Essential Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Your Pool

As Floridians, we understand the importance of hurricane preparedness. At Pools by John Clarkson, we uphold ‘Clarkson Quality’ not just in our pool designs but also in the advice we offer our customers. Ensuring your pool is ready for hurricane season is part of this commitment. Here’s a concise guide to help protect your pool and home from severe weather.

Should I Drain My Pool Before the Storm?

The Florida Swimming Pool Association advises: do not drain your pool. While it might seem logical to reduce water levels to prevent overflow, doing so can cause serious damage. The water’s weight keeps the pool structure in place. Without it, rising groundwater can make the pool “float,” potentially lifting it out of the ground. Additionally, running the pool with low water can dry out the skimmer and damage the pump.

Securing Pool Furniture and Equipment

Loose items around your pool can become dangerous in hurricane winds. Move outdoor furniture, toys, and other objects indoors. If that’s not possible, place them gently in the pool as a last resort, but be aware this can damage the pool’s finish and the items themselves due to water and chemical exposure.

During the Storm

If your pool equipment is in any danger of being submerged – turn off all equipment and turn off all breakers to the equipment. Not running your pool filtration system for 24-48 hours can easily be resolved once the storm has passed; a pump being submerged while running is a much bigger concern! If your pump or any equipment has been submerged, it’s probably best to call in a professional from Pools by John Clarkson once the storm has passed before starting up the system on your own.

After the Storm: Steps to Take

Once the storm has passed, it’s time to assess and address any issues. Start by removing any debris from the pool manually to avoid clogging the pump and filter. Carefully inspect all equipment to ensure no storm damage has occurred, empty the pump and skimmer baskets, and ensure all breakers are switched on as the storm could have caused some breakers to trip. If you notice any irregularities, such as strange noises or burning smells, turn the equipment, turn off breakers, and immediately consult a professional!

 

Testing and balancing your pool’s chemical levels are crucial post-storm steps. Shocking the pool and adding the necessary chemicals will help restore it to a safe and clean state. Keep an eye on your filtration system pressure, as it may require cleaning depending on the amount and types of debris that have entered the pool.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters

Proper preparation protects your pool, home, and family. Our ‘Clarkson Quality’ commitment includes providing the knowledge and support you need to maintain your pool in any situation.

 

By following these guidelines, you can safeguard your pool and property during hurricane season. If you need professional assistance or have questions, the Pools by John Clarkson team is here to help. Together, we can keep your outdoor oasis safe and beautiful.

 

For more information, visit pbjc.com or contact us directly. Let’s work together to keep your pool and home safe, no matter the weather.

iAquaLink Automation

Pools by John Clarkson proudly offers premium Jandy pool equipment featuring AquaLink automation. Jandy AquaLink RS automation systems provide homeowners total control and flexibility over all aspects of their pool system from anywhere with internet access through the iAquaLink mobile app. Click to see just how easy it is to use!

Ready When You Are (Even When You’re Not Home!)

The iAquaLink app gives you complete control over your pool, even when you aren’t home. Imagine leaving the gym or a day on the trails and being able to turn on your spa so it’s hot and ready when you arrive home. With iAquaLink you have total flexibility whether you are home or on the road.

Smart Home Integration

AquaLink systems can be configured to work with Siri and Alexa smart home systems, which allows you to control pool setting and features with your just your voice! Simple commands such as “set pool lights to blue” or “turn on waterfall” will allow you to control nearly every aspect of your pool. Additionally AquaLink integrates with major home automation systems such as Crestron, Elan, and Savant.

Easy One-Touch Scenes

OneTouch “scenes” are completely customizable, so you can set things exactly how you like them — your ideal temperature, lighting, and any water features you like to enjoy—with just one touch. Create scenes for “party mode” or “relaxing evening”, whatever you are in the mood for is just one touch away.

Landscape and Pool Lighting Controls in One Place

Your AquaLink system can also control your landscape lighting, giving you a single app that can control all of your backyard aesthetics. You will be able to turn your lighting on at dusk or a preset time you determine, configure different times for different days of the week – you are in complete control.

Automatic Seasonal Adjustments

The AquaLink system can automatically adjust your pool settings for optimal configuration outside of the summer heavy-use months. Circulation and salt system production requirements reduce in the cooler off-season and iAquaLink can automatically make seasonal adjustments over the course of the year. Taking care of your pool has never been easier!

Easily Upgrade your Aqualink PDA to iAquaLink

If you have an AquaLink PDA based system and want to upgrade to the advanced features of AquaLink RS, give us a call. Our Pool Care team is ready and happy to help!

Pool Toys to Elevate your Play Experience

This month we’re showcasing some of our favorite pool toys that can help bring excitement and imagination to your next pool get together. We’ve personally used all the recommendations below and gotten many, many hours of enjoyment out of them – we hope you do to! Remember no mater what toys you add to your pool an adult should be present and watching children swimmers closely.

 

Click any of the images below to for a retail link to the item.

Snorkel Mask

Say goodbye to the old snorkel and mask setup and say hello to the Snorkels 2.0! These modern snorkel masks are revolutionary, offering a clear view with minimal fogging. Available in both adult and child sizes, these masks are perfect for exploring the underwater world of your pool.

Snorkel Mask - Amazon.com

Shark Dart

Simple yet endlessly entertaining, shark darts are perfect for a game of long-range underwater catch. Once submerged and filled with water, the shark can be tossed under water where it will glide up to 40 ft! It’s a fun and safe option for kids and adults alike.

Shark Dart - Target.com

Pool Basketball Goal

A poolside basketball goal is a must-have for those looking to blend sport with leisurely splashes. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, you’ll find it hard to resist taking a few shots while floating around the pool. This model is the sturdiest and most well-built we’ve seen, it offers great rim action, and breaks down easily for winter storage. Don’t forget to stock up on extra balls, they can be found at most sports store for around $5 each.

Pool Basketball Goal - Amazon.com

Subnado Underwater Scooter

This is the most expensive recommendation in our list, but it’s absolutely worth it! The Subnado Underwater Scooter is like having your own mini submarine wisk you around under water at speeds up to 4.6 ft/sec! It’s sturdy, well-built, and usually retails for around $500, though occasional sales approach $400. With handlebar and arm strap options, you can glide through the water with ease—grab two and pretend you’re Iron Man!

Subnado - Waydootech.com

Inflatable Boat

Inflatable boats are a hit with kids, sparking their imagination and leading to countless hours of adventure. Whether they’re pretending to be pirates or exploring uncharted waters, these boats can be a centerpiece of pool play. Just ensure that kids are supervised and never play under an overturned boat where you can’t see them.

Inflatable Boat - Amazon.com

Dinosaur Egg Iceballs

Ice Balls offer a fantastic poolside activity. Simply place a small plastic toy dinosaur, a beautiful flower, or a splash of food dye inside a balloon, fill it with water, and freeze it. Once frozen, cut away the balloon to reveal your unique and creative DIY poolside toy.

Unique Water Features

When you think of your dream pool, what water features does it include? Here we’ll show you a few of the most common options to add visual excitement and the “sound of water” so many of our customers desire.

 

Sunshelf Bubbler

Add a splash of fun and tranquility to your pool with a sun shelf bubbler! This delightful feature transforms your pool’s shallow lounge area into a vibrant play area for kids or a peaceful retreat for adults. It’s the perfect setting for families wanting to introduce a safe, enjoyable water experience for their little ones or for anyone seeking a calm corner to relax and unwind.

Sheer Descent

Sheer descent waterfalls produce a clear arc of water, cascading down into your pool, creating a serene environment. This feature is designed to offer a visually clean, uninterrupted flow of water, making it a focal point of modern elegance in any pool. The soothing sound of falling water adds a layer of tranquil auditory experience to your poolside moments.

Deck Jets

Deck jets are a dynamic addition to any pool, sending sleek arcs of water from the deck into the pool below. Deck jets light up beautifully at night, providing a mesmerizing display that enhances evening poolside gatherings. You have the creative freedom to tailor their design to perfectly complement your pool’s aesthetics.

Laminar Jets

Laminar jets take deck jets to the next level with streams of water that are highly controlled and can be lit with LED lights for a dramatic nighttime effect. These jets produce smooth, glass rod-like arcs of water that produce almost no splash droplets from the column of water.

Raised Spa Overflow

A raised spa that overflows into the pool not only increases the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a multi-sensory experience. The spillway gently pours water into the pool, creating a calming effect, while scuppers allow for a more dramatic water release, reminiscent of traditional fountains, enhancing the auditory and visual pleasure.

Vanishing Edge Pool

Also known as an infinity pool, the vanishing edge creates a visual effect of water with no boundaries. This design marvel is perfect for properties with scenic views, as the edge appears to merge with the horizon or surrounding landscape, thus magnifying the beauty of your outdoor space.

Ways to Beat the Heat with Shade

Covered Shade Options

Here in Florida, we’re lucky to have plenty of warm days and sunshine. While a pool offers a great way to cool down on those hot summer days, you might also want some shade or a way to step out of the rain during an afternoon sun shower. Pools by John Clarkson offers a wide variety of covered structures to give you the exact look and functionality you are looking for, from Pergolas to fully covered cabanas.

Pergola

Installing a pergola into your outdoor living space is not only functional, providing shade on hot Florida days, they also elevate and enhance the beauty in your outdoor living space. You can even mount a fan on your pergola to up the comfort level! A well-structured pergola can last a lifetime while protecting you and adding timeless practicality to your outdoor space.

Covered Pergola

Covered pergolas are great options for enhancing coverage and protecting outdoor living features like BBQs! They also offer great sun shower coverage during our sometimes-unpredictable Florida weather, while still offering aesthetic friendliness to any outdoor living space.

Elite Roof

Our elite roofs can be added when you are doing a screen enclosure. These roof structures have the option to mount a fan, provides ample shade and sun protection, and adds functionality and beauty to your backyard. Elite roofs are fully covered, insulated, and contain aluminum roofing that will withstand the elements and last for years to come!

Cabanas

Pools by John Clarkson offers extremely customizable cabana options! We can match the exterior of your home or keep your cabana as simple as you want it. Cabanas are a great option to house outdoor kitchens, living spaces, and fireplaces. They can even include bathrooms, offices, and indoor entertainment, blending the concept of cabana and pool house into one. Pools by John Clarkson are proud to hold a Certified Building Contractor (CBC) license, as well as three Certified Pool Contractor (CPC) licenses, making us the in-house experts on pool and cabana projects – from big to small!

 With over 35 years of experience building beautiful backyards for homeowners throughout North Florida, Pools by John Clarkson is ready to bring your outdoor dreams to reality.  

Tips on Planning a Pool Remodel

Pool Remodel

Are you a proud pool owner looking to give it a renovation or maybe even transform your backyard into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of? Now is the perfect time to start planning a pool remodel with Pools by John Clarkson.

 

Whether you’re looking to replace finishing materials, enhance the design, add features and functionality or add an outdoor kitchen or living space, one of our Renovation Design Consultants can guide you through the entire process. Dive in and discover everything that is possible when you chose to remodel your pool with Pools by John Clarkson.

Planning Tips for a Successful Pool Remodel

Like any good project, a successful renovation starts with a plan. What’s your vision? Are you looking to simply replaster your pool or do you want to add on a spa or incorporate an outdoor living or kitchen area? Begin by identifying the changes you want to make, be they in the structure, design, or functionality of your pool. Pore over magazines, design websites, social media and of course the pbjc.com website for design inspiration. Your design should complement your home as well as its surrounding landscape – and most importantly, bring you happiness.

What Can Be Done When You Renovate Your Pool?

The only limits are your imagination! Most renovations start with a desire to redo the pool interior finish. Many people don’t realize how many option there are beyond interior finish that can be incorporated into a pool remodel. Below we walk you through just a few of the renovation services we offer.

 

Interior Finish

You know it’s time to consider renovating your pool’s interior when you begin seeing discoloration spots, etching, delamination (plaster separated from the pool shell), there are any “popups” where the plaster has worn through to the pool shell, and general roughness. Many older pools can be found with a basic white plaster or quartz finish that can be ready for a replaster in 8-10 years.

 

While we offer many types of interior finishes, our pebble finishes are our most popular thanks to their durability that can easily go beyond 20 years as well as the many color choice that are available to ensure your pool interior perfectly complements your backyard style.

 

Waterline Tile

Along with plaster, waterline tile is the other most common component of a pool remodel. I think most of us can agree some of the old pool tile designs from 20+ years ago have NOT aged well! New tile combined with a new interior finish can drastically change the look of your pool and breathe new life into its appearance.

 

We offer an enormous selection of tile options ranging from standard 6”x6” porcelain, large format 6”x24” tile, 1”x1” glass mosaics, and everything in between. No matter your style preference, there is a new tile design that will update your pool to match your style.

 

Coping & Pool Deck

Coping is the stone that sits atop your pool wall edge and serves as the edge where your pool deck meets the pool. If your pool is a little older, you may have a poured concrete slab pool deck that extends all the way to the edge of the pool, so there isn’t a separate coping stone.

 

One of the biggest aesthetic impacts you can make to update the look and feel of your backyard is to replace the existing pool deck and coping. While we can do one or the other to meet your preferences, many times these are done together. And while you are at it, now is the time to change your deck shape, add a new area for a fireplace or outdoor kitchen, or create an area for that covered pool cabana you’ve always dreamed of. We have a wide variety of modern coping and decking material choices to make your backyard vision a reality.

 

You Can Even Add a Spa or Sunshelf

One of the major pool design trends of the last decade is the sunshelf. This is typically an ~8” deep shelf on the edge of the pool that is ideal for supervised toddler waterplay or lounging in a low sun chair and enjoying the view. We can also add-on that spa you always secretly wished you had!

 

Water Features

Another option while renovating is adding water features. Many people enjoy the splashing water noise a water feature can provide as a calm and comfortable background noise; others enjoy them as a visual treat. Either way, you like it, if you’ve always wanted a water feature, renovation is the time! Just a few options we provide:

  • Sheer descent waterfall: A raised wall with a waterfall water feature that arcs down into the water. These can be done in lengths ranging from 1’ to 6’.
  • Bubbler: A bubbler is a small jet head in a sunshelf that is flush with the pool finish surface and provides a frothy column of water that extends above the surface. It creates a nice water sound and kinds typically find them fun to play in.
  • Deck Jets: These are small flush mount jets in the pool deck that arc up and into the pool.
  • Laminar Jets: Similar to a deck jet, but the stream is nearly glass like with minimal droplets that fall out the pool deck. They also enter the pool much smoother, creating a quieter water effect.

Lighting

One of the biggest improvements you can make to your pool is upgrading to modern multi-color LED lighting. Depending on the age of your pool, it might very well have a single, large 500W incandescent pool light in one end to light the entire pool. Modern LED lighting allows you to select from many color choices and includes the ability to dim your lights as well – a huge improvement over lights of the past. You’ll be able to celebrate the holidays (orange for Halloween, green for St. Patty’s!) or pick the perfect color choice to illuminate your nights. And LED lights can offer over 90% energy reduction, helping the environment and your wallet.

 

Screen Enclosures

A screen enclosure is a popular option here in Florida to keep bugs, critters, and those annoying Oak tree leaves out of the pool. We can help you add a screen enclosure to your pool as part of your renovation.

 

Outdoor Living: Think Beyond the Pool

Another major design trend in pools over the last decade is the inclusion of outdoor living and kitchen spaces in the dream backyard design. Our Outdoor Living team can help you make your dreams a reality, big or small. Below are just a few of the Outdoor Living offerings we can provide:

  • Kitchens
  • Living spaces
  • Fireplaces
  • Cabanas

Upgrade Your Equipment for Energy Efficiency and Ease of Use

Modern pool systems have come along way in just the last few years and now offer full automation and control from the touch of your hands through a smartphone app. Want to schedule the spa to turn on every Wednesday evening after your yoga class or have your deck jets run in the morning when you have your coffee? Control is in the palm of your hands. You can even remotely control your pool from anywhere in the world.

 

If your pool pump is an old single speed design, now is definitely the time refresh that old equipment. A modern variable speed pump will save you money every month thanks to its energy saving variable speed design, and best of all – it’s so much quieter! In normal circulation mode you won’t even know that it’s running.

 

Key Factors to Consider

While planning your pool remodel, three critical factors can heavily influence your project’s success: budget, design preferences, and materials chosen. Beginning with a definitive budget helps narrow down choices and keeps your project within sustainable boundaries. Allocate funds for unexpected expenses such as resodding your lawn, as these are almost inevitable in any pool construction project.

 

Meanwhile, your design preferences will dictate the aesthetic and functional aspects of your pool. Decide on the color, texture, and style, considering how it fits with the overall look of your house and yard. When it comes to materials, you have a multitude of options. From the pool’s interior finish to the decking and coping materials, remember that each choice can dramatically impact the pool’s durability, maintenance needs, and visual appeal. Our Renovation Design Consultants are here to help you every step of the way from deciding on features to helping make that final material selection.

Why Choose Pools by John Clarkson for Your Pool Remodel?

Our team of experts offers a comprehensive solution for pool remodel planning and elegant pool construction, staying updated with the latest pool renovation trends. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high-quality result for each client. We’ll guide you through every step of the renovation process, so you always know what to expect.

Start Planning Your Pool Remodel Today with Pools by John Clarkson

Whether it’s a simple interior refinish or a complete pool, deck, and outdoor living renovation, Pools by John Clarkson is here to help you make your renovation a success. Your pool is more than just a place to swim; it’s where memories are made. Let us help you create a pool that’s truly your own.