Busting Common Pool Myths

Making the decision to have a pool installed in your backyard is a big one for anyone, especially first-time homeowners and pool owners. When researching whether a pool is the right move for you, chances are you come across a lot of conflicting information. While the internet is a wonderful resource that can be quite helpful, it can also provide us with too much information, making it difficult to decipher truth from myth. This is why we thought it would be helpful to debunk some of the most common pools myths we hear. It is expected for those new to pool ownership to be a little wary about the upkeep, maintenance, and everything else that goes along with it, but we are here to tell you it’s actually not that difficult. As long as you have the correct information, that is.

There is an ‘air of mystery’ around swimming pools which can lead to a lot of false beliefs. With that in mind, let’s get to work on busting the most common pool myths:

Myth #1: Chlorine will turn my beautiful blonde hair green! Perhaps the most common myth about swimming pools is that chlorine will give blonde hair a greenish tint. While you may notice your hair is ever-so-slightly green after getting out of the pool, this actually isn’t because of the chlorine. The truth of the matter is that green hair after swimming happens because of the copper in the water. Copper can find its way into the pool in many different ways, from the fittings and pipes to heater coils and algaecides that treat the water. Blondes: To prevent your hair from turning green after a dip in the pool, try using a leave-in conditioner to keep the copper from finding its way into your beautiful locks.

Myth #2: You can put a chemical in the pool that will show if someone pees. Sorry to burst the bubble on this one, but there is no such chemical that will immediately indicate if someone pees in the pool. A chemical imbalance may make the pool appear cloudy or discolored, but this is certainly not indicative that one of your pool guests tinkled.

Myth #3: You will have stomach cramps if you swim right after eating. We know this a favorite belief of many parents, but we have to tell you there is no real evidence to support this. While it may be a good idea to let your kiddo’s stomach settle after eating a big meal, there is no proof that hopping in the pool right after eating will make them sick.

Myth #4: It’s ok to swallow chlorinated water because it kills everything bad. Sure, chlorine is great because it keeps a lot of unwanted bacteria and even some water-borne illnesses out of the water, but it does not kill all the harmful things hanging out in the water. So, we definitely don’t encourage swallowing pool water!

Myth #5: Pool water that is over-chlorinated will make your eyes turn red. While it is not completely off-base that chlorine can cause some irritation, chances are your eyes turn red after being in the pool because of all the other stuff lurking in the water – like urine and sweat.

We hope you feel a little bit better about taking on a home swimming pool after reading the above. If you have any questions or would like further clarification on any of the myths we busted, please don’t hesitate to contact Mid City Custom Pools.

5 Reasons Why You Should Build a Pool in the Fall!

Making the decision to have your home swimming pool built in the fall is a smart one, for numerous reasons. Not only will undergoing this project during the fall mean the cool water is ready and waiting for you come spring, but cooler outside temperatures equals less mistakes made during construction. While many people may think the warm summer months are a good time of year to start this type of project, the hot temperatures can actually lead to more mistakes, and make the project take a lot longer. Building during off-peak time gives workers the opportunity to spend a lot longer on a project, which is good news for you! Not only will they be able to give your project their undivided attention, but the whole project will benefit from the time of year.

We have found that clients and workers alike are more laid back during the fall and winter months, which makes a project of this scope much more enjoyable for everyone involved. Why is this? Namely because homeowners know they won’t be able to use their pool until next spring, which means they allow us to do what we do best, without all the pressure. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we believe in quality over quantity and doing everything we can to ensure our clients end up with a final project they will love and enjoy for many years to come.

Top Advantages of Having Your Pool Built Now

The fall months are the ideal time of year to have a pool built because you can pretty much guarantee there will be less delays due to weather. Sure, the weather is always unpredictable, but we do have a better handle on what to expect during autumn. With that in mind, here are five reasons why you should build a pool this time of year:

• Permits are easier to obtain
• Inspectors aren’t quite as busy to review all the work that is being done to your property. This is a win-win for everyone!
• Pool builders are typically far less busy toward the end of the year, which means they may be more inclined to keep bids as low as possible.
• Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we offer a 10% discount off the entire project during the fall and winter months. This is a huge savings that will benefit you in the long run.
• You will have our undivided attention! Fall is a great time of year to build a pool because we aren’t as busy, which means more time spent on your project

We know how important it is for you to have a beautiful, custom pool installed in your Texas backyard before the hot weather hits again, which is why we want to make things a little easier on you. By embarking on a pool project right now, we will have upwards of 6 months to complete the project before you really want to use it come spring. This will allow us to focus on all the small details that matter most, leaving you with a stunning oasis in the comforts of your backyard.

Do you have questions about our pool building services or would like to schedule a consultation? If so, give Mid City Custom Pools a call today! We are here to answer any questions you may have and help you build the pool of your dreams.

Do I Need a Pool Cover for the Fall?

One of the common questions we get this time of year is, “do I need a pool cover for the fall?” To get straight to the point, the answer is yes. Pool covers are absolutely necessary this time of year, regardless of where you live. As the leaves begin to fall off trees and float in the air, the last thing you want is to put your pool in danger. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can wreak havoc on your pool, resulting in more maintenance – and money spent – for you. While pool covers may seem kind of expensive, giving you pause for thought, the fact of the matter is they are a must. Whether or not you decided to keep your pool open year-round, do yourself a favor and invest in a reliable pool cover.

There are pool covers for every budget and designed for all different purposes. If you are looking for just as basic pool cover that will get the job done, you can certainly go with one of the more rudimentary options. If you are someone who likes to splurge and really wants to ensure your pool is protected this winter and all year, consider a higher-end pool cover. No matter which direction you choose to go, your pool will be much happier with a nice cover.

Why Pool Covers Are a Must

 Pool covers come in all different shapes and sizes, from the basic model you simply roll out over the pool to automatic covers and covers you could even drive a car across. If you aren’t sure which would be best for your particular needs (and budget), give Mid City Custom Pools a call. We are here to help you find what will work best for you and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

So now that you know having a pool cover is a must this fall and winter, let’s look at why. In addition to keeping leaves, dirt, muck, and other debris out of the pool during the off-season, a pool cover will also help keep chemicals in the pool balanced and work to prevent evaporation. If you are choosing to keep your pool open this winter (as opposed to draining and winterizing it) making sure you have a good, solid pool cover that will protect your water is very important.

As mentioned, there are tons of different types of pool covers available, including:

• Solar covers
• On track vinyl covers
• Leaf covers
• Rolling polycarbonate panels
• Tarp pool cover
• Safety pool cover

To learn more about our various pool cover offerings or to schedule a consultation with one of our technicians, please do not hesitate to contact Mid City Custom Pools.

Summer is Over! Is it Time to Close the Pool?

Can you believe October is almost half over with already? We sure can’t! As the fall colors settle in, many people are asking if it’s time to close their home swimming pool down for the season. Thankfully for us Texas residents, the answer is no. The ground typically does not get cold enough to have to shut down the pool completely for the year, which is one of the top benefits of having a pool in your backyard here. While the temperatures will drop from their summer numbers (no one’s complaining here!), the good news is you will be able to use your pool year-round.

Mid City Custom Pools installs a free guard in your pool that is designed to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting due to cold temps. This  innovative technology is imperative to the overall upkeep and maintenance of your home swimming pool, as the last thing you have to deal with is busted pipes! When you buy a pool from Mid City, it includes a freeze guard. We will work with you to ensure you understand how the freeze guard works and educate you about what to expect with your purchase in the coming years.

Don’t Fret – You Can Use Your Pool Year-Round!

While many people decide to winterize and shut down their pool when summer ends and the cooler temps begin to show up, you don’t necessarily have to go this route. Using energy efficient pumps (as we do here at Mid City Custom Pools), we are able to help you keep your pool open all four seasons. There are a handful of other tips to keep in mind if you do want to use your pool this winter, including:

• Install a Pool Heater – This is a pretty obvious choice, but installing a pool heater is the best way to keep your water warm and prevent anything from freezing during the winter. While we typically don’t need to worry about freezing temps in Hurst, this may not be a bad idea to explore if you are concerned
• Stay on Top of Maintenance – This goes for every season, but it is important for you to stay on top of all your pool’s maintenance needs in the winter months. This is especially true in the fall when the leaves are falling, as the last thing you want is for them to muck up your pool’s filter system
• Test Your Water – Another thing you must do when using your pool during the cooler months is test the water on a regular basis. Test the pH levels and monitor your chlorine levels to ensure they are in the right ranges when it gets colder out
• Install Freeze Protection – As we mentioned earlier, all Mid City pools come with a freeze guard, which will save you in a major way if you plan to keep your pool open year-round

To learn more about our custom swimming pools or freeze guard option, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and are here to help you maintain your pool throughout the year!

Can My Dog Swim in the Pool?

Many of you may think this is a silly question, but in actuality we field this question on a regular basis. Many Texas families with dogs are curious about whether or not it is safe for their beloved pooch to swim in the pool. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as many would like. Today we are going to look at some of the pros and cons of allowing your dog in your home swimming pool, and then it’s up for you to decide whether or not Fido is free to frolic.

For starters, the majority of vets and dog experts say ‘yes’ when it comes to allowing your dog in the pool. Many dogs love nothing more than a plunge in any body of water, from the local river or lake to their owner’s home swimming pool. When you live somewhere like Texas and the summers are as hot as they are, diving into the pool with your pup feels like heaven. Most people will tell you that chlorine (in small amounts) is safe for your dog. Heck, many humans spend a great deal of time in chlorine pools and experience zero negative side effects. However, it is important to keep in mind that your dog’s eyes, ears, and nose are more sensitive than a human’s, which means they may be a bit more susceptible to the unpleasant side effects of chlorine. With this in mind, it is important to keep a watchful eye on your pup when he or she is in the pool and monitor their behavior and physical appearance after the pool sesh is over. If you notice any irritation or other side effects, contact your vet.

Factors to Consider

Aside from the chlorine factor, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. Dogs – specifically their hair – can be hard on a pool filter, clogging up the skimmer or pump basket very quickly. So if you have a rather hairy dog or one that tends to shed a lot, it is important you are prepared to clean out your filter after they take a dip. If the pump basket gets clogged more than a few times, it may result in a pump repair, which is just something to be aware of and on the lookout for.

Another important factor to consider before you let your pup in your Hurst swimming pool is how good of a swimmer your dog is. Sure, swimming may come naturally to many dogs, but to others it is a foreign concept and quite scary. Before you simply toss Fido in the pool, make sure you get them used to water and help them learn how to swim. Many dogs are scared the first time they enter the water, so take it slowly and praise your dog each and every step of the way. By making the first time a pleasant experience, your dog will become accustomed to water and live for the days he or she gets to go to the pool with you. It is important you work on building their confidence and don’t ever make your dog get in the pool if he or she is terrified of the water.

There are also other sanitation issues to consider when allowing your dog to swim in the pool. Like it or not, your dog will inherently introduce body oils, dirt, insects, and fecal matter in the pool. No matter how clean your pooch is, they undoubtedly will have small particles of fecal matter stuck to their fur. Over time this fecal matter will contaminate the pool water, potentially resulting in the transmission of Recreational Water Illnesses.

The bottom-line is, yes, your dog can swim in the pool, but you will have to be much more diligent about cleaning your pool and staying on top of maintenance needs. If you have any questions about this topic or would like to discuss having a home swimming pool installed, please contact Mid City Custom Pools today.

Fall is the Time for a Fire Feature

Fall is officially here! Which means cooler temps, changing colors, pumpkin spiced lattes, and a backyard fire feature, of course. These days it seems people are always looking for ways to remain outdoors year-round, and what better way to do this than by adding a fire pit! There are many different directions you can go with this, from a simple, subtle gas fireplace to a more eye-catching fire feature that wows every time. Regardless of where your tastes are leading you, there is no better time than now to turn those fire feature dreams into a reality.

It’s safe to say that Fall is a favorite season for many, are we right? Not only do the scorching Texas temps begin to fall, but leaves turn beautiful colors and there is a welcome crisp in the air. When the seasons change many of us take the time to reflect and start on new projects. A common project we have been seeing amongst Southlake homeowners is backyard renovations, complete with a mesmerizing fire feature. Not only do fire pits and other fire features allow you to spend more time enjoying your backyard space, but they add value to your home and give you a place for relaxation and entertaining. Fire features contribute to the overall aesthetics of any outdoor space, turning it into a favorite part of the home. So, why is Fall the perfect time to add a fire feature? Let’s take a look:

• Sets you up for success – One of the main reasons why NOW is the time to pull the trigger and have a fire feature installed is because it will set you up for the rest of the year. Chances are you won’t be using your fire feature quite as much during the sweltering summer months, but in the fall, winter, and even spring, you are sure to get a lot of use out of it. So before the seasons change again and you find yourself behind the curve, look into getting a fire feature installed!
• Provides an excuse for entertaining – When the cooler months hit, it is only natural for people to turn inward and become a bit recluse. The best way to fix this? By installing a fire feature, which will then become a hub for spending time with your loved ones. A fire feature is both relaxing and warming, pulling people out of their introverted ways and encouraging group get-togethers.
• Endless options – When it comes to adding a fire pit or fire feature to your Hurst home, you have endless options! You can add a wood fireplace that will create a more natural atmosphere in your backyard, or a gas fire pit that is both modern and clean. There are also tons of ways to add bits and pieces of fire, without an actual fire pit, in your backyard.

To learn more about our fire pit and fire feature options, please give Mid City Custom Pools a call today. We are happy to help you get started on this project before we get too deep into Fall, as we want you to be able to enjoy it as the evenings begin to cool!

5 Common Pool Problems and How to Fix Them

Having a pool installed in your backyard is a wonderful luxury, but it does not come without hard work and a few headaches from time to time. In order to ensure you are getting the most out of your pool and not leaving yourself vulnerable to a lifetime of maintenance repairs, it is important to understand what all goes into caring for a home swimming pool. Regardless of how prepared you are when it comes to things going wrong with your pool, chances are you will face at least a couple common pool problems over the years. If you do find yourself in a situation where you are unsure how to proceed or what needs to be done in order to get your pool back to normal, please do not hesitate to contact Mid City Custom Pools. We are always here to answer any questions you may have and are happy to send a technician out if we can’t troubleshoot your problem over the phone.

With that in mind, we thought fall was a good time to look at the five most common pool problems and how to fix them. Knowledge is power, and it is our intention to help educate all our homeowners so they have the best experience possible with their pool. Things happen, and chances are you will experience some level of upkeep and perhaps a bump or two along the way, but having a pool in the privacy of your very own backyard is something that cannot be overshadowed by these hiccups. The best way to stay stress-free when it comes to owning and maintaining your Hurst swimming pool? Staying on top of any concerns! Here are five common pool problems, along with tips on how to fix them:

• Algae Has Taken Over – One of the most common problems pool owners face is algae affliction, both of the green, mustard, and black kind. An algae infestation is incredibly common and usually is due to low chlorine levels. How do you fix it? By performing a shock treatment using three times the normal amount of shock. In doing so, you are actually shocking the system and exterminating the unwanted algae.
• Clogged Filter – Another issue most pool owners face at least one time or another is clogged filters or valves. If you notice the pool is starting to build yucky debris and the filter is full, it may be time to perform some filter maintenance. Thankfully, it is super easy to clean out the filter and ensure this doesn’t become more of an issue. In addition to routine filter checks, it should be chemically cleaned at least once a year to make sure it lasts for many years to come.
• Foam Problem – We’ve all seen it before, all of a sudden the pool starts to look like a bubble bath or foam problem. When you notice white suds on the surface, it’s time to hightail it to the store for an anti-foam agent that will actually work. In many cases foam forms because of a poor algaecide, which is why it is important to purchase your algaecide from a reputable source, like Mid City Custom Pools.
• Mineral Issues – If you notice discoloration of your pool water (we’re talking a milky chocolate brown or gorgeous teal color) it means you have too many minerals in your pool. There could be many different causes for this, all of which can be righted with a little help from chemicals. If you notice the pool water turning brown, you likely have too much iron in the water, whereas pools with a copper problem typically go the teal route. Just head to your local pool store and ask for chemicals to remove minerals, or give us a call and we can help!
• Murky, Muddy Water – If you can’t see to the bottom of the pool, you have a problem. You should never look at your pool, only to be met with murky water that won’t even allow you to see to the bottom. There are numerous reasons this happens, namely from improper pH levels caused by acidic rain. The solution? Test the water’s pH levels and make any necessary adjustments.

Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any concerns about your pool and need help with maintenance! We are here to help with all your Hurst swimming pools and outdoor space needs.

Why Outdoor Kitchens Are Great Backyard Additions

With summer coming to a close and fall just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about ways you can remain outside – all year long. Here in Texas we generally have good weather throughout the year, save for thunderstorms and the random snow storm. Thanks to the climate, outdoor kitchens are a popular addition to many homeowners. There are many wonderful benefits to an outdoor kitchen, from allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while whipping up a delicious meal to being able to entertain outside – all year long. If you are someone who can’t get enough of the beautiful weather in our wonderful state, or simply loves to entertain, we encourage you to consider adding an outdoor kitchen to your space.

There are many different directions you can go with for an outdoor kitchen, including a state-of-the-art propane grill and other awesome appliances that will take your new outdoor cooking space to the next level. Ask anyone who already has an outdoor kitchen – it will become the center of entertainment in your home overnight! In recent years outdoor kitchens have become popular because of their year-round appeal and endless design options. Some of the most common appliances and accessories people add when embarking on an outdoor kitchen project include:

● Oversized grills
● Wood-fire pizza ovens
● Outdoor fireplace
● Tile or granite countertops
● Gourmet appliances
● Metallic countertops
● Refrigerator and ice maker
● Wine fridge
● Kegerator – or beer dispenser
● Full bar
● Two-side grill
● Warming drawer
● Side burners
● Smoker
● Blender
● Storage space
● Dishwasher

These are just a handful of ideas for those planning an outdoor kitchen. As you can see, you can take it as high-end and luxurious as you wish! Outdoor kitchens can be simple and sleek, providing you with a space to grill and prep food, or completely over the top and fancy, such as those that include a dishwasher. The world is truly your oyster when it comes to designing your Hurst outdoor kitchen!

Why Add an Outdoor Kitchen?

We’ve touched on this a bit already, but now it’s time to take a closer look at some of the top reasons why an outdoor kitchen is truly a wonderful addition to any backyard. As mentioned, outdoor kitchens automatically become a hub for entertaining, which is a win-win for everyone. As the host and likely cook of many backyard gatherings, being in the center of the action has its appeal. By taking the plunge and installing an outdoor kitchen, you will be able to cook in style, without having to run back and forth in your house every time you need to do something.

There is a reason why outdoor kitchens have been such a popular trend in warmer climates for the last decade or so. If you would like to learn more about our custom outdoor kitchens or how Mid City Custom Pools may be able to help you plan your dream backyard living space, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

How deep should you go?

You want your pool to be perfect, so of course you are obsessing a bit about all the measurements, the materials, aesthetic design, water, lights, fixtures, and so on and so forth. So, if you are in the process of designing or building a pool, you may be facing the particular dilemma of how deep you want your pool to be. Do you want it to all be one depth? Or do you want to have a deep end and a shallow end? If you have a deep end, how deep is deep enough? There are a lot of questions that can come about when trying to design the perfect swimming pool for you, your family and friends, and your backyard. Surprisingly enough, many people building a pool find this to be one of their most thought about decisions.

The truth is, it all depends on what you plan on using your pool for. Take a minute to consider everyone who will be using this pool. Just you and your family? Let’s be honest, if you have a pool, friends will find an excuse to come over and use it. If you have kids that are going to enjoy jumping in, you may want to consider adding a deep end. If the pool is mostly for relaxing and cooling off, then maybe all you need is a solid continuous shallow-depth pool. Or maybe you’re not sure, well, there is a solution for that as well.

Shallow all the way for the little ones…

If the main focus is the kiddos, and the kiddos are pretty young, then you may want to go with 3 feet, or even less. But, an important thing to consider here is how fast time flies. Sooner than you think, those little ones will be old enough to enjoy more than a “kiddie pool.”

Deep enough for laps…

If you enjoy swimming for exercise or fun, you may want to consider a depth of about 3.5 feet to 5 feet. This will allow for a full range of motion. If swimming laps is more than just a hobby, then you may even want to consider a lap pool.

Hanging out and playing around…

If you plan to use your pool for games, such as basketball or volleyball, then you’ll want to go with about 3.5 to 4 feet in depth. If you are just looking for a pool to hang out in and cool off, you may want to go with 3.5 – 4 feet in depth as well. And if you are planning to do all these things, and jump in, you will need a pool that at some point goes to at least a depth level of 4 feet, if not deeper.

Diving in head first…

If you are planning on diving into the pool head first, or if you know people who would be prone in doing so, then you will need to have a deep end of at least 9 feet. Diving in head first is typically never condoned by any swimming pool builder in Southlake, as it is pretty dangerous. But, if you are going to do it, or have family and friends who might, then you need to be prepared with a pool that is deep enough so that no one gets injured.

If you have more questions about how deep you should go, or are looking for an inground pool builder in Southlake, Hurst, or Colleyville, look no further. Here at Mid City Custom pools, we are a passionate and knowledgeable group of experts that are excited to help you move forward in designing and building your dream pool. Contact us today, and let’s get started!

Pool Safety 101

Pools are great for a lot of things, having a great time, exercising, get togethers, relaxing, but they also can be dangerous if the proper safety guidelines aren’t implemented and followed. We love chatting about all the fun things we use our pools for, but an experienced pool builder in Colleyville, where so many families enjoy pools in the Texas heat, will also want you to know various guidelines in order to keep it safe. So, keep on reading to check out some of the most important safety guidelines that we want you to keep in mind when enjoying your pool.

Don’t let children swim unsupervised

Many times, people have made the mistake of walking inside or turning away from the children while they are swimming; they think they will just take a minute and return their attention, but a minute is all it takes for a child to be seriously injured in a pool. Even if your children know how to swim or seem to be fine on their own, there are too many horror stories and statistics saying that things can go wrong. The bottom line is that children do not have the proper instincts to address dangerous situations and need adult supervision while in or around the swimming pool.

Keep it clean and chemically balanced

It’s important to make sure your pool has the proper chlorine and other chemical balances before swimming. Not only can your pool be damaged if the levels are too low, but swimming with levels that are too high can be damaging to you.

Have proper steps and railing

Make sure, especially if you have elderly swimmers or young swimmers, that you have proper and safe railing and steps for entering and exiting the pool.

Don’t run alongside the pool

We know this rule is quite cliché, but it’s always emphasized for a reason. Even if the surface of your outdoor deck doesn’t seem to be slippery, running around a wet pool area can result in bad falls, broken bones, concussions, or falling into the pool injured and not being able to swim or climb out.

Have emergency tools available

Unfortunately, accidents can happen, make sure you have a working cell phone nearby [outside] to call emergency services if necessary.

Be careful with various large floating toys

Large floating toys are a blast for the kids, and really nice for adults to lounge on as well, but be careful when you have a lot of children swimming around one because it does happen that a child can get caught underneath, panic, and not be able to swim out to safety.

Be careful jumping in

It’s never a good idea to jump into a shallow body of water. It truly is advised against to jump into the pool from the ledge in any case, because you can slip or injure yourself jumping in. If you do jump into your pool, make sure it’s in an area that is deep enough and that you won’t hit the bottom. And most importantly, never dive in head first.

Have safety regimens in place for when the pool is not being used

If you have children or elderly people living at home, it is a really good idea to have a fence around your pool, or a safety net covering it while it is not in use. It does happen that children wonder outside, even in just a minute that they aren’t supervised, they can fall into the water. Even if a child normally can swim seemingly fine, they may panic or become injured when falling in, and so it is always important to have all the necessary preventatives in such a situation.

Pools are great for fun, great for family, great for friends, great for exercising, and great for relaxing, but it is so important to practice safety when you and your loved ones are in and around the pool. If you would like to learn more about pool safety or are interested in building a pool of your own, you may be searching for a pool builder in Southlake. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we are confident in our abilities to build you the pool of your dreams. Contact us today, and let’s get started!