Tips for Staying Safe in your New Pool

The Holiday season has come to a screeching halt, which means summer is right around the corner! The hot summer days and warm nights will be here before you know it and there is no time better than now to start thinking about pool safety.  Here at Atlas Pools and Spas, we want to make sure you and your family has a blast in our pools while remaining safe and healthy!

The word pool is practically synonymous with the word “fun,” but in order to have fun, you must stay safe!  Of course we hope you never have to experience an accident, but we want to make sure that you are prepared just in case. Luckily, there are many pool accessories designed to ensure water safety so you can relax and have a great time this summer.

Pool alarms are a crucial factor in keeping your loved ones safe. There are many unique devices designed to alert you of any unexpected activity in your pool area, so you can be ready to respond in no time.

Pool Entry Detection Alarms

This alarm is designed to alert you if someone or something enters your pool. This is done by sounding an alarm that can easily be turned on or off at your convenience. There are two main methods that are used to detect motion. The first is a laser detection system, similar to a home alarm that sounds when the laser field is broken.

The other method of detection is a sensor that extends into the water, and senses waves created by someone or something falling into the pool. While these sensors are effective, they do not have a wide range. To be safe, we recommend installing at least one alarm on each end of your pool to cover all bases.

Some devices also include an alarm remote that will sound inside your house when you take it with you.

Body Entry Pool Alarms

This is a great device to ensure the safety of your children and pets. These alarms are designed to be worn on the body, and will sound when that person or pet comes in contact with the water. These alarms usually come in fun shapes, sizes and colors that your child will be happy to wear. What a fashionable way for your little loved ones to stay safe!

Door and Gate Alarms

Regulating the area around your pool is a simple way to guarantee pool safety with many easy-to-install devices. These alarms can be placed on any doors, windows or gates around the perimeter of your pool and are used to alert you if someone has entered the secured area. Door and gate alarms are typically easy to install and come in many different shapes and sizes.

Video Monitors

Another way to monitor the action around your pool is through the use of monitors. These monitors allow you to view the pool area from anywhere in your house. While direct supervision is always your best bet, sometimes you just cannot be at two places at once. For these moments, rely on the use of a video monitor.

Picture this: your children are outside playing next to your new in ground pool. They are young and still need to use flotation devices while in the pool. You quickly go into the kitchen to cut up some delicious watermelon for them on this hot day, but you are worried something may happen. Now, you can relax and watch your children from the comfort of your kitchen, ready to save the day if anything should happen. Reality television that gives you peace of mind!

It is never too early to start plotting how you and your family will practice pool safety this summer! Whether you choose one or all of the safety methods, you can’t go wrong! Remember to ‘Like’ us on Facebook to find out more information about our pools and spas.

Designing a Pool that’s Right for your Home

It’s starting to get cold outside and if you’re like us you’re already dreaming about lounging around in the pool on a hot summer day! The winter is the perfect time to start planning and designing your pool so that you’ll be able to spend all of next summer in it! Unsure of where to start designing? Atlas Pools and Spas can help! We’re sharing some great tips for designing a pool!

Considering Shape:

There are many different shapes you can choose for your pool. It’s important to choose the shape that will work best for you! Some popular pool shapes include: classic roman, figure 8, rectangle, oval, lagoon, lap, kidney, Grecian and L-shaped pools.

In Ground or Above Ground?

In ground and above ground pools both have their advantages and disadvantages. Whichever works better for you is the one you should choose! Above ground pools are much less expensive than in ground pools, their installation is easier and there are flexible sizes. When you’re making your decision, you’ll want to consider your local building codes, insurance, taxes and space. In ground pools are much more durable and last longer than above ground pools. They are able to blend more elegantly into your back yard and there are more options for shape, depth and accents. Think about cost, as they are most expensive, fences, space, insurance and tax.

Pool Placement:

Try to put your pool in the sunniest part of your yard. This will keep your water warm and also free of falling leaves! You don’t want to go for lower areas, as this can cause flooding. Also think about what is under the ground. You can’t put a pool on top of telephone wires, electrical wires, septic systems or sewer lines! If you’re thinking about putting in accessories, like a diving board, make sure you leave space for this as well.

Materials:

After shapes and whether your pool is in ground or above ground, the material of your pool can fall in priority. This is an important decision to make as well! The materials used in pools are: concrete, vinyl or fiberglass. Your pool professionals at Atlas Pools and Spas can help you to decide what material is best for your pool! You’ll also want to consider accessories, like lighting, landscaping, decking, fountains, spas or sheds.

We know it’s the winter but we can’t wait to get back into the summer swing and get back in our pools! If you’re thinking about putting in a pool for this upcoming summer, you’ll want to start thinking about planning and designing your dream pool today! Atlas Pools and Spas can help you with every step of the way. ‘Like’ us on Facebook for more information on our pools, spas and other services!

How to Care for Your Hot Tub and Spa

Hot tubs and spas can be a great addition to your home. With health benefits as well as simple relaxation benefits, you’ll love owning one. If you want to keep your hot tub or spa in perfect condition, it is important to make maintenance are care a top priority. Atlas Pools and Spas wants to make sure you can continue to enjoy your hot tub or spa for a long time, and you’ll be able to do so if you follow these tips on how to care for your hot tub!

Caring for your hot tub or spa can be really easy when you maintain a proper care schedule. There are things you can do to keep up your hot tub daily, weekly, monthly and bi-monthly.

Daily:

You should test the chemical levels of the water. Your chlorine should fall between 3-5 mg/l and your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If you test your water before each use, you can make sure that the water won’t do any harm to you or the tub.

Weekly:

You should shock your water and clean the filters. By being proactive, you can ensure that you won’t have a large problem that can be difficult to clean after waiting a long time.

Monthly:

If you have hard water in your hot tub or spa you should add a hot tub scale remover each month to keep your hot tub or spa safe. This is so the inside of the tub will last longer. Bi-monthly you should clean the cover and change your water. Feel free to change your water at any time though, more often if it gets a lot of use.

Hot tubs and spas shouldn’t get algae. If you find algae in your hot tub or spa you should add chlorine to the water to remove it. While large doses of chlorine can clean your hot tub or spa really well, you should wait to get back in the water for at least a day.

With the winter months quickly approaching, it’s important to winterize your hot tub or spa for the cold weather. You absolutely do not have to drain your hot tub or spa for the winter; in fact, many people prefer to use their hot tubs and spas throughout the winter. If you do choose to drain it though, you need to follow the proper steps to ensure that you don’t cause more damage by closing your hot tub or spa. If you decide to use it throughout the winter, make sure you re-read the instructions that came with your hot tub or spa. If it’s an option, set up with a freeze protection system, which can help prevent your hot tub or spa from freezing during the cold months. You should drain and re-fill your tub before the weather gets really bad so that you know it’s clean for the winter. Also, make sure that your cover isn’t damaged because a damaged cover can waste energy (and money) and can cause much bigger problems.

We know how much you love your hot tubs and spas, so show them the love too! With the proper care, hot tubs and spas can last a long time. When bigger problems arise, call Atlas Pools and Spas to get the job done quickly and correctly. You can even schedule a service online! To learn more about our supplies, pools, hot tubs and spas, ‘like’ us on Facebook!

Tips for Closing your Pool with Atlas Pools and Spas

Now that Fall is officially here, it’s time to close down your pool for the season if you haven’t done so already. This can be a big job, so Atlas Pools and Spas has some tips to get your started!

• Most experts recommend closing the pool when the temperature at night averages in the 40s and highs are in the mid 60s to low 70s. You run the risk of an algae overgrowth if you close too soon. If you wait too long and the trees have already lost a lot of leaves, this creates a big mess for any pool owner.
• You need to test the pool’s chemical levels before you do anything else. If the levels are out of whack it could take days to get the water back on track. That’s why it is recommended you do this first so if you need to balance the water you have time to do so. You will need to balance the water’s pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity. It is recommended to treat with winterizing chemicals. These chemicals should be added prior to placing the pool cover.
• You should do a thorough inspection of the pool and all pool equipment before you begin the cleaning process. If any repairs need to be done call Atlas Pools and Spas to get it taken care of.
• Once you’re ready to start cleaning, vacuum the pool well. Be sure to vacuum on the “filter” position only if your filter doesn’t have a “waste” setting.
• In addition, you should lower the water level to about 18 inches below the usual water level. This will obviously vary depending on your pool. It will also depend on your pool cover. If you are unsure contact the manufacturer of your cover or call Atlas!
• Remove and clean all accessories and equipment including rails, ladders and diving boards. These should be stored in a cool dry place if possible.
• It’s important to shut down your pump, filter and motor properly. If you’re unsure how to do so, it’s important to talk to the experts.
• When the pool is ready to be closed, it’s important that the cover be secured tightly. If it’s not pool owners can run the risk of debris getting into the pool and having damage to your pool in the Spring.

If you’re unsure of how to properly shut down your pool or you need any chemicals and equipment to close your pool, Atlas Pool and Spas in Cardiff, New Jersey can help you with whatever you need! “Like” Atlas on Facebook for more tips and information on your pool and spa!

Take the Party to the Pool

When you think of a pool party, you probably think of dozens of juice stained children running around a pool. However, more and more adults are relishing pool parties. Maybe the idea came from chaperoning all of those parties and fantasizing about a nice quiet pool and drink in hand. Maybe it’s nostalgia of being one of those juice stained children. Whatever the reason, pool parties are in! Atlas Pools & Spas is not only your one stop pool shop, but is also here with tips to make your pool party a success.

Planning your Pool Party

• Have fun with your party! Pick a theme. Go with a simple pool theme – use different blues and incorporate sunglasses and suns into the decorating. You can also get a little more detailed – try a Hawaiian, Caribbean or 90s theme.
• Once you have your theme, pick invitations that go with it. Send your invites out at least four weeks before the party. You don’t want to send them too late. People tend to make a lot of plans in the summer. You also don’t want to send them too early so that people forget.
• Don’t forget the music. Make or buy a Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley or Beach Boys mix. You can also find island music – your guests will truly feel tropical!
• Decorate the table and the area around the pool to match your theme. Hang up suns, grass skirt table cloths, put out shovels and pails, or flowers to match your colors. Put up some tiki torches. Don’t be afraid to have fun when decorating, your guests will love it!
• When it comes to food for your pool party think appetizers. Grill up some appetizers and sliders. You might want to try pigs in a blanket, mini grilled vegetable skewers, chicken and burger sliders and mini grilled shrimp skewers.
• Have a lot of fun with the drinks! You might want to consider picking up some fun glasses with colors to fit your theme and some little umbrellas. Here are some great summer drinks: Fuzzy Navel, Strawberry Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, Mojito, and of course the Margarita.
• Here are a few things you don’t want to forget: ice, sunscreen for your guests, extra towels, a shaded area for your guests and pool toys such as floats, beach balls, noodles and water guns.
• Be sure that if your guests do bring children, there is always someone watching them in the pool at all times.

Before your Party

Before the party, you’ll need to be sure everything is ready for your guests. You want to check the pool heater if you have one and the chemical levels of your pool. You will also want to check for any algae build up, tears or cracks and for holes in the floats. Don’t start doing this the day before the party. If your heater isn’t working, or your levels are all over the place, it will definitely take time to get these straightened out. If you find there is a problem beyond needing to add chlorine, call Atlas Pools & Spas to get your pool party ready. We can also test a sample of the pool water in store for you. If there are no problems, follow this check list to prepare your pool.

• Brush the walls of the pool and vacuum the bottom.
• Check and empty the pool filter and skim baskets.
• Rinse off all of the pool toys and floats.
• Wash off your pool and deck furniture.
• If you have a shallow pool, be sure no diving signs are posted.

Pool parties are officially not just for kids! Invite your friends and family, put on the music, get the food going and serve up the drinks! Everyone loves a good pool party. Atlas Pools & Spas has everything you need to service your pool, fill it with fun and plan your pool party.

Tips For Maintaining Your Pool’s Beauty and Functionality

Pools are beautiful additions to any backyard, but it can be a lot of work to keep that pool looking beautiful.  No matter what size, shape or style your backyard oasis is it is extremely important to always have it looking its best all season long.  Keep these elements in mind when maintaining your space…

Keep it healthy and balanced.  For the most part, keeping your pool healthy and happy has more to do with balancing chemicals and making sure the filter is running than it does with using a scrub brush.  Nevertheless, there is a little manual labor involved.  You’re going to need to buy a skimmer so that you can get rid of things like dead leaves and insects and there are always going to be “trouble spots” on the sides and bottom of the pool that require scrubbing.

Keep it healthy and balanced.  You don’t have to get incredibly complicated when treating your pool, nonetheless to keep the water clean certain elements are vital.  If you’re using your pool on a regular basis, then you’re going to need to use chlorine three to four times weekly.  To begin the process, mix chlorine and pool water together in a plastic bucket, and then wait thirty minutes.  After you’ve let thirty minutes pass, turn on the pool’s filter and dump the chlorine and water mixture into the pool itself.  Don’t go into the pool directly afterwards; it usually takes a few hours before the chlorine has decreased to acceptable levels, and you should always use a home testing kit before you reenter the water.

Keep it filtered.  The mechanisms in your pool need to function like a well oiled machine.  Think about it, the pump circulates the water, keeping it from becoming stagnant while the filter removes all the nasty things you can’t see, and some you can, such as algae.  You need to run your pump and filtration devices at least six hours a day in order to keep your pool up to par.

So, think that you have the most beautiful pool around?  Clients of Atlas Pools and Spas in Cardiff, NJ have the chance to put their backyard on display in Atlas’ “Most Beautiful Pool Contest”.  How do you enter contest?  Simply upload your favorite picture or collage of pictures of your pool from Atlas onto Facebook, let us know why your backyard oasis should win and don’t forget to remind all of you Facebook friends to vote for your pool.  Hurry, entries are being taken until July 15^th, votes will be taken July 22^nd to August 26^th and the winner of a $250 Atlas Pools and Spas will be selected on August 31^st.  Good luck.

 

Get Your Pool Ready for This Summer!

With Memorial Day right around the corner the summer heat is right behind it!  After a longer than usual winter New Jersey residents are definitely looking forward to lazy days by the poolside.   Before you can sit and relax you need to get your summer oasis ready for swimming.  You want to make sure that the winter months didn’t take too much of a toll on your pool.  It is important to clean your pool and test the water and equipment to make sure that it is ready for you and your family to enjoy.  Here are a few steps to follow in getting your backyard splish and splash ready in time for summer:

Do a little spring cleaning

Before you try and remove the pool cover make sure that you clear all of the debris and leaves that have been left behind by Mother Nature.  Be sure to drain any water that has collected prior to taking the cover off.  Do not feed that water into the pool as it can drastically affect the balance of the water.  Once the cover is removed successfully it is time to remove anything that is floating in the water that may have gotten past the cover.

Check for leaks

It can cause quite a headache if you find that there are any issues in your pools construction.  Take a look around the sides or if you are going to be draining your pool and refilling it definitely take the time to inspect the bottoms and sides for cracks or holes.  A good trick for checking for a suspected leak is marking the filter using a piece of tape or a grease pencil.  Check the mark 24 hours later and see where the water level is.  Your pool should lose no more than a ¼ inch of water a day.  If you suspect a leak it is advised that you consult a professional who can assess the situation and give you the best options for fixing it.

Testing the waters

Whether you are completely draining your pool, which is recommended every 3 to 5 seasons, or just topping it off you want to make sure that the water is clean and safe before anyone dives in.  You can purchase a home water testing kit or bring a sample to your local pool experts—most will do the testing for free and direct you to the correct chemicals to get your water balanced.

You don’t have to be a professional to get your pool up and running, but making sure that everything is done properly can be hard work and time consuming.  The sooner that your pool is ready, the sooner you can jump in.  The professionals at Atlas Pools and Spas in Cardiff, NJ do not only offer pool installation and estimates, but they will come right out to your home to open and close your existing pool properly.  Stop by and find out about all of the services that Atlas offers and check out their Facebook page for extended summer hours.

Take a Vacation in Your Own Backyard with Atlas Pools and Spas

Spring is here and it’s about time to start making plans for the good old summer vacation, right? Unfortunately, many Americans are struggling to stay ahead in this unpredictable economy. An increasing number of families are opting to skip the vacation this year due to the increased price of fuel, flights and hotels.  Instead of traveling far and wide to find relaxation, many families are finding ways to enjoy themselves close to home.

Dictionary.com defines “staycation” as a holiday in which leisure activities are pursued while staying at one’s own home. Do you enjoy spending time at your own home? Adding a pool in your backyard is a great way to give yourself an oasis that will provide years of fun for your friends and family.  The issue that some have with the home based staycation is that they are unable to remove themselves from the stresses of everyday life because they are not removed from it.  Here are some tips for making the most of your staycation:

• Do not completely abandon the idea of the vacation.  Do not load your schedule up unless they are activities that you enjoy.  The fact of the matter is that there are still going to be everyday activities that you may have to participate in, but be sure to schedule these things for earlier in the day and have a set relaxation time.  Do not overload yourself with laundry, bills, grocery shopping, etc.  Have these things done beforehand so that you can clear your mind.

• Invite company over to relax in your paradise.  Typical vacations are a time to get away with the people you enjoy to be away with the most, but unfortunately due to different schedules and financial situations it is rarely possible to get everyone together.   So take the opportunity to invite over your best friend or the family. Blend up some tropical drinks, order some food from your favorite restaurant and sit back & relax.

• Take the opportunity to explore local restaurants, parks, shops, etc.  We are all guilty of taking the activities and attractions in our hometowns for granted.  It seems that because they are always there they aren’t that thrilling, but taking a closer look can be a new and exciting experience for you and your family.

If you’re looking to create paradise in your own back yard Atlas Pools & Spas in Cardiff, NJ is a great place to start. A professional from the team will come out and give you a consultation on how to make the most of your space.  Our factory trained and certified staff truly believes in the staycation “because the best vacation is in your own backyard”.  Check out our website to find out about current specials and our referral rewards program.  If you and your family have any tips on making the most of your own place share your ideas and experiences with us!