Above Ground Pool Tips & Blog

Stay healthy with a good swim

Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water.

No matter what your fitness level, the general benefits of swimming are yours to go out and grab and make your own.

It has the power to give your muscles a makeover, transform you into a cardio king, turn back the clock, and calm you quicker than a secluded beach in the Bahamas.

But if this isn’t enough to get you reaching for your cossie, here are our top benefits of swimming to show you there is no such thing as being too cool for the pool.

Swimming is a good all-round activity because it:

keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the impact stress off your body
builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness
helps maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs
tones muscles and builds strength
provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your muscles are used during swimming.

Get some D3 - Get some sun

Say 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”.

Start Planning for your Summer - A New Above Ground Pool

Spring is the best time to start planning for your new above ground pool. Use these essentials to help you prepare.

Prepare Your Pool Site

Your new pool needs to be installed on level ground. If your site is sloped, you must make it level. A simple shovel or a Bobcat will help to prepare the site. Whatever you use, the pool should be installed on any soil treated with petroleum-based chemicals. Also, it should not be installed on grass, concrete, asphalt, tar paper, peat moss, gravel, mulch, or wood.

Spending a little time prepping the site could save you some problems in the future.

Siting Your Pool

Choose the right location for your pool. The first thing you should do is check your local building codes and see if the pool needs to be a certain distance from property lines, septic tanks, and roads. You will also want to avoid underground cables, pipes, and roots, as well as overhead power lines, trees, and eaves.

Consider how much privacy you want, and the ease to supervise children, how you will secure the pool from wandering children and pets. How will the above ground pool look in your preferred location. Consider nearby trees. Trees provide welcome shade. Trees drop leaves, blossoms, and other organic material, they can also—depending on how far into the fall you use your pool.

Above Ground Pool Maintenance

Above 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.

In ground swimming pools in Katy TX - the tradoffs

luxury-in-ground-swimming-pool-in-katy-tx Only 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

Summer Pool Party Ideas

The first thing you need for your Pool party is a Doughboy Above Ground Pool! Contact us immediately to make sure your pool is installed in time for your party.

Here are a couple of ideas to make your party more memorable.

Beach Bucket Party Favor: Goodie bags are kind of the best part of any party... especially when you're throwing one for the little ones. Kick the kiddo's excitement level up a notch with a beach bucket decked out in all things summer, and stick them to each seat so they can dig through their new goodies during lunchtime.

Pool Float Invitation: Looking for a way to really wow your munchkin's friends? Customize a pool float with a permanent marker for a DIY invitation that's going to get them seriously excited for the party. Pro tip: You should totally mail this when it's *not* blown up ;)

Beach Ball Garland: You've probably already picked up a few beach balls to play with in the pool, but a beach ball garland is what's going to give your patio the extra oomph it needs. DIY this colorful banner using Smoothfoam (nope, not styrofoam) balls and craft paint for an easy way to make your space next-level.

What are the benefits of owning an above ground pool?

Don't be concerned about owning an above ground pool. Today these types of pools have many of the same features as inground swimming pools. Some have even more benefits. An above ground pool brings the same fun of a larger swimming pool with less maintenance and expense.

Below are 5 Benefits of Owning an Above Ground Pool

What makes Doughboy Pools the Best?

During World War I, 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 I, 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.

Hoffinger Industries purchased Doughboy Recreational from Domain Industries in 1974. Hoffinger Industries was founded and owned by Marty Hoffinger, who in 1945 invented one of the first above ground pool filters. In 2012, Hoffinger Industries was acquired by its president, Doug Hollowell.

7 Steps to Open Your Huston Above Ground Pool

We are in a wonderful southern climate, but sometimes we close our swimming pool for the Winter.

Here are 7 steps to open your pool.

We can open the pool, but if you choose to do it yourself, it is quite easy. All you need is a friend, and the right supplies and it shouldn't take much time.

Pool Repair After the Hurricane

After our tragedy, pool owners face the task of cleaning up a soggy mess. Once your family is taken care of and your living quarters are livable, we can help with your swimming pool, patio, or hot tub.

1. Be sure to take photos of your pool for any insurance claims. Take more than one and be sure to get all sides of the pool and surrounding areas.

2. Remove all debris from inside and around the pool.

3. Drain excess water from the pool.

4. Before you turn on the pump, check for loose wires. Make sure the motor is dry before you turn it on.

5. Once the filtration pump is on - keep it on for 24 hours, then test the pH. Adjust with chemicals if needed. Then circulate for another 24 hours and retest.

6. Monitor chlorine levels and try to keep it at 1-4ppm. Add chlorinating shock as needed to maintain levels.

7. Clean the filter often. Call us if you need chemicals.

8. After the water is balanced and sanitized, you can resume use of the pool.

Tips for a great pool party.

Here are a few tips to make your next pool soiree a Success

Make sure you have extra towels and flip flops (a variety of sizes) for forgetful guests
Have inflatable pool toys in the pool to bring out the child in your guests
Select a good playlist of music and make sure someone keeps it playing
Provide a room for guests to change and an orderly place to leave their clothes
If it is sunny, be sure to arrange plenty of umbrellas for those who prefer the shade.
Use plastic cups for beverages - broken glass is not what they came for - or you
Position pool furniture around the edge of the pool with tables in between
In the evening, have candles come strategically place to set the mood. Place some in the water for a memorable decor. Citronella candles on tables will keep the bugs away
Speaking of bugs, either fog well before your party and keep bug spray nearby
Fill spritzer bottles with water and placed them in ice buckets. They are a great way to keep cool
Handing out party favors give a thoughtfull, memorable touch. Buy some inexpensive flip flops, sunglasses, and sunscreen

If you need to get your pool ready and you don't have time, call Casual Patio (or Tap 281-599-3378 to Contact). We can service your Greater Houston TX swimming pool needs.

Pool Activities, Fun & Party Ideas

1. Pool and a Flic

A pool and a movie night is a great way to spend the evening. Watch the movie from the pool, or set up some pillows in the yard and enjoy a movie after a long summer day!

Tie a white sheet to trees or a do it yourself stand
Have a Projector - be careful with electrical equipment near the water
Have fun decorating your outdoor movie theater

2. Fairies in a Jar

This will work for 5-8 hours. Put them in your trees or surround your pool.
fairies in a jar

Get a mason jar or another type of jar with a lid
Break open a glow stick and empty contents into jar
Add glitter
Close jar and shake!

Tap or Call: 281-599-3378

Doughboy Pool Backyard Planner

Here 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

Click here to view and download the file.

Above Ground Pool Deck Options

Your 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.

How do you rid your pool of frogs?

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.

Reducing your electric bill with an above ground pool

Here are four suggestions to help reduce your electric bill in your Houston Area Above Ground Pool.

Suggestion #1

Remember, your pump is there to keep your swimming pool water circulating and clean. If you change your pump's characteristics and notice a change in your water clarity or balance you may want to think twice about the change.

Above Ground Pool Decking

Install 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.

Doughboy Above Ground Pools

History 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!

Pool Safety for Above Ground Pools

It is just as important to maintain a safety posture for above ground pools as for inground pools. Below are some important safety tips for your above ground pool:

Fence / Barrier

Above ground pools must have a fence or barrier around the pool. The stairway leading up to the swim area should also be protected. Stairs to the pool should also be gated with a lock.

Communicate

Pool signs and depth markers are important to have around your pool area. The pool depth markers are available from Casual Patio Pools & More. Other signs should include: "No Jumping", "No Diving, Shallow Water" and "Slippery When Wet".

Safety Equipment

Have basic safety equipment available such as lifesaver rings and a Shepherd's Crook.

Alarms

Your above ground pool should have an alarm installed - it is an excellent safety add-on. The above ground pool alarm should use a sensing method is designed to detect a one-year-old child weighing 15 pounds and greater.

Stairs & Handrails

Be sure the hand rails and stairs have slip resistant surfaces to protect against slips and falls.

Maintaining Your Above Ground Pool in the Houston Area

Above 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.