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How to Save Money and Energy with Eco-Friendly Pool Features 

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

If you own a swimming pool, you know how much it can cost to maintain it. From heating and filtering to cleaning and sanitizing, your pool can consume a lot of energy and water, which can add up to your monthly bills. But what if you could reduce your pool’s environmental impact and save money at the same time? Sounds too good to be …

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How to Properly Water Your Gunite Pool’s Shell

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Gunite pools have steadily gained popularity among homeowners for their durability and versatility. Constructing a gunite pool involves a crucial step called curing, vital in ensuring the pool’s strength and longevity. This blog will cover the essential aspects of gunite pool curing times. It includes the factors that influence these times, the curing process itself, and important considerations to keep …

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Pros and Cons of Planting Trees Near Your Swimming Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

When adding trees to your yard, particularly around a pool, it’s essential to consider the location carefully. While a shade tree near your pool can be an excellent addition, choosing a spot that provides the benefits of shade without causing any damage to your pool, both above and below ground level, is essential. Considering these factors will help ensure that …

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What Affects Pool Water Color?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

There are hundreds of big and small decisions when installing a new pool.  Different surface colors/finishes can affect the color of your pool water, so choosing the surface is an important decision.  There are also many other factors that may affect the color of the pool water.  As the saying goes, water is clear when it’s clean. Water is (or …

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Building a Swimming Pool on a Slope

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

We have good news if you have always dreamed of a swimming pool but hesitated because your yard is sloped.  It’s common to build a pool on a hill or slope.  At Platinum Pools, our designers have experience preparing layouts that fit your backyard, even if there is a slope. Lawns are rarely entirely level, so some leveling is usually …

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How Can Pool Water Affect Your Plants and Landscape?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Can pool water kill plants and grass in your lawn?  Any lawn lover would wonder if chemicals in pool water could damage a beautifully landscaped backyard.  Don’t worry; we have a detailed guide here. In this blog, you will learn about the effects of higher chlorine or salt concentrations on your lawn or plants and how to avoid potential damage …

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When to Start Heating a Pool for the Cooler Months?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

At a time when we remind ourselves to be grateful for what we have in our lives, one thing’s for sure: Texans can be thankful for (almost) year-round outdoor pool weather. But with rising energy costs for which there’s no end in sight, keep a close eye on anything energy-related, that includes pool heating. South Texas winters are generally pleasant. …

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Fall Pool Maintenance Tips

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Pool owners may not be using their swimming pools as much during the fall season and with the change in the weather there are some things in regards to pool maintenance that you need to keep in mind.  Although most people don’t close their oasis in Southeast Texas, there are exceptions to the rule.  So, it is a good idea …

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What is the Most Popular Pool Size?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

It is fun for homeowners to get a swimming pool and start planning future parties.  Once determined you want a pool, it is essential to first figure out a pool size, how deep it should be, and the size of the deck in a backyard. The average size of a swimming pool depends on many factors, such as the shape …

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Buying a House with a Pool vs Buying a House without a Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Pools have been a popular staple for many homes since the mid-20th century. Homeowners want a space where they can swim and enjoy time outdoors privately, and when the pandemic shutdown in 2020 happened, many people used their vacation funds to create a staycation of their own.  However, if someone is looking to buy a home and is unsure whether …

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Pool Volume and Water Flow Meters

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Nothing is better than knowing exactly how much water a pool contains, including the plumbing.  The Importance of Knowing the Pool Volume How can you accurately dispense chemicals if you do not know the volume of water in your pool?  One of the most common bad habits in the pool industry is not knowing how to measure the volume of …

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How to Keep Your Spa Clean

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

If your pool has a spa, you need to watch for cloudy, milky, or foamy water. But don’t worry, as these are easy to resolve by using the proper care. Let us instruct you about the methods you need to get your spa water sparkling again! Cloudy Spa Water Cloudy spa water means that there appear to be small particles …

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Pool Safety Statements: True or False?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

We’ve all heard so many different statements when it comes to pool safety. Which of these statements are true? Of the statements that are false what is the actual truth? In this week’s blog, we tackle some of the common things you may hear when it comes to pool safety. 1. Pools in the backyard need only be fenced if …

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Before Buying a Home with a Pool, Learn the Facts

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

If you want to buy a property, you should try to find the main advantages and amenities, especially if it is an existing house.  You want the attic, garden, and backyard, but a property in the hot Houston heat becomes even more attractive if it has a swimming pool. In this blog, we provide tips on what to look for …

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How Easements Can Affect Pool Construction?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Imagine you are signing the purchase contract for a new house.  Once you get the title deed, you find out that there is an easement on your property.  So, what is an easement, and how can it affect when you want to build in your backyard, specifically a swimming pool?  An easement provides the right to access real property owned …

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How to Clean Your Pool Floats or Toys

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Adding a few (or lots) of fantastic pool floats to accompany you and your friends in a pool is exciting.  Inflatable floats can liven up your water fun and add to the summer experience, remember your pool needs regular cleaning and maintenance – and so do your floats. Not sure how to clean your inflatable floats?  We are here to …

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Do You Want a Swimming Pool? The Time is Now!

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

If you want to swim in your swimming pool sooner rather than later, you need to act now. Due to the high demand over the last couple of years, paired with supply chain issues and material shortages the amount of time from when you sign a contract for your pool and when you are swimming has increased. How to Get …

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May is National Water Safety Month

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Now that Summer is upon us, let’s look at National Water Safety Month.  It is a yearly campaign created by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance with support from the World Waterpark Association, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the American Red Cross. History In June 2003, the World Waterpark Association established the National Water Safety Week.  Later in …

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Is Your Pool Ready for Summer?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Let’s be clear.  We live in South Texas.  We don’t cover our pools for the winter.  We may have a water heater or use the spa during the winter season.  However, the warmer days will make your swimming pool even more inviting, especially if your pool is clean and well equipped.  Yes, even in wintertime, your oasis is not exempt …

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How Long Should You Run the Pool Pump Each Day?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

The pool pump is essential to help keep your pool water clear. That’s because moving water is less susceptible to contaminants commonly found in stagnant water. Circulation is key to preventing algae growth and keeping your water buoyant. Your pool’s filtering system and pump help create water circulation. The pump draws the water in and then pushes it back through …

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Outdoor vs Indoor Swimming Pools

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Pools are beautiful, fun, and give your home a luxurious look.  Depending on your space and needs, you can install them indoors or outdoors.  There are many options to consider when deciding where to place your pool.  It is essential so you can decide which pool is right for you.  Let us provide you with information on the differences between …

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The Skimmer – An Important Part of the Swimming Pool (Part 1)

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

A swimming pool requires many moving parts and devices to keep it running optimally.  Understanding the basic parts of a pool and how it works will help protect your investment in the long run.  Amongst these parts, the skimmer plays an important role when it comes to filtering your pool’s water. What is the Purpose of Having Pool Skimmers? Pool …

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PebbleTec’s Unique Pool Finishing – The Choice is Yours

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Whether you are building a pool from scratch or remodeling a pool, the finish you pick will significantly impact the aesthetics of your design.  PebbleTec offers four unique surface finishes for pools in various colors, giving homeowners plenty of choices.  It continues to be a popular pool plaster choice for the custom-built oasis, and it has less maintenance than your …

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Your Pool Equipment and Space; How Much Does It Need?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Often homeowners save on pool maintenance costs by taking good care of their pool equipment. Think about it. If your pool filter, pump, and heater are in good shape, you will not spend much on pool repairs. They will work efficiently, and you will not have to worry about common pool problems. One way to ensure that the equipment is …

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Right Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Swimming Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

When clients ask when the best time is to build a swimming pool, the answer is always the same: right now!  There are many reasons why the idyllic moment is always now to get an oasis: Investment: Seeing your loved ones happy is the best return on your investment.  Purchasing a swimming pool not only increases the value of your …

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Create the Perfect Pool Environment

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

As we start a new year, the request for a new backyard increases; a new variant of COVID-19 is taking the world by storm. Additional entertainment at home comes to play. In the case of swimming pools, the project can turn the area into a resort conveniently located in your backyard.  The home converts into a canvas, and your mind …

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Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

A new year is around the corner, and it is time to recap the events of 2021. From material and labor shortages to waiting lists, winter freeze, and a takeover, we also had wonderful events that keep us going and looking forward to 2022. The Pandemic Continues, and Remote Work Too The pandemic of 2020 continued through 2021 with fewer …

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Why Does it Take Longer to Build a Pool Now?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Building a swimming pool is an exciting process, and if you are like many homeowners, you want to complete it quickly to enjoy your new outdoor oasis. While construction time used to average a few months, today’s “new normal” caused longer construction times, leaving homeowners wondering how long it will take to build their pool. Why have pool construction times …

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To Winterize Your Pool or Not?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Pools in Southeast Texas should be designed and built so they are easy to maintain through the off-season without the winterizing process. Pipes and the equipment do not blow out, and there is little to no worry about frost damage in normal weather conditions.  Then it happened. An abnormal winter freeze rolled into Texas, and drove temperatures to shocking lows …

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Changes in the Virginia Graeme Baker Act

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Introduction In 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Act sent waves to the pool and spa industry to eliminate the danger of drain entrapment. The implementation of the law caused controversy at the time. Since then, the law drastically helped to reduce the number of entrapments, avoiding injuries and saving lives.  The Backbone of the VGBA The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool …

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Swimming Pool Cleaning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Most homeowners choose to have a swimming pool in their home to enjoy family gatherings, parties, or just pure relaxation. There are even more positive reasons than these to own a pool, but the key is keeping the oasis in such a way as to minimize the pool maintenance burden and amount of daily pool cleaning needed. Like all parts, they will eventually need …

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Tips on Buying a Swimming Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts, Uncategorized by Platinum Pools

Everyone dreams of having a swimming pool. But when the time comes, most people do not have enough information about what it takes to buy one. Some want a portable pool, others prefer an in-ground oasis. It’s no fun to travel into the unknown when it comes to buying a swimming pool. Before you do, here is what you should …

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What is a Pier and When are They Needed?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

If you plan to have a swimming pool in your home, a reputable contractor will check the soil components before starting any pool construction project. There are many cases where a pool requires support.  Not only is it gunite and the iron rods, but also adding a pier to provide additional support for an in-ground concrete pool. It may require …

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Avoid Critters Getting in Your Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Who likes critters? No one! So why do they appear in our pool? Although a swimming pool is a great place to cool off in the summertime, it can be deadly for animals so we will talk about how to keep snakes out of swimming pools. In the past few years, we see how these critters appear in a backyard …

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Chlorine Tab Shortage – Other Ways to Sanitize Your Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts, Pool Maintenance How To by Platinum Pools

In August 2020, Louisiana’s large chlorine production facility burned down, causing a Chlorine tab shortage of a prevalent form of chlorine in tabs for use in swimming pools.  For many homeowners, the challenge once again comes down to: How do I use less chlorine? Many pool owners have always been uncomfortable with chlorine, and for obvious reasons — it kills …

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MythBusters – Swimming Pool Edition

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

We are not strangers to fables, urban legends, or mythical stories. It surprises the number of people who believe in such tall tales. Myths can be rational, functional, structural, and psychological.   Myths can go everywhere, even when it comes to swimming pools. We heard one too many to make us laugh. But behind the funny side of the myth, there …

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Ideal Pool Decks For Your Bare Feet

In Ask the Pool Experts, Pool Features by Platinum Pools

There is nothing more satisfying than having a swimming pool in a backyard. The water is refreshing, but the pool decks determines how fitting it is into the landscape and how safe it is for swimmers.   A pool deck must secure an area to walk between pool ladders, slides, and diving boards. It should also provide a place for outdoor …

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Pool Chillers and its Advantages

In Ask the Pool Experts, Pool Tips by Platinum Pools

We are in the hottest month of the year. If you have a pool, you already know to expect the water to be cool and refreshing. However, the days are longer, and the oasis gets more exposure to sun rays. So, did you ever jump into a pool and discover the water is hot? Then your swimming pool needs pool chillers.  …

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Pool Deck: Why is it Beneficial to Have One?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Not so long ago, a client told us a story of how his in-laws didn’t bother to add a pool deck to their swimming pool. It seemed that they spent more time to cleaning it rather than enjoying it. When you invest in a swimming pool, you’ll want to bring your vision to life. You want to make sure your …

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COVID-19 and the Swimming Pool Industry – A Year Later

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

In the last decade, the swimming pool industry has been consistent; a slight increase or decrease, same problems, and change; then came 2020.  The Pandemic brought the world to a halt.  It generated unprecedented demands for backyard pools, and at the same time, created major supply problems in the industry.  Clients asked for more heaters, filters, spas, accessories, and outdoor …

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What Pool Owners Can Learn From Lifeguards

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Congratulations! You are now the owner of a swimming pool. Of course, you want to create memories to last a lifetime. However, having an oasis means responsibility; it is not just about keeping it clean and safe, but it is a better idea to have safety supervision skills like a lifeguard. Safety is foremost essential, regardless of how young or …

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Can Rain Affect the Water in Your Swimming Pool?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Sun, warm weather, swimming in a pool with friends and family is what summertime is all about. Unfortunately, it also means rainfalls from time to time. Some people believe that rain will not affect a swimming pool; some facts present the contrary. Rainwater is acidic. It involves the chemicals in the pool’s water and can change the pH balance and …

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Freeform or Geometric? – Know the Facts

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

When designing a swimming pool, the choices are many, like materials, colors, and pool shapes.  The first step in designing a swimming pool is in selecting a shape. There are many available, but if a homeowner has no idea which shape is suitable for their backyard, we can help you by studying two options; geometric and freeform.  Many refer to …

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DOE’s New Pool Pump Regulations

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Everyone wants to have an energy-saving, environmentally friendly swimming pool.  It is a fact that homeowners want to get an estimate of energy and cost savings before buying a pool pump.  Get ready! The Department of Energy will enforce the weighted energy factor regulations, making it easier to do just that in 2021.  What is Weighted Energy Factor? A weighted …

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Pool Steps – An Essential Part of the Oasis

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Swimming is one of the most recommended aerobic activities for adults since there is less impact on the joints while in the water. Diving into a swimming pool is great especially during the hottest days of summer.  It allows doing exercise and having fun. Exercise and fun are perfect together; perfect, except when entering or exiting a pool. The reality is …

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Amidst COVID-19, Get the Pool Ready for Hurricane Season

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

While the weather reports about the Sahara dust, the hurricane season is now in full swing. The summer of 2020 is recording extremely high temperatures, and, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, every pool owner must think ahead. After all, Mother Nature is unpredictable. So far, there is no cyclone or hurricane formation for now. *    * NOAA’s hurricane season outlook …

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Selecting the Best Spot for a Swimming Pool

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

When a homeowner decides to have a swimming pool, they often think about the size, shape, material selections, or different features they want to include.  But where should you place the pool? The placement of a pool in your yard is an extremely important factor to consider. Placing the pool in an idyllic way depends on the time a homeowner …

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Purifying Pool Water the UV Way

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

In the 1960s, neon posters were the rage in college dorms, apartments, and local bars.  Blacklight lamps help these decorations glow, giving a psychedelic feel to any area.  But that was then, and this is now. Blacklight is a UV ultraviolet bulb that anyone can see. Of course, if someone is digging retro style, they may have it in a …

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Pool Calculators and the Basics on Chemicals

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Water treatment is essential when it comes to enjoying a swimming pool. In addition to treating pool water, it is necessary to know how to analyze chemicals it thoroughly. There are many different reasons why pool water is very susceptible to change.  For example, on rainy days, water enters the pool with a high concentration of particles found in the …

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What it Takes to Build a Tropical Oasis

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

When people think about tropical oasis, one thing that comes to mind is the warm weather.  Then again, the state of Texas is usually hot for most of the year. To go tropical is a state of mind; it has to do with the landscaping surrounding the pool, relaxation, sand, and more.  The idea of having a tropical designed swimming …