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We are in full swim season here in Houston and nothing is more important than making sure our young ones (and older ones) know how to swim.  Our friends at 4Nannies.com have written an article, “10 Tips to Encourage Young Swimmers”, we would like to share with you.  http://bit.ly/11c3wW3 For more pool safety tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are

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If you are thinking building a swimming pool, our friends at APSP.org (The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals) has answered some common misconceptions about swimming pool ownership. It’s got all the hallmarks of a great home improvement – adds value, enhances livability and beauty, and creates a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. So why wouldn’t you add a swimming pool to your outdoor living space? From the belief that it costs too much to operate a pool to the misconc

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Here is some helpful advice for getting your pool ready for the swim season from our friends at S. R. Smith. We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day weekend. In the pool business, we know Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to pool season!  In addition to getting the water in ship shape, it’s a good time to inspect your deck equipment and ensure it is safe and ready for use: Check the undersides of diving boards for wear, look for any cracks or damage, and tighten any loose hardware. Dama

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Here is a Chinese Chicken Salad recipe that goes nicely poolside. Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) cut into bite size pieces 1/4 C of cornstarch & corn or olive oil1/8 tsp of garlic powder 1 tomato, cut up1/2 C sliced water chestnuts 1 (4oz) can mushroom pieces, drained 1 C ea:  chopped celery, green onion 1/4 C of soy sauce 2 C shredded lettuce Cooked RiceDirections: Mix chicken in cornstarch. Heat oil in frying pan over med-high heat. Add chicken & quickly brown. Spri

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Algae growth is a common problem & some experts have suggested an effective solution is to remove phosphates from the water. The belief is that this action takes away a food source, reducing algae problems or even killing it (by starvation). It is important to note that phosphate-removing products are NOT EPA approved or registered as algae killers (algaecides) or algae inhibitors (algaestats). Recent studies performed on algae growth related to phosphates have actually shown that an alga

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The swimming season is right around the corner – here are some general pool safety tips to follow while enjoying your pool: Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Use plastic instead of glassware around the pool. Obey “No Diving” signs. Watch the weather – remember water conducts electricity – stay away from the pool during electrical storms. Keep a phone poolside. Learn CPR and basic first aid. Keep safety equipment close to the pool (pole, rope, pers

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Some simple tips to help make things easy around your pool equipment: Always stand clear of the pool filter when you start your system up. Pump pressure can cause the tank to expand and if the clamp(s) are loose there is a potential for the lid to come off. Keep records of your pressure readings on the pressure gauges. This will help tell you when the pool filter needs cleaning and will help your technician diagnose problems with the system. Check your system for leaks – catching l

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As the weather warms up and you are getting your pool ready for Summer – here are some reminders about your pool chemicals: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on all packaging. Be familiar with emergency procedures. Keep chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. Store your pool chemicals in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and in an area that is well ventilated. Containers should always be kept closed when not in use and chemicals should be k

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Easter is right around the corner.  If you are looking for some fun and creative Easter Egg Hunt ideas, check out this article from our friends at Celebrating-Easter.com – http://www.celebrating-easter.com/party/egg-hunt-ideas.shtml Have a safe and Happy Easter! For more Family Fun ideas, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accre

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Congratulations to Donny Overcast for his new position as Pool Repair Technician. Donny has been training for the last couple of months and has now joined our Repair Technician crew.  Great job Donny! For pool maintenance tips, health and wellness tips and poolside recipes, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited member, r

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Spring is almost here! Get your pool ready for swimming season with help from The Pool Man. Give our Pool Service Manager a call to schedule an equipment check-up to make sure you are ready for the upcoming swim season.  Don’t forget to add a filter clean also. For more pool maintenance tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau) a

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Here is a great candy recipe from Heather Williams – Silky Caramels: 1 cup butter, plus more for pan if desired 1 pound brown sugar 1 dash salt 1 cup light corn syrup 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened, condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Line a 9-inch square pan with nonstick foil, or butter it very well. Melt butter in a heavy two-quart saucepan. Add brown sugar and salt, stirring until completely mixed. Stir in corn syrup. Slowly add condensed milk, stirring constantly. Cook and stir constantl

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Testing Pool Water Pool chemistry is affected by many different factors including bathers, chemical additions and environmental influences. Because conditions in a pool change constantly, testing is vital to ensure proper water balance and sanitizer levels. Testing Tips : 1.) The water sample for testing should be taken approximately 18” below the water’s surface. 2.) The sample should be taken from an area of the pool that is away from the skimmers and return inlets AND should be taken from the

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Salt Cell Service – Pools that use salt and an electronic chlorine generator (salt cell) need service that is unique to that product. The cell itself will gradually accumulate “scale” on the fins inside the housing that has to be cleaned off. This is a natural byproduct of the process of converting salt to chlorine, so be sure to clean your cell every couple of months. All salt cells have a built in sensor the reads the salinity of the water, if your system thinks the salt is always too high or

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If you are having a hard time keeping your pool water clean and clear – it might be time to service your filter. Some of the signs of a dirty or damaged filter are: pressure reading on filter gauge is 5 – 10 lbs. above normal dirt and debris blowing back into pool DE blowing back into pool when recharging after backwashing heater not operating because of restricted water flow through filter Give our Service Department a call and we’ll have your system quickly back to normal.

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With the rain we are currently having, make sure your check your pool water for proper chemical balance. The rain can bring debris, unwanted chemicals such as fertilizer, leaves and grass clippings all into your pool. These items will affect the chemical balance of your pool water. Be sure to test your water after the rain and adjust your chemicals to bring the water back to proper balance and avoid issues down the road. For more pool maintenance tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on

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Meet Daniel King, one of our Certified Technicians. Daniel handles not only equipment repairs but also does several tasks on our new pools including Pool Schools, Equipment Calibration and Warranty service. Daniel has become our “go to guy” when it comes to Pool Schools. He does not leave until the customer is comfortable and confident with their new pool. For pool maintenance tips, health and wellness tips and poolside recipes, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man I

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Leaks on pool equipment or plumbing should be a cause for concern – it’s not going to get better on its own. Many leaks can rapidly get worse and can cause other issues with your plumbing and pool equipment. Your pump can run dry or hot causing damage to the pump itself and the surrounding plumbing. A leak on a salt water pool can cause any exposed metal to corrode if left unchecked. If you see constant wet areas on your equipment pad give our Service Department a call – we would be happy to com

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You should always make note of the expiration date of your pool chemicals.   Pool chemicals will degrade over time.  Those of us in Houston, Tomball and Cypress know that our weather can be troublesome for pool chemicals. To keep your pool chemicals at optimum performance, we recommend storing your chemicals in a cool, dry location as exposure to heat, water or direct sunlight will cause problems.  We suggest using a backyard shed and plastic containers to keep chemicals separate. As always, if

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A swimming pool is lots of fun, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know how to swim.  Our friends at The American Red Cross have begun enrollment for their 2013 Learn-to-Swim program. For more information, click here – http://bit.ly/Vbt0DP Hurry, this offer ends on February 5, 2013.  Start your new year off right – learn to swim. For more pool safety tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia an

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It is very important to regularly check any handrails, ladders, slides and diving boards around your pool for any signs of wear or needed repairs. Any rusted bolts or cracked equipment should be replaced immediately to prevent any injury or damage. Be sure all equipment is secure and does not move in any way. Regular inspections will prevent costly repairs or safety concerns down the road. For more pool safety tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Hou

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Landscaping around the pool is an easy way to enhance the beauty of your backyard, but there are some precautions you should take to make sure it doesn’t negatively affect the pool. Trim back any bushes or trees that touch the water surface or come close – the less dropping in your pool the better. This can cause staining, improper chemical balance and more work cleaning the pool. Make sure there is no run-off into the pool from dirt or mulch as this will also cause staining and more work to cle

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For these cool mornings or a quick warm drink before bed try this Spiced Cocoa Mix, by Loretta Chilek: 3 ½ cups brown sugar, 2 cups cocoa, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon salt Combine all ingredients in a food processor or in batches in a blender. Process until well powdered. Store in an airtight container. To serve, combine 1 ½ tablespoons of mix with 6 ounces of hot milk.  Enjoy and stay warm! For more poolside recipe ideas, please su

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Cloudy Water: Cloudy water can be attributed to either chemical or physical causes. Common chemical causes include the following: High PH High total alkalinity High calcium hardness Low (or No) free chlorine residual High levels of combined chlorine Improper product addition If the water is in proper balance, and chemicals have been added properly, then you should look to physical contributions to cloudy water. These include: Inadequate circulation Poor fi

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Once again we are supporting the Toy-For-Tots program sponsored by The Marine Corps. We are a drop off station for toys or a monetary donation.  Please help the Marines make this Christmas special for the children. Thank you and God bless. For pool maintenance tips, recipes and family fun ideas, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau

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The Pool Man, Inc wants everyone to have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.  One way to make sure you have a Happy Thanksgiving is to be kind to your plumbing.  Please read this article from our friends at DIYlife.com about avoiding plumbing problems on Thanksgiving.http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/18/plumbing-problems-on-thanksgiving/For more pool and home related tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magn

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The Importance of Proper Water Balance Water balance is important for the following reasons: 1.) prevent disease 2.) protect equipment 3.) provide the expected environment. Sanitizers are more effective in water that is properly balanced. Balanced water is more comfortable for swimmers because it reduces unpleasant odor, burning eyes and itchy skin. Balanced water will also help prevent equipment corrosion and / or scale build up. Improperly balanced water can become cloudy and unappealing for s

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The holidays are fast approaching and many of us are looking for ways to give back.  Wreaths Across America is a great organization that helps all of us to show our gratitude to those who have served our country.  Wreaths Across America Houston is raising funds with the goal of placing a live wreath at each gravesite in Houston National Cemetery. Each $15 donation equals one wreath that will be placed during a special ceremony on Saturday, December 15, 2012. For more information, please visit ww

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Give your automatic cleaner a check-up! With the Fall season, your pool’s automatic cleaner is about to earn it’s stripes and save you tons of time and sweat in clearing leaves from your pool. Whether you have an In-Floor cleaning system or one of the variety of robotic cleaners, now is the time to give it a check-up and repair/replace anything that isn’t working quite right! For more information, please contact our pool service department. For more pool maintenance tips, please subscribe to our

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Electrical safety around your pool equipment is extremely important. You should periodically check all exposed conduit  for cracks or loose connections. Any metal conduit that is rusted or decayed to the point that wiring is exposed should be replaced immediately. If you see any sort of spark, smell smoke, hear popping or cracking sounds or your breaker is constantly tripping call a professional right away. By being aware today of any potential problems you can prevent injuries and more expensiv

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This Pork Roast recipe is from LaVerne Lamp in Bellview. Place a 3 – 5 pound pork loin in the oven at 325 degrees for 45 minutes per pound using the following sauce to baste during cooking, Mix all ingredients together – continue basting until done. 1 can tomato soup 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup chopped celery 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons mustard 4 drops Tabasco sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons lemon juice For more great recipes, please subs

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An important tip to remember about your pool heater is that it is best to run it occasionally, even if you don’t plan on using it. Sometimes, especially in the warmer months, we can forget about our heaters for quite a while and let them sit idle. Like an automobile or any other fueled machine, it is wise to run it once in a while to shake all the cobwebs off. We mean that last part literally… over time bugs, lizards, mice and other unwelcome guests like to make homes inside pool heaters. By tur

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If you are having a Halloween party and want some decorating ideas, our friends at CountryLiving.com have put together an article to help you have the best Halloween decorations on the street.http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/halloween-decorating-party-ideas For more holiday decorating tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Bus

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Yesterday we showed you a video on pumpkin carving 101, today we have some step by step instructions from our friends at ehow.com on how to carve a pumpkin. For more holiday family fun tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited member, receiving the BBB Awards for Excellence for 2012 – a Pinnacle Winner.

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Looking for some Halloween fun for the whole family including our furry friends?  The Pool Man, Inc. recommends the Bridgeland Howl-o-ween Fest, this Saturday, October 27, 2012. http://www.bridgeland.com/howl-o-ween-fest For more holiday family fun tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited member, receiving the BBB Awa

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Fall is here and a perfect time to get outdoors with the family.  The Pool Man, Inc. found a couple of pumpkin patch festivals for your family to enjoy this season.  Get out and have some fun! Fall Fun Days and Pumpkin Patch – www.springcreekgrowers.com Pumpkin Patch and Scarecrow Festival – http://oilranch.com/activities/pumpkin-scarecrow-festival/ For more family fun tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the

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Halloween is just around the corner.  Why not shake things up a bit this year and plan a Halloween Party around your pool.  Our friends at In the Swim have some great ideas for a Halloween Pool Party.   Please click on this link for the complete article http://blog.intheswim.com/2012/10/13/halloween-pool-party-ideas/Whatever your Halloween plans are, The Pool Man, Inc. wants you to have a safe and Happy Halloween. For more backyard entertaining tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on Fa

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The Pool Man Inc is proud to promote the benefits of swimming and how they can benefit your health.  We recently found this article from Women’s Health Magazine on “Best Swimming Workout: Lose Body Fat in the Pool” and found it very interesting.  We hope you enjoy it too. Having trouble with the link above?  Read more at Women’s Health: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/swim-workout#ixzz26qM4dcWE http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/swim-workout?page=1 For more health and wellness tips, pleas

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This is a safety tip from all the Parents to their young teens just starting to drive. For more safety tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited member, receiving the BBB Awards for Excellence for 2012 – a Pinnacle Winner.

It is that time of year where brown patch begins to develop in the lawn.  If you have an irrigation system we suggest watering only in the mornings so the grass does not sit wet overnight when fungus is likely to spread.  If you happen to see low areas in the lawn showing fungus, reach for a liquid treatment of ‘Banner’ from a local retailer.  The best way to fight fungus is to add a little amount of soil to the problem areas so they do not hold water for extended periods of time. For more pool

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If you regularly read our blogs, you know we have an affection for our furry little friends, our pets.  We saw this video and just couldn’t resist sharing with our readers. Please click this link to see the video:  Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center goes to the dogs We hope you enjoy! For more pool related stories, please subscribe to our blog or find us on facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are BBB (Better Bu

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For those of you who regularly read our blogs (thank you), you will notice that we have an affection for our furry little friends, our beloved family pets.  One of our blog subscribers, Matthew Pelletier, is the Director of Public Relations for C&S Safety Training Videos.  He wrote a recent infographic titled, “Pet Fire Safety” that has very helpful information about keeping your pets safe in the event of a fire. To read the complete infographic, click this link: http://complianceandsafety.c

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1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 3 cups sugar, 6 large eggs, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 2 tablespoons key lime zest Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating for 5 to 7 minutes. Add eggs, one by one, beating just until yellow is incorporated. Combine flour and salt. Slow

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Meet Donny Overcast, one of our Pool Maintenance Team Members. Donny has been with us since 2009 and he quickly became a “favorite” among our customers. His attitude and care towards our customers and their pools  has been a blessing for us. Thank you Donny! For pool maintenance tips, please visit our website, subscribe to our blog or find us on facebook. The Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are BBB (Better Business

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Getting ready for your next kids pool party, but not sure how to keep them entertained?  Try this creative game to make the most of your next kids pool party!! Surprise Package Game – 1.Use a gift card or cash (something small) – wrap in a small box with packaging tape (wrap all over) 2. Put that box in a larger box and wrap all over – continue this until you have wrapped 6 boxes – the final wrap should be with nice wrapping paper. 3. You need a pair of dice and a set of funny glasses (with the

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After School Pool Safety – Kids are back in school but don’t forget about safety around the pool. Make sure you have adult supervision for those “after school” swims, especially if friends are over at the pool. The kids will want to “blow off some steam” and an responsible adult on site is a must. For more pool safety tips visit to our blog or “like” us on facebookThe Pool Man Inc., is a Houston Pool Builder serving the Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia and Houston areas since 1981. We are BBB (Better

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Tahitian Salad: 1 small box (6 ounces) wild rice, cooked per directions, 1 can (11 ½ ounces) mixed vegetables, drained, 1 can (7 ½ ounces) corn, drained, 1 onion, chopped, 1 tomato, chopped, ¼ bell pepper, chopped, 3 stalks celery, chopped, 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped, 1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise, ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, Salt and pepper to taste Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill overnight. Serve with your favorite grilled steak and enjoy! F

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Top Ten Things to Look For When Choosing Your Pool Builder 1. Do Your Homework. The Builder should be a member of the local BBB, Chamber of Commerce and professional trade organizations. 2. Do They Participate in Continuing Education? This is necessary to keep up with industry and equipment changes. 3. Do They Have a Support System in Place for your Future Service and Maintenance Needs? 4. How Does Their Warranty Measure Up?5. Are They Adequately Staffed to Properly Supervise Your Project? Make

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Summer is winding down, the kids are getting ready to go back to school and you are looking for new ideas to help entertain the kids.  What about planning a kid friendly picnic? One of our blog subscribers is a blog writer herself, Share a Nanny. She wrote a recent article titled, “How to Plan a Kid Friendly Picnic” that has very helpful information about keeping your kids entertained. To read the complete article http://www.shareananny.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-kid-friendly-picnic/ We hope you enj

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A great treat after a long hot day this summer and easy to prepare! Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries (or fruits or berries of your choice) 1/3 cup sugar 1 lemon, juiced ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 pkg. Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix 1 stick plus 3 tablespoons butter, softened 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 375 degrees, spray an 8 X 10 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add berries to the dish. Sprinkle sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and cornstarch over

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The Pool Man, Inc, your Houston Pool Builder, was honored to receive the coveted BBB Pinnacle Award for 2012.  This award is given as a recognition for our  commitment to excellence in the marketplace.  Our customers are our greatest asset and it makes us proud that we have received this award.