The Importance of Getting Your Pool Inspected

So many homeowners have an outdoor pool in Trophy Club. It’s no wonder considering how brutal the Texas heat can be. Many people fail to realize that after you build your pool, you aren’t quite finished. While pools require consistent maintenance, it is also highly recommended that you have regular pool inspections.

Pools are a big investment; however, they bring so many benefits to you, your family, and your home. If you have been wondering whether or not you should have your pool inspected, keep reading to learn a few of the ways that a pool inspection will benefit you.

Keep your pool in great condition

While your pool was an investment, it is important that you engage in regular upkeep. Ensure that you are keeping your pool in mint condition by having inspections once a year, or every couple of years, to identify any problems or malfunctions that need to be addressed.

Saving you money in the long run

Having your pool inspected regularly could actually save you a lot of money, time, and frustration in the long run. An inspection will ensure that a professional is there and able to catch any issues with your pool that could have potentially gone unnoticed. Pool problems that go unnoticed can often lead to much bigger, much more expensive problems quite quickly, which is why it is important to catch them early on.

Keeping your pool safe for family and friends

Another very important reason to have your pool regularly inspected is to ensure the safety of your family and friends using the pool. This is especially applicable to families with small children. A pool inspector will be able to determine the safety of your pool, and legal requirements for pool fence barriers, etc.

Avoid liability cases

No one wants someone to be injured on their property, but the reality of the matter is that if someone is injured in your pool, you could be held liable. Keep your pool safe and in the appropriate condition to ensure you cannot be held liable for any on-site injuries.

It is important to take great care of your pool to ensure that you retain your investment as well as keep your loved ones safe. If you are looking for pool updates or construction, here at Mid City Custom Pools we can help. Our highly recommended outdoor pool builder in Trophy Club will work with you to complete or update your pool with you as the priority. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

5 Ways Swimming Can Help You Lose Weight This Year

It is officially the year 2019. While it is the beginning of the year, you might have new year’s resolutions on your mind. While a large majority of people have health-related resolutions, one of the most popular goals is to lose weight. Did you know that swimming is one of the number one exercises you can engage in?

Swimming has multiple exercise benefits

There are a lot of benefits when it comes to swimming for exercise. Not only is it a cardiovascular workout (good for a healthy heart and burning fat) but it is also great for building lean muscle. Swimming regularly can help to improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Another reason swimming is such a wonderful and healthy exercise is that the buoyancy allows for less impact on your body which means healthy and happy joints. It is highly recommended for those who have disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women because it is so easy on the body. If you still aren’t convinced, keep reading to learn more about how swimming can help you lose weight this year.

#1 Swimming is a full-body workout
Swimming is well-known for being one of the only exercises that uses almost every muscle in your body. It targets all of your major muscle groups and helps create for an excellent figure.

#2 Swimming can help you burn fat
Because swimming is an aerobic/cardiovascular exercise, it helps you burn fat and lose weight. It is great for your heart and your lungs and can help improve circulation and oxygen absorption into the muscles and body.

#3 Swimming can help you improve your strength and muscle tone
Swimming is not only a cardiovascular workout but consists of various resistance movements. These resistance movements can help you improve your strength as well as increase your muscle tone. Increasing your muscle tone not only improves your figure but the more muscle you have the more calories your body burns, therefore again assisting in weight loss.

#4 Swimming helps to improve flexibility
The various strokes and movements involved in swimming help elongate and stretch out your muscles, therefore it is very helpful in improving flexibility.

#5 Swimming regularly can help improve your sleep and boost your mood
Swimming is a healthy exercise and it has been proven over and over again that regular exercise can improve one’s sleep as well as boost one’s overall mood. The better your sleep and the better your mood, the easier it is to lose weight and have a healthy body and mind.

On top of all the health benefits of swimming, we all know working out in the Texas heat can take a toll on o, another reason why having a swimming pool in Trophy Club this summer is a great option for an outdoor workout alternative. The best news is, if you start on your pool now, you can have it finished just in time for the warmer weather.

If you are busy looking for a trusted pool builder in Trophy Club, here at Mid City Custom Pools, we can help. Turn to our team of experts to help you design and build the pool of your dreams. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consolation, contact us today.

5 Cool Swimming Pool Facts

Swimming pools are one of the most popular means of pastime, relaxation, exercise, and of course fun. With swimming pools being so popular, we thought it might be interesting to learn a few fun facts about them and their nature. Next time you hop in the pool with your family and friends, share a few of these cool swimming pool facts!

#1 Pool water is the same if not “healthier” than tap water

While many people think that pool water is full of chemicals or full of germs, they tend to worry a bit whenever they accidentally swallow pool water while swimming. However, one shouldn’t worry, as pool water (if balanced and maintained properly) is actually the same, if not healthier, to consume than some tap water.

#2 Swimming is one of the best exercises you can engage in

Did you know that swimming for exercise uses nearly every muscle in your body? This is just one of the reasons why swimming is such amazing exercise. Not only does it burn a ton of calories, but you keep cool while you do it, and it is much easier on your body than typical high-impact workouts, specifically your joints.

#3 The first pool was built over 5,000 years ago

The first pool was built over 5,000 years ago and is known as the Great Bath of Mohenjodaro. It is an inground pool and was constructed out of brick in its entirety. The plaster used was gypsum and the waterproofing was completed via tar membrane. It is thought to have been used for quite different reasons than what you might use your swimming pool in Trophy Club for, rather religious rituals rather than recreation.

#4 The White House has two swimming pools

The White House has two swimming pools, one which is indoor and one which is outdoor. The indoor pool was installed by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 to aid him in his physical therapy for his suffering of polio. Later, in 1975, President Gerald Ford installed an outdoor pool at the White House. The outdoor pool is entered via a tunnel passage that was created for the privacy of the Presidential family.

#5 The largest backyard swimming pool is in Texas

Did you know that the largest outdoor pool in the world is located in Texas? Right outside of Houston, in El Campo, lies Mike Mobley’s 600,000+ gallon pool that is over 3 acres in size. The pool has a 500-foot lazy river, 6 waterfalls, and a 21-foot slide.

Turns out pools can be just as fascinating as they are fun, and now you will be able to impress your friends and family at the next pool party with these 5 cool pool facts. If you are looking for a trusted pool builder in Trophy Club to renovate or construct the pool of your dreams, here at Mid City Custom Pools we can help. Discover the joy and entertainment a pool can give you and your family and call us today.

The Importance Of Chlorine To Your Swimming Pool

If you have an outdoor pool in Trophy Club, it is important to make sure you are giving it proper care. Outdoor pools are exposed to multiple elements, bacteria, algae, fungi, etc., so in order to ensure the health and safety of your loved ones who are swimming in it, you must maintain balanced and clean water. A large part of maintaining the quality of your water is via your chlorine levels.

What is chlorine?

Chlorine is the chemical that is most commonly used to keep swimming pools clean and clear of bacteria and other elements that may be harmful to us. The chemical is designed to kill those bacteria and harmful elements. Chlorine is constructed of various chemicals, including ones such as hypochlorous acid (HOCI) and hypochlorite ion (OCI). The various chemicals compounded into chlorine are designed to work together to destroy germs, bacteria, and microorganisms that can be harmful to humans.

How does water become contaminated?

Many people fail to realize the levels of contaminants that make their way into the pool. These microorganisms are too small to see but can be harmful to those exposed. Pool water can become contaminated due to multiple factors. Most often the pool is exposed via the environment and humans themselves.

Environmental factors such as various weather elements contribute immensely to water contamination. The wind blows various debris, dust, and germs into the pool, while the rain can carry algae spores and natural condensation from unsanitary water sources. Humans contribute via sweat, cosmetics and body oils, saliva, urine, etc.

What does chlorine protect us from and how?

Chlorine’s particular chemical compound is designed to kill harmful organisms and bacteria by targeting and attacking the lipid cells within those organisms and oxidizing them making them effectively harmless. Some examples of waterborne germs that chlorine protects us from are those that can cause diarrhea, swimmer’s ear, and multiple different skin infections

Chlorine is desirable above other cleaning agents simply based on its effective chemical reactions. It has proven to be one of the most efficient at targeting the particular bacteria and microorganisms that are harmful to us as humans. It is vital that chlorine is managed and implemented in the correct amounts so that it can do its job while not becoming harmful. Incorrect and regulated amounts chlorine is perfectly fine in exposure with humans, but its proper maintenance is of immense importance.

While your pool is a major investment and source of entertainment and enjoyment in you and your family’s lives, it is important that you properly maintain and care for it. As time goes on, many pool owners like to adjust, update, and make renovations to their pools and backyard. These renovations, just as the initial pool’s construction, should be completed by an expert and trusted outdoor pool builder in Trophy Club. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, our team wants to help you reach the backyard of your dreams. For questions or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

5 Things You Should Know Before Building A Pool

So, you’re taking a dive into building a pool. A pool is a big investment which will add to the value of your home if built properly. It’s best to have a good idea of what you want when deciding on what kind of pool you’re looking for. Consider these questions to help you gain a better idea of what you want out of your pool.

Why do you want a pool?

Surprisingly, a lot of people who want a pool built haven’t much consideration into what having a pool means aside from being able to have a cool place to go for a dip in the summer. There are other things to consider when wanting to build a pool. Do you want a pool to increase the value of your home? Do you want a pool because it will be a great way to get more usage out of your backyard? There are a lot of reasons to build a pool, and you may find that you have a lot more than one.

What will it be used for, and by whom?

Knowing what you plan to use your pool sounds simple enough right? You want to go for a swim whenever feel like. Well I mean it can be easy as that, but what if you have an aquatic fitness fanatic who wants to swim laps an hour a day? Taking these factors into account will help you narrow out the type of pool you want to build. If children will be using your pool there are a lot more factors to be considered, such as safety.

What style of pool do I want?

There is a lot that goes into the style of pool that you may want. You need to consider the shape of the pool, the size, the depth, the materials (for the base of the pool and accents), the type of pool filtration system, and any additional features that catch your fancy such as a waterfall, a diving board, or tanning ledges.

What are the zoning regulations in my area?

The not so fun part of having a pool built is considering the zoning regulations in your area. Pool construction falls into the category of a home renovation project and as such knowing your zoning regulations is key. Before you even get started, make sure you’re abiding by zoning ordinances for pools. Ordinances vary by city so it’s important you do that research. Fortunately, many pool builders will help you along in this process.

What is my budget?

Finally, the last question to ask is how much you intend to spend on pool construction. If you factor in longevity, maintenance, and accessories your pool can turn out to be the pool of your dreams if you have budgeted perfectly. It’s recommended to talk with a financial advisor about the costs and benefits of adding a pool to your property.

Building a pool can be one of the most rewarding additions to your home. If you are considering having a pool built let us help you. Mid City Custom Pools specializes in designing and building custom swimming pools with our client’s goals in mind. We want to help you design and build the pool of your dreams. For any questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation with our team, contact us today.

Choosing The Right Depth For Your Pool

There are a lot of decisions that go into designing and building the pool of your dreams. Having an expert pool builder in Trophy Club by your side is key to ensure you have the help and support you need in designing and constructing your pool.

On top of the colors, textures, and other various materials to be decided, dimensions must also be considered. If you are struggling with deciding what the right pool depth is for you and your family, ask yourself these questions to learn a bit and help narrow down your decision.

What will you be using your pool for?

The purpose of your pool has a lot to do with the decisions involving dimensions. If you want to use your pool mostly for exercise, then the most important factor is the length, while medium depth of about 5 feet will be all you need. If you want to use your pool for family fun, you may want to consider having a shallow end that gradually moves to a bit of a deeper end; usually about 3 feet to 5 feet. If you plan to install a diving board or a place for people to jump in, then you will want to consider having a “deep” end of about 8 to 10 feet.

What is the ideal pool depth for adults?

The most common pool depth chosen is typically a pool that goes from shallow to deep at about 3 feet to 4 feet to 5 feet. This has been found to be a satisfactory medium for most people. It isn’t a bad idea to consider the height of you and your partner or the people who will mostly be occupying the pool.

What is a safe pool depth for children?

While small children can drown in less than a foot of water, there truly is no ultimate “safe” depth of a pool where children will be around. If you are building a pool and have small children, the most important thing you can do is ensure your children understand pool safety, know how to swim or learn to (preferably at a young age), or that you install a pool fence or other safety features.

Do I want to consider diving as an option?

If you want people to be able to safely dive in your pool, you will not want to go less than ten feet in your deep end, the deeper the better in this scenario. However, you want to consider safety and maintenance when it comes to deeper pools.

What do I want to spend?

Finally, and more importantly, what are you able or willing to spend on your pool? Deeper pools are a bit higher maintenance, require more water as well as more cleaning, which leads to higher expenses down the line as well as upfront. If you wish to have a deeper pool you must be prepared for said expenses.

Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we understand some of the seemingly overwhelming decisions involved in designing and building your dream pool, and we want to help. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Is It Time To Replaster Your Pool?

Owning a pool is a highly beneficial asset. It’s a great investment for upping the value of your home, and it brings you and your family a lot of joy, entertainment, and relaxation throughout the seasons. Part of maintaining your pool, its value, and its beauty means putting in a bit of time and money now and then. While a pool can become a burden if it isn’t maintained properly, if you do maintain your pool regularly, you will end up saving yourself a lot of time, effort, and money down the line.

A part of taking care of your pool means replastering it. As for when the time is right to replaster your pool, it is highly dependent upon your climate, your level of usage, and regular care routine. A pool that is used in a commercial environment typically needs to be replastered around every 10 years or so, while your pool doesn’t undergo the same type of usage and environmental factors as a commercial pool, it is difficult to go off of the same time line. The best way is to observe various signs that may be telling you it is time to replaster.

Mineral stains

It is normal for mineral stains to arise on your plaster over time. Typically, over time, deposits of different minerals such as copper and iron will cause a bit of staining or discoloration to the plaster. In this case, it may be a sign that it is time to replaster your pool. Keep in mind that if you are prematurely experiencing these types of stains, say only a couple years after you plastered, you should look into the source of the problem and identify where the stains may be coming from.

Rough surfaces

If you are swimming in your pool and you touch the plaster and notice that it feels quite rough, this is another sign that you may need to look into replastering. If you are walking into or out of the pool and notice the plaster feels a bit rough on your feet, or your swimsuit is snagging on the surfaces of the pool, these are signs that your plaster may have had its time.

In some cases, you may not even be able to notice or feel the roughness, however you may start to see it. If you notice dirt or discoloration gathering into the cracks in the plaster or see splotches on the surfaces, these are also signs that it is time.

You can see gunite or shortcrete

The plaster of your pool is part of the water-proof protection for the base of the pool structure such as the gunite or shortcrete. If you are able to see the gunite or shortcrete showing through the plaster, this is a straightforward sign that it is time to replaster.

If you have more questions about pool maintenance in Southlake or are considering a remodel, here at Mid City Custom Pools, we can help. Our team of pool experts want to make your backyard dreams a reality. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

5 Ways to Cozy Up Your Backyard for Fall

Your backyard is your daily oasis. Making it look nice and decorating it appropriately for the season is something that keeps you and your family and friends happy. Now that summer has come to an end and autumn has arrived, it is time to cozy up your backyard for the season.

Unless you have a heated swimming pool in Trophy Club, it is likely that your prime spot will be switching over from the pool to the outdoor lounge area. As the leaves change colors and the crisp breeze make its way into Texas, you’ll want to be prepared for the cool and comfortable evenings to be had in your backyard. Check out these neat tips to cozy up your backyard for fall:

#1 Blankets, throws, and rugs

Cozy materials are a really great decorative and cozy characteristic for fall décor. Try laying out a plush rug, such as a faux sheepskin rug near or under your sitting area outside. Add some fluffy, furry throws and blankets to the mix and you have instantly cozied up your outdoor sitting area.

#2 Utilize a warm color scheme

For the various materials and colors in the décor of your backyard, utilize your warmer earthy colors like forest green, burnt orange, maroon, red, brown, and gold to really get into the fall mood. You can even add some more neutral colors like greys and whites to the mix so that your cozy outdoor area can transgress smoothly into the desired winter ambience as well.

#3 Plush pillows

Plush, fluffy, or throw pillows are another great addition to autumn-up your backyard space. Add a few plush pillows to your chairs to make the area cozy and comfortable. Throw some of these comfy pillows onto your wicker chair, love seat, or any outdoor furniture to really create for a cozy, autumn feel. You will be amazed how much a few pillows will change the dynamic and feel of your outdoor area.

#4 Lanterns & candles

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to change the mood and ambience of an area. Lanterns are truly a beautiful and classic way to bring some warmth and aesthetic appeal to your backyard. From hanging lanterns to standing ones, to sitting ones, there are a ton of really beautiful options to spice up your backyard. Alongside your lanterns, nothing says cozy like candles. Go crazy with your fall colors and scents and place a few candles on each one of your surfaces for a warm and happy ambience.

#5 Fire pit

A fire pit will be one of the best additions you will ever make to your backyard. It can be utilized in any season, but will make your outdoor area, especially, cozy during the fall and winter. Not only is it extremely useful, but it adds an irreplaceable aesthetic appeal to your backyard décor.
Love your home, love your backyard. Putting the time and effort into your backyard will always pay off as a wonderful space to make memories for you and your family. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we specialize in helping you create the outdoor living space of your dreams. We are not only a trusted pool builder in Trophy Club, but we also can help you with the installation of fire features, spas, cabanas and more. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Vinyl Liner Pools vs. Fiberglass Pools: What’s the Difference?

When you are building a swimming pool in Trophy Club, frankly, there are a lot of decisions to be made. From the design, to the tile, to the water, to all the various materials, you will have to do a bit of research and speak with your pool builder to figure out what is best for you. One of the questions you will need to ask yourself is whether you want to go with a vinyl liner pool or a fiberglass pool. To make that decision though, you will need to know the differences between the two, so, here they are.

The appearance

When choosing a vinyl liner pool, you will be able to choose any shape of pool that you want because the vinyl liner can be fitted to your pool whatever the shape or size may be. When you choose a fiberglass pool you will be a bit more limited in your options in terms of shape and size and have to go with what is available and pre-designed. There is a pro of this though in that the pool will come with many features already built in such as the steps and ledges.

The durability

A pro of the fiber glass pool is that it will last you longer than a vinyl liner one. While a fiber glass pool can last almost 30 years, a vinyl liner pool may need to go under replacement in less than ten years. Although the fiber glass pool will be more durable, you will still need to reapply the gel interior finish about every 10 years or so. Vinyl liner pools are more delicate and prone to wear and tear and can fade from the exposure of chlorine and sun.

Costs

A fiber glass pool will usually cost about five to ten thousand dollars more than a vinyl liner pool. You must, however keep in mind that you will need to replace and/or repair your vinyl liner pool sooner than your fiber glass one.

Surface and maintenance

A fiberglass pool has a surface that is smooth and fairly low maintenance requirements. It does not have a tendency to attract bacteria and algae so you will need to use less chemicals in your water. Your vinyl liner pool has a very smooth surface; however, the surface contains seems which can sometimes harbor algae and bacteria and require more maintenance.

Deciding on the right pool can be a difficult decision, but here at Mid City Custom Pools, we can help. Our trusted and caring pool builder in Trophy Club will do everything they can to help you construct the pool of your dreams. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Is Your Backyard Missing an Outdoor Kitchen?

Your backyard is a huge part of your life. It is a place where you spend a lot of time with your loved ones, friends, and family. Come winter, come summer, you want to make the best out of your beautiful backyard that you have put so much time, effort, and money into. It’s the perfect place for a summer swim, a winter hot tub, evening happy hours, family time, a place for the kids to play, etc., but it could actually be a place for so much more.

Having an outdoor kitchen is an incredible addition to your backyard. It will transform your backyard into more than you could have imagined and open up even more opportunities for you to spend time with your loved ones outside. Having an outdoor kitchen creates for entertaining opportunities, convenience, an expansion of your living space, resale value, and a great place to grill.

Entertainment purposes

Your backyard is the perfect spot to hang out with your family and friends. Having an outdoor kitchen creates for the ultimate backyard entertainment space. Everyone can spend time together while dinner is being made right there in the backyard, while you all enjoy nature, your backyard, and each other. With a kitchen right in your backyard, you won’t miss out on the fun. Everyone will be hanging out right along with you while dinner is being prepared which will make it way less of a hassle. It will amaze you how much more you will get out of your backyard by installing an outdoor kitchen.

Convenience, Luxury, & Comfort

One of the ultimate benefits of having an outdoor kitchen is the convenience. Keep the mess outside, instead of having to dirty your kitchen and then bring in more of a mess from the outside. The BBQ smells will remain in nature and not inside your home, and the whole dinner process will be much easier as a whole.

Expansion of Your Living Space

Adding a backyard kitchen in Trophy Club, means expanding your living space. If you love entertaining friends, or have a big family, either way you will really enjoy the extra space. Your outdoor cooking set up will give you so much more out of your already loved backyard, you may even forget about the indoor kitchen.

The Food

It’s simple. Everyone knows that food from the grill is just better. Enjoy making your food over a fire and give it that special BBQ taste that we Texas are known for. Wrap up some shish kabobs or make some steaks and sausages, either way, you are really going to love that outdoor grilled taste.

You love your backyard, and now, your outdoor kitchen, so why not love it even more by installing or renovating your dream pool? Mid City Custom Pools can help. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.