Landscaping & Outdoor Building

When a contractor talks about building a gunite swimming pool, don't let the terminology throw you off. Gunite refers to the method in which the contractor mixes the concrete compound used to form...

Fiberglass pools can become dull and faded over time and need to be resurfaced. Fiberglass pools are painted with gel coat, which is a fiberglass resin that is pigmented to match any color. Gel...

Over 21,000 known species of algae exist in the world. Fortunately, only a few are found in pools. The most common algae are black, green and blue-green algae. Algae is a simple plant that turns...

The most common way to surface a pool is by using paint. There are a variety of colors, and it is a cost-effective way to surface or coat a pool. There are three different types of paint that are...

Leveling the ground beneath an inflatable pool is important to the safety and life of your pool. A pool that is not level may collapse if it is overfilled due to rain, if there is a lot of...

Instant-set above-ground pools are incredibly popular with homeowners. The set up is simple, requiring no involved excavation, expensive materials or building permits. And, they're affordable,...

Intex designs a variety of pools and pool accessories, from inflatable pools to the metal-frame style. Most pools require chemicals to reduce algae buildup during regular cleaning and just to keep...

Instant pools are one of the easiest ways to quickly and easily set up a pool for your family. The only preparation necessary is to level the ground, spread out the pool and inflate the ring. ...

Most plants and trees are tolerant of chlorine at normal levels. The low levels of chlorine in municipal water supplies do not significantly affect plants. Furthermore, the levels of chlorine in...

Good swimming pool maintenance requires adding chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms, prevent algae growth and help maintain proper pH. Chlorine tablets are a convenient way to maintain chlorine...

There's nothing like taking a dip in a crystal-clear pool, especially on a hot day. Choosing the right pool filter can make the difference between a clear pool and a one that looks more like a...

Having chemically balanced water in your pool, whether it is an above ground or inground one, is essential to ensure that you have a pleasant swimming experience. The perfect pool water is neither...

Putting in a swimming pool at home is one of the best gifts you can give your family. With an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool you can vacation in your own backyard all summer long,...

Solar pool blankets offer an inexpensive way to avoid taking a cold dip in the pool. These special covers resemble bubble wrap with a lot more durability and functionality. The pool blanket...

Pool steps are made from a light plastic material. Unless they are anchored down, they will float towards the surface. Many of the newer stairs have a place to hold sand inside the bottom step,...

To building an in-ground concrete pool, you will need to operate earth-moving machinery, set up the pool's frame work and concrete siding, and install mechanical systems. If you are a...

Storage sheds often provide extra storage space for all your backyard equipment that won't fit in the garage. They are also particularly useful if you have a swimming pool and wish to store pool...

Swimming pools are one of the best summer spots for taking a break, having fun, and exercising. Even though they are engineered for easy cleaning and maintenance, keeping the water sparkling and...

Pool care and maintenance can be expensive and when you need to replace parts, it can be a major purchase. The problems of fine dirt, algae or bacteria in your water can be solved with an...

Chlorine is a chemical used in most swimming pools to disinfect the water. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to strong doses of the chemical can be detrimental to your health. Whether your...

A water filler installed in a swimming pool is designed to keep the water level in the pool at a consistent level. The Pentair Automatic Water Filler is one type of water filler. This type of...

Most pool owners know they need to periodically "shock" the pool to bring sterilization back to a base level. Shocking a pool means adding a large quantity of sanitizer, as such chlorine or...

After several years of use, pool owners are often faced with the decision of how to restore the appearance of the finish of the pool surface. With fiberglass pools, the choice is limited to...

Having a swimming pool is a great way to stay cool in the summer, but there's some work that goes into making sure that pool is a safe place. Chlorine is a chemical added to pool water to keep it...

Putting a fence around your pool keeps children from getting into the pool area without supervision and keeps out unwanted visitors. In most areas, you are required by law to put a fence around...

Installing an in-ground pool on your property can be a costly but worthwhile investment. To preserve the fun and relaxation you and your family experience with your pool, you must properly protect...

Most problems with your pool can be traced back to the pump. The pump is an important piece of mechanical equipment because it keeps water circulating and helps to keep the water clean. Whether...

A pool can be a wonderful luxury during the hot summer months. And keeping your pool as clean as possible can be an easy task, especially when you're armed with the knowledge to run your filter...

Pool maintenance is more than just cleaning the pool. There are mechanical systems that need to be looked after to ensure that the pool is running for years to come. If you notice a problem with...

Having a swimming pool is a rewarding experience filled with opportunities for family fun, recreation and entertainment, as well as the additional tasks associated with maintenance. However, only...

Swimming pool skimmers help to collect leaves in the pool, filter debris, and helps keep the pool healthy and clear. The swimming pool skimmer is designed to discharge water from a pressure...

The sound of a gently burbling waterfall is enchanting and can quickly sooth any harried homeowner, especially when that waterfall is a located just a step or two from your deck or patio. Making...

Sweat bees are bees that are attracted to human sweat. Sweat bees are relatively small and often make their homes in wood. All bees, including sweat bees need to search and collect water. They...

People should obviously be curious about the chemicals they put in their pool. Bromine, in pellets or liquid, is cheap and widely available as a pool sanitation chemical. But is it safe to use?

Tired of chlorine stinging your eyes and wreaking havoc on your hair? Then it's time for you to get rid of your chlorine-based pool for a saltwater pool. Saline based pools are environmentally...

Algae--small plants that have no roots and turn crystal clear water into a green, brown, yellow or black slimy mess--can be a hassle for pool-owners. Algae can be found floating in the water or...

Swimming pools are found in the backyards of many homes around the country, and they exist in various designs and are surrounded by many types of landscaping. It is not uncommon to find pools...

One of the most critical parts of installing any swimming pool is properly installing a pool liner to prevent water from seeping out of the pool. Pool liners are manufactured in several standard...

When it comes to pools, one thing is certain -- at some point, the water is going to turn green. Sparkling blue water can turn green overnight when pools are not properly maintained. Pools can...

A deck around a swimming pool makes getting in and out easy, because the tall sides of a pool without a deck require climbing up and over the side on a ladder. This entry/exit decreases safety,...

Swimming pools develop calcium scale buildup if the water's calcium hardness is high (above 250 parts per million). Calcium deposits have a white, caked-on look and appear on tile work and stone...

One of the most common methods of decorating a pool deck surface is with paint. A painted pool deck can brighten up your pool area, relieving the look of dull, grey concrete. Painting your pool...

Algae is common in swimming pools in the hot summer months. There are three varieties: green algae, mustard algae and black algae. Black algae is the most difficult to remove because it grows a...

If you have always wanted a pool in your backyard but worried about the expense, an Easy Set Pool can be an excellent alternative to a professionally installed above-ground or in-ground pool. Some...

In-ground swimming pools can be delightful backyard additions to any home. However, there often comes a time when the pool is no longer used or wanted, or it becomes a hassle to maintain. The...

Closing your swimming pool and sand filter can be a daunting task; it signifies the end of summer and the colder weather approaching. It's important that your pool has balanced water and be closed...

Properly closing an above ground swimming pool for the season isn't a good idea, it's a necessity. Save money and extend the life of your pool by doing it the right way.

Pools use chlorine to kill algae, bacteria, and other organisms that live in the water to keep them clean. The chlorine acts to displace oxygen from the water molecules, and it's actually oxygen...

The filter is one of the most important parts of your inground pool system. You want to have the cleanest water possible for your family, so make sure you know how to operate your filter...

Sand can be a nuisance when it gets into a pool. It can cause the pool filter to get clogged faster. It also can feel uncomfortable on the bottom of your feet when you are in the pool. Sand...