Latest from Pools by Bradley - Pools By Bradley

How Weather Can Delay Pool Construction

Building a new pool is an exciting time! As you witness the pool construction process, you are able to see your dream pool come to life before your eyes. As we’ve discussed before, fall and winter are the ideal seasons for building a pool here in Central Florida; however, many homeowners wait until Spring and summer to make outdoor upgrades. While there is no BAD time to build a pool, spring and summer bring wetter weather with them, which can disrupt the pool construction process. In fact, the Weather Atlas reports that from May to mid-September, Orlando has the highest amount of precipitation all year round, averaging between 3.6″ and 7.3″. Even though the temperature may be warm and pleasant, bad weather makes a surprise visit almost daily. Knowing up front what happens when inclement weather delays the construction process can make the bad news easier to digest as you’ve set realistic expectations. What is often confusing and a bit frustrating for pool buyers is that delays may be longer than the inclement weather’s duration. Unfortunately, one day of rain does not equal a one-day delay. Here are some of the key reasons why. How Construction is Affected by Wet Weather Construction sites need to be dry – and that takes time From the beginning of the pool building process, a dry construction site is required. Heavy machinery is used, such as an excavator, and in order to drive over the ground without getting stuck in mud, the soil must Read the full article...

Cleaning Your Pool After a Hurricane or Storm

Hurricane Dorian has finally passed and, luckily, didn’t make landfall in Florida. While Central Florida was spared, many coastal communities still experienced strong hurricane and tropical storm force winds. With another tropical storm in Florida’s path, and hurricane season still in full force, this topic is still on our minds. We previously talked about how to prepare your pool for a hurricane, but what do you need to do for your pool after the storm passes? The chemistry of your pool and spa is greatly affected by the rain and debris that come with heavy storms. Here’s what you need to know to properly get your pool to back to swim-worthy after a storm. Post Storm Pool Clean-up 1. Skim Leaves and Debris The very first thing you should do after severe storm is remove any floating debris on the surface of the pool as well as any that has settled on the bottom. You’ll want to do this with your skimmer/leaf net on an extendable pole so you can rake and scoop up the leaves and debris from the surface and bottom of the pool. Concentrate on the larger debris at this point as any small dirt particles will be vacuumed up later in the process. The greatest concern with leaving debris in your pool after a heavy rainfall is the growth of algae. Rainstorms bring pollen and plant matter that encourage the growth and spread of algae. Algae growth in the pool water that is left untreated for Read the full article...

Preparing Your Pool for a Hurricane

Hurricane season is “officially” here for the Orlando and Central Florida area! Although hurricane season in Florida actually officially opened as it always does this past June 1st, Hurricane Dorian has certainly gotten every Floridian’s full attention by now. According to the NHC (US National Hurricane Center), Hurricane season in Florida typically lasts through November 30th, but the vast majority of these tropical depressions and storms storms start forming closer to the end of the season, with September accounting for a majority of the season’s final total. With the forecast for Hurricane Dorian projecting landfall somewhere in Florida this coming Monday, NOW is the time for everyone to get their home prepared and ready to ensure their family’s safety should it make landfall near them. According to the latest CBS Weather updates, Dorian may be an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane when it does makes landfall. How Do I Prepare For a Hurricane in Central Florida? There are several steps you should take to prepare for a possible hurricane and, additionally, help protect your swimming pool during each and every hurricane season. What Do I Need to Do Before the Hurricane? The first step is to ensure that as much water as possible will be able to drain from your pool’s deck as rapidly and fast as is possibly can. First test how well your deck is currently draining by simply spraying the deck with your garden hose and watching how fast the water actually disappears. The objective is to Read the full article...

Pools by Bradley Partners with the YMCA

Pools by Bradley + YMCA = A Winning Team! We are thrilled to announce that Pools by Bradley has partnered with the Southeast Volusia Family YMCA and J Douglas Williams YMCA Family Center! With every pool sold, we are donating 8 swim lessons each to 2 children in need!! It’s our way of giving back and helping to get the kiddos swimming safely. During the eight 40-minute sessions, YMCA swim lessons focus on teaching children how to perform a sequenced set of skills. This includes: Exercises to help kids adjust to being in water Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water Specific safety topics, like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help Fun activities that reinforce skills The YMCA is a pioneer in providing communities the resources they need to learn the importance of water safety. It’s been over 100 years since they introduced the concept of swim lessons to the country. Now, with 2,000+ pools around the country, the “Y” provides invaluable swim skills and water safety lessons to more than a million children each year. Pools by Bradley is Here for YOU Our mission at Pools by Bradley is to design and build your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere. We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. We also want it to Read the full article...

Swimming Pool Myths Debunked

Have you ever been told you have to wait an hour to swim after eating? Or that chlorine turns your hair green? We’ve all heard swimming pool myths, and, without the right information, we believe them to be true! Some of the most common things we think we know about swimming pools are, in fact, false. Here are the most common swimming pool myths and the truth behind them. Swimming Pool Myths #1: Chlorine turns hair green False! Chlorine is not the culprit here, it’s copper! Copper sulfate is an ingredient found in algaecides. The oxidized metals in the pool water attach to the proteins in the hair shaft. The green color that results is most apparent in those with blonde (especially artificially bleached) hair but brunettes’ area also affected. While chlorine is not the bad guy here, it can damage your hair making it dry and brittle. To combat both of these effects, wet and condition your hair before going swimming. If you do end up with a green tint in your hair, don’t worry, it can be removed with a clarifying shampoo which strips the color from the hair. #2: Swimming right after eating causes cramps Semi-true. While jumping in right after you finish your meal doesn’t directly cause a cramp, the body’s digestive process may. When your stomach digests food, more blood flows to your stomach to aid in the digestion. This decreases the amount of blood going to the rest of your muscles and, if they Read the full article...

It’s National Water Safety Month

Every year, the month of May is dedicated to bringing to light the dangers of swimming, the importance of water safety and the precautions everyone should take to protect themselves and their loved ones around the water. From home pools and spas, to water parks and resorts, to public swimming and water recreation facilities, everyone should be enjoying the refreshing water – but being “safety aware” is the best way to celebrate and enjoy! The list of the benefits of swimming is a long one, from improved health to mental well-being, but with all of the joy and positivity it brings also comes responsibility. It is essential that through this responsibility we teach ourselves as well as our children to not only be safe in the water, but to respect the water as well. It is our mission at Pools by Bradley for everyone to enjoy their pool to its fullest, but most importantly, that it is enjoyed SAFELY for years to come. Water Safety Rules When Enjoying Your Swimming Pool: ALWAYS Supervise Children and Avoid Distractions Children should never be allowed to swim unsupervised at any time. MedlinePlus (Health Information from the National Library of Medicine) reports that children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. This means that the pool is not the only concern – water structures or fountains are also a hazard to children. According to the CDC, children between the age of 1 to 4 make up the majority of accidental drownings in Read the full article...

Testimonials for Pool Building Services

Pools by Bradley offers expert design solutions and innovative construction techniques to create unique pools for each of our clients. Since 1996, Pools by Bradley has received numerous design awards and honors. We have been rated as one of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S. two different times in recent years, and named the “Best Pool Company” in Orlando by Orlando Magazine several years in a row. Our design consultants know that each client’s pool is an expression of themselves, their lifestyle and their home. We offer custom built pools and spas with additions ranging from water features and lighting effects to rain curtains and water slides…the sky’s the limit! Testimonials are defined as a written declaration certifying to a person’s character, conduct, or qualifications, or to the value, excellence, etc., of a person or thing; a letter or written statement of recommendation. Don’t just take our word on how great Pools by Bradley’s services are. Read our client testimonials for yourself to see what our clients are saying about us: Pools by Bradley Client Testimonials I am personally in the construction arena, that being said I understand nothing goes perfect, that is why it is called construction. What sets companies apart is when they are faced with issues is how they handle them. Pools by Bradley was prompt and proficient at addressing any issues or concerns. I would highly recommend Pools by Bradley to anyone. People constantly comment on the design of the pool and how much Read the full article...

Interior Finishes and Your Pool Water Color

Concrete (gunite) pools provide almost unlimited customization options. It’s why we here at Pools by Bradley build pools with gunite. It takes away the limitations of cookie cutter shapes and sizes for pools, so we are able to design countless waterscapes that fit right into your individual yard and space. We can build pools to accommodate large or small spaces, sloped or flat yards, which, in the past, would have prevented the installation of a “traditional” pool. With all the customization available, there will be a lot of decisions to make, including the interior “finish” of your pool. The two main choices available are Aggregate and Plaster, both coming in a variety of colors that can be accented with different types of stone, ceramic or glass tiles, giving each pool its own unique look. Here are the main things you need to know when selecting the interior finish and the pool water color for your dream pool. Your Pool Water Color Whichever type of finish you decide to go with, one of the first things to think about is what color you want your pool water to be. There are two primary water colors for your swimming pool, blue and green, and the shades of blue or green are determined by numerous factors. The main determiner for water color is the background dye in the finish. If you want green water, the finish should be green, brown or tan. For blue water, the finish should be white, blue, black or Read the full article...

Hello Spring Open House Recap…A Wild Success!

Our first Open House for our new New Smyrna Beach location was Saturday, March 16th and it was a huge success! The weather cooperated and the crowds came. We titled it “Hello Spring” open house because it was our way of welcoming in the Spring and getting to know the community of New Smyrna Beach. We had a BBQ grill, cooked BBQ, hamburgers and hotdogs. The owners of Discount Propane were kind enough to man the grills all day. We also had a live DJ playing lots of fun upbeat music all day for everyone to enjoy. Later in the afternoon we had a Kona Ice truck come and we gave free Kona ice to everyone. The kids attending especially enjoyed the Kona ice and the kids’ corner table with activities such as stringing beaded necklaces and hula hooping. The adults enjoyed corn hole and just taking in the scene. The best part of the day was the many families that came by with their surveys asking about swimming pools. The kind folks had a chance to discuss their options, design ideas and color selections. The day went better than planned and we are hoping to do another open house this summer! Everyone here at Pools by Bradley lives and breathes our mission of designing and building your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere. We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. Our motto is “take care of Read the full article...

Movie Night….Poolside!

Summer is just around the corner which means more time spent by the pool and outdoor barbecues with friends and family. Everyone also loves a night out with friends to see a good movie. So, why not combine them all and host a poolside movie night? It might sound like a big task to take on, but it can really be as simple, or as elaborate as you want it to be. So how do you go about hosting a pool party movie night? Here are some tips for bringing it all together and creating an evening your friends and family won’t forget. Select the Movie Venue If you have enough space, and the budget, you may want to consider screening the movie on an inflatable movie screen. There are also rental options out there that come in a variety of sizes and price points. Check out this google search for options to buy or rent jumbotron inflatable movie screens. Or, you can go the free movie screen route! All you need is a large, blank wall or a king-sized white sheet. Make sure if you’re using a sheet that the wrinkles are steamed or ironed out and hang it as tout and smooth as possible. Last item needed is a projector. Again, these can be purchased or rented. You may even have a friend or family member that has one you can borrow! You may already have an outdoor TV installed, which could also work to play the film Read the full article...

Poolside Fire Features

Good news, everyone. Fire and water DO mix! In our world of custom pool building and integrated backyard designs, adding pool features (bubblers, waterfalls, sun shelves) is becoming more and more popular. One of the most popular being the addition of fire features which add a very elegant flare to any backyard. There are many ways to add flames to your pool, from fire pits and fire bowls to fire walls and outdoor kitchens. The sky’s the limit. No matter which you choose, fire features add style and warmth to your landscaping while creating a comfortable space to socialize with friends and family. Fire Features for Your Pool Fire Pits One of the most popular fire features added to backyards are fire pits. Regardless of the amount of outdoor space you have available, fire pits are a great feature in any backyard. They come in a variety of price points and are available in all kinds of materials, such as steel, concrete and brick, so you’re sure to find the design that works for your backyard oasis. They can be gas, propane or wood-burning and are most times placed or built into a sitting area; however, you can also choose to have a fire pit that is built into the pool’s perimeter wall, making it part of the pool itself, not a free-standing structure. This area becomes the focal point at outdoor gatherings and the best part is they can be used year-round! Wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket Read the full article...

New Smyrna Beach Open House

Hello Spring Open House We’ve officially opened our newest location in New Smyrna Beach with a ribbon cutting ceremony…now it’s time for a party! We would like to cordially invite you to our HELLO SPRING open house on March 16th from 10am-4pm located at 151 Wildwood Drive. We wanted to do an open house but, in true Pools by Bradley fashion, we didn’t want it to be a standard open house like everyone else does. So, we decided to do something a bit different. We are asking that anyone who comes to bring a copy of their survey so we can see what we’re working with. There may also be the possibility of having a pool designed right on the spot! Or, at the very least, we’ll get one started. We will have plenty of designers on hand for the duration of the open house, ready and eager to answer any questions, set appointments and design pools. All those who bring their site surveys will be entered into a drawing to WIN a FREE pool cleaner!! Not ready or even thinking of building a pool but curious about our new location? Please pop in and say hello and grab some BBQ while you’re at it. We’d love for you to check out our new digs and see what Pools by Bradley is all about. Don’t forget to bring the kids – we’ll have a Kona Ice truck present as well! There will be lots of other freebies to take home Read the full article...

New Smyrna Beach Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon Cutting for New NSB Location

On January 15, 2019, with much excitement, we had our official ribbon cutting ceremony for our newest location in New Smyrna Beach. There were several members of the Southeast Volusia County Chamber of Commerce who came out to show their support of our new NSB home. Our Pools by Bradley team joined in the fun too! The morning of the ribbon cutting ceremony we served coffee, bagels and donuts for all those attending. Bradley and Megan talked about the warm reception that Pools by Bradley has received from the NSB community since opening our doors and also about the building itself. Then it was time for the cutting of the ribbon. The best part was getting to use those big, giant scissors you always see in ribbon cutting ceremonies! Afterwards, all in attendance went to the local fish house for a seafood feast. Everyone was in great spirits and there was lots of talk about our new challenges in the beautiful NSB market. Why a second location in New Smyrna Beach you ask? Well, we’ve been visiting the area for years (since college) and have always loved the NSB community. We saw there was a need for a custom pool builder in the New Smyrna/Daytona beach area and, after much investigation, we were able to find the perfect location. The building we purchased was an old, dilapidated home that we completely rehabbed, and we added an addition on as well. A total fixer upper! It was a lot of work, Read the full article...

The Pool Building Process

The decision to build a pool is a big one, and building a pool is a big job! It is something that takes time and the process can be tedious, but the more informed you are, the easier it is for everyone. You’ll be giving up your backyard for a good chunk of time, around 10-14 weeks once the pool shell is shot, but we promise to keep you informed of our progress throughout the project. Our goal is to deliver you a pool as quickly as possible without compromising quality. So, what exactly should you be expecting to happen once you pull the trigger to build your dream pool with Pools by Bradley? Take a look at the steps below to learn about each phase involved in the process of building your new pool from start to finish. Project Design and Approval The very first thing you will do is have a meeting with one of our expertly trained design consultants. It is during this meeting that your design consultant will find out what exactly you are looking for, your design preferences, and get an overall idea of your vision. Every one of our clients has different tastes and we design pools specifically for each of our customers. One of our technicians will also take a detailed survey of the proposed area where your pool will be built as well as take dimensions of your home and lot. They will also examine positioning, look for any building setbacks, note Read the full article...

NOW is the Time to Build Your New Pool

Many people wonder what time of year is the best for building a new swimming pool. The answer is really anytime! However, here in Central Florida, fall and winter are the ideal seasons for building a pool especially when considering our weather. Here are some of the reasons now is the time to pull the trigger on building your dream pool. Your Pool Will Be Ready for Pool Season The excitement of your very first pool party is felt among all new pool owners. Inevitably, there will be some delays (inspections, weather, electricians); however, it is safe to say that if you start construction on your new pool in the fall or winter, it will be ready by the start of pool season. Pools by Bradly’s construction time from once the pool shell is shot is 10-14 weeks. This puts you at the perfect spot to have your very first pool party by the first day of summer! Plus, if you want to add patio furniture or pool games, fall is a good time to find them on sale. Avoid Weather Delays & Messes It’s a fact that fall and winter weather is much calmer than the spring and summer weather here in Central Florida. The storms that roll through in spring and summer can be detrimental to keeping on schedule with pool construction. In fact, according to the Weather Atlas, from May to mid-September, Orlando is hot and rainy with high rainfall averaging between 3.6″ and 7.3″ – the Read the full article...