Category Archives: Custom home pools

The advantages of using salt to sanitize your pool

When a home owner is searching for a new pool, there are many factors to consider, such as whether he or she wants to use chlorine or salt to sanitize the pool. Although there is no clear winner in the debate of salt vs. chlorine, saltwater pools require less maintenance and are more cost-effective in the long run.

Although the initial cost of setting up a saltwater pool is significantly more expensive than chlorine—the cost can number in the thousands, which may not include the costs of constructing the pool—maintenance is cheaper because (unlike chlorine) salt in the water never disappears. Salt is only added when rain or other factors dilute the pool; therefore, saltwater pools tend to pay for themselves within the second or third year of use. They are also easier on skin and hair than chlorinated pools.

If you are considering adding a pool to your Austin yard, please feel free to call an expert at [firm-name] for a free consultation at [phone-number].

Celebrating a nationwide Pool Safely Campaign from July 28-August 3

On July 28 through August 3, the Consumer Product Safety Commission will be promoting the campaign, “Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives” with a lineup of activities spread throughout the country encouraging Americans to be safe at the pool every day.  

Some of the things you can do in order to participate in Pool Safely Week 2013 is to partner with a public safety organization to call on residential pools in your area and share water safety tips. You can also conduct swim lessons for parents and children or schedule CPR demonstrations.

By joining the Pool Safely Week 2013, people will have the opportunity to participate in a nationwide campaign that advocates the importance of pool and spa safety, especially this summer.

At [firm-name], we can incorporate pool safety measures into your existing pool or create a customized and safe pool for you. Discuss building a custom pool in Austin or modifying your current pool by calling [phone-number].

Varsity swim team promotes pool safety

The varsity swim and dive team from Lowell High School in Massachusetts traveled to an elementary school in the area in order to discuss water and pool safety with nearly 180 students.

After a drowning occurred at the high school’s pool over the summer, the swim coach decided that the returning swim and dive team starters should do something positive for the community.

Over the summer, a 17-year-old boy drowned in the pool, but it is unknown whether the teenager could swim. The Medical Examiner’s office determined that the death was an accident. After the incident, the state’s Department of Public Health did a review on the school department’s pool safety and multiple citations were given as a result.

The swim and dive team read the book Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim: A Children’s Guide to Water Safety to the children in order to promote the importance of learning to swim. The USA Swimming Foundation has stated that nearly 70 percent of black and Hispanic children do not know how to swim.

Pool safety is a very important topic to discuss with children if you have a pool at your home. If you have  young children, a custom home pool may be the best solution for you so that you can customize the safety features that you and your family need. Contact the Austin custom pool builders today by calling 512-914-0554.

Barton Springs pool to close for repairs this winter

Austin city officials have stated that the Barton Springs pool will close this winter for repairs and will not reopen until spring.

The closure will begin in October so that the $2.9 million project to repair an underwater bypass tunnel can begin. The tunnel is in 13 sections and runs for a total of 1,000 feet under the north deck of the pool. The tunnel allows excess flood water from Barton Creek to divert below the pool

Holes were discovered in the tunnel in 2008, as they caused the water level in the pool to decrease dramatically. While the pool is closed for addressing these holes, other minor issues will also be repaired.

If you have a residential or commercial pool that needs repair, you need a company that has the experience and knowledge to complete the repairs efficiently. Contact the Austin custom pool builders of Athena Pools today.

Pool safety tips

This is the time of year that pool owners have an opportunity to appreciate their investment. Pools are the center of many summer outdoor activities because of the sunshine and heat that comes along with the season. While they can be fun and exciting, it is important to remain mindful of safety.

The American Red Cross along with the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend that pool owners do not let anyone swim unsupervised because every year, nearly 400 children drown in pools and another 5,000 are treated for injuries sustained in and around the swimming pool.

Installing pool alarms and gates that surround the pool can also a yield significant safety improvements. This way you will know whether or not anyone is near the area. It is also advisable to keep emergency equipment on in case it becomes necessary to respond to an incident.

If you are considering the installation of a swimming pool, it is advisable to consult with an expert. Contact the Austin custom pool professionals of Athena Pools by calling 512-914-0554 today.

Pools, hot tubs offer relaxation and fitness

Swimming pools not only offer a great place to cool down and relax, but they also offer a place to exercise and relieve stress.

If you have  limited space in your backyard, you should be aware that there are alternatives available to allow for aquatic entertainment. Hot tubs and lap pools, for example, offer many of the benefits granted by a swimming pool.

Swimming is a low impact fitness regime that can help you stay in shape and cause you little pain. Many retired athletes have issues with their hips, back, or knees and are able to remain fit by utilizing a lap pool.

If you or a loved one is looking for a custom pool design for your home, speak with the Austin custom pool specialists of Athena Pools today by calling 512-914-0554.

ADA standards deadline now pushed back to January

The deadline for the Americans with Disabilities Act guideline enforcement for lifts to be installed into public pools has now been pushed back until January 31.

Hotel managers and other public pool operators have been given more time in order to install the pool lifts because manufacturers of these lifts have a backlog on the number created because they have never had to make this many before.

The original deadline for the installation of these lifts was supposed to be March 15, but this was then pushed back until this past Monday and has now been pushed back even further.

The reason that the wheelchair lifts must be installed is because standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act states that “the provision of accessible entry and exit to existing swimming pools, wading pools and spas.”

If you or a loved one has is interested in having a custom pool installed in your home, contact the Austin custom pool specialists of Athena Pools today to discuss how to transform your backyard into one you have always wanted.