Author: crystal_login

The holiday shopping craze is here.

Here’s our suggestion: stay home and soak in the hot tub instead.

Make it a tradition

One of the best things about owning a hot tub is the time you spend in it with family and friends. So, why not create a tradition around it? Instead of rushing out the door to fight the crowds this coming weekend, how about kicking back in your favorite spot to relax?

Brew some coffee.

Scramble some eggs.

Grab a towel and invite the family out for a soak in your warm, bubbly spa.

Last year, we proposed this idea as a relaxing alternative to spending the day shopping. But let’s take it a step further: why not make plans to do this every year? Turn it into a fun family tradition that everyone looks forward to.

Enjoy your time with those you love

If you have kids, this is a great time to talk about what they want for the holidays – or what they plan to give to others. Whoever the company is, the idea is to relax, unwind, and enjoy good conversation with those around you.

Eliminate stress, don’t add to it

While you’re relaxing in the hot tub, others will be running around, driving from store to store, lining up outside retailers’ doors, spending money like someone is paying them to do it! Let’s face it – holiday shopping is stressful. But it doesn’t have to be.

A mountain of research shows that hot tubs help to relieve stress – both on your mind and body. So, why not spend this weekend doing something that makes you feel better, instead of worse?

Even if the holiday deals are important to you, remember that stores offer numerous additional sales throughout the holiday season. In many cases, the biggest savings aren’t offered until days before Christmas. So, take your time. Sleep in. Keep the wallet closed and spend a laid-back morning in the hot tub with the people you love.

For many people, Halloween is the unofficial start of hot tub season. By October 31, the weather has usually consistently cooled down, creating the perfect conditions for a relaxing soak, any night of the week.

Since Halloween is already one of the most fun holidays of the year, why not combine the two celebrations? Hot tub + Halloween party = a frighteningly good time!

Here’s how to pull it off.

Spooky Invitations

A good Halloween party starts with creative invitations. This is your chance to create some intrigue and set a fun mood long before the actual party.

Be clear in the invitation that this isn’t an ordinary Halloween party. It’s a Hot Tub Halloween Party. Tell guests to bring their bathing suits, along with any other instructions to make the night fun. Should they wear costumes? Will there be games? Do they need their own towels? Include essential details without giving away the night’s biggest surprises.

A Haunted Hot Tub

Turn your hot tub into a ghoulishly fun space. If it’s not already covered, consider building a canopy structure around the hot tub, through which your guests can enter “at their own risk.” Decorate generously with Halloween themes to turn the hot tub into a mini haunted house.

Spider webs, goblins, zombies – there’s practically no limit to the eerie themes you can create.

Towels, Towels & More Towels

No matter how small your party, be sure to create a large towel station near the hot tub. Guests will probably use several throughout the party as they get in and out of the tub. So make sure an ample supply of fresh, dry towels is always within reach.

Dirty Hot Tub? Eek!

One truly scary thing about a hot tub Halloween party is a nasty, grime-covered tub. Who wants that? If you’ve been properly maintaining your hot tub, then this shouldn’t be an issue. But be sure to do a final inspection on the day of the party to make sure the hot tub is sparkling clean.

It’s Bloody Brilliant!

Set your LED lights to the red color for a way to turn your hot tub water into a virtual blood bath! The red water is a vampire haven!

Games Galore

Give guests something to do once they’re in the hot tub. You can never go wrong with classics like charades or simply sharing scary stories.

Food and Drinks

Food and refreshments are key to any party, so be sure to stock up. If alcohol is served, make sure people use the hot tub responsibly to prevent accidents. Also, provide water to keep guests hydrated.

Have a great Halloween, be safe, and let us know how your hot tub party goes!

In previous posts, we discussed when to close your swimming pool for winter and how. But when it comes to actually closing the pool, chances are there are few steps you might forget if you’re not careful.

If you live in Central PA, where temperatures have begun their final descent into the cooler months ahead, then you’ve probably considered closing your pool by now, if it’s not closed already. Most pool owners remember to properly “shock” their pools for winter. But what about all the “little things” you need to do? Some steps are easy to forget.

We’ve put together this short checklist to help you keep your pool equipment safe from the harsh winter weather.

Remember, these are only a handful of the many important steps you need to take. If you need more instructions, be sure to read our complete checklist to closing your pool, or contact our service department to do it for you.

1. Did you shut off electricity to the pump?

We strongly recommend turning off the main breaker to your pump or removing fuses. This ensures that the pump cannot be accidentally turned on over the winter season.

2. Did you remove the skimmer baskets?

Freezing water can easily destroy your skimmer baskets and other items, like the thermometer, fountains, and lifeline floats. Remove them from the pool and store them away for the winter season. Don’t forget to install those green gizzmos!

3. Did you store the ladders and handrails separately from the chlorine?

Ladders and handrails need to be kept away from freezing water too. But you shouldn’t store them in the same place that you store your chlorine. In poorly ventilated areas, chlorine gas can cause nearby metals to rust.

4. Did you store the diving board flat?

When storing your diving board, don’t keep it on its side or let part of it hang off a shelf. Storing it flat will help prevent it from warping. Remember to also remove the diving board base, grease the thread studs and install protective caps.

5. Have fiberglass? Underground plumbing needs to be winterized.

Fiberglass-pool owners must remember that additional steps are required to winterize the underground plumbing. Please give our service department a call at 717-534-1837 for specific instructions.

6. Did you drain all water from the pump?

Remember: standing water is bad. Your pump should be completely drained, with all excess water removed and plugs removed.

7. Did you add our winterizing chemical kit?

At Crystal Pools, we make it easy to protect your pool with the proper chemicals by using our winterizing chemical kit. This is essential for keeping the pool protected during the harsh weather and also ensuring an easier opening in the spring. You can purchase this kit at any Crystal Pools location.

Well, here we are again. Another summer gone by, which means it’s time to start thinking about closing your pool for the colder months ahead, if you haven’t already.

In years past – and throughout our website – we’ve provided some helpful tips on how to close your swimming pool. But another common question that pool owners have is: When do I close my pool?

Closing your pool at the end of the summer season is very important. By doing so, you’ll help to keep the water clear over winter, so it’s easier to open next year. But even more importantly, closing your pool properly helps prolong the life of the equipment and prevent damage from harsh winter weather.

As for when to close a swimming pool, that’s partly a personal preference. Here are a few things to consider.

• Local weather conditions
  Here in Central PA, most pool owners start thinking about closing the pool in September or October. If the weather is still nice, and you’re actively using the pool, there’s no reason you can’t keep enjoying into the fall season while the water temperature is still warm and easy to maintain.
• Are you actually using it?
  After Labor Day, you’ll probably notice that you and your family simply aren’t using the pool as much anymore. Perhaps it’s because the kids are back at school. Or maybe the day temperatures just haven’t seemed hot enough. Either way, this is probably a good time to start getting the pool ready for winter.
• Leaves!
  Even if you don’t have mature trees directly on your property, you’re probably already working harder to remove leaves from your pool at this time of year. And for those of you with lots of trees, you know how quickly the leaf buildup can become a headache. Closing your pool in early fall helps eliminate that hassle and makes it easier to cover the pool before the leaves begin to fall.
• Freezing temperatures
  Freezing temperatures are an important threat in two ways: 1) Freezing water can do serious damage to pool components if you haven’t properly closed the pool. But also: 2) Nobody likes closing a pool when it’s cold outside! September and October are a good time to close the pool because the weather is ideal. It’s still warm to be outside, enjoying the sun, even if you hate to say goodbye to summer. But once those temperatures start dropping significantly, you’re going to kick yourself for not closing the pool sooner.

Need help closing your pool?

Give us a call! We’re happy to guide you through the steps for winterizing your pool, or we can send out our skilled service professionals to do it for you. Request service online or call our Pool Service Department at (717) 534-1837.

As the weather starts getting cooler and pool owners start making plans to close their pools for the winter months ahead, many will be thinking about ways they can extend their water relaxation year-round by buying a hot tub.

A hot tub is great for stress relief, muscle relaxation, family bonding and numerous other benefits, no matter what the season. But with so many brands and models to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Just like your swimming pool, your hot tub is an investment that you’ll hope to enjoy for years to come. So it’s important to know what to look for and compare your options carefully.

Here are some of the most important considerations to make as you begin your search.

Brand
When buying a hot tub, it’s important to stick to established, well known brands. This is the best way to ensure you’re buying a high-quality hot tub from a trusted name. Established manufacturers have been making hot tubs for years and are constantly refining their collections to provide better quality and features to their customers.

Seating
One of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is: How many people will be enjoying it at one time? Hot tubs are available in a variety of sizes, with seating from 2 to 9 people or even more. If you’re on a budget, be realistic about your needs and how you’ll use the spa on a regular basis. While it’s nice to have a 9-person hot tub for special occasions, it might not make sense if those occasions only happen once every few years.

Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the seating is important, especially if you’re looking to maximize the physical, therapeutic benefits of having a hot tub. If this feature is important to you, pay attention to what the manufacturers say about the ergonomic benefits of the design and how those benefits have been measured.

Jets
Placement of the jets is more important than quantity, according to Jacuzzi, one of the most trusted names in industry. In other words, properly placed jets can massage your body more thoroughly than hot tubs that are shooting water in every single direction. The power of the jets, generally referenced in terms of the horsepower of the circulating pump, is another technical spec you may want to pay attention to.

Materials
How the hot tub is made will ultimately affect how durable it is, how well it performs, how much energy it saves and how long it lasts. Models come in a variety of styles, but as a general rule of thumb, stronger materials like acrylic shells are stronger and more scratch-resistant than cheaper plastics.

Water management
Without proper water management, you’ll spend more time and money trying to keep your hot tub clean than actually enjoying it. Look for models that use multiple levels of filtration to keep water clean and clear with less maintenance on your part.

Design & style
Let’s face it – if you’re going to put a hot tub in your backyard, you want it to enhance your landscape, not detract from it. Quality and performance are always paramount, but ultimately, you should also be happy with how the model looks.

Cost & warranty
The cost of a hot tub can vary significantly based on all the factors listed above. Ultimately, your job is to find the best quality, style and performance for your budget. Additionally, pay close attention to whether your hot tub comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and what exactly it covers.

We all know that swimming pools can offer numerous health benefits – both physical and mental – in addition to providing a way to stay cool on the hottest summer days. But there’s yet another great reason why pool owners (and their friends and family) love having pools in their backyard: pool parties.

Pool parties are a unique alternative to traditional indoor gatherings and backyard BBQs. They let your guests enjoy the sunshine, go for a dip, and take part in fun pool games that they’ll probably remember for years to come. They’re perfect for so many different celebrations during throughout the spring and summer seasons:

• Birthdays
• Graduations
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Family reunions
• Weddings
• Engagement parties
• College going-away parties

There’s really no wrong reason to throw a pool party. But you need to do it right if you want yours to be a rousing success. Here are some simple tips to ensure your next pool party is a blast.

1. Send paper invitations Nothing says “party” like an old-fashioned paper invitation in the mail.
   While Facebook and other online event invitation platforms offer convenience, paper invitations still feel more personal and important. They show you’re already putting in the extra effort to make the party a success. Be sure to include lots of fun details on what you have planned (give some hints without revealing your biggest surprises). Ask for RSVPs, so that you can plan accordingly.
2. Create a theme.
   It’s all about atmosphere. Luau, 80s retro, beach party, oldies nostalgia, movie night, Great Gatsby cocktail hour – there’s virtually no limit to the themes you can create for your pool party. Giving your party a theme will make it easier to choose the decorations and it will also make the party more fun and memorable.
3. Go big on decorations.
   Once you’ve picked a theme, go crazy with decorations, as long as it’s within the budget. If the party will continue into night, hang lights in various spots to create a unique ambience. Use unique floats, table decorations, balloons – whatever matches your theme.
4. Build a menu.
   Think beyond burgers and hot dogs. Create a menu that matches your theme, while giving people the yummy food they want to eat. Add food stations in several spots: for example, a station for dry snacks, a station for hot finger foods, a station for the main dish, a station for drinks and so on. This makes it easier for people to get what they want, while ensuring food is always within reach.
5. Plan events and games.
   Give people things to do. Not all guests will automatically know about the best pool games. Create some fun signs with suggestions on how to play different games, or make an event out of it by planning a tournament. Offer even more activities outside the pool, like Volleyball, badminton, Slip n’ Slide and so on.
6. Towels, towels, and more towels.
   Every pool party needs a towel station. People will be in and out of the pool and will want to be able to dry off, especially if they need to go inside. Stock up on towels and put them somewhere where everyone can see them. Your towel station is also a great spot to keep other essentials, like bottled water, sunscreen and a first aid kit.
7. Keep things safe.
   This is especially important if it’s a kids’ party. Don’t let things get too unruly. Don’t allow roughhousing in the pool. Don’t let the adults abuse the alcohol. Remember: you can still maintain strict safety rules while creating an atmosphere in which everyone has a ridiculously fun time.

After a long week of work and running errands, you just want to take a dip and relax in your swimming pool. But if you’ve got bugs buzzing around your head the whole time – or tons of dead bugs in the pool – then your much-needed downtime quickly becomes another source of stress and annoyance.

Bugs are naturally attracted to water, but if you’ve been diligent about adding your pool chemicals, then there could be several other reasons why they keep bugging you.

Here are some fast and effective ways to solve your bug problem, so you can go back to enjoying your swimming pool in peace.

Confirm your pool treatment plan
Mosquitoes love standing water – but not when it’s been treated. As long as you’re sticking to the right treatment schedule, the chemicals should be a major turnoff for the mosquitoes. Not only that, but they can’t lay their eggs in treated water. And since proper treatment also prevents algae, which attracts mosquitoes, the bugs will have even fewer reasons to come near your pool. So keep checking the water and adjust chemicals as needed throughout the season.

Get rid of standing water near the pool
If you’ve got standing water anywhere else near your pool – in plastic kiddie pools, backyard puddles, trenches, empty flower pots, wheelbarrows, on swing sets, etc. – then you’re setting an open invitation for mosquitoes and other insects. Remove all standing water and say goodbye to the bugs.

Trim back trees and landscaping
Flowers, trees and shrubbery all beautify a pool area. But they also attract bugs in droves. If you have foliage hanging over the pool, then that’s likely the main source of your bug problem. Trim it back and you should see an instant improvement.

Turn off pool lights when not needed
Lighting is another essential part of beautifying a pool. But if you’re leaving those lights on all night, every night, then the bugs are taking notice. Turn them off. Switching to LED bulbs (rather than UV) can also help reduce the insect population.

Skim the pool frequently
Dead bugs attract more bugs! This is why it’s essential to skim your pool frequently to remove those dead insects and other debris that may be attracting bugs. Besides, who wants to swim with that stuff floating around, anyway?

Remove all food sources
Dog food, trash cans, recycling bins, bird feeders, greasy BBQ grills – all of these things can attract bugs and ruin your time in the pool. Remove these food sources and watch the bug population disappear. Also, if you have a backyard composter, make sure it’s nowhere near the pool.

Bug zapper lighting
When in doubt, go for the bug zapper. These little lights can be a big help in getting rid of unwanted bugs around your pool. Plus, today’s bug zappers are available in a range of attractive styles that can be worked into your landscaping seamlessly.

Not sure what’s causing your bugs? Give us a call. Our Pool Service Specialists will test your water for treatment problems and can also make bug-removal recommendations specific to your property.

Summer is finally here! If you haven’t already opened your pool for the season, now is the time. But before you dive in, it’s also a good time to ensure your pool area is safe.

Pool accidents are preventable. By simply taking a few precautionary steps, you can effectively prevent injuries, accidental slips and falls, or worse. No matter how many years you’ve owned a pool, or whether you have a large family with kids in your home or you live by yourself, you must take pool safety seriously.

As you prepare for the season’s hottest temperatures over the next couple months, here’s how to keep your pool safe for everyone.

1. Check your fence.
   Most jurisdictions (and insurance companies) require a fence of at least 48 inches tall around your swimming pool. Take the time to walk around your entire fence to make sure it is still sturdy, secure and completely enclosed.
2. Fix or update gate latches.
   Over time, the latches on gates can begin to deteriorate and fail to close. Now is a good time to fix or replace those latches. Make sure it is high enough to be out of reach from small children. Also, consider self-closing hinges, so that the gate closes automatically.
3. Fix drain covers.
   Inside the pool, be sure to double check drain covers to ensure they are not broken and do not pose a safety hazard. If you have an older pool, it may be time to update this cover. Also, it’s a good rule of thumb to teach small children to stay away from the cover when in the pool.
4. Keep pool decks cleared.
   Don’t let the perimeter of your pool become cluttered with pool toys, chairs or other items. These are tripping hazards. Move furniture several feet back from the pool and always keep the deck cleared, during swim time and after.
5. Never leave children unattended.
   Whether the kids are swimming or just sitting outside the pool, they should never be left alone.
6. Learn CPR.
   It’s never too late to learn CPR. And just because you haven’t needed those skills thus far doesn’t mean you never will. CPR classes are available in every area, via local community centers, hospitals, the Red Cross and other organizations. CPR saves lives – it’s a good idea for everyone in your family to learn it.
7. Teach pool safety to children.
   Take the time to teach (and remind) children about the rules of the pool – and be sure to set a good example yourself. Don’t become lax about these rules, or they will never be followed. Some good basics are: no running, no rough play, no entering the pool area without an adult, no glass or sharp objects in the pool and so on.

Want to add the beauty of a swimming pool to your backyard, but not the actual pool? Just ask French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, who has apparently perfected the art of replicating swimming pools without actually installing them.

What the heck does that mean? Just check out this article that we recently stumble across, which shows Lehanneur’s beautifully sneaky creation.

His “pool” is an art installation, currently installed at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire Centre D’Arts et de Nature in France. Even up close, it looks incredibly like a real pool of water. It appears to have ripples, reflections and subtle differences in color. The 24-foot long pool is apparently so enticing and life-like, visitors to the art center might initially be tempted take off their shoes and soak their feet. But upon closer inspection, they’ll discover it’s not a pool at all.

That rippling, almost sea-like pool is actually one large green marble slab, which Lehanneur finished with the help of 3D software and meticulously hand-polished to look like the real thing.

The art piece was inspired by the Loire River, which flows underneath the art center. In a statement quoted by the UK’s Daily Mail, the designer explained his thought process behind the installation: “I wanted to address the garden with water as my muse. The water whose presence we sense even before we first catch sight of it below the Château, flowing uninterrupted to the sea.”

In case you’re planning a trip to Europe, the piece will be on display through November 2, 2016.

But take our word for it: as beautiful and incredible as that art installation is, if you want to add the beauty of a swimming pool to your backyard, it’s best to go with the real thing. And now that temperatures are feeling more summer-like in Central PA, it’s a great time to stop by any of our 3 locations and discover the many different options we offer, from above-ground pools to maintenance-free fiberglass and more. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to show you all of your options and help you design your dream pool.

Another great advantage of having a swimming pool is creating a healthy outlet for fun and exercise for your four-legged friends. Just like their human friends, dogs love swimming and can experience a wide range of health benefits for doing so. Plus, it’s a great way for them to release energy, especially if they’ve been stuck indoors all day.

But before you let your pup in the pool, there are a few important things to consider. You want your dog to have fun, of course, but you also need to make sure he’s safe. We recently stumbled upon a great post that outlines several safety tips to follow before letting Rover in the pool.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. Make sure your dog can swim
   Most dogs naturally know how to swim, but some cannot. Others may need a little support at first before they figure it out. Consider starting in the shallow end to see how he does before moving to deeper water.
2. Get in the pool with your pup
   This is especially important if you’re uncertain about your dog’s swimming ability. When your dog first goes in the pool, you should be right there to provide any help they might need. (Also, your dog will love the extra attention!)
3. Never leave your dog unattended
   Treat your pup like one of your children. Leave no room for accidents. Always stay with your dog when he’s going for a dip. And restrict access to the pool when swimming time is done.
4. Consider a doggie life jacket
   Regardless of whether your dog is a great swimmer or needs some help, a doggie life vest is never a bad idea. Some extra flotation will ensure he’s safe if he begins to struggle.
5. Talk to your vet first Is your dog healthy enough for swimming?
   Does he have any conditions that might make it a bad idea to go in the pool? What about doggie CPR – do you know how to do it in an emergency? These are all important questions to ask before going in the pool with your dog.
6. Make sure your dog can get out of the pool
   This is just as important as being able to swim. Be sure to show the dog the steps that enter in and out of the pool. This gives them a point of reference that is an exit out of the water. If a walk in step is not an option on your pool, please make sure to be in the water with your dog to assist them in getting out of the pool. Monitor your dog closely to see how easily they can get out. If you notice any difficulty whatsoever, do whatever you can to make it easier, or don’t let him in the pool at all.
7. Don’t lose sight of general obedience
   Before you take Fido for a dip, he should already respond to basic commands, like “No,” “Stay” and “Come.” If your dog doesn’t do so well with Obedience 101, then the pool might not be the safest place to play.