Family Fun

Family Fun Times in a Hot Tub

A primary motivation for many homeowners to purchase a hot tub is that it brings the family together. They get the opportunity to bond without the distraction of computers and cell phones. From having conversations to playing games, there are many things a family can do for fun in a hot tub. Check out a few suggestions below.

1) Safety first

Your family’s safety in the hot tub is paramount. Start by investing in additional safety features. Cover the steps leading into the hot tub with an anti-slip material. You should also think about putting up a guardrail and install jump seats to allow the kids to sit in waist-deep water comfortably and safely. You’ll want to keep a close eye on the temperature and make sure it doesn’t go above 90⁰F. A set of rules like no messing with the controls can ensure your children’s safety too.

2) Movie nights

Who says you have to spend movie nights indoors? Thanks to projectors, wireless sound systems, and projector screens, you can enjoy outdoor movie nights. Get your family out of the living room and enjoy a cozy evening in the hot tub and great movie. If you don’t have a projector screen, you can use a wall as a makeshift screen. Better yet, hook up a wireless TV and let the good times roll.

3) Have a conversation

Gather your family and friends in the hot tub and catch up on the events of the day. Ask about the highlights and challenges. Identify someone who needs help, and find a solution to their problem. There is so much you can talk about ranging from a school project and supplies needed for it to making lunches. As for the kids, don’t limit the conversation to school and friends. Talk about events and how different experiences make them feel. By establishing a communication ritual that focuses on everyone, you’ll bring the family closer.

4) Play games

Spending time in a hot tub is fun on its own, but why stop there? Games make everything better, and a hot tub presents the perfect opportunity for that. From pass the bottle and submarine to waterproof cards and board games, the possibilities are endless. Kids love battle ducks and rubber duck races. You can also try musical jets. It’s more or less like musical chairs, just with jets. Have everyone walk around the tub and when the pause button is pressed, whoever is in front of the turned-off jet has to get out.

5) Hot tub party

Consider throwing a hot tub themed party. There is no reason why it should be just kid-themed or adult-themed only. Everyone can join in. Have your kids bring their friends from school over. Make your hot tub the focal point, coordinate drinks, and food around it. Now that’s a party!

Hot tubs are a great entertainment feature as they enable you to spend quality time with people who mean the most to you. From watching movies to having conversations, there’s so much you can do for relaxation.

If you’re interested in purchasing a hot tub for your family, come see us at Smith Pools—we’ll make sure you find the perfect match for your home.

Labor Day And Fall Hour Change

Summer is coming to an end!  Smith Pools has had a wonderful Summer and hope you have too!  We will be CLOSED on Monday, September 2nd for the Labor Day holiday.

After Labor Day, we will adjust to our Fall Hours at both locations.  
M: 9 to 2
T-F: 9 to 5:30
Sat: 9 to 4
Sun: CLOSED

For the past 40 years, Smith Pools and Spas has helped thousands of Mid Southerners turn their backyards into places for family leisure and entertainment. Smith Pools and Spas continues this tradition today by building a company of loyal and professional employees who will make pool, spa, or hot tub fun for the entire family.

Tips for Hosting A Pool Party

In the scorching summer, having a pool party is an exciting way to cool down and share the joys of owning a pool with family and friends. If you want to host a successful pool party, follow the tips below. These tips are to ensure that you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Cleaning

Make sure your swimming pool is clean. Use an automatic pool cleaner to take care of the main surface areas. Then give the corners and crevices a quick examination. Get rid of any mold and wipe down the handles of the pool steps. Don’t forget to sweep the pool’s deck and to remove any rocks and other objects that could hurt your guests’ feet.

Swimming Supplies

It’s important to remind your guests to bring their bathing suits and towels if you don’t have enough in your home. Having their towels and bathing suits allows your guests to feel more comfortable during the party. Other supplies that you should make sure to have available include:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• First-aid kit
• Goggles
• Sandals

Festive Atmosphere

One of the best ways to create a festive atmosphere at the pool party is to add music. You can use a sound system or hire a band to provide musical entertainment for your guests. However, make sure that electronics are far away from the water and splash zones.

To enrich the festive aura further, consider hanging decorations or party lights. You can also provide some activities for guests that don’t want to get in the water. Activities could include lawn games, coloring books, or a deck of cards.

Also, set up a few tables and patio chairs around the pool area so your guests can make themselves comfortable and enjoy the party.

Food and Drink

With all the swimming and playing, people are bound to get hungry. You can prepare food in advance, have a cookout, or ask your guests to bring a potluck dish. It’s not a good idea to serve food that requires you to be in the kitchen for a long time. Additionally, be sure to provide water and other refreshing beverages.

Pool toys

For a more exciting experience, you can include some pool toys, especially if children are going to attend your party. Examples are rafts, floats, noodles, squirt guns, and water balloons. Water balloons can be an exciting way to get back at someone who splashes you. Floats and rafts, on the other hand, provide an excellent place to relax in the water.

Safety

You should consider the security of your guests and family when organizing a pool party. Find an artistic way to post some helpful instructions and rules, especially if children will attend. Make sure kids always have supervision.

Find out from parents if any youngsters aren’t able to swim. Keep in mind that some injuries may occur. Therefore it’s advisable to have a first aid kit around and ice packs in the freezer. If you implement these tips, you can rest assured you will have a successful and memorable pool party.

Pool Products You Should Consider for 2019

If you are looking to upgrade your pool features in 2019, then here are a few items you should take a look at!

Illuminate Your Above Ground Pool
Adding lighting to your above ground pool can add a new level of ambiance to your backyard pool.  Some careful planning and the right choice of lighting can create a magical atmosphere and transform your pool into your own private oasis. Proper lighting will also enhance visibility, so you can enjoy your nightly swim safely.

Leapfrog Mineral System
If you have a pool, you already know that proper maintenance it important. A well maintained pool increases the longevity of your pool, but it also ensures that you and your family are completely safe while using it. If you are looking for an effective system that helps keep your pool water clean, clear and soft, you should take a look at the Frog Leap Mineral System. The system also does an exceptional task of reducing the use of chlorine by as much as 50 percent.

Poolside Accessories your Pooch Will Love
The pool is a fun place to hang out for all the family, including your dog. Whether your furry friend has an instinctual need to swim or just wants to cool off, these accessories are sure to enhance the experience for you and your pet alike.

Heating Options for Your Above Ground Pool
The heat wave is winding down at last. Is your pool feeling a bit chillier too? We all love a break from the heat, but you may still want to get in a few laps before shutting down your pool for winter. A heater can help you raise the water’s temperature and keep things comfortable.

The Best Waterproof Gadgets 
Waterproof gadgets and accessories can take your pool time from fun to fabulous. Enhance your backyard parties or quality family time with these items. They’re all easy enough to pack up for an impromptu beach trip as well.

Spa Safety Tips

If you have young children, you’re probably concerned about spa safety. Unfortunately, spas aren’t always suitable for children. Babies and younger children in particular are more susceptible to heat and injury, so a spa may be dangerous.

Luckily, we have four tips to make the spa a safer experience for your little ones.

1. Height Matters

One of the major risks of spas is drowning. As a rule of thumb, young children shouldn’t be allowed in a spa unless they can stand on the bottom with their head clear out of the water.

Even if your child is big enough to stand comfortably in the spa, you should still be careful. The spa’s components could lead to serious injury. Tie up long hair or cover it completely with a swimming cap, and make sure your child’s fingers and toes stay well away from the spa’s suction holes.

2. Too Much Heat Is A Bad Thing

Young children’s bodies are still developing, so they’re simply not equipped to deal with heat in the same way us adults are.

Your child should never stay in the spa for more than fifteen minutes at a stretch. It’s also a good idea to avoid full body immersion. Have them sit on a jump seat instead.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

When you’re submerged in hot water your body’s normal cooling mechanisms don’t work, and you can quickly become dehydrated. The risk of dehydration is greater in young children, as their bodies are less equipped to deal with overheating.

Always keep plenty of fresh water close at hand and encourage your children to drink regularly, so they stay hydrated.

4. Never Let Children Use The Spa Unsupervised

Young children shouldn’t be allowed to use the spa unsupervised. At the very least, an adult should be in visual contact with them at all times.

It’s also a good idea to childproof your spa. Investing in a good quality cover will ensure your children won’t be able to use it unless you’re around.

Are you looking for safety equipment to childproof your spa or pool? Our team at Smith Pools can help make your spa safe for the entire family.