Outdoor Living Space Building Ideas (Part 1)

One of the hottest home trends in recent years has been to improve your backyard living space by turning it into a welcoming, comfortable area to kick back and relax. This is especially true for homeowners in Texas and other warm climates, as they are able to enjoy their backyards year-round. With this in mind, it may be time to jump on the bandwagon, so to speak, and step up your outdoor living space game. If this is your first time tackling a backyard project like this, it may seem daunting at first. There are so many different options out there, it can be difficult to know which direction to go. Thankfully you have a friend in Mid City Custom Pools and we are here to help ensure you end up with the perfect outdoor living area for your needs.

From fireplaces to cabanas, patio covers, and even shingled roof structures, your options are endless! Today we are going to focus on outdoor building structures that can enhance your backyard living space. We will go over the various types of structures out there and what you need to know in regards to determining the size of the structure, what type of shade you want, and how much maintenance you are looking for. Again, there are tons of great options on the market today, which we know can be overwhelming for homeowners first starting out. In order to make things a little easier on you, we have narrowed down some of the options and organized them in a more approachable manner. As always, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation for your new outdoor living space with us, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Here is a look at some of the top outdoor living building structure you can choose from to give your backyard the makeover it needs:

  • Cabanas
    • A less structured option, cabanas typically have a roof and open sides with fabric that can be pulled in to create privacy. While you often see cabanas on beachside resorts, it could be a wonderful addition to your backyard.
  • Pavilion
    • Pavilions are freestanding structures that are typically attached to one end of your house in order to create an extension or wings, if you will. This is a great option for those who are planning on building an outdoor kitchen or want to simply extend their indoor living space right into the backyard.
  • Patio Cover
    • A simpler choice, patio covers are ideal for homeowners looking for some shade without having to go too big. Patio covers come in a wide range of materials and sizes, allowing you to choose the best one for your specific needs.
  • Pergola or Arbor
    • Both pergolas and arbors are a little higher maintenance, but cost less than other options. When you go this route, you will get the best of both worlds – either 100% shade cover or it will let the light come through (if you want).
  • Equinox Louvred Roof System
    • This is perhaps the most advanced system, and one that will truly enhance your outdoor living space. With a push of a button, it will allow the sun to come in and out. When closed, it will give 100% blockage from letting the sun in. This specific type of roof system is solar powered and can be powder coated to look like wood.

It is no secret that a well-put together outdoor living space is critical, especially in Texas. Shade is a must if you are planning on being outside during the hot summer months, or in general. This is why it is important that you find the right structure for your space. We hope the above list of structures will give you a good place to start! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Mid City Custom Pools.

Top Trends in Home Swimming Pool Design

Swimming pools come in many different shapes and sizes – from traditional rectangular pools to oval and more unique, custom designs. If you are thinking about having a swimming pool installed in your backyard, you may want to see what others are doing. Swimming pool design trends evolve constantly, oftentimes depending on what features have hit the market. Thanks to the booming industry, homeowners now have more choices than ever when it comes to the design of their home pool and other backyard surroundings. From water features to unique shapes and patio fire pits, the world of swimming pool design is truly your oyster.

There are many different ways to add interest and character to your pool and backyard overall. Right now, many homeowners are taking on a complete transformation with the intention of enhancing their outdoor living experience. Over the last several years, people have begun to realize the potential of their backyard living spaces, opting to turn them into functional, beautiful areas with numerous luxury amenities. In Texas, we are seeing homeowners complement their backyard swimming pools with expansive outdoor kitchens, entertainment systems, fireplaces, couches, and so much more. People today are looking to make their outdoor living area a whole new experience that can be enjoyed year-round.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top design trends in swimming pool design right now:

  • Function – Homeowners are now realizing that function is just as important as fashion, so to speak. In-floor cleaning systems are becoming more popular in Texas, as are energy efficient pool equipment. Many people are even going solar with their home pools, which is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to go. People are discovering that you can have an aesthetically beautiful swimming pool that is also functional, which is driving current pool trends today.
  • Aesthetics – Every year it seems as though new swimming pool and outdoor living features are introduced, many of which change the way people think about and design their backyards. Right now we are seeing a lot of glass tiles, Belgard pavers (which is something Mid City offers), and a clean geometric design over the rock pool design. As mentioned above, many people are having their pools redone in order to meet current demands and add in new features. One of the hottest design trends we are seeing throughout Texas is vanishing edge pools, which creates the illusion that the water goes on forever. This also provides a finished pool that is luxurious and is reminiscent of high-end resorts somewhere in the Greek Isles, which is never a bad thing!

When it comes to your home swimming pool, your design options are endless. This is one of the best parts about taking the plunge (no pun intended) and deciding to move forward with a brand new home swimming pool or a pool renovation. You can choose from a wide range of pool shapes, materials, features, and so much more. You can even add combined elements of fire and water to create a truly mesmerizing focal point and enhance the appearance of your home pool. Regardless of what direction you want to go with your swimming pool design, the Mid City Custom Pools team is here to help. To learn more about the materials and features we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Selling Your Home with a Pool? Here’s What You Should Know

With Spring right around the corner, chances are some of you are thinking about putting your home on the market. While it is true that there is no ‘wrong’ time to sell a home, statistics show that waiting until Spring to market your home could pay off in the end. If the home you are thinking about selling has a swimming pool, there are a few things to keep in mind. Selling a home with a pool requires a bit more thought and attention to detail than many people realize. One of the most important aspects of selling a home is making sure it is staged in a way that is both inviting and leaves room for the potential buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space. Homeowners with swimming pools should pay special attention to staging, working hard to ensure their backyard space is in tip-top shape.

However, simply raking the leaves, mowing the grass, and making sure the patio is swept off isn’t all that needs to be done when it comes to staging a backyard swimming pool and getting the space ready for potential buyers. In fact, there are quite a few things to keep in mind before your home with a pool will be market ready. From getting the pool inspected to taking care of any necessary repairs, let’s go over some of the top considerations for selling a home with a pool:

  • Get the Pool Inspected – First and foremost, contact your local pool company and have the pool and all its inner workings inspected. Make sure the pool doesn’t have any issues and is structurally sound. You will want to look for cracks, which can be caused by soil and other environmental factors. If you have a crack in the pool, Mid City Custom Pools can fix it. Depending on the warranty of the builder, you will need to determine if the items are warrantable. If we discover soil is the cause of any existing cracks, we can take care of the soil to prevent this from happening again.
  • Take Care of Any Repairs – No one wants to buy a home with a swimming pool that is in need of repair. With this in mind, your best bet is to take care of any repairs before putting it on the market. This will save you a lot of time and money throughout the selling process. If your pool is under warranty with us, it may take care of any necessary repairs, depending on the issue.
  • Is the Pool Energy Efficient? These days many people are looking for pools that are energy efficient and cost-effective. If Mid City Custom Pools built your pool, contact us for information on the energy efficiency of the pool itself and any equipment. The process and equipment that we use will save you 75% on your electric bills and will help you sell your home faster. Our monthly and weekly maintenance services are much lower, thanks to our commitment to energy efficiency.
  • Better Home Value – Depending on where you are located in Texas, a home swimming pool can dramatically increase your home’s value. It is no secret that the Texas summers are hot, which is why many people looking to buy in the area want a pool.

We hope this gives you a good place to start when it comes to how to sell your home with a swimming pool. If you are in need of any repairs or would like to schedule an inspection with one of our Hurst pool technicians, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

How to Keep Pool Water from Freezing During the Winter

Just like in most other states throughout the United States, it is essential in Texas for pool owners to freeze guard their pool when the temperature dips below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). We recommend freeze guarding your pool for a degree or two above 32-degree F, as that is the temperature when the water will freeze. As you may be able to guess, freeze guard means to protect your pool water from freezing during the winter. If your pool is not properly prepared for the drop in temperature, it could cause issues for pool equipment and plumbing. This is because when water freezes it expands to nine percent of its volume, which when you think about it is a lot!

While completely winterizing your pool isn’t necessarily needed in Texas, it is worth considering. There are many things that can happen during the winter that can cause damage to your pool or spa system, such as a power outage or below average temperatures (hello, snow!). Furthermore, when you are working with a pool and spa combo and you have an automation system, when it gets below a certain degree problems can ensue. This is because most pool automation systems are controlled by a pool actuator, which is the valve that is either connected to the pool automation system or a solar heating system. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of how to maintain your home swimming pool and keep it in great condition – regardless of whether it is summer or winter.

Let’s now look further at what you can do to keep your pool water from freezing throughout the winter:

  • Freeze Guard Your Pool – As mentioned briefly above, freeze guarding your pool is one of the best ways to keep the water from freezing. All of Mid City Custom Pools come with a freeze guard, which means you can rest assured that your pool will be safe, should the temperature dip below 33 degrees. Our freeze guard feature allows pool and spa owners to set a desired temperature at which the pump and heater will automatically kick on, keeping the water circulating throughout the pipes. This also means less work for you, as you won’t have to worry about opening up the valves in the winter to check to see if the water froze.
  • Consider Winterizing – Again, in most parts of Texas winterizing your pool isn’t an absolute must, but it is a good idea. In the event of a power outage or unexpected snow/ice storm, you will have peace of mind that your pool is protected from the dangerous low temperatures.
  • Keep Up With Maintenance Year-Round – Finally, maintaining your swimming pool throughout the year is essential to preventing the water from freezing and staving off any other problems during the winter. Mid City Custom Pools aims to provide you with services and features (such as automation and freeze guard) that will keep you from having to maintain them on a daily basis. That being said, paying attention to the state of your pool and taking steps to protect it from the changing seasons is a must.

All of our pools come with a freeze guard feature and automation is sold separately. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have pertaining to protecting your pool during the winter and throughout the rest of the year. We want to make sure your pool is prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store so that you won’t be stuck out in the cold trying to prevent your pool water from freezing! Contact us today for more information about our in-ground swimming pool services here in Hurst.

Tips for Creating a Maintenance Schedule for Your Pool

As any homeowner who has a pool in their backyard knows, it is of the utmost importance that you create a maintenance schedule for your pool right away. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is failing to stay on top of regular pool maintenance. We know it can be easy to lose sight of upkeep and maintenance when all you want to do is laze about in your crystal clear pool – but it is incredibly important for the pool’s longevity and overall health. Making the decision to have a custom pool installed in your backyard is one that comes with a great deal of responsibility and care. If you don’t properly clean and maintain your pool, you will be left with a major headache – and money pit.

There are certain things that need to be taken care of weekly, monthly, seasonally, and even daily in order for your pool to remain in excellent condition. Taking care of your pool according to the schedule can keep any small issues from turning into a much bigger problem. With this in mind, we decided it would be helpful to come up with a general maintenance schedule for your Hurst pool. Keep in mind that every pool is different, so you should be sure and consult a reputable pool technician for maintenance tips specific to your pool.

Daily Maintenance Needs

During the seasons when the pool is in use (which probably means year-round, here in Texas!) it is important for you to do the following on a daily basis:

  • Adjust pH and chlorine levels – In order to ensure your pool is comfortable and safe for your loved ones, it is important to get in the habit of adjusting your pool’s pH and chlorine levels. It may be helpful to keep a log to help track any adjustments and make sure everything is consistent.
  • Empty all pump baskets – Depending on where you live in Texas, it may be necessary for you to check your skimmer and empty pump baskets. This is typically a good idea if you live in a rural area and have a lot of small critters or frogs on your property.

Weekly Maintenance Needs

Here are a few maintenance tasks that should be performed on a weekly basis:

  • Shock your pool – Regardless of whether you have a chlorine or salt water pool, it is a good idea to introduce a shock treatment on a weekly basis. This can be done as a preventative measure following a rainstorm or to keep your pool clear and free of any residue. (This can differ according to different chlorine types and the seasons)
  • Deal with algae – Algae can be a pool owner’s arch nemesis, as it can turn your beautiful clear water cloudy and green in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, the stench isn’t great either. In order to keep algae from settling in, be sure and treat and destroy it as needed on a weekly basis.
  • Test the water – In order to ensure your pool water is balanced and treated the right way, it is a good idea to test the water at least once a month.

Monthly Maintenance Needs

Here are a few things you can do on a monthly basis to keep your pool clean and happy:

  • Clean the filter – Your pool technician should be able to provide you with a list of pool care products that you can use as a part of your maintenance routine, some of which will apply to your filter. Depending on the type of pool you have, you may also want to consider cleaning the filter at least once a month.
  • Salt cell- If you have a salt chlorinated pool, you will need to clean it when you clean your filter (every 3 months).

To learn more about pool maintenance in Hurst or to schedule an appointment with one of our pool technicians, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

Chlorine vs. Salt Water Pools: Which is Best?

If you have a pool in your background already or have started shopping around for a custom pool, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the debate of chlorine vs. salt water pools. One of the greatest debate topics in the world of home pools, there are pros and cons to both chlorine and salt water pools. Chlorine is the most common chemical used to kill bacteria in swimming pools and Jacuzzis, however, in recent years people have been opting for salt water pools over chlorine because of health concerns. Before we dive into the advantages and disadvantages of chlorine vs. salt water pools, let’s make one thing clear. While many green parents and eco-friendly folks are concerned about overexposure to high levels of chlorine absorbed through the skin in this type of pool, the reality is that it would take a lot of chlorine to cause any damage. In fact, salt water pools also have chlorine in them, throwing that debate point out the window.

That being said, it is important to stay on top of the maintenance and upkeep of your pool (regardless of which route you go) in order to ensure the chlorine levels are where they should be and are not posing any dangers to you or your loved ones. There is no clear cut ‘winner’ when it comes to chlorine vs salt water pools, it all depends on your preference and how much maintenance you are willing to put in.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Salt Water Pools

Again, we would like to reiterate that salt water pools do have some level of chlorine in them, however, the chlorine level is much lower in a salt water pool than a chlorine-specific pool. In a salt water pool, the water is chlorinated through chemical electrolysis that happens by way of a salt water generator or salt water chlorinator. Because of how this is done, salt water pools have less chlorine and do not dry the skin out as much as chlorinated pools. Let’s now take a look at a few of the advantages of salt water pools:

  • Less maintenance
  • Lower overall cost
  • Safer for your pets, kids, and family
  • Inhibits algae naturally
  • Easier on swimwear

Here is a look at a few of the disadvantages of salt water pools:

  • More up-front costs than chlorine pools
  • A consistent salt-to-water ratio level must be maintained
  • Salt must be added to the pool weekly or monthly, depending on environmental factors
  • It can take three to five days for the water to clear up in salt water pools

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools are historically better at clearing up bacteria in the water than salt water systems. In fact, the water in chlorine pools will typically appear much more transparent than that of salt water pools. It should only take 24 to 48 hours to clear up the water in chlorine systems.

Here is a look at the top advantages of chlorine pools:

  • Easy to operate
  • All you have to do is add tablets to the system in order to clean the water
  • Chlorine is efficient
  • Cost-effective
  • Costs less to install initially

Let’s now look at the disadvantages of chlorine pools:

  • Chlorine can be harmful to human skin, eyes, and hair
  • More maintenance-intensive than salt water pools

To learn more about our Hurst swimming pool options or if you have any questions about chlorine vs. salt water pools, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today.