4 Aquatic Animals You Should Never Find in Your Pool

Here at Carlton Pools, we understand the importance of making the best of every day. One way to do so is by appreciating your surroundings. Our service area (Pennsylvania and New Jersey) is home to many inspirational beings. Here are four awesome animals you won’t find in your pool...

●     Sharks - Hammerheads, Great Whites, and Tiger Sharks, oh my! Don’t worry, the only pool sharks you will have to worry about in NJ or PA are found at billiard clubs and pool halls.

Shark Facts:

○     Sharks can have up to 3,000 teeth at one time.

○     Sharks have been around for over 400 million years.

○     Sharks can swim up to 46 miles per hour.
 

●     Walruses - There are many reasons why you’ll never find a walrus in your pool. First of all, you likely live in NJ or PA, and other than the zoos, we don’t have wild walruses. Secondly, they thrive in colder temperatures (hence all that warm blubber), and lately, it seems like things are heating up year-round in the tri-state area.

Walrus Facts:

○     Their scientific name is Odobenus Rosmarus, which is Latin for “tooth-walking sea horse.”

○     Walruses can grow to 11.5-feet and 4,000 pounds.

○     Males and females both have tusks to help pull themselves out of the water. Since humans don’t, they rely on Carlton Pools to install ladders and stairs in their pools.

●     Octopuses - The octopus is one of the coolest animals on any terrain. Although they are surprisingly intelligent and crafty, you won’t have to worry about one of these slimy suction cup-handed creatures from working their way into your backyard.

Octopus Facts:

○     Octopuses have three hearts.

○     If they get overly hungry, an octopus may eat its own arms.

○     The biggest documented octopus ever was 156.6 pounds.
 

●     Alligators - One of the benefits of not living in warm areas like Florida is we don’t have to worry about dinosaur cousins infiltrating our yards.

Alligator Facts:

○     There are two types of alligator species: American and Chinese.

○     Alligators can weigh over 1,000 pounds.

○     Female alligators can lay over 50 eggs in a season.

Pretty cool animals, right? Want to know what else is pretty cool? Carlton Pools offers shotcrete pools and much, much more! To learn more about how we became one of the top swimming pool contractors around Delaware County, PA, call 888-372-0102.

Carltons, Pools, and Carlton Pools

Carlton Pools is (and has been) one of the leading swimming pool contractors in Delaware County, PA. We are a top-rated designer and installer that handles commercial and residential jobs from Bucks County, PA, all the way to New Jersey. When it comes to constructing inside the pool solutions, we think outside the box to make sure your next swim is your most memorable one yet. Since, if you’ve been following our blogs, you understand what we do and who we are, we’d like to shift gears and have some fun with this piece.

You may be thinking, “Carltons, Pools, and Carlton Pools - what does that title even mean?” Enough suspense… what we mean by this ambiguous title is that we are going to talk about Carltons, pools, and a little bit about ourselves of course.

Carltons

●     Carlton Banks - Carlton Banks is fictitious 90’s sitcom co-star, who became a pop culture icon because of his surprisingly suave dance. Do you remember the name of the show? You sure? Give up? Carlton was from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which starred Philadelphia megastar, Will Smith!
 

●     Ritz-Carlton - The Ritz-Carlton is a world-famous luxury hotel and resort company that operates over 90 locations in 30 different countries/territories. The company is a subsidiary of Marriott International, and their headquarters are in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Pools

●     Sports Pools - Sports pools are common, especially in American football [Super Bowl box pools, survivor pools, etc.] There are many ways that people customize these gambling games, and depending on where you live, they may be illegal.
 

●     Billiards - Billiards, also known as pool, has been around for years. Back in 1903, the first ever coin-operated table was built, and it only cost a penny to play.

Carlton Pools

Carlton Pools has been around for over 40 years. We specialize in in-ground and concrete swimming pools for homes and businesses in PA and NJ. In addition to custom installations, we also handle maintenance and parts sales. We offer financing with low fixed rates and no lender fees. For more information on our services, call 888-372-0101 or email us from our contact page.

4 Swimming Pool Games That Never Get Old

Carlton Pools is a team of swimming pool builders that have been servicing Ocean County, and the neighboring towns for years. Our inground pools are unmatched by the competition because of four things:

-       Experienced, Professional Technicians

-       Friendly, Knowledge Customer Service

-       High-Quality Products

-       Low Prices

We take pride in turning your dream into a reality by customizing your yard into a modern paradise. You’ll never have to waste money fighting for space at public swim clubs, because Carlton Pools will help turn your backyard in the only oasis worth visiting! And, once all of your guests come visit, they are going to want to have some fun. Here are four games that you and your friends can play the next time you take a dip in the pool:

●     Sharks & Minnows - This game involves one player act as the shark, and the other participants play the minnows. The minnows goal is to make it up and back across the pool without being tagged by the shark. This game should be played in comfortable depths, and novice swimmers should refrain from overdoing it in the deep end. You can add your own rules to make things more interesting, such as having everybody touched by the shark become a shark. Have fun, but be safe!

●     Marco Polo - Marco Polo is a timeless classic where one player keeps their eyes closed while shouting “Marco.” The only players are dispersed throughout the pool and must respond by saying “Polo” every time the main player shouts. With his/her eyes closed, the main player, must touch the other players to eliminate them. The last person left untagged wins!

●     Ring Race - One player tosses sinkable rings across the pool. The second player must grab all of the rings from the bottom of the pool while the ring tosser times them. Whoever can gather all of the rings the fastest wins. To make the game easier, only throw the rings on the shallow end of the pool and allow goggles.

●     Pool Sports - From floatable basketball hoops and ping pong tables to tossing the football around, playing sports in your pool is a great way to work up a sweat and cool off at the same time! Bonus points if you wear Philadelphia Eagles swimwear.

It doesn’t matter if you are in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, people from Toms River to Lehigh County benefit from our professional swimming pool builders and their four-plus decades of experience. To start planning for the summer, call Carlton Pools at 888.372.0102 today.

Pool Maintenance Prevents Headache

Buying a pool isn’t as simple as we make it seem. Pools are not just deluxe backyard additions; they are also investments. You take care of your home, right? Your car? Thought so. A swimming pool is no different.

The same way your house requires new HVAC filters and light bulbs and your car needs oil changes and service calls; your swimming pool needs maintenance. Why? Simply put, preventing disasters is way more practical than dealing with them. Here are some pool maintenance tips that will help you save money and avoid stress and anxiety down the road:

●     Monitor the Water Level - Make sure your water level never drops below your pool’s automatic skimmer. This can negatively impact the cleanliness of the water and make it less safe for guests that impulsively jump into the pool. If you notice your water levels are regularly low, call a professional. Low water level is an indicator of a bigger problem such as leaks.

●     Monitor the pH Level - The ideal pH level of a swimming pool is between 7.4 and 7.8 (on a scale from 1 to 14). If your pool falls below 7, it’s likely over chlorinated, which can be very hazardous. If your water’s pH level rises above 8, it’s too basic and can leave swimmers susceptible to infections and sickness.

The good news: pH testing kits are readily available and very accurate. Test your water at least twice a week to make sure it’s swimmer-friendly.

●     Skim, Skim, Skim - We don’t mean low-fat milk or browsing through pages of a book. The skimming we are referring to is the handy leaf net that is used to scoop bugs, debris, and other contaminants out of the water. This also should be done at least twice per week. Trust us; it’s an important task that is easy yet often overlooked. Over the last 40+ years, our swimming pool builders in Lehigh County and Bucks County have seen some avoidable mishaps in our day. Don’t be one of those horror stories - Be proactive.

If you need professional advice regarding designing, buying, or servicing a pool, you can count on us. In addition to Pennsylvania, our swimming pool builders also serve Ocean County and multiple towns over the bridge in New Jersey. For more details, call 888.372.0102 today.

3 Reasons to Get a Waterfall Feature for Your Pool

We understand that it’s winter and swimming pools may be the last thing on your mind. You might be busy going shopping to find the best gifts for your loved ones over the holidays, or you might be too busy going door to door and singing Christmas carols. At Carlton Pools, a swimming pool company serving Berks County, PA, and other local areas, we think that’s great! Enjoy the holiday season and, of course, try to enjoy the winter!

But, honestly, we believe one of the best ways to get through the winter is to daydream about your pool and think about what you’re going to add to it in the spring. So this month, we’re going to highlight one of our favorite features - the cascading waterfall. Here are three reasons to get a waterfall feature for your pool:

1.    Adds an elegant touch to your pool - At Carlton Pools, we design inground shotcrete pools, and we’re always looking for ways to make them better and more beautiful. If you’re the same way, then we suggest a waterfall. It will add an elegant touch to your pool, possibly making your guests gasp with wonder and delight, while also causing you to look out your window every five minutes.

2.    Provides filtration for your pool - That’s right - adding the right waterfall to your pool can also double as a filtration system. You’ll find yourself with an even cleaner pool when you let your waterfall run along with your original filter. We’re happy to say that this feature is not only beautiful but also allows you to enjoy cleaner and safer water.

3.    Adds white noise - We don’t think there’s a much more relaxing sound than the sound of moving water. Whether you’re listening to waves crashing against the sand, rain falling or a waterfall crashing down into your pool, these sounds are almost guaranteed to soothe your body and mind.

These are the reasons why we believe waterfalls are a fantastic feature that can add to any swimming pool. To learn more about our waterfalls or another way to enhance your pool, please give us a call at 888-372-0102 or go to http://www.carltonpools.com/.

How to Prevent Your Hot Tub From Freezing This Winter

Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that winter is quickly approaching. Here in Pennsylvania, we’ll probably feel the effects of it for at least the next three to four months. So, if you’re a pool owner, then we’re hoping that you already closed your pool down for the winter, even if you were in denial at first.

At Carlton Pools, we’re one of the leading swimming pool companies in Berks County, PA and the surrounding areas, and we’ve already provided you with tips about how to close and winterize your pool so that it’s ready to go next spring. But what about your hot tub? Well, keep reading, because we’re going to give you tips on how to prevent your hot tub from freezing this winter. Here’s how:

1.    Monitor the level of water - When a hot tub remains full, the water inside will stay warmer for a longer period of time, and the hot tub will use less energy to remain a proper temperature. So, when it gets cold outside, make sure you’re checking and monitoring the level of water on a regular basis, especially if you don’t use it daily in the winter.

2.    Make sure you maintain the temperature of the water - If you have a timer for “no freeze” on your hot tub, now is the time to use it. This will automatically manage the temperature of the water, preventing it from freezing. If your hot tub doesn’t have the feature, we recommend setting the timer so that the heater will come on and circulate the water for 15-to-20 minutes every hour.

3.    Turn off the air jets - If you leave the air jets on when it’s freezing outside, this will not only unnecessarily consume more energy, but it will also put an extra strain on your equipment. Turn off the air jets to conserve energy and your equipment.

We hope this helps you keep your hot tub warm and toasty throughout the winter. As a designer and builder of shotcrete pools, we care about all things related to swimming pools, including hot tubs. We also hope this helps you and your hot tub get through the winter. To learn more about keeping your hot tub from freezing, contact us at 888-372-0102.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Building an In-Ground Swimming Pool

It may be November, but you still can’t push that idea about getting an in-ground swimming pool out of your head. And we don’t blame you here at Carlton Pools. We’re also dreaming of longer days that involve lounging out in the sun, catching some rays and then hopping in the swimming pool to cool off.

As a swimming pool company serving Lehigh County, PA, and other local areas, we’ll help you achieve your dream of having a beautiful in-ground pool in your backyard by next summer. There are a few questions you might want to ask yourself first before getting started, though. Here are three of them:

1.    Why do I want a pool? First and foremost, before you start building, ask yourself why you want a swimming pool. How you answer will help you decide the foundation of design for your pool. At Carlton Pools, we build shotcrete pools of all shapes and sizes, which also have many different functions and features.

2.    Where am I going to put the pool? Once you’ve decided whether you want your pool for entertainment, relaxation, fitness or another reason, you’ll need to decide its location. But first, you’ll need to determine the zoning and building laws on your property. There are also other things to consider, including where you’ll enter and exit it, how much sun it will get, and more.

3.    What kind of special features do I want? Special features are used to maximize the enjoyment you get out of your pool. At Carlton Pools, we can customize your pool and build almost any kind of special feature you can think of, including spas of every size and shape, waterfalls, cozy corners, disappearing edges, sun shelves, sheer descents and much more.

We hope this helps you get a better idea of what you want for your pool. Once you get an idea, please contact our team so we can get started on designing it for you. We can build you the pool of your dreams so that it’s ready to go next summer. To learn more about designing and building an in-ground pool, contact us at 888-372-0102.

Why Are You Supposed to Leave Water in Your Pool During the Winter?

If you own an in-ground swimming pool and had to close it within the past few months, then you’re probably just as disappointed as we are. Unless you know how to close it by heart by now, you probably went through the online tutorials about how to close your pool for the winter to make sure it stays protected and is ready to go next spring.

If you did check online resources (including our blog!) to learn the proper way to close your pool this fall, you probably learned that you should keep the water in it throughout the winter. But, did you ever wonder why you should do that?

At Carlton Pools, we’re a swimming pool company that serves Lehigh County, PA, as well as the surrounding areas. We can help you build the pool of your dreams so that you can have a backyard oasis that will make even the most virtuous person you can think of a little bit envious of you and your backyard.

But, back to the pressing question: Why are you supposed to leave water in your pool during the winter?

Many people think that leaving water in your pool during the winter will cause it to become dirty and not usable when next spring rolls around. But, that’s actually not the case. The reason why you should keep some of the water (lower it to the skimmer lines) in your pool during the cold seasons is that it protects your pool.

Leaving water in your pool during the winter will protect it from a variety of elements and situations. Just make sure you add winterizing chemicals (algaecide, chlorine shock, stain prevention) to the water to keep it clean and safe during the long winter months. This clean water will keep the lining of the pool intact and protect it from any tears or rips.

If you had any question about keeping water in your pool during the winter, we hope you don’t anymore. Leave some in there to protect it and make sure it’s ready to go next spring. To learn more about keeping your shotcrete pool or another type of in-ground pool protected this winter, contact us at 888-372-0102.

5 Must-Have Pool Features for 2017

It’s October, and although swimming may be the last thing on your mind, building or renovating your dream pool shouldn’t be! First, take some time to recall those bright summer days of lounging about in the sun with not a worry or care on your mind. Once that has relaxed you enough, start to think about what your pool needs to be even better next year.

Whether you already have an in-ground pool or aspire to build one, you might have some features in mind that you’re thinking of getting. At Carlton Pools, we’re a swimming pool contractor serving Montgomery County, PA, and other local areas. As pool experts, we’re here to tell you about five must-have pool features for 2017 that you might want to try:

1.    LED lights - As any child or adult will tell you, night swimming can be pretty awesome. But it’s kind of hard to go night swimming without any lights in your pool. It's difficult (not to mention dangerous) to swim around in the dark, but LED lights safely illuminate your way. Also, using LED lights in your pool can dictate the style and vibe of your oasis.

2.    Tanning ledges - Another popular feature for the summer of 2017 are tanning ledges. These separate, shallow areas allow you to sit or lay in a lounge chair and soak up the sun. You can even use it as a kiddie pool for young ones.

3.    Waterfalls - Perhaps the ultimate style addition, waterfalls can enhance the beauty of any pool. Our customized shotcrete pools allow you to choose from waterfalls and sheer descents, which provide a sheet-like cascade of water into the pool. Many people like to relax under them.

4.    Fire pits - Fire pits are fun to have all year. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you can sit by your fire pit and roast marshmallows, or just relax with your loved ones.

5.    Hot tub - Another perfect relaxation spot for you and your loved ones. No one can deny how amazing it feels just to kick back and relax in your very own hot tub.

To learn more about the amazing features that you can find at Carlton Pools, contact us at 888-372-0102.

The First-Aid Supplies You Need to Keep Near Your Pool at All Times

Safety first. We’ll bet those two words were drilled into your head when you were young. Unfortunately, too many people don’t even think about safety when it comes to their swimming pool. Others do think about it, but still may not take the proper safety precautions that are needed when swimming in a body of water.

Luckily, at Carlton Pools, we have you covered. We’re one of the top swimming pool contractors in Montgomery County, PA, as well as other local areas, and we know how to take the correct safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury or other medical emergencies. Here are the first-aid supplies you need to keep near your pool so you can quickly respond if any emergency arises:

For cuts and scrapes:

●     Non-latex gloves - If you’re aiding the person with the cut or scrape, make sure you’re wearing gloves to protect both you and the person who was injured.

●     Antibacterial soap - Even when the pool is chlorinated, there will still be some bacteria. Use this antibacterial soap to clean the injury.

●     Cream pain reliever - Use pain reliever to reduce any pain or feeling of discomfort by applying it to the cut.

●     Bandage - After you’ve cleaned the injury, use a bandage to prevent any further injury from happening to it. You can also use gauze or adhesive tape in addition to the bandage.

●     Scissors - Scissors can be used if you need to cut clothing to better access the area of the wound.

Lifesaving devices:

It’s also a good idea to keep lifesaving devices near your pool especially if you have children or if your pool has a deep end. These devices include:

●     Cold pack - Keeping a cold pack near the pool can help control the swelling for head injuries, sprains and contusions.

●     Lifesaving ring - No explanation needed for this piece of equipment! They can be very helpful in a crisis.

As you may know, you can never be too safe in the water. At Carlton Pools, we build beautiful, custom shotcrete pools for our customers, and we hope that you’ll always keep safety in mind. To learn more about pool safety, contact us at 888-372-0102.

5 Tips for Closing Your Pool in the Fall

We know, we know. This is a sad blog post. But you knew the end of summer was coming at some point, so the only thing you can do now is take a deep breath and prepare for the fall. One of the things you’ll need to do is start thinking about closing your pool for the winter. But don’t worry! It’s not gone forever; it’s just taking a little break. Just think of it as a form of hibernation. And if you close it the right way, it will be much easier to open next spring or early next summer. At Carlton Pools, a swimming pool company in Lehigh County, PA, as well as other local areas, we’re going to provide you with five tips for closing your in-ground pool this fall:

1.    Don’t close your pool too early - As if you needed us to tell you that. No, but seriously, closing your pool too soon could result in algae growth and other problems. Usually, the water needs to be kept under 65 degrees to prevent that growth from happening. We recommend closing it sometime in September or even early October.

2.    Brush and vacuum the pool - Make sure you get rid of any debris that may be in your pool. Brushing and vacuuming the pool helps prevent algae growth and makes it easier to open when spring rolls around.

3.    Shock the pool - You’ll want to shock your pool and chlorinate it to keep it clean for the winter. This will kill any bacteria lingering in the pool and make sure it stays away until spring.

4.    Clean and drain your filter - Yes, you’ll need to clean your filter before you shut it down for the winter. Also, make sure you completely drain, it so the water doesn’t cause your equipment to freeze or crack.

5.    Install a winter cover - What’s the best way to keep out bugs, dirt, and leaves after closing your pool? Installing a winter cover. These covers are specifically made to protect your pool throughout the winter.

We hope those tips help you close your pool the proper way. If you need help from a professional, you can always call us at Carlton Pools, one of the leading swimming pool contractors in Montgomery County, PA, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about how to close your pool this fall, contact us at 888-372-0102.

What is The Carlton Difference?

At Carlton Pools, we don’t want to be thought of as just another pool company. We strive to stand out from other businesses in the industry, and we like to not only be thought of as a leader but to be a leader. Since we began in 1973, we’ve installed thousands of quality in-ground swimming pools using a feature that we like to call - The Carlton Difference. We use this state-of-the-art structure to provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment in your backyard. As one of the leading swimming pool builders in the tri-state area, we use The Carlton Difference for you. So, what exactly is The Carlton Difference?

Unmatched Structural Design and Standard Features

It all starts with the structural design. We take pride in using the strongest construction specifications in the industry. The construction specifics that help set us apart include using ½” steel reinforcing rods, building a 14” frost and bond beam, and using 12” of concrete at all of the stress points. Our unparalleled standard features include:

●     Our rock partners agreement - we’ll provide up to two days of rock removal with no additional cost

●     Using ½” steel reinforcing rods in all construction instead of ⅜” used by other builders

●     Using 12” thick footer around the perimeter of the pool

●     A Jandy Cartridge Filter System to filter debris and ensure crystal clear water

●     A Frog Mineral Purifier to help maintain a perfect water balance while saving you money every year on chemicals

●     An In-Floor Circulation System to maximize water circulation and minimize the cost of energy and chemicals

●     A customer care guide for Carlton Pools that will help you through the construction process and regular pool maintenance

●     A Carlton Pools preferred customer card that has special discounts and promotions at any Carlton Pool and Patio Center

We also use a hydraulic system that results in superior water quality and circulation throughout the pool. Those are just a few of the differences that make our company stand out from the rest. We can also build you a custom shotcrete pool in any shape you’d like. To learn more about The Carlton Difference, contact us at 888-372-0102.

Have Diving Boards Gone Extinct?

Everyone knows what a diving board is, but how many of you have ever actually used one? Maybe a lot of you have because they used to be extremely popular and seen in shotcrete pools everywhere. But it seems the diving board fad has faded out and, should we say, possibly gone extinct.

Okay, so no giant meteor fell to earth and took out all the diving boards, but for some reason, they’ve all seemed to die out. You may be wondering why, and luckily we, at Carlton Pools, did some research and can tell you a few theories of what wiped out the dinosaurs (I mean diving boards). Diving boards have not become completely extinct, but they are a dying breed.

●     They increase the risk of accidents - Yes, diving boards can be dangerous. These springy or stiff boards have caused many accidents in the past to children and adults. There have been plenty of cases of people slipping and hitting their head, slipping and breaking a bone, and even cases of drowning. All of this has caused insurance rates to increase for people who choose to purchase a diving board for their inground pool.

●     They take up space - If you have children, they’ll definitely want space to play when they’re swimming. There are so many fun games to play in the pool, like Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, and Volleyball. When there’s a diving board sitting in the way, there’s less room to play these games and less room for fun.

●     Many people do not find them as fun as expected - Sure, it might be fun the first day as everyone tests their diving skills, but that fades quickly for most people. And now, diving boards are being made stiffer instead of springier to increase the perception of safety. Most of the time, they lose their novelty fast.

All in all, even though diving boards aren't entirely extinct, if you aren’t a professional diver, you might want to skip having one installed. There are so many other fun options to choose from the swimming pool builders in Montgomery County, PA, and other local areas, at Carlton Pools including waterfalls, fire rings, spas, and more. To learn more about our many features, contact us at 888-372-0102.

Reasons You Should Get a Hot Tub

Hot tubs are one of the eight wonders of the world. The other wonders include beds, chocolate, and days off. Okay, so this may not be the most scientific statement, but you get the point. That point is: hot tubs are pretty awesome. You might be hesitant toward purchasing this steaming pool of water for your backyard because of the expenses and other reasons, but there are also plenty of reasons why you should get a hot tub. At Carlton Pools, we install and renovate in-ground custom swimming pools in Bucks County of all types and their many features, especially hot tubs. We have a couple of reasons why we believe you and pretty much everyone on the planet should get a hot tub. Here are three of those reasons:

1.    They feel delightful - If you’ve ever met someone who believes slowly sinking into a hot tub, doesn’t feel good, then you should be alarmed because they’re probably an android. The hot water feels so good on your skin, as long as you make sure you don’t stay in too long. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long, stressful day. And it’s also the place other than the doctor’s that makes you say, “ahhh.”

2.    Spend quality time with your loved ones - If you feel that you aren’t spending enough quality time with your loved ones, consider inviting them to sit in the hot tub. You can enjoy each other’s company as you relax, unwind, and let the water do the work. It’s also bound to improve your relationships outside of the hot tub.

3.    They provide you with many health benefits - Whether you’re a senior citizen or a parent who’s looking for an escape, a hot tub can benefit your health. The hot water can ease the pain from arthritis, which makes mobility much easier for seniors. It also can give you alone time away from your children and help relax from the stress and tension after a long day.

These are three of the reasons why you should consider getting a hot tub. Let this safe and distraction-free zone become one of your eight wonders of the world. To learn more about the features that we have to offer at Carlton Pools, contact our swimming pool contractors in Montgomery County, PA at 888-372-0102.

How to Clean Your Pool After a Summer Storm

It’s summertime, and you know what that means - no more school! Okay, so maybe your 8-year-old self is screaming with joy, but it’s probably not that exciting to you anymore, unless you have kids, and you’re happy that you have to spend all day, every day for the next three months with them. But that’s not the only thing summer means. This season also brings hot and lazy days that are filled with laying and relaxing in a pool that was provided to you by swimming pool builders in Lehigh County, PA, and the surrounding areas.

The only problem is when there’s a brutal thunderstorm that prevents you from going outside and makes your pool dirty and difficult to clean afterward. The rain and wind will bring many types of exotic (and unwanted) things into your pool, such as debris, dirt, and rainwater. This can cause your pool, whether you have a shotcrete pool or another type, to look like a war zone. Luckily Carlton Pools, a swimming pool builder, has compiled a list of how to clean your pool after a summer storm. Here is what we recommend:

1.    Remove the pool cover - If you were lucky enough to have a cover on your pool before the storm without it blowing off, this will help greatly with the cleaning process. It may require a few people to make sure you remove the cover without getting any more waste into the water.

2.    Skim the pool and brush the pool - This removes the large debris and waste from the top of the water. Skimming the pool also stirs up the dirt, which will make it easier to filter.

3.    Turn on the pump and filter - This will filter out and remove the small debris that you might have missed while skimming the pool.

4.    Vacuum the pool - This removes any dirt from the bottom of the pool and also stirs up anything for the filtration system to clean out. Hook your hose up to the vacuum and turn on the hose. This sucks up the dirt into a bag attached to the vacuum which you can later empty out.

5.    Test the water - Testing the water ensures the pool has the proper chemical levels. Rain, wind, and even lightning can affect the water’s chemistry and cause your pool to become cloudy or green. Prevent that green cloud by testing the levels and taking the correct steps to make sure everything from the pH to the calcium hardness is at the right level.

Those are the steps to take to clean your pool after a summer storm. To learn more about the pool-cleaning process for custom swimming pools in Montgomery County, PA, and the surrounding areas, contact Carlton Pools at 888-372-0102.

Turn Your Pool Into an Energy Efficient Paradise

Are you one of those people who considers yourself green? And by that I mean do you opt for the recycling bin and hate people who litter? Or maybe you’re not green at this moment, but you would like to become one with nature in the future. That may sound hard when you would also like an in-ground pool at your home, but the good news is that Carlton Pools, a swimming pool builder in Lehigh County, PA, and the surrounding areas, can build you a pool that is beautiful and energy efficient at the same time.

We can either design and build you an entirely new pool, or renovate and remodel an old one into an energy efficient paradise. Our custom swimming pools in Montgomery County, PA, and other local areas, guarantee that you will be able to swim in the crystal clear blue water with a clean conscience because you know that you’re helping preserve nature. We offer a broad range of products and systems that will ensure your backyard is not only fun and entertaining but also an energy saving utopia.

What we at Carlton Pools offer to save energy

Whether you are longing for an entirely new pool or a makeover for an existing pool, this swimming pool builder from Warminster, PA, can make your watering hole as energy efficient as you desire. We offer a plethora of options including aquaBRIGHT™ Pool Finish, which significantly reduces pool chemical usage. It is also stain and crack resistant, algae resistant, an easy start-up, and boasts a great color selection. We offer a Zodiac Cartridge Filter, which helps clean the pool much more efficiently, so you’re able to clean it much less often. For those who like to go night-swimming, we provide Zodiac LED Lighting, which uses less than 50 watts of power and reduces energy expense up to 90%. And we have the Aqua Cal Heat Pump, which heats water faster and more efficiently and is impervious to chemical corrosion.

By choosing some or all of these options from Carlton Pools for your shotcrete pool or any other type of in-ground pool, you are also choosing to help save the polar bears. Contact us at 888-372-0102, so we can turn your pool into an energy efficient paradise.

3 Tips to Throw the Best Graduation Pool Party of the Summer

It’s May, and you know what that means. That’s right, graduations galore! Graduation parties are being held throughout this month, June, and even July. Whether you or a family member is graduating from college, high school, or kindergarten (although you’re probably not reading this if you’re in kindergarten), many graduates and their guests will agree that a pool party is the best kind of graduation party.

Of course, we’re assuming you have a pool, preferably built by Carlton Pools, a swimming pool company in Lehigh County, PA. And if you do, a pool party is the right direction to take to celebrate one of the most important days of the young man or woman’s life. So start writing up your guest list and be prepared to use these three tips to throw the best graduation pool party of the summer:

1.    Decorate, decorate, decorate - Graduations are huge accomplishments. Let your graduate know how appreciated they are for their hard work by going wild with decorations. Pick out a theme for the party, whether it’s tropical themed (palm trees and pineapples), Hawaii luau themed (volcanoes and flowers), retro themed (vinyl records and fun, kitschy signs), or even simply graduation hats and tassels complete with their school’s colors. Make sure to use lights, tiki torches, balloons, and streamers.

2.    Grill up some food - Food on the grill will work for almost any type of outdoor party. Graduation parties are no exception. Offer guests anything from barbecue chicken to hamburgers and hot dogs. Another option is to get or make food that fits the theme of your party. Offer tropical fruits like pineapple for tropical themed parties or offer classic cocktails for retro themed party (considering your graduate is of age).

3.    Set up games and activities - Use games and activities to keep the graduate and their guests entertained throughout the party. Set up speakers to blast their favorite music as they either dance the night away or play as many games as their little, educated heart can take. Have a contest for best dance moves or play a giant game of Twister.

These three tips will guarantee that you throw the graduation party of the summer. Contact Carlton Pools at 888-372-0102 for swimming pool renovations in Bucks County, PA, or to learn more tips about how to throw a graduation pool party that’s “most likely to succeed”!

4 Water Aerobic Exercises To Do in The Pool

I can hear you groaning now. You may be thinking that the pool is made for fun, or maybe rest, or perhaps relaxation. And of course it is, but the pool is also great to use for many types of exercise. Just think about it, it’s the ideal environment for exercising any time of year, as long as you’re using an indoor pool. Outdoor pools are especially great for the summer months, as long as you don’t need any swimming pool renovations in Bucks County. The water will support part of your body weight which makes it easier to move in the water and helps improve your flexibility.

There are so many ways your health can benefit from exercising in the pool. You can improve your heart health and fitness, and improve your overall agility and balance. There are also many conditions that can be greatly relieved by using pool exercise. Some of these conditions include joint replacements, back pain, arthritis, and more. Just remember to prepare properly for pool exercise and have fun while doing it. Here are four water aerobic exercises you can do in the pool to improve your health and balance:

1.    Arm raises - We recommend that you use something for added resistance, such as arm paddles or webbed gloves, but arm raises are also beneficial without using resistance. Keep your whole body except your head underwater, and start by holding your arms at your sides. Raise them both at the same time to the surface of the water.

2.    Push ups- Stand in the pool by the side and place your arms shoulder-width apart on the edge. Push your weight up with your arms and hands, and raise your body about halfway out of the water. Hold like that for 3 seconds, then slowly lower yourself back into the water.

3.    Water walking or jogging - In waist or chest high water, begin to walk forward about 10 to 20 steps. Then walk backward. You can also increase the speed to make it more difficult. Repeat this process for about 5 minutes.

4.    Sidestepping - Begin by facing the wall of the pool. With your body and toes facing the wall, take 10 to 20 steps in one direction and then go back. Repeat this process twice in both directions.

There you have it. After you have fun or relax in the pool, you can use these exercises to benefit your health. To learn more about swimming pools, contact Carlton Pools, a swimming pool company in Lehigh County, PA, at 888-372-0102.