2019 Swimming Pool Trends

If you live in Texas, you understand the necessity and luxury of having a pool to fend in the Texas heat and humidity. While your pool is a major and beneficial investment, you want to make sure you are keeping up with the latest and greatest pool trends in 2019. When you are making the decision with your swimming pool builder in Colleyville as for how you want to design your dream pool, keep these 2019 swimming pool trends in mind for motivation!

Natural pools

More and more people are building pools that are more natural looking. This is done with circular shapes (usually non-symmetrical) and earthy colors and stones. If the landscape of your backyard is about plants, greenery, nature, then this is definitely a design trend you want to consider. One of the benefits of this trend is that nature never goes out of style.

Fire features

Fire features are one of the top trends of 2019. There are several different fire elements and features you can choose from here at Mid City Custom Pools that will really bring your pool to life. One of our favorite and most unique custom designs we have seen is that of a fire pit built right into the center of a pool with a seating area. Talk to your expert pool builder in Southlake about what we can offer you with our selection of fire features.

Swimming pool bar

Swimming pool bars used to be something you only found at your favorite resort at your favorite vacation destination, but not anymore. People are now building swim-up bars right in their own backyard.

Saltwater pools

More and more homeowners are looking to the option of saltwater for their pool. Saltwater is most commonly implemented with the natural-looking pool design trend, but it can be used in any design. Salt water is a more natural option and contains fewer chemicals, it is also easier to maintain.

Small pools

If you don’t have a huge backyard, don’t worry, smaller pools are in. Many people are adding small rectangular pools to porches and into little nooks in their backyard. Not only does a small pool add a ton of use and quality to your backyard, it adds ton of aesthetic appeal to your backyard. Incorporate your smaller pool with other layouts such as a neat seating area or an outside kitchen.

Ledges for lounging

Another 2019 design trend is adding larger ledges inside one’s pool. These ledges are great for lounging. You can even add water-proof lounge chairs to your in-water ledge. Catch some rays and relax right in the water but out of the water at the same time.

LED lighting

LED lighting has taken over the lighting industry. They are ultimately the best bulbs for saving energy and long-lasting benefits. Adding LED lighting to your pool gives you an array of options for adding color and pop to your pool at night.

Keep these awesome pool trends in mind when you build or update the pool of your dreams in 2019. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our expert pool-building team, contact us here at Mid City Custom Pools today.

Why You Should Have A Pool Cabana in Your Backyard

Once you build your dream pool, it is amazing how much usage you get out of your backyard. Your backyard gains so many more wonderful characteristics as a place to relax, a place to cool down in the Texas heat, a place to swim laps and exercise, a place to keep the kids entertained, and a place to hosts guests, etc. You may be surprised to learn that there is actually another way to increase how much you get out of your backyard, and that is by adding a pool cabana. So, what are the benefits of having a pool cabana?

It is an Extended Living Area

One of the most-commonly loved functions of a pool cabana is that it extends your living space. You can be outside, but still protected from various weather elements such as rain and intense sunshine. You will find that pool cabanas are great for entertaining and hosting guests and small get togethers as well as a wonderful spot to relax and have a cool drink or warm cup of tea.

Dependent on the type of cabana you get, it can play the role a little outside living room. Luckily here at Mid City Custom Pools, we have an abundant variety of custom pool cabana designs that you can choose from, perfect to fit your taste, needs, and décor.

It Helps Keep You and Your Loved Ones Out of The Sun

We love the sun, but it can also be harmful in abundant quantities. Having a shaded place to relax while the kids are playing in the pool is a huge beneficial feature of a cabana. When taking a break from swimming or simply when just hanging out, keep yourself and your loved ones safe and shaded from the harmful UV rays by installing a pool cabana.

It Can Increase Your Storage Space

A cabana can also be a great place for storage. If you don’t have a place to stash the kid’s pool floats and toys, you can get a bin and store it underneath the shelter of your cabana.

It is an Aesthetic Enhancer

On top of all the amazing benefits of a pool cabana, it is also simply a beautiful aesthetic enhancement to your backyard. There is an array of different styles and designs you can choose from, whatever suits your taste. You will love the eye-pleasing accompaniment of this majestic structure in your yard.

Regardless of the reasons that you decide to build a pool cabana, whether it be for beauty, shade, value, or an extended living space, here at Mid City Custom Pools we can help. Call us today for any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Common Swimming Pool Heater Problems

Having a pool has numerous benefits. It brings you and your family entertainment, relaxation, a place to exercise, and it’s a huge aesthetic and investment value to your home. Although there are so many wonderful things about having a pool, that doesn’t change the fact that they require a lot of maintenance and sometimes things go wrong. A common issue pool owners face is a problem with their swimming pool heater. With winter in full effect, the last thing anyone wants to be told is their pool heater is broken. All hope isn’t lost! Here are some of the common causes of pool heater problems.

#1 Your pool heater isn’t turning on

If your pool heater simply won’t turn on at all, this may mean you have a clogged filter. Keeping your filters clean is vital for the proper functioning parts of your pool. If the filter becomes too dirty, corroded, or clogged it can cause the heater to go off. If your pool heater is older, you may also be having an issue due to corrosion. Luckily pool heaters nowadays have decent on board diagnostics and will give you an error code if there is a problem. At this point, it’s best to use the manual that came with your pool heater to decipher what the issue is.

#2 Your pool heater isn’t heating your pool properly

One of the common issues that pool owners notice with their pool heater is it isn’t heating the pool like it used to. This can be something small and fixable, such as the thermostat being set too low, or your pool heater is too small to heat your pool. However, another possible cause can be a faulty high limit switch which could be shutting the pool heater off or the heater is overheating as a result of improper exhaust out of the top of the heater.

#3 Your pool heater is making odd noises

If you hear odd noises such as whistling, clicking, or grinding noises there could be a variety of things going on. If you hear clicking from your pool heater it could be an issue with a gas valve. If you hear whistling, it could also be related to gas pressure or a result of partially clogged burner orifices. If you hear grinding noises, the first place you should check is your pool’s filter. If a clogged filter isn’t the issue, then the next common cause of a pool heater making strange noises is that of a fault pressure switch. Your best option is to contact a professional so that they can diagnose the issue properly and fix it.

When you invest in building a pool, you want to do it right. Mid City Custom Pools is an innovative company that specializes in the design, construction, and renovation of pools and pool features. If you are looking for a trusted Southlake pool builder, we want to help. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation to discuss the pool of your dreams, contact us today.

How To Throw The Perfect End of Summer Pool Party

It is that time of year again where summer is coming to an end and it is time to leave the summer fun behind and prepare for the responsibilities of fall. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t time for one more summer celebration. August is the month that you are trying to get all the time you can out of your swimming pool in trophy club while the weather is still hot, which makes it the perfect time to throw an end of summer pool party. With a good idea, maybe a theme, a bit of planning, some good friends, and some supplies you can easily put together the perfect end of summer pool party. Here are some cool ideas to make your pool party perfect.

#1 Set up an ice cream bar

Everyone loves ice cream, especially on a hot summer’s day. Set up a table covered in a colorful cloth with all your basic flavors, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Grab some colorful bowls and fill them up with various toppings, fruits, sprinkles, nuts, and candies and you’re set. The ice cream bar will not only be a hit with the kids but all the adults as well.

#2 Pick up some super fun pool floats

Pool floats are a great way to make your pool party instantly more festive, and lately awesome pool float designs have become very popular. Grab some donut and unicorn floats for you to relax on or for the kids to play with. We guarantee they will also make for some great pictures.

#3 Set up a build-your-own drink bar

Just like the ice cream bar, but only for the parents. While the kids are playing in the pool, the parents can hang out at the build-your-own drink bar. Just pick up some cool cups, your basic liquors, vodka, gin, tequila, or whatever you desire, your mixers, some fresh fruit, and even thrown in some neatly-shaped ice cubes. Research some cool summer drink ideas ahead of time to get a better idea of what drink supplies to pick up at the store.

#4 Pool balloons

Pool balloons look awesome and a great addition for the kids. Grab some different colored balloons that go great with your color scheme, blow them up, and throw them in the pool.

#5 Set up a make-your-own koozie station

Pick up some blank white rubber koozies, some colorful sharpies, set up a table, and let your guests make their own koozies. The drinks will stay cold and no one will lose or mix up their drinks at the party.

#6 Bring water guns

Have your guests bring water guns. The kids will have a blast, and some parents may get involved too.

#7 Grab your polaroid camera

Pick up a Polaroid camera for the party. Your guests will love it and it will make for some great memories.

#8 Flash tattoos

Everyone loves flash tattoos. Grab some temporary glittery tattoos, cut them out, and throw them into a bowl for your guests to grab from.

It’s difficult to throw a pool party without a pool, in which you may need a pool builder in Trophy Club. Let Mid City Custom Pools help you build the pool of your dreams or renovate yours to become the pool of your dreams. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our team please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Summer Swimming Pool Safety Tips

We love the summer time as it’s a fun season full of backyard barbeques, pool parties, friends and family spending quality time together. During the summer season, we spend more time in our backyards by the pool and in the pool but unfortunately, pools do have certain safety hazards, especially for our kids. While spending so much time in our backyards, it is important to remember to follow various swimming pool safety tips to keep our loved ones safe by the water.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2016, more than 3,700 people drowned in the United States. Risks of drowning are even more prevalent among young children and toddlers. According to other statistics for the year 2016, drowning was the leading cause of preventable death for children ages 1 to 4 years old.

In order to keep your family and loved ones safe this summer follow these safety tips:

• Secure your pool with a fence

The first and foremost best safety precaution if you have young children around is securing your pool area with a fence. This way, if children are playing outside you have less to worry about; knowing they can’t access the water or fall in. This even gives you security for when you are inside perhaps busy with something, knowing that even if children get into the backyard, they are safe from the pool.

• Keep your children under supervision at all times

One of the surest ways to ensure that your children are safe is simply to keep a close eye on them always when you are by the water. It only takes a minute for a child to escape your attention and fall into a body of water and drown.

• Enforce pool rules

You should have strict rules for the pool area as it can be a hazardous environment otherwise. Make sure to enforce rules such as the following:

• • Do not run near the pool
  • No roughhousing around the pool (pushing into the pool, etc.)
  • Do not dive in the shallow water
  • No swimming unless an adult is present

• Keep a first aid kit nearby

It is a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand near the pool. You may even want to consider a life ring or life hook to help pull people to safety if they find themselves struggling in the water.

• Store your pool chemicals safely

Pool chemicals are an important part of pool care and safety, but they also can be hazardous if they are handled improperly. Make sure to keep pool chemicals away and stored out of reach in a well-ventilated area.

• Learn CPR

If you have children it can always be helpful to know CPR. This is especially prevalent if you have a pool. You’ll feel safer knowing you’re capable.

• Teach your kids how to swim

It is very important to teach your children how to swim at a young age. This will ensure that if they do fall in the water unsupervised they will have an idea how to get out, etc. Although it is best to start them young, it is never too late to learn how to swim!

As swimming pool experts, we know that safety always comes first. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we specialize in building custom swimming pools that will keep you and your family smiling all year long. If you have questions about building an inground pool in Trophy Club, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Why Low Voltage Lighting is a Must for Outdoor Living

When it comes to finding the right lighting for your outdoor living space, it is important to weigh your options and make sure you end up with something that will last for many years to come. While there are many options on the market today, by far the most popular (and best for ambience!) is low voltage lighting. This type of lighting is a must because it does not attract bugs, which is huge for Texas homeowners, are we right? There is simply nothing worse than sitting outside enjoying the peaceful evening, only to have your time ruined by a bunch of bugs swarming around the lights.

Benefits of investing in low voltage lighting for your outdoor living space:

● It provides lighting without turning your space into an airport runway
● It perfectly complements other lighting, adding ambience and a soft feeling to your outdoor living area
● It offers a higher return on investment (ROI) for homeowners
○ Some things are worth paying a bit more for in the beginning, as these lights will last you for many years to come and eventually be an afterthought
● Creates an enjoyable atmosphere that you can enjoy year-round

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t think about low voltage lighting during the design and development phase, causing them to go back in down the road and install new lighting. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we encourage all of our clients to think about what type of lighting they would like before the final project is completed. Lighting is so often overlooked by homeowners, only to be brought up in the midst of construction. To avoid complications and ensure your project is completed on time, we invite you to think about having low voltage lighting installed during the design phase to ensure everything is completed on time. We know there are a lot of costs involved with creating a beautiful new outdoor living area, but skimping on the small details will only cause you a bigger headache down the road.

Consider Low Voltage Lighting from Mid City Custom Pools

We are big believers in low voltage lighting. We use LED lights, which is both cost-effective and better for the environment. All our low voltage lighting options come with a lifetime warranty and will last thousands of hours. You can sit back and relax, without worrying about whether or not you’ll need to change a light bulb.

We offer low voltage lighting in-house and even pair it with other outdoor lighting options, all of which aim to leave you with a stunning backyard you can enjoy, night after night.
So, give us a call today to get started on your dream backyard.

Geometric or Freeform Swimming Pools: Which is Right for Me?

So, you’re looking to build a pool, but you just aren’t sure which shape is right for you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start by looking at our two options, geometric and freeform. You may be wondering, what exactly is the difference between these two pool designs? Put simply, geometric swimming pools are generally referred to as rectangular or square swimming pools, whereas freeform swimming pools are generally known as more natural-looking designed swimming pools, and typically exhibit more circular lines. So, what characteristics encompassed by these two different designs will best fit in with your backyard? Read on to learn a little bit more, and make your decision based on what’s best for you and your yard.

Geometric swimming pools have been a popular design choice for custom pools, especially as in the beginning of custom in-ground pool building, they were pretty much the only option. A large reason they are popular is simply because some people prefer the look of the classic, sleek lines and general symmetrical view. Typically referred to as square or rectangular pool design [but also customizable to other shapes], the geometric swimming pool never goes out of style. The layouts for the geometric swimming pool can range from simple to intricate and detailed. This design is typically very multi-functional and great for various different lifestyles and activities.

Freeform swimming pools are a bit newer in implementation, but have become increasingly popular in recent years. Freeform swimming pools first gained notoriety in California, but soon made their way across the country to states such as Florida and Texas, and have now become a popular choice amongst homeowners all over. Most people who choose this design are going for a more relaxed, natural, or unique look. What’s neat about freeform pools is that they can be dreamed to be made into any shape or size. Many people looking to build a swimming pool in Southlake and surrounding areas are able to enjoy freeform swimming pools to the max because of the commonly largely-sized backyards. The freeform pool design, being extremely customizable, will complement any house structure or landscape design.

So, what are some of the main things to consider when picking a design?

Yard size
Geometric pools go great in either small, medium, or big yards. But if you do happen to have a smaller yard, geometric pools usually will help you best utilize the space you have. To maximize your swimming area as well as your backyard land, geometric swimming pools best compliment small backyards. If you have a larger backyard, either a geometric or freeform swimming pool is perfect, depending on your preference.

Usage
What will you be using your pool for? Which type of pool will best fit your lifestyle? Will you want to play games in your pool? Will you be attaching volleyball nets? Will you be swimming laps? Will you want to add a diving board or other various pool additions? These are the questions you need to ask yourself when deciding on a swimming pool design.

Style
This one is a little bit more simple… Which design is more your style? Which one do you see in your head when you’re dreaming of your perfect backyard? Both are customizable and can be formed to fit your taste, but there are also very different characteristics that each elude and one is more likely to be in your dreams as well as your future dream backyard.

If you are looking for a swimming pool builder in Hurst, or an inground pool builder in Colleyville or Southlake, here at Mid City Custom Pools, we are excited to help you dream your backyard dreams into reality! To learn more about these different designs and ask questions to help you make your final decisions, please, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Water Feature Ideas to Add to Your Pool (Part 3)

Maybe you have just finished building a beautiful pool, maybe you just need to add that last final touch, or maybe you are looking for an easy way to update your backyard/pool area, but just aren’t sure how; in any of these cases, you should look into Grand Effects Water Bowls. These beautiful pool accessories will add so much to your backyard with very little effort required. They are easy to install and easy to run, requiring low water flow at 15 GPM. They also include mounting hardware and come with a one year warranty. The bowls are constructed of the highest quality materials and come in multiple different designs, sizes, and shapes so that you have more options to choose from.

The various materials available for the water bowls consists of choices from the concrete bowls, copper bowls, and metallic bowls. The three different types also come in different styles and with different finishes, expanding your options even more and ensuring the customization of your backyard design ideas.

The concrete bowl incorporates a concrete fiberglass mix; this creates for a structurally stronger bowl that is still lighter than typical mixes made of 100% concrete. These beautiful pieces are finished by means of a hand applied process of multiple stains and washes and are finalized with a wax seal. With the wax seal, the bowl gains a protecting layer and deep radiant finish that will guard it against discoloration and fading from various environmental factors.

The copper bowls are gorgeously handmade and consist of an oil rubbed bronze finish. In order to obtain its bountiful look, the bowl undergoes a heat-setting of the copper to a patina finish. Regular use and maintenance allows the living patina finish to endlessly regenerate.

As for the metallic bowls, they are constructed with the highest quality, by means of a heavy gauge aluminum. The aluminum surface is sand blasted and treated with an anti-corrosion process. Finally, the bowl is powder coated with a dynamic selection of colors, in turn creating a beautiful, durable, and long lasting finish.

If you want to take it up another notch, you will be amazed by the incredibly mesmerizing and beautiful Grand Effects Fire and Water bowls. Similar in design and style to the water bowls, these bowls include an additional fire feature built within the water bowl. These bowls will add so much to your backyard or water feature, and will create a gorgeous focal point for your landscape designs. Again, you are able to choose from various styles and designs from the concrete, copper, or metallic material options.

The Grand Effects Fire and Water bowls are also available with either a “Manual” operating system, or the amazing “Automation” operating system. The innovative technology incorporated in these devices is reliable and is a CSA approved packaged unit that is factory tested. Along with the Grand Effects Water Bowls, these are also easy to install and require low water flow at 15 GPM. The system works with any home or pool controller, i.e., Hayward’s Pro Logic or Jandy-Aqualink. The coolest addition? You can sync these incredible features with your phone in order to control them with the push of a button on your smart mobile device. They also sync seamlessly with Pentair Automation options.

We know you’ll love these incredible backyard water and fire features just as much as we do. And we are certain they will add that final touch or update that you have been desiring. If you have been searching for backyard water features in Colleyville or Southlake, look no further. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we are excited to help you imagine your dream backyard into reality. Don’t hesitate to contact us today, and let us help you achieve your innovative design goals.

Most Popular Home Swimming Pool Features

Simply deciding to have a home swimming pool installed is not where the decision-making process ends, unfortunately. There are tons of minute details and features that you will have to decide upon in order to make your pool truly yours. While this may seem daunting to the first-time homeowner, there is something exciting about customizing your home swimming pool and finding the features that speak to your style and aesthetics. These days there are many different options when it comes to swimming pool features and designs. From waterfalls and unique lighting to clean and easy lines, the world is your oyster when it comes to finding the right swimming pool features.

It’s safe to say that most people don’t have a lot of experience with customizing their home swimming pool, which is why we are here to help. The number of choices out there can make the process seem overwhelming if you aren’t careful, but we are here to help you understand what some of the most popular home swimming pool features are so you can decide for yourself if they are right for you. It is easy to make mistakes when it comes to deciding on what swimming pool features to go with, but we are here to take some of the pressure off and help you figure out what will work best in your yard. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the most popular swimming pool features right now:

• Glass Tile – One of the top design trends we are seeing right now is homeowner opting for glass tile. This adds a sophisticated, luxurious element that can elevate any home swimming pool in the blink of an eye.
• Clean Lines and Elegance – Given the first bullet point, it should come as no surprise that homeowners are leaning towards clean lines and elements that add elegance to their backyard pool. By using materials and adding small touches here and there to exude class and elegance, homeowners are able to transform their home swimming pool to one you would find at the most high-end luxury hotel.
• Travertine Coping – This type of tile is one of the most popular for home swimming pools right now. Travertine is a type of natural stone that is often used for paving patios and garden paths. It typically comes in either marble or limestone and makes a beautiful addition to any home swimming pool.
• LED Lit Bubblers – LED lights are all the rage right now, including when it comes to lighting water features in home swimming pools. They add a unique, mesmerizing element that truly will transform your pool and backyard space into a magical wonderland.
• Lights on Sun Deck – Many homeowners are going the extra step and lighting up their sun deck these days, which can enhance the entire backyard space in just the right way.
• Water Features – As always, waterfalls and other light-up water features are a popular design choice amongst homeowners. There is just something soothing and relaxing about the sound of water and stunning backdrop to go along with it. Mid City Custom Pools offers a wide range of water features, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your style and design needs. As with most of the other popular features mentioned, today’s water features are clean, sleek, and elegant. The materials and other components used are designed to impress without going overboard, providing homeowners with a unique backyard experience they will never grow tired of.

We believe in offering a range of swimming pool features that kids and adults alike will love. We understand what a big decision it is to have a custom swimming pool designed for your home, which is why we are committed to working closely with you to ensure the finished product is exactly what you had in mind. To learn more about our custom swimming pool services or to schedule a consultation with us, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today.