One of the best ways friends and family can get together during the summer is through pool parties. They offer the flexibility of chilling out while beating the heat. However, it’s very important to make the party interesting and fun so everyone can enjoy it, from the host to the guests.
One way to do this is to make sure that you have all the necessary accessories you need before you finalize your pool party invitations. It’s important to choose products that you know will work best for you and your friends:
Some of these products include floats, pool decorations, speakers for music, coolers, all kinds of towels, snacks and drinks, insulated cups, and lawn games, as well as umbrellas and canopies. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen, of which there is a wide variety nowadays.
Now, let’s take a look at these products in detail below to give you an idea of how they’ll make your pool party awesome.
Pool Floats
Pool floats are a must-have when planning an outdoor pool party. From cactus floats to flamingos, pizza, and donut floats, you definitely have a lot to choose from, or you can mix and match the styles you like most. All these floats are comfortable and photo-friendly, so you’ll have the best photos to show off on social media.
For kids and inexperienced swimmers, you should consider having personal floatation devices ready as well. These can include water winds, kickboards, etc. They help avoid any accidents in the water, so you can enjoy safe fun.
Pool Decorations
Your pool party needs to look great, and, to this end, decorations are a must. Not only will they elevate your pool party, but they’re fun and excellent for when you want to take photos. If you have a theme, let it shine. As part of your décor, you can include colored straws, paper products, lanterns, garlands, etc.
Another factor to consider is whether the pool party will take place in the morning or afternoon. If it’s a night pool party, some bright decorative lights might be a good idea. You could as well have some glow sticks at the bottom of the pool as well.
Decorations are very important for any type of party, but make sure you have the pool prepped and check the chemicals in advance. Also, skim the pool before your guests arrive and use the right pool water products to clean it and make sure that it’s safe to swim in.
Speakers for Music
Every pool party needs music. A quiet party is no fun and people tend to leave early, but when there’s a playlist, they can dance, drink, and talk the whole night. Luckily, you can get waterproof floating speakers nowadays, which allow you to take your music to the pool and light up the mood with some nice tunes.
You can also have the speakers placed in different areas around the pool so that everyone at the party can enjoy the music to the fullest. What’s more, the right playlist has the power to change the mood, so you need to make sure you choose the right songs that everyone can enjoy.
Coolers
Pool parties take place during summer when it’s hot outside, which means you’ll need ice-cold beverages to keep everyone cool. But what’ll keep your drinks cold? Why, a cooler, of course!
Consider having two coolers, one for the kids, and the other for adults. You can as well go for coolers that float in the water so you can enjoy your drinks in the water. Coolers are not just for drinks; you can also use them to keep your fruit fresh and chilled. No one wants warm watermelons, mangos, and pineapples. Oh, and make sure to keep the coolers in the shade to keep the ice from melting faster.
All Kinds of Towels
When attending pool parties, most people will bring their own towels. However, others might forget or just feel too lazy to do so. That’s why you need to make sure you have plenty of extras just in case. This will help keep your guests comfortable.
Make sure to place the towels near the pool so everyone can have access to them. You can as well layer up your towels for maximum comfort. If the pool party takes place when the weather is extremely hot, consider having cooling towels. Again, make sure to provide towel racks so that your guests can hand in their wet towels.
Snacks and Drinks
It’s very important to have snacks that everyone can enjoy at the pool party. Consider having frozen fruit pops, veggie sticks, chips and dip, mini crescent dogs, and any type of snacks that don’t require eating with a fork and knife. Consider different dietary requirements and cater to as many as possible.
Umbrellas and Canopies
Umbrellas are important at a pool party, especially for those who like to chill out. Pool umbrellas offer shade but are great for smaller spaces. On the other hand, canopies offer more shade but require more space. Therefore, you need to go for the one that’s right for your particular area and which can accommodate all your guests.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is very important when having a pool party in the sun, so make sure it’s readily available for all your guests. Also, make sure to place it where everyone can see and have access to it. Water-resistant sunscreens are best for pool parties, so if you go for those, it could be awesome.
The key to a successful pool party is to set a vibe and for this, you’ll need the items listed on this list. They’ll help to keep your guests comfortable and happy. Most importantly, plan and pay attention to the small details if you want your party to stand out.
For more information or any questions you may have about pools, contact the professional pool people at Ajax Pool & Spa.
You might be surprised to find out that it’s not that hard to get a hot tub installed. While you need to have a hot tub installed by a professional — it requires a foundation and electrical work — it’s likely that you have everything you structurally need to get started.
Let’s take a look at what’s required to install a hot tub, after you’ve found the hot tub of your dreams. While most of this will be handled by the hot tub company, it’s still good to keep it all in mind.
The right location
Make sure you have enough space to accommodate the hot tub, as well as any additional features or accessories. If the ground isn’t leveled, you will have to level that ground before you pour a foundation. People frequently place hot tubs on patios and in other established outdoor spaces.
A concrete pad
This will provide a level, stable surface for your hot tub. Once the concrete pad has cured, you can assemble the hot tub’s frame and foundation. The concrete pad will support the weight of the hot tub and provide a stable surface. Generally, it will be positioned over a concrete base after the area has been excavated.
Pour the concrete pad at least 3 to 4 inches thick. The pad should be level, so use a laser level to ensure it’s perfectly flat. If you don’t have a laser level, you can use a long level or a string line stretched across the pad’s surface.
If you live in an area with a high water table, consider pouring a thicker pad (6 to 8 inches) to prevent the tub from shifting as the ground beneath it settles.
An electrical hookup
Your hot tub will need to be connected to a 220-volt circuit by a licensed electrician. It’s not wise to attempt this yourself. Hot tubs heat and move a large volume of water; without a special hookup, they can’t generate the power necessary to function.
Today, some people are installing solar generators to keep their hot tubs warm, but this can be a costly solution — the solar generator has to come with a battery (not a lot of sun at night).
A regular garden hose
Spas are filled with a regular garden hose. When the water needs to be replaced, a portable pump may be used to change the water every four to six months.
Your next steps
Are you interested installing a hot tub? The first step is to find the right hot tub for you. There are a lot of hot tubs out there and they may have different installation needs, such as a larger concrete pad or lower-powered energy hookup.
And there’s a lot more to it than installation. You may find that you want a specific type of hot tub, such as one for large groups of people, or one that has massaging functions. You could want to treat your hot tub with salt or need a hot tub that’s particularly impervious to cold weather.
Installing a hot tub is work, but it’s also a great investment. A lot of people find that a hot tub is both relaxing and therapeutic and it improves their property values. Find out what it will take to install a hot tub in your house by contacting Ajax Pool & Spa today.
Your swimming pool filter is important because it removes debris and leaves clean water. That’s why it’s important that the pool filter is operating correctly. When it is functioning at peak performance, the water is cleaner and safer. That leads to the question of when is it time to replace a pool filter system? Normally, you have the same filter for life. However, if it gets damaged, there are several things to look for.
Indications When to Replace Pool Filter System
While we would like you to spend more time enjoying your pool than caring for it, there are several things to look for that are signals that your pool filter system may need to be replaced. The easiest is visually looking for changes in water quality and color. If the water contains debris or becomes murky or changes color, this is a strong sign that the pool filter needs to be changed. Other signs are that your pool needs more frequent cleaning, and the pool filter system is running longer than normal.
Another sign that there may be a problem is when it becomes more difficult to maintain the pH balance of the water. Also, be alert if the pool skimmer suction doesn’t seem to be operating at capacity. If the pool filter starts clogging frequently during vacuuming, it’s another signal to get it checked out.
Lastly, pool filter cartridges are not meant to last forever. It varies with style and type of filter so understand the approximate date to expect to change the pool filter system. For filter cartridges, it’s also good to check for any tears. This can mean that it will need to be replaced.
Checking the Pool Filter System
When to replace the pool filter system will depend on its condition. You can visually check to see if there is any damage or clogging. How to check the filter depends on its type: sand, D.E. filter grids, or cartridge.
Sand Filters
These are actually the most difficult to inspect. Sand filters should be inspected annually and require special tools and knowledge. Sand should also be changed every three years minimum. The best thing to do is call us at Ajax Pool & Spa. Our professionals can quickly assess the filter condition and let you know if it is the filter that is causing the water quality issues.
D.E. Filter Grids
In order to check the condition of filter grids, the system must be off. When you pull out the grid, look for any damage or wear on the fabric. These are known to be the longest-lasting filters, so the grid simply may need to be cleaned.
Cartridge Filters
For pool owners, these are the easiest to check. With the cartridge out, check for any signs of damage or wear. This can include fraying fabric or cracked end caps. Next check the filter pleats. They should not be flattening or have any tears. If they do, the filter needs to be changed.
The Lifespan of Pool Filters
Every eight hours, a pool filter pumps 60-70,000 gallons of water. Due to this level of active function, over time, the pool filter system becomes dirty and less effective. Each filter type has a different expected time of effectiveness. Maintaining the pool consistently can lengthen the lifespan of the filter system. So, when to replace pool filter system? These are approximate time lengths based on filter type.
- Glass filter media can last about 7-15 years.
- Sand filters remain effective for three to seven years.
- Filter cartridges are good for about two to four years.
We’re Here to Help!
At Ajax Pool & Spa, our team is ready to help you when you suspect that your pool filter system may need to be changed. If you are unsure when to replace pool filter system, our team can check it out for you and make the best recommendations to improve your pool’s condition. Located in Aspen, Colorado area for the past 20 years, Ajax Pool & Spa provides the services to repair and maintenance your pool whether in a residential or commercial location.
We understand that sometimes your pool conditions are not optimal. That’s no problem. At Ajax Pool & Spa, our team is committed to maintaining your pool or spa. If you think that your pool filter may need changing, give us a call!
