Swimming pools are incredible investments. Who knew that one home improvement project could provide exercise, strengthen family ties and teach kids essential life skills? Over time, however, swimming pools require updates to keep them in good working condition and looking their best. Luckily, many updates can be made quickly, extending the swim season rather than taking from it.

Here are five great reasons to update your swimming pool and the benefits to expect.

1. Improve Appearance

Usually, the main motivator for updating a swimming pool is to improve its appearance. Backyard pools get worn down over the years. If you don’t provide them with maintenance, they end up becoming eyesores. Call out a pool company like Paradise Pools to get suggestions on what can be done to brighten up your space. It’s possible that a new vinyl liner, freshly cleaned tile or pool deck refinishing will do the trick.

2. Add New Features

Maybe your swimming pool still looks great but the kids are becoming bored with swimming laps. Why not refresh your backyard oasis with a few new features for everyone to enjoy? Some of our favorites include diving boards and water slides, relaxing lounge spaces or stone and water features such as waterfalls and rock scapes.

3. Increase Efficiency

Pool equipment continues to get more efficient thanks to advanced technology. By taking advantage of this equipment, you can lower your electric bills and conserve water. Usually, the first things to replace are the pool heater and filtration system. But, there are many other hidden ways to boost efficiency, such as by investing in LED lighting, variable speed pumps, heat pumps, solar covers and robotic cleaners.

4. Upgrade Safety

How safe is your swimming pool? Kids grow every year, so it’s important to address all potential safety concerns. For example, you may feel better knowing that you don’t have toddlers running around, but are your school-age children able to swim? What about their friends? An upgrade allows you to address safety issues and fix them with underwater stairs, pool ladders, non-slip surfaces, fencing and alarms.

5. Allow Night Swimming

Has your family been asking to swim at night? Night swimming is a blast, and it opens up the opportunity to watch the night sky. If you don’t have the proper lighting installed, swimming in the dark is not practical or safe. Fortunately, a refresh allows you to install new lighting in and around your pool. Aim for LED lighting that uses 75% less wattage compared to incandescent bulbs.

If your swimming pool seems to be lacking, call Paradise Pools for a free evaluation. We can address areas of concern and update your pool for a more active and social summer season!

The two main types of inground swimming pools offered at Paradise Pools are concrete (gunite) and vinyl liner. Both structures have pros and cons. Everyone has different priorities, so there is no “best” option. Instead, we explain the advantages and disadvantages and help our customers choose the right option for their budget, expectations and priorities.

Below is the information we share with our customers when they call us for a quote. Together, we can do an honest analysis of concrete and vinyl liner pools to help you make an informed decision.

Customization

• Concrete. Concrete is the better option if you want the most unique swimming pool on the block. It can be designed virtually any way you’d like, including very large or very deep. You can also do fun and creative layouts such as tanning ledges.
• Vinyl liner. There are options to customize the size, shape and depth of a vinyl liner pool, just not as many as with a concrete one. Generally, people choose rectangular shapes.

Installation

• Concrete. You’ll need to schedule a gunite installation way in advance, as it takes roughly 3-6 months to complete.
• Vinyl liner. Most vinyl liner pools take 4-8 weeks to complete. Many of our customers will call us in late winter/early spring to start the process and have a brand new pool by summer!

Investment  

• Concrete. On average, concrete pools cost between $50,000-$100,000 for installation. There are also maintenance costs to consider for replastering, acid washes, electricity usage and more. Gunite can be beautiful, but it’s an investment.
• Vinyl liner. Vinyl liner swimming pools are the more budget-friendly option. Installation usually costs around $20,000-$50,000. Over time, vinyl liner pools also tend to use less electricity and chemicals.

Comfort

• Concrete. Everyone knows that concrete is rough on the skin. It can easily scarpe toes and feet, which is why you’ll likely want to get some type of finish. Plaster and a polished aggregate finish are most popular.
• Vinyl liner. There are no scrapes to worry about with the smooth texture of vinyl. That said, it’s less durable and can rip. Be sure to fix any rips or tears right away to keep the liner in good condition.

Durability

• Concrete. Concrete is amazingly durable, and you don’t have to worry about dog claws, kids’ toys, pool equipment, etc. poking holes into the liner.
• Vinyl liner. Vinyl liners are as durable as they can be, but they can rip for a number of reasons. Even if you take excellent care of the liner, it will still need to be replaced in under 10 years.

Maintenance

• Concrete. Despite its durability, concrete is porous and a magnet for algae growth. It’s recommended to brush the pool surface with a wire brush each week to prevent this buildup. Pool water should be tested weekly, too.
• Vinyl liner. The issue with a vinyl liner is wrinkles, but they are simply a cosmetic issue. Dents from rocks or pebbles can also be unsightly or uncomfortable, and water chemistry should be tested weekly.

Are you considering installing a swimming pool or renovating your existing one? Call Paradise Pools for a consultation and let’s discuss your pool needs!

Owning a swimming pool is a time and financial commitment. In fact, it’s these responsibilities that prevent some people from owning their own spas. No one wants to be responsible for pool maintenance on a daily basis, especially when they could be having fun and enjoying their summer vacation. While we can’t entirely erase the obligations that a backyard oasis comes with, there are ways to ease the burden and ensure that you work smarter, not harder.

Below are the best pool care hacks we’ve discovered over the years and how they save time and money.

Balance Water Twice a Week

The more balanced your water is, the less chemicals are needed. Stick to a dependable schedule and test your water two times per week. It only takes a few minutes to run the test, if that. By doing this, you cut down on the time and money it costs to add chemicals and wait for the water to be balanced.

Use Vinegar to Remove Calcium Scaling

Calcium scaling happens, but you don’t have to spend hours of muscle power trying to remove it. Vinegar is an effective pool scale remover. Aside from the smell (definitely an acquired taste), vinegar is a safe, natural solution that removes calcium deposits in a jiff. Dilute the vinegar first, grab a sponge and watch your walls come to life again.

Try Lime Juice for Metal Stains

If you notice rust or metal stains on your pool walls, remove them with lime juice. Lime juice doesn’t have harmful chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about skin irritation or water balance. Simply squeeze the juice from several limes into a cup, add salt and apply the mixture to the stains.

Use Baking Soda to Increase pH

Another pool-friendly product you’re likely to have in the home is baking soda. If the pH levels are high, add baking soda to the water. You may also use this ingredient to clean pool tiles. Add water to the baking soda until it forms a paste, place it on the tiles and scrub away.

Purchase a Solar Cover to Preserve Heat

Solar covers are an excellent investment. They keep the water cleaner by acting as a barrier between the water and outside elements. A huge benefit to having a solar cover is heat retention. By keeping your pool covered, the water and heat won’t evaporate.

Throw in Tennis Balls to Absorb Oils

Did you know that the outer material on a tennis ball can absorb dirt and oils from the water? All you have to do is toss a few tennis balls into the water and skimmer basket, and you have an effective, natural way to soak up excess oils from sunscreen, tanning oil and more.

Run Your Filter for 8+ Hours

One of the best gifts you can give your swimming pool is good water circulation. This ensures that heat and pool chemicals are dispersed evenly, preventing cloudiness. Some people only turn the filter on when they are going to swim, but it’s more effective to run the device for at least 8 hours a day.

Paradise Pools has convenient, comprehensive maintenance plans that allow you to work less and enjoy your pool more! Call us today to learn more about our weekly services and monthly contracts.

Vinyl pools are some of the most popular because they cost less to install, offer the best value per square foot and are customizable. There are some drawbacks to these pools, though no pool is perfect. Fortunately, you can work through most of these hurdles and get more enjoyment from your investment.

Here are three common problems with vinyl swimming pools and their solutions.

1. Liner Longevity

One of the biggest complaints about vinyl swimming pools is having to replace the liners. On average, pool liners last for 8-12 years and cost several thousand dollars or more to replace. While you can’t get away from this entirely, there are steps you can take to increase the lifespan of your liner. This includes managing your pool chemistry, using a salt system or non-chlorine system and having the liner properly installed.

2. Unattractive Steps and Benches

One of the appeals to concrete and fiberglass pools is the built-in water features that can be added, such as steps, fountains and benches. This isn’t the case with vinyl liners that are known for their more obvious plastic stairs and seating.

Luckily, more pool builders are using new techniques to make steps and benches appear more integrated. It does cost more money, but it’s well worth it. At Paradise Pools, our installations are versatile and include features such as stools, benches, tanning ledges and swim-outs. We can make your pool look like a million dollars!

3. Wood or Metal Walls

Originally, vinyl liner pools were made with wood walls. It’s not surprising that wood was not a long-term solution! Builders began replacing wood with galvanized steel that was much stronger than wood. As strong as steel panels are, they can oxidize in the ground, especially with salt water pools.

Fortunately, more builders are shifting over to polymer wall panels because they will not oxidize, are unaffected by salt and have a long lifespan. Paradise Pools does not use wood or steel for our vinyl pool installations. We only use the strongest polymer walls on the market today.

For more information on vinyl pool liners, call Paradise Pools. We have high-quality vinyl liners and budget-friendly options coupled with the best service around!

When you make the decision to invest in a swimming pool for your family, you envision everyone sitting around on summer afternoons, playing water games and having fun. You don’t see yourself feeling frustrated over broken parts and an out-of-order pool. Unfortunately, some pool owners face this situation when they hire the wrong contractor.

Not all pool contractors in Jackson are the same, which is why it’s important to be an informed consumer. Common issues that customers have faced include inconsistent billing cycles, inexperienced technicians, low quality materials and poor customer service. Many customers report that when they attempted to call the company, either the phones weren’t answered or their messages weren’t returned.

Bottom line: Not all pool builders Jackson are created equal. Before you make the investment, take your time to find an honest, trustworthy and established pool builder such as Paradise Pools.

Tips for Selecting the Best Pool Contractors Jackson

If you plan on having a swimming pool installed or any type of maintenance/cleaning done on your pool, do your research before hiring just anyone. You will be much happier in the long run if you work with a reputable swimming pool contractor.

Below are a few tips for selecting a pool service that you will be happy with.

• Get Recommendations. If possible, get recommendations from friends, family or neighbors whose pools you’ve seen. You can also look online and browse pool companies’ websites. Reputable installers will have plenty of pictures as well as testimonials from customers.

• Do a Background Check. Screening a pool company is never a bad idea. You can start with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the contractor. There are also websites that will provide you with a more detailed report on contractors for a small fee.

• Get Quotes. Obtaining quotes from swimming pool contractors in Jackson gives you a chance to talk with the companies. Ask about what type of pool will be best for your home and any problems that can be foreseen. Trustworthy contractors will let you know of potential issues.

• Get a Bid. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, get a bid in writing with an estimated timeline. If you’re not sure which type of pool you want, ask for a breakdown of the options. Also inquire about your payment schedule. How much is the deposit? How will the payments be issued?

• Check Credentials. Lastly, ask for proof that the pool builder is licensed and insured. If anyone gets injured on the job, you don’t want the medical bills to become your responsibility.

Paradise Pools has been building and installing pools for decades. We have a dedicated customer service team that is available to answer your questions and educate you on the best pool practices. For pool building or maintenance services, call us today!

Summer is right around the corner – and you know what that means – it’s swimming season! Whether you’re about to open your backyard pool, or you’re planning on spending time at the pool in your community, it’s important that you and your child know how to swim. It’s not enough for kids to just feel comfortable in the water. Having the skills to swim is vital.  

According to the CDC, 37% of American adults cannot swim. From 2004-2014, there was an average of 3,536 fatalities from drownings in the United States (non-boat related). Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury. Learning to swim isn’t just a childhood activity; it’s an essential life skill that can save the life of you or your child one day.

Let’s discuss the many benefits to knowing how to swim and why you may want to enroll in swim lessons before the summer starts!

Swim with Confidence

For beginning swimmers, swim lessons focus on getting comfortable in the water. Many children are afraid to get their faces wet, and some will go into complete panic if they fall into the water. Exposing your child to the water will tame some of these fears, but it’s not until they develop the appropriate skills that they can truly build confidence.

Get More from Your Workouts

Swimming is one of the best cardio activities around, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. In order to get the full benefits from swimming, you must know how to use all parts of your body: arms, legs, core, etc. Standing around and floating isn’t going to give you the health benefits you’re looking for – though it’s still better than sitting on the couch!

Long-Lasting Skill

Being in the water is something that many people enjoy long into their adult and older adult years. Whether it’s boating, water skiing, fishing or relaxing on the pontoon, many people feel connected to nature when they’re by the water. Learning how to swim is a skill that can be enjoyed for the rest of your life – there’s no expiration date. As a low-impact workout, swimming is a safe alternative for older adults compared to biking or running.

Develop Teamwork and Individuality

Most sports focus on working together as a team. Teamwork teaches us to support one another, solve conflict and blend together strengths. Yet unlike other sports, swimming also has an individual component to it. You’re always trying to improve your skills, beat your best times and crush your personal records, so it’s a sport that rewards you both socially and mentally.

As you can see, knowing how to swim – not just doggy paddle or float – is an incredible skill for both kids and adults. Before the summer starts, consider enrolling in swim lessons to improve your skills and have the utmost confidence and control near the water.

A swimming pool is kind of like a puppy. Before you have one, everyone in the family wants one. They beg. They find pictures of the type of pool they want. They promise to vacuum the pool and cover the pool and use the pool regularly. Yet once the pool is installed and the newness wears off, all those promises seem to go forgotten. Who ends up doing all of the pool maintenance? Mom and Dad. Right after they pick up after the dog.

Swimming pools are an investment. However, your pool should be worth the time and money you put into it. If you feel that you and your family are not getting what you should from your pool, it’s time to make a change. Your kids can help out with pool chores once they are in school, and this will relieve some burden from you. Aside from that, giving kids responsibilities of their own encourages them to enjoy the pool and the hard work they put into it.

Age-Appropriate Pool Cleaning Tasks

Below are some of the pool chores that kids as young as 5 can start doing. Even if it’s tough getting them motivated, stick with it! There’s nothing wrong with teaching kids how to care for their things and take pride in their home.

All Ages: Pick Up Around the Pool

The first thing you can do is have everyone be more responsible when it comes to keeping the pool area clean. Everyone should get into the habit of cleaning up after themselves after each swim: towels, toys, floats, sunscreen and other items should be placed in the appropriate spots. This keeps the space clean and tidy, plus prevents items from blowing away or falling into the filter.

Ages 5-8: Empty Skimmer Baskets

Children in this age group can empty the skimmer baskets every couple of days. Just make sure that the filters are not running, as you don’t want any of the debris to get sucked down into the filter. Teach your kids how to look for bugs or insects that might be swimming near the basket before reaching in. You can also let your child help you turn on the automatic pool cleaner.

Ages 9-12: Skimming and Brushing

Bigger kids can take on more complex jobs such as brushing the steps, using cleaning poles and skimming the water surface. This is the age where kids often become more interested in spending time in the pool and want to invite their friends over. With their hard work, they will take more of an interest in pool etiquette concerns, too!

Ages: Teens 13+

Once your child is 13 years old, they can start testing the water and adjusting pH and chlorine levels, per your discretion. Your child must be able to handle the chemicals responsibly, so go through the warning labels. Supervise your child at first, and never let them use the chemicals when you’re not home. You can also let teens set up and clean out automatic pool cleaners, empty out filter baskets and assist in filter cleanings.

Use your best judgement when assigning tasks to your children. Some will be ready to take on some of these jobs while others may need more time. Either way, kids of all ages can take responsibility when it comes to caring for the family pool.

If you’re unhappy with the way that your swimming pool looks, or if you feel that it’s lacking some pizzazz, it’s probably a good candidate for a remodel. Remodeling your swimming pool gives it new life and helps you enjoy your investment more. You can also make decisions that will keep you happy in the long run, such as by adding energy-efficient or child-friendly features.

If you’re still unsure if whether or not your swimming pool can benefit from a new look and feel, here are some signs to pay attention to.

Cosmetic Flaws

Though cosmetic flaws don’t affect the functioning of the pool, they are unsightly and take away from your enjoyment. It’s hard to have fun in a pool with cracked tiles or loose fixtures, and you certainly won’t want to invite anyone over for a swim.

A pool remodel will take care of the eyesores and make your investment a wonderful place to be again! A remodel also increases the value of your home and makes it more attractive to prospective buyers, which is important if you plan on selling your home in the near future.

Safety Concerns

Another issue that indicates the need for a remodel is outdated safety features. Safety is always most important when owning a swimming pool, and you would never want something to compromise your ability to keep your yard safe.

Issues such as loose railings, broken decking, improper balancing of chemicals and inappropriate barriers are all things that can be addressed during a remodel. Once the project is complete, you can invite friends and family over for a swim with the utmost confidence.

Energy Consumption

Swimming pools aren’t exactly the best energy savers. They consume a lot of energy and require a lot of water, so owning one will increase your utility bills to some degree. However, if you’ve noticed a spike in your utility bills and you’ve cancelled out other possibilities, it’s likely that your pool is to blame.

A pool requires many parts to keep it working, and these parts have to work harder if they aren’t at their best levels. This requires more energy, and therefore, raises your utility bills. You end up paying more money for harder-working equipment and your pool still isn’t as clean as it could be.

Energy-efficient features are available to cut down on energy consumption. A few of the best include variable speed pumps, heat or solar pumps and cartridge filters.

Have you noticed that your backyard pool is suffering from any one of the above issues? Call Paradise Pools and tell us what you want to see in your upgraded pool! We will listen to your wants and needs and address budget concerns from the start. The finished product will be a swimming pool that has everything you want for a price you can afford!

If you’re planning on listing your home for sale in the spring, you might be wondering if your backyard pool will help the process or stall it. Buyers have strong opinions about swimming pools. Some want them, others don’t. Rather than trying to sell someone on the idea of having a pool, it’s better to market your home to people who would be interested.

Below are some tips for selling your home quickly – with a swimming pool.

Clean and Maintain

Take some time to freshen up the pool and its surroundings before listing your home. Replace worn or broken pool parts. Power wash the deck. Trim overgrown trees. Fix sections of a sagging fence. Make the pool area look bright, well maintained and safe for children and pets.

Open the Pool

Potential buyers like to see that things are working around the home. A pool that is closed brings out concern. Is there something wrong with the pool? Is it not in swimmable condition? When was the last time it was maintained?

A home with a clean, open pool is always more attractive to potential buyers. Plus, people like knowing that if they were to buy the home, they could enjoy a swim right after closing. If you must keep the pool closed, write in your agreement that you plan to pay for a pool opening and inspection.

List at the Right Time

Not everyone goes into the home buying process wanting a pool, but once they see it on a hot summer day, they change their mind. This is why timing is everything. Try listing your property in the spring or summer, and your pool will be viewed as an asset on a hot and humid Mississippi afternoon.

Create a Pool Binder

A pool binder includes everything that is needed to care for your pool and provides new owners with peace of mind. Here are some details that should be added to the binder:

• How the pool operates
• Service records
• Chemical records
• Renovation and replacement work
• Names of reputable service companies

Also include all of your pool chemicals, equipment and accessories with the sale of your home. This alleviates stress and allows the new homeowners to enjoy the pool right away.

As you get your home ready to list in the spring, don’t try to hide the fact that you have a pool. Update the space, open it as usual and embrace everything that it has to offer!

Keeping things updated around the home takes a lot of work, and your swimming pool is no exception. If you don’t take the time to clean, maintain and refresh your spa, it’s going to end up looking old and outdated. Plus, maintenance is crucial for keeping your pool safe for children and pets.

To help you out, we’ve createa a list of seven practical, cost-effective ways to update your swimming pool. By summer, it will have a new look and feel that is ready to be enjoyed!

1. Illuminate your backyard with new lighting. LED options have a more expensive cost on the front end, but they are durable and long lasting. They can also be purchased in different colors. Solar lights are a good pick, too, and require very little maintenance.

2. Buy a variable speed pump. Studies show that variable speed pumps are 90% more efficient than standard ones. Make the investment today and enjoy more efficient operations and a reduced energy bill.

3. Raise the fun factor with new equipment. The kids get bored with the same accessories year to year, so consider getting a diving board, slide or diving rock. Even small equipment can make a huge difference, such as new pool floats and pool toys.

4. Install an ultra-efficient heating system. An efficient heating system will heat your pool quickly so that it can be used on cool Mississippi nights. Plus, because the water gets heated faster, it requires less energy.

5. Build a new focal point. Ideas for focal points include a fountain, rock waterfall or water bubblers. Not only do these add a new appeal to your swimming pool but also increase the value of your home. Looking out the window and seeing a cascading water feature looks elegant and sophisticated!

6. Replace the concrete around your pool. You can build a deck, but a more affordable option is to replace the concrete with decorative pavers or stamped concrete. Stamped concrete, in particular, is economical and can be made to look like flagstone, slate or even hardwood.

7. Restore the tile in your pool. The tile around the perimeter of your pool will get dirty and discolored after a while, and even a deep clean won’t restore it completely. Consider replacing the tile with something new. It will give your spa an entirely fresh look!

By updating your swimming pool from time to time, you keep it looking attractive, lower water consumption and energy usage and reduce the need for repairs.