How to Utilize Your Outdoor Space Over 4th of July Weekend

The 4th of July is the Perfect Time for an Outdoor Party

As we continue through 2020 and into the summer months, we inch closer and closer to the 4th of July. Independence Day is the day Americans all across the country celebrate our nation declaring independence from Great Britain. It’s the day we celebrate the birth of our nation. 4th of July weekend is often full of celebrations that include cooling off at the lake, grilling burgers and hot dogs, getting together with friends and family, and fireworks. The 4th of July is one of the most popular holidays to celebrate across the entire calendar.

While many people may choose to take a trip to the lake, visit a carnival, or go see a big fireworks show, just as many people would rather stay at home and throw their own party over 4th of July weekend. Throwing a backyard party over this holiday weekend may also be safer, as it keeps you in the comfort of your own home. After all, 4th of July weekend ranks third in fatal car accidents over holiday weekends.

If you do plan on throwing a party over this holiday weekend, you may be wondering how to best utilize your outdoor space. Whether you have a swimming pool, fire features, an outdoor kitchen, or outdoor living area, there are plenty of things you can do to throw the best 4th of July party. Mid City Custom Pool is here to provide you with some fun and useful tips.

Cook Outside

One of the best things about summer is that the weather is perfect for enjoying your time outside. Nothing beats going outside to throw down some ribs, burgers, corn on the cob, kebobs, and more on the grill while enjoying the sunshine. If you have an outdoor kitchen, you can easily and elegantly craft a perfect meal for 4th of July weekend for you and your guests.

Even if you just have a fire feature like a fire pit, you can still enjoy cooking outdoors. You can always buy a grill rack to place over your fire, or you can wrap up food in tin foil and bury it in burning charcoal or firewood. Whatever your means of cooking, these areas provide a focal point for gatherings over 4th of July weekend.

Set Up Tables and Tents

If you do plan on grilling outside and having family and friends come over, consider setting up some tables and even tents. Not everyone has a cabana, pergola, or other shaded sitting areas, so it would be thoughtful to your guests to set up your own shaded areas to ensure your guest don’t have to sit in the sun for too long. By doing so, you give guests an area to gather around and socialize while they wait for the food to be cooked. Consider setting out appetizers or beverages to keep guests satisfied!

Add Decorations

Regardless of if your outdoor space is big or small, you can still take advantage of the holiday weekend by adding some patriotic flair with the help of red, white, and blue decorations. Set up decorations along your outdoor tables and chairs. If you have tents, cabanas, or pergolas, you can hang some decorations along the top of them. For those eating, you can even buy patriotic disposable plates and cups. Be sure to have the American flag flying in one spot in your backyard. Get in the American spirit over 4th of July weekend!

Get the Pool Ready for Swimmers

The summer is known for being extremely hot. While many people love spending their days out in the sun, it can become unbearable being out in the heat for too long. If you plan on hosting guests for a 4th of July party, consider opening up your pool, especially if you know young children will be coming. This gives your guests a chance to have fun, get active, and cool off in the summer heat. You should always remember that if children are swimming, an adult should be watching to ensure that no accidents occur. Remember to also have spare towels ready for guests to dry off and sunscreen on hand to protect swimmers from the sun.

Fireworks

Fireworks are arguably the most popular way to celebrate over 4th of July weekend. If you do plan on shooting off fireworks, contact city or county officials to make sure that it is safe, and you are allowed to use fireworks in your area. While fireworks are widely popular, they are also dangerous. About 180 people go to the emergency room every day around the month surrounding the 4th of July due to fireworks-related injuries. Always be sure to practice proper firework safety.

If you don’t plan on shooting off fireworks yourself, you can always gather around your fire feature and watch fireworks that are being fired off around you.

End the Night Around the Fire

As the sun sets and the day comes to an end, you can still extend your 4th of July festivities by utilizing your fire feature. Summer nights can get chilly even though the summer is known for its warm weather. On these chilly summer nights, you and your guests can gather around your fire feature to stay warm, sharing a drink or one last snack. As you sit by the fire, you can look up to the night sky and watch as fireworks go off around you, putting the perfect cap to your 4th of July festivities.

The 4th of July is one of the most celebrated holidays throughout the country. After all, it is the celebration of our country’s birth. Countless families and friends come together to celebrate over 4th of July weekend. It does not matter if your backyard is big or small. You can still throw your own party this 4th of July. Mid City Custom Pools knows that you can always make the most of the space you have to throw the best party possible.

Summer Pool Care Tips

Caring for Your Pool is Crucial Over the Summer

With summer knocking on our doors, the time to take full advantage of your swimming pool is now! The days will be longer and hotter, so you’re going to need something to do all day that’ll keep you cool. While pools are the perfect amenity to have around the summer, they are still a lot of work. You can’t enjoy all the good things about your pool without putting in the time and effort to ensure that it is clean and functioning correctly.

While you should be caring for your pool year-round, summer pool care is vital. After all, you use your pool more in the summer than during any other time of the year. As more people enter your pool, so too do contaminants and other substances that can harm it. You must stay on top of your summer pool care to ensure you keep swimmers safe and your pool in top condition.

Mid City Custom Pools knows better than anyone how in-demand swimming pools are during summer. People are always looking to escape the heat and what better way to do that than with a pool? We also understand the importance of caring for your pool. Today, we will be providing you with some useful summer pool care tips.

Maintain Pool Chemistry

You need to make a habit out of checking your pool chemistry, no matter the time of year. The summer means that your pool will be in use far more often than before. Swimmers naturally carry contaminants on their skin and swimsuits that your pool’s chemicals must eliminate. The chemicals in your pool are there to help remove these substances to protect swimmers. Additionally, the summer heat can also affect pool chemistry.

The sun’s UV rays break down the chlorine in your pool through a process called oxidation. Combine this with the extra work your pool chemistry must do to eliminate contaminants, and your chemicals levels will run low. You should check your chemical levels multiple times a week. Always keep extra materials nearby, so you can easily and quickly replace them.

Maintain Water Level

As you already know, summers in Texas are incredibly hot. With the sun beating down on your pool, your pool’s water level will likely go down. The heat from the sun will cause the water to evaporate. That’s not the only way your pool can lose water. As people go in and out of your pool, they bring water out of it. Splashing also kicks a lot of water from your pool. Weather such as rain and heavy winds can add water or remove it, respectively.

Try to keep your water levels about halfway up the pool skimmer. Whenever this level is too low, it can run your pump dry and burn it out. When it’s too high, your skimmer won’t be able to work right. If your water level is too low, use a garden hose to bring it up. If it’s too high, you can find a submersible water pump to remove water.

Regularly Check Skimmer Baskets

Located on the side of the pool, the main job of a pool skimmer is to skim the surface of the pool to collect any debris and contaminants floating around before they become too saturated and sink to the bottom of your pool. These materials must be removed before they harm your pool.

The more efficient your skimmer, the more debris it can gather. With more swimmers getting in and out of your pool, more debris will likely come in, as well. Your skimmer will be collecting more than usual, so you must make check and clean out your skimmer at least once a week to ensure it functions at its best.

Clean Your Filter

One of the most vital summer pool care tips is regularly cleaning your pool filter. Your filter acts as the pool’s kidneys, meaning just like your kidneys, your filter works to removes impurities from your pool. They keep your pool looking crystal clean without wasting water. Since your pool will experience more usage over the summer than anytime else, you should clean your filter often.

You must rinse filters with warm water about once a week to rid them of any debris and sediment they have collected then let them air dry. Every few weeks, however, you should give them a deep clean. Remove the filter cartridge, spray them down with a garden hose, then rinse it in filter cleaner. Rinse it after and let it air dry before replacing it.

Skim and Scrub Your Pool

While your pool should have its own skimmer, you should regularly skim it yourself. There might be objects and debris too big to fit in your skimmer basket that you must remove manually. By doing this, you can ensure that your skimmer does not get too full too quickly. If possible, you can even buy an automatic vacuum for your pool.

Additionally, scrub the sides and floor of your pool to prevent algae build-up. You don’t need to do this near as often, though. Make sure you have the appropriate pool cleaning tools on hand.

Shock Your Pool

On top of the chemicals you add to your pool, don’t be afraid to shock your pool. Shocking your pool requires drastically raising the chlorine levels in your pool for a short period to kill off any germs and bacteria. Always do this after heavy rainfalls or particularly busy days. Shock your pool at the end of the day to ensure that the sun’s UV rays don’t affect the chlorine. Slowly pour shock into your pool. Run your filtration system overnight for 6-8 hours to circulate the shock. Wait to enter your pool until after the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Wash Your Pool Deck

Your pool deck also needs some love over the summer. After all, if your deck is dirty, it can mess up the aesthetic of your backyard. While it is not recommended that a nonprofessional operate a power wash, you can clean your deck using a high-pressure nozzle hose attachment and a deck brush.

With summer almost here, pool use is about to increase. This increased usage means more contaminants and debris will enter your pool. You must be prepared and ready for summer pool care to keep your pool clean and safe for all swimmers. Mid City Custom Pools understands how great a pool is in the summer, but we also know the importance of caring for a pool.

How the Summer Heat Can Affect Your Pool

Your Pool Is Not Impervious to the Heat

With each passing day, we inch closer and closer to summer. The start of summer means that the days will only get even hotter. One of the best ways to stay cool during the summer is by taking a dip into the waters of a swimming pool. Not only are pools great for escaping the summer heat, but they also provide you with a host of other benefits, such as staying active, entertainment for the family, and completing your backyard aesthetic.

While pools are perfect for the summer, they are not immune to the dangers of summer heat. After all, the sun is powerful. Even though a pool saves you from the heat, it eventually falls victim to it. All pool owners must be aware of how the summer heat can affect their pool and what they can do to ensure they are able to reap the most benefits from this backyard amenity.

Mid City Custom Pools wants all our customers to enjoy their summers to the best of their abilities. Arguably the best way to do so is with the help of an expertly crafted swimming pool. If you interested in beginning construction on your own pool, water feature, or fire feature, contact Mid City Custom Pools.

Sunlight and Chlorine

The sun gives off dangerous UV rays. During the summer, these rays are stronger than at any other point over the year. Additionally, the days are much longer in the summer, which means the sun will be beating down on your pool for hours on end. This extended time in the sun can have an impact on your pool.

Chlorine is beneficial to your pool because it keeps your pool clean and safe to swim in by killing germs, bacteria, and algae. Whenever your water gets green or cloudy or both, it usually means your chlorine levels are low. Too much chlorine is also harmful to swimmers, so as a pool owner, you must stay on top of your pool chemistry.

Chlorine demand occurs when there is a high level of inorganic and organic contaminants in the water that your chlorine has to work overtime to eliminate. When this happens, there is little chlorine left to protect swimmers from the dangers of harmful bacteria and algae. You should be consistently removing these contaminants on your own to ensure your chlorine can take care of more dangerous substances.

Additionally, as the weather gets hotter and hotter, more swimmers enter the pool. When swimmers enter a pool, they bring with them numerous organic and inorganic substances, which chlorine has to fight off. The more people in your pool throughout a day, the more your chlorine has to work.

However, the summer heat and the sun’s UV rays can also diminish your chlorine levels.

Chlorine Evaporation

Bacteria and algae tend to thrive in warmer environments, so summer is naturally a time where they flourish. When this occurs and bacteria multiply, your chlorine must work harder to kill it, which reduces your chlorine levels. This increase in bacteria growth forces you to need to add more chlorine than usual.

Additionally, the sun’s UV rays also break down the chlorine in your pool through a process called oxidation. Oxidation causes the chlorine to disappear from your pool and enter the air. On some of the summer’s hottest days, your pool can lose almost all its chlorine, so you must make a habit of checking your chemistry levels daily.

You may want to add more chlorine to your pool or even stabilizers to ensure they last longer and are much more effective during the season.

Dangers of Algae Blooms

Much how bacteria tend to thrive in warmer environments, so does algae. Chlorine is put in your pool to protect the pool system and swimmers from harmful substances, such as algae and bacteria. However, as we stated before, chlorine must work much harder to combat the multiplying bacteria and algae blooms that thrive in the summer heat.

With days growing longer and the weather getting hotter, your pool does not get a chance to cool down, even at night. Chlorine demand remains high at all hours, which allows algae to thrive. It is much easier (and cheaper) to prevent algae than it is to treat it.

Some algae just float freely in your pool, while others attach themselves to pool surfaces. Black algae, also known as cyanobacteria, form a root system in your pool and can be difficult to remove. It can also be dangerous.

The use of algaecide and regular scrubbing can help treat and prevent the growth of algae blooms.

Tips to Protect Your Pool

Taking care of your pool over the summer is meticulous and should be done regularly. The summer heat can make caring for your pool water more difficult. After all, bacteria and algae thrive in the heat, water evaporates quicker, and the sun’s UV rays oxidize your pool chlorine. Here are some tips to help you care for your pool in the summer heat:

  • Check your pool chemistry at least every two days. Check after heavy usage days, as well.
  • Always keep the proper chemicals, such as chlorine and calcium, on hand, so you can add chemicals whenever your chemistry is off.
  • Check the water level to ensure you haven’t lost too much water.
  • Clean your skimmer baskets and your filtration system.
  • Regularly rinse your filter.
  • Use an efficient algaecide if need be.
  • Regularly clean your pool by scrubbing the pool surface and skimming the waters.
  • Keep your filtration system running between 6-8 hours a day.

Many pool owners think because swimming pools are popular during the summer that they aren’t at danger in the heat. However, that’s not the case. The summer heat has an impact on your pool, especially your pool chemistry. You must stay on top of any changes in your pool and maintain your chemistry to ensure it’s safe to swim in and functions properly. If you are interested in adding a pool to your backyard, give Mid City Custom Pools a call today.

COVID-19 and Pool Builders

COVID-19 Has Impacted Many Businesses

The world is currently facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens the lives of millions across the globe. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was discovered in a food market in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which is now being officially referred to as COVID-19. The virus quickly spread across the entirety of China, and eventually, it made its way outside of the Chinese borders, infiltrating surrounding countries. In due time, it reached far away countries on different continents, including the United States. Due to this spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 officially a pandemic.

Millions of lives have already been impacted, as the virus has taken the lives of thousands and infected even more. COVID-19 has caused the entire planet to slow down, and in parts of the world, shut down completely. Even those who have not been affected by this virus directly have seen their lives impacted in other ways. Businesses have been forced to close their doors due to many government bodies issuing stay-at-home orders, banning the gathering of groups of ten or more.

COVID-19 not only threatens the lives of millions across the world, but it has also seen the livelihoods of millions affected. Mid City Custom Pools is one such business that has seen its operations affected in one shape or another. Today, we are going to be taking an in-depth look at COVID-19 and how it affects pool builders like Mid City Custom Pools.

Understanding COVID-19

COVID-19 is just one in a family of coronaviruses. These viruses travel from animals to humans, meaning they are zoonotic. The sicknesses they cause can be as mild as the common cold or cause life-threatening illnesses. COVID-19 is not the first coronavirus to spread across the world. There have been two other instances in the last 20 years of coronavirus spread. In 2003, a SARS outbreak began in Asia, claiming the lives of nearly 800 people. Then, starting in 2012, MERS begin to spread from Saudi Arabia and took the lives of 858 people.

COVID-19 has swiftly outpaced both SARS and MERS in confirmed cases and deaths. As of April 2nd, 2020, the 2019 novel coronavirus has:

  • 857,641 confirmed cases globally
  • 42,006 confirmed deaths globally
  • 205 infected countries, areas, territories

As you can see, this current pandemic has preceded anything we have seen in recent memory. According to WHO, nearly one in every six people falls severely ill from this virus. Fortunately, 80% of people will make a full recovery without the need for extensive treatment. However, it’s still vital that you remain aware of the common symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness
  • Aches and pains
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat

Even though you are aware of these symptoms, you must remember that the incubation period for COVID-19 is anywhere from 1-14 days, so even if you have contracted the virus, it may take time for your symptoms to appear.

The State’s Response

As the virus continues to spread across the world, in the United States, and within Texas, many government officials have made difficult decisions. While these decisions were made with the health and safety of the public and their communities in mind, they forced many people to make changes in their lives.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order on March 19, which banned the social gathering of ten or more people. Due to this order, theaters, gyms, restaurants, and many other establishments must temporarily close. Restaurants can remain open but only for to-go and delivery orders. Abbott’s order advised establishments to allow employees to work from home if they can. Only essential businesses are to remain open during this time. Many other communities within Texas have also taken steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Dallas County issued its own stay-at-home order, as well. If you have any questions regarding what they deem as essential activities, essential businesses, and non-essential businesses, they have provided a useful FAQ, answering all your inquiries. Most of these businesses are:

  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Government functions
  • Public transportation
  • Critical trades
  • Grocery stores and restaurants (to-go and delivery services)

How Mid City Custom Pools is Affected

As you can imagine, Mid City Custom Pools has also been affected in some ways by this crisis. We would like to let all of you know that we are still open and will be providing our customers with our services. The overall safety and well-being of our staff and customers is our highest priority. While we do still intend on continuing business as usual, we will follow the steps laid out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure our staff, customers, and entire community remain healthy and safe.

We will continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 so that we can continue to provide service to our customers without threatening their safety. Today, we would like to explain how Mid City Custom Pools has been affected and the steps we are taking the keep everyone safe.

  • For the time being, our offices will be closed to the public. Our staff will remain in-office to take any calls from existing customers, potential new customers, and our team of sub-contractors who we schedule construction tasks with daily.
  • While we do plan on continuing with business as usual, we will not be holding in-person consultations. Our sales personnel will work remotely, conducting meetings through phone calls, video, and email conferencing until further notice. With the technology at our disposal, we will be able to safely and effectively complete the sales and design process this way.
  • On job sites, our personnel will be practicing social distancing, keeping a respectful distance, to protect all parties. We will keep our homeowners in the loop as the cities in the area implement different working demands.

Delays

While we will still be operating during this time, our limited services will mean there will be delays. We are currently experiencing delays in the sales and construction process needed to begin the construction of your pool. Additionally, approvals from electric providers and city permitting departments are also experiencing delays.

COVID-19 is causing an unforeseen delay in the process of building pools, one that we are doing everything we can to work around. However, we are also experiencing seasonal delays due to the heavy and frequent rain that falls during the spring. It often takes a couple of days for the job site to dry before we can continue with construction.

Our dedicated sales personnel and construction teams will continue to work during this time, taking all the necessary steps and tactics to help us push forward to complete the construction of your project. However, due to the current pandemic the world and our country is facing, as well as the seasonal delays, we do ask for your patience. We are expecting to face longer delays due to the circumstances.

Our entire team at Mid City Custom Pools understands how difficult of a situation this has been for everyone. We hope that you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe during this time. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions regarding our services, do not hesitate to contact us.

What is the Perfect Pool Temperature?

Different Temperatures Are Needed For Different Situations

While winter is still in full swing, spring and summer are just around the corner. If you are a pool owner, that means you are inching closer and closer to being able to use your pool again. Even if you have a pool heater, the outdoor temperature may still be too cold to swim. Most pool heaters don’t work as efficiently in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (F).

As the weather begins to warm up, people are mentally preparing for pool season. While you get your pool ready, you may start wondering what the perfect pool temperature is. This is quite a heated discussion for many pool owners and experts. After all, jumping into your pool for a relaxing and refreshing swim isn’t as fun if your pool is too cold or too warm.

There is plenty of room for debate. However, there is no one perfect pool temperature. Several factors play into how warm or cold your pool temperature should be, including:

  • Size of your pool
  • Materials used to make your pool
  • Location of your pool
  • Pool’s orientation to the sun
  • The activities the pool is used for
  • The age of the swimmers
  • How many swimmers there will be

While there may not be one true perfect pool temperature, there are commonly accepted temperatures for certain ages and activities. Mid City Custom Pools is here to help you understand the right water temperatures for your pool.

Potential Dangers

It is important to find the right temperature for your pool. While there isn’t one temperature to rely on, it is important to understand the potential dangers of pools that are either too hot or too cold.

Many people often compare water temperatures to air temperatures. Air temperature sitting at 70 degrees F may feel perfect, but it may not be perfect for water. This temperature is entirely too cold for the human body. On the opposite end, water that is too warm also presents dangers to your body, as well.

  • Too Cold: The National Center for Cold Water Safety states that you should always treat water below 70 degrees F with caution. Water below 70 degrees is already below the threshold where breathing becomes difficult. Cold water is denser than warm water, which makes it harder to move in and puts more pressure on your chest. Cold pool waters have also been proven to lead to cardiac arrest.
  • Too Warm: No one wants to jump into a pool that is too cold, but you need to be careful when heating your pool. Water that’s too warm can negatively impact your body. It often causes dehydration, muscle cramps, and overheating. The highest temperature someone can sit in safely is 104 degrees F, like in a hot tub, but typically, you can only do this for about 10-15 minutes or shorter.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you don’t have a pool heater installed, the temperature of your pool will drop overnight, as it loses the heat it absorbed over the day. Covering your pool will help reduce heat loss.

Ideal Temperatures

Some areas in the world have temperatures that permit swimming year-round, even without a pool heater. However, most places have periods too cold for swimming. In these places, you need to pay attention to the temperature of your pool to ensure the most comfortable and safe swimming experience.

While there may not be one perfect pool temperature, the American Red Cross recommends a temperature at around 83 to 86 degrees F for leisurely swimming. At this temperature, your body can safely adjust to the physical demands while in the pool, even if those demands are light.

However, there are different cases and scenarios where a different temperature may be preferred.

For Competitive Swimming

Competitive swimming requires colder water to improve the safety of the swimmers. USA Swimming states that temperatures 78 to 82 degrees F are ideal for competitive and high-intensity swimming. Why do competitive swimmers require colder water?

As they move and work through the water, their bodies produce more natural heat than they would if they were casually swimming in the pool. Cooler water temperatures balance this out. However, you shouldn’t lower the temperature too much. As we mentioned previously, cold water is denser than warm water, which makes it harder to move through.

For Young Children

A good rule of thumb to follow is that the younger the swimmer, the warmer the water. Because of their size, children retain much less heat than adults do. This means if they jump into water that is too cold, they are more at risk of suffering the effects of cold water much faster.

The American Red Cross recommends that children’s pools should be at 80 degrees or warmer. They also recommend 84 degrees F for swim lessons for children. This helps them stay relaxed in a new environment while also keeping their muscles warm and loose. Their breathing won’t be labored, as well.

For Seniors

Seniors require careful consideration. As our bodies age, they become less tolerant of changes in temperature, becoming more vulnerable to both heat and cold. Pools that are too cold or too hot can cause seniors to feel uncomfortable.

For older adults, a temperature ranging from 83 to 86 degrees F presents the highest level of comfort and safety in high-intensity activities. For leisurely swimming, a temperature ranging between 86 to 88 degrees F is ideal.

For Hydrotherapy

One of the best ways to recover from injuries or to exercise without causing damage to joints is hydrotherapy. The buoyancy of water relieves the pressure on joints, providing you with a low impact exercise. For hydrotherapy, the pool temperature should be warmer, sitting between 90 to 95 degrees F.

The warm water soothes aching muscles, loosening them up. It relieves pressure on joints and bones. Overall, it helps reduce body stiffness and pain.

Everyone is looking to maximize their time spent with their swimming pool. This includes looking for the perfect pool temperature. However, there isn’t one temperature that works for everyone and every occasion. People of different ages and different activities require different temperatures. If you have any questions regarding the temperature of your pool, contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

The History of Swimming Pools

Pools Span Throughout Human History

For many years, swimming pools have been viewed as luxuries in many cultures and countries around the world. In today’s era, pools have become commonplace in various corners of the globe. Virtually every country has swimming pools. Because the majority of the world has become so familiar with pools, no one stops to wonder when the first pools first appeared. Were they always a part of our culture, or did they only just make their appearance in human history?

Pools have existed for quite some time. While they weren’t always used the way they are now, they have been a part of how we socialize with one another. Whether they were used for sport, bathing, or religious ceremonies, swimming pools have been an intrinsic part of human culture.

As a premier North Texas pool builder, Mid City Custom Pools would like to explore the history of swimming pools and their uses throughout human history, covering the first appearance of pools to modern pools.

The Great Bath

There are countless natural swimming holes throughout the world. They have served the same purpose as swimming pools, but they are natural. It wouldn’t be a reach, however, to assume that these natural pools inspired the creation of the man-made swimming pools we know and love today.

Many believe that the first man-made swimming pool dates back to 2,600 B.C.E. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is widely considered to be the earliest public water tank in ancient history. The bath found in Sindh, Pakistan, measures 39 feet long by 23 feet wide with a depth of around 8 feet. It has two staircases on each end that lead into the pool. The builders of this pool were experts at their craft. They were able to ensure the bath was water-tight by securely fitting bricks together with gypsum plaster. The walls were also similarly built. A layer of natural tar was laid on the sides of the tank and possibly underneath the pool floor.

Most experts believe that the Great Bath was used for special religious ceremonies, using the water to cleanse and purify those coming in and out of its water.

More Ancient Pools

Pools continued to grow in popularity as time passed by. The Romans and Greeks began to view pools as luxuries. During their peaks, the way people lived their lives drastically changed. The quality of life improved greatly, leading to an increase in individual wealth. Pools began to be viewed as luxuries within these cultures.

During this time, pools were used for aesthetic purposes, adding a level of elegance and beauty to traditional architecture, much like they do today. However, they were also used for bathing, socializing, exercising, religious ceremonies, and much more.

Between the 6th and 8th century B.C., the ancient Greeks had areas known as “palaestras.” These were essentially athletic establishments where individuals would come to train. People would come to wrestle, play ball sports, box, and more. The Romans would eventually adopt palaestras themselves.

The Greek philosopher Plato believed that young children needed to learn to swim as a part of their core curriculum, alongside mathematics, writing, astronomy, and other courses.

The Romans took swimming pools and innovated them even further. They created the first swimming pools separate from bathing pools. Additionally, the Roman lord, Gaius Maecenas, was credited with designing and commissioning the first heated pool. Following his creation, heated pools then became a staple within the Roman Empire.

At their peak, the Romans were able to create a massive 900,000 square foot pool in 305 A.D. They used this pool for bathing, swimming, socializing, and much more. Giant fires beneath its surface were used to warm the water. Conduits in the columns and walls were able to distribute heat throughout the pool’s water.

Modern Pools

While swimming pools were very popular during the Greek and Roman empires, it took quite some time for the rest of the world to catch on. Swimming pools didn’t become popular again until around the mid 19th century. At this time, Britain’s National Swimming Society introduced the first competitive swimming pools in the early 1800s.

There were plenty of indoor competition pools throughout London, and the National Swimming Society of England took advantage of this surplus. They established many swimming competitions throughout the country. The events gained so much popularity that it led to the formation of the Amateur Swimming Association in 1880.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, the first U.S. swimming pool was opened in Boston in 1868. It was established in a poor neighborhood where the residents couldn’t afford pools or baths.

In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held, which happened to include swimming races as one of the events. The inclusion of swimming as an Olympic event only increased the popularity of these amenities.

At the end of World War II, the popularity of swimming pools skyrocketed. They became status symbols. With the emergence of the middle class and their glamorization in Hollywood movies, pools became must-have consumer purchases.

Improved Technology

With the increase in demand for swimming pools following World War II, pool builders needed to find a faster way to create pools, which brings us to gunite. Gunite was invented in the early 1900s. This material allowed builders to install pools much faster and for less money. It also allowed them to become more creative in their pool designs.

The technology used in creating pools continued to improve in the 20th century. Pools began to use chlorination and filtration systems to ensure that the water in the pool was clean and safe to swim in. Before, you had to completely drain the water from the pool and replace it.

Swimming pools have become an intrinsic part of American and human culture. They can be found in every corner of the world, no matter how big a country may be. With the advancements in materials, pools are far more complex and customizable than ever before. If you are interested in creating your own backyard oasis, contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

How to Maintain a Spa

Maintaining Your Spa Ensures It Lasts a Lifetime

Adding a spa or hot tub to your backyard oasis puts you on the fast track to a life of ultimate relaxation. It provides you with an easy to access spot to unwind and relax after a long, stressful day. While having a spa will undoubtedly improve your overall quality of life, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Your spa can’t function at its best without some tender loving care from you.

To optimize your overall hot tub soaking experience, you must include regular hot tub maintenance to your household chores. If you own a swimming pool along with a spa, then you already possess some important knowledge when it comes to how to maintain a spa.

Mid City Custom Pools is here to provide some useful tips and tricks to help you maintain a spa. We strive to ensure each of you enjoys the benefits of your spa, while also making sure your hot tub remains in tiptop shape.

Maintain Chemistry

Just like in your pool, the chemistry in your hot tub should always be a priority. If you are a brand-new spa owner, then your water chemistry should be easy to maintain since the water won’t have been contaminated by countless bodies coming in and out of it.

For pool owners, maintaining your spa’s chemistry is very similar to your pool. However, its size plays a larger role. You will still be focusing on the same levels as your pool, such as the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and more.

Before adding any chemicals to your pool, you must first test your hot tub with an at-home testing kit once your spa is full.

  • pH: The water in your hot tub should have a pH level sitting around 7.4 to 7.6. Values any lower than this are too acidic and can cause water to eat at the hardware of your spa. It can even harm your skin and eyes. If the pH level is too high, the water becomes basic, which reduces sanitizer effectiveness and leads to cloudiness.
  • Alkalinity: Shoot for alkalinity that ranges from 80 ppm (parts per million) to 120 ppm. The alkalinity levels directly affect your pH levels, so make sure you level out your alkalinity first.
  • Calcium Hardness: This level should always stay around 100 to 250 ppm. However, if your pool has a plaster finish, it can go as high as 450 ppm. If your spa doesn’t have enough calcium, it will then begin to draw calcium from other parts of your hot tub.
  • Sanitizer: Sanitizers, like chlorine and bromine, help keep your pool clean. Follow the directions of the container of your sanitizer and double-check your pH and alkalinity levels afterward. While chlorine has been the standard for so long, bromine has quickly taken its spot due to its reduced harshness and less potent smell. If you use chlorine, aim for 1.2 to 3 ppm. For bromine, shoot for 3 to 5 ppm.

Regularly test your hot tub chemistry at least once a week. You should also keep a surplus of chemicals on hand in a cool, dry area in case they are needed.

Circulate Water

Your spa water should be regularly circulated to keep it free from contaminants. Depending on the type of hot tub you have, your model may have a built-in automatic circulation schedule, which makes sure it runs at least once a day for about 15 to 20 minutes. If your spa doesn’t have an automatic system, then you should turn it on for 15 to 20 minutes at least once a day to keep your water fresh.

The purpose of this practice is to send your water through your hot tub’s cartridge filter to remove any contaminants. Even if you don’t use your spa daily, plenty of sediment builds up in its water that can affect your soaking experience. The more your spa runs, the cleaner it’ll be.

Clean Your Spa

Just because cleaning your hot tub is obvious doesn’t mean it isn’t vital. Not only does it ensure that your spa looks good, but it ensures it works to its full potential. Regardless if your hot tub is indoor or outdoor, you must regularly clean it. However, outdoor pools need a little more love and attention. They are more susceptible to debris like leaves, dirt, and even the occasional small animal.

At least once a week, take a sponge and wipe down the shell of your spa along with its jets. Scrub away at the scum line on the water’s edge, too.

Don’t forget to clean the inside of the tub, as well. There are spa vacuums, like those used in pools, that collect any dirt and sediment build-up on the seats and floor.

However, every three to four months, you should drain your pool to give it a thorough deep cleaning, more often if you frequently use it or have a lot of people in it. Once your deep cleaning is done, and your spa is filled, be sure to test its chemistry again.

Cleaning Your Filter

As we mentioned earlier, circulating your spa water helps keep it maintained. While your filter can handle quite a bit of work, you still need to keep up with it. They can typically last for some time, but for them to last long, you have to maintain them.

You can do this by:

  • Rinsing it. Take your filter out and rinse it as often as possible, around every two weeks. Using warm water or even just a regular garden hose, rinse out each pleat in the cartridge to ensure there is no dirt or debris left in it. Allow it to air dry before placing it back in.
  • Spray it. You should also give your filter a spray with a hot tub filter cleaner to give it a much deeper clean. Rinse it after its spray.
  • Soak it. Every time you drain your pool for a deep clean, soak your filter in a chemical cleaner. This helps loosen up any particles that are left in the pleats. Rinse it after its soak.

You should replace your filter if it doesn’t function properly. This will become quite evident when it happens.

Owning a spa adds a level of sophistication and relaxation to your life that you’ve never experienced before. However, to truly reap the benefits of this wonderful amenity, you must properly maintain it. If you wish to learn more ways to properly maintain a spa, contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

New Year, New Pool? Is It Time to Renovate Your Pool?

Take Advantage of the New Year and Renovate Your Pool

We have finally entered a brand-new year and a brand-new decade! The start of a new year is the perfect time to step back and reassess many areas of your life. Many people all across the world take this time to make changes in their lives, some personal and some professional. People tend to make New Year’s Resolutions that involve weight loss or reading more. However, Mid City Custom Pools would like to remind you of one change homeowners can take advantage: pool renovations.

The beginning of the year is arguably the best time to start renovations for your pool. Whether there are repairs that need to be made, or you simply want to update the aesthetic of your pool, use the start of the new year to ensure your pool is ready and renovated for the summer of 2020.

If you are looking to renovate your pool in the early stages of the year, contact Mid City Custom Pools. Our expert pool builders have the experience and knowledge needed to ensure that your pool is better than ever.

Why the New Year is the Best Time to Renovate Your Pool

While there is no bad time to remodel or renovate your pool, especially if there are repairs that need to be made, the beginning of the year is arguably the best time to do it. Much like deciding when the best time to build a pool is, there are plenty of reasons why building your pool at the start of the new year is ideal, including:

  • It’s the Offseason: The new year is during the winter season, which means you have already shut your pool down. Taking the time to remodel your pool won’t affect how and when you use your pool. You weren’t going to be using it during the winter, anyway.
  • Less Competition: Pool builders typically have very busy schedules during the spring and summer months. However, in the winter, their schedules are far more open, providing you the chance to renovate your pool much faster.
  • Better Building Weather: The spring is well-known for its rain. If you were to renovate your pool during the spring, you put your schedule at risk. Rainy days often push back the completion time for your project.
  • Ready by Summer: No matter the level of renovation needed for your pool, if you were to plan ahead and schedule renovations at the beginning of the year, your pool will be more than ready by summer, when it is needed most.
  • Take Advantage of Landscaping: Lastly, when your pool is being remodeled, your mind may spark new ideas of how to improve the overall aesthetic of your backyard. It typically takes some time for vegetation to take root, so while your pool is being renovated, you can focus energy on improving the landscape of your backyard to match your renovated pool.

Most Common Remodeling Options

If you are a long-time pool owner, then you are fully aware that every so often, your pool needs some work done in order for it to function properly. Additionally, pools go through plenty of wear and tear every season, so it’s only natural that they would need to be renovated to bring them back to their old glory. Whether there are repairs that must be done or you want to stay on top of upcoming pool trends, the beginning of the new year is the perfect time to start renovations.

Some of the most common remodeling options include:

  • Resurfacing: This is a very important reason for renovating your pool. If the surface of your pool has been compromised in any way, it can lead to pool leaks, which can be extremely dangerous if not taken care of promptly. If you recognize any signs that your pool may have a leak, do not wait.
  • Tile/Coping Repair: While coping is structurally important to your pool, it also provides you with an opportunity to improve the aesthetic of your pool. The coping and tile in and around your pool add style and elegance to your backyard oasis. If you recognize any cracks or simply want to update its look, replace your tile and coping this new year.
  • Decking: While not exactly part of your pool, your deck is still an extension of it. If you’ve had your pool for a few years, your deck has probably seen better days. You may just need more room to entertain more guests than before, so you want to extend your deck. Whatever the need may be, replacing or extending your deck is very common during renovations.
  • Adding Fire Features: One of the most popular trends heading into 2020, fire features are pool additions that many owners look to add during renovations. They add a level of elegance to your backyard, while also extending the use of your backyard amenity. Even if the fire feature is completed before the summer, you can still use it during the remaining winter months.
  • Adding Water Features: Just like fire features, water features are also popular options heading into 2020. Adding a water feature provides you with a relaxing and tranquil environment. You can include a simple waterfall design or get very creative. Either way, water features add a level of sophistication to your backyard.

Trusted Pool Builders

With the new year, many people tend to make changes to their lives. If you are a pool owner, one of these changes may be to renovate your pool. Whether you need to make repairs or just want to make your pool look brand-new again, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to remodel your pool. Not only is there more availability for pool builders, but it will be ready just in time for the summer. If you are looking to make renovations to your backyard oasis, contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

What to Know Before Getting a Pool Slide

A Slide Can Be A Great Addition to Your Pool

Pools are a source of limitless fun, excitement, and relaxation. They are a great way to keep your children occupied while also providing you with a chance to cool off during hot summer months. However, excitement in the pool does not stop there! There are several amenities you can add to your pool, including water features, diving boards, and slides. A pool slide is a particularly exciting feature that provides your children with the chance to feel like they are at a water park.

Slides aren’t just for children, however! Adults can also take advantage of the excitement that slides offer. If you are interested in adding a pool slide, it is important to know that you don’t have to get one right away. They can be installed at any point. If you want to add it while you are building your in-ground pool, that’s fine. If you want to wait until a later date, that works, as well. Just remember to make sure that there is enough space left over to include it.

Before you add a pool slide, there is other important information that you need to be aware of.

Size of Your Pool

Regardless if you already have a pool, or you are planning on including a slide during the construction of your pool, the size of it matters. Some pools simply don’t work with a slide. For example, an infinity pool is designed to be an elegant and peaceful body of water. A colorful and crazy pool slide would stick out and not blend with the design or shape of the pool at all.

Some freeform swimming pools and geometric swimming pools will work perfectly with a slide, but you should always consult with your pool builder to make sure that a slide would work both practically and aesthetically.

Lap pools also wouldn’t work with a slide. It is far too narrow and would essentially defeat the purpose of a lap pool. It may not even pass city regulation, as well.

Location

The space in your backyard is premium real estate. If you already have a pool, you have to ensure that there is enough space left to fit a slide. When building your in-ground pool, you can discuss with your pool builder what space is needed to make sure a slide will properly fit.

You have to remember that not only do you need space for the slide itself, but also its ladder. Most pool slides require a minimum area of 8 feet x 15 feet, depending on the style of your pool. You need ample deck space around the slide to enable proper access to the ladder. Without the appropriate space, you and your guests may have to awkwardly travel around the pool or even walk underneath the slide itself. Both of these actions can be inherently dangerous.

Try to aim the slide facing your patio or outdoor living space so you can keep an eye on your children using it. Also, make sure this space is near the deep end of the pool to make sure that no one gets hurt when sliding.

Safety Regulations

While pool slides provide you and your family with countless hours of fun, they can also be dangerous if not installed correctly. Even when they are, you, as the pool owner, need to ensure that the amenity remains in good shape, protecting anyone who chooses to use the pool add-on.

There are several safety regulations that must be followed to ensure no one is harmed while using your slide, including:

  • Making sure all ladders, steps, or ramps have nonslip tread on them
  • The angle of the slide’s ladder or steps keep the user’s center of gravity balanced
  • The slide should be able to bear a capacity of 300 lbs. without failing or getting damaged
  • All slides must be wet for safe sliding
  • Handrails on the slide must be at the appropriate height for all users and must be nonslip
  • The exit of the slide must be a safe distance away from the walls of the pool and in the deep end
  • During pool service, give the slide a shake to catch any loose bolts or other damages

Pool safety is always important, no matter who is using the pool.

Design and Materials

We live in a time where designs for pool slides have gotten extremely complex. There are those that are still very simple, resembling the designs that you imagine when thinking about pool slides. However, many pool builders’ limits are only hindered by your imagination. Many pool builders can create slides that mimic natural elements, including rocks and stones to give your pool a more natural aesthetic. All you need to do is consult with your pool builder to figure out what they are capable of doing.

Some of the most popular materials used when creating slides are prefabricated polyethylene plastic and fiberglass gel coat. Acrylic was once used to produce slides, but the material could not keep its color while in the elements. The slides are always constructed offsite.

For custom slides and a more natural look, tile, smooth, molded concrete, or peddles are used to craft the chute. For peddles, a wax resin is applied on top to protect those sliding.

Maintenance

If you own a pool, you are completely aware of how much time is needed to keep your pool clean. However, many pool owners don’t even think to clean their pool, but they should. After all, your pool slide is constantly outside, spending each day out in the elements. If you fail to properly maintain them, they can become damaged and wobbly or discolored.

The screws and bolts used to secure your slide in place will eventually need to be tightened or replaced. To improve the finish of your pool, you can utilize a glazing or polishing kit.

Owning a pool is a big commitment, and adding a pool slide only increase that commitment. There are several aspects to owning a slide that every pool owner must be aware of before they decide to include one to their backyard real estate. If you have any questions regarding pool slides, contact the trusted pool builders at Mid City Custom Pools.

5 Ways Swimming Helps Athletes

Swimming Can Help Athletes in Any Sport

How athletes train for their respective sport can vary greatly. Baseball players don’t have to prepare their bodies for the heavy collisions football players do. Basketball players don’t have to prepare their bodies to endure the elements like soccer or football players do. Each sport has unique training methods. However, swimming may be a training element that can help all athletes, regardless of sport.

The buoyancy of water greatly affects the level of coordination and movement required to operate within this environment. There is less pressure applied to your joints and muscles, yet there is more resistance for movement because water is denser than air. This presents an interesting opportunity for athletes preparing for their upcoming seasons.

Stepping into a pool provides much more perks outside of just cooling down on a hot day. Exercising in water has countless benefits for any athlete.

Improves Recovery

One of the most important aspects of any athlete when it comes to playing a sport is their recovery. After spending hours performing at the highest level, they are expected to bounce back and do it all over again a week later for football players to even the next day for baseball players. If they aren’t able to recover in time, their performance will likely suffer, and there is a higher chance they can sustain a serious injury.

Swimming is a low-impact exercise. The water’s buoyancy protects your joints and muscles from heavy impact felt on land. Athletes dealing with chronic injury may find pain relief while exercising in water.

A study published by the International Journal of Sports Medicine focused on the recovery and performance of nine top triathletes. All of them went through an interval run of 8 x 3 minutes at 85% to 90% peak velocity twice. Ten hours after their run, some laid down while others swam 2,000 meters for the same amount of time. Another 14 hours after that, they performed a high-intensity run until fatigue to measure their performance after recovery.

The researchers found that even though there was no significant difference in how the athletes perceived their recovery, there was a 14% improvement in run time for those who recovered with swimming – 13:50 versus 12:08. This helps highlight that not only does swimming help prevent injuries by being low impact, but it also improves recovery.

Strengthens Lung Capacity

Swimmers spend a great deal of their time underwater, so being able to hold their breath for an extended period is crucial to their performance. Because of how swimmers move through the water, their breathing must also be controlled as well. While they swim, their heads move above and below the surface of the water. They must be able to strategically breathe to ensure they perform at their best.

Swimmers are required to perform high-intensity workouts without the limitless amounts of air that land athletes have. Thus, their lung capacity will significantly increase. This strengthened lung capacity will also improve their performance on land as they will have a near limitless supply of oxygen. There are further studies that prove the connection between swimming and improved lung capacity.

Controlling your breathing is also crucial to ensure your body stays at peak performance. As you learn to control your breathing, you will also be able to better regulate your heart rate. Following an intense workout, controlled breathing allows you to lower your heart rate much quicker than before. Swimming helps athletes train their breathing to get the most out of their performance.

Strengthens Core

What makes swimming such a great exercise is that it involves every muscle in your body. When swimming, the kicking motion used to propel you forward activates and strengthens your core much quicker than weight training. Your core strength is incredibly important in sports that your posture and balance are necessary to the performance of your game.

Golfers and baseball players need their core strength to help keep their body aligned to produce a powerful swing of a club or a bat. Gymnasts need a strong core to help them keep their balance and stay upright when performing. Having good core strength helps athletes transfer power from their lower body to upper body and vice versa.

One exercise to isolate your core is by using a flotation device to keep your upper body up while you kick your legs to push yourself forward. You are getting a great exercise even though it doesn’t feel like it since working out in water is less painful and tiresome.

Boost Cardiovascular Endurance

When an athlete is preparing for the start of a new season, they are focusing less on workouts specific to their sport and more on simply getting back into shape. They have to improve your cardiovascular endurance through different training techniques. While many athletes utilize running and cycling as a way to improve their endurance, these can be detrimental as they impact your joints and muscles.

As we have mentioned previously, swimming is a low-impact exercise that does not stress your body. Many athletes aren’t used to swimming, so they will be giving their body a new challenge to overcome and deal with. 

Builds Muscle

Many athletes view swimming as purely a cardio exercise, but that is far from the case. Water is denser than air, which makes it harder for you to move through it. Due to this, swimming and water exercises are a form of resistance training. All of the muscles in your body are needed for you to move through the water. This allows you to build long, lean muscle. Your arms build muscle with your strokes, and your lower body gets stronger as you kick.

Certain swimming styles help you strengthen specific muscles, and these muscles boost your metabolism. Swimming allows you to build healthy muscle without putting stress on your joints.

Swimming has been long known to be a great exercise throughout the world. However, athletes of other sports could greatly benefit from adding swimming to their training regime. It helps prevent injuries and helps with recovery. You can even improve your breathing and muscle growth. Having a pool allows you to help any athlete, young or old. Contact Mid City Custom Pools to learn about our pool offers.