How to Maintain Your Pool for the Summer Season

Introduction

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the beautiful weather and relax in the comfort of your own backyard pool. However, owning a pool requires regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure that it remains in good condition and safe for swimming throughout the summer season. 

Neglecting the care of your pool can lead to costly repairs and even pose health hazards. In this blog post, we will provide you with tips and tricks to help you maintain your pool and keep it clean and functional for the summer season.

Regular Cleaning

The first and most essential step to maintaining your pool is regular cleaning. Cleaning your pool regularly helps to keep it free from debris, prevent the buildup of algae, and remove dirt and other particles.

Skimming the surface of the water is essential to remove debris, while brushing the sides and bottom of the pool helps in preventing algae buildup. Vacuuming your pool regularly helps to remove any dirt and debris that may have settled at the bottom of the pool. Neglecting these tasks can lead to cloudy or even green water, which can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

To ensure that your pool stays clean, you should make it a point to clean it at least once a week. The frequency of cleaning may depend on how much the pool is used, the weather conditions, and the presence of trees and other vegetation that can deposit debris in the pool. A good rule of thumb is to clean your pool more frequently if it is used heavily or after heavy rainfall.

Chemical Balance

Maintaining the right chemical balance in your pool is also crucial for keeping it clean and safe for swimming. Chemical balance refers to the level of pH, chlorine, and alkalinity in the pool. If these levels are not maintained, it can lead to the growth of algae, which can turn the pool water into a murky green color. This can also cause skin and eye irritation to swimmers.

It is essential to test the pool’s chemical levels regularly and adjust them as needed. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, the chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 ppm (parts per million), and the alkalinity level should be between 80 and 120 ppm. We recommend testing your pool’s chemical levels at least once a week, or more frequently if you use your pool heavily or after heavy rainfall.

Run Your Pool Pump

Running your pool pump helps to circulate the water and distribute the chemicals throughout the pool. Ensure that your pool pump runs for at least eight hours a day to keep the water clean and clear. If you have a variable speed pump, adjust the speed accordingly to save energy and money.

Pool Cover

In addition to regular cleaning and chemical balance, investing in a good quality pool cover can help in maintaining your pool during the summer season. The pool cover helps in keeping debris, leaves, and other unwanted material out of the pool when it is not in use. This reduces the frequency of cleaning required and helps in keeping the pool water clean and clear.

Professional Maintenance

While regular cleaning and chemical balance are vital steps in maintaining your pool, certain tasks are best left to the professionals. Hiring a pool maintenance company like Descon Pools & Landscapes can save you time and money in the long run by identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems.

A professional pool maintenance company can also provide services like pool opening and closing, routine maintenance, and repairs as needed. They have the knowledge and experience to identify potential issues and address them before they become major problems. This can save you money in the long run, as you will avoid costly repairs that could have been prevented.

Conclusion

Maintaining your pool may seem like a daunting task, but with regular cleaning, proper chemical balance, investing in a good quality pool cover, and the help of a professional pool maintenance company, it can be a hassle-free experience. Descon Pools & Landscapes is dedicated to providing top-quality pool maintenance services to help you enjoy your pool all summer long.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain your pool for years to come.

Top Landscape Design Trends for 2023

With the winter snow melting away and the arrival of spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start considering the newest outdoor living trends to keep your backyard looking trendy and stylish.

Whether you’re looking to create a comfortable staycation spot or a functional workspace, implementing these design ideas will allow you to optimize your outdoor area and achieve a look that is both beautiful and functional. 

1. Indoor-Outdoor Merge

One of the emerging trends in living design involves creating a seamless integration between your indoor and your outdoor spaces. This can be achieved by incorporating folding doors, enclosed verandas, or partially covered gardens into the interior and exterior of your home.

To keep things trendy and comfortable, homeowners are choosing outdoor furniture made of high-quality and comfy-plush materials. Some are even opting to move indoor furniture outside, such as sofas, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in their outdoor living area.

This trend offers homeowners the opportunity to expand their living space and enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing the comfort of the indoors. 

2. Custom-Built Pools 

With a custom-built pool, you have the opportunity to design a pool that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You can customize the shape, size, and features that are designed to meet your unique living requirements.

A custom-built pool can also be designed to enhance the appearance of your backyard, while also increasing property value. You can consider incorporating a variety of features, such as waterfalls, slides, and lighting, or even include natural materials to create a visually stunning and functional outdoor oasis.

Overall, swimming pools are an exciting trend that we can expect to see more of this coming year. With their ability to be customized, and refreshing appeal, they are a great addition to your landscape. 

3. Vertical Gardening 

The popularity of vertical gardening continues to grow in 2023. Gardeners and landscapers are on the hunt for innovative ways to maximize space while also adding greenery to limited outdoor spaces. Vertical gardening offers an incredible solution by utilizing walls, fences, and other vertical surfaces as planting areas.

This trend is suitable for those who are short on garden space or for anyone who wants to create a unique and visually stunning display of greenery. Vertical gardens not only add visual interest to a space, but they can also improve air quality, help insulate buildings and provide privacy where needed.

Some may even use these vertical gardens to house their herbs or veggies for easy accessibility. With the growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, vertical gardening is a great way to incorporate more greenery into your home and garden.

4. Naturalistic Landscape Design

This style of gardening incorporates elements of nature to create a landscape that is both visually appealing and ecologically responsible. This can include the use of more natural elements like boulders, stone, and custom water features to create a more naturalistic look and feel.

Another crucial element of naturalistic landscape design is the use of organic shapes. Rather than using linear lines and geometric shapes, naturalistic spaces often feature curved paths, irregular flower beds, and other unique shapes that can be found in the garden.

This approach tends to create a sense of flow throughout the backyard, which can be very appealing to the human eye.

5. Maximizing Design

A new trend is on the horizon which is geared towards maximalist decor. Customers are increasingly seeking bolder, and more playful design elements in their homes and gardens. This can involve incorporating handmade tiles around a patio or pool edge to add a pop of colour and texture.

A little material goes a long way, and the key is to balance a variety of tones, volumes, and textures in a deliberate and intentional way. The maximalist trend is all about breaking free from conventional rules and unleashing your creativity so let your imagination run wild and let Descon Pools and Landscapes create a backyard that reflects your style and personality. 

The landscape and design trends for 2023 are all about creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces that reflect your personal style and preferences. From indoor-outdoor merges to custom-built pools, vertical gardening, naturalistic landscape design, and maximalist decor, there are many ways to elevate your backyard experience.

Whether you’re looking for a staycation oasis or a functional backyard design, these trends offer a variety of options to optimize your outdoor area, and let’s create a space that you’ll enjoy for years to come! 

Send us a message to get started on your personalized project today.

Descon 2022 – A Year In Review

As we are spending time with our families this holiday season, and after a busy year of operating a full-service landscape design and construction company, it’s time for Descon Pools to reflect.

Since Descon Pools began, we have been committed to providing professional services from the office to the job site. Our underlying passion for what we do is evident in the work we create and how we communicate. Most importantly, we are dedicated to bringing your vision to life.

Reflecting on this past year and the projects that Descon Pools have accomplished are genuinely something to be proud of. From custom-built swimming pools, bespoke outdoor living spaces, and our team’s ongoing monthly maintenance projects, Descon Pools has had quite a busy year.

By embracing the importance of creative vision, functional design, and quality craftsmanship, we have transformed our clients’ spaces into something that’s enjoyable for everyone in the family.

Our Rebrand

If you haven’t already noticed – we have introduced a new website, logo, and an overall brand refresh! We wanted our brand identity to communicate elegance, quality, and craftsmanship. Visually, we wanted to put the focus on our quality work and enable us to showcase this on our newly updated website.

From a user perspective, we also wanted our clients to have a positive experience from browsing our portfolio, easily accessing our services and contacting us directly. While being about to browse our website, we also wanted the opportunity to showcase valuable information on our newly incorporated blog section.

In the coming months you will be able to read about basic maintenance and how to care for your pool, how to plan for a new pool, or simple tips and tricks to help make your backyard the ultimate personal retreat.

Additionally, we wanted to create a functional and beautiful website that represents Descon Pools, and how we are much more than just a landscape and pool company.

Moving Forward Into 2023

Moving forward into the New Year, Descon Pool’s will continue to build high-quality pools and landscapes throughout Ontario. We hope to highlight our achievements in quality craftsmanship, integrity, and continuing to foster our relationships with current and new clients. 

Descon Pool’s experienced team will continue to make strides going into the New Year, our focus will not only be on your backyard retreat, but on the functional aspect of the space and to ensure there is a flow from your indoor space to the outdoor living area or swim space. 

While summer may not be fresh on your mind, winter is a great opportunity to take a moment and plan your perfect outdoor oasis, and maybe your very own staycation.

Our plan is to help you create a space that suits both your personal style while still exceeding your everyday needs.

Considering starting your dream backyard project?

Contact Descon Pools today for a personalized quote. Your imagination is your only limitation as to what we can do!

Who is Descon Pools + Landscapes?

Our History

After graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, and years of industry experience, Luke founded Descon Pools. In collaboration with his clients, Luke’s creativity and attention to detail enable him to create unique and comprehensive designs.

Our Philosophy

Descon Pools is a full service landscape design and construction company specializing in custom swimming pool projects. We embrace the importance of creative vision, functional design and quality craftsmanship in pursuit of your complete satisfaction. We make your backyard project an enjoyable experience, operating efficiently and communicating with our clients throughout the whole process. Our skilled team will design and construct custom swimming pools and outdoor living spaces that will transform your yard into a welcoming and awe inspiring getaway.

Our Vision

We believe that adding a pool can transform your home and lifestyle! Descon Pools design and install custom vinyl liner and fibreglass pools. Combining the advanced construction techniques with superior materials, both vinyl liner and fibreglass pools are built to last. We put the focus on quality instead of quantity to ensure a positive experience and outstanding end result. Descon Pools is much more than just a pool installer. We believe that the pool is a integral part of the overall landscape working together to create a functional and beautiful escape at your own home. Your imagination is your only limitation as to what we can do!

Our Services

Custom Pools & Spa Installs

We believe that adding a pool can transform your home and lifestyle! Descon Pools design and install custom vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. Combining the advanced construction techniques with superior materials, both vinyl liner and fiberglass pools are built to last. We put the focus on quality instead of quantity to ensure a positive experience and outstanding end result. Descon Pools is much more than just a pool installer. We believe that the pool is an integral part of the overall landscape working together to create a functional and beautiful escape at your own home. Your imagination is your only limitation as to what we can do!

Fiberglass Pools

Descon pools installs only the highest quality fiberglass pool shells from the top companies in the industry. Our experience, along with industry leading drainage and installation techniques eliminate the potential for issues over time. Fiberglass pools come in many different sizes and shapes and offer great features such as benches, spillover hot tubs and sun ledges.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Using time-tested construction practices, Descon pools installs your pool to the shape and specifications you desire or require. We can make different shapes and sizes of vinyl liner pools to suit your needs and property. Whether its a custom shape or custom feature, such as a beach entry or bar stools, Descon will create the pool of your dreams.

Poolscapes

Over the last 15 years,  stunning poolscapes have changed the standards of backyard landscaping.  Backyards are being transformed into spa-like resorts with outdoor dining rooms and Canadian summertime culture has been renamed “outdoor living”.  At Descon we are outdoor lovers too.  Thats why we are so passionate about building beautiful backyard getaways for your families to enjoy.  It’s our art form and creative release.

Design

Descon knows the importance of a good plan for a great end result. Our skilled designers will work with you from the start to create the landscape of your dreams before we get the shovels in the ground. A well thought out design helps to eliminate time wasted on-site, as well as show you what your project will look like in the end so that there are no unwelcome surprises.

Build

Once the design package is finalized and approved we waste no time in executing on your new plans. We use state-of-the-art construction practices to ensure a quality build that will stand the test of time. Our passionate construction leaders insist on building to the highest standards possible and treat every project as if they were building it in their own backyard.

Pool Maintenance

At Descon we take pride in our professional service when it comes to opening and maintaining your swimming pool. You put a lot of money and time into your pool — we value that and strive to provide the best quality service to meet your pool needs throughout the year.

Pool Openings/Closings

Descon provides pricing packages and products for both salt water and chlorine pools.  Let our expert team take the stress and hassle out of your spring by opening and preparing your pool for the swimming season ahead.

Monthly Maintenance

Are you struggling to keep up on pool maintenance? It’s a lot of work and the average working person finds they are spending too much time on their weekends working on their pools and not swimming. We offer affordable packages for exactly that reason. So you can put that time back into enjoying your weekend in your backyard with your family and friends.

Considering starting your dream backyard project?

Contact Descon Pools today for a personalized quote. Your imagination is your only limitation as to what we can do!