evidence behind this claim however the risk is very low and cramps from eating a meal and swimming are very uncommon.

• When you can smell chlorine in the pool, there is obviously too much in the water.

One of the more interesting swimming pool myths . In reality, the opposite is the case. When there is chlorine in the pool, they attach to bacteria and create chloramines. However, when you shock the pool by adding more chlorine, these chloramines are transformed into oxygen and dissipate into the air. When you can smell it in the air, it is really not in the water where it is supposed to be. Take a look at the details within your Utah swimming pool chemistry.

• The chlorine will turn my blond hair green!

Instead of blaming the chlorine, it is actuality the copper minerals you need to be blaming. Some of the algaecides are formulated with copper and can attach themselves to the protein in your hair. However, don’t fret. To alleviate this problem, use a shampoo that strips the color or condition your hair prior to swimming and you should be just fine.

• If you open your eyes underwater, the chlorine will burn your eyes.

Instead of falsely blaming the chlorine, it is actually acidic water with a low PH. This is as a result of excessive rain water. To alleviate this, sodium bicarbonate and a PH increaser should be added. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood swimming pool myths with an easy solution. Don’t underestimate the importance of pH in your swimming pool.

• If anyone pees in the swimming pool, blue dye can detect your urine.

It is one of the oldest scare tactics anywhere. What is completely astounding is that fifty two percent of adults believe in this outrageous myth. We’ve never seen nor would we want to see blue urine dye in a swimming pool. Definitely one of our favorite swimming pool myths and we don’t believe it will go away anytime soon.

Swimming Pool Myths Busted

So there you have it. Many misconceptions behind these common swimming pool myths. Now you know the truth for some of the oldest myths in the book. Do you have any other swimming pool myths we’ve forgotten to cover? Contact us to let us know!