Your perfect summer oasis probably looks something like this: bright sun, clear blue waters, maybe some warm sand to curl your toes into, and, of course, plenty of food, drink and good company to go around. If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely resigned yourself to the fact that without a plane (or a long drive), this oasis will never be anything more than a pleasant dream. However, it doesn’t have to be. With backyard pools and hot tubs as popular as they’ve ever been, your summer oasis may only be a few steps away.
Wait, aren’t pools a lot of work? Certainly, there is regular maintenance that has to go into your pool, just as with anything else. However, with the right help, you’ll find that you’ll settle into a routine and be enjoying that clear cool water in no time.
D&D Pools has been providing the people of Orangeville and beyond with superior pool services for over thirty years. Located at 78 First Street, their store is stocked with everything your pool needs, from chemicals and tools to accessories. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with their staff and discuss all the Dos and Don’ts of pool (and hot tub) ownership.
Do enjoy the warm weather!
While there is no wrong time to open your pool, most people like to save themselves the heating bill, and wait until the warm weather officially arrives. This is typically around the middle of May. If you’re avoiding that chill, you want to be sure that the snow is gone and there is no risk of freezing. D&D Pools is happy to open your pool for you, all you have to do is call and book an appointment. However, they do recommend that you at least check the water levels yourself beforehand. If it isn’t covering the jets, certain aspects of the opening won’t work.
Those with hot tubs likely keep them running all year round, regardless of the outdoor temperature. As long as the heat is running to your pipes, you’re good to soak. However, if you go away in the winter, it’s a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check on the tub regularly while you’re gone. If your power goes out at any time, it may not restart in the tub – meaning you’ll come back to frozen water.
Don’t forget to check the water!
Speaking of, your water is the most important part of your pool and you are going to be spending most of your time ensuring that it is properly balanced. D&D Pools offers free water testing. After checking your water they’ll tell you exactly what products you need and how to apply them to ensure that you keep your pool well maintained.
Your water is also likely to be your first indication that something is not working as it should. If the water is no longer clear, is causing skin irritations or is scaling then it’s time to troubleshoot. D&D Pools is always available for supplies and advice. Can’t get out to their store? They’ll try to walk you through any problems that they can over the phone.
Do keep a routine.
To that end, it’s important to find a maintenance routine that works for you and stick with it. Once a week is the recommended schedule for checking the balance of your water, however some pool or hot tub owners find success with more or less frequent checks.
If you’re not sure that you have time for regular care, D&D Pools offers a weekly maintenance service. This allows you to swim worry free, knowing the professionals are keeping an eye on your pool, from checking on the water to clearing the surrounding pool area.
Don’t be fooled by the saltwater pool.
While there are valid reasons for some people to choose a saltwater pool – they are easier to balance and generally kinder to skin sensitivities – D&D Pools doesn’t recommend them. As anyone who drives on salt covered roads in the winter knows, salt is a highly corrosive substance. Unless you can find equipment made from very high-grade marine metals (Note: D&D Pools can not guarantee all items are even available in such a metal), it will degrade at a much faster rate in a salt pool than a standard chlorine one. So, be sure to consider your options and reasons carefully before selecting this kind of pool.
Do enjoy your pool!
Finally, whatever pool you get and maintenance routine that you choose, don’t forget that your pool is your summer escape; host parties, lounge by the poolside and make your summer yours, whatever that looks like for you! D&D Pools will be there for the rest, be that installation or maintenance.
WRITTEN BY: JILLIAN KENT | PHOTOS: D&D POOLS & SPAS
