In recognition of the popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities in the United States and the resulting need for ongoing public education on safe water practices, May has been designated as National Water Safety Month.
What will the weather be for the next few months? Pete Delkus, chief meteorologist at ABC affiliate WFAA-TV in Dallas, showed a weather pattern map on March 28 that provides some insight on what to expect. The map indicated that the Dallas-Fort Worth area forecast for the months of April, May and June would be normal rainfall and above-average temperatures.
Most pool builders are asked one simple question more than any other that they hear, and it is: “What is the best time of year to build a swimming pool?”
Wouldn’t it be great if we could accurately predict what the weather would be for North Texas for the next few months? According to the 2013 Old Farmer’s Almanac, we have some interesting weather coming for the Texas-Oklahoma region: “The snowiest periods will be in early to mid-February and early March. April and May will be wetter than normal, with temperatures below normal in the north and above normal in the south. Summer will be cooler and a bit rainier than normal, with temperatures below normal in the north and above normal in the south.”
What a year 2012 was! Between the West Nile virus, the presidential election, the fiscal cliff and other events and tragedies, many of us are just ready to escape from it all.
Having trouble deciding on a gift for that person who is difficult to buy for? You know, the person who has everything.
If you have ever viewed a satellite image of Denton or have flown over the city in a small aircraft, two things are very noticeable: There are quite a few swimming pools in Denton, and there are many trees in most areas of the city.
It would be great if we knew exactly what the weather was going to be this winter. But unfortunately, we do not. The best that we can do is look at long-range weather forecasts and then base our decisions on these forecasts. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2013, following is the weather forecast for the Texas-Oklahoma region: “Winter temperatures will be slightly colder than normal, on average, with precipitation and snowfall near or a bit above normal. The coldest periods will be in early to mid-February and early March.”
Although Dallas and Tarrant counties have been all over the news recently with more than 200 West Nile virus cases each, those of us in Denton County have not escaped, with 118 people infected with the virus as of Thursday afternoon.
Although this summer is shaping up to be relatively mild, the hot weather can create problems for swimming pools even when a routine pool maintenance program is followed.
With the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday this year, you may see a wide range of dates for Independence Day pool parties. Some people are selecting this weekend to celebrate, some prefer the actual holiday in the middle of the week, while others are opting for the weekend after.
Although summer officially begins June 20, for most of us it has already begun. I have always considered summer beginning when the kids get out of school, which happened this week for most area schools. There are so many things to look forward to as summer begins — spending time with family and friends, summer camps, Six Flags, Rangers baseball, not having to wake up early … the list goes on and on.
Although swim season started early this year because of the warm weather that we have recently experienced, Memorial Day weekend is traditionally considered the beginning of swim season.
Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20, the recent warm weather seems to have many pool owners excited about a long swim season this year.
So how ’bout that weather? Do you remember last winter? What I remember most vividly about last winter is Super Bowl week in early February when we received more than our fair share of winter weather all in one week — virtually immobilizing the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the world watched. But this winter was completely different — very mild and enjoyable, perfect for spending time outdoors.
As the years pass, pools can become outdated and in need of renovation. Some pool owners want minor changes; some prefer dramatic overhauls. The availability of new products and materials that weren’t available when the pool was constructed can mean the renovated pool looks better than it did when it was new.
After last summer’s record-breaking heat, many homeowners have already decided that they are not going through another summer without a swimming pool. For some, this will be one of the best decisions that they have ever made for their family. But for others, it will not work out quite like they envisioned.
