Latest from Pools by Bradley - Pools By Bradley

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...

Pool Heater Benefits

In many areas of the country, the summer months are when pool season is in full swing; however, here in Central Florida, we are typically able to enjoy our pools in Spring and into Fall. That doesn’t mean that the pool is the right temperature for everyone. Many times, kids will jump in the pool when the water is well below any temperature that is comfortable for an adult. So why not extend the pool season, backyard barbecues and get-togethers with family and friends? You can do this by installing a pool heater or heat pump! The benefit of an extended pool season is just one of the many pluses to heating your swimming pool in the winter months, and even during the summer months! Not only will you add many hours to your recreational time, but you also have a great venue for low-impact exercise. Here are just some of the many benefits to installing a heater to your swimming pool. Benefits of Installing a Pool Heater Comfortable Swimming Season Even in the summer months, heating your pool water makes for a more comfortable swim season. Depending upon your pool’s location, the amount of shade over it and if there is a pool cage around it, swimming pool water may only reach around 75 degrees. The ideal swimming pool water temperature for most people is between 82 and 84 degrees. This temperature can fluctuate further naturally due to inclement weather, which we are all used to here in Florida Read the full article...

Pool Spa Health Benefits

When building a pool, we see many people add spas to their design for a variety of reasons. Some may want a spa to relax in at the end of the day, others for the sheer enjoyment of it. Whatever the reason, there are actually a lot of health benefits to pool spas, both mental and physical. Here are a few of the benefits you’ll get out of adding a spa onto your dream pool. Better Sleep Quality sleep plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. In fact, it has been proven that maintaining a regular sleep schedule that provides quality REM sleep benefits not only your mind but also your body. It improves your immune system, rejuvenates your muscles, increases your metabolism and heightens mental alertness. So how does this tie into owning a spa? According to the National Sleep Foundation, your body will ease into sleep easier with a drop in body temperature. By raising your body temperature in a spa before bed, your body temperature will be regulated to a comfortably warm level that helps in falling asleep longer and staying asleep. Just make sure you don’t use the spa too close to when you plan on crawling into bed. Soak in your spa about 90 minutes before you plan to go to bed for around 20-30 min. This allows for your body temperature to increase and then have time to drop and ease you into a long night’s sleep. Exercise & Lower Blood Read the full article...

Understanding Different Pool Shapes

When you’re planning the design of your new pool, one of the most fun parts of the process is choosing the size and shape of your pool. There are so many options to choose from, however, that it can become a bit overwhelming. There are many factors that go into selecting the size and shape of a pool. How many people will be using the pool? What is your landscape like surrounding the area where the pool will be installed? What is your personal taste when it comes to free-flowing lines, curves or angles? Whatever your preference or large or small the number of people using is, there is a pool shape that is perfect for you! Pool Design Options Free Form One of the most popular pool shapes, a free form pool is rounded and shaped to fit right into your backyard. They come in no particular shape, but are rather molded according to the space available, the surrounding terrain and artistic preference. In line with its name, free form pools are free flowing in design and do not fit into any other category. They are also a perfect option for a yard that’s starting off as a blank slate. You are able to customize the landscaping to fit the flow of the pool, from palm trees to sun shelves…. the possibilities are endless. Geometric If you like sharp lines and clean corners, then a geometric pool design is for you. The geometric pool shape compliments many homes’ architectural Read the full article...

Christmas winter decor for your pool and backyard

Winter Holiday Pool Decoration Ideas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go! From retail stores to grocery stores, holiday decor is at the forefront and the holiday party planning has begun. And while most people in the northern states have to plan for indoor parties, here in Central Florida, we get to enjoy the outdoors almost year-round. Even if we do get a chill in the air, the weather here enables us to continue entertaining outside throughout the winter months. So, let’s continue on with the holiday decorating ideas for your pool and back yard for Christmas and New Year’s Eve! Check out these awesome tips to bring the winter holiday decor outdoors for everyone to enjoy. Christmas Christmas…it’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the children’s anticipation of Santa coming to gatherings with family and friends, it is a time to really get everyone in the holiday spirit. Check out these ideas to decorate your pool and backyard to make your Christmas party one to remember: Trim the Trees: You’ve decorated your inside tree, but how about your outdoor trees? Get some extra plastic ornaments on your next trip out and hang them on the greenery around your pool. Place large ornaments in the big trees and add colorful regular sized ornaments in your small trees and shrubs. You can even float some of the large faux Christmas tree bulbs in your pool! Watch your kids’ eyes light up when they see Christmas inside and outside. Floating Candles: Read the full article...

Maintaining your Florida Pool During the Winter Months

Caring for Your Florida Pool in the Winter Months

Maintaining Your Pool During the Winter Months As the holiday’s approach, winter maintenance for your swimming pool is probably not the main topic on many people’s minds. You also may, or may not have, heard of “winterizing” your pool. That’s because the term has different meanings depending upon where you live. In the northern states, it is somewhat common practice to drain and cover a swimming pool as the winter months approach to prevent pipes from freezing. In Florida, however, there is an entirely different set of important steps to keep our pools properly maintained year-round. The following is a list of the top four things that every Central Florida pool owner should do to maintain their swimming pools during the winter months and the beginning of the spring season. Continue to Clean Your Pool Maintaining your cleaning routine, even if you’re using your pool less or not at all, is still very important during the winter months. Leaves continue to fall this time of the year, so debris traps can become clogged and dirt can build up, obstructing your pool’s filtration system. Old leaves can also cause stains on the sides and floor of your pool and promote algae growth, both of which increase your effort and costs when swim season comes back around. Continue to keep your filter clean, use a leaf skimmer to remove debris and leaves from the pool’s surface and clean up any sunken debris with a pool vacuum. Your pool and your wallet will Read the full article...