The Best Valentine’s Gift for Your Valentine

It’s that time of the year again, the holiday that is all about love. You’ve been through all the chocolates, the jewelry, and the flowers, but maybe this year you want to do something a little bit different. So, what about a spa day? Not just any spa day, but an at-home spa day. It’s a little bit different and it’s a little bit unique, but best of all it’s a little bit more personal, and we know your sweetheart will love it. So, let’s talk about how you can plan your sweetheart an at-home spa day this Valentines’.

Setting the mood

Think calm, think relaxing, think romantic.

  • You can start out by planning out the treatments for the day on a home-made spa day schedule/menu, this way your sweetheart will know the treats they are in for.
  • Don’t forget the rose petals, displays of bowls full of rose petals will set for the perfect décor.
  • Lay out warm fluffy towels (we are talking just out of the dryer warm), as well as a warm fluffy bathrobe and slippers.
  • Make sure to not forget the candles or incense, or both! We also suggest using essential oils as these really imitate the spa type sensation and atmosphere.
  • Have a tray laid out with yummy snacks, start out with healthy finger bites and special spa water, and finish it off with coffee and chocolates. As for how to make the spa water, there are a few options. Take a pitcher and fill it up with chilled water, add ice, and either lemon and cucumber or strawberry and mint, there are lots of delicious refreshing choices you can try.
  • You can also lay out some of your partner’s favorite reading material for them to read while relaxing or waiting for their next treatment.
  • Don’t forget the relaxing spa music! This is one of the most important parts of setting the spa scene and really duplicating the relaxing atmosphere.
The treatments

It’s as easy as adding some essential oils to salt to create a homemade exfoliating salt rub or adding some rose petals to a warm bubble bath.

  • You could start out by drawing a warm bath with rose petals for your lover. This will give them a chance to get into the relaxation mode, as well as get their muscles relaxed and warmed up for the best part of the spa day, the massage. To make the bath extra relaxing, just add a few drops of essential oils (we love lavender or rose), and some regular oil (olive, coconut, almond, avocado).
  • Make or buy some exfoliating scrubs to massage onto your sweetheart, not only do they smell and feel amazing, but they are great for the skin.
  • The most important part of the home spa day will likely be the massage, because isn’t a massage everyone’s favorite? Pick up some massage oil, and don’t forget the romantic lighting, music, and aromas as well.
  • Now let’s get to one of the best parts of having an outdoor spa in Southlake. Have your spa heated up and ready to go. This is the perfect opportunity to serve your valentine a glass of bubbly (champagne) and now is your time to enjoy relaxing right alongside them.

We know you will have an amazing Valentine’s day with these romantic ideas! And if you are interested in having a spa of your own, you may be searching for a Southlake spa builder. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we can help. Our team is made up of trusted pool and spa experts who will make your pool dreams come true from design to dip. Contact us today, and let’s get started.

Why you should teach your kids to swim before summer

Yes, it is still winter, but the warmer weather will be coming faster than you know it. As the end of January will be coming to an end and the seasons will be changing within the next couple months, it is best to start preparing ahead of time for the warmer weather. As we know it, warmer weather means getting back outside and spending time in your backyard, as well as by your pool. So, what do we think? We think that now is the perfect time to start teaching your children how to swim before Summer comes. They will have just enough time to learn the basics, as well as practice what they learn. So, when summer finally comes around, your kids will be ready to hop on in the pool for some fun in the sun. Not only will it create great opportunities for play time for your kids, but you as a parent will have peace of mind knowing that your kids will be safe around the pool when they are playing outside. Here are a few of the reasons that you should teach your kids to swim before summer…

#1 The timing is right

Well, they’ve got to learn at some point [or so the experts say, and we agree]. The reason it is a great idea for your kids to start learning to swim before summer comes, is the timing of it all. It’s better for you to utilize these last few months before summer to let them learn, as opposed to spending all the summer months trying. That way, your child won’t miss out on any of the summer fun because they hadn’t yet learned how to swim, but instead they will be one of the first ones hopping into the pool.

#2 For their own safety

One of the most important reasons that your children should learn to swim sooner rather than later, is for safety purposes. Many times, a parent fails to find an adequate reason to take the time to teach their children to swim, but the problem is, the time does come around where they will need to know how, whether it is at a friend’s birthday party or when the family is hanging out by the lake or a neighbor’s pool. Even if you don’t expect your child to be spending a lot of time around water, it only takes one instance for a child to fall into a body of water and go under. It is inevitable that children will be exposed to water, especially during the summer months, and this is why we think it is a great idea to be prepared.

#3 To beat summer boredom

Swimming is a wonderful way to beat summer boredom. Many children have less school time during the summer months, and this means they have to find a way to be entertained. Splashing around in the pool is a fun and healthy way to spend the summer months.

If you are one of the many Texans looking to beat the heat this coming summer, you may be looking for a swimming pool builder in Southlake or Colleyville. Well, here at Mid City Custom Pools, we would love to help you out. Contact us today, and let our team help design and build you the swimming pool of your dreams.

Are you taking care of your pool this winter? 

As all pool owners know, pool maintenance doesn’t end whenever the summer season does. Even though your pool is likely not being used in the winter, taking care of it properly in the colder weather is important. Just remember, it is always going to end up saving you time and money to properly care for your pool on a consistent and regular schedule, and according to the accommodating conditions, such as, weather, usage, etc. There are a few different things you will need to focus on when it comes to caring for your pool during the winter months. So, let’s move on to a few winter pool care tips for you and your pool as this cold winter continues here in Texas.

#1 One of the things you don’t need to worry about so much in the winter time, is algae. Typically, it’s too cold for algae build up in your pool to be a problem this time of the year. So, don’t stress too much about your regular algaecide duties.

#2 Keeping your skimmer baskets clean is always important, but with the weather change this time of year it is definitely something you need to keep an eye on and regularly maintain.

#3 When the temperature drops, your salt cell will not generate chlorine, as when it senses the cold temperatures, the chlorine shuts off. By installing a pass through, you will be able to help protect the salt cell, as well as prolong the lifespan. This option creates for a safe, more efficient, more effective, and lower-effort pool maintenance routine. For more information on this, click here.

#4 During the winter, before any possible freezes, you need to check your pipes and other motorized parts. Make sure the pipes and pump, pool heater and filter are drained. Any excess water in these parts can freeze during the cold winter months. This can then cause the pipes and various parts to crack, which will end up costing you a lot in repairs later on.

#5 During the winter months (and actually all months), most experts will strongly suggest that you have a proper pool cover. This ensures less work and money over time when it comes to keeping your pool and its various parts clean. This also helps keep the pool a bit warmer which is better for its overall health when it comes to the working parts.

When it comes to pool care in Colleyville, we have got you covered. If you want to learn more pool maintenance tips, take a look through our site here at Mid City Custom Pools, or feel free to contact us today. If you are looking for a swimming pool builder in Southlake, our team of experts would be happy to help you design and build the pool of your dreams, just in time for summer. Get in touch today, and let’s get started.

What You Need to Know About Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are an easy-to-install option for homeowners looking to have a poolside patio installed. Not only do they look good, but they are tough, weather-resistant, and cost-effective. More and more homeowners are turning to concrete pavers as a means to transform their yard into a defined space of hardscaping, equipped with patios and paths that make outside life that much better. There are two different kinds of concrete pavers on the market today:

  • Interlocking
  • Architectural

For those interested in a more natural look, interlocking pavers may not be the way to go, as their shape and texture may come across as unrefined to some. Architectural pavers offer a more aesthetic alternative, although they may not stand-up to as much wear and tear as interlocking pavers. They are more sensitive to cold weather, which shouldn’t matter much here in Texas. If you are trying to decide whether you should go with interlocking or architectural pavers, we encourage you to contact Mid City Custom Pools today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance as to which will be best for your home.

Why Concrete Pavers?

Mid City Custom Pools offers a lifetime warranty with any concrete pavers you have installed. This lifetime warranty protects you against cracking and any other issues that may come up with your pavers. While concrete pavers are typically on the higher end of the cost spectrum, Mid City Custom Pools proudly offers a discounted price now through January 31st, 2018. This is a great time to take the plunge and move ahead with your poolside patio!

Concrete pavers are versatile, tough, and designed to last a lifetime, making them a fantastic option for any backyard overhaul. When coupled with soil treatment and other landscaping, pavers will turn your backyard into an oasis.

When it comes to having concrete pavers installed, there are a few things to keep in mind. While many companies recommend doing 4 inches of sub base underneath the paver, Mid City does 8-10 inches of sub base, exceeding standards set in place by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. This is because of the soil composition in Texas and the fact that we need to create a stronger surface to install the pavers.  When this method is combined with a focused soil treatment, you will not have issues with your pool.

With the Mid City Custom Pools promotion, pavers will increase the aesthetic value of the property and decrease unsightly cracking patch repair work. If you are trying to decide between having concrete or pavers installed, we guarantee pavers will give you the WOW factor, and last much, much longer. The promotion we have going on our pavers brings the cost close to what it would be of no sealer concrete decking. There should be no reason why Mid City Custom Pools cannot install concrete pavers around your pool today, come see us!

How to Heat Your Pool This Winter

One of the best parts about living in Texas is how great the weather is year-round. Unlike many other parts of the country, here in Texas we are able to enjoy our backyards throughout every season. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard or are thinking about having one installed this winter, you may want to think about whether or not you want to be able to use your pool year-round. While most people in other parts of the country have to shut down their pool and ‘winterize’ it for the season, Texas residents have other options. Heating your swimming pool is one of the best ways to ensure year-round enjoyment, regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

We often field questions about heating outdoor pools and whether or not it’s a good idea. Many people are concerned about the cost and whether it really makes sense to heat their pool all winter long. The answer is yes. If you are interested in enjoying the comforts of your home swimming pool whenever your heart desires, heating your pool is the way to go. One of the top reasons for owning a pool is being able to swim in it whenever you want, right?! There are various ways to heat your pool, allowing you to decide how much you want to spend on it. Being conscious of the environment and fuel costs, any unnecessary pool heating should be avoided, if possible. While it is certainly up to you, your pool water doesn’t need to be that hot. Taking a conservative approach will not only benefit you, but will ensure you save energy and keep your bills at the low end.

Top Considerations for Heating Your Pool This Winter

If you’re building a new construction pool, the best way to heat it during the cooler months is with a natural gas heater. If you have a spa, you will most likely already have a natural gas heater. Natural gas heaters are great because you can essentially tell them what to do. They give you a lot of control, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences and the weather.

Another option to increase the efficiency of the heater and decrease the cost of heating the swimming pool is an in-floor heating system. An in-floor heating system will not only decrease the cost, but heat the pool quite well. Think of it like heating a pot of water – the controls for the heat are in the swimming pool, meaning the whole system is connected and works together. This is hands down the best way to heat a swimming pool as long as it is used in conjunction with a natural gas heater. Mid City Custom Pools is a registered installer and supplier of Paramount PV3 in-floor cleaning and circulation systems, an important aspect of any home pool heating system.

In addition to being a great luxury, a pool that is heated properly comes with numerous wonderful health benefits. Healthcare professionals agree that swimming is one of the most beneficial cardiovascular exercises, and what better way to partake than in the comfort of your own backyard? To learn more about heating your pool or if you have questions about our pool installation services, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

How to Make the Most of Your Small Backyard

Not everyone has a huge, expansive backyard to transform into an outdoor oasis, and that’s just fine. There is something charming about a small backyard space, and plenty of ways to make the most out of it. A little goes a long way when it comes to turning an outdoor space into an enchanting sanctuary, allowing you to pick and choose the various features you want most. One of our favorite aspects of designing a small backyard is the addition of a geometric pool design. Tinier spaces lend themselves to geometric pools, which is a win-win for everyone. Not only are these fun pool designs a great way to add a bit of style to your yard, but they won’t break the bank. With a small geometric swimming pool, you will be able to maximize your space and increase your enjoyment of the space at the same time!

Beyond a small swimming pool, how else can you make the most out of your small backyard? With a small backyard it is hard to put a round peg in a rectangle hole. We need to follow the shape of the backyard to maximize the efficiency of that space. This is just one reason why it is important to work with a design team who understands what works well with different shapes of yards. Not all yards are created equal, and we are here to help you find what will work best for your given space. With that in mind, here are a few additional ideas for transforming a small backyard:

  • Break things up – One secret to making the most out of a small outdoor space is to create multiple zones or areas. You can do this by strategically arranging furniture to create different spaces for lounging, eating, cooking, and entertaining. Pergolas and arbors are a great way to break up these different areas, without taking up too much space.
  • Consider your lighting – Smart lighting design is another great way to make a small outdoor space pop. Use landscape lighting by planters, LED lights around the pool, sconces in the cooking area, and overall ambient lighting to get the job done.
  • Simply extend your indoor space – When working with a tight space, a good way to make it feel bigger is to extend your indoor living space to the backyard. If you have french or sliding doors, this is even easier. Outdoor rugs are a great way to tie the two spaces together and create a sense of cohesion.
  • Don’t overdo it – This is a tough one for many, but it is important to not let your space get too cluttered by your ideas. The more your yard has going on, the smaller it will feel. Instead, settle on a few key elements and really make them pop. From built-in seating to an outdoor kitchen or geometric pool, take some time to decide what matters most to you.

The bottom line? Just because you have a small backyard doesn’t mean Mid City Custom Pools can’t create a backyard oasis for you. To learn more about our ideas and options for tighter outdoor spaces, give us a call today. We are happy to meet with you and go over some of your options, working together to find a design plan that is in line with your needs and budget.

A Holiday Gift Guide for Pool Owners

The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to hit the pavement – or your keypad – and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. If you happen to be shopping for a pool owner, there are tons of wonderful options that will make their Christmas that much cheerier. Not many people think about giving gifts associated with the pool for the holidays, but maybe it’s time we start. Pool gifts are not only fun, but they are unique, practical, and something your loved one will be able to enjoy throughout the year. If you have a hard-to-buy-for friend or family member on your list that has a pool, you may want to consider our holiday gift guide.

We have something for every budget on this list, allowing you to choose the perfect thing for that special someone. Even though the temperatures may be cooler right now and we are even seeing snow in some parts of the state, it doesn’t mean you can’t give the gift of swimming and summer fun right now! From useful pool accessories to fun gifts that will liven things up, here is a look at some of our favorite holiday gifts for pool owners:

  • Pool toys and floats – From the quirky pizza shaped raft to pool noodles, there are many different options out there that will liven up any pool. There are pools toys for every budget, allowing you to choose the option you think will best fit with your loved one’s personality and needs. Give them a couple colorful pool noodles for exercising and relaxing, or a more luxurious float with a cup holder for that yummy daiquiri come summertime!
  • Pool cleaners – This will go in the category of ‘give them something they need’, but sometimes these are the most thoughtful gifts. If you happen to have someone on your list who would appreciate a gift they need, consider an automatic pool cleaner. Automatic pool cleaners make cleaning the pool a lot faster and easier, which is something they will surely thank you for come the middle of summer.
  • Pool fountains – Fountains and other water features are an excellent gift for anyone who loves spending time in their backyard and is looking for a bit of tranquility. Pool fountains can easily be attached to the pool’s return line, making this a thoughtful and simple gift. Mid City Custom Pools offers a wide range of fountains and water features for every budget.
  • Pool games – If you are shopping for a pool owner with kids or a love of sports, consider a basketball and volleyball kit. This is a great gift for the whole family, especially for those who have an active pool lifestyle.
  • LED lights – There are tons of different, stylish LED lights and lamps designed for the pool out there today. Lights add ambiance and create a beautiful setting for night swimming and simply enjoying any given backyard space once the sun goes down. Your loved one will surely appreciate such a thoughtful gift and think of you every time their backyard illuminates!

If you have any questions about our holiday gift guide or would like to see how Mid City Custom Pools can help you shop for the pool owner in your family, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Happy Holidays!

Improve Your Backyard for 2018

2018 is just a few short weeks ago, which means it is time to start planning all your outdoor projects. Even though you may be consumed by the holidays right now, we recommend taking a break and starting to think about how you are going to improve your backyard in the new year. New Year’s resolutions don’t only apply to self-improvement, after all. Whether you are thinking about having a backyard swimming pool installed or want to take your outdoor entertaining space to the next level, Mid City Custom Pools is here to help. We love backyard renovation projects – especially seeing the finished project and how much joy it brings to homeowners! There are many different directions you can go when it comes to improving your backyard, and luckily not all the options will break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can transform your already-beautiful Texas backyard into your own personal oasis.

One of the first things many people do when it comes to renovating their backyard is having a deck installed. If you don’t have a backyard deck already, you will be truly amazed at what a huge difference it will make. Not only is this an affordable way to take your outdoor space to the next level, but it looks expensive, is easy to care for, and will last for many years. Pavers are a great way to enhance your backyard vs concrete decking (which is the most common type of decking in Texas). Unfortunately, concrete decking turns grey, gets hard, and will crack, creating a huge headache – and expensive project – for DFW homeowners. There is absolutely nothing you can do when a concrete deck cosmetically cracks, and this is something that will happen no matter how you pour it. This is why we recommend concrete pavers in place of poured concrete decking.

Let’s take a deeper look at how concrete and travertine pavers can improve your backyard in no time:

  • Concrete pavers come with a lifetime warranty against cracking
    • This is true of both travertine and concrete pavers
  • They look much higher quality than concrete decking
  • They are much stronger and hold up to the test of time
  • They are easy to install
    • This is a huge advantage, as you will have a transformed backyard in no time!
  • They are easy to repair
  • They carry a non-slip surface, making them ideal for yard with in-ground pools
  • They come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and materials

Come see us at Mid City Custom Pools in the coming months, we are offering a winter paver decking special and would be happy to discuss our options with you! We follow paver installation standards set in place by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and exceed expectations per the institute. For more information on our concrete paver services, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today. Our experts would be happy to talk to you about the benefits of this type of decking for your DFW home, and we highly recommend getting started soon so your backyard is ready for 2018!

4 Ways to Enjoy Your Pool in the Fall

Just because fall is here doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your pool and beautiful outdoor living space. Here in Texas, we are lucky enough to experience pleasant weather throughout the year, allowing us to make the most of our home swimming pool and backyard. Whether you decided to shut down your pool for the fall and winter or leave it open, there are many different ways you can remain outside when the cooler temps have settled in.

We know how hard it can be to say goodbye to summer, especially if you have a pool and beautiful outdoor entertainment area. Thankfully, we are pretty lucky here in Texas and are able to find different ways to enjoy the adaptable weather – no matter what time of year it is. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we believe in doing everything we can to help our clients find the right solutions for their needs. Whether you have just moved to the area or are looking to renovate your current backyard setup, we are here to help. We offer a wide range of services, from custom pools to outdoor kitchen and fire pit installation. With that in mind, let’s look at four ways you can enjoy your pool and backyard space this fall:

  • Add a Fire pit or Fireplace – One of the most popular (for good reason) ways to enjoy your pool even when the temperatures cool down is by adding some sort of fire element. Your options are endless here – from adding a poolside fire pit to enhancing your covered patio with a fireplace. Regardless of which direction you take it, an outdoor fire feature is a fun way to entertain guests and relax with loved ones – and stay warm while you’re at it!
  • Add a Spa or Hot Tub – Nothing complements a backyard pool better than a hot tub, are we right? This is a great option if you don’t want to add heat to your pool, but still want somewhere to relax and soothe your sore muscles during the fall months. In addition to allowing you to stay outside when the weather isn’t ideal, a spa has many great health benefits. If this is something you are interested, don’t hesitate to contact Mid City Custom Pools so we can discuss our spa options with you.
  • Add Heaters – Portable gas heaters are another great way to remain outside during the fall and winter months. If you aren’t interested in having a fireplace installed, or you are looking for added heat on another part of your patio, gas heaters are a great option. These days there are many different options for heaters, the majority of which are aesthetically pleasing and efficient.
  • Add an Entertainment Space – Luckily we Texas residents don’t have to worry too much about snow or freezing temps, so extending our indoor kitchen and entertainment space to the outdoors is a viable option. There are many different ways to do this, from adding a full kitchen and bar to simply having a nice grill installed.

If you are looking for ways to continue to enjoy your pool and backyard this fall, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today so we can go over some of your options with you. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your backyard fun has to be!

The Advantages of Having a Salt Water Pool

In recent years salt water pools have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. There are numerous reasons for this, from the health benefits to the way the water feels on your skin. It’s no secret that chlorine can be kind of harsh and isn’t really anyone’s favorite. This is why it should come as no surprise that more and more pool owners are looking at the different chlorine alternatives on the market – such as salt water. According to Aqua Magazine, salt water is the number one choice in America for chlorination in residential pools. There are many reasons for this, some of which we will get into below.

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that salt water pools aren’t nearly as salty as you may think. In fact, they have about 1/10 the salinity of ocean water. So if you are considering having a salt water pool installed because you are feeling nostalgic about how sea water makes you feel, you may want to think again. However, even though salt water pools aren’t nearly as salty as the sea, they do carry some of these same characteristics and make your skin feel smooth and soft. It is also important to keep in mind that salt water pools are not chlorine free. Rather, these types of pools create their own chlorine with the help of salt. Salt chlorination is a natural and convenient alternative to it’s chemically chlorinated cousin.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s look at why we are seeing more Texas homeowners than ever before opting for a salt water pool:

  • Cost – One of the top advantages of a salt water pool is that the monthly expenses are much less. At Mid City Custom Pools, we seal our stone around the pools and any salt water pool we install comes with this seal. We are one of the only companies that does this. With the seal, you won’t have to worry about staying on top of maintenance every single month, as we have built that in for you.
  • Cleanliness – Salt water chlorination is popular because it produces clean, clear water that is soft and smooth on your skin. This is a natural sanitization method, too, which is a great alternative for those looking to stay away from traditional chlorine.
  • Health – Salt water pools also offer numerous health benefits because there is no harsh chemical odor. They reduce skin and eye irritations and are a great alternative for those who suffer from lung irritation and asthma-like symptoms associated with chlorinated pools.

These are just a handful of the top reasons why we are seeing homeowners make the decision to go with a salt water pool. Whether you are interested in converting your current pool to salt water or are considering having a pool installed this winter to be ready in the spring, please give Mid City Custom Pools a call today and schedule an appointment.