You know that sun tan oils, sunscreens, lotions, dirt and pollen can all contribute to scum in the pool… but did you know that phosphates in pool water also contribute to pool scum at water lines and to salt chlorine generator scaling? To get clean and healthy pool water, phosphate levels must be kept low.

Blue Ribbon Pools has the chemicals you need to keep phosphates down and take the best care of your pool water and other backyard necessities. Stop by our showroom today!

There is a difference between wanting your pool and backyard area to “look like a million bucks” and actually having that kind of money! We know it’s hard to spruce up your space and stay on top of trends when you are trying to stick to a budget. In times when you just want a little extra oomph in your pool area but don’t want to throw your savings down the drain, why not consider installing a pool fountain?

There are several different types of pool fountains that you can easily install in your inground pool – and even some for your above ground pool! There are poolside fountains (this gets attached to a return jet) and there are floating fountains (these- yes, float on water). While there are fountains that have different light and pattern functions, and fountains that can get really pricey, there are plenty of inexpensive options that will add touches of class and beauty to your pool!

We do not recommend pool fountains just because they can be an affordable luxury.  There are actually quite a few practical benefits of installing a fountain as well! We know that fountains are really pretty to look at, and add an extra element of fun to your pool time. Fountains can also be stress-relieving. While swimming is already a way to reduce your stress, the sound of running water from the fountain also helps alleviate stress as well.

Additionally, pool fountains help circulate your pool water. In addition to your pool pump, a pool fountain (or multiple fountains) will further increase your water circulation, which is crucial for distributing your water chemicals, and pushing nasty things out through your filtration system!

As an added benefit for the particularly brutal summer months, pool fountains help cool down your pool. Through a process called aeration, oxygen is introduced to the water droplets that are sprayed into the air by the pool fountain. This oxygen makes those water droplets cool down, and when they return back down to your pool water, you can expect your pool temperature to decrease by up to four degrees!

Need help sifting through all your pool fountain options? Want to see what’s available to you and get an expert opinion? Stop by the Blue Ribbon Pools showroom and speak to an expert!

Whether you have Spheksophobia (fear of wasps) or just don’t want the pesky things around, wasps and bees around the pool can certainly be vexing. The fact is that wasps are most active during the summertime and will likely find themselves near your pool at one point. It may feel hard to believe, but wasps aren’t necessarily on the hunt after you! Wasps prey on other insects such as aphids, flies, and caterpillars, effectively keeping our insect population under control. And while not their main purpose, wasps do pollinate plants and flowers in a way similar to bees. Like how you shouldn’t kill bees, killing wasps cause more problems than it solves- no matter how “deadly” they may seem!

Still, just because wasps are beneficial to the environment, doesn’t mean you have to invite them to hang out by your pool all day! Before calling in a professional to remove the pesky critters, try resolving on your own first. You can try luring wasps away from your pool area by hanging raw meat (yes, like a steak or beef) in an area that will attract them away from your pool. A small amount that wasps can devour in a timely manner will do just fine.

As a preemptive measure, you may purchase “fake” wasps nests. These decoys work mainly if wasps haven’t started their nest yet. Since wasps are territorial, if they see other wasps have “built” a nest, they will stay away. Keep note of where wasps had their nests when they die out after summer, and before the Queens start becoming active in April – hang up the decoys where the old wasp’s nests were! It should work in deterring them from coming back.

If you are also having a bee problem, a beekeeper will gladly come and remove your hive for you. However, bees are not only less dangerous than wasps, but easier to get rid of. For instance, hanging up dryer sheets in baskets and other objects around your pool area is often enough to keep bees at bay (make sure you keep switching the dryer sheets out to keep them fresh). Bees are also often attracted to your pool simply because they are thirsty, so try providing them with an alternative water source to drink from.

(As always, use your own discretion when deciding if you can try to solve your issue on your own, or if you need to call a professional in straight away! Swim safely!)

We often talk about ways to save money while enjoying your pool, but we often neglect to discuss how you can save money by not wasting your water! Typically, your pool will waste water by evaporation, leaks, filter back washing, and splashing. Remember when thinking in terms of water, every drop eventually adds up to equal gallons! Think about how many wasted gallons are contributing to your water bill.

1. Evaporation

While most things on the above list may seem manageable, you may be wondering just how in the world you’re supposed to stop evaporation, a natural occurrence, from happening. The best and simplest solution is to just simply make sure your pool is covered when it’s not in use. An uncovered pool can lose about an inch of water per week, which can add up to 7,000 gallons a year. Those wasted gallons translate into wasted dollars!

Another way to help prevent evaporation is to use strategically placed objects that are meant to block out wind, such as fences, boulders, and shrubs.

2. Leaking

More dangerous but perhaps easier to notice than evaporating water is leaking water. If you suspect your pool may be leaking, monitor it for 24 hours and then give Blue Ribbon Pools a call! We don’t want you to “leak out”! Having a pool leak repaired by a pool professional will not only save water but increase the life expectancy of your pool and lining.

3. Filter Backwashing

While filter backwashing is by no means a bad thing, you should be conscientious about it. Never backwash for longer than necessary. Two-minutes of filter backwashing for a sand filter will use up about 200 gallons of water. As soon as the water starts running clear in the sight glass, stop!

4. Splashing

Splashing is the one item on this list that you have the most control over! Of course, it’s super fun to splash around in the pool. No one wants to be a killjoy! But try to keep splashing down to a minimum. Keep an eye on children, but also monitor the adults- think of how much a water a grown man can displace!

If you would like to further discuss ways to save water and save money with your pool, give Blue Ribbon Pools a call!