Private Scenes

Philip Kessler

Pets and Pools: 3 Tips to Keep Them Safe

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“Pets” and “pools” make a lot of “things I’d like to have” lists around here.

If you don’t believe me, just ask any kid living in Florida and see for yourself. And, why not? Both make for great frolicking and if you combine the two… well, you’re set for an amazing life.

That’s pretty much all there is to that.

Pets love the pool too. In addition to having a huge drinking bowl at their disposal, the whole family hangs outside—his favorite environment—for long periods of time. And, I’m thinking the odds are that he’s down for all the water games.

Am I right?

If you have a pet that spends a lot of time poolside or is outdoors on its own, you need to have safety measures in place to avoid an accident.

Here are three tips to help you pet-proof your pool.

Safety features to consider

There are several ways to provide peace of mind for those of us with pets and pools.

Making sure the swimming pool is enclosed puts a boundary between pets and pools so you don’t have to worry about letting them out into the yard without you. Additionally, there are several features that will further ensure your pet is safe when he’s around the pool.

Pool enclosures and fencing

A pool enclosure prevents your pet from having access when you aren’t around. It’s the best way to ensure they don’t fall—or dive—in when they are outside on their own. Even if they love to swim, you don’t want to risk them not being able to get back out again.

There are several types of pool enclosures from which to choose.

  • Screen pool enclosure—Unlike other pool enclosures, screen pool enclosures allow for free airflow in addition to other benefits that non-screen enclosures provide. Like blocking those annoying bugs from invading your space, for instance. Pool enclosures also provide some protection from the sun, and they keep debris out of the water too.
  • Retractable pool enclosure—Retractable pool enclosures are becoming more popular but are an expensive alternative to a screen enclosure. Made of polycarbonate, they conform to almost any layout you can imagine and allow you to completely open up your pool area if you desire.
  • Inflatable pool enclosure—Inflatable pool enclosures are constructed of rugged vinyl and are designed for year-round use.
  • Pool fencing—Contractors can use aluminum, vinyl, mesh, or wood to construct your fence. Some fences are made to be removable when the pool is in use.

Whether you decide to totally enclose your poor or just fence around it, providing a barrier between pets and pools of any type goes a long way toward ensuring a safe environment at all times.

Gutter guard

Gutter guards are an important safety feature for pets and people! An open gutter is a fall hazard at best and when we look at them in relation to small children and pets, there is even a possibility that some could become entrapped.

Installing a gutter guard prevents the possibility of your pet falling into the gutter.

And, of course, they block debris, as well. So, if you have a pet that sheds a heavy winter coat, it will keep those large tufts of hair from finding their way into the gutter.

Pool ramps

Does your pool have the classic wedding cake steps to enter and exit the pool? If not, consider installing a pool ramp. They provide your pet an easy exit.

If your pool doesn’t have steps and your pet falls in, they may not be able to exit on their own. It has to do with the size of the animal in some cases. Still, a pool ramp is a good idea even if your pet can get out of the pool on his own.

Better safe than sorry applies here, right?

Pool alarms

If you have toddlers or young children, a pool alarm provides a huge sense of relief—the same can be said for pets and pools. Most pool alarms activate if anything greater than 17 pounds hits the water. When it happens, a loud alarm is set off inside the house.

Another option for pets is a Safety Turtle. These special turtles attach to your pet’s collar and if it is submerged, an alarm goes off on the turtle base station inside the house.

Safety covers

You can purchase a pool safety cover in either mesh or solid material. Pool covers stretch tightly across the pool and anchor at the sides. They prevent pets from falling—or diving—into the pool.

Doggie life jackets

Life jackets for dogs are designed to keep them afloat when in the pool. Even if your dog swims, it might not be a bad idea to get them accustomed to wearing one for added protection.

Manufacturers gauge the jackets according to size and weight.

Performing CPR on your pet

The American Red Cross offers a course on dog and cat CPR but they also list the following steps on their website.

    1. Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If you don’t see your pet’s chest moving and can’t find a pulse, begin CPR chest compressions.
    2. Begin chest compressions. Place your hands on your pet as follows:
      • For cats, small dogs, and deep-chested dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
      • If you have a deep-chested dog, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
      • For barrel-chested dogs, place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.

      Then, push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully (recoils) before compressing again. Perform 30 chest compressions.

    3. Give rescue breaths. To give rescue breaths, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend his neck to open the airway. Cover your pet’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the pet’s chest rise. Give a second rescue breath.
    4. Continue the CPR cycle, 30 compressions and, then, 2 rescue breaths, until your pet begins breathing again on its own.
    5. Check for breathing and pulse every 2 minutes.
    6. Continue CPR until you reach a veterinary hospital.

Wrapping it up

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use these CPR tips because it would be a traumatic situation for all involved. Installing the proper safety features and close supervision will go a long way toward ensuring you’ll never have to live through that experience.

Summer, pets, and pools—what better ingredients to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Do I Have the Right Yard for a Pool?

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There is absolutely no shame in sharing your children’s pool with them on a sweltering summer day. So, what if there’s only enough room to stand in the water… one foot at a time.

If you’ve considered putting in a pool but shelved the idea for further thought, maybe we can help you make your final decision. Inground swimming pools are a major investment but the years of enjoyment they provide cause many of us to take the plunge.

Your about to discover that nearly every yard is right for a pool.

Spacing it out

The size of your yard isn’t normally an issue because an inground swimming pool can be as small as 10 feet x 10 feet. Your pool designer should be able to help you create or add different elements that will make it appear larger than it is which adds to the allure.

Features such as slides, diving boards, or waterfalls probably aren’t going to be an option for a smaller pool but where there’s water, there’s fun, nonetheless.

You need to check with your city government to see if there are any ordinances in effect that limit how close your pool can be to your house or the property line.

Rough terrain

Some soil isn’t ideal for an inground pool because it doesn’t provide enough support. Sandy soil makes the list but mainly because it shifts easily and can cave in during excavation. The problem is alleviated by reinforcing the sides of the pool.

Sometimes the pool hole begins to fill with water during excavation. This is a normal—and anticipated—occurrence your contractor will be prepared to pump out groundwater if it presents itself.

Level up

If you’re concerned that your yard isn’t level enough to host an inground pool, cross that worry right off your list. Pool builders can overcome most issues with multi-level yards, elevations, or slopes—for a price.

When you discuss your pool plans with your builder, they can help you determine if the spot that you’ve chosen is the best place for your pool to be installed.

Land down under

Pool contractors can nearly always overcome a hidden underground obstacle, but, again, expect it to increase the cost of your pool. Encountering rock and underground utility lines are the most common obstacles that can cause issues during excavation.

Utility lines include any combination of phone, electric, gas, water, sewage, septic, and cable. Arrangements are made prior to digging to have a utility-identification company come out and flag the areas where underground utilities are buried. If a utility line is buried under the spot that you had planned for a pool, it may be possible to have it relocated for a reasonable cost. However, a better—and less costly—solution may be to slightly reposition your pool.

Every now and then, builders come into contact with an unmarked line but, these days, it’s a rarity thanks to advances in technology.

Design and features

Standard rectangular or circular pools remain popular choices for homeowners, but there is no limit to designing your pool… other than maxing out your budget anyway. Naturally, the more extravagant your pool is, the higher the installation cost.

Water features enhance the beauty of your pool and instantly transform your property. Moreover, the sound of running water is extremely relaxing for most of us. Rock water features create a rustic look while a modern, contemporary pool design is better suited for streamlined sheet falls or laminar jets.

Some popular water features include:

  • Waterfalls
  • Fountains
  • Cascades
  • Sheetfalls
  • Water walls
  • Spillways

Water features add the “wow factor,” whether you’re looking for a striking focal point or just want to create a cozy atmosphere.

Lighting is something else to consider because it sets the stage for those nighttime swim sessions. Colored lights create visual interest or can be used to accentuate a water feature.

Privacy ideas

We love our neighbors but sometimes it’s nice to feel isolated from everything and everyone. Installing a privacy feature makes an amazing difference in the ambiance.

Privacy hedges, privacy fences, or walls are all good options. Enclosing your pool with privacy screen is too because, in addition to feeling secluded, you’ll gain these benefits:

  • Free airflow—Mesh privacy screen enclosures allow air to circulate. Not only will you catch every breeze, but there’s also less chance that mold and mildew will get a foothold in your pool area.
  • Shade—Privacy screens don’t entirely block ultraviolet rays, but they provide some protection which means you won’t be applying sunscreen as often.
  • Keep bugs out—Swatting at bugs and mosquitoes while your sitting poolside is going to be a thing of the past.
  • Block debris—When storms blow through, they can wreak havoc on a swimming pool. Enclosing your pool keeps it cleaner which means less skimming.
  • Safety—Privacy screen enclosures block unwanted access. You won’t have to worry about small children or pets falling in while they’re playing in the yard.

Automate maintenance

If keeping up with the maintenance of it all is what’s holding you back from having a pool of your own, it’s really not so bad if you set up a pool schedule. If it’s just not your thing, save the expense of hiring a regular pool guy.

Technology can do most of that stuff for you! You can purchase add-ons to maintain the water level. There are also systems that sanitize the pool maintaining the perfect chlorine balance.

Does your yard measure up?

There aren’t many places where it would be impossible to install an inground swimming pool. However, the more labor-intensive it is to excavate the area, the higher the cost.

A pool creates the perfect environment for making wonderful memories. Your family and friends will gladly volunteer to help you do it. It’s a costly investment, but the odds are greatly in your favor that it will be well worth it.

How About a Backyard Getaway?

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Living here in Florida, winter doesn’t affect us in the same way that it does a large part of the country. We can handle it standing on our heads—outside if it’s absolutely necessary! Still, it’s refreshing to move into the spring season, isn’t it? The days get longer and we start gearing up for fun and sun. Are you planning a getaway trip this year?

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could book the place for the entire summer? Better yet, what if you could just drop everything and show up whenever you wanted?

You could—if you make it right outside your door!

How about it?

Is this the year that you create your “Florida room?”

Have you heard that term yet? Outdoor living areas have become the norm here—so much so that they’ve officially changed the lingo! Formerly known as the patio or lanai, people across the nation are now creating Florida rooms!

Living in paradise

It’s no wonder they name their rooms after Florida. You know they wish they were here soaking up the sun and living the good life! If you’re thinking about transforming your outdoor living area but are holding back due to the expense, rethink things! You can design a beautiful outdoor space on a budget—that you and your family will enjoy year-round.

It’s amazing how cozy and relaxing it is to have a secluded area for you, your family, and your friends to hang out in. Framing out an actual room can get pretty pricey though. If you’re looking for something cheaper, enclose your space with privacy screens.

Actually, it makes more sense to install privacy screens so your outdoor living space remains outdoors.

They mesh well together

Privacy screen enclosures are constructed of mesh, nylon, or Artisan wire—you want to stay away from Artisan wire though. It’s cheaply manufactured in China using a very thin wire that breaks easily. Once the wires are broken, they’re dangerous—especially for young children and pets.

Vinyl screens provide total privacy, of course, but they don’t allow for free airflow. They could be great for outdoor rooms that are set up with a system to circulate the air though. Mesh screens are extremely durable and usually treated with added UV protection to provide an even longer lifespan.

Mesh privacy screens allow free airflow so you won’t miss a single breeze. You won’t be spending your time sweeping up before you get to sit down either. Yard debris is going to disappear. And, those annoying bugs that are constantly invading your space will be history!

The amenities

Once you have your room completed, it’s time to fill the space! If you customized your screens, you’re likely more than halfway there. It’s amazing what an effect they have on your surroundings. Love the beach? Customized screens will make you feel like your sitting seaside every day.

However you decided to enclose your area, it’s finally time to do a little decorating. Deciding on a color scheme and purchasing an area rug and some furniture may be the only things on your list, but it will be fun making the decisions.

It might take a minute to know which way you want to go with your decorating scheme. Will you choose the rug first or the furniture? There are lots of styles to consider. Will you use the typical patio furniture? Lounge chairs could work or a hammock, maybe—and what about some plants? Maybe even a potted tree or two, huh?

Whatever you decide, you’re going to love your new room and your family and friends will too!

A pool would be cool

Lots of homeowners have a swimming pool on the list when they’re looking for a home too. You just can’t beat walking out your backdoor and hitting the water!

Installing a privacy screen around your pool transforms that space too. Moreover, you’ll be spending less time skimming, there are no bugs to fight off, and you won’t have to apply sunscreen as often.

If you’re pool area and patio join together, enclosing the entire space would be spectacular, wouldn’t it? Take a minute to envision those possibilities—

It isn’t hard to get your ideas flowing, is it? You can add your family and friends’ delighted faces into your mental image pretty easily too, right?  Having a space created specifically for relaxing and enjoying time with the people that you love certainly makes it a worthy investment. The memories created there over the years will be nothing short of priceless!

How Much Does Pool Screen Cost?

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If you’re considering a pool screen, join the club! They’re extremely popular here in Florida. They offer many benefits—#1 on the list being the privacy they provide homeowners.

How much does pool screen cost though?

The quick answer to that question is—it depends.

Let’s take a closer look.

There are several factors that come into play when you’re talking about enclosing your pool.

You may be tempted to grab a portable pool screen—especially if you have a small pool. They’re attractive and certainly the least expensive choice.

However, if left unattended when a spot storm blows up—and living in Florida they will blow up—you could be hunting for your pool screen blocks from home!

Cost factors

How large is your pool? Are you just planning to enclose that area or is it close enough to the house that you’re thinking about including the lanai? These are two important questions when you’re wondering about how much pool screen costs.

When you enclose both your pool and outdoor living space, most people assume that it will be more expensive. That’s not always the case, though, because the screen attaches to your home eliminating an entire side. That’s worth thinking about!

Of course, there’s going to be a cost for labor.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the materials used.

Pool screen manufacturers either use nylon mesh or Artisan Wire. We’d advise against using Artisan Wire though. It’s manufactured in China and lots of businesses use it because it’s cheap. It may look good when it goes up, but the wires are so thin that they don’t stand the test of time.

You’ll wind up with tears and holes—not to mention the danger of a child or pet being injured or escaping when they discover the damage!

The difference between us and them

We only use Phifer screens because they’re the best. They’re manufactured right here in the U.S.A. too. You can be assured you’re installing a high-quality pool enclosure that’s built to last.

They’re treated with added UV protection to increase their durability.

Your pool screen is locked into the frame with spline. This heavy-duty vinyl material is rolled into the grooves around the screen using a specially designed tool called a spline roller or screen mouse.

We provide our customers with a two-year guarantee on our workmanship.

You might have figured it out already if you’ve been checking out the site, but we also offer our customers the option to customize their pool screen.

Hence, our name.

You can choose one of our digital images or use one from your own photo library. Either way, you can create an outdoor living space that surrounds your family in an environment of your choosing.

What would it be?

The beach? A tropical garden?

The possibilities are endless!

The benefits outweigh the expense

The main reason that homeowners choose to install pool screen is for the sake of privacy. It’s a little hard to enjoy pool time with your family when you keep catching your neighbor’s kids looking forlornly in your direction. Maybe your neighbor has a pool but likes keeping an eye on what’s going on in your yard far more than they enjoy swimming.

Whatever the reason, you’ll never feel as if you’re on display again!

Pool screens offer several other advantages that can sway your decision too.

UV protection

We love our tropical weather, but those UV rays are a force to be reckoned with for sure!

Lots of homeowners choose to put up a pool enclosure to provide their families with added UV protection. They provide shade so you don’t have to apply sunblock as often.

They shield you from the sun, but our high-quality mesh screens allow air to flow freely so you don’t miss any breeze that blows your way on those hot summer days.

Bug blocker

You may not use your pool as frequently at night as you would if you enclosed it with pool screens.

If you’re like most of us, bugs are the reason for that. They begin to swarm as soon as the lights go on and can drive everyone inside in minutes.

You’ll never be annoyed by bugs—or eaten alive by mosquitoes—again no matter how late you have the pool area lit up.

The skinny on skimming

Do you ever wonder if the pool is some form of a magnet for all types of yard debris? It can seem like we spend far more time skimming the pool than we do swimming in it!

You’ll spend far less time skimming and more time lounging poolside after your new enclosure is installed.

Your family will be spared the horror of discovering any small animals that find their way into the pool and but were unable to escape too.

A safe space

Children and pets have a way of wandering off in a heartbeat!

When you’re safely enclosed poolside, you’ll be able to enjoy your daughter’s “best water ballet ever” without worrying that her little brother and the puppy take off on an adventure while you’re distracted by her awesome display of talent.

You can’t put a price on quality time

If you have children, you know that they grow up fast! Time passes too quickly. You want to spend every available second with them while they’re young.

Many families equate time spent in the pool with laughter and light-hearted fun.

Happy memories are being made that will last a lifetime.

When you compare the expense of installing pool screens with their advantages, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners choose to move forward with the job.

When you’re ready to move forward with yours, we hope you’ll consider Private Screens.

Give us a call or contact us online. We’ll be glad to come out and give you a free estimate.

We’d love to be a part of creating the perfect outdoor living space that you will enjoy with family and friends for years to come.