5 Questions to ask before signing on the dotted line

If you’ve decided to upgrade your home with an improvement like a new roof, kitchen remodel, or swimming pool, the most crucial step in the process is picking a qualified contractor for the job. But before finalizing your choice, be sure to avoid the mistake that so many homeowners make: Overlooking the importance of a contractor’s insurance policies.

The significance of your contractor’s coverage—or the lack thereof—cannot be overstated. Nonexistent or inadequate insurance can result in serious legal and financial consequences.

Simple steps that make all the difference

Whether you’re an active or recreational swimmer, you’re probably familiar with how chlorinated pools can wreak havoc on your hair, skin, and nails. For your hair in particular, chlorinated water can break down and dry out the cuticle─leaving you with a brittle, tangled mess!

Unfortunately, chlorinated swimming pools are tough to avoid: While pool sanitizing technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few years, many public and private pools still use heavy chemical loads in their water. Outside of the controlled environment of your backyard pool (where safer, gentler methods like UV light and ozone can be used), you’re bound to encounter chlorine─and all of its nasty side effects.

Looking to enjoy a dip in the pool while keeping you hair fresh, happy, and healthy? Stay low-stress and tame your tresses with these 5 Ways to Protect Your Hair from Harsh Pool Chlorine.

UPDATE

Since our original post about cascade water features, Blue Haven Pool offices across the nation have seen this pool design feature continue to grow in popularity.

There’s a good reason why: Cascade waterfalls are inherently flexible for design. They provide a contemporary aesthetic that’s attractive to those who prefer modern style with a look that also adapts to rustic, tropical, or other natural-style pool designs. They also enhance your backyard ambiance with the sound of gently moving water.

To illustrate the distinctive look and feel of cascade features as a pool accent, we’ve added some photos below. These images help show the many options available for your new or remodeled pool.

How to bring the romance to your backyard and swimming pool (in photos)

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and romance is in the air. But can getting cozy be costly? According to a match.com survey, it costs roughly $738.36 a year, just to date, and this number doesn’t take into account the florists, restaurants, and retailers that capitalize on your need to level up your romance game every Valentine’s Day.

A study by U.S. News last year found that an average of $18.9 billion was spent on Valentine’s Day, with guys shelling out over $200, and ladies around $100. In an economy where Americans spend only about $100 - 150 a week on food, those are some high numbers! 

Looking to turn up the passion without breaking the bank on February 14^th? Here are 5 Simple Ways to Save Money this Valentine’s Day: How to bring the romance to your backyard and swimming pool.  

The vital importance of quality steel, concrete, and plumbing

There are many options to consider when buying a concrete swimming pool. Do you want free form or geometric shape? Concrete deck or natural stone? A spa or a tanning ledge? These are only a few of the many considerations you’ll make when planning your pool. But before any of these more engaging design elements come into play, your swimming pool builder has to lay a stable foundation.

A review of saltwater pools, ozonation, and UV light

In a recent blog, “5 Reasons to Convert your Chlorine Pool to a Healthier Alternative,” we recapped various research studies that point to dangerous side effects from chlorinated swimming pools.

So what’s the good news? Research and innovation offer clear alternatives to red, burning eyes and dry, itchy skin. You can maintain your backyard resort without harsh chemicals by choosing from these 3 Ways to Sanitize Your Pool—Without the Typical Chlorine Risks.

The good, the bad, and the toxic scoop on pool chemicals

Research is contributing to an increasingly long, dirty laundry list of chlorine’s harsh side effects. Could leisurely dips in your swimming pool be harmful, or even toxic?

In a classic case of “what you don’t know might actually hurt you,” we break down the following 5 Reasons to Convert your Chlorine Pool to a Healthier Alternative.