Why Purchasing Local Bulk Chemical Packages Can Save You Time and Money

May has finally arrived and soon it will be time to open your pool. Once the cover is off it’s time to add the perfect cocktail of chemicals to keep your pool balanced and clean. We want you to save this summer, so here are 5 reasons you can benefit from buying local bulk chemical packages for your pool.

1. Reduce Trips to the Store
There are certain chemicals you will rely on to make sure your pool is healthy. Once you know what products those are and how much you will need for your pool’s size, you can purchase a package that will keep you well stocked for the summer. Instead of driving to the store every time you need a refill, you’ll have what you need on hand.

2. No More Waiting in Line
With our new bulk package ordering system you will be able to order online or call your neighborhood store to place your package order. You have the option of paying in advance, or at the closest store. Once the package is ready you will go to a special checkout to finish the transaction or pick up the package and go with no waiting in line!

3. Save Money
Purchasing a bulk chemicals package will save you money and you will spend less on gas because you’ll make fewer trips to the store. We guarantee our packages will beat any national retailers’ price and assure that our packages only contain what your pool needs. We also provide options when it comes to the packages for purchase. We offer a BioGuard brand package or the Tarson brand package. BioGuard is a premium brand for the pool owner who wants the best chemicals to treat their pool. The Tarson brand is a high-quality, yet economical brand for exceptional pool care for any budget.

4. Don’t Buy What You Don’t Need
When national retailers put together bulk packages, they don’t have your unique pool in mind. You could be buying extra chemicals you don’t need while not buying enough of the chemicals you do. Our packages have adequate dosing based on experience in this region, so you get the right type and quantity of necessary chemicals every time.

5. Save On Shipping
All of our packages can be picked up at our 6 locations, so you don’t have to pay high shipping fees. Not to mention you will be able to talk with an expert who knows your pool as opposed to a salesperson out of the area.

This summer spend less time in your car and more time in your pool by stocking up on your chemicals. We also offer 24-hour water testing drop off and same day water analysis at all Tarson Pools locations. Just leave your sample in the water-testing drop off box and we will send you your results the next day. Stop in to your neighborhood Tarson Pools location for expert advice on pool chemicals and visit tarsonpools.com/pages/bulkchemicals.htm to browse our bulk chemical packages and other discounted items.

Pool Shopping: What Comes With This Pool Price and What Does That Mean For My Pool

May is the perfect month to purchase a pool; you get to take advantage of preseason discounts, receive a better spot on the install list and your pool will be ready the first day of summer. There are a lot of questions to ask before purchasing your pool. When it comes to comparison-shopping, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. We here at Tarson Pools are proud to offer long-lasting, well-made pools at competitive prices. Here are some questions you want to ask about “building” your pool and how it will affect the cost.

1. How will my pool be supported?
Each pool is built with structural supports to help sustain its shape and function. The more structural supports there are, the better the pool will be able to uphold against aging and wear. Some pool companies place these structural supports every 6-8 feet. We place them every 4 feet to ensure your pool lasts as long as possible.

2. How is the frame of my pool constructed?
Behind your pool’s liner is the frame of the pool. This frame determines shape and strength. Depending on the type of pool you choose, the frame may be molded as it is built. On all of the pools we build, the frame is created as one steel piece. Not only does this create a more sustainable structure, but it also makes it easier to install or replace your liner. Molded frames are difficult to cover with a liner since they are uneven. That can increase the service time on your pool and end up costing you more money.

3. Is the type of edging used on a pool important?
Notice the white edging of the pool pictured above. All the pools we install are made with an aluminum edging due to its stability and resistance to damage. Plastic edges can crack or wear with the elements, so you can save yourself future repairs by choosing the more sustainable metal option.

4. Are there differences in stairs?
Covering pool stairs with the liner saves the builder time and cuts costs. This is an unwise practice due to the constant use of the stairs. All of that up and down motion can tear your liner and lead to you having to replace it. This is especially true if your dogs like to swim in your pool. Also, on warmer days the growth of algae in your pool increases. Stairs covered with pool liners will become more slippery. This can result in someone slipping and hurting themselves. We take the time to place in a separate staircase that has a slip guard to avoid both of these problems.

5. When will the concrete go in once my pool is installed?
If you choose an inground pool, it will need to be surrounded with concrete upon completion. For the sake of time, the installer may place the concrete as they finish up the install. It is strongly recommended you wait up to two weeks before adding the concrete to allow the ground to settle. Although it requires the installer to come back after the pool is installed, we make it a priority to be certain everything is done to create the highest form of sustainability for our customers.

There are many details involved when purchasing a pool, but it’s not just about look and price. You need to know what your pool price includes and that it is built with the best materials to help you avoid unnecessary repairs. We have been installing pools for over 50 years and make it our mission to build your pool with the best materials possible so you can swim happy longer. Spring install is still going on, so check us out online at tarsonpools.com or call your neighborhood store today for more details!
 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool in Central New York

It may still seem like the dead of winter, but before you know it it’ll be time to open up the pool again, or begin considering what kind of pool you might like to install. Don’t believe the myth that you can only swim 3 months out of the year in Central New York.  Consider a Radiant Pool, available in above ground and in-ground models. It will not only extend your swimming season, but also save you a lot of money on your pool bill.

1. Radiant Pools are the only swimming pools made of an R-10 structural insulated panel. This creates a pool wall that will not rust or crack, is resistant to corrosion and oxidation, and forms a safe structure that will last forever. These pools are guaranteed to handle the harsh elements of CNY weather.

2. Radiant Pools are also the only pools on the market that are considered environmentally friendly as well as energy efficient. All Radiant Pools are constructed with Expanded Polystyrene and aluminum, which contain no damaging chemicals and are 100% recyclable. Radiant Pools is the only pool manufacturer recognized as an Energy Star Buildings Partner. The company is dedicated to environmentally friendly innovation.

3. Energy efficiency is important because of its effect on the environment, AND the effect on your wallet.  The insulated walls of Radiant Pools are resistant to heat loss, even after the sun goes down . The wall structure also helps the pool heat up faster, allowing your pool to remain 8-10 °F warmer. On average, you can save up to 25% on pool heating costs. Plus, you’ll enjoy your pool for up to two months longer every year.

4. Once you decide to purchase a Radiant Pool it will only be a short time before you can begin planning your first pool party! Due to its lightweight structure, the installation process is much faster than other style pools. Also, Radiant Pools has a 100% lifetime warranty. We have all the details.

Purchase a pool that fits your climate. Enjoy almost 6 months of swimming in your Radiant Pool! For more information visit http://www.tarsonpools.com or give us a call at (315) 458-8800.

The Health Benefits of Owning a Spa

The word spa is derived for the Latin “salus per aquam, which translates as “health from water.” There are many wonderful advantages to owning a spa, but did you know it provides health benefits beyond stress relief? Whether you have a chronic condition or just need a way to relax, a spa can help enhance your life and health. Here are some conditions that can be helped with a spa:

Troubled Sleeping
Spas are a great way to reduce stress, a common variable in sleep disorders. The decrease in body temperature when you exit the spa helps induce the feeling of tiredness. It is recommended you spend 15 minutes in a hot tub about 90 minutes before going to bed in order to improve the quality of your sleep.

Circulation and Blood Pressure
The massaging jets and warm water stimulate impulses of the nerves and help with blood flow, digestion and boosts your immune system. The heat also helps open up blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.

Muscle Tension and Joint Pain
The warm temperatures of a hot tub relax your muscles and the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints. These can help with pain or discomfort associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions. Massaging jets relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce tension in your body. Having multiple jets saves time by focusing on different areas at one time and you can control their intensity to accommodate your body’s needs.

Type 2 Diabetes
Participating regularly in hot tub therapy can help with symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, such as improving sleep, lowering your blood sugar, and losing weight. The buoyancy and water resistance contribute to light exercise routines that lead to weight loss and heart health. Consult with your doctor before trying hot tub therapy in order to ensure proper practices.

There are many other benefits of using a hot tub such as releasing contaminants through your pores, providing a sense of well-being, and it can be a great way to bond with your loved ones. If any of these benefits resonate with you, a spa is a great investment for your life. Come in or give us a call so we can help you pick out a spa that best meets your needs.

The Best Time to Buy a Swimming Pool and the Steps to Take Before You Purchase

Summer may seem far away, but buying a pool requires time and thought. Researchers agree that the best time to purchase a pool is in the winter. Why? There are off-season discounts, you can receive a top spot on the spring install list and it gives you time to research the right pool before the spring rush. (Not to mention it makes a great Christmas gift!) Here are some things you should consider before buying your pool.

1. Visualize your dream pool
You may already know what kind of pool you are interested in. If not, look at photographs of pools and highlight what you like or dislike about each. You can bring the photographs to your consultation and receive feedback on the possibilities. This way we can customize it exactly to your liking.

2. Know your needs
Do you require a pool that has enough room for your exercise routine or is shallow enough for your young children? Your pool can provide much more than recreation, so make sure it fits your personal lifestyle.

3. Research building permits and local building codes
Before selecting your pool, find out what your yard can accommodate and what local regulations your community has on pool installations. This is important to know because many codes require fences, which will need to be factored into the layout.

4. Decide on the type of pool
Now that you know your needs and all of the regulations you can choose the type that works best for you. Steel pools are long lasting and affordable. Fiberglass pools have a strong defense against contaminants and have the fastest construction time. Polymer pools have fantastic warranties and are one of the newer innovations in pools. Lastly, Radiant Pools are perfect for Syracuse since they are energy efficient and, on average, 8°F warmer.

5. Create a budget
We will help you get what you want at a price you can afford. Things to factor into this budget are initial pool installation and long-term costs. This way you know exactly what you are getting and for how much. It is always easier to commit to what you really want than change things along the way, so be careful of settling based on price.

6. Safety is a priority
You know your environment better than anyone. Install safety features where  necessary or when required such as child locks, alarms, or a secure fence.

7. Create the look
Once you know how your pool will look, how will you complement it? Will you need patio furniture, new tile surrounding the pool or pool toys? With a trained eye we can assist you in creating the perfect pool landscape.

8. Ask questions
If you are unsure about what pool is right for you, what maintenance a pool requires, or any of the other responsibilities that come with being a pool owner, ask us! We will help you every step of the way.

If you would like to meet with us for more information, or take advantage of our $900 off an above ground, 24ft Radiant Pool* give us a call at (315) 458-8800.

 

*Example of Radiant Pool

Owning a Hot Tub: Easy Maintenance in 6 Simple Steps

Have you ever wondered if you could afford a hot tub?  Most people CAN! And they’re perfect for CNY (yes, even winters) and easy to maintain too if you follow these simple steps:

1) Make sure your chemical levels are within the guidelines. For example, maintain a balanced pH level according to the chemical maunfacturer’s instructions. Water should be tested about once a week or more depending on use. (Check manufacturer guidelines.)When adding chemicals, do so one at a time in two hour intervals.

2) Clean your filter regularly. Insects, leaves, etc. may make their way into your filter and affect how it runs.

3) Sanitize your hot tub with chemicals to keep it clean. Many people use chlorine, but for a less harsh smell and effect on your skin, try bromine instead. It can be placed in by granules, tablets or nuggets and kills bacteria and germs. Other options include a mineral purifier or ozone, which lower the need for bromine or chlorine.

4) On average, change your water about every 90 days. This ensures the health of your hot tub and that you have the cleanest water experience. Check your manual for the formula on how often you should change your water. It’s determined by usage.

5) Use shock oxidizers to keep your water looking clear and to help break down things such as lotion, sweat, dirt, skin oil, etc. There are chlorine or non-chlorine shocks to choose from.

*Helpful hint: detergent on a bathing suit can cause your water to foam, so before entering the hot tub rinse your suit.

6) Leave your hot tub on at all times. This will circulate the water and keep things from building up, such as algae or dirt.

* Helpful hint: set the desired temperature and then give your hot tub about 30 minutes before getting in to achieve the perfect experience.

The specific maintenance of your hot tub is unique to the brand, model and size, so you can purchase a spa that fits your lifestyle. The experience of enjoying a hot tub far outweighs the basic upkeep responsibilities that go along with being a hot tub owner.

If you have any questions we would be happy to hear from you.

Closing Your Inground Pool in 7 Easy Steps

Sadly, it’s that time again. The temperature is beginning to drop and it’s time to close your pool for the season. If you couldn’t make it to our pool school, we’ve got you covered. Here are some quick and easy steps to getting your inground pool ready for winter.

1) Vacuum and Test
The cleaner your pool is when it’s closed, the cleaner it will be when it reopens. Leaving debris and leaves in your pool increases the risk of staining and results in a higher demand for chemicals, so be thorough. Check your water chemistry to ensure it is balanced. We can do it for free here at Tarson in 5 minutes. Doing this will optimize your water balance and make sure you are getting the full potential out of your chemicals.

*If your water is green or discolored, address this before closing your pool.

2) Add Winter Chemicals
Once the water is tested and balanced, add your winter chemicals as directed. In most cases, the pump should be on. DO NOT add  the chemicals into the skimmer. Allow the chemicals to circulate for 2-4 hours before continuing the process.

3) Remove Hardware
Remove all ladders, toys, diving boards, etc. Reduce wear by placing them in a dry, safe environment so you can enjoy them next season.

4) Drop the Water Level
Change the valve in front of your pump to select the Port 2 setting (the main suction line) and then set your filter to the drain (waste) position. Drain the pool water level 2-4 inches below the bottom of the skimmer.

* If you choose not to drain the pool water level, use a Blowout Extension. It allows you to reduce the force taken by the skimmer when the water freezes.

5) Filtration and Circulation Removal
Disconnect the filter, pump and heater from their lines and pull the plugs so they can drain. Store the pump indoors and use a Pump Protector to prevent seals from going bad. DO NOT place the sand filter indoors. The sand filter often weight hundreds of pounds. If the sand in the filter shifts  it could result in the internals of the filter breaking. DE filters should be cleaned and acid washed before being stored indoors.

6) Blow Out Lines
Select the Port 1 section on the valve to blow out the skimmer line. Using a blower or shop-vac, blow into the valve to push all of the water out of the skimmer lines and return lines. The air will come out of the closest return line first, so plug the line with a 1.5” winter plug then move on to the next. Now that all of the lines are blown out, add nontoxic antifreeze. Use a minimum of 1/2 gallon for every line. For the main drain, which cannot be blown out, use a full gallon of antifreeze.

7) Cover Pool
Place the cover over your pool so that it comfortably fits flat on the water. You don’t want your cover to be tight or strained because this may lead to tearing. Place the water bags inside of the designated straps (on inground pools)  to weigh down the cover. Fill the water bags half way to leave room for expansion. Place them end to end to avoid wind moving the cover. For extra weight, spray an inch or two of water on the cover.

For more details or specific information, contact us at (315) 458-2831.

The Best Time to Sign Your Child Up for Swimming Lessons and Six Other Tips on Teaching Your Little One to Swim

Teaching your child to swim can be very exciting and rewarding. Do you have doubts about whether your child is ready? Every child is different, but take a peek at what the experts are recommending.

1. Begin water activities between the ages of 6 months – 3 years in order to get your child  comfortable with the water. This can include playing games and skill building to help children familiarize themselves with their surroundings.

2. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends beginning formal swimming lessons at age 4. Kourtney Eidam from Parents magazine says at this age children are “developmentally able to learn skills needed to stay afloat.” If you are unsure if your child is ready, observe their behavior in the pool and ask how they feel about learning to swim. Rest assured, swimming instructors are trained to help children at all stages of learning.

3. Find a local swimming program that matches your child’s water skills. If he or she is very comfortable and has a lot of swimming experience, you might want to consider a level above the first-timers.

4. The best time of year to sign your child up for swimming lessons is in the winter. Tina Ramser, a swimming instructor with 15 years of experience, suggests that your child will receive more individual attention, better instruction, more consistent lesson times and an overall better experience.

5. The worst time of year, believe it or not, is August! Ramser explains that swimming instructors are worn out, less available, and that August is an overall busy month, which might lead to cancelled appointments.

6. The learning should not just take place at lessons. If you have a pool at home, encourage your child to practice what was learned in class. If you don’t have a pool, utilize other options such as local beaches, lakes, community pools, etc.

7. No matter the age, always keep an eye on your child. Accidents happen even to the best swimmers, so execute every safety precaution possible.

Hopefully, now you feel more at ease about this upcoming adventure. For more information about swimming lessons check out Tina Ramser’s blog: http://squidkid.org/author/tina-ramser/

Or for more information on what you read here visit: http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/teach-your-child-to-swim/    or   http://squidkid.org/the-best-and-worst-time-to-teach-your-kids-to-swim/

Using Your Spa in Summer

A Spa Can Cool You Down or Warm You Up.

 

This summer is already one of the hottest on record in Central New York. When outside temperatures reach into the high 80‘s and 90‘s some people may think it’s too hot to use their outdoor spas. Quite the contrary–a hot tub can be a great place to chill out during a heat wave!

You can operate your spa at a lower temperature and still  receive the benefits of stress relief and muscle relaxation on those hot summer days. Any temperature above the body temperature will have a warming effect, so as the temperatures dip in the evening, you might want to turn the temperature up a bit. Any temperature that is colder than the body temperature will have a cooling effect. Some customers who don’t have swimming pools tell us that they turn their spa heater off completely and use their spa like a pool! The bubbling water adds to the refreshing feel of the cool water.

To maintain your spa’s cooler water temperature be sure to leave the spa covered during the day when not in use. Your spa is naturally insulated and will maintain the cooler water temperature. Proper water balance and circulation will be extremely important to maintain with the water at  a cooler temperature. To learn more about spa maintenance read this post.

Backyard Barbecues are the Best

July is the perfect month for sunshine, fireworks, swimming and backyard barbecues. While we can’t control Mother Nature we can make sure you have all you need for a refreshing swim and a tasty BBQ in your backyard.

Source: hwtm.com Tarson via Pinterest

Let’s talk grills! The grill is the unnamed secret ingredient of every amazing BBQ. Making sure your grill is well maintained and cleaned regularly will ensure many years of use and great tasting food. Whether you use charcoal or gas grills, cleaning is a must.

  

Consider your grill the same as your kitchen stove. It needs to be cleaned after each use. You wouldn’t leave your kitchen stove dirty after use and you shouldn’t leave your grill either.  Completely wipe down your grill after each use.

Have a wire brush handy to clean excess food, foil and marinade from grates. A helpful hint for the life of your grill: clean the grates right after you cook rather than before! Cleaning after cooking will help minimize rust from the left over food.

If you have a charcoal grill be sure you have plenty of charcoal before you begin cooking.  If you have a gas grill have an extra propane tank on hand or fill your tank before your big event. We’ve all been there food on the grill cooking along,  and suddenly BAM you’re out of gas! It’s an easy to avoid BBQ mistake. Be prepared.

The best part of any backyard BBQ is the food!

Tips for Great Grilling:

• Preheat your grill. Warm it up for 15-20 minute before cooking.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended.
• Clean your grill after each use…. it’s important. We can’t say it enough.
• Safety is important. Keep children and pets clear of the grill
• Flames are inevitable. Don’t panic and put them out quickly to prevent spreading.
• When not in use, store your grill properly. Cover it from the elements.

Here some great recipes for you to try this summer on your Tarson Broil King Grill!

Grilled Vegetable Napoleons

from: BroilKing

Source

Ingredients

Substitute or add other vegetables as you wish. Some nice additions might be new potatoes or red peppers. Although the stacks are attractive and easy to serve, you may also arrange the grilled vegetables and cheese in a casserole.

1/2 cup olive oil

1 large eggplant, cut in 12 slices (1/3″ thick)

3 medium zucchinis, cut in 24 slices (1/4″ thick)

3 large tomatoes, cut in 6 slices (1/3″ thick)

3 medium red onions, cut in 12 slices (1/3″ thick)

3/4 cup ricotta cheese

salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4″ thick

6 sprigs fresh rosemary

Directions

Preheat barbecue and set on LOW. Brush vegetables with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill slowly until tender, turning once. Transfer the vegetables to a tray, arranging them in a single layer, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. The vegetables may be grilled a day in advance, and refrigerated after cooling. Bring the vegetables back to room temperature before proceeding.

Stir together the ricotta, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Place one slice of eggplant on a lightly oiled baking sheet or foil pan. Spread 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture over the eggplant. Cover with 2 slices of zucchini, 1 slice of onion, 1 slice of mozzarella, 1 slice of tomato, 2 slices of zucchini, and 1 slice of onion. Spread 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture over the onion, and top with another slice of eggplant. Repeat this procedure with the remaining vegetables to make 5 more stacks.

Insert a wooden skewer through the centre of each stack to create a hole from top to bottom. Remove the bottom leaves from each rosemary sprig, leaving one inch of leaves on the top. Insert 1 sprig into the centre hole in each napoleon, and return to the barbecue. Heat for about 5 minutes on LOW, or until mozzarella is melted and vegetables are warmed through.

Thai Grilled Shrimp

from: BroilKing

 Source

Ingredients

Another super-quick and easy appetizer! Any commercially prepared Thai sauce will do the trick, but we have mentioned our favorite. Use a wok if you have one for easy stir-frying of the shrimp.

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/4 cups President’s Choice^™ Memories of Thailand Fiery chili Pepper sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a resealable bag and add shrimp. Refrigerate at least one hour and up to five hours before grilling.

Preheat barbecue on HIGH. Scrub cooking grids thoroughly with a wire brush, then brush them lightly with vegetable or olive oil. Place shrimp on grids. Turn once during cooking. Time will vary with the size of the shrimp, but the shrimp will turn opaque and curl slightly when cooked. Do not overcook!

Place on a platter and serve with toothpicks.

Barbecued Back Ribs

from: BroilKing

Source

Ingredients

A rib rack is a great tool to have, but if you haven’t bought yours yet try stacking the ribs against each other on an angle. Lay the ribs flat on the grids for the last few minutes of cooking while brushing them with the sauce.

3 lb pork backribs

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ketchup

1 cup water

1/3 cup worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp chili powder

dash hot pepper sauce

2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions

Place a drip pan over the coals, under the cooking grids. Pour in one inch of water or other liquid such as apple cider or wine, or a combination. Replace the cooking grids and preheat barbecue on LOW.

Peel the membrane off the back of the ribs using your fingers. (This makes an enormous difference in the tenderness of the ribs.) Cut each sleeve or rack of ribs into six-inch sections. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place in a rib rack on the barbecue. Cook slowly on lowest heat for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and simmer on the side burner until the sauce thickens. Apply this sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the sugar from burning, and pass the extra around the table.

We would like to wish each  of you a Happy 4th of July and BBQ season.

If you have questions or want additional information about our line of barbecue grills please visit any of our six locations. Our staff of  professionals can assist you with anything you need. Please stop in our showroom or visit our website.

If you are interested in purchasing a Broil King Grill in July we are offering a Free propane fill up with purchase. See our website coupon for more information.