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Summer pool parties are just around the corner! Now is a great time to start planning fun activities to keep the kids active and entertained in the pool, all season long.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to buy a bunch of expensive toys. Some of the most fun pool games are also the simplest, and many involve supplies that you probably already have lying around the house. Other supplies can be bought at your local dollar store or department store for just a few bucks.

Ready to play? Let’s dive in…

1) Beach Ball Race

Super simple: this is just a race from one side of the pool to another, but with beach balls! Each child gets a beach ball and pushes it to the other side. No throwing allowed—their hands must continue to touch the ball. For added difficulty, add more laps.

2) Marco Polo 2.0 (Animal noises!)

This one is especially popular with younger kids. It’s just like the Marco Polo game you already love, but with animal noises to make it super silly. One swimmer keeps their eyes closed and says an animal name, i.e. “Monkey.” Then, all other swimmers must respond with a monkey noise to reveal their location. The objective is for the eyes-closed swimmer to tag one of the other swimmers without opening their eyes. The other swimmers can swim away, but can’t leave the pool. The person who is tagged is the next to keep their eyes closed. Use a different animal each round.

3) Race for the Ping Pongs

There’s something about ping pongs in swimming pools that’s super fun! Get a big bag (usually available for only a few bucks) and toss them all in the pool at once. All the kids jump in to collect them. The child who collects the most wins!

4) Noodle Joust

Kids love this game because it would never be allowed inside the house. Two children sit on top of their parents’ (or older kids’) shoulders and use pool noodles to joust with each other. The objective is to knock the other person off the shoulders. It’s okay if the joust starts to look more like a chicken fight—that’s all part of the fun, and you can set the rules however you prefer.

5) Coin Dive

This one is just like the Race for the Ping Pongs, but with coins, which will obviously sink to the bottom of the pool instead of floating on the water. Simply toss a bunch of change in the pool and let your kids have at it! The person who collects the most money wins.

6) What Time is It, Mr. Fox?

This game is fun on land, but even more fun in the water. One child is Mr. Fox and stands in the pool at one end with his back facing the other kids, who stand at the other end. All the kids shout together, “What time is it, Mr. Fox?” Mr. Fox responds with “5 o’clock” (or any other time, where each hour represents one large step toward Mr. Fox. So, for example, “1 o’clock” would be one step forward). The kids continue to ask what time it is, moving closer to Mr. Fox, until he decides to respond with “dinnertime!” He then turns toward the kids and chases them back to the other side. If he tags someone before they reach the other side, that child becomes Mr. Fox for the next round.

When investing in a backyard swimming pool, you need to make sure it’s installed properly by experienced professionals. Otherwise, you’ll be dumping money into costly pool repairs for years to come.

But what makes one pool installer better than another? How can you be sure that you’re dealing with experts who know what they’re doing?

Here’s what to look for:

Experience

Buying a swimming pool is a big financial decision. Why trust the installation to someone who has never done it before (or even a company that has only done it a few times)?

Even with the right tools and instructions, an inexperienced pool installer is likely to make serious mistakes that will cost you big and also delay the completion. That applies to both above-ground and in-ground pools.

When comparing installers, always stick to companies that have extensive, verifiable experience. The more, the better.

Pool options

A greater variety of pool layouts, styles and options is often a good indication of greater expertise. Also, it means you’ll have a greater number of options to choose from, so you can get the perfect pool for your budget, needs and preferences.

Pool Brands

Why would the brand of the pool matter when choosing an installer? For above-ground pools, some manufacturers are extremely selective in choosing the dealers that are permitted to sell their products. In some cases, dealers must meet strict requirements for installation experience, skill and other factors. So when you find an installer that’s an approved dealer of a top brand, you’ll know you’re working with a professional.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a great way to determine the quality of service and skill you can expect from an installer. Look for reviews on independent, third-party sites, such as Google and Facebook. While a few bad reviews don’t necessarily reflect a bad apple, be wary of companies that have significant negative feedback. Also, look past the star ratings and read the reviews in full to see specifics about each customer’s experience.

References & Referrals

Go beyond the written reviews and actually talk to the installer’s customers. Ask for references that have agreed to be contacted by prospective customers like yourself. Since you’re getting these references from the installer, the feedback will probably all be positive. But these conversations are still valuable, because you’ll be able to ask questions and get more specifics about their experience.

It also doesn’t hurt to ask around! Ask friends, family and coworkers if they can recommend an installer they’ve used.

Professionalism

If you’re calling several different installers, you’ll know pretty quickly which ones are professional and which aren’t. The best pool installers will treat you with respect, courtesy and kindness at every interaction, including that very first phone call. If you find a company that’s reluctant to answer your questions, slow to return your phone calls or simply doesn’t know the meaning of good customer service, then it’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere.

Contact our pros today!

Founded in 1964, Crystal Pools is one of Central PA’s oldest and most trusted providers of in-ground and above-ground swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. Our skilled installers have years of experience and are ready to build your dream pool. Contact us today!

If you haven’t already heard, we’re booking far in advance for in-ground pools. So it’s a good time to consider your options and discover the many surprising benefits of going “above ground.”

When it comes to installing a swimming pool, you have several types to choose from. In-ground and above-ground pools both have their own unique advantages. For most people, the decision often comes down to personal preference or budget.

If you’re thinking about installing an above-ground pool, but aren’t yet sure it’s right for you, here are some benefits to consider:

1) Affordability

Above-ground pools are a great option for families that are buying on a budget. And when you choose established brands like Doughboy, Sharkline or Celebration, you know that affordability doesn’t mean a compromise in quality. These great-quality pools allow you to get your dream pool—one that will last for many years to come—at a price that makes sense for your family.

2) Lots of layouts and models to choose from

Shape, size, construction materials—there are so many great options to choose from when you buy an above-ground pool. That means you can have full control over the look and layout of your dream pool, as well as the cost. More options give you more flexibility with your budget and your space. How many pools are we talking about? At Crystal Pools, you can choose from more than 80 above-ground pools from the best brands in the industry.

3) Speedy installation
Want a pool ASAP? Above-ground pools can be installed surprisingly fast, so you can take a dip even sooner.

Installation times depend on several factors, including the state of your backyard and the style of pool you choose. For example, if your yard is currently covered in trees or needs to be graded for the pool, those steps will add to the overall time to complete the installation. But overall, if you’re looking to add a pool to your backyard in the shortest time possible, above-ground is probably the way to go.

4) DIY Options Available

For skilled men and women who prefer to build things on their own, some above-ground pools can be purchased with self-installation kits. These come with everything you need to install your pool on your own time and terms.

Don’t want to do it yourself? Don’t worry! Our experienced installers at Crystal Pools will do it for you, ensuring the absolute highest quality standards and adherence to both manufacturer guidelines and local municipal codes.

5) More Safety

Every type of swimming pool should be installed with safety features, such as 48-inch tall fencing, to reduce the risk of accidents. If you have concerns about safety, consider that above-ground pools are inherently safer, because of their higher entry point (52″or 54″). The higher entry point means a lower risk of accidental falls.

6) Easy maintenance

Due to size and construction, many above-ground pools are easier to maintain. They may require fewer chemicals and less costly upkeep, ultimately saving you time and money.

Learn more

Want more reasons to choose above-ground? Just give us a call! We’ll go over all your options!

It’s finally time! Over the next month or so, daytime temperatures should begin to consistently reach 70 degrees, which means it’s a great time to open your pool.

Many pool owners in our region choose to open their pools for Memorial Day weekend. That’s coming up fast, so it can’t hurt to start getting things ready now. You’ll want to be sure you have all the supplies you need and can easily locate the equipment you stored away when you closed your pool in the fall.

Remember, properly opening your pool will ensure that you can enjoy a clean, safe and crystal-clear pool all summer long. So take your time and do it right.

Below, we’ve included some of the most crucial steps to opening your pool, but be sure to check out our Complete In-Ground Pool Opening Guide, which outlines everything more thoroughly.

And if you need help? We’re here for you! Our skilled technicians can open your pool for you. Simply fill out a pool service request form or contact us today to schedule your service.

21 steps to opening your pool

1. Drain all water off the pool cover with a pool cover pump or by siphoning.
2. Before removing the cover, refill pool to proper level with garden hose.
3. Remove pool cover.
4. Use a liner cleaner to remove any surface stains around top of liner.
5. For heaters only: tighten heater petcocks, reconnect unions if you have a heat pump. Reinstall heat exchanger plug.
6. Reassemble DE filter for summer operation.
7. Reassemble pump for summer operation:
   Replace both drain plugs; one in the front of the strainer housing and one on the side of the strainer housing. If the plug does not have a gasket, put Teflon tape on threads before replacing plugs.Reinstall strainer basket.
8. Install chlorinator and Visions drain plugs. Install a new Visions cartridge.
9. Tighten any loose unions especially at heat pump and chlorine generator.
10. Remove gizzmos from skimmers.
11. Place skimmer baskets in skimmers.
12. Screw directional fittings into return.
13. To prime pump: remove clear strainer lid, fill strainer housing with water, put strainer lid back on housing securely & start pump.
14. When the air bubbles have cleared away in the strainer housing, and you have a constant pressure reading on the pressure gauge, charge the filter with the proper amount of DE Powder through the nearest skimmer.
15. Check all filter, filter pump and heater connections for any leaks and repair.
16. Wash deck and coping.
17. Vacuum pool.
18. Install lifeline and floats; ladder and step handrails; diving board; sliding board; pool fountains.
19. Double shock the pool, and add a Crystal Spring Start Up Kit.
20. Add correct number of chlorine tablets to the Automatic Chlorinator.
21. We recommend that a water sample be brought to us after the filter has been running one week, for proper water balancing.

There is no doubt that Endless Pools Fitness Systems benefit our customers, sometimes in life changing ways. Gideon Ariel’s return to a life of exercise and wellness is just that story.

As temperatures will soon start to rise, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to make your pool area AWESOME this year. Lots of pool parties, games and celebrations are a must, of course. But what about the landscaping around your pool?

Your landscaping plays an important role in how serene and welcoming your swimming pool looks. Good landscaping can make the difference between a gorgeous pool and a drab one. If you’re like most pool owners, you probably spruced up the landscaping once, years ago, and then it became an afterthought. Maybe you added some new plants here and there, but otherwise you haven’t done much.

So why not get a little more creative this year?

You don’t have to overhaul the whole landscape to make a noticeable change. You can drastically enhance your pool area by making a few affordable updates.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

1) Trees, trees, trees
Yes, more trees often means more tree debris in your pool. But there are many types of trees that produce less debris and are easy to maintain. In addition to beautifying your pool area, mature trees offer shade and privacy. Cypress and Japanese maples are popular options for swimming pool landscapes. If you’re worried about falling leaves later in the summer, consider placing the trees on the outer perimeter of your pool area. Even just a few new young trees can dramatically change the look of the landscape.

2) Shrubbery
If you’re adding a few trees on the outer perimeter, mix things up with some shrubbery slightly closer to your pool. Many types of bushes are easy to maintain, while adding visual interest to your pool area. For greater impact, go with different colors. There are no shortage of green bushes that are ideal for pool areas, but you can add color with varieties like golden euonymus, hydrangea, rhododendron and butterfly bush – each of which generally thrive here in Central PA

3) Ferns
When in doubt, go with ferns. There are many different hardy ferns that can enhance your pool area, and they’re generally very easy to plant. In Central PA (zone 6), consider options like Lady in Red (aka Red-stemmed Lady), Japanese Painted Fern, Hayscented Fern and Autumn Fern. Check with your local nursery, greenhouse or landscaper for even more ideas. They will be able to provide more specific suggestions based on your location and the amount of sunlight and shade that your pool area receives.

4) Pots and planters
Pots and planters are a great way to add more visual dimension and color to your pool and patio area. Even if you’ve got a lot of in-ground plants and shrubs, you can enhance the space even further with some well-placed planters. There are endless options to choose from: sleek and modern, ornate and stately, round and square, vibrant and neutral-hued. So you can design your space around your individual style. Consider elevating some planters off the ground (on a stand, bench or other fixed object), which will create even more visual interest.

5) Lighting
When it comes to your pool and patio area, lighting is your friend. There is perhaps no better way to add a warm ambiance to your outdoor space, especially if you stay outside during the evening hours.

Landscape and path lights, low to the ground, are classic favorites, but don’t forget hanging options like string lights. Just be careful about placing any lighting directly above the pool and check with your municipality about code restrictions. Always have your lighting professionally installed by a skilled electrician.

How often should I drain my hot tub?

Draining and refilling your hot tub periodically is important for keeping the water clean and also preventing damage. When you don’t change the water, it becomes improperly balanced and can begin corroding the hot tub. Not to mention, nobody wants to soak in old, dirty water. By draining and refilling with fresh water on a regular basis, you’ll ensure your hot tub is clean, clear and safe.

But the question is: how often should you do it?

With average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months. But since everyone uses their hot tub differently, the answer can vary based on how many people use it and how often.

Hot tub manufacturers like Jacuzzi offer some handy tips for figuring out when to drain and refill. One common method uses simple math:

“Divide the number of gallons of spa water by the number of bathers who usually use the tub. Then divide that number by three to figure out how often you should go through the process.”

For example, if your hot tub holds 450 gallons of water, and just two people use it every day, then 450 divided by 2 = 225. And then 225 divided by 3 = 75. So you would change your water about every 75 days.

But remember, that implies that you and another person are using the hot tub every day of the week. If you’re not, then you can probably go longer without draining. However, even if no one has used the hot tub for a few months, the water still needs to be changed.

Here are some other signs it’s time to refill:

• Foamy and Funky Water
  The usual bubbly goodness is okay. But if the water’s starting to look foamy, try adding your antifoam solution. No change? Then it’s probably time to change the water.
  The same goes for any other funky, filmy or discolored water. If it doesn’t look like it did when you last refilled it (clean and clear), then it needs to be changed ASAP.
• What’s that smell?
  Sometimes, you don’t even need to look at the water to know something’s not right. If you notice an unusual smell when you lift the cover or get inside the hot tub, then chances are you’re way overdo for a refill. The teams at Jacuzzi write, “Any out-of-the-ordinary smell is a cry for fresh water.” Drain, refill, rejoice.
• Check the calendar
  When was the last time you drained and refilled? It’s a good idea to mark each refill on your calendar (digital or paper), so that you can keep track of your ongoing maintenance. It it’s been a few months, now is the time to change the water.

Relaxing in the hot tub is always enjoyable. But sometimes you want to up the fun factor a little. Whether you’re soaking with family or throwing a hot tub party with friends, there are lots of exciting games you can play to keep everyone engaged and having a great time.

Today, we look at 3 popular games to try during your next hot tub get-together.

1) Hut Tub Hockey

This is a really fun hot tub game for all ages. All you need are 2+ people (the more, the better) and a ping pong ball (or any other floating object – some people like to use floating rubber duckies).

Goal of the game: Get the ball to touch the opposing team’s side of the tub by creating waves or blowing on it.

Create 2 teams, which will sit on opposite ends of the hot tub. Place the ball in the center of the hot tub. Announce the start of the round by saying “go” or blowing a whistle. Then, each team will try to get the ball to touch the other team’s side of the hot tub by blowing on it, creating waves or splashing. No touching the ball – only air or water.

First team to score 3 points wins. For added fun during multiple rounds, the winning team of each round gets to impose a “penalty” on the other team. Get creative!

2) Pass the Bottle

Another classic hot tub game that’s really fun as long as you don’t mind getting up-close with the people around you! All you need to play is people and a bottle of water.

Goal of the game: Pass the bottle all the way around the hot tub without using your hands.

Here’s another catch: you can’t pass the bottle using the same body part as the person who’s accepting it. For example, if you’re passing it with your feet, the person accepting it can’t use their feet, but they could use their armpit. Keep it going around as many times as possible. If you drop it, the others impose a penalty of their choosing and you must start over using a different body part.

If everyone is very skilled and has no trouble passing the bottle around, add difficulty by removing the cap (don’t spill!) or using a frozen bottle of water.

3) Ping Pong Panic

This one is a fast-paced game, so be careful!

Goal of the game: Don’t let the ping pong balls touch you! Outlast everyone to win.

Stock up on ping pong balls – at least 10. At the beginning of the game, you’ll only need five. Drop them all in the center of the hot tub. Then, stay away from them! If a ball touches any part of your body, you’re banished from the hot tub until there is only one player remaining (the winner). When avoiding the balls, you must keep both feet inside the hot tub. The winner of each round gets to impose penalties on the others for the next round.

Remember: always be safe, play responsibly and have fun!

With the first day of spring just around the corner, now is the time of year when many people start thinking about adding a swimming pool to their backyards. When deciding to install a pool, you have several options to choose from. One option that we offer at Crystal Pools (in addition to other in-ground and above-ground styles) is fiberglass.

Fiberglass pools are an increasingly popular option for people who want their pool installed sooner and with less long-term maintenance to worry about. In today’s post, we take a close look at this type of pool and the unique benefits it offers.

Why fiberglass pools?

1) Faster installation 

Fiberglass pools from Crystal Pools can be installed in as little as seven days. That’s because these pools are installed as one piece. Once the shell is manufactured, it can typically be installed within a week or so. Also, the installation isn’t as dependent on the weather as other pools are. Both vinyl liner pools and concrete pools require specific weather conditions to prevent damage during installation. While fiberglass pools do require ideal conditions—mostly for the safety of the installers—the fiberglass itself is not as vulnerable to adverse conditions like rain or sharp temperature fluctuations.

2) Durability

Fiberglass pools are stronger, more durable and less likely to be damaged. While there are numerous benefits to vinyl pools as well, it’s a fact that fiberglass pools are simply less likely to be punctured. This means less damage risk and lower overall maintenance costs over the life of the pool. Some of the most common things that puncture liner pools are the sharp ends of a pool pole, dog claws, and a wide variety of non-pool-safe toys and others objects. These items typically aren’t as much of a concern with fiberglass pools.

3) Lower maintenance
Fiberglass swimming pools are known for being virtually maintenance-free. That’s in part because of the durability mentioned above, but also because fiberglass offers a smooth, less porous surface. The smoother surface prevents algae growth, which is common with other pools that have more crevices (especially concrete). Customers with fiberglass pools report spending less time cleaning and maintaining their pools each week, in addition to lower long-term maintenance.

4) No liner replacement or resurfacing needed
All vinyl liners eventually need to be replaced. But with fiberglass pools, there is no liner. This is a large expense that fiberglass pool owners are happy to never have to deal with. Concrete pools also need their own maintenance to keep them clean and well-maintained: it’s recommended to have concrete pools acid-washed and even resurfaced every few years. These are additional concerns that fiberglass pool owners don’t have to worry about.

5) Lower lifetime cost
A swimming pool, of any type, is a great investment that will continue to offer benefits to your family for years to come. But it’s important to remember that maintaining your pool is also crucial for protecting your investment, and that maintenance comes with additional costs over the long term. Fiberglass pools typically have a higher upfront cost than vinyl liner pools, for example. But when you consider the low maintenance and other benefits, fiberglass pools ultimately cost you less to own over the long term.

Decide what’s right for you

Which type of pool is right for your needs and budget? We’re here to help! Contact our experts at Crystal Pools and we’ll be happy to go over the Pros and Cons of each option.

Happy 2017!

With the start of the New Year, millions of people will be setting new goals to lose weight, get in shape and make other transformations in their lives. If you’re making your own resolutions, why not factor in your favorite spot to take a dip? The use of swimming pools and hot tubs can help you reach many of your health and wellness goals, while benefiting other areas of your life, too,

As you start your New Year’s journey, here are 7 great pool-and- spa-related resolutions to consider:

1. Swim at least once a week. 
If you have a pool, you probably already do this during the summer. But how intensive is it? Take a few minutes, at least once a week, to do a workout in the pool – whether it’s swimming laps, pool aerobics or other exercise. Moving around in the pool, no matter how minimal, is beneficial to your health. But by committing to a strenuous water workout each week, you’ll see noticeable results even faster.

2. Soak more. Stress less. 
This applies to both hot tubs and swimming pools, but the hot tub is especially useful since you can use it year-round. Soaking in a spa has proven health benefits on the mind and body. The more time you commit to your hot tub, the better you’ll feel! Make time to do it throughout the week, whether it’s after work or right before bed, and say goodbye to stress.

3. Throw more parties.
Yep. We said it. If you like having people around when you’re going in the pool or hot tub, then why not do it more often? Make a point to host more pool parties in 2017, even if they’re just casual get-togethers. Your friends and family will certainly thank you, and besides all the fun you’ll have, you’ll also benefit from the socialization.

4. Open your pool earlier.
Okay, this one depends partly on the weather. But assuming the conditions are good, why delay opening your pool? Mark a date on your calendar right now for when you want to open the pool. Also, in the meantime, make sure you already have the supplies you need, so you can start the pool season as earlyas possible this year.

5. Keep it clean.
Admit it – you haven’t been keeping the pool or the hot tub as clean as it could be. But the good news is: maintaining them is really easy when you stick to a consistent schedule. Make a plan for cleaning and maintaining your pool or spa on a regular basis and you’ll be amazed at the difference.

6. Create more family time. 
Remember those “parties” we mentioned above? Those can be for family too. Spending time with your spouse and kids in the pool or hot tub is an easy way to bring the family together. And it’s an activity that everyone loves.

7. Finally get the pool or spa you’ve been dreaming about.
This one is for those of you who don’t yet have a pool or spa or have been thinking about an upgrade. Why not finally make the decision in 2017? We understand that swimming pools and hot tubs are big investments. But when you consider the numerous benefits, you’ll see that it’s an investment that will continue to reward you, and your family, for many years to come.