9 Jun

Pool Chlorine Boosters Help You Save Money.

by /   Chemicals / 0 comments
Pool Chlorine Boosters. Maximize Your Sanitizer’s Life and Minimize Your Cost. Previously, I discussed four key components of balanced pool water: proper pH, Total Alkalinity, Cyanuric Acid, and Calcium levels. When these are all in their proper ranges, pool chlorine life is lengthened. That’s...
Continued
5 Jun

Pool Chlorine, Water Tests, and Saving Money

by /   Chemicals / 0 comments
It is well documented that there will be a pool chlorine shortage this summer. Make that, there IS a chlorine shortage, right now! A fire that destroyed a major chlorine production facility in Louisiana has reduced available chlorine nationally by over one-third.  Therefore, it...
Continued
27 May

Swimming Pool Filter Options.

by /   Filters, swimming pools / 0 comments
If you are searching for a replacement swimming pool filter for your existing pool, you have options. Don’t be afraid to change systems if you haven’t been satisfied with the old one. Here, we’ll explore three different options. Sand Filters.  Sand filters are as...
Continued
15 May

Above Ground Pools. Things to Consider.

by /   Uncategorized / 0 comments
Having an above ground pool in the back yard is a dream for many. It’s like enjoying a vacation at home all summer long. But, to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience, there are pre-purchase things to understand. Are you permitted to have a...
Continued
29 Apr

Outdoor Patio Furniture. Tubular Options

by /   Furniture / 0 comments
Outdoor Patio Furniture. Understanding Traditional Tubular Options. If you are considering getting a new set of outdoor patio furniture for the deck or patio, you have lots of options. There’s all-weather wicker, cast aluminum, stone or synthetic tables, poly, and even wood. The list...
Continued
17 Apr

Pool Chlorine Makes a Difference

by /   Chemicals / 0 comments
Pool Chlorine Makes a Difference in Water Quality. Choose Wisely. In a previous blog, I assumed that most readers don’t want a rehash of high school or college chemistry. I’ll stick to that and gently discuss why some pool chemicals are better than others...
Continued
27 Mar

Saltwater Swimming Pools

by /   Chemicals, swimming pools / 0 comments
Saltwater Swimming Pools. It’s Time to Take the Plunge! I admit that I was looking for a pool-related pun for this blog title and considered several options. I settled on ‘take the plunge’ because that’s exactly what thousands of happy swimmers do every year...
Continued
4 Mar

Picnic Tables Without Splinters

by /   Furniture / 0 comments
Growing up, my family had a wooden picnic table. We seldom used it as a dining table, however, it was a fun place to sit and talk. We had to be careful though, as a shift in position or a ‘slide-over’ request could result...
Continued
16 Feb

So…is it a Hot Tub or a Spa?

by /   Hottubs, Spas / 0 comments
The terms ‘hot tub’ and ‘spa’ have evolved over the last 60-years or so. However, they are really the same thing…right? Not really. It’s a name-game, and I personally blame it on the internet and the advent of search engines. You may have already...
Continued
25 Jul

Covid-19 July 25th Update

by /   News, Uncategorized / 0 comments
On May 12th Ohio allowed retail stores to open back up, though with mandates in place that were designed to protect both customers and employees alike. From the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Eastgate Pools has followed Ohio’s mandates as closely as possible. As...
Continued
28 May

May 28th Update

by /   News, Uncategorized / 0 comments
On May 12th Ohio allowed retail stores to open back up, though with mandates in place that were designed to protect both customers and employees alike. From the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Eastgate Pools has followed Ohio’s mandates as closely as possible. As...
Continued
11 May

Eastgate Pools & May 12th

by /   News, Uncategorized / 0 comments
As most of you are aware, on May 12th Ohio allows retail stores to open back up. While there will still be some limitations and some mandates that will need to be followed, May 12th will mark our next step going forward towards a...
Continued
2 May

Another Big Step Forward!

by /   News, Uncategorized / 0 comments
Another Big Step Forward! With Governor DeWine’s May 1st announcement of the new ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ order, we are pleased to announce that we are now permitted to schedule appointments for customers that wish to visit Eastgate Pools & Spas to shop for above-ground...
Continued
29 Apr

Good News!

by /   News, Uncategorized / 0 comments
Good News from Eastgate Pools & Spas! When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, we temporarily closed the store to customer traffic, even though we were technically permitted to remain open in a limited capacity. We chose to protect our associates and customers the best...
Continued
9 Apr

Our 40th Anniversary Sale

by /   News / 0 comments
With the Ohio stay-at-home order in effect until May 1st, we regret to announce that we will be unable to hold a full-blown, in-store version of our annual Anniversary Sale extravaganza. It was scheduled for April 24th, 25th, and 26th, and for everyone here...
Continued
8 Apr

Crazy Times

by /   News / 0 comments
Right now, life seems like a bad horror movie. It doesn’t even seem possible how much life has changed in a 2-week or so period due to Covid-19. I feel like most if not all of us are just along for the wild ride....
Continued
27 Mar

Crazy Times

by /   General / 0 comments
Right now, life seems like a bad horror movie. It doesn’t even seem possible how much life has changed in a 2-week or so period due to Covid-19. I feel like most if not all of us are just along for the wild ride....
Continued
3 Mar

Cantilever Umbrellas to the Rescue!

by /   Uncategorized / 0 comments
Are you looking for something that can make your backyard bearable in the summer? Occasionally we have customers looking for an awning to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun. We don’t carry awnings, but we have a much better, more flexible...
Continued
3 Mar

#CheckIt4Andretti?

by /   Uncategorized / 0 comments
Yesterday I learned of the passing of my all-time favorite race car driver, John Andretti. John was only 56 years old. He passed away on January 30th after a 3-year or so battle with colon cancer. My understanding from the many stories written about...
Continued
12 Feb

Cantilever Umbrellas

by /   General / 0 comments
Are you looking for something that can make you back yard bearable in the summer? From time to time we have customer coming in looking for an awning to protect them from the sun. While we don’t carry awnings, we have, what I think...
Continued
7 Feb

Coming Attractions

by /   General / 0 comments
What many people don’t realize is just how early the buying cycle begins for the next casual furniture season. By July the next year’s casual furniture purchases are being made. As part of that buying process many outdoor furniture manufacturers head to the Merchandise...
Continued
1 Feb

#CheckIt4Andretti?

by /   General / 0 comments
Yesterday I learned of the passing of my all-time favorite race car driver, John Andretti. John was only 56 years old. He passed away on January 30th after a 3-year or so battle with colon cancer. My understanding from the many stories written about...
Continued
24 Jan

Coming Attractions

by /   General / 0 comments
While there are lots of great new collections and pieces heading to Eastgate’s casual furniture displays for the 2020 season, I am super excited about  our Gathercraft Alassio. One of the reasons that I am so high on the Alassio collection is that it...
Continued
5 Jan

2020 – Happy New Year

by /   General / 0 comments
Hard to believe it is 2020. Seems like just a blink of an eye ago it was getting ready to change from 1999 to 2000. The worry about impending doom and gloom for computers. Y2K, I believe is what the term was. So long...
Continued
28 Nov

Mira Recreation Series

by /   General / 0 comments
We have been carrying the Mira line of spas for about 10 years now. They have always been a popular sellers because of their tremendous value. Mira has widened their product lines extensively over the years and they have gotten better all time. Our...
Continued
16 Nov

How Do You Recover From Your Hobbies?

by /   General / 0 comments
Recently for my 52nd birthday my wife bought me a propane forge. I have developed an interest in blacksmithing. After a short time trying my hand at my new hobby I realized I’m not as young as I used to be. After three or...
Continued
7 Nov

Coming Attractions

by /   General / 0 comments
The weather is getting cooler and each day more and more pools are being closed. But that doesn’t mean that nothing much is going on around Eastgate Pools. After all, spring 2020 is closer than it seems and we have been prepping for it...
Continued
1 Nov

Furniture Closeouts

by /   General / 0 comments
The weather is cooling down, but our patio sales are warming up. This time of year, one would think that the interest in patio furniture would start to slow, well this doesn’t seem to be the case. Customers are looking for quality furniture at...
Continued
25 Oct

Are We Going For The Record?

by /   General / 0 comments
Let me start by saying that I am a Bengal’s fan, and have been my entire life.  After the whole “New Dey” emphasis during the pre-season, this regular season is turning into the same sad old Sundays. So let’s see if we can make...
Continued
24 Oct

The Teabag Pool Cover

by /   General / 0 comments
We discuss with customers the importance of removing the excess water from the pool cover, but I think we need to make people mindful of removing excess leaves as well. As leaves break down they begin to release tannic acid, the same acid that...
Continued
20 Oct

This Date in Reds History: October 20th

by /   General / 0 comments
Im sure some Reds fans know exactly what happened on October 20th of 1990.  But others may not know what happened on this important day in Reds history.  Lets just start with Jose Rijo was on the pitching mound for the second time in...
Continued
19 Oct

Cool Weather Companion

by /   General / 0 comments
Mother Nature sure likes to play mind games sometimes! Just a week or so ago it is 90+ in October and the air conditioners are running full blast. A cold front moves thru and presto, there are frost warnings. I would say only in...
Continued
14 Oct

The Nature Show Continues

by /   General / 0 comments
A while back, I wrote about a family of hawks who have lived in my neighborhood the past two years (or maybe longer) and what a thrill it has been to watch them raise a family both years. Their nature show continues. The past...
Continued
25 Sep

Exposing The Jet Myth

by /   General, Hottubs, Spas / 0 comments
Back in 2004 when I began my career here at Eastgate Pools we carried a brand of spas that focused on performance and durability, not showroom pizazz.  For cost reasons that manufacturer is no longer part of our product offering, but one of their...
Continued
6 Sep

Giving Tough News

by /   General, swimming pools / 0 comments
In most cases, installing a swimming pool is making a family’s dreams come true. And that is a fun part of being in this business. What isn’t so fun is going out to install the pool only to find out that the yard cannot...
Continued
27 Aug

Spas Are Not Miniature Pools

by /   General / 0 comments
Pool water. Spa water. Pretty much the same thing, right? Wrong! Spa water is a lot different than pool water and there are several reasons why. Number one is the water temperature. A pool generally will be kept somewhere from the mid-70’s to mid-80’s...
Continued
16 Aug

Pool Kings

by /   General / 0 comments
Eastgate Pools has built its reputation on building beautiful back yard pools at an affordable price. There is a show on HGTV called Pool Kings and they specialize in extremely high end projects. While Eastgate Pools does not specialize in building custom waterfalls, rock...
Continued
13 Aug

Swim And A Show

by /   General / 0 comments
Recently my wife and I were lazily floating in the pool on our water noodles when we were treated to a nature show in the treetops of our backyard. For the past two years, there has been a pair of hawks nesting in a...
Continued
8 Aug

Simpler Days

by /   General / 0 comments
On these hot summer days it makes me think back to my childhood when summer days were so simple. We didn’t worry about air-conditioning, or the price of gas. We cranked up homemade ice cream by hand on the back porch, and spent days...
Continued
5 Aug

Who Dey!!

by /   General / 0 comments
As many know from some of my previous blogs and those that I work with, I am a huge Cincinnati Bengals fan and a season ticket holder.  I have taken my soon to be two year old son to more than a dozen bengals...
Continued
1 Aug

Coaching The Young

by /   General / 0 comments
This past year I had the pleasure of coaching an AAU league basketball team with my best friend Sam, and his dad Rick. We had an 8th grade team that finished with 12 wins out of 40 total games, and if you ask me...
Continued
31 Jul

Sled dogs: Siberian Huskies

by /   General / 0 comments
Intelligent, strong willed, stubborn Who love dogs? My Husky is my best friend, the best companion a girl could ask for, and her name is Khaleesi. (Where are my Game of Thrones fans at?!) She’s definitely a queen, always getting what she wants. She’s...
Continued
28 Jul

The Problem With Social Media

by /   General / 0 comments
When you see the included photo, do you see three, that’s three rocks? Neither do I which is good. Means my yearly eye appointments are keeping my vision acceptable or it means I learned to count at some point. Or both! The reality is...
Continued
23 Jul

Time Goes Fast

by /   General / 0 comments
But you never really realize how fast until there are milestones that are surpassed, or you have a moment of quiet reflection. It seems that we are so busy in the track meet that is our daily lives that we do not have the...
Continued
18 Jul

Yes, It is important.

by /   General / 0 comments
So, your pool water is perfectly clear. Is it really necessary to check the water balance and adjust it as needed? After all, the water looks great, how can there be anything wrong with it? YES, it is necessary!!!! And clear isn’t the end...
Continued
13 Jul

Help! My Pool Is Green!

by /   General / 0 comments
It happens. No one means for it to happen, but it does. You go on vacation and the pool sitter doesn’t “sit” the pool. Life just happens and you have a million other things vying for your attention. The weather became cool and wet,...
Continued
10 Jul

Welcome To The Family!

by /   General / 0 comments
Asher Ryley Owen Stith. We’ve added our newest blessing to our family April 9, 2019! The little guy was too impatient, just like his mommy, and decided to arrive three weeks early! Weighing a whopping 7 pounds 8 ounces and 21 inches long! So...
Continued
3 Jul

Homegrown Tomatoes

by /   General / 0 comments
The end is near. It is almost time to forget about those nearly tasteless imposters that I am forced to put up with during way too many months of the year. Yes folks, it is almost time for homegrown tomatoes. And I am pumped....
Continued
27 Jun

Rain, Rain!

by /   General / 0 comments
I am not one of those people that has my nose in my phone or computer screen all day, though I certainly know the type well, and I admit to still getting most of my news the old fashioned way, so maybe I will...
Continued
15 May

The Learning Never Stops

by /   General / 0 comments
I’ve been in the pool business for 15 years now and in the outdoor leisure industry for even longer than that.  As with anything, offerings and information are constantly evolving, and new improvements continue to make pool and spa ownership even easier.  What I...
Continued
9 May

Crab Shells For Clarity?

by /   General / 0 comments
One of the most common concerns with pool and spa water is the clarity of the water.  Nothing is less inviting than cloudy water.  What is even more frustrating is trying to address that cloudiness and it can crop up at the most inopportune...
Continued
2 May

What’s New Big Green Egg Part 3!

by /   General / 0 comments
In the last part of “Whats New” we will take a look at the new Egg Genius.  The EGG Genius effortlessly controls the temperature of your EGG through your smartphone, tablet or computer. Remotely manage and monitor cooking temperatures for worry-free cooking and monitor...
Continued
1 May

What’s New Big Green Egg Part 2!

by /   General / 0 comments
In the second of three “Whats New” we will take a look at the Eggspander Kit. Unleash your culinary creativity with the ultimate expansion system for the Big Green Egg! The NEW Big Green Egg EGGspander System facilitates an extensive variety of cooking setups...
Continued
30 Apr

What’s New Big Green Egg Part 1!

by /   General / 0 comments
This is the First of a three part “Whats New” series.  The first new product that we just got in, is Big Green Egg’s new Modular Nest System.  Build your outdoor kitchen one step at a time with the NEW Big Green Egg Modular...
Continued
20 Apr

Draft Time

by /   General / 0 comments
In my eyes the biggest needs for the Bengals would be: Linebacker, Offensive Line, and tight end. With the upcoming NFL draft in April, I have gone back since the draft in 2000 to see what positions and players have been selected with the...
Continued
18 Apr

Benefits of Dogs Swimming

by /   General / 0 comments
For dogs who love to swim, playing in the water has many benefits. Swimming is an all-around healthy activity for your dog. It provides everything from exercise to stimulation, and a needed release for all that energy dogs have. Exercise and PlaytimeThe most obvious...
Continued
5 Apr

Who likes meat loaf?

by /   General / 0 comments
I like meat loaf, sometimes. My family went recently to a local restaurant that served meat loaf as one of their menu options. I was skeptical but I ordered it anyway because I know multiple people that had ordered the meat loaf and said...
Continued
28 Mar

Cincinnati Red Stockings

by /   General / 0 comments
The United States consisted of 37 states. Ulysses S Grant was sworn in as President. The Golden Spike was driven into the ground in Promontory, Utah to create the first trans-continental railroad. Jesse James committed his first confirmed bank robbery. The Cincinnati Red Stockings...
Continued
20 Mar

35th Anniversary

by /   General / 0 comments
For those of you out there that loved that certain prehistoric family from Bedrock, the Flintstones, you may recall my all-time favorite episode. Its Fred and Wilma’s anniversary and Fred decides to buy Wilma a piano. As is usual, Fred gets Barney involved and...
Continued
15 Mar

Could This Be The Year?

by /   General / 0 comments
Every year it seems multiple times per year hope springs eternal that this year will be the year. Whether it is the Reds, the Bengals, the Bearcats or the Musketeers, we have that undying hope that this is the year that one of them...
Continued
7 Mar

Pothole Season

by /   General / 0 comments
No one is ever excited to think of this ongoing menace of the roads, but if you think about it it is a good sign. The freeze and thaw cycles that open these kidney rattling asphalt craters are a sign that spring is just...
Continued
25 Feb

Mother Nature

by /   General / 0 comments
The calendar still says winter and Mother Nature seems to be playing along with this script, but anyone that has been around Cincinnati any time at all knows that with a seeming flip of the switch spring can be here. Need I remind anyone...
Continued
25 Jan

Friends

by /   General / 0 comments
What makes a friend? Are they just like you? Or do opposites attract? This question came up the other night when my wife and I were playing cards with friends of ours. It was brought up that one of my best friends was so...
Continued
15 Jan

Some Fun Facts About Pools

by /   General / 0 comments
Some Fun Facts About Pools -Swimming became and Olympic event in 1896 -The oldest concrete pool was built in 1915 -The first filtration system was introduced in 1910 -Residential swimming pools became popular after World War II -The US National Swimming Pool Institute was...
Continued
28 Dec

Evolution of Heaters

by /   General / 0 comments
I personally have been in the pool and spa industry for around 25 years. A lot has stayed the same and a lot has changed. One thing that has changed a lot is the style of heaters one sees sold in the Cincinnati market....
Continued
23 Dec

Is It Time?

by /   General / 0 comments
In May of 2017 I lost a very dear friend, my favorite dog of all time, Sunny. Sunny was a yellow lab that my family adopted when he was maybe a year or so old. Now Sunny wasn’t the world’s smartest dog, though he...
Continued
20 Dec

Interesting Times

by /   General / 0 comments
This past September I attended buying group meetings and the casual furniture show in Chicago. The topic that was repeatedly brought up in meetings and while visiting manufacturer’s showrooms was the tariffs that were implemented the past few months and more which are potentially...
Continued
15 Dec

Spa Time

by /   General / 0 comments
Over the past few weeks I have noticed a big increase in the amount of spa chemicals being sold. I think most people use their spas all yearlong, but I know from personal experience that the number of times I use my spa each...
Continued
11 Dec

Why not buy a spa?

by /   General / 0 comments
Why should you buy a spa? The bigger question is why shouldn’t you? With winter coming on it’s the best time of year to relax in a hot soothing body of water. You deserve the rest and relaxation that a spa can provide. We...
Continued
14 Nov

2019 Season

by /   General / 0 comments
With winter fast approaching, we have already started getting ready for the 2019 season!! Most of our ordering for the 2019 season is already done. We placed orders in September and October 2018. That may seem crazy to order that early, but this allows...
Continued
6 Nov

How Time Flies

by /   General / 0 comments
As this pool season winds down it strikes me how quickly this season has gone by. It seems like just a few weeks ago I was cursing the rain, wondering how I was gong to get the backlog of above ground pools installed in...
Continued
30 Oct

Halloween

by /   Family, Fun Stuff, General / 0 comments
With Halloween approaching and being a mother, the main question I ask my children is “what do you want to be for Halloween?” My two older children are easy peasy. My four year old on the other hand is a little more difficult. She’s...
Continued
28 May

Memorial Day is here

by /   Family, General / 0 comments
And with it time for picnics, and family get togethers. This tradition dates back to the post Civil War era when at the end of May families would get together and clean the grave sites and surroundings of those sites of loved ones who...
Continued
11 May

Time Flies

by /   Family, General / 0 comments
We have always heard this and seen it to a certain point, but it doesn’t seem to effect us until we think back. It was just a couple years ago when I did this or that, until I look at the pictures and realize...
Continued
2 May

Suction Side Cleaner Stop Working?

by /   General, Tips / 0 comments
Suction side automatic pool cleaners, Kreepy Krauly, Zap Vac, Dirt Demon just to name a few, do a really nice job keeping inground pools and above ground pools clean. However, we occasionally receive customer inquiries about a cleaner that just isn’t moving. Since a...
Continued
25 Apr

Liner Rehangs

by /   General, Service, Tips / 0 comments
When it comes time to have your liner replaced I think it is fair to say that the main goal is to have your pool looking like new again…or as close to it as possible.  There are a lot of factors that you want...
Continued
11 Apr

Sensation Pools

by /   General, New Products, swimming pools / 0 comments
Our industry has a gap in product between the above-ground and the in-ground pool markets, the Sensation Pool fills that void with your choice of a round or oval pool, there are many sizes available. We are able to install the Sensation pool Above-ground,...
Continued
6 Apr

Ideas for spring

by /   Furniture, General / 0 comments
As the weather warms and things return to green it seems every year we are looking spruce up our outdoor living space. From the standard items of mulching and leaf clean up, to figuring out what to plant in what locations. Once you have...
Continued
2 Apr

The Winter Months

by /   Fun Stuff, General / 0 comments
It seems like on a weekly basis one of my friends is asking me if we are busy around the store. With the cold and the snow, they figure that there must not be anything to do. And while things are certainly quieter than...
Continued
30 Mar

Big Green Easter Egg

by /   Family, Food, Fun Stuff, General / 0 comments
When your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews or just your friends are all out hunting for eggs in the yard you could be grilling on the Big Green Egg. I remember in years past I would just sit back and watch a lot of...
Continued
29 Mar

What is Opening Day without the Parade

by /   Family, Sports / 0 comments
I remember not so long ago when the Cincinnati Reds were given the honor to kick off the season every year. You also always knew that before the game kicked off that same day there was a parade that wound it’s way through Findlay...
Continued
28 Mar

Mesh cover? Open your pool early.

by /   General, Tips / 0 comments
The advantage to opening a pool earlier, rather than later is that it is much easier to grow algae in a warmer pool. As the temperature increases outside and the water temperature starts warming, algae is starting to thrive. If it is left untreated,...
Continued
27 Mar

March 29th is opening day.

by /   Fun Stuff, General, Sports / 0 comments
The Reds pitch off against the Washington Nationals to start the 2018 season here in Cincinnati. And I can not wait until the MLB season starts, means the spring is here and the summer is on its way. But what will the Reds 2018...
Continued
23 Mar

Value VS. Cost

by /   Chemicals, General, Tips / 0 comments
I think this is something that we have forgotten in the grand scheme of life, that there is a difference between the two. If I need a tool that I plan on using once or twice for a specific project then I will buy...
Continued
20 Mar

Come on Spring!

by /   Family, General / 0 comments
2017. The first year for owning an inground pool and the first year for owning a pool period in quite a while. What a great year it was! From having friends and family over for impromptu grill outs and swim parties to having a...
Continued
19 Mar

I miss you buddy!

by /   Family, General / 0 comments
I just finished reading the book Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other, by Craig Grossi. I must admit, I am a sucker for books with a dog as one of the main characters. When the main...
Continued
20 Feb

Another Newbie!!!

by /   Furniture, General, New Products / 0 comments
Every year we try to freshen things up on the showroom floor.  We want to keep some of the most popular looks and introduce some items that offer something new and unique.  Over the last several years we’ve had no shortage of options for...
Continued
5 Feb

Allow Me to Introduce….

by /   Family, Fun Stuff, General / 0 comments
Emaline Rose Weaver!  Our family has grown to four with the birth of this tiny little girl on December 27th (Just in the nick of time for taxes).  At 5 lbs. 14 oz. and 19 inches long she was even smaller than her big...
Continued
5 Feb

No Time Like the Present!!

by /   General, swimming pools, Tips / 0 comments
This year, perhaps more than any other year I can recall, I found customers were just a little late to get some of the items they really needed and wanted.  Once again we sold out of Inground pool installation dates relatively early.  When that...
Continued