Plan your 2020 swimming pool project

Dec 30, 2019 | swimming pool construction

Every year there are a few people who ask me, “how to keep ducks out of my pool?” It’s hilarious to think that ducks are using your pool — perhaps they’re sipping drinks on your floating pool lounger or playing Marco Polo. Either way, they need to go!Here are 5 tricks for keeping ducks (and other birds) out of your swimming pool all season.1. Use a Solar CoverSolar covers not only keep your pool heated and free of debris, but they also keep ducks from swimming and pooping in your water (or can at least keep the poop from fully mixing in).If you already have a solar cover (and you should), then good for you! You don’t have to worry about ducks if you keep your solar cover on when you’re not home. However, if you don’t have a solar cover, here is a link to purchase your very own:2. Use an Automatic Pool CleanerDucks are easily frightened creatures. They fear predators, and nothing looks more like a predator than a moving, underwater automatic pool cleaner.Again, if you already have an automatic pool cleaner (and you should), good for you! If not, I invite you to check out the best robotic pool cleaners on the market (and here are some for above ground pools too).Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?We cut out all the fluff and confusion of pool maintenance and stripped it down to the bare bones in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course.CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE3. Inflatable Pool ToysThis is by far my favorite method for keeping ducks out of a swimming pool. Just keep a few inflatable pool toys in your pool when it’s not in use. However, not any pool toy will do the trick, only specific ones that look like other predatory animals, including:AlligatorKiller WhaleSnakeBobbing Dolphin4. Get a DogDucks hate dogs and vice versa. Dogs are one of the duck’s natural predators, and their bark alone will scare them away. This is more of a reactive method than a prevention method, but it does the trick. Hopefully your dog(s) can see the ducks in order to bark from inside the house.5. Duck OffThe Lo-Chlor company makes a pool chemical called Duck Off that breaks the surface tension of the water. This chemical makes it so the ducks cannot successfully float on the surface.However, I don’t like the idea putting unnecessary chemicals in the pool. So my recommendation is to use this option as a last resort.To better explain the science behind this chemical, I’ll turn to your elementary school science class:Take a bowl of water and sprinkle a bunch of cracked pepper on the surface. Then, lather up your index finger with dish soap and submerge it in the center of the bowl.What you’ll see is the pepper magically race to the edge of the bowl, like roaches scattering when the lights come on. It’s a cool trick and does well at parties to impress new friends — I should know because I did this trick a few months ago at a party.“Daffy Duck Ain’t Got Nothing On Me!”If you have ducks in your pool, I hope one these tricks will work for you.

 It’s probably not a time to be thinking about a pool project is it? The swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools in Knoxville, TN say it is time to plan your 2020 swimming pool project. When you talk with us now we may be able to begin your project, get you on our schedule and even get you some 2019 prices on equipment. It’s all a win!

Plan your 2020 swimming pool project

If you still haven’t decided if now is the time to plan your pool project, we offer some benefits of an off-season pool construction plan:  

  • You may get discounts on “last year’s” equipment or even pool construction materials. They are just as good as the “new” items being released, but manufacturers clear out items to make room for newer models and that means you could save money or even invest in higher quality equipment than you may have thought.
  • Our construction schedule is lighter now than in the height of summer. Makes sense, right? This means you could have your project done more quickly and we have the staff to devote to your project.
  • Who wants to miss a single moment of the 2020 swim season? No one, that’s who?! When you start your project now you can be ready to jump in the second the weather cooperates in 2020.

As long as the ground isn’t frozen or too wet, we may be able to start your project soon! Get your budget together for your swimming pool project then give us a call so we can talk about what you envision your pool to be and we will help you realize that dream. Once you have your budget in mind we can help you uncover sources for financing and can help you get the pool that fits your budget, too.

There truly is no time like the present to get that pool project underway. What are you waiting for?