5 Swimming Pool Opening Tricks To Have You Swimming Sooner

swimming pool, above ground pool

Swimming Pool Tricks

It’s that time again, after months of snow and cold it’s finally time to open your swimming pool for the summer. You’ve been anxiously awaiting warm enough weather to dip your toes in that cool, clear water, but your pool isn’t quite ready for swimmers yet. There’s, unfortunately, some necessary tasks and work that needs to be completed before you can open your pool for the season. If only there were some ways to make this daunting task seem easier. Luckily, we are here to help you with five time-saving tips for opening your pool.

Use your sump pump:

If you’ve had a cover on the swimming pool for the winter, chances are some water has pooled up on it. You can utilize your sump pump to drain the water off before you try to move it. This will help to eliminate excess debris from falling into your swimming pool and also make the cover much easier to move. (You can also create a siphon effect with your garden hose to remove water from the top.)

Use a leaf blower:

If you still have a lot of debris left on your cover, grab your leaf blower and send those leaves and twigs on their way!

Adjust your filter basket to catch tiny debris:

If your swimming pool is looking cloudy or filled with very small particles of leaves and other debris you can help your pool filter by stretching a piece of pantyhose over the filter basket. Then, by just running your filter for a while, you will be catching the finer particles. You can also stretch the pantyhose over your pool skimmer while you are using it. This will help you to collect the small bits and also assist in cleaning the skimmer. When the pantyhose are full, just toss away and add a new piece.

Clean your deck area first:

Always sweep and clean your decking before you begin to clean your swimming pool. Nothing will frustrate you more easily than watching leaves from your deck blow into your freshly skimmed and vacuumed pool.

Brush and Vacuum with a purpose:

When cleaning your pool make sure you start in the shallow end and work your way toward the deep end. Gravity will help to collect debris at the bottom of the deep end as you work your way in that direction.

Want help creating the perfect outdoor oasis? Contact Cincinnati Pool & Patio for ideas on making your swimming pool the highlight of your home.

Warmer Weather Brings BBQ Grills Out of Hibernation

Grills at Pool and Spa Warehouse

BBQ Grills

It’s been a long winter in Ohio, but with spring on the horizon, longer days and warmer temperatures are promised.  Soon, clear skies and long weekends will create the perfect recipe for the season’s first backyard cookout. If your BBQ grills have been braving winter’s storms on your back deck, it might be time to pull off the cover and get it ready for this year’s BBQ season.  Grill grates can rust during winter’s downtime, and propane connections can loosen due to improper storage. You’ll need some quick tips to get your grill back in tip-top shape. Follow these simple guidelines to care for your grill and your neighbors will be jealous of the delicious smells coming from your back yard in no time.

  1. Check your propane tank Make sure all connections are tight and you’ve got a full tank ready to go. You wouldn’t want to run out in the middle of making the burger of the century!
  2. Clean those grates. Leftover food from last season? Nothing a little soapy water and a wire brush can’t fix. You can also wipe down the outside of your grill to remove greasy residue with a vinegar and water solution.
  3. Invest in BBQ grills cover. Once you’ve done all the hard work of cleaning your grill, you should grab a cover to protect it from the wind and rain Spring brings with it.
  4. Check burners. Make sure that you’ve wiped excess grease out of the interior of your grill with a paper towel and check burners for blockage. Your burner should evenly distribute heat and flame. If it seems blocked it may be time to replace parts.

If you’ve done all these things, and your grill has still seen better days it may be time to upgrade to a new model. Contact Cincinnati Pool & Patio with any questions about our wide selection of custom gas grills to liven up your outdoor living space. A new grill may be just what your springtime BBQ bash needs!