Gohlke Pools Blog

In last week’s column about the cold winter that we have had, I brought up two new weather phrases that I learned this past winter—“polar vortex” and “thunder sleet”.  It was brought to my attention that I missed probably the most popular new weather phrase—“cobblestone ice”! I had a good excuse for forgetting that phrase—I was out of the country during that time in a much warmer place.  But … [Read more...] about How Did I Miss “Cobblestone Ice”?

I am sitting here looking out at ice on the pool deck—the result of the “thunder sleet” that just fell on March 2nd!  Yes, March 2nd!  In the past few weeks, we have been exposed to new weather phrases:  first it was “polar vortex” and today I heard “thunder sleet”. While watching the news recently, I heard that we have had 51 freezes thru February 27th, which is the most that we have had in 37 … [Read more...] about What Is Going On With This Weather?

Although it has been a very cold winter, the weather that we are currently experiencing has many homeowners thinking about being outdoors and the possibility of having a swimming pool installed.  For some, this will be one of the best decisions that they have ever made for their family.  But for others, it will not work out quite like they envisioned. I often get asked whether I believe … [Read more...] about Is A Swimming Pool Right For My Family?

Looks like some cold weather is on it's way - save yourself from expensive repairs due to freeze damage.  Below are things to check before the cold weather gets here: Make sure your main pool pump is functional and is running whenever freezing weather occurs.  Most pool pump timers/controls use a freeze guard to accomplish this.  If the pump doesn't automatically kick on, you will need to … [Read more...] about Upcoming Freeze Alert

One area that is often overlooked by designers is backyard and pool area lighting.  Backyard lighting can be beautiful, and is something that can be enjoyed year-round.  When daylight savings ends, many people arrive home after dark which gives them only the weekends to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and pool environment that they have spent thousands of dollars creating. In addition to … [Read more...] about Backyard & Pool Area Lighting

Well—summer seems to have ended!  This last cold front caused the average water temperature to go from approximately 80 degrees to approximately 70 degrees in just a few days.  That is too cold for many of us to comfortably enjoy it, as most of us prefer pool water temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s.  With the first average freeze date for this area being fairly soon (November 22nd), pool water … [Read more...] about How To Enjoy Your Pool Thru November