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Closing a Vinyl Pool

Hat on the edge of poolWhen it is finally time to close down your pool for the winter, it can be easy to learn how to accomplish this yourself. All you need is a pool cover, winter closing kit, and cleaning tools. If you are still unsure on closing your vinyl pools in Chesterfield, MO, you can always call Little Giant Pool & Spa for excellent services.

You will first want to remove any equipment in and around the pool. This can get in the way of the cover and also end up becoming damaged during harsher winter conditions. Once everything is out of the water that needs to be, test your pool to make sure the chemicals are appropriately balanced.

Once you are sure the pool water is balanced, begin adding in all of the winterization chemicals from the winter closing kit. This will ensure your water is properly treated to withstand the cold, snowy months. You will also want to shock your pool the night before you close it up to ensure no algae grow during the months you are not using the pool.

If you are in need of assistance closing up your pool for the winter, Little Giant Pool & Spa offers pool opening and closing services to residents all over Missouri. Give us a call today at (636) 271-2200 to schedule closing services for your in-ground pool.

Pool Safety Tips for Dogs

Siberian husky swimming with childrenDogs are a family’s best friend, and for those with fiberglass pools in Missouri, you may want your furry companion to join you in all of the pool-time festivities. Though some dogs may thoroughly enjoy hopping right into the water with you, taking the proper safety precautions for a pet in the pool is crucial. Below are some valuable safety tips you should follow before, during, and after your dog joins you in the pool.

Before: Make sure your dog knows how to swim before bringing them into the water. Though some say certain breeds are better swimmers, the real key is your pet’s personality. If your dog is timid, they may not be as willing to go into the water as an outgoing, explore everything type of pup. It will also help to purchase a life vest for your dog, even if they appear to be excellent swimmers and learning how to perform pet CPR can save your dog’s life in an emergency.

During: Once your dog is comfortably swimming around the water with you and your children, it is crucial to never take your eyes off of them. If they get tired, swallow some water, or find themselves in any other hazardous situations, you need to be available to act. You also need to ensure that your dog has an easy way out of the pool and has been trained to know exactly where the exit is. Never let your pet drink the pool water and make sure they have plenty of regular water and shade to relax in on those hot summer days.

After: Once you are all done in the pool, and your dog had a fun day of play, you will want to rinse them with clean water as soon as possible. This will remove the chlorine and other chemicals from their fur, which can be irritating and harmful to your pet.

Proper Vinyl Pool Maintenance

Blue pool water with a diving boardWhen you’re looking to install a brand new swimming pool in your backyard, vinyl pools can be a great alternative to fiberglass and concrete materials. Not only are they the least expensive, but they can many times be installed within a week. The flexibility in their design allows for fun and colorful patterns to make your outdoor oasis your own.

When it comes to maintaining vinyl pools in Chesterfield, MO, the liner is prone to rips and tears during use. Checking the liner regularly can prevent major disasters and expensive repairs from creeping up on you. If you do happen to find a leak in your liner, you can patch it up yourself, or call in the professionals at Little Giant Pool & Spa. The water stays in your vinyl pool year-round, as this is what keeps the liner in place. Because of its smooth surface, a vinyl liner helps prevent algae growth, meaning you can save a tremendous amount of money on chemicals.

When treating your pool, carefully measure the chemicals you are putting into it. Too much chlorine can fade the pattern of your liner, meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner if you want it to keep a gorgeous appearance. If you’re interested in installing a vinyl pool in your backyard, contact Little Giant Pool & Spa today at (636) 271-2200.

Advantages of Installing a Concrete Swimming Pool

Sunglasses on concrete by swimming poolWhen looking to have a new swimming pool installed in your backyard, there are a variety of materials you can choose from. Though many prefer the ease of fiberglass pools, concrete is another fantastic option. Not only is it extremely durable, but it is great for all climates. Below are just a few reasons why we recommend concrete pools in Missouri.

Durability

Concrete swimming pools are extremely durable and will last longer than any other material. If you’re worried about your in-ground pool surviving harsh weather conditions, especially if you live where cold winters are common, concrete is perfect. Concrete pools are also easier to maintain and provide more value to your home or property than other materials.

Great for All Weather

Concrete can withstand extreme cold and heat without warping or becoming damaged over time. Many people choose this option if they live in climates that have harsher winters or extreme summers. Concrete can also be a cheaper option than other materials, especially in the southern states where it’s easier to make.

Completely Customizable

Installing a concrete pool provides you with limitless customization. Since the concrete is poured on-site, you can choose whichever shape and depth fit your backyard the best to add your flair to the swimming area. You can also choose tiling that will match the patio and swim deck surfaces for a completely cohesive look to your pool.

3 Things You Should Know Before Building a New Pool

swimming pool with attached Jacuzzi and fire pit at nightBuilding a pool on your property is a great way to enhance the beauty of your home and provide entertainment for you and your family, but it is also a big step financially. When you build a custom pool, you need to plan carefully so that you end up with a pool that you love, and that fits within your budget and ability to maintain it. Here are three things to consider before you build a new pool.

Location

The first thing you’ll want to think about is the exact location of your pool. Positioning it in a sunny area away from trees is your best bet if you want warm water and minimal debris getting into the pool. If you have a dog you should also consider how much of your backyard to exclude from the pool area so that your furry friend has a place to roam outside.

Budget

Pools are not cheap, so carefully consider your budget. Little Giant Pool can help you find a solution that fits your budget, so it’s a good idea to determine exactly what that budget is first. That should include the cost of regular maintenance as well. The size of your pool, the amenities (like heating) that you add, and the materials will vary depending on how much you want to spend.

Aesthetic

Your final consideration should be how you want the pool to look. When you build a pool, you are creating an outdoor entertainment space, so you should put as much thought into the appearance of your pool as you would for a kitchen remodel. The pool should complement the aesthetic of your home and enhance its beauty.

When you’re ready for swimming pool construction in St. Louis County, MO turn to Little Giant Pool for high quality pools and thorough weekly maintenance.

Why You Should Always Choose Little Giant Pool & Spa

little girl swimming in pool with paddle boardWhen it comes to swimming pool construction in St. Louis County, MO, Little Giant Pool & Spa should be your go-to company every time. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional pool care and services to all residents in the St. Louis, Jefferson, Franklin, and St. Charles areas. Since 1984, our company has been building exceptional pools for residents all across the community.

At Little Giant Pool & Spa, we not only build brand new in-ground pools for our clients, but we also provide weekly pool maintenance. If you find yourself too busy to properly maintain your pool week after week, give us a call and we’ll come out and make sure everything is running smoothly. Our pool company will also open and close your pool each season so you’ll be able to use it as soon as the weather turns right.

A brand new pool will add value to both your home and your family’s summer activities. Birthday parties, holidays, and good weather get-togethers can all take place at your home with your brand new in-ground pool. For more information on why you should always choose our company for your pool services, call us at (636) 271-2200 and visit our testimonials page to read what others in the community have to say.

The Convenience of One-Piece Fiberglass Pools

backyard pool with sprinkler systemWith summer on its way, you may be looking into installing a brand new pool in your backyard. At Little Giant Pool & Spa, we construct stunning one-piece fiberglass pools in Missouri that are sure to bring summertime fun to the whole family. Fiberglass pools are becoming increasingly popular and in many cases are more convenient to install than a poured concrete pool.

One-piece fiberglass pools are pre-molded and can be installed in your yard in one piece! This installation process can be extremely beneficial to homeowners short of time. Rather than waiting for the concrete to be poured and dry, your pool can be installed in less the time! A one-piece fiberglass pool can be installed in 6 steps: excavation, setting and leveling, plumbing and filtration, backfilling, coping, and patio/fencing. Since the fiberglass pool shell is one solid piece, we can simply place the shell into the area of your yard where the pool will be and fill in the spaces between the pool and the ground.

Though fiberglass pools generally tend to be more expensive, the reasoning behind the extra cost is the material used in the shell. Fiber glass is nonporous, which means that these pools are much more resistant to algae growth, which can save you long-term in pool chemicals.

If you’re interested in installing one of our one-piece fiberglass pools in Missouri, contact Little Giant Pool & Spa today at (636) 271-2200.

The Best Pool Liner Designs for summer 2017

two lounge chairs by a poolWith summer fast approaching, it’s almost time to open up your pool to enjoy during the warmer weather. A pool’s liner is an important aspect, as it helps protect the shell from water damage. It’s important to make sure that your liner is in good condition before opening up your pool, as cracks and tears can signify a variety of different issues. Whether you’re in need of a brand new liner or are simply looking to update the style of your pool, below are our top 3 liner designs for 2017.

  1. Stone designs

A stone or pebble design on your vinyl liner can produce a gorgeous effect on your water, making your pool look like the bottom of a fish bowl. These designs also allow for a pop of color to peek through the water, allowing for fun décor options in your backyard paradise.

  1. Ornate designs

Another popular trend this year is more ornate designs within the pool liner. These can include waves, swirls, or even more complicated designs such as fleur de lis. An ornate liner can add an extra sense of refinement to your outdoor look and can also have a shimmery touch added in, creating a stunning effect on the water.

  1. Tile designs

The ever-popular and classic look of tiles is never a wrong choice when it comes to pool liners. Liner designs can range from basic blue tiles to more decorative looking tiles in a variety of colors and patterns.

Little Giant Pool & Spa is the leading company for pools in Jefferson, Missouri and the surrounding area. If you’re in need of a vinyl liner replacement, give us a call today at (636) 271-2200.

How you’ll benefit from Little Giant Pool & Spa’s Repair Services

gorgeous outdoor in-ground poolAt Little Giant Pool & Spa, we strive to provide the best services for pool repair in St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding communities. Our team of specialized pool contractors is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose and repair a variety of issues with your in-ground pool.

If you find that you’re losing water in your pool, our experts will be able to help you determine the problem and fix it efficiently. A leak in the pool is every pool owner’s worst nightmare, but we have the technology available to determine where a leak has sprung no matter the structure of the pool. We can also repair your filtration systems so that your pool doesn’t become a large collection of algae, bugs, and debris during the summer.

Some signs that you may require our services are as follows:

  • Pool pump not running effectively
  • Murky, green appearance
  • Loud, unusual noises from the pump
  • Tearing on the pool liner
  • Leaks
  • Holes in the filtration system

At Little Giant Pool & Spa, we maintain, repair, construct, open, and close in-ground pools to communities in the St. Louis area. Give us a call today at (636) 271-2200 to inquire about all of our pool maintenance and repair services.

What you’ll need to Open Your In-Ground Pool for the Season

feet in poolWith the swimming season getting closer, many pool owners are beginning to make the necessary preparations to open up their in-ground pools for the summer season. As the weather warms, you and your family are increasingly itching to take a dip on a nice sunny day, but it’s important to get all of your preparations in order now if you’re able.

Having the necessary pool opening supplies on hand in the spring means you can open up as soon as that first nice day hits and you won’t have to spend the extra time purchasing chemicals and cleaning tools. Below is a list of what you should definitely have on hand for this summer.

  • Shock/Chlorine – A pool should ideally be “shocked” at least once a week once you’ve opened it. When you open the pool, you’ll want a chlorine shock to pour in so that the chemical levels within the water will be able to balance out after being stagnant all winter.
  • Water testing kit – Be sure to pick one of these up if you’ll be opening your pool yourself, as you’ll need a variety of different chemical tests for your water throughout the swimming season. The main tests a kit should contain are pH, chlorine, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
  • pH/Alkalinity – Once you pour the shock into the pool, you may need to use extra chemicals to balance out the water if you used too much or too little. By having increasers and decreasers on hand, you’ll be able to modify the pH or alkalinity of your pool to bring it to perfect swimming conditions.

At Little Giant Pool & Spa, we also provide pool opening services for in-ground pools in St. Louis, Missouri. If you’ve never opened a pool before or simply want to save some time with the process this year, give us a call today at (636) 271-2200!