Blog

Adding a spa to your home oasis can transform your outdoor space into a luxurious retreat. However, with so many options available, choosing the right spa can be overwhelming. At Design Pool & Spa, we'll provide you with tips on how to choose the perfect spa for your home, so you can create the ulti...

It’s a bit of a dark cloud in our industry, but at some point in your tenure as a pool owner, you’ll likely have to deal with algae. Algae spores can enter your water through wind, dirt, fertilizer, animals, and even on a swimmer’s body or bathing suit. A sudden increase in warm weather like we’re...

Hi there, folks – hope you are enjoying this beautiful day in Upstate! Even though you may not have swimming on the mind just yet, I want to discuss scheduling as it relates to the current year at DP&S and the outdoor construction industry in the northeast, in general. In a world driven by wi-f...

Hey all, I waited until today to post this because many pools in the Northeast have just been opened in time for the holiday weekend – and it looks like we’ll finally be swimming, even if it has to be in the rain (fingers crossed that the meteorologists are wrong again!) Anyway, just wanted to...

Thanks to Mother Earth’s mild manners this winter, we were able to get several projects prepared for plaster and start-up early this spring! That, along with a regularly busy spring and summer ahead has inspired this post, as proper care of new plaster is vital to the aesthetics and longevity of y...

While you may see some optimistic Rochestarians in their shorts today, most of us don’t quite have swimming on the brain yet. But as the weather heats up, so does our To-Do list. I wanted to take the opportunity on this beautiful spring afternoon to remind any of you who may be considering buildin...

Spring is on the way, folks! I have a hunch we’re not out of the winter woods just yet, but as upstaters we know the weather can swing without much warning, and we want to be ready to dive right in – literally and figuratively – when pool season finally returns. It’s not uncommon to uncover a poo...

Like cars, guitars, and movie stars, not all backyard swimming pools are created equally. From the DIY above-ground frame and liner to the monstrosities you may have seen on MTV Cribs, one can only assume that there is also quite a lengthy continuum of the cost to build as well. Even if you hav...

This year will mark Design Pool & Spa’s 30th season with President E. Gary Bednarcyk at the helm. Since acquiring the company in 1986, Gary and his wife, Patty, who serves as office manager, have advanced the former few-man, seasonal operation into a team that handles year-round, residential and c...

A well-designed pool will enhance the entire look and feel of your home. It should blend in beautifully with your landscaping and complement the shape of your yard. It should NOT feel like someone just dropped a pool into an empty patch of lawn. An inground pool can be constructed in any shape,...

Is it possible to surprise your family with a pool as a present? Absolutely! Here are five creative ways to “wrap up” a pool and generate excitement for the holidays – and all winter long! 1. Pool Toys Buy fun swimming pool items such as pool noodles, goggles, toys and rafts. Wrap each item...

Who thinks of November as pool-building season? We do! Here at Design Pool & Spa we’re accustomed to building year-round. Normally in November we’re wearing jackets and gloves.   But, as you can see in this video, our crew is looking quite comfortable in light shirts and t-shirts! It turns out...

Some gifts are magical. This is our story of how we gained more family togetherness and created many wonderful memories, thanks to our pool. As parents of three children, we were one of those busy families pulled in different directions. Sports practices, school happenings and social events meant...

This summer our entire staff – sales, operations, retail, construction and service – embarked on a team building adventure.   We spent hours traversing the trees at Bristol Mountain’s Ariel Adventures Park.   And, it was a blast! We all felt the thrill that came with testing ourselves and trying...

Design Pool & Spa is celebrating a major milestone this summer. Our company, which began operations dating back to 1968, recently completed construction of its 2500th inground pool. The pool is extra special to its owners, James and Jessica Barons, because it represents a family dream come true. Her...

One technology many pool owners may not know about for pool maintenance is Ultraviolet sterilization. UV light is a powerful tool in the fight against algae, germs, and bacteria, and can be used in conjunction with a sand filter to keep your pool water healthy and sparkling. How UV Sanitation Wor...

We love our pets here at Design Pool & Spa and want to be sure they’re kept cool and safe during these warm summer days.   Our dog, MacKenzie, always loves a quick dip in the pool. But, we make sure to keep her off the pool deck and in the shade, with plenty of fresh water available. As a special...

Wondering what the most popular backyard projects and additions will be this summer? Then check out the 2015 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).  It reveals that the most popular outdoor recreation amenities for 2015 will...

At long last your pool is open, the water is sparkling, and…it’s raining. Welcome to an Upstate New York spring. But, don’t let the latest round of storms rain on your summer pool parade. Follow these few small steps to ensure your pool stays in perfect shape – and ready for our next sunny, 80-de...

It’s fun to plan and design a new pool! One of the first questions we hear is: “how big should our new pool be?” There is no easy answer to that question. However, one of the best things about building a pool means that you can tailor the design to suit your specific wants and needs. Here are some k...

Torn between buying a pool or buying a boat? We think you’ll appreciate this light-hearted
 comparison of two popular, but very different, forms of family 
recreation. Pool vs. Boat: You don’t need a trailer
hitch, a tank of gas or a four-wheel drive vehicle to use your
 pool. Your neighb...

When to Put out Hummingbird Feeders One of the benefits of outdoor living is enjoying the return of hummingbirds to Western New York. Offering a consistent source of nectar is the ideal way to attract hummingbirds. But, when should you put out your hummingbird feeders? While the exact dates can v...

May is National Water Safety Month As owners and builders of pools, we understand that a few key safety tips can help ensure a fun, safe swim season. Here are some of the “Rules of the Pool” we follow: Learn to swim well! It’s never to late to learn. Almost two million people of all ages le...

Saltwater pools have become one of the most common trends in the swimming pool industry over recent years. Naturally, many of our customers have questions regarding salt sanitation. We hope the following information will be helpful in determining whether or not salt is the right fit for your own bac...

It’s time for fun in the sun with your favorite four-legged swimmer! Adding a few pool toys can enhance this healthy form of exercise. This year our retail store will feature some great choices of dog water toys for your favorite pooch. Here are some key things to keep in mind when selecting dog toy...

One of the things we’ve all looked forward to throughout the long winter is warmer weather. And, now, with spring on the horizon, it’s time to start dreaming about what role outdoor living will play for you and your family. Redefining outdoor living spaces Many of our clients are looking at wa...

When is the Best Time to Build a Pool? Any time of the year is a good time to build a pool! It really depends on your goals, and how soon you’d like to be swimming. Construction on our end can occur in as little as three weeks. The true “start to finish” time, however, is largely dependent on...

Worried About Pool Construction Challenges?  We’re not! At some point during the course of deciding whether a pool is right for your family, you may have some apprehensions about the extensive construction involved in the building of a gunite swimming pool. Building an in-ground structure on a...

Enjoy Your Pool Longer with the Right Heater Here in Upstate New York, an energy-efficient and reliable heater or heat pump is a must. They will add to your comfort and extend your swimming season. In fact, some of our clients swim until Halloween! Below you will find information on some of th...