We Did It! Tarson Pools & Spas Wins 2023 CNY Readers' Choice Award!
CNY Reader Choice Awards 2023
We are thrilled to announce that Tarson Pools & Spas has been voted the winner of the 2023 CNY Readers’ Choice Award in the pool and spa category! This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire team to providing exceptional service and high-quality products to our valued customers in Central New York.
For over 75 years, Tarson Pools & Spas has been a family-owned and operated business, building a legacy of trust and expertise within the community. We take immense pride in offering a comprehensive selection of inground and aboveground pools, hot tubs, and swim spas, along with the necessary supplies and expert advice to create your dream backyard oasis.
Winning the CNY Readers’ Choice Award is truly an honor. It signifies that our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and building lasting relationships resonates with the people we serve. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us and placed their trust in Tarson Pools & Spas.
Tarson Pools Creates Dream Backyard at Beak & Skiff Airbnb
This award serves as a tremendous motivator for us to continue exceeding expectations and providing unparalleled service in the years to come. We look forward to helping you create lasting memories and enjoyment in your outdoor space!
Jump in with some summer pool party ideas
A pool party are the epitome of summer fun. From sipping refreshing drinks to enjoying a dip in the pool, there's nothing quite like a poolside gathering. But why settle for an ordinary pool party when you can make it extraordinary? Get ready to take your pool parties to the next level with these unique and exciting ideas that will make a splash with your guests. Dive in and let your creativity flow!
- Float Your Way to Fun: Get creative with colorful pool floats for an Instagram-worthy party experience!
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Elevate your pool party game by providing an array of eye-catching pool floats. From whimsical unicorn rafts to giant pizza slices, the possibilities are endless especially with our Big Mouth pool floats sold at Tarson Pools. Your guests will have a blast lounging and posing for photos on these fun inflatables. Don't forget to set up a designated float station for easy access and let the floating fun begin!
- Dive-in Movie Night: Transform your pool area into a cozy outdoor cinema for a unique movie night experience!
Turn your poolside into a captivating movie theater. Set up a large screen and a projector near the pool, and arrange comfortable seating with cushions and blankets. Encourage your guests to bring their favorite pool floats or inflatable chairs, so they can relax in the water while enjoying a classic movie or a recent blockbuster. Don't forget the popcorn and refreshing drinks to complete the cinema experience!
- Glow-in-the-Dark Pool Party: Light up the night with a glow-in-the-dark pool party that will leave your guests amazed!
Create an enchanting atmosphere with a glow-in-the-dark pool party. Install underwater LED lights in various vibrant colors to illuminate the pool. Decorate the surrounding area with glow sticks, lanterns, and neon decorations. Encourage your guests to wear glow-in-the-dark accessories and provide glow-in-the-dark body paints for added excitement. It's a party experience that will leave a lasting impression!
- Tropical Tiki Paradise: Caption: Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with a tiki-themed pool party!
Create a slice of paradise in your backyard by hosting a tiki-themed pool party. Decorate the pool area with tiki torches, tropical flowers, and bamboo accents. Set up a bamboo bar serving refreshing tropical cocktails and mocktails. Encourage your guests to dress in Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts, and play some island-inspired tunes to complete the tropical ambiance. It's a pool party that will transport everyone to an exotic getaway!
With these unique pool party ideas, you can turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary experience that your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you're floating on colorful inflatables, enjoying a dive-in movie, embracing the glow of a nighttime celebration, or creating a tropical paradise, the possibilities for unforgettable pool parties are endless. So, dive in and let your imagination run wild! Get ready to make a splash and create lasting memories with these fun and unique pool party ideas.
Why you should reconsider an aboveground pool!
When it comes to owning a pool, many homeowners envision a luxurious in-ground swimming pool in their backyard. However, an aboveground pool can be just as beneficial, if not more so. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of an aboveground pool and why it may be the right choice for your backyard oasis.
1. Cost Effective
One of the biggest advantages of an aboveground pool is its cost-effectiveness. While in-ground pools can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install, aboveground pools typically cost only a fraction of that price. This makes them a much more affordable option for homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of a swimming pool without breaking the bank.
2. Ease of Installation
Another advantage of aboveground pools is that they're much easier to install than in-ground pools. In fact, many aboveground pool kits can be installed in just a few days, which means you can be enjoying your new pool in no time. Additionally, because aboveground pools are pre-fabricated, there's no need for heavy equipment or excavation, which can save you time and money.
3. Portability
Another benefit of aboveground pools is that they're portable. This means that if you decide to move, you can easily take your pool with you. This is especially beneficial for homeowners who plan to move in the near future or who live in areas with short swimming seasons.
4. Safety
Aboveground pools are also safer for children and pets. Because they're elevated off the ground, it's much harder for small children and animals to accidentally fall in. Additionally, many aboveground pools come with safety features such as locking gates and ladders that can prevent unauthorized access.
5. Maintenence
Compared to in-ground pools, aboveground pools are also much easier to maintain. Because they're smaller, they require less water, chemicals, and electricity to keep clean and running properly. Additionally, because they're above ground, there's less risk of debris falling into the pool, which means you'll spend less time cleaning it.
6. Customizable
Finally, aboveground pools are more customizable than in-ground pools. Because they're not permanent fixtures, you can easily add features such as decking, landscaping, and lighting to make your pool area more attractive and functional. Additionally, because aboveground pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes, you can choose the perfect pool to fit your backyard space.
In conclusion, while in-ground pools may seem like the more luxurious option, aboveground pools offer a variety of benefits that make them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of a swimming pool without the high cost and maintenance of an in-ground pool. With their affordability, ease of installation, portability, safety features, low maintenance requirements, and customization options, aboveground pools are a smart investment for any homeowner looking to create a backyard oasis.
Jacuzzi®+ @ease = Clean Water
With convenient cartridges designed to fit in your Jacuzzi® spa, FROG Minerals and SmartChlor® Technology allows you to enjoy Fresh Mineral Water® that kills bacteria 2 ways with up to 75%* less chlorine and a lot less work! Learn more about the @ease system by watching the short video below:
How many times have you thought, “this hot tub is just too much work!” We set out to change that with FROG @ease – it gives you that “ahhh” feeling of relaxation and peace of mind. FROG @ease combines sanitizing minerals with SmartChlor® Technology to kill bacteria 2 ways. The result is Fresh Mineral Water® that’s silky soft with far less odors and the easiest water to maintain because it’s self-regulating. It knows when more sanitizing power is needed and automatically delivers it. Unlike normal chlorine that is used up when you get in, SmartChlor® continues to maintain the same level which is up to 75% less than hot tubs using Dichlor (standard hot tub chlorine). That’s why we call it self-regulating. It goes to work when the hot tub needs sanitizing so there are no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels. This time-released method is also why less shock is needed to maintain the hot tub. Another major benefit of SmartChlor? No cyanuric acid buildup that makes water tough to balance and reduces the effectiveness of your chlorine.
Less Chlorine
Up to 75%* less chlorine with no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels.
Less Shocking
Only shock once a month!
Self Regulates
Self-regulates for continuous crystal clear water.
Less Odors
Easy on hot tub surfaces with less odors.
- Unique form of chlorine that works only with FROG minerals
- It’s EPA registered
- Unlike dichlor it’s slow dissolving
- It’s self-regulating by automatically delivering more free chlorine when needed
- It maintains a consistent 0.5 – 1.0 ppm free chlorine level at all times
The Jacuzzi® @ease System is available on all Jacuzzi® J-300™, J-400™ and J-500™ Series spas with the in-line cartridge holder, and J-200™ Series spas with the floating system.
Facts: Why Choose Fiberglass for Your Future Pool
As you begin to explore options for your future inground swimming pool, there are three common types of installations: Concrete/Gunite, Vinyl Liner, and Fiberglass. All three have different pros and cons that might make one better for your specific needs, however in nearly all cases you'll find that the unique aspects of fiberglass make it the most versatile, longest lasting, and highest quality pool available.
Maintenance
Fiberglass pools are by far the easiest pools to maintain. Why? The top surface of a fiberglass pool, the gelcoat, is virtually non-porous which means that it's very difficult for dirt, algae, and other contaminants to take hold in the pool surface. In comparison, concrete pool is full of nooks and crannies for algae to grab onto. Weekly brushing is required to prevent algae buildup and to keep the plaster or pebble surface free of calcium that collects on the tile line.
In addition, chemical usage in concrete pools is much higher because of the need to penetrate the pool surface to kill algae. Concrete pools require daily doses of muriatic acid to lower the pH of the water. This is because concrete is alkaline based and constantly increases the pH of pool water. Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, are inert and do not effect water chemistry in any way. Fiberglass pool owners typically spend 75% less money maintaining their pools.
Installation
Fiberglass pool shells come delivered in a single piece, and are installed by a crane. A typical installation time is 2-3 days including excavation and plumbing. Compare that to 2-3 weeks for a liner pool, and several months for a concrete pool. Fiberglass gets you swimming sooner!
Durability and Longevity
Fiberglass pools don't use a vinyl liner, so there are no costly liner replacements over the life of the pool. The surface of a San Juan Fiberglass Pool uses 100% hand laid fiberglass sheets. Using a sturdy combination of hand-laid fiberglass sheets, Woven Roving and Vinyl Esther Resin – they produce the strongest fiberglass pool shell on the market! Vinyl liners can be $4k-$6k to replace, and tears and punctures can happen from dogs getting in the pool, tree branches, patio furniture blown into the pool, etc.
Cost to Own
Check out this graphic which outlines average costs of ownership of various types of pools over a 10-year period:
Fiberglass swimming pools are great for those who:
- Have a budget of $35k and up
- Can find a fiberglass swimming pool design that meets their needs
- Want low maintenance
- Want a pool that doesn't cost a fortune in the long run
- Want a quick and relatively pain-free installation
Text or call our San Juan Fiberglass Pool specialists today at (315) 291-8800 to get a quote! Installation still available for Summer 2021!
Get ready CNY for the heat this year
It may still seem like the dead of winter ❄️, but before you know it it’ll be time to open up the pool again, or begin considering what kind of pool you might like to install. Don’t believe the myth that you can only swim 3 months out of the year in Central New York. Coronavirus is still lurking around the corners, putting a kibosh on the vacations and travel. So instead of travel to the backyard to you own personal oasis 🏝. Consider a Radiant Pool, available in above ground and in-ground models. It will not only extend your swimming season, but also save you a lot of money on your pool bill.
1. Radiant Pools are the only swimming pools made of an R-10 structural insulated panel. This creates a pool wall that will not rust or crack, is resistant to corrosion and oxidation, and forms a safe structure that will last forever. These pools are guaranteed to handle the harsh elements of CNY weather.
2. Radiant Pools are also the only pools on the market that are considered environmentally friendly as well as energy efficient. All Radiant Pools are constructed with Expanded Polystyrene and aluminum, which contain no damaging chemicals and are 100% recyclable. Radiant Pools is the only pool manufacturer recognized as an Energy Star Buildings Partner. The company is dedicated to environmentally friendly innovation.
3. Energy efficiency is important because of its effect on the environment, AND the effect on your wallet. The insulated walls of Radiant Pools are resistant to heat loss, even after the sun goes down . The wall structure also helps the pool heat up faster, allowing your pool to remain 8-10 °F warmer. On average, you can save up to 25% on pool heating costs. Plus, you’ll enjoy your pool for up to two months longer every year.
4. Once you decide to purchase a Radiant Pool it will only be a short time before you can begin planning your first pool party! Due to its lightweight structure, the installation process is much faster than other style pools. Also, Radiant Pools has a 100% lifetime warranty. We have all the details.
Purchase a pool that fits your climate. Enjoy almost 6 months of swimming in your Radiant Pool! For more information visit https://tarsonpools.com/ or give us a call at (315) 291-8800.
Get the Most Out of Your Spa This Winter ❄️
Envision this…soaking in your steamy spa, sipping hot cocoa while the snow falls lightly around you. What could be more relaxing? In order to make this relaxing moment a reality in the cold winter months of Upstate NY, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure proper operation and efficiency of your “little oasis” all winter long!
- Stock up on Supplies – Check your supplies and make sure you have an extra filter cartridge and plenty of sanitizer, chemicals, test strips, and any other spa supplies you use to last you through the winter. You don’t want to be all set to jump in and relax and realize that you don’t have the supplies you need.
- Protect Your Pipes – The winters in Central NY tend to be very cold and with this weather comes the risk of the pipes freezing in your spa. All you need to do is make sure that your spa’s freeze protection system is activated. This will help to maintain a constant water temperature even when you’re not using the spa. If your spa doesn’t have freeze protection, don’t worry, you can set your timer to cycle on for 15 – 20 minutes every hour, this will keep warm water circulating through the pipes and decrease the chances of them freezing.
- Keep it Covered – Use your insulated cover whenever you are not using your spa. This is an essential step to help reduce the amount of energy used during the winter. Consider using a thermal blanket under the cover to help keep the heat in, reduce chemical use, and decrease moisture build-up on the cover. Remember to spray your vinyl cover with a protectant to safeguard against the harsh winter weather. If your spa is in an area outside where snow can accumulate on the cover, put a tarp over the cover each time your are done using it, then if snow does accumulate, just pull the tarp off and the snow is gone. Remember to periodically inspect your cover for tears, leakage, or other deformities. Make sure your cover fits well and is in good condition as this is the number one way to preserve your spa’s cleanliness AND save on energy expenses.
- Watch the Water Level – Check the water level in your spa regularly, especially if you do not use your spa every day. If the water gets too low, the pumps and heater may stop working which may lead to freezing water.
- Maintain the Water Temperature –The colder it gets, the longer it takes for your spa to heat up. It is less expensive and more efficient to maintain the water temperature of your spa on a daily basis than it is to let it get extremely cold and then reheat it when you want to use the spa. It also keeps water from freezing in the pipes and reduces chemical use.
- Turn off Air Jets – The air jets inject cold air in to the spa, thus cooling the water and requiring more energy to heat it back up. So, during the cold winter months, keep the jets turned off. If you still want to use the jets, make sure they are turned off after every use.
- Call now for service to fix anything that’s not working 100%. It’s no fun to head out to the spa for relaxation and find out that it isn’t working. Complete a check of the entire spa and if something isn’t working, get it fixed right away.
- Add music and accessories! Make your spa area frosty and festive. With the right spa accessories, you can make your spa experience extra enjoyable. Why not add a new step, safety rail, spa caddy or a towel rack?
If you currently do not own a spa and would like more information on purchasing one or have questions in regards to the spa that you own please give us a call or text today at (315) 291-8800, or stop into our North Syracuse or East Syracuse location and we would be glad to help.
Have a great winter! ❄️
The health benefits of a hot tub
The word spa is derived for the Latin “salus per aquam, which translates as “health from water.” There are many wonderful advantages to owning a spa, but did you know it provides health benefits beyond stress relief? Whether you have a chronic condition or just need a way to relax, a spa can help enhance your life and health. Here are some conditions that can be helped with a spa:
Troubled Sleeping
Spas are a great way to reduce stress, a common variable in sleep disorders. The decrease in body temperature when you exit the spa helps induce the feeling of tiredness. It is recommended you spend 15 minutes in a hot tub about 90 minutes before going to bed in order to improve the quality of your sleep.
Circulation and Blood Pressure
The massaging jets and warm water stimulate impulses of the nerves and help with blood flow, digestion and boosts your immune system. The heat also helps open up blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.
Improved Range of Motion
As we age, we lose our range of motion. This process is gradual for some and swift for others, depending upon factors such as genetics, activity level, injuries, and the presence of any medical conditions like arthritis.
Through regular usage, your hot tub can help you restore lost flexibility and slow the natural stiffening that comes with age. The warm water of your spa works to create hydrostatic pressure—the pressure caused by the weight of fluids—on the body. This reduces joint inflammation, which in turn aids mobility. The buoyancy experienced in a spa relieves muscle tension, allowing your joints and muscles to relax and become more pliable. While soaking, you can take advantage of your relaxed state and your water-induced buoyancy to gently practice flexibility exercises.
Muscle Tension and Joint Pain
The warm temperatures of a hot tub relax your muscles and the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints. These can help with pain or discomfort associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions. Massaging jets relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce tension in your body. Having multiple jets saves time by focusing on different areas at one time and you can control their intensity to accommodate your body’s needs.
Type 2 Diabetes
Participating regularly in hot tub therapy can help with symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, such as improving sleep, lowering your blood sugar, and losing weight. The buoyancy and water resistance contribute to light exercise routines that lead to weight loss and heart health. Consult with your doctor before trying hot tub therapy in order to ensure proper practices.
There are many other benefits of using a hot tub such as releasing contaminants through your pores, providing a sense of well-being, and it can be a great way to bond with your loved ones.
If any of these benefits resonate with you, a spa is a great investment for your life. Come in or give us a call so we can help you pick out a spa that best meets your needs.
Closing Time. This pool won't be open 'til sun or heat come
Sadly, it’s that time again. The temperature is beginning to drop and it’s time to close your pool for the season. If you couldn’t make it to our pool school, we’ve got you covered. The winter ❄️ can be really brutal in upstate NY thats why it is important not to miss a single thing when closing a pool. Here are a few major things Tarson Pools service team takes care of to ensure you get the most out of your pool for the years to come ☀️!
1) Vacuum and Test 💨
The cleaner your pool is when it’s closed, the cleaner it will be when it reopens. Leaving debris and leaves in your pool increases the risk of staining and results in a higher demand for chemicals, so be thorough. Check your water chemistry to ensure it is balanced. We can do it for free here at Tarson in 5 minutes. Doing this will optimize your water balance and make sure you are getting the full potential out of your chemicals.
*If your water is green or discolored, address this before closing your pool.
2) Add Winter Chemicals 🧪
Once the water is tested and balanced, add your winter chemicals as directed. In most cases, the pump should be on. DO NOT add the chemicals into the skimmer. Allow the chemicals to circulate for 2-4 hours before continuing the process.
3) Remove Hardware 🔧
Remove all ladders, toys, diving boards, etc. Reduce wear by placing them in a dry, safe environment so you can enjoy them next season.
4) Drop the Water Level
Change the valve in front of your pump to select the Port 2 setting (the main suction line) and then set your filter to the drain (waste) position. Drain the pool water level 2-4 inches below the bottom of the skimmer.
* If you choose not to drain the pool water level, use a Blowout Extension. It allows you to reduce the force taken by the skimmer when the water freezes.
5) Filtration and Circulation Removal 🔁
Disconnect the filter, pump and heater from their lines and pull the plugs so they can drain. Store the pump indoors and use a Pump Protector to prevent seals from going bad. DO NOT place the sand filter indoors. The sand filter often weight hundreds of pounds. If the sand in the filter shifts it could result in the internals of the filter breaking. DE filters should be cleaned and acid washed before being stored indoors.
6) Blow Out Lines
Select the Port 1 section on the valve to blow out the skimmer line. Using a blower or shop-vac, blow into the valve to push all of the water out of the skimmer lines and return lines. The air will come out of the closest return line first, so plug the line with a 1.5” winter plug then move on to the next. Now that all of the lines are blown out, add nontoxic antifreeze. Use a minimum of 1/2 gallon for every line. For the main drain, which cannot be blown out, use a full gallon of antifreeze.
7) Cover Pool
Place the cover over your pool so that it comfortably fits flat on the water. You don’t want your cover to be tight or strained because this may lead to tearing. Place the water bags inside of the designated straps (on inground pools) to weigh down the cover. Fill the water bags half way to leave room for expansion. Place them end to end to avoid wind moving the cover. For extra weight, spray an inch or two of water on the cover.
Let's Explore the History of Chlorine in Pools
For the last hundred years or so, chlorine (in one form or another) has been the go-to option for pool and spa sanitation. But, have you ever wondered why or how? Over this series of posts surrounding the history of chlorine and its use in pools we're going to dive into how chlorine became the de-facto choice for water treatment, explore its role in the rise of the swimming pool, and offer some insight on newer technologies that can help to ween our dependence, and exposure to chlorine.
While there's plenty of evidence to show that the Ancient Romans and Greeks were prolific users of "public baths" (early precursors to the swimming pool), for much of western history, bathing was performed only infrequently and very few people even knew how to swim. In the nineteenth century, British enjoyed public baths in India and Japan and brought the modern concept of the swimming pool back home to England. Prior to the use of chlorine, water wasn't really "treated" at all. It was filtered through large sand filters and changed often as it became foul. In 1894, however, it was first suggested to use chlorine to disinfect water to make it "germ-free", and following a serious outbreak of typhoid fever caused by a faulty sand filter in England in 1905, chlorination became the norm. The practice made its way to the US via New Jersey's Boonton Reservoir, in 1908. By the mid-1900's waterworks engineers had mastered the use of chlorine and filtration, and educators and health professionals appreciated the value of swimming for physical fitness. All of the elements of the "modern" swimming pool were in place, and in 1910 Brown University's 70,000-gallon Colgate Hoyt Pool was chlorinated by graduate student John Wymond Miller Bunker and became the first pool to use chlorination as its primary method of disinfection. He published his findings in a paper called "Hygenie of the Swimming Pool" in the American Journal of Public Hygiene, Bunker applied hyperchlorite of lime (calcium hypochlorite) to 2L of pool water at a concentration of 1 ppm. According to the New York Times, the pool remained sterile for four days.
Chlorine kills bacteria though a fairly simple chemical reaction. The liquid chlorine solution you pour into the water (sodium hypochlorite) breaks down into many different chemicals, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl-). Both kill microorganisms and bacteria by attacking the lipids in the cell walls and destroying the enzymes and structures inside the cell, rendering them oxidized and harmless. Once the HOCl and OCl- are done cleaning the pool, they either combine with another chemical, such as ammonia, or are broken down into single atoms where they pose little to no health risk to us.
While there's more to "dive into" on the science behind how we keep your water safe and clean, keep posted for more posts as we explore pool and spa water treatment.