Category: Pool Maintenance

The world’s largest pool builders expand into Davenport, Iowa, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Premier Pools and Spas, the world’s largest swimming pool builder, and winner of several awards, including the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) International Award of Excellence for Design, is excited to announce two new build franchises: Davenport, Iowa, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Owned respectively by Garret Lass & Jesse Pennock, and Andrew & Carly Reeves.

Founder of PPAS, Paul Porter, and the President of Premier Franchise Management, Aaron Gurley, are selective about who becomes a Premier franchise owner. Because at Premier, gaining quality people comes before producing a quantity of exceptional work.

“I have a deeply rooted sense of responsibility that stems from a desire to protect the industry that has made my dreams come true.”

~ Paul Porter, founder

Premier continues building its reputation for innovative design and excellent customer service as it expands into these new territories. Though the locations are new, they’re backed by a nationwide company. Each Premier franchise is an extension of over 30 years of experience, so Albuquerque and Davenport residents can rest assured that they’re choosing the best.

Premier began offering franchise opportunities in 2014 to like-minded entrepreneurs with high standards for quality and value. If you’re interested in owning a Premier franchise, please visit premierpoolsfranchise.com or call (844) 366-2102.

Davenport, Iowa | Owners: Garrett Lass & Jesse Pennock

Garrett Lass previously had a career in logistics management for the fiberglass division of Latham Pool Products. He also started a pilot car company that specializes in the transportation of fiberglass pools. Jesse Pennock has owned and operated a landscaping and lawn care business for ten years. Garrett and Jesse make the perfect team to deliver the Premier experience to their community with their combined backgrounds.

During Garrett’s time with Latham, he witnessed the rapid growth of Premier in the Midwest, which piqued his curiosity. “After our trip to California to learn about the PPAS opportunity, I was so impressed by the family aspect that Paul and Brian showed us. It was a parallel to how I’ve run my business, and I valued that mindset,” said Jesse. They both look forward to working with their customers to bring their backyard dreams to life and create memories for their families for years to come.

Garrett and Jesse attended Dewitt community schools, and Garrett graduated in 2015 from the University of Dubuque. Garrett is recently engaged to his fiancé Brittany and looks forward to marrying her next year. Jesse resides in DeWitt with his fiancee, Karolyn.

lbuquerque, New Mexico | Owners: Andrew & Carly Reeves

Andrew has supported his wife Carly Reeves in running an online marketing business for six years and learned what it takes to succeed.

Andrew was inspired by Carly’s willingness to push herself to the next level, which led him to seek an opportunity with Premier.

They’re excited about becoming the go-to pool builders in Albuquerque: “We’re hoping to be the leader in fiberglass in the market. I want to change the perception of fiberglass pools in New Mexico and show clients that not only can they be the more affordable option, but the better option all around.”

Carly and Andrew reside in Corrales, New Mexico, where they live with their three kids—Beckam, Olive, and Everett. Music is a driving force in Carly’s life, as she was in a band in her twenties that went on a few tours and even opened up for some prominent artists. Andrew is an outdoor junkie who loves to fly fish and has been all over the world doing it, from Iceland to Peru. Family is the driving force of why they are so successful and will continue being successful.

bout Premier Pools & Spas

Founded in 1988, Premier Pools & Spas (PPAS) has a reputation for first-class results within the customer’s budget. PPAS builds and services swimming pools and spas for homeowners across the country.

Top Five Benefits of Owning a Pool

Installing a pool in your backyard is a major decision. Here at Premier, we believe in the customer’s peace of mind, and that’s why we’ll be with you at every step of the process if you decide to get a pool.

Below, we’ll go over the benefits of owning a pool, so you have all the information you need to figure out if a pool is suitable for your family.

#1 – Save Money

You read that right.

While installing a pool costs money upfront, owning a pool can save you money in the long run. And that’s probably one of the most surprising benefits of owning a pool.

Your pool will raise your staycation game considerably. A vacation involves travel expenses and can also be mentally taxing. How many times have you returned from a trip only to feel like you need a vacation from your vacation?

Plus, with a pool, your backyard becomes the prime destination for family gatherings, barbecues, and parties of all kinds. Not only are you saving your own money, your saving other people money on going out. 

Make it a potluck or a BYOB affair, and they’ll bring food and beverages to pay tribute to your backyard oasis.

They’ll be happy to do it, and you’re spending next to nothing to have a good time.

Other Ways to Save Money

If you know you’re going to spend the day in the backyard, you can turn down your A/C to save money and help save the environment.Using solar panels to heat your pool isn’t just energy-efficient but also extends your swim season into the colder months.

Yeah, but What About Maintenance Costs?

Fiberglass pools are the lowest maintenance pools–no algae buildup.A lot of pool maintenance is automated.Get a pool cover for the off-season.

Find out how affordable a pool can be by requesting a free quote at the bottom of this page!

#2 – Mental Health

With the ever-increasing pace of modern life, it’s more important than ever to take care of your mental health.

According to a survey from leading research specialists Ipsos MORI, 74% of people agreed that time in the pool relieves stress. 70% said that they felt mentally recharged after using a pool. And 68% felt good themselves just from being in the water.

In addition to this, a recent study found that just looking at a video of the ocean can elevate your mood. So that tropical screensaver on your work computer is doing you some good, but imagine having your own body of water right in your backyard!

You probably don’t need a scientific study to convince you that floating in a pool is one of the most calming things you can do. Movie characters floating in pools have become visual code for rich and successful.

You don’t have to be rich to own a pool, though. Click here to see how easy it is to get your pool fully financed.

#3 – Physical Fitness

According to the CDC, “Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses.”

Out of those three activities mentioned, swimming has the lowest impact on your bones and joints.

Not to mention your physical fitness is linked directly to your mental fitness. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise boosts your cognition, memory, and mood regulation while reducing stress and anxiety.

But you don’t have to be an athlete to get those benefits. 

Just moving about your pool casually for a sustained period will work your body out more than your average household activity. If you’ve ever spent a day in the pool, then you know you don’t need to swim laps to feel spent at the end of the day. And that spent feeling combined with getting Vitamin D from the sun will lead to much better sleep.

And better sleep leads to better mental and physical fitness in the long term. It’s a compound effect!

quatic Therapy

One of the major health benefits of a pool is the ability to do aquatic therapy. Swimming pools are a low-impact cardio option to keep your body fit without putting too much stress on your joints and tendons. Pools have also improved the quality of life for people who have fibromyalgia and cerebral palsy. 

#4 – A Great Excuse to Get Outside More

“Specifically now, in the age of coronavirus, many buyers are seeking a pool. They like the idea that their home is a one-stop-shop for all their summer entertainment activities since they are concerned about leaving the house.” 

~ Melissa Zavala, Broadpoint Properties broker in San Diego

Unless you’re a millionaire with a huge mansion, your pool will most likely go in your backyard. So this may seem like one of the most obvious benefits of owning a pool. But how often do we ignore our instinct to go outside and spend most of our time indoors?

Coming home from a long day at work and jumping in your pool, even for just 15-20 minutes, can make a huge impact on your happiness after staring at a computer screen all day.

Also, the great outdoors are proven to ease burnout, and we do more than put pools in the ground—we can landscape your backyard into a resort-style oasis.

We’ve talked about the therapeutic benefits of swimming pools. But really, each of the top five benefits of owning a pool is therapeutic. Sometimes it’s just nice to get outside.

Check out this WebMD article to find out how many benefits there are to spending time outside. It’s a great way to keep the kids healthy and happy.

#5 – Increase the Value of Your Home

There’s some debate on this, but in just a few short paragraphs, you’ll see that installing a pool is definitely a home improvement that adds value.

Some experts say that compared to the cost of installation and maintenance, the average 7% increase in a home’s value with a pool isn’t enough to claim that a pool adds value.

Here’s the thing. Most things you invest in lose value. Your car, your boat, the exercise equipment you’re trying to sell on Craigslist.

Nobody looks at owning a pool as strictly a means to add value to their property. You’re reading this because you want a pool for the first four benefits. The fact that a pool will increase your home’s value and overall attractiveness down the road is just a bonus.

According to this article, an analysis of 19 warm-weather markets found that a pool can add between $11,591 and $95,393 in value to your home.

The real investment is the enjoyment you and your loved ones will receive over the lifetime of the pool. And if you’re in your forever home, a Fiberglass or Gunite pool can last you a lifetime. The fact that it adds to the value of your home is a pleasant bonus if you think you might move in the future.

You also have to look beyond just the pool. Premier can upgrade your entire backyard’s value through landscaping and hardscaping. Check out our brochure to see all of the jaw-dropping resorts we’ve built in our customer’s backyards.

Or imagine this out your window–

Hopefully, you’ve learned some benefits of owning a pool you didn’t already know.

And remember, no matter your budget, we can find ways to make the area around your pool look just as inviting.

Learn more about financing through Premier Finance, or use the form below to get a free quote!

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What You Need to Know About the pH Balance of Your Pool

The ideal pH level that’s safe for swimming is between 7.2 and 7.8, the same range as our body’s pH level.

When your pool’s pH level goes over 7.8, it’s considered alkaline. High pH in the pool is dangerous for swimmers. Chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals won’t be able to do their job, and bacteria will flourish in your pool. The water will also become cloudy, and you’ll see scaling on the sides of your pool.

If your pool’s pH balance dips too low (under 7.0), then your pool will become acidic. This can cause skin irritation and burning eyes if you open them underwater. Water with low pH will also render chlorine and other chemicals ineffective. If you have a vinyl pool, the liner may wrinkle, and any metal in your pool can corrode.

When your water is too alkaline, it can also cause calcium hardness levels to increase, and you may have to get your pool acid-etched more often to keep it looking nice and clean.

What Causes the High pH in Swimming Pools?

Nature

The pH of your pool is going to change naturally, and this is to be expected. When your pool is just sitting there, carbon dioxide in the air will dissolve in the water, forming carbonic acid, lowering the pH. Swimming and splashing will break up that carbon dioxide and cause the pH to rise.

Algae also raise the pH because it consumes carbon dioxide. Left unchecked, algae can push the pH of your pool well over a safe level. But with ongoing maintenance from Premier Pool Service, your pool will never get to this point.

Pool Chemicals

Every type of pool chemical you use on your pool will affect the pH balance. Granulated or liquid chlorine will raise the pH, neutral sanitizers like Bromine have the slightest effect, and acidic cleaners like chlorine gas will lower the pH.

These chemicals are used in a few parts per million, and the change won’t be that drastic. It’s just something to keep in mind when trying to achieve balanced pool water yourself.

Chasing the perfect pH level can become frustrating if you’re not aware of the specific effect of the sanitizer you use.

Other Factors

A sudden temperature rise can cause the pH level to go up. Whether you warm it up with a pool heater or you experience a heatwave, this could cause it to spike.

One more thing to consider: if your pool has a new pebble or plaster finish, this will raise the pH. You don’t have to worry about this with fiberglass or vinyl.

Staying On Top of The pH Balance of Your Pool

For the chlorine to be most effective in your pool, you’ll want to keep your pool water balanced in the optimum range mentioned above. Here’s how you can stay on top of this.

When you’re in the middle of swim season and using your pool daily, consider testing daily.It’s recommended you test the chlorine twice a week, so if you’re already doing this, add pH testing into the mix.Debris and rainfall after inclement weather can also change the pH, so test after a storm.

The more acidic or alkaline your pool gets, the longer it will take to get the pH right. So heading off these problems will make sure your pool is soft, clean, and safe for you and your family to enjoy all year long.

Testing the pH Balance of Your Pool

Testing your pool’s pH and alkalinity level is relatively straightforward using strips and test kits.

Whether you go with dissolvable tablets or test strips, follow the instructions from the water testing kit manufacturer. Also, keep these tips in mind:

You’re looking for an optimal pH range between 7.2 and 7.6.Your total alkalinity should be between 80 ppm and 150 ppm.If your pH level is too high, use a mild acid to bring the alkalinity down.

Moving water will alter your sample, so take it from as closest to the middle of your pool as you can.

Things that can cause an inaccurate reading from your test:

Residual chlorine levelsBromineTaking a sample from near your jets

Leave it to the Pros

Having regular pool service is the best way to keep your pool ready whenever you need it. If any of this sounds too tedious, or you don’t want the hassle, we will gladly test for high pH levels and every other aspect of pool maintenance.

Contact Premier Pool Service today if you want to leave the pH balance of your pool up to professional, keeping your pool soft, safe, and clean all year long.

Premier Pools and Spas, the world’s number one swimming pool builder, has recently expanded into North and West Nashville, Tennessee.

Aaron Gurley, President of Premier Franchise Management, has selected Kevin and Jennifer Noel as the new Premier franchise owners in Nashville North, and Cole and Jaclyn McRae as the new Premier franchise owners in Nashville West.

Premier Pools & Spas franchises offer swimming pool construction, including gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl inground pools. Premier’s tremendous growth has recently expanded its services to 32 states across the country.

“Our company culture has contributed significantly to our success because we are a supportive, family-oriented unit that shares knowledge and celebrates each other’s growth.”

Paul Porter, founder

Premier began offering franchise opportunities in 2014 to like-minded entrepreneurs with high standards for quality and value.

Nashville North, TN | Owners: Kevin and Jennifer Noel

The Noels are ready to put their spin on Premier. While they are new to the business, they are confident in their ability to do great things. Kevin brings over 25 years of construction experience to the company. Jennifer’s past work includes working as a marketing supervisor and operations director for various companies.

When asked what their favorite part of building a pool was, they said, “We look forward to bringing our client’s dreams to life, and building them a space they can make memories around.”

Nashville West, TN | Owners: Cole and Jaclyn McRae

Cole has been in landscaping since he was 18. He has dedicated the past ten years to gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible in the industry. Cole and Jaclyn currently own a landscaping/hardscaping business and a new construction development company. They’ve been around the pool industry for 6+ years, and he’s ready to put his considerable experience to work for Premier Pools and Spas.

When asked what motivates him to stand out in his market, Cole said, “I want to give people something they can say, ‘wow, that pool is awesome.’ Not just a pool with 600 square feet of concrete around it.”

bout Premier Pools & Spas

Founded in 1988, Premier Pools & Spas (PPAS) has a reputation for first-class results within the customer’s budget.

PPAS is the #1 Ranked Pool Builder in the U.S. according to Pool & Spa News and the winner of many awards, including National Pool Builder of the Year and multiple PHTA International Awards of Excellence for Design.

Owner/CEO Paul Porter and his son, Brian Porter, hosted season 7 of the DIY TV show Pool Kings, where they built ten spectacular pools.

PPAS designs and builds luxurious swimming pools, spas, and outdoor entertainment areas for homeowners across 32 states.

If you’re interested in owning a Premier franchise please visit premierpoolsfranchise.com or call (844) 366-2102.

Choosing Decking for Your Pool

Your pool patio is the area surrounding your pool.  The decking typically accommodates lounge chairs and whatever else you can imagine. And the coping is the lip around your pool’s edge.

For ideas on customizing the area around your pool, check out some of the fantastic backyards we’ve built.

Choosing pool decking materials is one of the many decisions you will make as a new swimming pool owner. If you’ve selected a fiberglass pool, you may also consider the addition of coping, which creates a transition between the pool and pool deck.

Let’s go over the pros and cons of different pool decking options.

Concrete Pool Decking

Concrete Pool Decking

Concrete is a versatile material that is the backbone behind many of our best-looking backyard transformations. A concrete surface is very versatile in how you can shape and design it.

Stamped or Brush

You can choose a broom finish, which creates the standard concrete look. Broom finished concrete decking is made by pouring concrete, then brushing it with horse-hair brooms to create a slightly textured surface. This texturing also creates traction to help prevent slips and falls.

Or you can choose a stamped concrete patio, which can resemble tile, brick, or stone. Stamping is a little more expensive, but it truly gives your pool patio an artisan’s touch.

Stamped Concrete Pool Decking

Using pattern molds, your builder can stamp impressions into wet concrete to make its surface visually mimic the shape of different materials, such as tile, brick, or stone, in a variety of patterns.

Stenciling takes things one step further by allowing builders to create custom-made designs. The sky’s the limit on colors and motif.

Stenciling is a delicate process using time and labor, so it costs more to implement.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

With this option, tiny stones or pebbles are introduced into the concrete mix. The aggregate comes in a variety of colors and sizes and adds texture to the surface. You can add raw or machine-polished concrete aggregate. Machine polished aggregate is easier on your bare feet.

While concrete’s benefits and low cost make it an attractive option, concrete does not come without a few disadvantages. Concrete decking can crack over time, especially if it isn’t cured correctly.

Concrete is also easy to clean and has a lengthy lifespan. Concrete is available in a wide array of colors and can be textured to create a unique appearance.

Pool Pavers

Pool pavers are precast sections of stone, clay, or concrete. They’re created by mixing in aggregate and color, then creating individual, brick-like pieces, which are laid out in patterns around your patio.

Pool Decking with Pavers

One of the many benefits of pavers is that you don’t have to wait for them to dry, as you would with poured concrete.

Pool pavers can be arranged to complement many design schemes because of their large variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

They’re also easily replaced. You can remove and replace single pavers without much effort. However, pavers require a strong base, and many contractors who do not specialize in installing pavers fail to provide the strong base pavers need. Some contractors lay a low amount of sand under the pavers, which can cause the pavers to sink.

You won’t have to worry about this with a Premier pool builder.

Natural Stone/Travertine Decking

Travertine is one of the most commonly used natural stones used in homes today.

Swimming Pool Coping

But travertine decking isn’t just about visual charm; it’s also slip-proof and stays cooler than other decking materials. You can also match the edge of your pool with the rest of the patio by coping it with the same travertine blend.

One downside of travertine is its porous nature, which makes it easier to absorb water. While this offers a benefit in hot weather, dirt can become trapped in the pores if your pool decking is near loose soil.

If you’re planning on a fiberglass pool, you’ll need to decide whether or not to leave the edge of the fiberglass exposed or use coping. Leaving the edge exposed should be your last choice. An exposed fiberglass pool edge is subject to fading from the sun, and if you pour concrete decking up to the edge of the fiberglass pool, you risk cracking and chipping.

Coping also adds that special finishing touch to the edge of your pool.  It creates definition between your pool and pool decking.

Cantilevered Coping

Cantilevered Coping

A frequent choice for coping around fiberglass pools is cantilevered concrete coping.

Similar to concrete decking, cantilevered concrete coping is manufactured with one continuous pour. It also adds a beautiful finish to your fiberglass pool. Much like concrete decking, it comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Cantilevered concrete coping is affordable, and due to its single-piece construction, it’s less likely to move or shift over time. However, it can be susceptible to cracks if not managed correctly.

Precast Paver Coping

Paver coping is precast into shapes, then installed on-site. Just like decking pavers, they are simple to replace if damaged. Pavers can be laid on a mortar bed or bonded to the pool shell and concrete collar around the pool with specialized construction adhesive.

Pavers are a little more expensive than poured and precast concrete, but many find the value outweighs the expense.

Summary

When selecting a coping material, note that you can choose a different substance than the decking itself. For example, if you choose concrete decking for your pool, you may complement the concrete with travertine coping.

Consider these criteria when choosing decking for your pool: durability, safety, comfort, and esthetics. Remember that the material should work harmoniously with your backyard and pool design.

Contact us today for a free estimate on pool decking and coping for your pool.

What to Expect During the Concrete Pool Building Process

Building a brand new, custom swimming pool is an exciting process. At Premier Pools & Spas, we design concrete pools unique for each customer so that you get the exact pool of your dreams.

Here’s what you can expect during the concrete pool construction process.

Contact Request Form

The first step on your pool journey is to fill out the Contact Request Form on our website at premierpoolsandspas.com. A member of our design team will reach out to you to set up a meeting.

First Meeting

At the first meeting, a designer will visit your home and ask you a few questions related to your backyard and lifestyle—such as your desired pool shape, how many people will be using the space, the location of the pool, and what features you’d like to include.

Once we have a good idea of what you’re looking for, we’ll head into the backyard and measure the dimensions of your property. Now is a great time to tell us all your ideas for your backyard, so the Designer can figure out the best way to bring your dreams to life.

Second Meeting – The Showroom

Once your design is ready, we’ll schedule a second meeting with you to show you a detailed pool design and give you a 3D walkthrough of the space.

Our 3D walkthrough is computer rendering that will show you a sneak peek of what your site will look like once the pool is finished. This way, you’re not waiting around with fingers crossed, wondering how it will come together. Though it seems real, we do not recommend attempting to jump inside the 3D pool rendering.

After previewing your pool, we’ll give you the cost estimate for each phase of construction. You’ll be able to decide what features you want to add or remove to stay within your budget. Our mission is to make sure you are fully informed and on board with the project before construction.

CAD/Engineering & Permits

After you sign your contract, one of our CAD Technicians will ensure your pool site plans are construction-ready and up to code. Once this is done, we’ll get started obtaining the local authorities’ permits for the onsite build. We’ll handle every detail of the permitting process for you – ensuring that your pool will be safe, sturdy, and up to code.

Please note that it can take up to six weeks to obtain permits, depending on your permitting jurisdiction.

Pre-construction Walkthrough

Once your local government approves the plans and pool building permits are obtained, we can start with the Pre-Construction Walkthrough. Your Designer and Construction Supervisor will set up a time to meet you onsite, where we’ll make sure every detail is secured before construction begins.

We’ll paint a layout of the pool design on the ground, indicating the exact size, shape, and placement of your pool, equipment, decking, and features.

We’ll also need to discuss several logistical points, including where heavy machinery will access your yard, any landscaping or current structures we’ll need to remove, buyer responsibility, existing damage, and utility details for water, gas, and electricity.

Once our team has final approval from you, we can start digging!

Pool Excavation

A pool excavation crew will dig the site according to engineered plans. They’ll dig to the correct elevation, adding slopes and carving out any interior pool features you selected. They’ll also mark the proper elevation with form boards around the perimeter.

Excavation time will depend on your topography–factors such as soil hardness or excessive groundwater. If you have a sloping yard, we may need to build a retaining wall.

Plumbing, Electrical, Gas, & Steel

Congratulations! You’ve now reached the first checkpoint. Before we can even think about shooting concrete, our crews need to layout an engineered structure complete with steel, plumbing, electrical lines, and gas lines.

Plumbers begin by installing pipelines to your pool’s drains, skimmers, and equipment pad. Our plumbers are instructed to use 45-degree pipe bends whenever possible for maximum hydraulic efficiency.

Steel and Number 4 Rebar creates a robust structure inside the concrete walls that will better withstand ground shifts and even excessive cannonballing over the lifetime of your pool.

Next, an electrician runs power lines from your breaker system to the pool and the equipment pad, which will provide power for the pool’s light features and any equipment at the pad. Additionally, we’ll run natural gas lines to any fire features or outdoor kitchens onsite.

Building codes require an inspection from your city before the gunite or shotcrete stage of construction. These inspections are known to slow down production. It’s also important to know that inspections fail from time to time. In the event of a failed inspection, our team will do what’s necessary to resolve it swiftly and progress your project to the next stage.

Once this is completed, we are ready to shoot concrete.

Shooting the Gunite/Shotcrete

Concrete day is one of the most exciting parts of the pool building process. We use a high-pressure nozzle to spray it directly onto the steel rebar.

Once the shell forms, it will need to cure for a few days. Curing is a crucial time for a concrete pool build since it allows for proper bonding. Water helps strengthen the concrete as it hardens, so we recommend watering the concrete shell three times a day while it cures.

Tile, Coping, & Decking

Once the shell is ready, our crews will install your chosen pool tiling and pool coping. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have another city inspection before pool decking begins.

Then a crew will lay your selected decking. After this, more pool equipment and your selected features will be installed and connected to your plumbing, electrical, and gas lines.

Pool Interior

As we near the final stages of your pool build, this will be a checkpoint for another city inspection.

Once cleared, we’ll begin your interior finish. Depending on your selected materials, the pool will take one to two days to plaster. A high level of detail goes into making sure your pool looks as beautiful as you imagined.

After this happens, it’s ready for water! Typically, it takes about 16-24 hours to fill a swimming pool with a standard garden hose. However, ONCE FILL-UP is started, DO NOT STOP filling the pool until the water level reaches roughly three inches from the top. Stopping water flow during the fill-up can leave a ring around your pool.

Pool Startup

We then inspect every area to ensure it looks perfect and runs tip-top. We’ll add startup chemicals to the water and brush excess plaster dust from the interior finish.

You may need one more final inspection from the city, depending on your jurisdiction.

Once complete, we will show you how to operate the equipment and properly maintain your pool. Then we’ll leave you to bond with your new pool. We recommend breaking it in with at least seven pool parties within the first two months.

Premier Pools & Spas is the top pool builder in the nation. We’ve built over 80,000 stunning pool designs in the American backyards, and we’d be honored to build yours! Contact your local Premier Pools & Spas today for a free consultation.

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Exercise and relaxation can lift your spirits during the long winter months. Hydrotherapy is a centuries-old method used to improve  mental and physical well-being — the CDC reports that water exercise is beneficial for people with chronic conditions such as arthritis as well as for mood and mental health.

But, getting out to the gym or to the spa can be a struggle to schedule. Recently, there have been many closures and changes due to the pandemic, or those icy cold mornings can make it hard to get out in the morning. This year, skip the gym membership and create your own at-home workout and spa space with a swim spa or hot tub. A hot tub or swim spa can upgrade your backyard or finished basement space, to make relaxing and exercising easy for the whole family. Here are tips for creating your own home gym and spa:

Select Your Vessel

Is a hot tub or swim spa better suited to your wellness needs? A hot tub is optimal for hydrotherapy, with high temperatures and jets that can help with stress relief and muscle relaxation. You can also do light workouts in the hot tub, but if exercise is your goal, a swim spa may be the right choice. Swim spas are larger, allowing for more movement like lunges, rowing, aerobics, crunches, and even swimming laps.

You’ll need to consider the location, maintenance plan, and budget before making your choice and building your space. Read here for more information about hot tubs and swim spas, and how to decide what’s right for you.

Build A Workout Plan

If you’re not already into water aerobics or swimming laps at your local pool, find which exercises are right for you to meet your goals. For your home gym or spa time, set a schedule for your workouts so you can prepare the hot tub or swim spa, like heating up the hot tub in the morning for exercise and again in the evening for a soak. Picking days and times will help keep you on track and on schedule, to get the most physical and mental benefit.

Create Ambiance

Create a calming space for your at-home spa days. Set up lighting around your hot tub or swim spa, you can add outdoor lights or maybe colored lighting inside the vessel. Add scented candles in the room – away from the hot tub – or an essential oil diffuser. Make sure to find a space to store the equipment you need, such as noodles or weights for swim spa workouts and towels and a hamper nearby.

Keep the It Clean and Ready for Anything

Hot tub water and sweat from swimming laps in a swim spa can make cleaning and maintenance a challenge. The chemicals need to be balanced regularly to prevent bacteria that can cause hot tub rash. Technology can make managing a home gym or spa easy: The pHin Smart Water Monitor helps you keep water in balance by taking measurements, sending alerts, and guiding you through custom chemical dosing instructions.

Learn more about pHin at phin.co.

The post Conquer the Winter Blues with Hydrotherapy At Home appeared first on pHin.

Spice up your fitness routine to get active and stay healthy all winter long. A swim spa, hot tub, or indoor pool will be your new favorite spot for exercising for an intense, full-body workout with low impact on your joints.

If you’re considering adding water to your exercise routine and want to add a hot tub or pool to your home, the pHin team is here to help you get started:

The Benefits of Water Workouts

Water offers resistance, making exercises in the pool or swim spa more challenging without additional equipment. Aquatic exercises are beneficial for a full-body workout to build muscle and boost cardio endurance.

Seniors and those with chronic conditions can also benefit from aquatic exercises that can help to soothe with frequent joint and muscle pain from. The water buoyancy is gentle and low impact to reduce the stress on joints. Some exercises use foam “weights,” but many can be done with no extra equipment!

Set Your Goals

As you plan your aquatic workouts, decide which part of the body you would like to focus on. Are you looking to build muscle in your arms and core, or do you want to increase your cardio endurance? Tailor your exercise plan to fit your personal needs whether that be strength or cardio training.

If you want to increase overall cardio endurance, consider walking or jogging in the water. Swim spa owners can take advantage of their system’s water resistance feature, and some swim spas even allow them to swim “laps.” In an indoor pool owner, you can walk or jog back and forth across the pool and increase muscle with arm and leg raises, pushups against the wall, butterfly kicks, and other routines that require more space.

Stay Safe

Using your indoor pool or swim spa as your exercise routine can put you on the path to achieving fitness goals, big or small. As you build your aquatic exercise plan, check with your doctor to make sure the plan is acceptable for you. You should always wear water shoes in the water to prevent yourself from slipping during your workout. It’s important to pay attention to your body as you are exercising: because you’re working out in the water, you may not realize how tired and sweaty you become, so it’s important to stay hydrated.

Safety equipment is important, but don’t forget the water quality. Especially in hot water where you’ll be sweating, the water must be well maintained to prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Choosing a pool workout doesn’t have to add more work, you can easily use the pHin Smart Water Monitor to keep the water balanced and safe. From the app, you can simply check if the water is safe before each workout. And it’ll keep your water in-shape with water testing and simple chemical dosing instructions.

Happy exercising!

The post It’s Time to Build Your Winter Fitness Plan appeared first on pHin.

Did you know: The CDC recommends testing your pool or hot tub water’s chlorine and pH at least twice per day.

Maintaining healthy water balance is important for safe swimming, relaxing, workouts, and more, but it can be a challenge, especially for new pool and hot tub owners. Just as there are different chemicals to maintain the water, there are different ways to measure and treat the water. Parts per million (ppm) and Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) are the two common methods. Here is some background on how to choose the right measurement method:

Measuring by ppm rcan be done with reagent tests, water spin tests, or water test strips which must be manually dipped in the water at least twice per week, the CDC’s recommendation. Then, the data is used to calculate the amount (volume) of chemicals needed depending on the gallon capacity of the pool, hot tub, or swim spa.

Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) is the standard measurement for pool and hot tub water safety, it is mandated for commercial pools like those in local gyms, hotels, spas, etc. It provides a more detailed analysis of how the chemicals – chlorine, bromine, or salt – are doing their job to sanitize the water.  The ORP Sensor measures, in millivolts, the tendency of a chemical substance to oxidize or reduce another chemical substance. In this case, sanitizer. A high ORP shows that the sanitizer isn’t working effectively, and low ORP means that the chemicals can’t effectively clean the water.

Even pool technicians use tools to measure the water, and most homeowners need help, too. Now, they can get it from the pHin Smart Water Monitor which removes the calculations and guesswork from pool and hot tub water care. It measures the water’s temperature, sanitizer and pH over 1,000 times per week. pHin measures the ORP of the water, and uses an algorithm to analyze the water conditions and provide exact recommendations for dosing the water with the chemicals of the pool or hot tub owners’ choice.

Learn more about how pHin measures water here.

The post PPM vs ORP: How to Choose A Water Measurement Method appeared first on pHin.

Keeping pool water balanced all season can be stressful. But for many pool owners, measuring and adding chemicals is a lot of guesswork. Converting the ppm of chlorine in the water to how much chlorine to add can be a challenge, even for veteran pool owners.

Instead of making the wrong measurement that can leave your pool water over chlorinated or cloudy, technology can remove the guesswork.

pHin is a powerful new product that has built-in analytics that make water care easy for any pool or hot tub owner. The device floats in the pool and measures the water over 1,000 times per week, using the information to make pool water care easy for anyone. Here’s how:

Easy-to-Read Status

How do you know if your water is safe before you jump in? With the pHin app, pool and hot tub owners can easily see whether their water is safe, needs action, or is unsafe. A color-coded disc on the home screen provides at-a-glance status:

If the water is out of balance, a red disc will alert users indicating that the water is unsafe and requires action. When water is balanced and safe, a blue disc will indicate that the water is ready to go.

Alerts and Instructions

pHin is also proactive, it sends alerts in the app or via email when the water is out of balance or needs action, like adding shock or chemicals.

Instead of guessing how to fix the water, users get step-by-step instructions about which chemicals to add and how much of each chemical is needed to bring the water back to a safe level. pHin’s app also features detailed graphs of the pool’s chemistry levels in the past giving pool owners easy access to their pool’s chemical history.

Chemical Database

pHin works with leading chemical brands to provide customized chemical dosing instructions based on the brand of your choice. Users can simply scan any supported chemical’s barcode and pHin will calculate exactly how much of the chemical you need to add to the water. pHin recently doubled the number of scannable chemicals, you can see the full list of scannable chemicals here.

pHin takes the guesswork out of adding chemicals to your pool with easy-to-read alerts, action notifications and instructions, and customized chemical dosing instructions. pHin handles the pool chemistry guesswork so you can simply add the necessary chemicals and enjoy!

The post 3 Ways pHin Removes the Guesswork Out of Water Care appeared first on pHin.

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