It’s Ho Ho Ho Time! Every year it is decreed that Thanksgiving is to be observed on the fourth Thursday of November. As such, this year marked the latest possible date it could officially be held…November 28th. There is one BIG side effect: This is the shortest traditional Christmas shopping you can have. For many, thi…

Previously in this series on the evolution of hot tubs, I mentioned an early downside of ownership: high heating costs. Forty years ago, many people stopped using their tub when cold weather arrived. For me, that’s when I want to use it the most. Snow gently falling. Jack Frost nipping at my nose. It makes me feel like…

Welcome to Part Three of my examination of how hot tubs have evolved over the past forty-years or so. I got my first one in 1986 and have upgraded three times since then and I’ve witnessed a lot of changes. Perhaps no change has been more eye-catching and attention grabbing than numbers. That’s the exploding numbers of…

In my four-part series on hot tubs, Part One addressed electronics and controls. Now, in Part Two, I look at cabinetry changes. You might ask, why would I dedicate an entire writing on hot tub and spa cabinets? I call it the 99% reason. 99%? You have a great hot tub and love your sessions and marvel about how beautiful…

Hot Tubs, Then and Now, Part 1. I purchased my first hot tub way back in 1986. Compared to today, this was the horse & buggy era for hot tubs. The big ‘innovation’ then was the option of a granite shell finish instead of marble swirl patterns. Really though, that was just the beginning in what was to come. Many of you …

A Brief History of Above-Ground Pools Giving credit where credit is due. I have been involved with above-ground pools for fifty-years. I started as an installer in 1974, collaborating with my brother in New Jersey. Eventually, I settled in the Cincinnati area and built above-ground pools sold by Eastgate Pools in their…

Helping Make Pool Care Easier If you are one of the Greater Cincinnatians fortunate enough to have a swimming pool in your back yard, congratulations! You’ve had a great way to cool off during this summer’s heat wave. Of course, the more it is used and the hotter it gets, you appreciate time and money saving technology…

Live and learn, the hard way. In 1994 and before Eastgate Pools ventured into the outdoor furniture market, I purchased a set of outdoor furniture. It was from Swallens, a discount department store that is no longer in business. It featured four swivel rocker chairs with thick cushions and a small glass-top oval table.…

Firstly, let me be clear. This article is not intended to be the end-all regarding pool safety. I just want to hit on some key issues and points that are frequently ignored or overlooked. About that service call… So, you have a service call scheduled regarding a leaky filter. You say you may not be home when we arrive,…

Don’t worry. I’m not going to tell you to avoid swimming after you’ve just eaten. Nor will I mention “Don’t run around the pool!” Nope—not going to overdo the obvious. And everyone already knows not to splash people relaxing on the pool deck, especially if they are reading a novel. Okay…maybe you didn’t know that one. …

Making Your backyard Shine Again. If you have an in-ground pool, chances are it’s the focal point of your outdoor living space. However, it’s common to need a little refreshing to keep it looking beautiful and eye-catching. It can happen to any in-ground pool, regardless of construction. Gunite pools need occasional ac…

The days are getting longer, and warmer. It will soon be time to get that ugly winter cover off the pool and prepare for summer fun. In fact, many pool owners are already removing that cover! It costs little to run this time of year and just looks so much more…summerish. Either way, it’s time to put in a little effort …

Sizing an Above-ground Pool for Your Yard Some background. This summer will mark an anniversary for me. Fifty-years ago, I built my first above-ground pool. It was a summer job while in college, and I was living in New Jersey, working with my brother. He had started an installation company several years before. I worke…

Why we build what we do. Eastgate Pools & Spas is one of the leading in-ground swimming pool builders in the region. Make that the entire Midwest. Our pools feature steel wall and vinyl liners, with expert excavation and installation teams. And with more than 4000 pools built, we know what we’re doing. But if you are c…

Thinking Summer Yet? As I see the thermometer plunging into single digit numbers, I know it’s time. Time to think warmth and outdoor fun where shorts and tees are the norm, not thermals and parkas. Okay, I’ll confess. I’m just not a winter person, but that doesn’t make me wrong, either. I’m betting there are lots of si…

Hot Tubs and Winter. Revisiting Some Recommendations. A couple of years ago, I posted the following recommendations to help safeguard your hot tub during frigid times. I’m adding some new thoughts here, too. It’s the perfect season for hot tubbing. Maybe… I’ve always thought that winter is the best time to use a hot tu…

Give Monkey Farts for Christmas! Well, that should have gotten your attention. Now, I’ll explain. Monkey Farts is the name of the most popular hot tub spa scent we sell. But it smells incredible and thankfully, nothing like the name might suggest. Last year, it was also one of our biggest sellers for Christmas gift sea…

Why the pH of your Hot Tub Water Matters The pH scale defines the level of acidity or basicity of water. It ranges from 0-14, with zero being as acidic as you can get. On the opposite end of the scale, fourteen is as basic, or alkaline, as possible. Neither is good for pools or hot tubs, with a general recommendation o…

Cold Weather Double-Check Here are some tips for pool, hot tub, and outdoor furniture owners. They are by no means all-inclusive, just some of the issues that we see pop up every year. Check these items now and avoid heartache and costs in the spring. Make sure pool equipment is protected from freezing temperatures. Th…

It’s Time to Winterize Your Above-Ground Pool As much as we hate to see it go, the outdoor swim season is pretty much over for this year. Looking back on 2023, it was a great year for backyard pool owners. We survived early spring storms then enjoyed a relatively dry, hot summer. It was perfect swim weather for most. B…