Matt's Columns

Pool designers and landscape designers definitely agree on the importance of properly landscaping a pool area—it can really transform a backyard pool area. Oftentimes the only difference between a swimming pool that looks good and one that looks great comes down to the landscaping. As we enter the fall and a prime time to landscape (especially for trees & shrubs), now is a great time to plan … [Read more...] about Poolside Landscaping

We tied for the second coldest temperature on record in DFW with -2 degrees and (if you don’t count the hour that it got above freezing on February 13th) it was also the second-longest consecutive number of hours at or below freezing. With one of the coldest winter snaps on record, we saw very little freeze damage to pools that stayed operating. The extreme temperatures put a significant load on … [Read more...] about Winter After February 2021

What a great September / October we have had thus far—the weather has just been phenomenal! We have had some warm days followed by cool days and even cooler nights, which has resulted in lower pool water temperatures. Average pool water temperatures in the Denton area are now in the low 70’s—of course this depends on if the pool is shaded, if it has a dark surface, etc. According to the … [Read more...] about Pool Heaters: Heat that Cool Water!

A few years ago, my wife and I purchased our first stand-alone hot tub. We have had swimming pools that had spas attached to them, and have had jetted bathtubs, but we had never had a stand-alone hot tub until then. It was the first time in 30 years that we had not had a swimming pool, but we have really enjoyed having a hot tub. Hot tubs have continued to increase in popularity in recent … [Read more...] about Hot Tub Purchasing Tips

It has been a milder summer than we are accustomed to. We average eighteen days of 100 degrees or more, and this year we have only had seven. The average date for our last 100 degree day is August 26th, although we did have a 100 degree day as late as October 3rd (1951). But, it appears that 100 degree days are over for this year. Many who like spending time outdoors are aware that fall in the … [Read more...] about Fall is a Great Time of Year to Enjoy Your Swimming Pool

One of the trends that we have seen over the past couple of years is string lights, also referred to as bistro lighting or market lighting. While most agree that they are a very good look and provide just enough accent lighting in most situations, most of these lights are 120 volts, which should never be used over a swimming pool due to electrocution dangers. Obviously, electricity and water are … [Read more...] about Water & Electricity Do Not Mix