People who live in the western part of the country are fortunate to enjoy time in the pool all year round. However, for a lot of swimming pool owners, summer is winding down. Not only does that mean finding a different activity but also preparing the pool for the winter months. If you’re among those that need to get things in order before fall approaches, you’ll find the process easier with these six steps.

 

1. Water Testing and Treating – Roughly a week before closing your swimming pool for the season, check the alkalinity, calcium hardness, and pH levels using a testing kit. Once balanced properly, add shock to the skimmer. For this, simply follow the instructions on the chosen product. After the chlorine levels go back to normal, add algaecide. Then allow that to circulate for about 24 hours.
2. Swimming Pool Cleaning – Clean your pool thoroughly to remove debris and algae. However, make sure you take any removable attachments out first.

 

3. Reduce the Water Level – Whether you drain the water manually or use the backwash option on your DE or sand filter, bring the level down to approximately 6 inches below the tile border or skimmer.

 

4. Pump and Filter Draining – The next step for winterizing your swimming pool is to drain the pump and filter. Also, disconnect fittings to prevent them from cracking during the cold months. You’ll need to remove the filter pressure gauge, pump and filter system fittings, chlorinator, skimmer baskets, and return jet fittings. Store these items in a covered and dry area.

 

5. Line Blowing – To winterize your swimming pool, pay extra attention to the plumbing. The last thing you want is for an underground pipe to freeze and crack. Although you can do this yourself, most homeowners call in a pool professional since there are several detailed steps involved.

 

6. Cover the Pool – Lastly, cover your swimming pool. Your best option is to choose one with safety latches. This type of cover can handle heavy loads of snow while preventing wild animals and even pets from falling into the water.

Although both vinyl liner and Gunite pools take their share of the market, a lot of home and business owners in Overland Park, KS, prefer fiberglass pools. After all, for an expert, installation requires little time and effort, freeing up more of your summer to swim or relax on the deck.

Also, because of the material, fiberglass pools are easy on the feet. Instead of scraping them on the bottom as happens with other pool materials, you and your guests can jump around without worrying about scrapes. Even better, this particular type of pool does not harbor algae, so there is no issue with getting an infection from tiny cuts.

However, the fact that fiberglass pools are low maintenance is one of the biggest attractions for homeowners in Overland Park, KS. Most homeowners in this specific part of Johnson County work outside the home. In fact, it is common for both parents to hold full-time jobs. Returning after a busy day, the last thing they want to do is mess with the pool. Instead, they would much rather change into their swimsuits and trunks, and dive into the cool, refreshing water.

If you have this type of pool in your backyard, you can keep it in perfect condition with just a few easy-to-follow tips. For example, only use high-quality cleaning products made specifically for fiberglass pools. Also, check the chemical level of the water regularly, run the pool filter, which will do a lot of the work for you, and always keep the water line above the skimmer.

These things, along with clearing any debris from the surface and vacuuming, unless you have an automatic system, ensure the water remains crystal clear. Usually, homeowners in Overland Park, KS, spend about 30 minutes on a Saturday or Sunday and 15 minutes once or twice a week to maintain the cleanliness of their fiberglass pools.

For many years, people have few pool lighting options. In fact, the light on one end was the only illumination available. Today, things are quite different. Thanks to forward-thinking builders, you can consider several possibilities. Not only does lighting create a safer area in and around the pool but it also adds to the overall ambiance.

 

• Safety Lights – Whether you have children or invite family and friends over who do, you will never go wrong having this type of pool lighting installed. As implied, these lights illuminate areas around the deck, walkway, and stairs, thereby reducing any risk of injury.

 

• LED Lights – LED lights are among the more popular choices of pool lighting because they are energy efficient, which keeps the cost of electricity down, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can have LED lights installed inside the pool or used to adorn the deck area.

 

• Fiber Optic Lights – Fiber optic pool lighting is also a great consideration, especially if you want to create an elegant and sophisticated space in your backyard. The subtlety of these lights makes them another top choice.

 

• Solar Floating Lights – Fun yet practical, solar floating lights make an excellent choice. If you want to highlight the bottom of the pool, you can have these lights installed on the sides and point downward. However, you can also allow the lights to flow freely. Available in multiple colors, this is an excellent way to liven up a party.

 

• Color-Changing Lights – You might also think about having color-changing pool lighting installed. Used both inside the water and around the deck, you can select one color, or a variety of colors based on the look you want to achieve.

 

• Party Lights – Another possibility for pool lighting consists of party lights. Although these do not go in the water, they are gorgeous when used to decorate a gazebo, patio, or the pool deck.

Just because you have a single-family house, condominium, or patio home with a small space in the back does not mean you have to compromise on design. Thanks to experts who provide excellent backyard landscaping solutions, you can turn a tiny area into a gorgeous place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning or spend time with friends in the evening.

Although you can come up with backyard landscaping ideas yourself and ask the professional for suggestions, you might start by considering some of the ideas listed below.

• Think Vertical – With limitations, you need to utilize every inch of the space, both horizontally and vertically. Tall, slender trees, trellises, and a pagoda from which you can have plants and flowers are all excellent options. As you scour the space behind your house, look for any opportunity to go vertical.
• Designated Spaces – For backyard landscaping, another idea involves establishing designated spaces. Using wooden dividers or tall plants, you can create one area where you relax in the morning with a cup of coffee, and where you gather with friends for good conversation, and a place where the children can play safely. When done correctly, creating designated spaces can help make a small backyard appear larger.
• Contemporary Flair – Even with 1,000 feet of space or less, if you want a modern backyard, start with alternating bands of pebbles and stone paving, followed by placing five shiny silver balls of varying sizes on the surface. The reflection of clouds and light create an illusion of having greater space.
• Edible Plants – Another excellent option for backyard landscaping consists of using edible plants and flowers in place of more traditional greenery. Not only will the area look gorgeous, but it will also provide you with herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers to enjoy at mealtime.
• Hammock Haven – If the amount of space is extremely limited, focus more on how you can create an area for relaxation. In this case, you could set up two hammocks that make a V shape. In between the two, place a chimenea, shade tree, or water feature.

It is true that the builder you hire will handle the majority of the work involved when having a new swimming pool installed in the backyard of your Overland Park, KS, home. However, as a homeowner, there are still a few things you should understand about pool construction. After all, the more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make the right decision based on your specific wants and needs.

 

1. Pool Type – The level of pool construction involved depends on the type you select. While in the decision-making phase, spend adequate time researching the pros and cons of a vinyl liner, fiberglass, and Gunite pool. That will help you determine which one is right for your family.
2. Pool Design – The design of your pool includes its shape, size, and any added features. Especially if you want to go all out, make sure you talk to your builder about options and how the money will tack time onto the completion date.
3. Installation Time – If you are not in a hurry to have the pool completed, you might consider both a vinyl liner and Gunite style. Weather permitting, the builder can have a vinyl liner pool installed in roughly six to eight weeks, whereas, a Gunite pool can take up to a month to complete. The installation of a fiberglass pool is the fastest, taking only two to four weeks.

 

4. Permits – A professional builder is responsible for obtaining all the required permits to install a swimming pool. However, as the homeowner, you have every right to ask for verification, since a simple oversight could ultimately prove costly.

 

5. Backyard Mess – During the pool construction process, you will see a lot of activity in your backyard. Along with workers, the builder will bring in equipment to dig a hole. While messy, keep reminding yourself that you and your family will have an incredible pool to enjoy once finished.

 

6. Landscaping – When discussing pool construction with the builder, make sure you advise him of any landscaping that you want to add afterward. That way, he will do the installation while keeping your preferences in mind.