Category Archives: Swimming Pool Service

Swimming Pool Safety-Children

Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Parents & Kids

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You care for your pool by maintaining it with regular pool service and cleaning, but a clean pool isn’t the only way to keep your family safe. As you get the pool ready for swimming season, you’ll want to go over some simple safety rules with the kids. These rules are essential even if they’ve already taken safety lessons and have enjoyed the pool each summer for many years.

Go Further than Lessons

One of the simplest ways to ensure your child’s safety in the pool is through swimming lessons. You may choose to teach your child to swim, or you may think about hiring a local teacher. City pools and neighborhood recreation pools often also provide lessons.

A child who knows how to swim may also benefit from learning simple safety rules that all swimmers need to observe. Ensure your child feels comfortable and safe in the water through swimming lessons, but also make sure those lessons come with information on pool safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals swimming lessons may reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children aged one to four years.

After the first swimming pool cleaning of the season is complete and your pool is ready to use, remind the kids of the following rules before they jump in the water:

  • Never run around the pool
  • No horseplay around the pool
  • Never dive into the shallow end
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Never push anyone else into the pool
  • Know how to dial 911 for emergencies

Swimming Pool Safety SignIn addition to these basic safety rules, it’s also important to have a talk with teenagers who might be inclined to drink and then swim in the pool. Alcohol greatly increases the risk of drowning. Also, encourage teenagers to remain vigilant when young children are in the pool.

Pool Safety for the Adults

Children who know the rules of the pool will enjoy a safe and happy summer, but adults should also remain aware of safe habits and pool rules.

Install safety equipment: Consider swimming pool upgrades from A Better Pool Service like alarms, fences, and pool covers to enhance safety when the pool is not in use.

Inspect the pool regularly: Keep up with regular maintenance and pool repairs to ensure there aren’t any electrical problems or other issues that could pose a safety threat.

Pool Safety and Small Pools

There’s a misconception that large pools require lessons in safety while small plastic pools that take just a few minutes to fill aren’t dangerous to anyone. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case since a small child doesn’t need a deep pool in which to drown.

Remember: Supervision is always priority number one when any pool of any size is in use.

Greet the season with a safe and happy pool experience. After arranging for your seasonal swimming pool service visits, sit down with the family and go over these simple safety rules.

Baby Brain Development and Swimming

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If you already own a backyard swimming pool, you know the benefits cover everything from physical health to mental well-being to aesthetic enjoyment. But did you know that learning to swim helps babies develop their brains?

Having fun in your pool is one of the best things about having a pool, but getting a boost in brainpower makes those fun summer afternoons of splashing and playing that much more valuable. Keeping your pool in healthy, beautiful condition with regular pool service might be one of the most important maintenance calls you make this season.

Science Proves the Mental Benefits of Swimming

A study conducted in 2012 at Australia’s Griffith University suggested that kids who learn how to swim learn faster and reach essential developmental milestones earlier than children who don’t get in the pool.

The study included parents of 7,000 children under the age of five living in Australia and New Zealand. Researchers followed the kids for more than three years, and the researchers also conducted in-depth testing on 180 additional children.

No matter a child’s socio-economic background, learning to swim helped children enter their first years of school and achieve greater academic success. Children with swimming skills had better visual-motor ability and also developed better reading and math skills.

When children are old enough to start participating in competitive swimming, they’ll continue to build valuable life skills that they’ll retain and use as adults. Some of those skills include listening and interpersonal skills, as well as goal setting skills and a positive self-image.

Physical Benefits of Swimming for ChildrenBaby Swimming

Regular swimming is a low-impact and effective way to stay healthy, and it’s also a fun way to engage in a comprehensive type of exercise every day. Introducing your baby to the water early in life is a terrific way to ensure your baby’s health during his or her most important years of development. Also, arranging regular swimming pool cleaning keeps your pool safe whenever your kids want to head outside and play.

Why is swimming a terrific activity for children?

  • It improves coordination of young swimmers
  • Swimming is low-impact, and injuries are rare
  • Daily swimming helps build self-discipline
  • Builds healthy muscles and boosts flexibility

Pediatricians also suggest parents include swimming as a daily activity for children because it enhances the natural flexibility with which a child is born.

Teaching Children the Benefits of Exercise

Remember when you were a child, and you spent the summers outside no matter how hot the weather? Riding bikes with friends, swimming at your best friend’s pool, and climbing trees kept you healthy and your mind active.

Today, your backyard pool is a terrific way to introduce your children to the benefits of outdoor exercise and healthy activities. What better way is there to exercise than playing “sharks and minnows” with the kids?

If you’re looking for ways to improve your pool for your family’s enjoyment, A Better Pool Service will make recommendations on swimming pool upgrades, and make sure your pool is safe for your kids and their friends.

Family Swimming Pool

How to Fight Depression with Swimming

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Managing depression feels like a full-time job for some sufferers. However, did you know that swimming in a pool might help reduce the severity of depression? Doctors often recommend engaging in healthy activities like swimming to help treat this debilitating mental illness.

If you, a friend or one of your family members suffers from depression and you have access to a swimming pool, now might be the time to schedule pool cleaning and maintenance to take advantage of your pool’s healing and restorative benefits.

Recognizing Depression

On occasion, everyone experiences feelings of sadness, but those who suffer from depression actually experience physical pain when their illness is left untreated. Doctors commonly prescribe medication and psychotherapy to help people cope with depression.

Medication helps restore proper chemical balance in the brain, and therapy teaches a patient how to cope with his or her illness. Depression may occur after an accident or traumatic event, such as the passing of a loved one.

In addition to the physical symptoms of depression, which may include insomnia, agitation, or changes in weight, depression may also cause suffers to have suicidal thoughts or even act upon those feelings.

Why Swimming Helps Mentally & PhysicallyHealth and Swimming

Aerobic exercise helps reduce the physical and mental impact of depression. The brain remains a complicated piece of anatomy, but one thing scientists understand is that exercise stimulates special chemicals in the brain such as endorphins. Activity also boosts the power of “neurotransmitters,” which help us deal with stress and anxiety.

One of the reasons why swimming is so incredibly beneficial is because it improves the body both physiologically and mentally. Spending a half hour in the morning swimming laps releases endorphins, which are the brain compounds that help make you feel happy.

Further, an issue of “Swimmer” magazine suggests that swimming could even help foster the growth of new brain cells, as well as help the body absorb and neutralize stress hormones. Like a relaxing afternoon cup of tea, a regular date with the pool could help someone suffering from depression find consistency and relaxation in a stressful life.

Beyond Depression

Swimming is an amazing fitness tool and offers proven therapeutic benefits, but there are many more reasons you’ll want to make an appointment with A Better Pool Service to get pool upgrades and repairs handled.

Eldery SwimmingYour backyard swimming pool is an amazing tool for socializing with friends. If you have an elderly parent or friend who doesn’t get out much, a swim in your pool might be just the thing to boost mood and offer a low-impact type of exercise.

Additionally, swimming is an amazing tool for improving your physical conditioning. In addition to burning calories, swimming also helps with flexibility, balance, and endurance.

The benefits of your backyard swimming pool are immeasurable when you consider the benefits to your mental and physical health. A clean and well-maintained pool will inspire you to improve your health and mind with a daily swim. Arrange regular swimming pool cleaning to make sure your backyard pool remains enjoyable throughout the season.

Dallas Swimming Pool Maintenance and Service

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Owning a swimming pool is an added luxury when enjoying the many long months of warm weather that North Texas brings throughout the year. From jumping in to cool off during the hot summer days to having all your best buddies over for a pool party, you’ll want your pool to be sparkling clean every time you jump up. With proper, professional Dallas swimming pool maintenance, your pool will be clean and inviting all year long.

Swimming Pool Cleaning in Dallas

A Better Pool Service can help you maintain your pool with regular cleaning services. There are many steps in the pool cleaning process that are required to be performed regularly to keep your pool crystal clear. We provide cleaning service on a weekly basis; we will come out to your home to take care of all your pool needs to keep it clean on a predetermined day of the week.

dallas swimming pool cleaning, swimming pool maintenance cost

A Better Pool Service Weekly Pool Cleaning will provide you pool with the following:

  • Skim pool surface and remove debris
  • Brush and clean tile around the pool and connected spa as needed
  • Check and empty automatic pool cleaner system
  • Empty filter and skimmer baskets
  • Vacuum or use leaf master in pool when necessary
  • Inspect filter pressure; backwash filter and add Diatomaceous Earth when needed
  • Inspect and adjust exterior pool equipment to ensure proper operation
  • Check and make note of any leaks or other potential issues
  • Test pool chemicals and adjust chemical balances when necessary (all regular chemicals included in service)

Our weekly cleaning service also includes all the normal chemicals necessary for proper sanitization and pH levels as well as alkalinity control.

Dallas Swimming Pool Maintenance Cost

For all of the pool cleaning services provided to you on a weekly basis, we have plans that start at $125.00 per month. You will never have to concern yourself with chemical storage either; our cleaning technicians will bring them at each visit.

Swimming pool maintenance cost

For those who prefer to handle their own pool maintenance and cleaning, we also provide chemicals-only services. Pool chemicals are difficult to manage at times and many pool owners don’t like to keep the chemicals at their home when they have children and pets around. Therefore, our expert pool technicians will bring all the chemicals each week for your chemical service. You can get our weekly Chemicals Only service starting at only $70.00 per month.

Whether you need regular pool maintenance for your swimming pool and spa cleaning or you just need an experienced pool tech to maintain pool chemicals for you each week, you can rely on A Better Pool Service in Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding areas. Contact us to get your weekly pool maintenance service started; we will come out and provide you a free, no obligation price quote!

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How To Winterize Your Swimming Pool in Dallas

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Yes, it’s that time of year already. The sun sets earlier, the temperature has dropped, the nights have gotten chili, and we just turned our clocks back. As a Dallas swimming pool owner, these indications of the seasons changing mean it’s time to winterize your swimming pool.

General Steps For Winterizing a Swimming Pool

  1. Clean out your pool – The first step to getting your pool ready for the off season involves the standard swimming pool cleaning Dallas customers already receive as part of their swimming pool maintenance. If you are handling this on you own, make sure you clean out all the leaves, twigs, bugs and dirt. You can use your pool vacuum or just fish them out with the pool net, and be sure to clean out the pump basket and skimmer as well. To save a step in the spring when you re-open your pool, clean the tile along the side of the pool as well.
  2. Balance the water chemistry – By balancing the chemistry levels of the water, it protects the pool from corrosion and scale build up; to do this you can pick up a water test kit at most pool supply stores and adjust the water to the recommended levels of calcium, pH, total alkalinity, and chlorination. Your Dallas-area pool cleaning and maintenance experts at A Better Pool Service can assist in this process and we can add a winterization kit as well.
  3. Avoid freezing of the pool water – Even in Texas the temperatures can drop below freezing for multiple days at a time, which can put your pool surface, filters, pumps and other parts at risk of damage. It is recommended that if you are closing your pool for the winter to drain it down below the skimmer mouth, but do not empty the pool water fully.
  4. Winterize swimming pool pump and heater – Disconnect your pool pump and filter, and make sure all of the water is drained from the pump completely. Remove the drain plugs as they may trap water inside. Then, once you have drained the pump, turn it on for just one or two seconds to push out any remaining water in the impeller. For pool heater winterizing, drain the heater to remove any standing water and blow it out with a shop vacuum or compressor. Then, completely drain the heater, remove any drain plugs, and securely store them where you can easily get to them in the spring. Do the same to remove the excess water in the pool piping to avoid freeze damage during the winter.
  5. Pool filter cleaning – First, remove the filter hoses, spray the cartridge filter elements and grids with filter cleaner and rinse with clean water. Open the drain on the bottom of the filter to allow any excess water in the filter to drain out, move the multiport valve in the closed “winter” position, blow any excess water out and remove the pressure gauge and securely store it until spring.
  6. Pool Cover – If you already have a pool safety cover or a pool winter cover, inspect it and make sure there are no rips or tears and that all of straps are still securely attached to the cover prior to putting the cover on. As long as it is still in good shape, put the pool cover on; as you may already know, this requires more than one person so you will need one or two more people to help you get the pool cover on correctly. Our Dallas pool service technicians will be glad to handle this task for you if you don’t have enough help around, just give us a call.
  7. Storing your pool equipment and toys – To preserve the life of your swimming pool accessories, equipment and toys, it is recommended to clean and dry them off and store them in a closed container in the garage or somewhere they will not get wet or damaged during the winter.

As you go along the steps of cleaning, draining and storing your equipment, make sure you also refer to the manufacturers guide for proper care. If you come across an issue during the pool winterizing steps or you don’t want to do this on your own, A Better Pool Service is here to help you with any and all of the steps for your Dallas swimming pool winterizing.

 

Pool care, Dallas swimming pool cleaning, winter pool cover, pool safety cover

Dallas Swimming Pool Cover Options

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When it comes to swimming pool maintenance in Dallas and surrounding areas throughout the DFW, A Better Pool Service wants to be your helping hand in every aspect of caring for your pool. As you care for your pool during the off season, it is important to choose the swimming pool upgrade accessories that are right for you, your family and your pool. For many pool owners, it can be complicated to choose the best pool cover to suit your needs; you are likely considering all of the factors such as cost, benefits, size, material, durability and safety. No matter what your concerns are regarding your Dallas swimming pool cover options, we have the information you need to make the best decision for your pool needs.

Swimming Pool Cover Benefits

When it comes to swimming pool covers, safety is one of the most common and most important concerns. Accidental drowning is too common at residential pools; it can happen to anyone of any age, especially with children or even animals. With a swimming pool cover constructed of strong, quality materials you can protect every loved one in your home. Protecting your swimming pool with a cover is always an advantage; because pool covers keep out the light and debris from nature, they help prevent algae from forming and other particles of nature dirtying up the water, which also reduces your swimming pool cleaning expenses during the off season. With energy saving tips at every turn, you can’t leave out the swimming pool cover benefit of energy saving; they conserve water, reduce chemical consumption and reduce time needed to run the cleaning filtration system.

Types of Swimming Pool Covers

While many pool covers appear to be the same or very similar, there are different types available on the market for residential pools. The main two types, pool safety cover and winter pool cover, serve similar needs but are very different for their main purpose.

  • Safety Covers – Pool safety covers are made from woven mesh or solid vinyl material, which are designed to be pulled tightly across your pool (similar to a trampoline) and are secured with straps that are attached to metal anchors installed around you pool. While they do prevent leaves, grass, branches and debris from getting into your pool, a safety pool cover will keep children and pets out of the water; they are designed to safely hold thousands of pounds, which can prevent someone of any size from drowning.
  • Winter Covers – Winter pool covers are designed for protection from weather. The leaves and other debris can’t fall directly into the water, but if it rains these organic materials breakdown and can slowly seep through the cover into the pool causing the water to get dirty. They do block out the sunlight which prevents the buildup of algae, but winter covers can be damaged by tree branches or heavy snow, causing a dirty and expensive clean up. Winter pool covers do cost much less than safety covers, but with the cost of having your winter pool cover removed in the spring and the labor that goes along with it, they can end up costing the same as a pool safety cover which doesn’t require the labor.

From the benefits and advantages of both main types of covers, safety and winter, it may be difficult to decide which one is best for your Dallas pool maintenance needs. Contact A Better Pool Service in Dallas so we can help you; we are here to assist you with all of your pool questions, concerns and needs.

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Dallas Pool Maintenance in the Fall

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As the kids go back to school, the days start getting shorter and the Texas heat begins to cool down, many of us start using our pools less and less. By the middle of October, you’re likely starting the process of shutting down your swimming pool and putting up the patio furniture and water toys. Swimming pool maintenance in Dallas during the fall and winter can be just as time-consuming of a task as it is during the summer. Because it is important to keep your pool cleaned during the off-season as well, you could benefit from regular Dallas pool maintenance during the fall and winter.

 

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

Throughout North Texas, including the Dallas area, the temperatures can fluctuate very frequently, which can cause many parts of nature to collect in your pool. Especially during the fall, it is important to check the skimmers about twice a week for fallen leaves, small branches, dead grass, and other debris that may have blown into your swimming pool. Be sure to keep your filtration system running, because a continuous flow of water is necessary for proper functionality of the pool filters and cleaning system; also, without continuous of water, staining can occur at the water line of the pool wall and when leaves and debris settle to the bottom, they will cause unsightly stains on the pool floor.

Off Season Pool Filter & Pump Needs

Once the temperature starts to drop and your pool is used less often, the filtration and pump operation needs decrease. Unlike during the summer time when the water is warm and you and your family are spending more time in the pool which requires the filtration system to run for 10 to 12 hours a day, during the cooler months of the year you should reduce your filter run time down to 4 to 6 hours per day. After the leaves have all fell during autumn and early winter, you also can reduce your filter cleaning frequency as well. But, if you leave your pool uncovered it is still important to check and clean the filter regularly, especially after a big rain or snow storm. Even if you do not clean your pool filters yourself, it is still recommended to check them in between cleanings; you can have your Dallas pool maintenance company show you the proper steps to inspecting the pool filter if you do not already know how. The temperature drop reduces the amount of pool chemicals you need to add as well, but it is still important to check your pool chemistry at least one time per week during the off season.

A Better Pool Service Dallas

With A Better Pool Service, all of your Dallas pool maintenance tasks can be handled by swimming pool cleaning experts. We offer weekly pool cleaning services at low monthly rates that also cater to pool maintenance in the fall and throughout the entire off season. Instead of worrying about when you checked the filter last, how much/ how often your pool needs chemical treatment, or changing the settings on the filtration system, just leave your Dallas pool cleaning concerns with the pros at A Better Pool Service. If you’re not sure, contact us; we will be happy to provide you with a swimming pool cleaning and maintenance quote.

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How Often Should I Have My Pool Cleaned?

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As a homeowner with a swimming pool, you understand the need for a clean pool, and you have probably asked yourself many times, how often should I have my pool cleaned? A clear sparkling blue pool definitely looks much better than a pool that is cloudy, has debris floating around, or even smells bad. With regular swimming pool cleaning and service from a professional pool maintenance company, you will enjoy and pristine pool year-round.

For pool owners in the Dallas area, it is recommended to have your swimming pool cleaning service performed on a weekly basis. Having your cleaning performed weekly keeps your pool safe, clean, and properly functioning. It can also help prevent future repairs which could be very costly. A pool that is not cleaned regularly can also be a health hazard; to keep your friends and family safe you pool must be cleaned properly and during that cleaning, a pool cleaning provider, like A Better Pool Service, will check the chemical levels and pH balance to make sure they are balanced for healthy swimming.

Benefits of Swimming Pool Vacuuming

Residential pools often gather dust, dirt, chemical deposits, and solid fragments blown over by strong wind. Specifically, if your home and pool area is surrounded by a lot of trees, you will see rotten or dry leaves collecting on the floor of the pool. To remove the regular buildup of dust, dirt, and fallen leaves or fragments, a high-powered pool vacuum cleaner will need to be used during your pool cleaning service. Often, brand-new vacuum cleaners end up being a source of the problem to owners, however with service from pool cleaning company, you will receive professional grade vacuuming of your pool on a regular basis, which will keep it sparkling and looking new.

Cleaning the Tile Around your Pool

You probably notice dirt, grime, and calcium deposits build up at the water line around your pool. As this happens, it is good to clean the tile surfaces all around your pool with a gentle cleaner. To do this yourself, you can attach a soft-bristled brush on to the end of the pole and use the cleaner to scrub off the dirt build up on the inner side tiles of your pool. As part of a swimming pool cleaning service from your Dallas-area pool maintenance company, tile cleaning should be part of your service package so you do not have to worry about this exhausting task.

Other weekly swimming pool cleaning tasks that should be performed include pump cleaning and inspection, chemical testing and adjusting, inspection of the automatic pool cleaner and emptying the bag, empty skimmer and filter baskets, and check the filter pressure and exterior equipment to ensure proper operation. If you have had a pool cleaning service in the past and you were not pleased with their service, look for A Better Pool Service; yes that is our name, because of our personal experience with poor quality service from other companies in the past, we named our self what we are. We’d be glad to take care of all your swimming pool maintenance needs, just give us a call at (214) 347-8016.