Outdoor Organization: Prepare Your Pool this Spring

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Start Circulating Early

To get the pool working properly and to have the chemical safety, you have to open the pool correctly. It will ensure the health of both the pool and the swimmers. The first step to open the pool is to start circulating it early. The longer you leave it stagnant, the more the slimy algae forms at the bottom and the higher the pH level is. Start the process in the mid-March for a couple of hours each day. Keep the cover of the pool and the pump is running continuously until the level of the chemicals are normal. After that, run it one to two hours per day until the weather is warm enough for swimming. When everything is ready, just uncover the pool and proceed with other works.

Image via: Pool Destinations

Check the Filtration and Chemical Levels

Check out the filtration system and adjust any pipes to remove any leaks. Change the filter’s cartridge and lubricate all the vales and o-rings. Find out if there is any problem with the pool pump, if any screws are missing, or if there are any un-sealed areas. Now, this is the time to clean up the winter sediment. Vacuum it up and brush the sides and floor of the pool with a nylon brush. Brushing will remove leaf stains and other marks. Run your pump for nearly a day to remove the sediment. You can run a second vacuuming for more cleaning.

Image via: Pix Shark

Check out the Chemical Level

Though you have already worked out for balancing out the pool’s chemical level, it is always good to have it checked before diving in. check if the chlorine level is between 1ppm and 3ppm, calcium hardness is between 150ppm and 250ppm, alkalinity is between 80 and 120 and pH is between 7.2 and 7.8.

Prepare the Deck and Pool Furniture

Now, as you’re done with your pool, it is time to turn your attention to the cleaning of pool deck and furniture. Apply a light coat of detergent through a garden sprayer and wash the place with a pressure washer after a little while. Pressure washer will help you to remove the dirt easily. Then, clean the furniture and repair if any piece is damaged or broken.

Image via: Homesthetics

These outdoor organization tips will help transforming your outdoor pool to transform from a tub of greenish water with leaves and branches floating around to a pool with clear, blue water having the proper chemical balance. After following them, all you have to do is to toss some pool toys and floating accessories and then jump in.

Like the tips? Why not preparing the pool in the next weekend?

The summer is here and it’s time to throw a summer pool party! Pool parties are summertime staples. They allow people to cool off from the hot weather and enjoy the season. They can also tie into events or specific holidays. If you’re thinking of throwing a party this summer, there are some things to keep in mind. Use these summer pool party tips to make your bash the talk of the town.

Image via: Pinterest – Madeline Wheatley

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How to Throw a Summer Pool Party

Remove Safety Hazards

Whether you are throwing a pool party for adults or children, it is important to make the area safe. Check your pool area for potential dangers, make sure slides and diving boards are secure, and get rid of any trip hazards. If your budget allows, hire lifeguards for the party. To do so, check with your local YMCA or lifeguard association.

Pick a theme

Decide if your pool party will be for kids, adults, families, etc.. This will help you choose the perfect theme. While a pool party is a theme in itself, it can become more interesting when given a unique theme. For example, you can link yours to a specific beach. You can make it a Brazilian party with Brazilian food, music, and décor. You can also make it a Jamaican-themed party and play steel drum marimba music or Bob Marley music.

Image via: HWTM

Choose Great Party Decor

Choose décor according to the age of your guests. Simple and chic decor is ideal for a teen or adult party while bright and playful décor is ideal for a children’s party. Also pay special attention to lighting as it can make or break your party. Go for lights that create an elegant atmosphere and avoid those which make areas look dull.

Food and Refreshments

Image via: 3 bp Blogspot

When planning a summer pool party, choose simple food items. This helps you not get tied to a grill or spend most of your time cooking. You can create a drink station with a bartender or place self-serve beverage dispensers throughout the area.

Everyone loves to hit the pool in summer. It is a great time to cool off and spend time with family and friends. If you want to throw an unforgettable party this summer, use the above summer pool party tips. Your guests will have a great time and talk about your party long after they leave.

For more summertime party pool ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Spring is a time when many people open their pools. If you have one, you may notice that it looks green when you first peel back the winter cover. Before diving in to enjoy the clear blue waters, it is important to clean your pool first. Sanitizing your pool and checking your water levels regularly goes a long way in ensuring it stays crystal clear. Some other pool cleaning tips to keep in mind include:

Easy Pool Cleaning Tips for your Spring Entertaining

Image via: Where is the Cool

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Clean Loose Debris

It is most likely that your pool floor is filled with leaves and debris. Remove these with a brush and a hose. If there is more stubborn dirt on the floor, remove it with a hard brush and a specialist cleaner. This helps you to avoid mould staining and bad odors come next winter. Also make sure you clean the area surrounding the pool.

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Clean the Filter

There are three different types of filters: diatomaceous earth, sand, and cartridge. While each has its own maintenance procedure, all require periodic cleaning. However, avoid cleaning your pool filter more than necessary as it can deter the filtration procedure. A filter with a small amount of dirt is more efficient than a clean one as its dirt helps trap other substances.

Check the Water Level

Image via: Tempe Clean Pools

A lot of water is lost during the swimming season due to evaporation and normal wear and tear like splashing, swimming, and exiting the pool. As you remove particles with your skimmer throughout the week, be sure to check the water level. Make sure it does not go below the skimmer’s level or the pump may be spoilt. If you notice that the water level is low, bring it up using your garden hose.

Keeping your pool in tiptop condition isn’t as hard as you think. While all pools are different, they are kept in pristine condition by regular and routine care. Even if you rely on a service company to clean your pool, there are some things you need to do on your own. Follow the above pool cleaning tips and make your pool the envy of your neighbors.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

There are few things better on a hot summer day than plunging into a cool pool. But worry over pool safety can erode your enjoyment of your pool. The best way to ease safety concerns is to research options to child- and pet-proof your pool. Many safety fences for pools also double as a clean-pool tool. By learning about the types of pool safety covers, you can choose the cover right for you.

Image via: Jessop Architects

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Pool Safety Fences

Installing a complete fence system around your pool’s perimeter can protect both kids and pets. Here is what to look for when choosing a pool safety fence:

Fence height.

If you plan on remaining in your home for a while, you may want to choose a fence with some height to “grow.” Whether your concern is a baby who grows into a toddler or a puppy who grows into a dog, fences at least 36 inches or higher are a great option.

Fence latches.

Ask about childproof safety latches. Latch height should be evaluated prior to installation.

Fence material.

Any material you select should be weather-treated and rustproof. Stainless steel is always a durable option. If you have pets with strong jaws, you may want to consider interlocking mesh. This is the material of choice for today’s strongest pool fences.

Image via: Yaniv Schwartz – Photographer

Pool Safety Nets

Pool safety nets are a great alternative to safety fences, especially for families with young pets or young children. Safety nets are also attractive, so you can preserve ambiance. Evaluate any safety net for these features before making a purchase:

• Safety testing. Confirm that the pool net you choose has been certified by a pool safety–testing company.
• Ease of installation. Any safety net you choose should be easy to install and remove, especially if you need to do so frequently.
• Use for smaller water features. Pool safety nets come in many sizes, and you may also want to use a safety net for smaller water features such as koi ponds, fountains or rockeries.
• Double as a clean–pool tool. The best pool safety nets can also be used as a clean-pool tool by catching leaves and other debris before they reach the water.

Image via: Outvision Photography

Pool Safety Covers

Pool safety covers are designed to fit your pool like a glove — literally. The highest-grade safety covers are made exact to measurements for your specific pool type. Look for these following features when buying a pool safety cover.

• Meets ASTM ES1346-91 Standards. ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM is responsible for developing safety and durability standards companies voluntarily adopt and adhere to. Proper installation often determines adherence to ASTM standards.
• Warrantied durability. Ensure that the materials are durable, UV (ultraviolet) light-resistant, abrasion-resistant, weather-treated and come with an extended warranty.
• Maintenance. Your pool safety cover should only require minimum maintenance.
• Gap-free and tamper-resistant. The only way to ensure complete safety when using a pool cover is to have a cover that is gap-free and tamper-resistant.

Image via: Randy Thueme Design Inc. – Landscape Architecture

Automatic Pool Safety Covers

Automatic pool safety covers combine the best of both worlds — safety and ease of use. The automatic feature requires the turn of a key for installation and removal. There are four important features your automatic safety cover should have.

• Waterproof motor. The motor that runs your pool cover must be water- and weather-proofed.
• Low maintenance. You should need to perform little to no maintenance to keep your automatic cover working properly.
• Warrantied operation. Since you rely on motorized components with an automatic cover, look for an extended life warranty.
• Wireless option. You need this option to operate the automatic cover remotely as well as via wired touchpad control. This is especially useful to cover your pool at short notice, such as in the case of a sudden storm.

Using this overview, you can select the right safety cover for your swimming pool.

Maria Valdez is a contributing writer and parenting expert. She is sometimes hired to come into homes and address safety issues for new parents.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Summer Coastal Getaway Ideas‘ from Tameka Brice and this week I decided to recap some of the best summer time inspiration from various members of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room. Soon the school bells will be ringing and summer will be coming to a close as we head into fall. Today is all about celebrating late summer home inspiration from this great summer we had!

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

Olioboard Inspiration #27

‘Celebrating Late Summer Recap’

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That’s just a small recap of some of the most memorable summer moments from the Olioboard Inspiration boards this summer! I love featuring all of the Facebook Olioboard Members and can’t wait to bring more to you as we continue through late summer and into fall.

Thank you all!

-Ronique

What better way to enjoy summer than plunging into a pool! Swimming is one of the best activities you can take pleasure every summer. This is so much fun especially with your friends or loved ones. It’s a great weekend family bonding and exercise at the same time.

A swimming pool is always a good addition to your home. This can be one of the relaxing places to be especially when the sun is at its peak. Well, it’s always nice to pair it up with refreshing drinks and delicious snacks.

Image via: Wettling Architects

To further ensnare you with the concept of having a pool, here are some of the pools that may best fit your design style:

Large Luxury Pools

This is a very stylish pool that showcases its elegance and tranquility beyond compare. This design is perfect for homes with wide outdoor area for a pool. The poolside structures are so beautiful. Its roof design is evocative of graceful, white sail. You will definitely feel and experience a relaxing and seaside ambiance. The two pool houses are functional structures for towels, creams and other swimming essentials. One of the structures can accommodate the heaters, pumps and other equipment.

Image via: Robert Kaner Interior Design

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A Perfect Fit Pool

Well, the name speaks for itself – a perfect fit! This style is definitely perfect for homeowners who have small backyard. This pool is recommended to be installed adjacent to the house’s foundation. The purpose of this is to maximize the available space of your backyard. The design of the pool gives additional attraction to your outdoor looks.

Image via: Betz Pools Limited

Smaller Privacy Pools

This is for people who wanted privacy more than design, this one is for you. But don’t you ever think that this is not stylish. You may be stunned with its dense tropical landscaping and decorative shades. This is perfect for small backyard and homeowners who want to have a private, elegant swimming pool.

These are just some of the great pool that may best fit your design style. You can work on your backyard dimension first and then see which of these designs work best.

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The outdoor shower is a necessity rather than a luxury when you have a swimming pool. You have to invest in this fixture and make it a decorative item as well. This makes it dual purpose. There are quite a number of outdoor shower designs that will perfectly match your preference.

Image via: Urrutia Design

Each outdoor shower design boasts some advantages over the other. Beyond its function as a shower are features that you might find effective and efficient to use outdoors. They differ in size, shape, design and other features. You will probably find it confusing and time consuming, especially if you don’t have any idea about it.

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Here are some helpful ideas on how you can create an ideal outdoor shower:

Do it spa-like

There’s no better way to give it a relaxing effect than a spa-like design. It is basically equipped with a rain-style shower head. The shower design is to provide evenly distributed water drops to pamper your head and body. This is the kind of service that you experience in a spa. It’s a relaxing shower at the convenience of your home.

Take the high-performance design

Rain head shower heads for your outdoor shower idea is for people who want to feel the rush of water drops. It can be similar to a whole body massage using your shower. But don’t worry if you want to slow it down. This type of design can be adjusted according to your preference.

Image via: Kathy Shaffer Architecture and Design

Have it simple and compact

The simple and compact design should not be neglected. It may be simple but it’s very efficient and so easy to control. The compact design allows water to flow in a limited area but enough to supply your needs. Although it’s simple and compact, designers are so creative to have elegance and style present in this option.

Give these ideas a try and you will definitely have a great outdoor shower at home. Experience the best of your outdoor shower. Have fun!

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Swimming Pool

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How to Keep Pests Out of Pool

No matter if you have a small, inflatable pool or an in-ground model constructed from imported Italian marble; you’ll still deal with insects, including mosquitoes, bees and midges. Insects are attracted to your pool for several reasons. Some feed on algae, while others make a meal from the dead insects floating on the water’s surface. Whatever the case, there are several methods, some more expensive than others, to keep bugs away from your pool.

• Install brighter lights at least 30 yard away from your pool and turn off any underwater pool lights when no longer in use, especially at night. It may look glamorous, but many times the insects are attracted to your lit pool as much as the neighbors. Turn off your pool lights once the sun goes down.
• Cover your pool when not in use. If you have a small inflatable pool, drain it completely after each use and allow it to dry before storing. Never allow your kiddie pool to remain in the backyard overnight, unless you want to wake up to a watery insect graveyard.
• Hang bug zappers around the perimeter of the pool. These inexpensive, low-tech devices are highly effective and will keep the insects away if you wish to enjoy your lit pool at night.
• Regularly trim any shrubs, bushes or grass around the pool. The shorter foliage isn’t as attractive to insects, making your pool a less desirable destination.
• Finally, keep your pool clean! It cannot be stressed enough that decaying leaf matter, dead insects and algae are a major attraction to several varieties of insects, so never skip your weekly or daily pool maintenance.

How to Keep Mice Out of Pool

• Keep the area around your pool clean. This especially means moving any garbage cans out of the vicinity and generally keeping the area around the pool tidy.
• Remove anything from around the pool that the rodents could use as shelter, such as a small shed or wood pile. This also means keeping the shrubs and bushes neat.
• Cover your swimming pool. Once again, this is the best way to keep any unwanted invaders, including mice, away from your pool when not in use.

How to Keep Frogs Out of Pool

• Cut down any tree branches that hang over the pool. Many times the frog will hop to the end of the branch and accidentally fall into the water.
• Examine your pool fence and repair any damage. If your pool’s fence is falling into disrepair, consider replacing it with a model that features small gaps between the slats. These will keep almost every unwanted visitor, including frogs and rodents, from accessing your pool.
• Skim your pool consistently, paying attention to remove any frog eggs or tadpoles that are now calling your pool home. Often times a frog will see this undisturbed body of water as an excellent place to further their species.

How to Keep Animals Out of Pool: Racoons

Aside from being a destructive menace, raccoons can actually pose a major health risk to your family. The animal’s fecal matter harbors a roundworm called Baylisascaris, which is spread when an individual swallows the parasitic egg. This disease is extremely dangerous and completely preventable by ensuring raccoons do not enter your pool. A pool cover and maintaining your fence are the most effective ways to ensure raccoons don’t access your pool. If you see a raccoon in the area, call your local Animal Control agency or a pest removal company immediately. These agencies will humanely capture the raccoons and relocate it to a more desirable area.

Don’t get too worried about the dangers that surround inflatable pools (or any kind), if you take proper care of your backyard swimming hole and practice vigilance, you will be okay.

For more backyard ideas on Stagetetcture, click here.