Hello all! This year is truly coming to a close! Holidays are literally around the corner, and we'll soon be changing our calendars to read 2024. Yikes!

Since we're in the "thick" of the fall season, be sure to remember to: 
*Keep your skimmer baskets free of debris.
*Check the bag of your Polaris, or pool sweep, and empty any debris and/or leaves.
*If you have a pool heater, and haven't checked it already, fire it up to be sure it's in proper working order. Give us a shout at 713-665-4441 if it isn't and we can schedule a service technician to come out and take a look.

Lastly, be sure to click on the link and check out this month's newsletter. We've thrown a few articles and tidbits in there for you.

And, as always, we're in the office weekdays until 5 PM and our Retail Store is open weekdays from 9 AM until 5 PM and on Saturday from 9 AM until 3 PM.

Wishing everyone a wonderful November and Happy Thanksgiving! 


​

I don't know about y'all, but it's hard for me to believe that we've officially reached the month of October!  Although, I'm not ready for pumpkin spice everything, a little cooler weather is definitely welcome after this summer's brutal heat.  

Be sure to check out the link below and take a few minutes to read this month's newsletter.  This month you'll find articles about some guy who thought it would be cute to randomly drop green dye into swimming pools, tips on how to keep your swimming pool mosquito free, some things to do this month in the Houston area, and some fall recipes sure to please the crowd!

Remember, we are a phone call away at 713-665-4441 or you can reach me by email at kitt@sweetwaterpoolandpatio.com.

Have a fantastic month!

Well, a big how do ya do to September!  And, Happy Labor Day, y'all!  

As a reminder:  We will be closed on Monday, September 4th for the Labor Day holiday. We hope that you, your family, and friends enjoy it!

Please note that as of September 1st we will be transitioning to our fall and winter hours.  We will now be open from 9 AM until 5 PM weekdays and from 9 AM until 3 PM on Saturdays.  Any calls, emails, or texts received after hours will be answered after the start of the next business day.

Now that we have all that formality out of our way, be sure to check out this month's newsletter. We're featuring a tale of survival from Hawaii, some fun facts about swimming pools, some things to do in the Houston area over the Labor Day weekend, and some yummy recipes to get your grill on! 

Here's to a fabulous September and a little cooler weather!  Until next time . . . 

It's officially August, which means more hot weather and more time relaxing by the pool, not to mention getting ready the kids ready to get back to school!  Also, for you dog lovers, this month is National Dog Month.  So, spend a little extra time with your furry household members. 

Be sure to click on the link to our Newsletter below.  This month we've featured articles on the following: natural swimming holes in our great state of Texas, a trip in the past with Esther Williams, some summer activities to do with your dog(s), and some yummy summer recipes.

As always, we're here to help you with any of your pool needs.  From water testing, weekly service, repairs, and even renovations.  We're in the office weekdays until 5 PM and our Retail Store is open on Saturdays until 5 PM.  You can also contact us by phone at 713-665-4441, text 832-780-5955, or email at info@sweetwaterpoolandpatio.com.

Have a great month and we'll see you in September!

Rainwater is acidic and involves the chemicals in the pool’s water. Rainwater can also change the pH balance and alkalinity level. Acidic rain can also make water corrosive, which can affect plaster and ceramic over time.

Here are some other factors on how rain may affect your swimming pool:

• Rainwater causes pH levels to rise and TA levels to fall due to chemical dilution.
• Chlorine is less active, so it will not kill the microorganisms and keep the water clean.
• Rain can bring algae spores and other debris (like dust) that can submerge into the water which can make it murky and, if not treated quickly, the sun’s rays can accelerate algae growth.
• The appearance of algae, mold and mildew on the tiles is another situation. Rain can also disperse algae, which will give the water a green color. When rainwater falls into the pool, the water’s pH and chlorine alter and can cause the appearance of fungi and bacteria in the pool.
• Rainwater is usually a different temperature than the pool, contrasting the temperature between the rainwater and the water in the pool, which alters the pool’s normal temperature levels. 
• Overflow is another situation that is possible if rainfall is continuous. In a heavy rain the water level can rise considerably and, eventually, overflow.

Rainfall Pool Maintenance
Some recommendations on how to treat your pool before and after it rains are as follows:

• Install an automatic or manual pool cover. A pool cover helps protect the pool’s water from being contaminated by rainwater. 
• Drain the water until levels are normal.  This only needs to be done if the pool water overflows from continuous heavy rain. 
• Rain brings debris, so remove it from the pool, including leaves and insects. Use an automatic vacuum to clean the pool’s sides and bottom, preventing dirt from retaining any organisms and fungi growth.
• Check skimmers for any debris and clean thoroughly.
• Turn on the filter system to avoid algae growth. This will help circulate the water and prevent the development and growth of algae spores. We recommend running the filter pump for at least 12 hours daily during the summer months.
• Test the pool’s water. It may need to be adjusted to normalize pH and chlorine levels.

A big welcome to July!  And, with that being said, I wanted to take a moment to wish you a happy and safe 4th of July! 

Check out the link to this month's newsletter below.  We've included an article about public pools, mosaic tiles, things to do in the Houston area for the 4th, and a link to delicious recipes in celebration of the 4th of July holiday (or, heck, anytime!).  

As a reminder, we will be closed on the 4th so that we may enjoy the holiday with our friends and family.  We will return Wednesday, July 5th at 9 AM.  

Y'all enjoy!  Be safe!  And we'll see ya next time around!

With current excessive heat warnings now in effect it’s important to enjoy the pool in safe and smart ways.  Below are some tips so you can safely enjoy the pool:
 
AVOID PROLONGED SUN EXPOSURE
The mid-portion of the day, between 10 AM and 4 PM is considered to be the peak time when the sun’s rays are the strongest and most intense.  Avoid spending hours on end in direct sunlight and consider swimming in the morning before peak time, or in the evening after peak time has ended.
 
WATER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND!
Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
 
TAKE BREAKS
Get out of the pool from time to time and take a rest in the shade, or indoors.  Also, it’s a good time to remind the kiddos to drink some water, reapply sunscreen, and relax a bit before getting back into the water. This is for the adults, too!
 
PAY ATTENTION TO SIGNALS
Even in the pool, overexposure to heat and direct sunlight can lead to a dangerous situation.  Pay attention to how you’re feeling and heed any warning signs your body may give you. Watch for signs such as excessive sweating, dizziness, cramps in your legs, arms or stomach or fast breathing which can be signs of heat exhaustion.  If anyone starts to feel any of these symptoms get out of the heat, drink plenty of water and get some rest before going back into the heat or out into the pool.

Summer is just about upon us.  To us, here in the great state of Texas, it's already feeling a lot like summer even though summer officially begins on the 21st of this month. :)

With everything pre-heating, for what will certainly be a pretty stifling summer (we're definitely no stranger to that!), it's time to dip our toes into our swimming pools and take some time to relax and cool off with our family and friends. 

So, with that in mind, check out the link to this month's newsletter.  I have a pool-related history lesson, pool safety tips, hurricane prep (I know. I know.  We don't want to think about that!), and some ideas for dad this Father's Day (You don't want to forget to treat dad on his special day!).

Also, our spring and summer hours kicked in on March 1st.  We're open weekdays from 9 AM until 6 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM until 5 PM.  Our office is open weekdays starting at 8 AM until 5 PM.  You can also text or email us (please remember we only answer during business hours) at 832-780-5955 or info@sweetwaterpoolandpatio.com. 

Wishing everyone an excellent start to the summer!  See y'all next month! 

 

Hello May! 

Soon the kids will be out of school (sorry, parents) and summer will be in full swing. Let's try to enjoy this month first.  Afterall, the month of May has a lot to offer.  Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Star Wars Day (yeah, I went there), and Healthy and Safe Swimming Week (May 22-28th) just to name a few.  Plus, a lot of us are looking forward to warmer weather so we can fully enjoy our swimming pools and pool side activities.  Barbeque, anyone?

In the meantime, check out the link to our newsletter below.  We've included an article about pool tiles, safe swimming suit colors for kids, and some great things to do for (and with) mom on Mother's Day.

Don't forget that we're here to help you with any of your pool needs.  From free water testing, chemicals, weekly service, cleaner repairs, equipment repairs, and pool renovations. Call us at 713-665-4441 or email us at info@sweetwaterpoolandpatio.com. You can even text us at 832-780-5955.  We're available from 8 AM until 5 PM weekdays.  Or come visit our retail store, which is open from 9 AM until 6 PM during the week and 9 AM until 5 PM on Saturdays. 

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you!  Have a great month, everyone! 

Spring is certainly in the air and we're all just wishing that the pesky pollen would settle down and go away!  

I'm thinking y'all are ready for swim season and the opportunity to take a nice, cool dip as the weather starts to heat up.  And, as Texans, we know that's guaranteed!

If you need your water tested or have questions, drop by our retail store.  We're now open weekdays until 6 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM - 5 PM.  We're also now featuring Poolife products.  Also, don't forget to click on the link below and check out this month's newsletter. 

Until next time Happy Easter and have a wonderful month!

​