Pool Safety Tips

With this scorching weather we're experiencing in Nashville, I bet you're spending as much free time as possible lounging around (and mostly in) your swimming pool!

Even the most experienced swimmer can be at risk in a pool so adding as many water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safe and fun experience in a residential swimming pool or spa. Parents and families can build on their current safety practices by adopting water safety steps at home pools and spas.

We know it seems like common sense, but sometimes the grown-ups get to talking and you take your eyes off the water for 2 minutes. Stay alert and stay close!

• Always watch your children when they are in or near a pool or spa 
• Teach children basic water safety tips 
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments 
• Have a portable telephone close by at all times when you or your family are using a pool or spa
•  If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first 
• Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors

On a personal note, I have a dear friend whose daughter has been a competitive swimmer basically since she could set her little feet in the pool! She has been trained in pool safety and since she lives in California, she is very active in the water. She is now 8 and a very experienced swimmer. Ella was in the hot tub of their families pool & she dropped a bracelet so she went down to the bottom to retrieve it. Her suit got caught on the spa light and she couldn't get up. Thankfully, Ella's mom turned around in time to see Ella was underwater and couldn't get up. In a shallow hot tub!!!! Before her mom could get to her, Ella was smart enough to think to rip her suit so she could get to air. Below is a picture of her suit that was posted on Facebook as a reminder that NO swimmer is exempt from the dangers of the water. BE aware! 

See the hole?

While it was an extremely petrifing experience for everyone, we all learned how quickly things can go wrong; even to the most experienced swimmers. 

Moral of the story? Learn and practice safety skills!

• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim 
• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly 
• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency 

How else can you keep your family safe in the pool? By having the proper equipment for your pool and/or spa:

• Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
• If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing pools or spas.
• Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
• Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers - if you're unsure, ask the professionals at Pool Masters. 
• Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
• Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm
• Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools. 

Pool Masters wants to make sure your summer is not only fun in the sun, but SAFE in the sun! Give us a call at 615-266-6912 to make sure your pool's safety is up-to-date! Be sure to visit us HERE and sign up for special savings! 

Also, don't forge to LIKE us on Facebook! 

Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

All automatic pool cleaners do exactly what their name implies - they clean dirt & debris from your swimming pool automatically. Automatic pool cleaners have one simple goal: keeping your pool cleaner, with less maintenance, time & effort required of you. At Pool Masters of Nashville, we carry and use all types of pool cleaners - depending on your personal preference. The most common type of pool cleaner used is the suction side pool cleaner.

Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

This type of cleaner gets its name because of the suction that's generated by the pump, which transforms the pool cleaner into an underwater vacuum. These units are specially designed to move around the pool in a specified pattern, cleaning the entire pool. This is the most popular type of automatic pool cleaner, mainly in use for aboveground pools but many are also appropriate for inground swimming pools.

Most suction-side pool cleaners have only one moving part and are an economical choice for first-time pool owners. They're easy to use because they attach to your existing skimmer or a dedicated suction port. Suction-side pool cleaners work when your pool pump is running by picking up dirt & debris, and then depositing it into your filter system. Suction-side cleaners reduce some of your surface skimming action while in use. In general, they are the economical option while offering all the basics to automate the cleaning of your pool.

Overall, the main advantages are that they're simple to install & operate along with lower cost and proven track record.

Whether you're interested in buying supplies for your pool or you'd like to have some help maintaining your pool. Pool Masters has the experience to make sure your pool is in tip-top shape! Give us a call today at 615-266-6912. We're located at 5011 Whispering Hills CT Nashville, TN 37211.

Visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and coupons! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Swimming Pools for Small Backyards!

Are you dreaming of a swimming pool but don't have an acre of land to put one on? Pool Masters of Brentwood, TN specializes in all pool installation and we can help you decide the best pool type for your space!

When considering which type of pool is best for your small backyard, there really isn't a strong advantage one way or the other, assuming you find the size/shape you're looking for. In other words, let's assume that you are only have a 7'x21' area for the actual pool. Fiberglass is limited in certain sizes, and depending on who the fiberglass manufacturer is, it is possible that fiberglass wouldn't be an available option in this case.

On the other hand, vinyl liner and concrete in-ground pools can be whatever shape you would like, with very few limitations.

Occasionally, homeowners wonder if fiberglass pools will fit around their house because of size. In cases where the pool is too big to enter the back yard on the left or right side of the house, it is not uncommon to simply crane the pool over the house - it's not as tough as it sounds!

Which pool will offer the least amount of maintenance/work? It's generally accepted in the swimming pool industry that among the 3 types of pools, concrete will be the most difficult to maintain on a seasonal and long-term basis. Vinyl liners are easier than concrete on a seasonal basis (in terms of chemicals and cleaning) but also must have their liner replaced on average every 8-11 years. Of the 3, fiberglass will certainly be the least amount of maintenance on a seasonal and long-term level.

What shape is best for a small backyard? The best answer to this question is "it depends". Why? Because every backyard is different and therefore you have to work with what is available to you. But one key to remember is that although curvy pools, like a kideny shape, lose some water space with their free-form characteristics, they also allow for more potential decking space. Remember, if you're looking to at least have a lounge chair on your pool's patio, you will need at least 7' of decking in that area. If you'd like to fit a table with chairs, you'll need even more. Free-form pools are very common in small backyards.

If you're interested in learning more about installing a pool in your home, call the professionals at Pool Masters at 615-266-6912! Sign up HERE to receive special offers and discounts!!

Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Installing a Swimming Pool in Your Nashville Home!

Adding a swimming pool to your property creates a luxurious and fun retreat for your family and friends. Pool Masters in Brentwood is here to help you with everything from swimming pool installation to pool maintenance whether you're in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin or beyond! Regardless if you want to install an indoor swimming pool, salt water pool, lap pool, or in ground pool, Pool Masters has the knowledge, skills, and experience to make pool or hot tub installation and easy, enjoyable process.

Designing your perfect swimming pool doesn't have to be a stressful process! Before you can schedule swimming pool installation, you need to choose the type of pool you want. Your pool contractor can help you design the perfect swimming pool for your stylistic preferences and convenience or safety needs.

What's involved in installing a swimming pool? Pool Masters is here to guide you through the process!

• If you are installing an in ground pool, the first step is excavation. During this process, your pool contractor will use equipment to dig a hole in your yard that will house the pool and its plumbing.
• Once the ground is ready, wall panels and supports will be installed in the desired shape of your swimming pool. The pool’s plumbing and electrical components will also be installed at this time.
• If you are installing a concrete pool, the pool’s basin will either be poured or sprayed onto the walls. A concrete bond beam may also be added around the exterior of your pool to provide additional support for the walls and braces.
• The area around your pool will be backfilled with earth to cover most of its technical components and provide an area for your pool deck.
• The pool’s liner or tile, as well as the pool deck area around your pool, will be added to complete the project.

If you're thinking about making your backyard an outdoor oasis, call Pool Masters today at 615-266-6912. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for our special offers!

Keeping Your Hot Tub Clean!

Do you own a hot tub and you're wondering how to keep it clean? Pool Masters of Nashville can help! We have a few steps that will help ensure the cleanliness of your hot tub so that you can enjoy these beautiful nights relaxing in the bubbly outdoor tub!

1. Check the water every couple of days to see how it looks.

• You should have 1-5ppm of free chlorine or bromine depending on which sanitizer you choose.
• The pH should be in the range of 7.2-7.8 with 7.4 being the perfect target as it is the pH of the human eye.
• Calcium hardness should be 125 to 400ppm and total alkalinity 120-180ppm

2. Use eco-mode and turn your thermometer up about a half hour before you want to use it. This temperature range 101 °F  to 104°F is comfortable for many people and waiting to turn up the heat until you are ready to use it saves energy.  Perhaps turn it up and then go take a shower before you get in.

3. Use test strips two times per week. Adjust chemical levels after you compare the strip with the chart on the strip container. It is really art, not science, but practice does improve your ability to manage your spa. All usually goes well if you can just keep the chlorine level and pH level balanced as it is often too hard to get everything balanced at once. If this sounds like a bit too much for you, no fear! Pool Masters is experienced in this pH levels!

4. Change the water every three, four or six months! Depending on how much your spa is used and how it looks, you will need to perform a complete water change out tow to four times each year.

5. Make sure your cover fits tightly over your spa to prevent heat from escaping. A newer, better insulating cover may pay for itself by cutting your energy bill.

6. Condition your hot tub cover once a month. This will prolong its life by protecting it from the UV rays which break the chemical bonds within the vinyl, causing it to harden and crack.

7. Purchase quality hot tub chemicals from dedicated swimming pool and spa stores. Do not purchase department store or hardware store chemicals despite their attractive price tag. This is one of those things that you need to pay more and get more from!

Call Pool Masters today to help keep your hot tub up and running this season! 615-266-6912. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for our special offers and discounts!

Tips For Opening Your Pool!

With warmer temperatures upon us, we're all spending more time outdoors! Warm weather means pool weather!!! If you have an in ground pool in Middle Tennessee, I bet you're anxious to take that pool cover off and start swimming!

Before you start swimming, Pool Masters has some tips on how to correctly open your swimming pool!

Obviously, the first thing you must do is remove the swimming pool cover. After your cover is put away and stored for the warm months, you need to add water - bringing the level up to its normal operating level.

Remove any freeze plugs and other items you might have installed to protect your pool against freezing. You should have had your pool filter cleaned thoroughly when you closed it or the winter. If not, do it now! Pool Masters can take care of all that for you!

When starting your filter system up, be sure to prime your pump before starting the motor. Also make sure to purge all the air from the plumbing and equipment. Check for any leaks! As long as you had a good solid cover on your pool, your water should be as clear as it was when you shut it down last season! If not, call Pool Masters of Nashville!

After cleaning your pool, it's time to check the water chemistry. If this isn't something you're comfortable with, Pool Masters specializes in pool maintenance. If you think you're up to the task here area  few tips!

Before you begin, you will need to allow the water to circulate for at least 8-12 hours so that the new water that was added has time to mix with the current water in the pool. After that time has passed, test it thoroughly, then add the necessary chemicals in the proper sequence to balance the water chemistry.

It's a good idea to take a water sample to your local pool professional like Pool Masters to have it tested for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, etc.

And please, always follow the directions!

If you're ready to open your pool, but maybe you're like me and a little nervous with such large tasks, it might be a good idea to call Pool Masters! We offer service and repair for in-ground and above-ground pools, decks, and equipment in all of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin and more!

Give us a call today at 615-481-2685. As always, be sure to LIKE us on Facebook and visit us HERE to sign up for our special offers and coupons!

Spring Is In The Air!

The sun is out and the snow is gone. There is no ice in the foreseeable future... all is good in Middle Tennessee.

Yay for Spring!

Are you dreaming of taking the cover off of your backyard pool? Will you invite me over?! Pool Masters of Nashville wants to help you get ready for the big Memorial Day celebration at your house! Actually, why wait?! It's supposed to be 70 this weekend!

A lot of pool owners make some common mistakes when trying to open their pool themselves such as draining their pool completely. Pool Masters wants to remind you this is a big no-no! Draining your pool can bring big problems. For example, an empty pool in a high water table can lift out of the ground without the weight of the water holding it down.

Unless you're interested in your pool popping out of the ground like a boat and replacing it completely, it's in your best interest to call a professional like Pool Masters. They know the ins and outs of pool maintenance, repair, upkeep and more!

Call Pool Masters today at 615-481-2685. We service all of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin and the surrounding areas of Middle Tennessee!

Make sure to visit us HERE to take advantage of our special offers and savings! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Deck Maintenance

Did you know that Pool Masters of Tennessee not only provides all of your pool service needs, but we also provide deck maintenance? Proper deck maintenance is essential to protect your family and your investment!

Washing your deck is probably one of the most critical things you can do. An unwashed deck is an invitation to mold and mildew, which can cause rot. To properly wash your deck:

1. Remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife. Pay special attention to the areas where deck boards cross the joists.
2. Protect all shrubs and plantings. Wet them and cover them with plastic sheeting.
3. Thoroughly sweep the deck.
4. Choose an appropriate cleanser - For a wood deck use a standard deck cleaner and follow its directions. For a composite deck use a cleaner specifically formulated for composite material. Attack grease and oil stains with a commercial degreaser and detergents. For a vinyl (cellular PVC) deck you’ll only need to use warm water and a mild soap to remove mold, mildew, and dirt.
5. Clean the deck. Choose a cloudy day when the decking is cool and the sun won’t evaporate the cleaner.
6. Let the deck dry.

Important: If you plan on sealing your deck, wait at least 2 days. You should expect to need to re-seal your deck annually.

To seal your deck first you need to choose a two-day period when you’ll have clear skies and moderate temperatures. You don't want to be doing this in 90 degree heat (although, right about now, 90 degrees doesn't sound too bad!)

• Lightly sand the deck. Use a pole sander equipped with 80-grit paper to remove any furriness caused by washing.
• Replace any missing or popped nails and screws. Replace protruding nails with deck screws slightly longer than the nail. If a nail only slightly protrudes, you may do more harm than good trying to pull it out.
• Apply the sealer or stain. Use a roller to apply the sealer to the decking, covering three or four boards at a time. Use brushes and small rollers for railings, planters, and benches. Don’t let the sealant dry or puddle. 

Now while you can do this at home, we recommend having a professional like Pool Masters come out and do the work for you. Not only does it save you time, but it ensures that it will be done correctly. If you're interested in getting your deck ready for spring, call us today at 615-481-2685. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for specials and LIKE us on Facebook!

Vinyl versus Mesh Pool Covers

Solid Vinyl vs Mesh inground winter pool covers: Which is better? Well, normally it's a personal choice preference! During the time of the year when pool owners are unfortunately at the end of the swimming season, the topic of pool covers is one that is often discussed, with many pool owners electing to upgrade from their standard ‘tarp' style winter cover to a stronger, more permanent ‘security' style swimming pool cover. This desire to upgrade is very understandable considering tarp covers are poor winter covers, requiring a pump on top to keep any water off and only last 1-3 years before they need to be replaced. Once someone has decided to go with an upgraded winter cover, the question then turns to whether a solid or mesh cover will suit their needs the best. The following is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of security-style winter pool cover:

Mesh Cover Advantages:

• Mesh covers typically cost less than a solid vinyl pool cover. In most cases, the price difference between the two is $200-$600.
• Mesh covers typically last longer than vinyl covers. The average lifespan for a mesh cover is about 10-15 years whereas a solid cover will typically last 7-11 years.
• Mesh covers don't need a pump on top because they just let the pool water pass through. This is an advantage because the submersible pumps used with solid vinyl covers usually only last about 2-4 years before they break down. These pumps can be rather costly.
• Because a pump is needed with a solid winter cover, mesh covers generally require no work during the off-season.
• With their light-weight material, mesh covers can be taken on and off by one person in most cases, unlike solid covers which generally require at least two persons to take on and off.

 Solid Cover Advantages:

• The main advantage to a solid vinyl winter pool cover is the fact that it does not allow sunlight to pass through. This is important because in the Spring when the pool water starts to warm up, algae will grow on the walls if it has contact (as it does with a mesh cover) to sunlight. This is also why people with mesh security covers tend to open up their pools a little earlier (before it gets too warm) than those with solid covers.
• Along with keeping sunlight out, solid vinyl covers keep water out of the pool as well. For example, when leaves fall on your pool cover during the winter and it rains, the leaves will cause the rain water to become very dirty. With a mesh cover, the dirty water will just pass right on through to the pool water, whereas with a solid cover it will be kept out, allowing the pool water to stay much cleaner. This cleaner water usually leads to very little brushing, vacuuming, chemicals, etc in the Spring to get the pool swimmable, unlike a mesh covered pool which will likely need a few days of vacuuming , brushing, and filtering before it is ready for the new season.

Pool Masters in Nashville uses proven innovative materials and methods. We are the best in Tennessee and we design individualized, all-season service plans featuring the most advanced, proven techniques for assuring your pool will be healthier and operate efficiently and cost effectively. Call us today at 615-481-2685.

Make sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Proper Pool Maintenance

If you have a pool and want to make sure you keep it sparkling all year long, then you absolutely have to have a water maintenance routine. Pool Masters in Nashville is all about helping you keep your pool clean and a healthy place for your family to have fun!

• pH Range: The pH level of your pool refers to how acidic the water is. A pool with a high pH is very likely to become filled with algae. Yuck! Your target pH readings are between 7.2 and 7.6. The higher the number, the more alkaline your water. If you keep your readings in this range, you will be able to keep your pool water maintenance in check! However, if your pool water has a high pH level (above 7.8), then your water is too alkaline and you should add some muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. Sodium bisulfate is used more often because it’s much easier to handle and there are no problems storing it. 

• Chlorine Level: For ideal pool water maintenance with no algae, you have to maintain proper chlorine levels. Chlorine is responsible for killing any algae that begins to grow in your pool. If you have the proper amount of chlorine, algae won’t grow. Be aware, chlorine is very toxic. It's recommended that you keep your chlorine level at 1 to 3 parts per million. Pool Masters is an expert on this and can help keep your pool at the proper level. 

• Algaecides: If you administer any form of an algaecide regularly, then you are helping to ensure the algae in your water will never start to multiply. For example, one chemical that interferes with the algae’s ability to complete the process of photosynthesis is called potassium tetraborate, which starves it before it can multiply. This can be used as a great pool water maintenance solution.

• Brushing And Patching: Another pool water maintenance task is to clean the lining of your pool regularly as this also helps to keep that nasty algae away. If your pool is lined with concrete, you can use a steel brush to brush it, but if you have nylon liners, you must use a soft scrub brush. By doing this, you will dislodge any algae colonies that might have formed. Eventually they will be drawn into the pool filter system and filtered out of the water. 

Proper pool water maintenance will keep your pool sparkling all year long. Call Pool Masters, the experts in pool maintenance, at 615-481-2685. Don't waste your time cleaning your pool; let us do it for you!

Be sure to visit us HERE and sign up for special offers and savings that you won't want to miss!

Why Hire a Professional Pool Cleaning Service?

If you are located in the greater Nashville area, Pool Masters would love to be your professional pool cleaning service. We offer routine and seasonal cleaning for both above and in-ground pools.

Maybe you're a DIY kinda person, but we're here to give you a few reasons why some things are better left to the professionals.

1. Peace of mind. You can't really put a price tag on that, can you? By investing in routine cleaning and maintenance for your swimming pool with Pool Masters, you are ensuring that your pool is being cared for properly. You never have to worry that the condition of your pool is deteriorating, that it's not safe, or that it's not functioning correctly.

2. Water balance and filtration. Part of what Pool Masters includes testing and regulating the water in your swimming pool, and we also ensure proper filtration. These are critical aspects of pool maintenance because pool water that's not being filtered correctly or is out of balance can have a direct impact on the health of your family and friends swimming in it!

3. Free time! It seems that there are never enough hours in the day. Why waste your time cleaning your pool when you can hire Pool Masters and you are guaranteed it will be done properly and efficiently!

4. Pool Equipment. As issues with the pool arise, there may be times when parts may need to be replaced or special equipment will be needed to make repairs. When pool maintenance is a DIY venture, these issues can easily turn into major problems. If you hire Pool Masters, they will be able to spot these issues early on, make the repairs, and provide any equipment or replacements needed to get your pool up and running again.

For all of your pool service, cleaning and repair needs, call Pool Masters today at 615-481-2685.

Why Cover Your Pool?

There are a multitude of reasons you should cover your swimming pool! Pool Masters wants to make sure your families swimming pool is a safe and clean place for you to enjoy for years to come!

1. Pool covers keep out twigs, leaves and yard debris. One storm overnight and then you wake up to a pool covered in dog toys, dead insects, shedding shrubs and tree limbs! Next thing you know, you're spending your Saturday with a net attached to a telescoping pole fishing for random objects. Instead of spending your weekend doing that, you could be... swimming.

2. Less maintenance. Not many people enjoy vacuuming their swimming pool. Pool covers make maintaining your swimming pool a whole lot easier.

3. Reduce your energy costs. Pool covers help save money in general, but as far as energy goes, pool covers can help save energy whether your pool is heated with gas, electricity or solar. Saving energy means saving money. Who doesn't like to save money?

4. Safety (Which actually should be number 1!) The swimming pool covers that are made of sturdy fiberglass mesh are the covers that will prevent anyone from falling into the water, (provided they are attached and installed properly by a professional such as Pool Masters). Some fiberglass mesh covers can hold up to 400 pounds per square foot. These covers are heavy and will need to be used with a manual or automatic track system. Tarps and solar covers do not provide any safety against falling through and into the water.

5. Saves money. Again, who doesn't like to save money? Buy a pool cover from Pool Masters and experience almost immediate savings. Your heating bills will be lower, you won't have to buy as many chemicals, use as much water, etc. This also cuts down on chemical use! On average, pool covers reduce chemical usage from anywhere 35%-60%.

Visit Pool Masters on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all of our happenings! Make sure to visit us HERE for our special offers and exclusive discounts!