Three Upkeep Secrets That Can Help Your New Pool Last a Lifetime

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ThinkstockPhotos-152143109Like any other part of the home, your pool needs regular maintenance to stay in good shape and minimize costly repairs. Whether you have a natural pool or a more traditional pool design, there are a few steps that can help you keep the water sparkling as you extend the life of the pool structure. Keep reading for a closer look at the key aspects of pool maintenance that will help you get the most out of the water.

Test your pool water

You can easily test the chemical balance of your pool water with a kit that lets you see total pH levels, alkalinity, salt, and calcium levels. You should test the water several times a week during peak swimming season, but you may not need to test it as often in the winter when you are getting in as often. If levels are off, you may need to add certain chemicals to shock the water and wait 24 hours before using the pool.

Keep water free of debris

Leaves, dirt, and other types of debris can not only reduce the quality of your swimming experience, but they can clog the pool filter without regular cleaning. Skimming the surface of the water, using a pool vacuum, and regularly cleaning the filter will keep the water clear, even on windy Tucson days.

Cover the pool in the winter

When you aren’t regularly using your pool, the right cover can minimize the need for chemical maintenance and keep debris out of the water. Plus, a cover will keep the water warmer so that you do not have to spend a fortune to heat the pool when the weather is cooler.

If you are considering adding a pool to your Tucson property or renovating an existing pool, Carl Ragel’s Natural Pools & Gardens can help you create an innovative design that fits the aesthetic of your home. To begin planning your pool construction or renovation, call us at (520) 323-2627.

Essential Pool Safety Tips for Parents

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Gordon BeforePools are the perfect home addition for families, but there are some extra precautions that should be taken with pool design for homes with children. Parents not only need to worry about the safe design of a pool, but they also need to fill the role of lifeguard with constant supervision when their kids are in the water. Below you can get a closer look at the steps you’ll need to take to create a safe environment outdoors where your kids can have fun.

Keep the pool off-limits with perimeter fencing

Children should not have access to the pool when it is not time to swim, so you will want to have a perimeter fence or wall surrounding the water. Features such as a self-locking gate and pool alarm systems can provide added security by creating an alert system to warn you if your child is near the pool unattended.

Teach your children proper water safety

If your child has confidence in the water with strong swimming and pool safety skills, he or she will be able to act quickly when there is an unexpected situation. You should teach your child to stay away from pool drains and pipes to avoid becoming trapped under water.

Brush up on CPR and first aid

While prevention is the best strategy for pool safety, you should know the right responsive techniques for an emergency. CPR and first aid can be life-saving tools when used correctly, so you might take a class for CPR certification before your residential pool is installed.

To create an outdoor oasis with beautiful design and the right safety features for your family’s needs, call Carl Ragel’s Natural Pools and Gardens at (520) 323-2627. We can help you plan a simple pool design or renovate your entire outdoor space with a complete range of pool construction and landscaping services in Tucson.

Finding the Right Pool Safety System for Your Home

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ThinkstockPhotos-514677675Any pool should have safety measures in place, but in homes with young children, safety systems are an absolute necessity to avoid accidents that can take place in and around the water. Children should only ever use the pool when they are fully supervised, so a safety system might be needed to ensure that kids are unable to get in the water when adults are not around. The right safety plan for your pool may include several components that work in conjunction with one another to ensure a fail-proof system.

Barriers

Physical barriers such as gated walls or fences can keep children away from the pool and help to hinder unwanted intruders such as pets or local wildlife. These barriers can be decorative and functional, offering aesthetic appeal to your space. With any physical barrier, it is important to have self-closing, self-latching gates to control access to the water.

Alarm Systems

You can easily set up an alarm system that will alert you when a door or gate that accesses the pool has been opened. Alternatively, you might use floating alarms or wave alarms that sound when water is displaced. In either case, these alert systems will help you stay aware of when someone is in or near the pool, allowing you to effectively supervise the situation. With modern home automation systems, pool alarms can send alerts to your phone so that you can monitor the backyard even when you aren’t home.

Safety Covers

Safety covers for pools and spas are hard, retractable covers that can hold the weight of at least two adults and one child. These covers may be manual or motorized, and they are easy to operate for quick removal when needed. Safety covers can effectively restrict access to the water and help to keep debris out of the water when the pool is not in use.

Carl Ragel’s Natural Pools & Gardens can allow you to design a pool that is beautiful, functional, and safe for your family. To explore our design and construction services in Tucson, call us at (520) 323-2627.

Ventana Area – Pool Renovation – Add Spa – Soften Yard!

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Featured in Tucson Lifestyle Magazine

A 1970’s-era angular pool at a 5′ elevation drop from the main patio was hidden by a hedgerow atop a retaining wall. A spa with 5 custom height seats and a lay-down bench was added 18″ lower in a widened area of the wall. A massive waterfall with a stream and step stones connects them. Cool deck was replaced by flagstone, making far more patio space.

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Why You Don’t Have to Settle for an Outdated Pool Design in Your Tucson Home

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ThinkstockPhotos-152143109If you are living in an older home that has a pool with lackluster design, you might explore pool remodeling services that can revamp the look of your backyard. Pool remodeling can range from one or two small upgrades to a complete renovation, depending on your needs and budget, so you should not hesitate to explore the options available for your Tucson home. Keep reading for a look at the services offered by Carl Ragel’s Natural Pools & Gardens for pool renovation in Southern Arizona.

Decking renovations

A pool surrounded by plain concrete or boring beige decking might not create the welcoming outdoor lagoon that you want to see in your home. Pool design has trended toward more natural themes with stone pavers, rock features, and waterfalls, which are all easily incorporated without significant changes to the pool structure.

Pool redesign

You may be surprised at how much you can change the appearance of your pool with a new shape, size, or finish inside the pool. Whether you opt for new plaster, ceramic and glass tiles, or the stunning appeal of Pebble Tec, you can dramatically change your pool with resurfacing.

Safety and maintenance upgrades

A pool renovation may go beyond aesthetics, since older pools can require structural repairs, upgraded safety features like fencing or alarm systems, or more advanced and efficient cleaning and heating systems. With more functional upgrades such as these, your pool renovation may pay off in the long-run with minimized maintenance and reduced energy costs.

Lighting additions

Both underwater and landscape lighting can optimize the use of your pool, creating a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy once the sun goes down. Colorful and energy-efficient LED lights can offer a wide array of color and design schemes that will fit into any pool space.
To begin discussing the details of your pool renovation in Tucson, call Carl Ragel’s Natural Pools & Gardens at (520) 323-2627.