Gohlke Pools News Updates

Over the years, pools can become outdated and in need of a renovation.  Some pool owners’ desire minor changes and some desire dramatic overhauls.  Due to the availability of new products and materials that weren’t available when the existing pool was constructed, often times the pool looks better than it did when it was new.  Other than the shape of the pool, virtually anything is possible when a willing homeowner is paired with a creative designer/craftsman.

Renovations can include, but are definitely not limited to, replacement of the filtration equipment, the addition of a heater or automatic cleaner, the addition of computerized pool and spa control systems, replacement of the tile or coping, resurfacing the interior of the pool with a dark finish which can give your pool that lagoon look, or virtually anything else that one can imagine.  Pool renovations can do wonders for the overall appearance of the backyard.

Following are some tips in selecting a pool renovation contractor and how to finance the project.

Selecting a Renovation Contractor

Finding a dependable, experienced contractor is the key to a successful renovation.  Pool owners whom have had a pool renovation done are often the best source of advice when trying to select a pool renovation contractor.

• When obtaining estimates ask the following of the contractor:
• Do you have completed renovation projects that I can see?
• Can you get me a list of referrals?
• What type and length of warranty will you provide?
• What is covered and what is not covered under the warranty?
• Can you provide a copy of your liability and workers compensation insurance?
• Who will supervise the job?
• How long will the project take?
• Who is responsible for cleaning up after the project is complete?

Financing a Pool Renovation

After the contractor has been selected, a pool owner must decide how to fund the project. Very few people are in a financial position to pay for a swimming pool renovation project without borrowing money.   Therefore, financing (or borrowing money) is a very common method of funding these types of projects.  The two most popular types of loans that are available are a home improvement loan or a home equity loan.  Each of these two types of loans has its advantages and disadvantages. Denton is blessed with fine lending institutions that are able to provide assistance and advice when it comes to financing.

By selecting the right contractor and financing plan, you will be ready to start the swim season this summer with a renovated pool that should provide many more years of enjoyment.

Swimming pools have changed dramatically over the past the last 20 to30 years.  Swimming pool designers have really been creative which has changed the look and feel of a swimming pool.  Following are some of the designs that are currently popular.

Natural Pool           

This trend had been popular for several years—to make the backyard look like a dark lagoon surrounded by landscaping.  This is done not only by designing a freeform shape that flows, but also by using a dark interior finish, flagstone coping surrounding the pool, and installing waterfalls or boulders on the pool.  Natural pools have are becoming more and more popular as people want their pool to look natural.

Vanishing-Edge Pool

The vanishing edge pool is common in areas that have more elevation changes, such as hillside construction, than the Denton area, but it is still a design that has been used several times in the Denton area.  The vanishing-edge pool is a pool design that is most often used to enhance a lake, ocean, or valley that is just beyond the pool.  The back wall of the pool is lowered allowing the water to appear to fall into the background, making the pool and the background become one.  In the ideal backyard, this is a beautiful design.

Beach Entry Pool           

Beach entry pools are pools that have a gradual walk-in entry into the pool, much like a beach into the ocean.  It is great for small children and can be used as a shallow water tanning area and can also give a pool that tropical beach look.

In addition to design changes, homeowners are now looking beyond the pool to create a backyard environment by adding other elements.  There is a growing trend in outdoor living, cooking, & entertaining.   Today’s backyard possibilities are virtually endless and can include many features and considerations, such as landscaping, water features, outdoor cooking areas, sheltered areas, lighting, putting greens, children’s play area, and outdoor sound systems.

Now that you are aware of some of the possibilities for your backyard, you can begin planning your backyard environment.  You will then be well on your way to having one of the best summers that you have ever had creating memories of good times with your family and friends.

Call us at (940)591-9070 for a free on-site consultation to create the best pool design for your backyard.

Anyone that knows me knows that I try to evaluate the pros and cons of purchases—especially large purchases which are considered non-necessities.  One disadvantage of this method is that I sometimes miss out on fun—simply because it didn’t seem necessary to spend the money at the time.

A swimming pool would be considered a non-necessity—much like a boat, motorhome, or lakehouse.  Therefore, in my opinion—swimming pools, boats, motorhomes, and lakehouses—would definitely fall under the category of  “I really need to evaluate the pros and cons of this purchase” category.

Pool aficionados will tell you that life is too brief and too fragile to spend without a swimming pool.  For these pool owners, it is hard for them to consider not having a swimming pool.  On the other hand, there are pool owners that would probably be better off without a swimming pool.  Not taking the time to enjoy or maintain the pool are the primary reasons that some are simply better off without a swimming pool.

Even though it is not good for my business to think this way, I realize that a swimming pool is definitely not for everyone, and I do not believe for a second that everyone should have a swimming pool.   Owning a swimming pool is a commitment that takes time, much like having a motor home, boat, or lake house.   Therefore, I offer you a list of pros and cons when considering if you should move forward with a swimming pool.

Pros

Cons

Hopefully these questions will help you make the right decision when considering whether or not to purchase a swimming pool.  If you think that you might be interested in a swimming pool, call (940)591-9070 and we can discuss further.

After last summer’s record breaking heat, many homeowners have already decided that they are not going through another summer without a swimming pool.  For some, this will be one of the best decisions that they have ever made for their family.  But for others, it will not work out quite like they envisioned.

I often get asked whether I believe if having a swimming pool is a good decision.  It really depends on the situation.

There are some who have pools who would probably be better off without them—due to time, financial, and other issues.  There are many factors to consider when determining if a pool would fit your needs.  Following are some questions to consider when weighing the pros and cons of pool ownership.

Does it fit the needs of our family?  Being able to enjoy time at home with your family is priceless.  Being able to stay home to beat the heat is much more desirable than having to travel to another location to enjoy a swimming pool.

Does it fit our lifestyle? Relaxing by the pool is another common reason that pools continue to be popular—poolside reading and meditating are popular activities.

Would we use it to improve our health? This has become an increasingly popular reason to own a swimming pool.  Lap swimming and water aerobics are very common, but there are also medical benefits such as weight control and heart and lung conditioning.

Would we use it for entertaining?  Backyard cookouts become even better when you have a pool to keep guests entertained.  If celebrating birthday parties, anniversaries, holidays, etc., there is no better place to celebrate a special occasion than poolside.

Would it improve the look of our backyard? From waterfalls to dark bottom pools, today’s consumers are adding the natural look to their backyard, creating a tropical paradise right at home.  Most pools considerably improve the look of the backyard.

Do we have time for a pool?   People are so busy that having something that they do not use does not make sense.  Pools need attention, and I always tell people that if they cannot come up with at least one hour per week that they could care for their pool, then they probably do not have enough time for a pool.  In the fall when the leaves are falling, it takes more than one hour per week.

Can we afford a pool? There are several costs of owning a swimming pool.  Typically pools are financed.  Most inground swimming pools range from $30,000—$65,000.    A $30,000 loan at 9% for 15 years creates a monthly payment due of approximately $300.  In addition, monthly chemical and utility costs (electricity and water) are approximately $100 for the average-sized residential pool.  That makes the cost approximately $400 per month.  If you do not use the pool or could use the money elsewhere, then purchasing a swimming pool is probably not a wise financial move.

Hopefully these questions will help you make the right decision when considering whether or not to try to endure another summer without a swimming pool.

If you believe that a swimming pool might be right for your family, give us a call at (940)591-9070 and we will be happy to begin the planning process.

As we enter the time of year that we make New Year’s resolutions, it is once again that time that we tell ourselves that we will begin and stick to an exercise program.   It is sometimes tough to stick to New Year’s resolutions.  Several things that have helped me are:

• Write your resolutions down on paper and review them periodically.
• Make resolutions that can be attained.  For example, if you want to lose weight, set a goal that you can reach, not a goal that will be next to impossible to reach.
• Set monthly goals.  This will give you 12 opportunities to succeed, and if you fail, you will have another chance the next month to succeed.

One of my resolutions annually is to maintain my exercise program.  Many exercise enthusiasts are now turning to aquatic exercise.  Aquatic exercise is an activity that millions of people are engaging in and it is gaining in popularity.   It is easy on your knee joints and back, and has been used in sports rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation for years, but it has now entered the mainstream.  It is used not only for rehabilitation, but offers other benefits as well; increases lung capacity, burns calories, tones and strengthens muscles, and the list goes on.

When we think of aquatic exercise, we tend to think of the following of lap swimming, water walking or jogging, or water aerobics.   Although these are excellent forms of exercise, aquatic exercise equipment that was once available only for professional gyms and fitness centers has now become available for pool owners.  Some of the unique equipment available is as follows:

Buoyancy belts - Buoyancy belts allow you to exercise in deep water allowing your body to be suspended while keeping your head above water.

Water weights - Water weights are great for resistance training to improve muscle development.  They are usually constructed of foam or plastic with cushioned handgrips that are long lasting, even when used in the chemically treated water of a swimming pool.

Swimming tether (also called swim cords) - Swim jets have been installed in pools for years for resistance swimming.  If your pool is not equipped with these swim jets, there is now an alternative.  A bungee style line is secured around your ankle or waist and extends to the side of the pool where it is tied to a ladder, rope anchors, etc.  They allow you to swim in place for cardiovascular conditioning, weight loss and increased endurance.

Exercise paddles - Exercise paddles simulate rowing movements which tones and strengthens your upper body.

Kickboards - Kickboards have been around for years but are still one the most common aquatic exercise aids.  They are great for any age and any level of swimmer and are lightweight and inexpensive.

Regardless of your New Year’s Resolutions—I hope that you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy 2012!

With last summer’s record-breaking heat, it is not surprising that many homeowners have decided that they are not going through another summer without a swimming pool.  Many of them have already begin planning—as we already have quite a few new pools to start after the first of the year.

Most pool builders are asked one simple question more than any other that they hear, and it is—“What is the best time of year to build a swimming pool?”   The answer will probably not surprise you—it is now, during the off-season.    This is true of not just swimming pools—but other backyard improvements as well.  There are really four reasons for this:

1. Landscaping—The best time to install landscaping is during the late winter or early spring.  Summer is actually not a good time of the year to install landscaping as it is too hot for the actively growing plants—making them more susceptible to damage.   If you install a pool and landscaping before the growing season, by the time summer arrives you have a wonderful looking backyard—not something that looks like a construction site.
2. Better construction conditions—By the time April/May arrives, the north Texas area is in the midst of the rainy season, which typically delays construction and causes more of a mess when work does take place due to the soggy conditions.  We do not yet know what this spring will bring when it comes to weather—but it will likely be wet at times.
3. Well-rested work crews—Like anyone else, excessive work can lead to tired and stressed out workers and sometimes attention-to-detail is not where it needs to be.  Therefore, it can be advantageous to build a pool or make other backyard improvements before the busy season and heat arrives to ensure that the workers are well-rested and less stressed.
4. Ready for use—The best reason to begin planning for the pool or backyard improvement now is that if you start now, it will be ready when the warm weather arrives.  There is nothing more frustrating than having a project under construction and wishing you were already using it.

We will soon be approaching the end of this window, so now is the time to get started on that backyard improvement that you desire.

As winter approaches, it is important that you know about wintertime pool care.  It is important to continue to maintain your swimming pool during the winter.  Following are our recommendations on how to prevent freeze damage.

1. Continue the regular weekly routine of testing the water, adding chemicals as necessary, cleaning out the baskets, etc.  Pay particular attention to the chlorine test, as you will not have to add as much chlorine during the winter as you have this summer (with cooler temperatures, less sanitizer is required).
2. Backwash the filter as necessary—it is very important to have good water flow and a clean filter, especially going into a freeze situation.
3. Keep the water level at the normal level—typically the middle of the tile.
4. Be sure that your pump(s) is/are running when the temperature is freezing.  This will help prevent freeze damage to the equipment and plumbing which is an expensive repair.  Many pools are equipped with a freeze sensor, which should turn the main pump on, which circulates water through the equipment, including the automatic cleaner booster pump.  It is a good idea to make sure that your pump is on during the first freeze just to be sure that your freeze sensor is operating properly.  Booster pumps for waterfalls, etc. are usually not freeze sensored, and either must be drained or manually turned on during freezing.

Again, the pump should come on when the air temperature reaches 38 degrees F and below.  Please check to be sure that this is happening when these temperatures are occurring.

If temperatures reach the single digits, please contact us for more information on avoiding freeze damage.  Should you have any questions concerning winter pool care, please feel free to give us a call.

The holidays are oftentimes one of the most stressful times of the year.    Whatever the cause of the stress—the rush of the holidays, job issues, family issues, financial problems, etc.—it is important to take time to relax.

Soaking in a hot tub might be the solution.  Everyone enjoys the hot tub experience, whether it’s relaxed family time or a fun gathering with friends. But not everyone realizes that hot tubs also offer health benefits to individuals and their families, which are numerous:

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Relaxation and stress reduction are essential to maintain healthy bodies, healthy emotions and healthy relationships. The hot tub is a perfect environment for the whole family to come together, relax and spend time together.   A refreshing family soak in a hot tub provides a peaceful, playful way to share the day’s events, talk over plans, and enjoy each other’s company.  The hot tub naturally gives kids a physically relaxing break from the TV, the computer, and the video games, while it nurtures family interactions and strengthens family bonds.

Does the Hot tub Experience Directly Benefit Health?

Stress is known to cause some ailments and worsen others. People tend to seek out the hot tub experience for stress reduction, as well as the pampering massage of water therapy provided by the jets. The adjustable pressure of today’s advanced hot tub jets allow for a full range of therapeutic hydro-massage of muscles, joints and pressure points, from a gentle, caressing, stimulating experience to a powerful, deep-tissue hydro-massage muscle relaxation. In addition, sleep experts agree that hot tubs help people sleep more naturally.  According to a recent study by The National Sleep Foundation, a 15-minute soak in hot water can help a person to fall asleep faster.

Time-Honored Healing

The hot tub offers the ideal conditions for hydrotherapy, the time-honored use of water for healing. Immersion in warm water raises body temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate, which relaxes the individual with aches and pains and improves circulation, helping the body heal. The soothing warmth and buoyancy of hot tub immersion loosens joints and makes them easier to move and keep mobile.  Heat from the warm water can make joint movement in the person with arthritis much easier, say rheumatologists specializing in the treatment of arthritis.

Hot Tubs Benefit Athletic Injuries

It’s no secret that hot tub hydrotherapy is commonplace among both amateur and professional athletes recovering from sports injuries.  Once the acute inflammation has subsided, penetrating, moist heat from a hot tub can reduce muscle spasms, improve joint stiffness and make soft tissue more limber, thus speeding the recovery phase.

Family bonding, improved circulation, better sleep, and fewer symptoms of arthritis and back pain are just a few of the added rewards gained by people who have discovered hot tubs.  It’s always a good idea for people with chronic health conditions to check with their doctor prior to using a hot tub.

If you are interested in learning more about hot tubs, give us a call at (940)384-7665.

Buying a hot tub is a decision that you should not feel rushed or pressured into.  It is important to take your time and ask plenty of questions.  As with most major purchasing decisions, knowledge is everything.  Following are some questions that you should consider when shopping for the hot tub.

The hot tub

How was the hot tub constructed?
How is the seating configured?
Are you able to move about easily in the hot tub?
What is the warranty on the shell of the hot tub?

The hot tub equipment, jets, & controls

Are the controls user-friendly?
Do the jets & controls allow you customize what jets are operating?
How loud are the jets & the pumps?
What are the electrical requirements to operate the hot tub?
What is the warranty on the equipment & control system—are there exclusions?

The manufacturer

How long has the manufacturer been in business?
What is their reputation?
How are warranties handled?

These are just a few of the purchasing decisions that one must consider.  Taking your time to really research the purchase will pay dividends over the long haul, allowing you to create a “vacation in your backyard” that will last for many years.  If you feel the need to research this topic further, one of the best sources of information that I have seen is www.hottubliving.com.

The International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo was held October 30th-November 4th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pool Expo is the must-attend event for the pool, spa, and backyard industry to stay abreast of trends, market directions, and cutting-edge technology.  It attracts close to 10,000 pool industry members (pool and spa builders, retailers, service technicians, manufacturers, and landscape architects) and includes educational seminars and over 400 manufacturers’ exhibits.

It was an honor to be selected to present a seminar again at this year’s conference.  Nick Day, Service Manager of Gohlke Pools, and I presented a seminar entitled “How to Hire & Train Employees for Retail Store & Service Department Success”.  We feel like we have some great staff members, and we felt the need to share our ideas with others in the pool industry.  In addition, I sat on a retail panel that answered questions about operating a retail store.

Overall, we felt like it was a good show, as attendance increased over the 2010 Expo.  Though the pool industry has been hit hard by the troubled economy over the past several years, the energy and enthusiasm of the Pool Expo provided an opportunity to look at new products and ideas which will assist us all in 2012.

We are already looking forward to next year’s Expo, which will be held in New Orleans November 3rd-8th.