• How to Design an Outdoor Pool

    When you’re looking for a way to exercise, relax, and have fun all at the same time, consider getting an outdoor pool in Birmingham . Swimming pools cool you off during the hottest times of the year, and make your home the place to be for gatherings with your friends. As you start thinking about the swimming pool installation process, you’ll have many decisions to make. If you don’t have a lot of space, a swim spa may be the right choice for your yard. Take a look at your available space, and consider how much you’re willing to have taken up by an above ground pool. You can choose from different sizes and shapes to match your needs. Remember to consider the landscaping surrounding your pool, and you can create a beautiful backyard oasis. Adding water features or a separate hot tub can make your yard even more of a relaxing place, transforming your home into a spa-like destination for your friends and family.

    Tips for Designing an Outdoor Pool in Birmingham, AL

  • Creating a Vanishing Edge Pool

    As you begin to think about having your own swimming pool in Birmingham, consider all of the design possibilities that are available to you. You might want to combine the benefits of a swimming pool and a spa and have a swim spa installed, or you may prefer the look of an above ground pool. A vanishing edge pool is an elegant choice for your yard, so watch this video to learn more about what it takes to create one.

    Vanishing edge pools are sometimes known as illusion pools since they create the illusion that the pool has no finite ending. This is an excellent choice for a pool when you have a view you don’t want to obstruct, such as hills or a valley. If you have your yard fenced in close to your pool, a vanishing edge may not be the right choice as it is just the fence that will be reflected on the pool’s surface. You can erect structures around the pool to maintain your privacy while still enjoying incredible views.

  • Tips for Designing Your Swim Spa

    As you begin working on swimming pool designs for your new swim spa in Birmingham, AL, there are a few factors that you should consider. Your hot tub and the above ground pool should complement the existing landscaping and architectural design of your home, as well as include features that will make your swim spa as comfortable and luxurious as possible. Here are some great tips that will help you and your swimming pool designer create the perfect swim spa.

    Determine the Primary Purpose for Your Swim Spa Tips For Designing Your Swim Spa in Birmingham, AL

    Before developing a hot tub and swimming pool design, you should determine exactly how you and your family plan on using your swim spa. This information will allow you to decide on the ideal size, shape, and depth of your swim spa, as well as any additional pool parts and features you’ll need. Most families use swim spas for relaxation and light recreation. If you have young children, you must build a locking fence and gate around your pool deck and swim spa.

    Complement Your Home’s Architectural Style

    Your above ground pool and hot tub should be designed to complement your home’s existing architectural style. If your swim spa detracts from the aesthetics of your home, your home can actually decrease in value. Work carefully with a swim spa contractor to develop a hot tub and swimming pool design that matches the exterior tone, period, features, color scheme, and overall design elements of your home. Your swim spa designer and builder can mimic and repeat design elements from your home’s exterior throughout your swim spa’s design.

    Consider Your Backyard Landscape

    The size and shape of your swim spa will also depend upon your backyard landscaping. You don’t want to destroy healthy, beautiful landscaping to accommodate your swim spa. Instead, create a hot tub and swimming pool design that fits seamlessly into your existing landscape design, enhancing the look and feel of your surrounding plants. Your swim spa should be an oasis nestled among lush vegetation that hides the swimming pool and hot tub from the outside world.

  • Safety Tips for Above Ground Pools [Infographic]

    If you’ve been thinking about getting a swimming pool in Birmingham, Alabama, now is the time. A swimming pool gives you the perfect place to unwind after a long week and can keep your kids entertained for hours and days on end. While a swimming pool can be quite fun, it is essential that you keep yourself and fellow swimmers safe. Erect a fence around your pool and the steps leading up to it so that kids and pets can’t wander in by accident. Make sure the ladder leading in and out of the pool is stable and secure, and check it regularly. A pool alarm can alert you if someone has entered the pool, which is ideal both for safety and for the security of your home. Check out this infographic to learn more about staying safe around your above-ground pool. Please share it with your friends, family, and neighbors.

    Safety Tips for above ground pools

  • The Benefits of Installing a Swim Spa

    At the end of a long work week, there’s nothing like coming home to your very own swimming pool in Birmingham . Swimming pools can offer you a lot, including an impact-free way to exercise as well as a place to gather with your friends and family. When you are looking at your options for installing a swimming pool in your yard, consider how a swim spa could benefit you. Swim spas combine the benefits of traditional swimming pools with the therapeutic qualities of a hot tub—all in one compact package. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of installing a swim spa.

    Size Installing Swim Spa in Birmingham, AL

    If you’ve given up on the idea of having your own swimming pool because you don’t think you have enough space, a swim spa could be the answer. Swim spas are smaller than traditional swimming pools, so are ideal for smaller yards or for people who don’t want to devote too much space to a pool.

    Relaxation

    A hot tub provides relaxation and stress relief, which can be very important in today’s hectic world. If you’ve been trying to decide between installing a pool or a hot tub, a swim spa combines both into one unit. You’ll get massaging jets where you can kick back and feel all your cares melt away without having to have a separate hot tub from your pool.

    Exercise

    Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle, and swimming provides a full-body workout with no impact on your joints. When you have a swim spa, you don’t have to worry about executing turns or not getting enough momentum, as the jets can be adjusted to push back against you as you swim to keep you in place. If you want to try water aerobics or other forms of water exercises, simply turn the jets off and get creative.

  • The Health Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub

    When you build a swim spa or hot tub near Birmingham, AL , you’ll have a relaxing place to hang out with your family, exercise, and recoup from the day’s stresses. Sitting in or exercising in a hot tub can offer a number of physical and psychological health benefits, making a hot tub a very wise investment for you and your family. Exposure to the warm water in a hot tub or swim spa can increase blood flow, reduce blood pressure, relax muscles, and provide temporary pain relief.

    When you’re relaxing in a hot tub, your body becomes more buoyant. This relieves pressure on your muscles, joints, and bones. Exercising or even just sitting in a hot tub can relieve symptoms of arthritis and muscle aches and pains. Exercising in a hot tub significantly improves muscle strength and tone, helps you lose weight, and improves diabetes symptoms, as the water allows for low impact exercise and resistance exercise.

    Spending time in a hot tub will increase your heart rate in addition to decreasing your blood pressure, which can improve your cardiovascular health. These benefits also extend to your sleep cycle, reducing symptoms of sleep disorders.

    Hot Tub in Birmingham, AL

  • Above Ground Pool Safety

    An Above Ground Pool in your backyard is a great place for family and friends to spend their hot summer days. Swimming is not only fun, but is a great way for kids and adults to exercise! Safety Tips for Above Ground Pools in Birmingham, AL

    However, having a pool requires safety measures. First and foremost, there is no substitution for vigilant supervision. Always have an experienced swimmer, preferably an adult, nearby when swimming. Make sure that all individuals are able to swim. If children or adults are unable to swim, make sure they are wearing approved safety swimming devices. It is a good idea that someone around the pool area be CPR certified. On hot summer days, make sure that everyone wears appropriate-strength sunscreen. There are very few things as painful as a blistering sunburn.

    Above Ground Pools usually have a 4 foot water depth. This depth is not adequate for diving into the pool or adding a slide to the pool. Serious injury is subject to occur when children and/or adults are diving or sliding in this water depth.

    If an Above Ground Pool has a deck built around it, make sure that there are safety rails around the deck and a self-locking gate at the entry point. If a ladder is used as the pool entry system, make sure that the outside of the pool ladder can be secured. This will allow the entrance to become inaccessible to small children. Alarm systems are also great safety features for Above Ground Pools. When the pool water ripples or changes levels due to pool entry, the alarm will sound inside and/or outside the home. This is a great feature for homes with small children, pets, and possible pool-intruders.

    The top rails, or top ledges, of the Above Ground Pools are not designed for walking or sitting. Falling from these top rails to the ground could cause serious injury.

    Safety signs are important for all pool areas. These safety signs may include pool rules, pool depths, and pool safety precautions such as “No Diving”, “Shallow Water”, and “Deck Slippery When Wet”.

  • A Look at the Most Essential Pool Supplies

    Have you been thinking about having a swimming pool installed in your yard? Summer is almost here, which means now is the perfect time to call the professionals. Don’t go another summer wishing you had a pool where you can relax and entertain your friends—make it reality. Swimming pools offer you many benefits, including exercise, relaxation, and just plain fun. In order to keep your pool in good shape, you’ll need the right pool supplies in Birmingham . Read on for a look at the most essential pool supplies to have on hand this year.

    Chemicals Pool Supplies in Birmingham, AL

    Keeping your pool water clean takes more than just a pump and filter. Chemicals are needed to make sure the water is free from bacteria that can make it cloudy, and damage your skin or the pool itself. Chlorine is the main chemical associated with swimming pools, but you’ll also need alkaline balancing agents as well as calcium to keep the water clean and clear. Invest in a water testing system so you can see what the pH level is in your pool. That way, you’ll know what chemicals you need to add more of to maintain the proper balance.

    Filter

    Swimming pools have pumps that circulate water, and the filter works to clear out the contaminants from the pool. You can choose from sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth filters, depending on how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Sand filters are able to filter out smaller particles, while diatomaceous earth filters can handle much larger particles.

    Fun Accessories

    There is a good reason for working hard to keep your pool clean and safe: So you can have fun with your friends and family! Grab a few pool toys such as noodles, rafts, and games so that everyone is comfortable and entertained. Pool games are a great way to have fun and be active at the same time, especially when you have children.

  • The Essentials of Pool Maintenance

    Proper pool maintenance for your above ground pool in Birmingham, AL, will help keep your backyard oasis clean, beautiful, and safe. Essentials of swimming pool maintenance include circulation, filtration, cleaning, and testing.

    Good water circulation keeps your water sanitizers moving evenly throughout your pool and also helps prevent algae and bacteria from getting a foothold on surfaces. Your pool filter removes unwanted microscopic matter and debris from the water, which keeps it safer and more sanitary. To help keep your water clean, it’s important to skim your pool’s surface and brush the walls at least once per week. Finally, testing your pool water twice per week will allow you to keep its chemicals and pH levels properly balanced

    AllStar Pool & Spa is the premier company for providing expert installation of above ground pools and hot tubs to the Birmingham area. Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional services and high-quality products.

    Essentials of Pool Maintenance in Birmingham, AL

  • What You Need to Know About Pool Tile

    A clean and well-maintained pool can be a lovely addition to your backyard, and choosing the right pool tile can lend additional luxury and beauty to your swimming pool . If you’re planning swimming pool designs in Birmingham, AL, there are a few things that you will want to know about pool tile.

    Benefits of Tile Beautiful Pool Tile in Birmingham, AL

    Tile is a versatile feature that can add a depth of character and color to your swimming pool area. Whether you choose to go with the standard tile installation or something more artistic, there are several advantages to consider when thinking about getting tile. Tile is durable and with proper care, it can enhance your pool for its lifetime. Pool tile requires little upkeep, comes in a range of sizes and materials, and its reflective nature can make your pool appear larger than it is.

    Pool Tile Options

    If you already have a pool area designed, glass mosaic tiles can be added to update your pool’s look and are currently trendy for luxury pools. Glazed porcelain tiles are a great option if you are building from scratch and want tile that can extend from inside your pool out onto the deck area. Before selecting your tile, feel its surface texture against your hands and feet so you can be sure that it has an abrasive grain strength that you are comfortable with. Ceramic tile can also be used in and around your pool and comes in a broad variety of colors and styles.

    Pool Tile Maintenance

    Taking proper care of your pool will help maintain your tile. Proper water pH level prevents scale buildup, which creates unattractive brown or white patches. As roots grow, pool walls age, and the ground settles around or under your pool, you may need to deal with damage to your pool tile. To prepare for this, consider buying extra tiles at the time of installation, so you can make any necessary repairs in the future without the hassle of tracking down the right type and color of tile.