Should I Get A Salt Water Generator for My PoolWhy install an above ground pool in my Houston TX home?

One of the first pools in the United States was in Texas - of course.  The Deep Eddy pool was built during the Depression-era and began as a bathhouse.  Since then millions of home owners have added a pool to their back yard.  When installing a pool, should you get an in-ground or above ground pool?

Above ground pools in Houston are very popular. They bring families closer, and a great time for friends.  You pool is a place to cool off and relax.  There are many benefits to installing an above ground pool from Casual Patio, Pools & Spas. Here are a few reasons why you should get a quote from us if you want an above ground pool in Houston, TX.

In some areas, building an inground pool is not possible.  Poor soil, a high water table, terrain issues, building and zoning restrictions – any of these can prevent building an inground swimming pool. Homeowners may not want to spend $15K or more on their backyard, and above ground pools are more affordable. But what about the above ground pool deck?

With some creative planning, landscaping, and decking, above ground pools can be beautiful and inviting; while the cost may be half as much than an inground pool.

Logo 1Casual Patio Pools & Spas contracts with Mario's Pool & Deck Company to handle installation and deck construction.


Here are some above ground pool designs that stand out and are awesome.

1. Above Ground Pool with Wooden Deck and Safety Fence
2. Oversized Step Section and Walkway
3. Round Above Ground Pool with Composite Deck
4. Pool Wrapped in Wood
5. Half Submerged Pool with Composite Deck
6. Semi Buried Pool with Composite Wrap and Walkway
7. Above Ground Pool with Ipa Wood Deck
8. Above Ground Pool with Partial Platform
9. Above Ground Pool with Multi-Level Deck
10. Above Ground Pool with Terraced Deck
11. Corner Pool with Terraced Steps
12. Above Ground Pool with Platform
13. Above Ground Pool with Resin Pool Deck
14. Above Ground Pool with Safety Cover
15. Above Ground Pool with Automatic Cover

Our above ground pools are available in all shapes and sizes. Anyone can sell you a pool, but when you work with Casual Patio, you get total support on your pool project. All of our Pool Experts are at your disposal to help you design your dream pool!

Backyard BBQ grillingYour Houston area pool without a deck is like a rodeo without bulls.

Here are some of the most common types of decks for Casual Patio to build around your new Doughboy above ground pool.

1) Wooden Decks

These are the most common built deck.  A wooden deck ie easy to build with many finishs available.  Customers and designers create interesting Ideas with wooden decks.  Because they are so easy to build, a wooden deck is limited only by the space available and your imagination.   Casual Patio has expert construction professionals to build your
budget friendly deck.  Get a quote or call us.

2) Aluminum Decks

Aluminum decks are easy to install, and are great in the Houston climates.  We can build these decks in a complete pool package. Thick extruded aluminum connections make this one of the best deck solutions on the market today.

3) Resin Prefab Decks

For a long lasting deck you may want to consider a resin pool deck. Each deck is completed with both the in-pool & ground to deck steps plus the gate. You will have several resin pool decks to choose from.   Call us today for cost estimate covering materials, installation and labor. They are a great alternative to aluminum decks. They are a lot more stylish looking in white or taupe colors. Built to last for many years to come.


Children in the pool safety tipsInstall an above ground pool with an in ground pool feel - decking from Houston's best Doughboy dealer - Casual Patio.

With the right decking around your above ground pool, it will seem like an in ground pool.  With the proper decking, the pumps and accessories can be hidden by the deck.  It will make the pool safer and create an inviting space for guests.

Casual Patio partners with the best contractors in the Houston area to help you complete your whole backyard experience, from your pool, custom grill, decking and landscaping.

If you are looking for an affordable above ground swimming pool in the Houston TX area, consider the Silver Lake from Doughboy, sold and installed by Casual Patio.

SilverLakeRd-800

Rugged and Beautiful

  • Strong Steel Frame. Flare 6" steel top rails and 6" steel vertical supports create a pool that is strong and built to last.
  • Stylish Two-toned Vertical Supports. The two-toned silver 6" columns are a beautiful  accent to the Silver Lake wall.
  • Durable and Strong. Doughboy uses more top rails and vertical legs to create a more stable pool.
  • 35 Year Warranty or longer on All Components.

A stylish wall pattern with a rugged silvertone frame makes a sturdy pool that’s fun and fits in any backyard. Available in 48" and 52" pool wall.

pdfClick for Brochure

above ground pool maintenance guide for texansAbove ground pool care and maintenance is just as much work as cleaning your in-ground pool. Tools are all the same as are the steps.  You will need to do some brushing, skimming and vacuuming. Your wall skimmer will catch most of the floating debris. A bag type of leaf rake will work best if you have lots of leaves.  It can also handle scooping debris from the pool floor.

Step 1

The pump and filter is the most important piece of equipment. Pumps provide the force to circulate the water and push it through the filter. The pump should circulate all the water within an eight hour time period. The best time to run your pump is during the day, usually for 8 - 12 hours at a time. Water in motion makes it harder for bacteria and algae to take hold and also directs more debris to your skimmer where it can be captured by your filter.

waterchemistry for your houston tx above ground poolThis article will help you to avoid pool problems in hot weather like our own Texas climate.

Our summers have higher temperatures than most of the U.S.  This hot weather can create problems for swimming pools, especially if you don't follow a regular swimming pool maintenance program.

We have hundreds of Houston Above Ground Pool customers and we only hear from those that have not kept up their maintenance program.  From our experience, there are 2 main factors for proper pool care: 1) Equipment2) Water Chemistry

                               Houston, Texas, with its sunny weather and warm climate, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable backyard pool party. Whether you're hosting a birthday celebration, a summer gathering, or simply looking to beat the heat, Casual Patio has got you covered with tips and ideas to make your pool party in Houston a splashing success.

Embrace the Texan Flair:

Add a touch of Texas charm to your pool party by incorporating local elements. Decorate with cowboy hats, bandanas, and colorful cacti to create a festive atmosphere. Serve up some traditional Tex-Mex cuisine like tacos, fajitas, and queso dip to tantalize your guests' taste buds.

doughboy swimming pool manufacturing facilityHistory of Doughboy

Edited from the Official Doughboy Website

During World War II Domain Industries, through its packaging machinery operation, perfected rubber sealing and won the Army contract to seal K-rations. K-rations were a "meal in a can" carried by United States soldiers during battle.

During World War II, the United States soldiers were known as Doughboys.

In 1947, Domain Industries formally named their packaging machinery operation the Doughboy Plastics Division. Doughboy Plastics Division was created specifically to enter the outdoor family entertainment market by manufacturing inflatable splasher pools, toys, and beach balls.

Years later, they changed the name to Doughboy Recreational.  We are also the only pool manufacturer in the world that actually makes everything it sells from raw materials.

Our production takes place in our 660,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Arkansas. Here we continually explore new design concepts and product advances. We start with the basics - the raw materials. Starting with raw materials allows us to monitor all phases of the production process, assuring everything meets our stringent standards of quality. We produce the finest above-ground pools, filtration systems, skimmers, and related accessories for your investment dollars.

Doughboy Recreational is and has always been proud to be Made in America!



doughboylogoHere is a download the exclusive "Check the Difference" pdf document provided by Doughboy Pools.
Use it to help planning your next backyard with a Doughboy pool from Casual Patio Pools, Spas and More...

It is ideal for the backyard your family has been dreaming of!
  • The advantages of a Doughboy pool
  • Determining the right size of pool and its shape your backyard
  • Selecting the right location for your pool
  • Pool accessories that make a big difference in your backyard
pdfClick here to view and download the file.

sun smileSay Healthy - Spend the day outside, get some sun, get some vitamin D3!


From the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, foods, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first hydroxylation, which occurs in the liver, converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as “calcidiol.” The second hydroxylation occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], also known as “calcitriol”.

With high temperatures in the greater Houston area, your pool faces hot weather challenges.  You’ll need to adjust your pool maintenance strategy to compensate. Here are Casual Patio's top tips.

black algae in swimming pool cured by casual patioBeat Back Algae Growth

The UV rays degrade and dissipate chlorine, our first line of defense against algae. Did you know on an especially sunny day an optimal chlorine level can be diminished in as little as two hours?

It is a good idea to conduct your chemical testing more frequently when it’s hot. If you test chlorine levels every other day, switching to daily can help you stay on top of when and how much chlorine to add. When testing: the chlorine level should be 2.0 to 4.0 ppm, the pH level should be 7.2 to 7.6, total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm and the cyanuric acid should be at least 30 to 90 ppm.

Hot Tub Repair ProfessionalsWhat to consider when buying an Above Ground Pool.

An above ground swimming pool is the best choice for many.  Of course they are less expensive, but there are other advantages. If you think that above ground pools are 'toy' pools, think again.

Above ground swimming pools in the Houston Texas area may be the BEST option. Above ground swimming pools:
  • cost much less
  • they are quicker to install
  • avoids messy construction
  • cost less to operate
  • can be safer, because they are often more shallow and smaller
Enjoy your backyard with an above ground swimming pool. It is a common feature in our South Texas area where our Houston climate is warm in the spring, summer, and fall. A typical in-ground swimming pool can cost much more (i.e. around $25,000 +++).  Above ground pools from Casual Patio Pool Spas and More provide the same benefits of their in-ground counterparts at a fraction of the cost.

Be sure to plan your pool and maximize your investment.

Use use the pool skimmer to scoop them out. 

After that you can let them go or have frog legs for dinner.

Frogs are one of the most endearing reptile.  Kids love 'em, French restuarants love 'em.

Because of their permeable skin, they must remain moist all the time.  Because of the need for wetness, they can become a nuisance.  Most homeowner with a decorative pond or pool can tell you they share it with the frogs.

Because these small bodies of water bodies lack frog's natural predators, they can move in and over populate the space.

The easiest way to get rid of frogs is to consider the reasons why the frogs are there in the first place. Lack of predators is the main factor why frogs overpopulate.  Some cats will eat frogs, but it's not advised that you rely on Tabby to control your frog issue. 

You should also consider the frog's food source. These amphibians are carnivorous, eating small insects and invertebrates. Be sure your pump is working and may consider aerating it to prevent stagnation. Add a waterfall or a fountain to keep the water circulating. If the water is moving, insects will not be successful when they attempt to lay eggs. Without an abundance of insects, frogs will be less likely to find residence in your pool.

If all else fails, hire a professional to exterminate the frogs. They are trained in frog removal. Instead of defeating the frogs in hand-to-hand combat, consider seeking help from an expert.

Click here for "Masters Wildlife Control" in Houston.

AutumnBreeze.Ov-350ONE: Chemicals, Test Strips & Kits

Before you get started, be sure you have all the chemicals and water testing kits.  If you live in the Houston TX area, contact us and be sure you have all your supplies ready.

TWO: Remove the Pool Cover

If you have a solid pool cover, the first step is to use a cover pump to remove standing. Take time and remove as much of the water and debris as possible; this simplifies the whole process. Do NOT place the cover pump near or over a seam or you may be draining water from the pool.

If you have a mesh covers, we suggest adding pool shock to the water about 2 weeks before you plan to open your pool.  To do this, pull back a corner and, pour the shock into the water then re-cover the pool.

THREE: Store your Pool Cover

 

 

luxury-in-ground-swimming-pool-in-katy-txOnly invest in an in-ground pool if you can afford it.  They can be very expensive and much more expensive than a above ground pool.

An average-sized pol, expect to pay anywhere from $25,000 to $55,000. If you want one of those gigantic pools like you see in the movies, be prepared to part with over $60,000 at least.  You will be getting a lot for that kind of money, but you need to be absolutely certain this is what you want, before going out and spending your savings.

An in-ground pool is also harder to winterize than an above-ground one. The entire pool will need to be cleaned, as will all its parts (pumps, feeders, etc.) You also need to tend to the underground pipe system, draining them, drying them, and then plugging them, to ensure that nothing seeps into the pool while it's sealed up for the winter.

Also do not forget that an in-ground pool is part of the ground, so make absolutely sure this is something you want. If you decide, down the line, that you don't want the pool anymore, you're unfortunately stuck with it.

When you are ready for an above ground pool, contact us Phone/Tap: 281-599-3378



AutumnBreeze.Ov-350Above ground pools are more easily maintained than inground pools. 

They take less space in your yard and allow you to have an additional Hot Tub or Patio.

Most above ground pools can be installed in one day; more if ground preparation is needed.  Be sure to follow our Professional Technician's maintenance program and always refer to the owner's manuals (i.e. pump, filtration, and liner).

It takes about 6 hours for our system to filter the water in a 24 foot round pool. Six to eight hours is fine early Summer or as the weather cools in the Fall.  During Houston's high heat time of Summer, it is suggested to run the filter 12 hours a day. 

If you find any problems with your pool water (e.g. cloudy or green) do not run your filter constantly - wait until it clears or give Casual Patio, Pools, Spas and More a call and we can diagnose.

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