Testimonial

Going Above and Beyond for Our Customers is What Sahara Construction is All About

We love it when our customers take time out of their day to share their experiences with Sahara Construction & Custom Pools on our Facebook page.

Just the other day, Jared and Stephanie Sears posted this message to our timeline:

Chris and Sahara built our pool two years ago. This past week a pair of goggles and a sock somehow found their way into a suction line (kids – have to love them). We called out a local plumber (name withheld) who struggled to resolve the issue. Throughout the ordeal I was in touch with Chris. Chris provided much needed help and info to share with the plumbing company. Eight hours later the local plumbing company left without clearing the pipe while also managing to break their auger bit – in the clogged line. This was on Friday evening at 5 o’clock. Having already drained the pool for the work we were a bit stressed. I called Chris to give him and update to which he replied, “Relax. My guys will be there tomorrow morning.” Mind you, this would be Saturday morning! His team showed up, worked their tails off and got us up and running again. This is who and what Shara is about. They aren’t a company who just builds your pool. Sahara is a company who takes care of their customers. Loyalty! To anyone considering a new pool feel free to reach out.

Being able to take care of our customers is what our business is all about. Whether it’s designing and building a custom pool or outdoor patio, or swooping in to fix an issue at the drop of a hat, we’ll be there for you.

To find out what we can do for you, request your Free Consultation to speak to us today.

Pool Care, Weather

Preparing Your Pool for a Hurricane

With Hurricane Harvey quickly approaching the Texas coast, and the Katy and overall Houston area anticipating heavy rainfall anywhere from 15-25+ inches, it’s time to do some hurricane pool preparation to protect your investment and get things back to normal quickly and easily.

Do NOT Drain Your Pool

First thing’s first… do NOT drain the pool. This applies before AND after the storm. Depending on the amount of rain or flash flooding that occurs in the area, your pool may overflow. Let it. The water in the pool will help to reinforce the walls and floor against any outside pressure caused by overly saturated ground.

Shock it Beforehand

Give your pool an extra dose of chlorine to “shock” it and let the system run for a few hours for good circulation. This will prep the pool for the extra rainwater. You’ll want to get it more toward a 7.2 pH level.

Clear the Pool Area of Items

As most people would naturally assume, clear the area of any patio furniture, floats, toys, etc. that could be damaged in the storm or find their way falling into the pool. If you can’t bring them inside, see if you can weight them down or move them to a more sheltered area, such as under a patio cover, close to an outside wall.

Cover at Your Own Risk

Depending on the severity of the storm, covering your pool to keep out debris could cause costly damage to the cover itself. In many respects it will be easier to simply remove any debris that enters your pool versus risk damaging an expensive pool cover.

Disconnect Power and Protect Your Pool Equipment

The easiest method would be finding the main breaker dedicated to the pool and turning it off. Once you have safely disconnected power, you can do a combination of things to protect your pool equipment. Use a waterproof wrap to cover your pool pump and any exposed equipment. If possible, you could remove your pump and bring it indoors to protect it from damage. If your pool’s pump is submerged in water, it could lead to permanent damage.

After the Storm Passes

Whether it’s a hurricane, tropical storm or just a major series of downpours, you’re going to be faced with some pool cleanup. You’re going to want to get started soon in order to avoid any potential staining due to debris and imbalances in the pool’s chemistry.

As stated above, leave the water in the pool. Also keep the power turned off to your pool equipment for the time being.

Next, start with any large pool debris, such as branches, leaves, your neighbor’s patio umbrella, etc. Use a leaf rake skimmer to get leaves and such off of the pool’s floor.

Dry Out Your Equipment before Turning Back On

Uncover your pool equipment and let it air dry for a day before restoring power to the system. If you removed your pump, go ahead and reinstall.

Once dry, turn the filter pump on and let it run for most of the day. It will take a few days to get everything nice and clear again. Backwash the filter as needed to keep things flowing efficiently.

Restore Chemical Balance and Add Chlorine

At this point, you can work to adjust the pH and other levels to get them back to their normal points. Check levels daily.

Another shock will be due to protect against the storm water. If your water is discolored due to dirt and debris, you can use a flocculant to draw the solids to the floor for vacuuming. A phosphate remover will also help counteract the effects of soil in a flooded pool.

Alternatively, you can have a professional come out and perform a thorough check of your pool equipment and begin treatment to restore normal operation.

Safety First

As with any major storm, the safety of you and your family and friends is the most important part. If you are uncomfortable or unsure of how to handle the preparation or clean up of your pool, especially with regard to the electrical equipment, consult a professional or experienced person to either guide you through the process in detail, or perform the work themselves.

Be safe out there!

Pool Tips

How Long Should You Run Your Pool Pump

Your pump is one of the main pieces of equipment that helps keep your pool water clean and balanced. It is important to run it daily to ensure there is enough water circulation. Stagnant water promotes algae growth along with warm temperatures.

With that being said, consider extending the time you are running your pool pump during the warmer months in the summer. During the cooler winter months, you can get away with a reduced run time as bacteria and algae are also less active during this period.

To determine how long per day you should run your pool pump, first check your pump’s turnover rate. The turnover rate refers to the period of time in which the pump is able to circulate all the water in your pool. You can find this out by dividing the pool volume with your pump’s filtration rate, and then multiplying by two.

To find out your pool’s volume or capacity, you can ask your pool builder. Or you can also find out yourself. This process requires pool measurements – average depth, length, width, and finally the amount of water it can hold per cubic foot, which varies depending on the shape of your pool. Multiply these measurements together and the product would be the volume of your pool in gallons.

Aside from the pool volume, another factor to look into is the size of your filter. If your pump size is large for your pool (2hp+), then you can reduce the pump run time.

Normally, a pool pump would complete 2 to 3 full cycles in a day. The downside though with running your pump 24 hours every day is that this costs a lot. At least one complete cycle a day could be enough, taking into consideration the weather condition(s) and pool usage.

Reducing operation time for your pump also allows you to save on your electric bill. The professionals at Sahara always recommend investing in a pool pump timer. You can help your pool pump perform efficiently by ensuring regular pool maintenance and that includes cleaning your pool filter.

If you have any questions about how long to run your pool pump, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Uncategorized

The History of The Swimming Pool

You have seen above ground and in-ground pools your entire life, but have you ever thought about the history of swimming pools?

People have been swimming since 2500 BC in Egypt! In the years that followed, swimming as a pastime spread to Assyria, Greece and Rome. The Greeks held swimming races while Romans built their baths and in-ground pools separately. It is said that Gaius Maecenas may have built the first heated swimming pool in the 1st century.

In Japan, there is evidence of swimming races as early as the 1st century. By the 17th century, swimming lessons were mandatory in schools. There was a distinct lack of swimming in Europe until the late 17th century, when people swam at sea-side resorts. By the mid-1800s London had indoor in-ground pools for recreation and sports.

The first swimming championship was held in Australia in 1846. It was a 440 yard race that was held annually in the years that followed. By 1869, London had founded the first club for enthusiasts of the sport called the Metropolitan Swimming Clubs of London which became the Amateur Swimming Association. The ASA is an organization that still runs today.

Swimming became an internationally recognized sport when it was included in the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896. The 100 mile and 1200 mile events were won by a Hungarian swimmer named Alfréd Hajos.

Back in the U.S. there was plenty of history happening with swimming that included a president swimming in the nude and an underground pool. For starters, did you know which founding father invented swim fins? That would be Benjamin Franklin. When he was 11 years old he invented a prototype of the swim fin. Although the pair was made for his hands, the concept would later be applied to footwear.

John Quincy Adams, our sixth president, preferred to deal with the stresses of presidency by going skinny dipping at 5 AM in the Potomac River. As for the underground pool? In 1933, money was raised so a pool could be built for president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as part of his therapy for polio. Then in 1970 a room was built above the pool for press briefings. That room is still used for press gatherings to this day, although the swimming pool has been covered. Of course, they still have their outdoor swimming pool which was built in 1975 by Gerald Ford.

Swimming has such a long and interesting history. If you are thinking about building an in-ground pool, contact the professionals at Sahara today!

Pool Tips

Easy Ways to Decorate Your Pool for Halloween

Halloween is just a few days away, and even your pool can get dressed for the occasion! What’s more fun than an outdoor swimming pool party on Halloween? Take a look at some awesome things you can do to decorate your swimming pool for the holiday.

Pose plastic skeletons 

Position them as if they’re real people lounging on deck chairs, sitting on the pool slide or dipping their bony toes into the shallow end. Finish the look with carved pumpkins and battery-operated candles glowing around the pool deck.  

Stretch spider webs around the pool

Use fake spider webs and place fake giant spiders in the webs. Add smaller spiders on the pool deck for a creepier effect.

Blow up a number of latex gloves

Add multiple white glowsticks inside, tie the end and float the hands in the water. The dismembered hands effect adds a great spooky effect to your pool.

Place battery-operated candles in plastic pumpkins 

Float them on the pool’s surface for a festive Halloween look. It’s quick, easy, and very affordable!

You don’t need to do a lot to create a great Halloween scene in your swimming pool. Use some of these simple suggestions and transform your backyard into a spooky landscape for your Halloween party!

Have a safe and happy Halloween from everyone at Sahara Pools!

Pool Tips

5 Steps To Enjoy A Spa In Time For Cooler Weather

Spas provide many benefits other than just the enjoyment of warm, massaging water. Spas can aid in joint pain, muscle soreness, sleep and can even reduce stress. This can come to fruition this fall or winter if you start purchase process now.

Sahara Pools offers more than just custom built swimming pools – we offer custom in-ground spas too! To help you through the spa consideration process, we’ve provided a list of 5 steps that will help you be on your way to enjoying your spa during cooler weather.

  1. Location, Location, Location

You may already have a place in your backyard, patio or home that you wish to have the spa installed. If you’re not sure where the best place is, a Sahara Pools professional can help you find the best location. The great thing about a spa is that even if you don’t have enough room to fit a pool, you can likely fit a spa!

  1. Choose a Design

Sahara has many, many in-ground spa designs. Our square designs have a modern look with sleek lines whereas our round designs offer beautiful curvature. All Sahara Spas have strategically-placed jets to create an ideal place for practicing a variety of calming, comforting and healing routines. All spas are available with spillovers that provide stunning cascading water.

  1. Choose a Color

Sahara Pools’ spas are available in the same beautiful plaster colors as our pools. Each color has a built in sparkle that looks like diamond shimmering across the water. These colors not only look beautiful, but they also have excellent UV and chemical resistance.

  1. Landscaping & Outdoor Decor

You can make your spa space unique and your own with the right landscaping. When you look out at your spa, landscaping can add to the stunning and aesthetically pleasing look. It’s never to soon to start collecting ideas and plan out how you envision this space. Decor can also add to this space by choosing the furniture, color schemes and decorations that complement your spa.

  1. Contact Sahara Pool Builder

The professionals at Sahara Pools can assist you throughout this process, ensuring you have a spa that fits your needs and desires. Contact the professionals at Sahara Pools today!

Uncategorized

Pool Safety in the Winter

It’s the beginning of fall in Katy and winter is right around the corner. Whether you want to heat your pool up so you can swim despite in the colder weather, or you simply want to keep your pool in sparkling clean, the pool pros at Sahara Pool Builder have compiled a list of tricks and tips to keep everyone and everything – safe.

Be Sure to Balance the Water

When it comes to protecting your pool from cold weather, there is nothing more important than making sure the chlorine levels are correct. Before closing up your pool for the winter, it’s important to bring the chlorine level up to 9-13ppm (parts per million). It is very important to make sure the chlorine, alkaline and calcium levels are balanced. This is your greatest tool against algae buildup or plaster corrosion.

Don’t Forget About the Heater

Planning to skip winter swimming sessions? Then you will need to take care of your pump(s) and heater. First, start by disconnecting the filter and pump. It is important to drain out any trapped or isolated water, as well as removing all drain plugs. Make sure you drain your heater with the same thoroughness.

If you live in an area that is prone to frequent freezing weather, think about your pool’s equipment like this: without any water trapped in your pump and/or heater, it cannot freeze. If it cannot freeze, you don’t have to worry about expensive damage come the spring.

You will want to protect your family by doing the following:

Make sure you purchase a high quality pool cover to protect from debris and the possibility of freezing temperatures. Make sure your pool cover is clean by inspecting it regularly. If you wanted added security or protection, install a pool alarm. You can view our article about pool alarms here.

So if you are planning on swimming during the winter, or if you simply want to keep your pool safe and healthy while it is closed down until spring, follow our guidelines for safe and happy pool!

If you have any questions about winterizing your pool, please contact the pool professionals at Sahara Pool Builder and they will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Uncategorized

Why Your Own Pool is Better than a Public Pool

If you are thinking of getting an in-ground swimming pool, here are five great reasons that having your own pool at home is better than going to a public pool. If you want to speak with one of highest rated pool builders in the Katy area, contact Sahara Pools today!

Your Pool Is Open 24/7

Owning a private pool is the best option when you want to go for a swim anytime, day or night. It’s especially great if you work long hours and you’re never sure when you’ll get a chance to go for a dip.

Safe and Clear Water

In 2015, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) found at least one serious health and safety violation in almost 80% of public aquatic venues. This includes waterparks, neighborhood pools and fitness club pools.

When you invest in your own pool, you are in charge of the chemical balance and regular maintenance. The upkeep of a swimming pool is easy once you have the basics down. You can read many other posts about pool maintenance here.

Convenient Backyard Pool Parties

Once you get a pool, your house instantly become the go-to option for get-togethers! Having a party at a public pool or waterpark involves a lot planning, scheduling and costs money.   Having people over at home much easier!  You can quickly schedule a party by making a few calls or sending a few text messages.

The Fitness Benefits of Swimming

There are many exercises you can do in a pool that don’t involve swimming. Pool activities are very low impact and give you a good, full body workout. Multiple studies have shown that owning your own pool encourages a healthier lifestyle for the entire family.

The Privacy of Your Own Home

The best part about having your own pool is that you can be yourself and feel totally secure. There’s no dress code, nobody watching you and no unruly kids. So instead of going to a public pool or waterpark for your next semi-vacation or celebration, why not bring all the fun and relaxation in your own home.

With the benefits listed here, getting your own pool may be one of the best decisions you’ll make for you and your family. Contact Sahara Pool Builder today for a FREE design consultation.

Pool Tips

Considering Closing Down Your Pool?

The professionals at Sahara Pools want you to think twice before deciding to close your swimming pool this winter. Yes, we live in the Greater Houston area, and yes the winters are very mild, but we  still get a lot of calls from our customers asking if they should close down their pool.

Here are some benefits of keeping your pool open year round.

Visual Effects: You have made your pool the centerpiece of your backyard, so why cover it five months out of the year? We highly suggest that you consider our year round maintenance program that will keep your backyard looking great with a pool that will be crystal clear.

Cost Benefit: Keeping your pool open year round costs just about the same as paying a company to correctly close and re-open your pool. Keep in mind that stagnant, untreated water causes algae and a chemical imbalance, which takes a toll on your pool’s plaster and equipment.  When closing your pool, you are increasing the risk of having both a pool filled with algae and costly equipment repairs.

Protect Your Investment: Multiple studies have shown that when a swimming pool turns green, the untreated water deteriorates the pool’s plaster.  Closing your pool year after year may result in half the life expectancy of your pool’s plaster.  Why take the risk?

Properly closing your swimming pool is very important. Improper closings can cause damage to the pool shell, cracks in the plumbing and structural issues that can cost thousands of dollars to fix. If you do decide to close your pool this coming winter, it is important to contact the pool professionals at Sahara. Our experienced pool technicians can help you make sure your pool is properly closed and stays clean. To schedule a consultation, please call us at (281) 221-4099 or click here to send an online request.

Pool Tips

How Sahara Pools is one of the best Pool Companies in Richmond Texas

Have you noticed the amount of new pool construction companies in Richmond area? Now that you are thinking about designing and installing a new pool, how do you decide which company to choose? We narrowed down the top four reasons why Sahara Custom Pools should be your choice for new swimming pool installation in Richmond Texas.

Quality of Service

Sahara was founded on the values of superior customer service and offering high quality design, installation and pool maintenance service that customers can rely on. As our customer, you will always receive the best customer service possible. Our sales team, design team, installation crews and pool technicians, are friendly, professional and can answer any questions you have in regards to your pool. The pool professionals at Sahara Pools are CPI and CPO certified. For added piece of mind, we are fully insured.

Pools you can Afford

The Sahara sales team offers customized pool design services that meets both your pool needs and your budget. Our main focus is providing a quality product and the best customer service possible.

Services Provided

Sahara Pools offers a wide range of services including custom pool design, pool and deck remodeling, covered patio construction, outdoor kitchens, weekly pool maintenance and much more. Our expert technicians are friendly and knowledgeable and will help you transform your backyard into a paradise getaway.

Customer Reviews

It’s 2016 and everyone is writing an online review about something. It is normal for consumers to check other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc. to learn more about a company. Sahara Pool says, please check our reviews….all of them! Our great customers have left us many great reviews and we are proud to be of service to them.

If are in the Richmond, Katy or Cypress area and you would like to speak with us regarding new pool construction, weekly maintenance or if you have a few questions about your existing pool, please call us at (281) 221-4099 or fill out an online consultation form. We are here to serve you!