Elite Pools of Houston Blog

Swimming Pool Deck Maintenance Tips from Your Houston Pool Builder

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:56:04 +0000

With summer upon us, your Houston pool deck will be seeing a lot of traffic. Start the season off right with a pool deck scrub down. These tips from HGTV make it a breeze.

http://www.hgtv.com/decks-patios-porches-and-pools/deck-maintenance-tips/index.html

If your deck is showing some wear and tear after being exposed to the weather for a few years, make it look new again by applying a little first aid. Here’s the to-do list:

Wash

Before making any repairs to the deck, remove dirt and wood fibers with a pressure washer. When using one, be sure to keep the pressure stream moving. Otherwise, you could gouge the wood. Allow the deck to dry overnight.

Fix nail pops

If you encounter a nail that has worked loose from a board, remove the nail with a cat’s paw or a hammer. Use a screw that’s longer than the nail to reattach the board.

Repair split wood

If you have a board that’s split down the middle, mark the damaged board next to the leading edge of the first support joist that’s completely past the split. Be sure not to mark an area that’s directly over a joist or you could damage your saw when you begin cutting.

Cut the board with a jigsaw, remove the nails or deck screws and remove the damaged wood. Use deck screws to attach a pressure-treated 2-by-4-inch support block to the joist. The support block will hold the replacement board in position. Cut a replacement board to size, pre-drill and fasten it to the support block and joists with deck screws.

Your replacement board may appear to be higher and wider than the existing wood, but it should shrink as it loses moisture. If the board still appears to be higher than the surrounding boards after being in place for a few weeks, you can smooth it down with a belt sander. Be sure that all nail or screw heads are recessed into the wood before you begin sanding.

Stain and seal

Even though pressure-treated lumber resists insects and decay, it’s still vulnerable to moisture and the sun’s rays. To preserve it without changing the color, use s clear wood preservative that contains a UV protector, which will bring new life to the surface while protecting it from the elements. If you want to add color, use an exterior stain first. Exterior stains come in both solid and semi-transparent finishes. Always use the semi-transparent for the decking area, but try a solid color if you want to highlight railings or banisters; it ends up looking like a painted finish. Exterior stains are available in oil or latex, and both provide fade and mildew resistance.

Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, apply preservative or stain with a roller or a brush. Let the product sit on the wood decking for about 20 minutes so that it has time to penetrate, and then go back over the surface with a brush to give the deck a more consistent finish (this also helps get rid of any puddles that will dry as shiny patches). Apply a second coat for good coverage and protection.

Allow the deck to dry for 48 hours, and then apply a sealant.

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To build and maintain your new pool and spa, contact your League City, Pearland, and South Houston pool builder for a free consultation. For more pool and spa tips, check out our blog or find us on Facebook.

Elite Pools and Spas of Houston is a custom pool builder in Houston, League City, Pearland, Clear Lake and the surrounding areas. Elite Pools and Spas of Houston specializes in designing custom swimming pools and outdoor living spaces, and maintaining your pool with quality pool service, weekly pool maintenance, and more. Contact us today at 281-338-0410 or visit us at 1801 Rosemist Dr., League City, TX 77573.

National Drowning Prevention Month: Water Safety Tips from Your Houston Pool Builder

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:59:28 +0000

May is National Drowning Prevention Month and we’d like to honor it by reminding you of some basic water safety rules that you can put into practice to protect your family in the water.

1. Learn to Swim

Your never too old or too young to learn to swim. Even infants can learn life saving water skills from a trained instructor. Look for swimming lessons in your area and make sure that everyone in your family has basic swimming skills.

2. Never Swim Alone

Even experienced swimmers can have accidents. Always swim with a partner.

3. Use Layers of Protection

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends implementing layers of protection to protect children from accidental drowning. These layers include safety fences, pool covers, and Coast Guard approved life jackets. While safety products and barriers are wonderful, they should never be used as a substitute for vigilant adult supervision.

4. Never Leave Children Unattended

A child can drown in the amount of time it takes to answer a phone! Never leave a child in the water or near the pool for a moment, and avoid distractions like phones and books when you are watching over a child in the pool.

5. Avoid Entrapment

Avoid underwater entrapment by tying back hair, using swim caps, and ensuring that all drain covers meet the current safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If swimming in a natural body of water like a lake or pond, stay away from areas with underwater vegetation like vines and roots.

6. Know CPR

If an accident does occur, you won’t have time to wait for an ambulance. CPR is an important lifesaving skill that every teenager and adult should have. Check your local YMCA for classes today- you may need it tomorrow!

For more water safety tips, visit the National Drowning Prevention Alliance online or the National Water Safety Month website.

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Keep the Pool Fun With These Extras from Your Houston Pool Builder

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:26:05 +0000

The right toys can bring hours of fun to your pool.

There was a time when a pool did all the entertaining by itself — there wasn’t a need for something else. But these days kids like to have toys in the pool, floats to splash around on and slides to fly down. So it definitely pays to know what fun toys are out there.

When it comes to toys and floats, the list is really endless. So it’d be difficult to name every pool toy on the market. However, some popular favorites include diving toys, water-friendly sporting games like basketball, volleyball and football, and squirt guns.

Float options are abundant but it’s important to remember a few things. Inflatable rafts and floats are not meant to be safety devices. Children who don’t know how to swim shouldn’t treat them as such, nor should parents. Some people recommend deflating the toys after pool time is over because children associate play time with the toy and may thing it’s still OK to use it, even if the pool is unsupervised.

Adding a slide would also be a permanent way to have some extra fun in the pool. They are made from fiberglass or acrylic and come equipped with a hose that connects to the pool’s return line so a constant stream of water can run down it and keep the surface wet for an easier glide down.

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Outdoor Living Ideas: Sheltering the Outside

admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:35:20 +0000

Adding a gazebo or pergola is an easy way to create an outdoor living area.

Adding a pergola or gazebo to the backyard are great ways to create inexpensive retreats for you and your guests. It’s the perfect addition to an area where people can relax by the pool under a shady space, yet still get the effect of enjoying the outdoors.

There is a difference between a pergola and a gazebo, albeit a small one, but depending on what it is you are looking for, one should be right for you.

By definition, a pergola is an arch of trellis work that supports climbing plants. But if you don’t want to inundate your pergola with plants, that’s OK. It’s just important to note that that pergolas have an open rafters as opposed to gazebos, which feature closed roofs. Gazebos are open on all sides yet offer complete coverage on top, a great addition to an area where the elements might otherwise keep you from enjoying a meal in the fresh air.

Both pergolas and gazebos can be constructed of a variety of materials and designed in many different ways. It’s all up to what you want!

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Pool Remodeling Ideas That Offer the Biggest Impact from Your Houston Pool Remodeling Experts

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:11:17 +0000

Custom water features add depth and dimension to geometric shaped pools.

Adding a Spa to Your Existing Pool

When looking for pool remodeling ideas, most homeowners think of adding an inground spa first. An elevated, custom built spa with a spillover into your pool is a popular way to add dimension and makes for an impressive focal point, taking a simple geometric shaped pool from standard to stunning. Design options are endless when combined with custom lighting and decorative stone or tile. While adding a spa to your existing pool can be one of the pricier remodeling options, it brings an entirely new shape and style to your pool and makes a big impact on the look and feel of your entire backyard. They also change the way you use your pool, adding more opportunities for relaxation and extending the swimming season into the cooler months.

Water Features

If you’re on a budget, custom water features can make the most of your pool remodeling

Adding a custom spa to your existing pool enhances your pool experience and extends your swimming season.

dollars. Pool waterfalls offer an equally dramatic impact at a fraction of what a new spa will cost. From bubblers, fountains and deck jets to grottos and pool waterfalls, water features are certainly the way to go if your looking for a big impact on a budget.

New Pool Tile and Coping

If you’re simply trying to update the look of an old pool, tile and coping are usually the way to go. Like shag carpet in a house, nothing dates a swimming pool more than old fashioned tiles. You may be surprised at how cost effective pool tile replacement can be, and you’ll be amazed at the difference this one change will make! When it comes to tile and coping, you’re spoiled for choice. From modern glass tiles to natural stone tiles, we’ll help you sort through the sea of pool tile options to find the style, color and texture you’re looking for.

Adding or Renovating a Pool Deck

Pool remodeling doesn’t have to be confined to the water. Adding or extending a pool deck can transform the way you use your pool while also bringing warmth and style to your outdoor space. We offer options to fit any budget. One popular and cost effective option is a stamped concrete overlay, where we take an old concrete slab, pour a thin layer of new concrete over it, and stamp it to resemble tile or stone. We can also add walkways and stone steps to integrate the surrounding landscape and make the pool area a natural extension of the home.

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For expert pool remodeling services or to build and maintain your new pool and spa, contact your League City, Pearland, and South Houston pool builder for a free consultation. For more pool remodeling ideas, subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook.

How to Keep a Clean Pool Filter: Maintenance Tips from Your Houston Pool Builder

admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:01:15 +0000

Houston swimming pool filters need regular cleaning to work efficiently.

Think of the pool filter like a filter in a vacuum. If it’s all clogged and dirty, efficiency will go down and things won’t get sucked up. An inefficient pool filter creates a host of other problems in the pool which can be quite pricey to fix, so keeping the pool filter clean is one of the most effective ways that your Houston swimming pool will operate at its best.

The most common type of pool filter is a cartridge filter, and keeping it clean is relatively easy. When it’s time for a cleaning, grab the hose, gently remove the filter and start washing — but not harshly, a gentle stream will do. Using a high pressure nozzle can tear the filter or drive debris deeper into the cartridge rendering it useless.

There are also some cleaning solutions specially designed for your filter system. Many of these solutions require the filter to soak in it for maximum benefit, so be sure to block some time for this and to rinse off the solution thoroughly after the recommended time.

After a few routine cleanings, if you still notice that your Houston swimming pool is not functioning at its best, it’s probably time for a new filter. There are many options now available that you’ll probably find to be much more efficient and easier to clean than your old pool filter.

There are times throughout the season that you’ll find your Houston swimming pool filter needs to be cleaned more often, like after a swim party when your pool has received higher “traffic” and during hurricane season when high winds and heavy rains bring debris and bacteria into your water. Because we enjoy a longer swim season in Houston, swimming pools in our area can sometimes require more routine care. But the benefits of a beautiful, crystal clear pool sparkling in the Houston sun are well worth the effort!

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To build and maintain your new pool and spa, contact your League City, Pearland, and South Houston pool builder for a free consultation. For more helpful tips on Houston pool maintenance subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook.

Houston Pool Design Trends Series – Pool Renovation and Remodeling

admin — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:28:06 +0000

Disposable income is hard to come by in these economic times, so a complete pool build may be out of the question. But it’s the perfect time to think about revamping your existing pool and updating a few features here and there with a pool renovation.

Is it time to resurface the pool? Gunite/concrete pools can become porous over time, causing the pool to constantly look dirty no matter what you do. Surface options have changed over the last few years, so a new surface could completely change the look of the backyard.

Add some flair with new waterline tile, updated lighting or a different kind of equipment system. Each of these can drastically change the look of the water and pool overall. A pool remodel can completely change the style and feel of your backyard.

Dress up the pool’s exterior by giving the deck a facelift. Incorporate stamped concrete, new pavers, tile, wood, anything that will last over time and through differing weather conditions. Decks are just like lawns, they need to be cared for and maintained, and over time the wear and tear adds up and makes the surrounding area look shabby.

Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, add some sort of design feature into the backyard — new dramatic landscaping, surrounding lights, new patio furniture, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor covered patio, a fire pit, to name a few. A simple splash of something new can make the old feel vibrant again.

Pool renovations and pool remodeling can be simple or complex, but either way they can make the old feel new and alive once again.

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Houston Pool Design Trends Series – Adding Color to the Backyard

admin — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:51:19 +0000

The concept of color is nothing new — we choose paint schemes for rooms in our homes, we match our outfits according to color and we pick things like cars, place mats, towels, etc. all based on what colors we like. So why wouldn’t we incorporate that same attitude into the backyard and create a palette that speaks to us?

Natural hues are the most popular color choices for the pool and surrounding area. Mother Nature is the uber trendsetter and designers choose a lot of blue, green and earth tones to cohesively bring the pool and the home together into one ultimate unit.

But it isn’t just any blue, green or taupe that is chosen. While there isn’t a specific science behind the exact shade of color picked, there is a method to the madness. Designers take into account the sky’s reflection in the water and the effect it can have on what waterline tile is in the pool. Or they look carefully at what colors pop from the home’s exterior and try to incorporate them into poolscape. They understand how color can affect the backyard’s ambiance and they create accordingly.

For example, are you looking to achieve a dramatic effect at night but a more muted one during the day? Are you looking to re-create a Tuscan getaway in the back of your Midwestern greenery? Or maybe you want your pool’s water to mimic the clear aqua water you’ve seen in Fiji. There is a specific way to do that.

The color scheme of the backyard will set the tone for what it is you are looking for your poolscape to achieve and give you that sense of a beautiful piece of art.

We’ve had the opportunity to work on some beautiful outdoor living structures. Check them out in our outdoor living gallery!

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Houston Pool Design Trends Series – Popular Pool Decking

admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Designing the pool is only one piece of the backyard puzzle. The right decking surrounding the pool completes the look, and together they create a cohesive work of art. So what type of decking is right for your backyard?

One of the popular choices is decorative concrete. How can concrete be decorative, you may ask? Through color and texture. Concrete will last forever, albeit for a few cracks here and there, but it’s important to deep clean the deck at least once a year for regular maintenance.

Wood decks are more regional, and not something you’ll often see around an inground pool, but they are still popular. And with the variety of wood species available, these decks can have a very distinct look. Routine maintenance requires treating the wood each year and replacing the planks when necessary.

Natural stone is another popular design trend for decking. Different types of stone — flagstone, travertine, sandstone, bluestone — and the way its finished all create a different look, so this type of decking really depends on what you want your backyard to look like. The experts say placement and setting plays a huge role in how long the stone deck will last.

No matter what you decide, the most important feature you can find is that the deck is slip resistant. Nobody wants an unsafe walking environment, especially areas around water and where children are present.

Elite Pools and Spas of Houston can meet with you to discuss your pool decking options to create the perfect custom pool design for your family and lifestyle. To get started, contact us today. In the meantime, browse our pool photos for ideas and inspiration!

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Houston Pool Design Trends Series – Incorporating a Backyard Water Feature

admin — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:44:21 +0000

Water features can bring a whole new dimension to your backyard pool. From something like a simple laminar to a more extravagant feature like a natural waterfall, the concept of moving water attracts attention and gets people talking. By incorporating water features into your poolscape, you’ll not only add an artistic element, but more depth, as well. Rather than just having a beautiful pool, you now have a beautiful pool with constant movement and fluidity — a design trend that differentiates between the good and the great.

Water features can be one of two things: artistic or functional. Artistic water features create a sense of depth and design to a pool while functional ones give swimmers a waterfall grotto to hang out in or a water slide to to fly down, for example.

Whatever your preference, there are a variety of features to choose from — fountains, waterfalls, grottos, scuppers, bubblers and sheers, to name a few. Because each type of feature creates a specific effect, it’s important to know what look it is you are trying to achieve with the water. Do you want to create an arc of water lit by an LED light? Do you want pencil-like streams of water streaming from your pool wall? Or do you want something that replicates a geyser in a natural spring?

While water features are better integrated into a new build, they can also be retrofitted into your existing pool. Either way, their visual appeal will keep people talking.

Check out our water features gallery for inspiration for your custom pool design!

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