Splash Fiberglass Pools to Begin Maryland Spring Home Show Schedule

It's about that time again for us to gear up for the Maryland Home Show Season. Splash Pools of maryland has a full schedule this year and hopes to see all of our followers there. This year we have the following events firmly in our spring schedule:

Maryland Home & Garden Show

March 6-7 & March 12 - 14

At the Maryland State Fair Grounds

Timonium, MD

www.MDhomeandgarden.com

We will have a Cape Coral on display so you can see up close the quality of a Viking Pool. We will have our knowledgeable staff there to answer any questions you have and show you all the new options we have to offer in 2010. We have a limited number of complimentary tickets so contact us for your free tickets by e-mail James@splashpoolsmd.com or by phone 410-766-9663.

Carroll County Home Show

April 10 - 11th

Carroll County Fair Grounds

Westminster, MD

www.carrollcountytimes.com

Splash Into Spring Event

April 24 - 25th

Kendalls Hardware Store

Clarksville, MD

Submitted By: Splash Pools

Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland serves all of Maryland, Baltimore, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Complete Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Maryland Fiberglass Pools, Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland at www.SplashPoolsMD.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsMD.com or (443) 766-9663.

Concrete Swimming Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec

Is the existing surface of your swimming pool rough, stained, chipping or just plain ugly? Then now is the time to consider renovating your pool. The swimming season is quickly approaching and now is the time to schedule your pool renovation to ensure your pool will be open for the beginning of the season.

Splash Pools of Maryland resurfaces both residential and commercial swimming pools using many different brands of "Plaster or Marcite." Plaster and Marcite are different terms for the same thing. It is the material that coats the concrete shell of the pool and what you walk on when you are in a concrete swimming pool. Today we are going to discuss a product called Pebble Tec which is our most used and in our opinion "hands down" the best product to install in your swimming pool when it comes to longevity, appearance and maintenance. Pebble Tec is available in 18 attractive colors, our original Pebble Tec pool interior is the perfect choice for individuals desiring a more natural look for their pools, spas or water features.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PEBBLE TEC®

What is Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec is a patented interior surface for swimming pools utilizing finely screened natural river rock worn smooth by years of nature's tumbling. The rock is geologically tested for hardness, angularity, content, and size.

What is the history of Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec was developed in Australia more than two decades ago. Over 50,000 pools have been installed in Australia and the United States. This means you are considering a time proven, quality product that has gained strong customer acceptance worldwide.

How are the pebbles placed on the surface?
Predetermined ratios of Pebble Tec stone and cement are combined with water and additives, then pneumatically applied with a standard pool plaster pump to a thickness of approximately 1/2". Once the Pebble Tec is applied, it is hand troweled utilizing a special process by trained applicators. At a precise time the material is "exposed" by a method which uncovers the top layer of pebbles. When the finish is thoroughly hardened, the pool is then cleaned with a solution to enhance the brightness and luster of the natural stone.

Is the surface rough?
The surface can be described as "orange peel" smooth with indentions. The stones used in Pebble Tec are finely screened and naturally tumbled resulting in a bumpy non-abrasive surface. The pebble surface is also comfortable for walking in the shallow end.

What if algae grows on the Pebble Tec finish?
Algae can be a problem on any pool surface if pool maintenance has been lacking. However, algae does not bond as readily to Pebble Tec as it does to conventional pool plaster due to the tumbled stone surface. Pebble Tec can also be cleaned more easily than plaster.

Does the Pebble Tec pool vary in color?
A pool done in this finish is intended to duplicate the natural appearance of a lake or stream bed and therefore color variation is a desired result. Water has a tendency to reflect hues and tones depending on sunlight intensity and angle that can vary depending on the time of day.

Will the pebbles fall off?
It is normal to experience a small loss of pebbles for a short period of time after Pebble Tec installation. You may find a handful in your strainer basket after you vacuum for the first few weeks but don't worry...your pool is covered with in excess of 30 million pebbles.

What is the warranty on Pebble Tec?
Splash Pools offers a written 15 year unconditional warranty on all Pebble Tec Installations. That's a piece of mind investment. Please consult with your installer as to their warranty terms and conditions.

Please feel free to contact Splash Pools if you have any additional questions about swimming pool resurfacing.

Submitted By: Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland

Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland serves all of Maryland, Baltimore, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Complete Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland at www.SplashPoolsMD.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsMD.com or (443) 766-9663.

Tips - What Every Pool Owner Should Know About

Pool Safety

Although swimming remains one of the healthiest and safest forms of recreation today, the need for awareness about pool safety cannot be overstressed.

When people (especially children) come to a pool, a full explanation of pool rules should be given before any activity around the pool begins. This not only helps prevent accidents from occurring, but it helps you win the respect of your guests. Swimming in your California Pool should be regarded as a privilege. Be sure to point out any slippery areas around the pool, as well as all of the underwater steps and ledges.

Splash Pools Presents 25 Rules And Tips To Make Sure Everyone Stays Safe

1. Never swim alone.
2. No running around the pool.
3. No rough playing or “dunking”.
4. No glass containers around the pool.
5. No bobby pins or metallic objects around the pool.
6. No long-distance underwater swimming.
7. Use pool toys with care.
8. Swim to the floor of the deep end before diving. Dive only when and where it is safe (not on top of swimmers and not in shallow water.)
9. Children should not use the pool without adult supervision, and the adult should be a competent swimmer.
10. No electrical appliances or wires should be allowed near the pool.
11. A first-aid kit should be kept near the pool.
12. A selected list of emergency telephone numbers should be on hand which includes the nearest available physician, ambulance service, hospital, police, fire and/or rescue unit.
13. The pool deck should be kept clean and clear of debris. Dirty surfaces can become slippery and can cause accidents.
14. Be careful with inflatable toys and mattresses. REMEMBER: those items are also deflatable.
15. Pools are like driving an automobile; they don’t mix well with alcohol. Keep inebriated guests out of the pool.
16. Allow a meal to “settle” before going into the pool. If you are overly tired, go to bed….. not for a swim.
17. Swimmers with open sores and infections should not use the pool.
18. Be careful--do not overexpose yourself to the sun.
19. Children, particularly, like to use the diving equipment and slide. Give them good supervision and make sure that there is no horseplay. Allow jumping and diving only from the front of the board. Residential pools’ diving boards were not designed for use in Olympic tryouts; keep the dive simple.
20. There should be a periodic safety and maintenance check for all pool appliances and equipment.
21. Children should rest periodically to avoid over exhaustion.
22. Begin teaching your children to swim at the earliest possible age. Until they learn to swim well, teach them to scream in the event they should fall in the water. This will greatly increase the chance of someone hearing them and coming to their rescue.
23. Learn mouth-to-mouth resuscitation prescribed by the American Red Cross. For more information about these and other life saving techniques, contact your Red Cross chapter for training.
24. Regularly check gate latches, 2nd springs, and check the batteries in pool alarms to ensure a safe and secure swimming pool.
25. Always keep floating toys and games out of the pool after being used. Children have a natural tendency to reach for those first.

Submitted By: Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland

Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland serves all of Maryland, Baltimore, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Complete Concrete Swimming Pool Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland at www.SplashPoolsMD.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsMD.com or (443) 766-9663.

Tips to Prepare Your Swimming Pool for the New Season

Tips - What You Need To Do To Prepare Your Pool

For The New Swimming Season

Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland says that it's almost summer, then backyard BBQ's and swimming pool parties are just around the corner! Now you've got to think about preparing your fiberglass swimming pool for use after the Maryland winter months. Seem like a chore? It doesn't have to be... especially if you have taken good care of your pool during its hiatus. Here's a checklist that will help you make sure your fiberglass swimming pool is ready when summer rolls around.

Swimming Pool Opening Checklist

1. SUPPLIES

• Sort through all your swimming pool supplies. Throw away those that are in poor condition.
• Check the date on chemicals and replace items that have passed their expiration.

2. COVER AND DECK

• Pump, hose, or sweep away water, dirt, or debris from the swimming pool cover and then do the same for the swimming pool deck.
• Carefully remove the cover and clean it. NOTE: Proper cover removal helps keep the pool relatively clear. Allow the cover to dry to prevent mildew and then fold and store it for the summer.
• Reinstall deck ladders, diving board, and other deck fittings. NOTE: The remainder of the petroleum jelly used to coat exposed metal fittings will need to be wiped clean with a terry cloth towel. Lubricate all bolts on the dive board, ladders, or rails.
• If the pool water is low, bring it up to normal.

3. EQUIPMENT

• Reinstall or reassemble the pump, filter, and other removed items.
• Raise the underwater lights from the bottom of the pool and install them in their niches.
• Have the heater professionally serviced before you use it.
• Remove the plugs and replace return outlet fittings.
• Check for leaks and proper operation.

4. ELECTRICAL

• Restore circuit breakers, switches, and the time clock trippers to normal operating positions.
• Turn on the electric power and start up the support system.

5. WATER CLEANING AND CHEMISTRY

• Super chlorinate, or “shock” the swimming pool. Test the pH and total alkalinity and adjust the levels. NOTE: Be sure to check the levels frequently during the first few days until they stabilize.
• Restart the circulation equipment to further clean the pool. Run the circulation system 24 hours straight for the first three days or until the water has cleared completely. NOTE: Don’t forget to backwash the filter frequently during this time.
• Vacuum out any debris from the bottom. Retest the water. Treat the water with an algaecide. Do not go into the pool until the water is crystal clear and the chlorine level is under 2.0 ppm.
• ENJOY YOUR POOL AND PLAN A POOL PARTY!

Submitted By: Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland

Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland serves all of Maryland, Baltimore, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Complete Concrete Swimming Pool Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of Maryland at www.SplashPoolsMD.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsMD.com or (443) 766-9663.