If your swimming pool is green, don’t worry this happens from time to time. Almost all pool owners have to deal with this problem at least once in their pool owning history. So how do you quickly remove the green tint from your pool and how do you do this in the least expensive way? The next steps are the simple and inexpensive way to get the green to get gone

1. Start circulating the water.

The water needs to be circulating through the filter 24/7 during the next few days. The pool water will end up circulating in full 3 times. Without circulation there is no hope to lose the green tint.

2. Shock

Consult your locally pool equipment supply and find the granular shock with the fastest reaction time. The more available chlorine, the more effective the shock will treat the pool water. Keep in mind you can never over shock a pool and taking tests during shocking treatments is obviously useless. Shock the pool every 2-3 hours keep note of the color and timing of each shock.

3. Filtration

The better the filter the faster your pool is going to clear up. Another important sub-step to mention is to clean your filter numerous times per day. During your treatments backwash your filter, since there are many types of filters please consult your trusted pool supply specialist on the best cleaning techniques for your sand filter or cartridge filter.

4. Finally

Clear Pool with Pool Water Clarifier
Once the green tint has started to fade administer your Pool Water Clarifier. The Pool Water Clarifier can be purchased at your local pool supply and coagulates suspended particles left in your treated water. This also speeds and finalizes the process of going back to the blue, normal color.

Out-Terior design is one very interesting profession. No, I’m not referring to landscaping, although both go hand and hand. Out-Terior design involves both creative and technical solutions that one apply to create a beautiful space and an external environment that will appeal to those who will be in that environment. Out-Terior design is more flexible and does not adhere to the landscaping norms. The design process requires systematic planning and this includes research, analysis and of course, integration of all these elements into the creative process.

The Designers

Out-Terior designers can seek employment in interior design or landscaping companies or they can go freelance. The freelancers work more hours than regular employees though and more often than not, these freelancers are also the most sought after especially the ones who have already established themselves in the business. The are now highly sought after individuals in the upcoming 2012 year. Since the recent downhill mortgage crisis, home owners are now holding fast to their property and revamping their Out-Terior designs.

Out-Terior Design and Style

Out-Terior design usually involves a theme –depending of course on what the client wants. There are many more aspects to consider in Out-terior design, the designer takes in account all landscaping and all outside decor, including the pool area. They are well versed in all aspects of Out-Terior planning right down to the very trees planted in the new space.  One thing is for sure though, there is always a consistent idea in the exterior. Styles however should not be confused with the conceptualization of the design. For the more nitty gritty, more often than not, the architectural context is also taken into consideration. The socio-cultural aspect or requirements of the clients are also incorporated in the design as per the client’s instructions.

Be Your Own Out-Terior Designer

Learn more about the flow of your space and the elements you need to enhance. There are many elements to consider just like the experienced Out-Terior designers. Not only research above ground but know what’s going on below also. Plumbing and electrical equipment of your pool and the roots systems of your trees all will play a part of your Out-Terior design. You can of course be your own Out-Terior Designer by laying out your dream space and contracting the right people to fulfill this dream.

Image via Wikipedia

Yaupon Holly:  Aquifoliaceae llex Vomitoria

The Yaupon Holly is categorized as a herb, shrub or tree. The Yaupon Holly stands from 15-20 ft to 20-30ft. Best growth habitat is exposure to sun or partial shade. The Yaupon Holly’s bloom color is white and bloom time is Mid-Spring. The Yaupon Holly is attractive to insects like bees, butterflies and birds. The foliage is evergreen and is draught-tolerant and suitable for planting in landscapes without additional irrigation needed. Many have mentioned the trees berry production is legendary and planting the trees on their native turf, Texas, they become indestructible.

Yaupon Holly Versatility & Maintenance

Many property owners choose this low maintenance tree because of the versatility.  Many Texas home owners use this plant in their Xeriscapes add them to their landscaping for privacy and decoration. The low water requirements make the Yaupon Holly perfect for Xeriscapes. The Texas heat can destroy all growth on your property and water restrictions don’t help growth. Xeriscapes allow certain plants beneath a layer of rocks and soil to avoid addition irrigation needed for grass areas. Homeowners will also use the Yaupon Holly tree to add to their privacy screen. Proper pruning can spur growth and add to the thick canopy. Pruning can mold them into different shapes for your property allowing for diverse foliage and enough sunlight for your undergrowth. Left on their own, the canopy can become very thick and dense. To order a Yaupon Holly in the Plano and Frisco area please contact your local nursery.

Related articles

• What is xeriscape landscaping (wiki.answers.com)
• Creating a Waterwise Landscape (realestatecamdenmaine.wordpress.com)
• Three Essential Factors In Swimming Pool Area Landscaping (mydecorarticles.com)

Tree Installation Services

Depending on the nursery you select the new trees from, some may offer transplantation and installation but with many you may need to transplant your new trees
around the pool or fence.

How to Transplant

Here are a few easy steps to get started in the right directions, but please consult your friendly nursery or transplanting company about exact measurements when transplanting a tree near a pool or other underground objects.

First

measure 6 feet out from the circumference of your pool and mark your desired tree location with a orange spray paint or flag. Then, measure six feet out from any other element in the backyard like deck or other structures.

Second

dig holes for each of the trees measuring 2 feet deep by 3 feet wide. Place the dirt next to your dug out whole used to cover the root ball after transplantation.

Third

Have your tree transplanting company deliver your pool side tree and use the supplied tree dolly to place the tree next to the whole for easy insertion. Then, cut the burlap and wire frame coating from the root ball. Take your hands and try to loosen the roots from the ball from the sides of the root ball.

Finally

Tilt the tree into the dugout hole and pack the excess dirt into the top of the root ball. Place bark mulch on top of the fresh soil and water for 20 minutes.

Please consult your professional tree farmers for further maintenance instructions and installation procedures to avoid injury to yourself or the trees. Avoid installing deciduous trees near the pool, the foliage and can cause damage to pool lining and pool pumps. To pick out your trees near the Frisco, Plano area please visit our trusted tree farm in Frisco.

Want to enjoy your pool for an additional few months?

Heat pool pumps allow you to enjoy a longer swimming season without breaking the bank. Heat Pumps transfer the heat from the surrounding air and uses it to warm and circulate the water within the pool. Heat Pumps work will as long as the outside temperature stays about 45 degress FF.

Heat Pumps are more effiecient and less expensive than gas heaters and last longer than the average gas heater. Several things need to be considered when choosing the correct heat pump for your pool.

Size

Size of your a gas heater output needed is according to the surface afrea of the pool and the difference between the average temperature and desired temperature. Therefore, the lower the average temperate and the larger the pool, the more thermal output will be needed from your heater.

Efficiency

A Coefficient of Performance (COP) is listed by the manufacturer for each model. Unfortunatly, manufactures do not use a standard test to measure the COP. What you want to look for is a much higher unit of heat output than the electricity you are putting in.

Cost

The average annual electricity cost of a pool heater in Plano, Texas is $800-$1,000 to run annually. If you add a pool cover it will reduce these costs to less than $400 per year. In hotter cities like Dallas and Plano, pools will retain heat longer than say…Denver, Colorado.

Please consult your local pool supply specialist in your area to learn about maintenance and installation.

When you remodel your pool there are all types of coping, tile waterfalls, waterfeatures, decking and so on…One of the most important decisions is the plaster inside of your pool. The plaster can be the standard white plaster to different colors or even River Rok.

White Plaster

Most common and standard for a pool remodel. Color appears light blue and clean with reflection of the water.

Diamond Brite

A line of sparkling and easy maintenance non-fading Diamond Quartz. These are available in multiple colors and are know for the low maintenance and longevity.

Marble Finish

Resists staining and etching even with the harshest pool chemicals. If ease of pool maintenance is your top priority, this will save you time during you busy weekends.

River Rok

Natural selection, outdoor and extreme conditions. Exposed pebbles give the pool a one of a kind look. This is bringing the great outdoors to your back yard.

For more information on pool remodeling and selection of plaster and lining visit a Plano show room or visit your local pool supply specialist.

We need to start thinking about protecting our pools from the harsh winter months. Winterizing or ‘closing’ your pool is normal procedure for pool maintenance. The next item on our list is to keep your pool clean as possible for next season. Properly winterizing your pool will make next pool season will make easier maintenance requirements. The following are the steps you can take to winterize your pool for the quickly approaching winter.

1) Test the water chemistry. Test the pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness; make sure all are even. This is going to protect this pool from staining and iron buildup on the surfaces. “Shock” the pool with either a Chlorine based Shock or Non-Chlorine Shock. Chlorine is used to break down and slow algae production.

2) Add your winterizing kit, kits are available by the number of gallons in your pool, this will maintain a blue color, even until next season. Please ask your Pool specialist for proper instructions.

3) Even though it’s unlikely in Texas the chance of freezing is always a possibility. Water freezes then expands breaking and cracking pipes and pool plumbing. Take proper precaution to eliminate breakage because of the freezing water. Drain all pool equipment including your pump, all should come with a draining valve, leave plug off incase water does enter, this allows proper drainage. Make sure chemicals are drained out of equipment including your chlorine feeder.

4) Lower the water level below the skimmer (the metal or plastic used to catch floating debris). Freezing water can enter cause the components to crack.

6) Place cover on pool to keep out debris, some economical pool covers are made of durable polyethylene and others can be custom made to fit irregular shaped pools.

Finally, place all components in storage to be easily found next season. Protect your pool from freeze damage with a freeze protector, these lifesavers plug into the nearest outlet and regulate and monitor spa equipment and plumbing.  Insert a freeze protector or time/freeze guard. 

Now you’re set for next season, enjoy the cooler weather!

We know that your pool is already looking blue and beautiful because you are readers of our blog. So we wanted to pass along some wisdom that you can use at your next pool party. Check out how to to do the perfect canonball! Guaranteed to soak any nearby spectators!

Enjoy!

1 Stop Pool Care is your one stop Plano pool supply store

If you are experiencing water loss you want monitor out if your pthe pool and see if your pool is losing more than about 5/8″ of water in any 24 hour period. you most likely have a leak somewhere.

It is normal for a pool to lose 1/2″ a day due to evaporation during the summer months. So don’t be alarmed, it is normal to have to add water to your pool on a regular basis during the summer.

So how do you find out how much water you are losing per day?

One of the easiest ways to determine how much water you are losing is to place a piece of electrical tape at the water level and measure after 24 hours. If you have more than 5/8″ water loss you most likely have a leak somewhere.

Come back for the second part of this post to find out what the next step is.

If you are experiencing a leak it is always a good idea to call a plano, TX pool repair service.

Now is the time of the year when you begin to get the urge to jump into your pool, you just have one problem. Your pool was sitting all winter and now looks like a lagoon creature is living in it.

Follow these simple instructions and you will be splashing around in no time!

First, apply the directed amount of shock pool treatment to your pool water every day for five to seven days depending on how bad your pool is. After a few days, you will begin to see your water beginning to clear up and look a lot cleaner. Continue with the daily application of the pool shock.

Note*If your pool has a vinyl lining, make sure to get the special version of shock made for these types of pools. Follow the directions on the bag and apply to your pool water.

If you do not already have an automatic pool cleaner for your pool you should invest in one. A pressure cleaner is a wonderful tool that will constantly work to keep your pool water looking sparkling blue and clean. These cleaners focus on the bottom floor of the pool and act like a vacuum sucking up debris and dirt that have settled at the bottom of the pool. All you need to do is turn it on underwater and let it go to work.

After you have shocked and swept your pool, skim your surface daily with a pool net to remove any debris such as leaves, bugs anything else that may have landed in the pool. A pool skimmer is a great tool to own to do your daily maintenance on your pool.

If necessary, replace your pools filtering media. These can be cartridge filters, sand filters or diatomaceous earth. If your pool is on the older side you should have your pool filters looked at and serviced.

If you follow these simple steps you will be a pool pro and be splashing around in no time!