Friday, May 27, 2016
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: OUR TOP 5 BEST BARBECUE GAMES
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: OUR TOP 5 BEST BARBECUE GAMES: IT IS FRIDAY!!! So, we made it. It is Friday on the cusp of a long weekend and if you haven't been outside today, you are miss...
OUR TOP 5 BEST BARBECUE GAMES
IT IS FRIDAY!!!
So, we made it. It is Friday on the cusp of a long weekend and if you haven't been outside today, you are missing out. The sun is shining, it is warm with a light breeze and there is only more to come (if you believe the forecasters). You have most likely planned your menu, made your shopping list, decided on beverages, but have you thought about entertainment?
Aquaknot Pools has compiled a list of our favorite top 5 outdoor games to play.
1. MARCO POLO
2. WATER BALLOON FIGHTS
We are not sure what is more fun, preparing or playing, with this game. Give the kids the hose and a bag of balloons and let them have at it!3. WATER FIGHTS
4. CORN HOLE
When the swimming is done for the day or the kids need a break from the water, corn hole is a great game for all ages and has become really popular. Whether you build your own or purchase one, this game is a definite crowd-pleaser.
If you haven't played before, check out the simple instructions here How to Play Corn Hole
5. HORSESHOES
Last, but certainly not least, is the all American game of horseshoes. According to Wikipedia, horseshoes was derived from the ancient Greek game of quoits, and was played by those too poor to afford discus in ancient Greek times. Today, the game has been adopted as a favorite American past-time and competitions and rules are governed by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Associates (yup, that is a real thing).
We at Aquaknot Pools wish you a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. To our military families, we thank you for your sacrifice and service.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: MEMORIAL DAY PREPARATION DAY 2
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: MEMORIAL DAY PREPARATION DAY 2: "We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them." ~Thomas A. Walker While we write this week about how ...
MEMORIAL DAY PREPARATION DAY 2
"We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them."
~Thomas A. Walker
While we write this week about how to celebrate this weekend, we at Aquaknot Pools have not forgotten the sacrifices made by those men and women that have served this great nation. This weekend we celebrate their courage, strength, and devotion.
In our last blog post, we talked some great barbecue recipes guaranteed to please your guests, but with temps expected to be in the 90s, there better be some cold beverages to compliment those yummy bites.
If you plan to enjoy some adult beverages this weekend and want to enjoy something new, we have some great ideas for you.
Bomb Pot Shots
Ingredients
1/3 oz Sprite
1/3 oz Lemon Vodka
2/3 blue curacao
2/3 Grenadine
Directions
Mix vodka and sprite in a shaker with ice then pour into glass. Using a bar spoon, slowly pour the blue curacao over the sprite, then repeat with the grenadine.
Berry Moscato Sangria (courtesy of the Fancy Shanty blog)
Ingredients/Directions
Combine the following:
1 bottle of moscato
1/2 cup orange liquor
1 cup of sparkling water
1/2 cup of strawberries, thickly sliced
1 cup of fresh raspberries
1 cup of blueberries
1 lemon (squeezed)
sprig of mint
Looking for some non-alcoholic refreshments, here are our top choices:
Star Spangled (courtesy of All Things With Purpose)
Ingredients/Directions
Layer 1/3 of each of the following to a cup (already filled with ice) in this order:
Cran-apple Ocean Spray juice
Sobe - Pina Colada flavored
Gatorade G2 Blueberry - Pomegranate
Captain America Drink (courtesy of A Worthey Read)
This one is sure to get the kids' attention!
Ingredients/Directions
Add the following (in the order it is listed in) to a glass filled with ice:
1 oz of grenadine
1/4 cup of pina colada mix
1 can of cherry sprite
1 cup of blueberry Kool Aid
For more great recipes, check us out on Aquaknot's Pinterest Page!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMORIAL DAY
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMORIAL DAY: Memorial Day weekend is only a few days away. Over the next few days Aquaknot will be providing some great ideas on how to make your hol...
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day weekend is only a few days away. Over the next few days Aquaknot will be providing some great ideas on how to make your holiday weekend fabulous!
As the un-official start of the summer season, many Americans celebrate the weekend with cookouts and pool parties. I can't speak for others but I love cookout food and I love trying new things. I have been scoping the internet looking for some great new recipes for this weekend's festivities.
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE FOOD
Pinterest is a great place for food ideas for your Memorial Day weekend. From burgers to steak tips, corn to salad, there are lots of great links to fabulous recipes. Want to try something new this holiday weekend?
How about the Smoked Gouda and Bacon Burger (courtesy of food&wine.com)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 lbs of ground beef chuck (4 patties) one onion, thinly sliced 3 ounces of Gouda
salt 8 slices of thick cut bacon
1/4 cup of Frank's Red Hot Sauce 1/4 cup of sweet barbecue sauce
1/4 beef broth 8 slices of firm white bread or buns
Butter
Directions
The sauce (can be made in advance)
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add sliced onion and a pinch of salt, cover and cook, stirring a few times. Cook until onion is crisp-tender and just about translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in hot sauce and beef broth, then remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
Transfer sauce to bowl. Use the skillet to then cook bacon until crisp.
Grilling time
Butter bread and toast over medium flame until toasted.
Season the beef patties with salt and cook on the grill over medium to high heat until medium rare. Add smoked Gouda to each burger and cook until cheese melts.
Finishing time
Place one patty on four slices of toasted bread, top with bacon and sauce and top with toast. Serve and enjoy!
What about the sides?
Always good crowd pleasers are to throw some veggies on the grill. Pineapple is great cold or grilled. What about a pasta salad?
Try this one from Real Simple Magazine:
Ingredients
1 lb of small shells, cooked and cooled
2 pints of cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ounces of parmesan cheese, broken into small pieces with a fork
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup of chopped chives
salt and pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients and chill until served.
Always save the best for last... DESSERT
S'mores has been a longtime favorite in the summer. Try a new twist on an old favorite and whip up some s'mores bark!
Here is one recipe courtesy of the foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
2 cups of mini marshmallows
1 pound of dark chocolate, chopped
6 graham crackers, broken into 1/2 inch pieces
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the dark chocolate, either by microwaving 75 percent power for two minutes, then stirring, repeating if needed until chocolate is smooth, or by using a double boiler on the stove top. On a second high rimmed baking sheet, line the mini marshmallows so that there is space between each other and place in the oven on the highest rack and broil (remember to keep turning the sheet so that the marshmallows are broiled evenly. Broil until browned. Cool the marshmallows for ten minutes. Fold in half of the marshmallows and graham cracker into the heated chocolate, then spread evenly onto the parchment paper. Place the remaining graham crackers and marshmallow randomly on top. Refrigerate for at least one hour prior to serving. Looking for other great ideas? Check out our poolside recipe page on Aquaknot Pool's Pinterest Page
Stay tuned for more great ideas for your Memorial Day weekend!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
BioGuard Pool Complete Testimonials
Ask and you shall receive. In speaking with our Bioguard rep last week I learned about the awesome reviews Bioguard's new Pool Complete was getting in the Pennsylvania area. With summer off to a slow start in the Northeast, I asked him if he had any visual testimonials. Check it out!!!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Your Swimming Pool is an Investment in Your and Your Family's Health
SWIM FOR YOUR HEALTH
It is safe to say that these days exercise and health have become the new black. People are in general looking to live healthier lifestyles. In the new age of Zumba, Spinning, and Body Pump, people are looking for new ways to stay healthy and have fun. One of the best ways to stay physically and mentally healthy isn't new and it doesn't have to come with a high cost monthly gym membership, it can be found (or built) in your own backyard.
Fun Fact #1 - Swimming is the fourth most popular aerobic activity people do.
Swimming is one of the few activities that is one size fits all. It does not matter your age, swimming benefits everyone.
1. Children
It is known that the rate of childhood obesity has tripled over the last 30 years. Awareness of this issue has been on the rise and we know that parents are more concerned than ever that their children are getting exercise and staying healthy. According to the CDC, swimming is one of the best activities for kids of all ages. Learning to swim, at its very core, is a safety issue, but that is just the tip of the ice berg.
Not only is swimming essential for safety but it keeps kids active which reduces childhood obesity, which then reduces the incidence of juvenile diabetes. It promotes strength and coordination and it boosts a child's self-confidence.
According to the CDC, swimming can improve connections and is now often used as therapy for children with disabilities.
2. Adults
Just 2 1/2 hours of swimming a week and as short as three laps in an average 40 ft (length) pool, is enough aerobic activity for most adults to decrease an adults chance of getting chronic illnesses such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. WebMD reports that swimming incorporates, core, leg and arm strengthening and stretching while providing valuable aerobic activity. Studies have also shown that swimming can reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Fun Fact #2 - Swimming reduces the weight a person bears anywhere from 25 to 50% depending on how far emerged a person's body is in the water, making it the best exercise for your joints.
Pregnant women can also benefit from swimming as it allows a woman the relief from the weight she is carrying in the later months while remaining active.
While the physical is important, many also do not realize the mental health impact swimming has. A study published for the National Center for Biotechnical Information (NCBI) indicates that swimming can decrease anxiety and symptoms of depression. 3. Seniors
With such great health benefits, homeowners today are not looking at a swimming pool as just an investment for their property but an investment in their health.
Keep On Swimming,
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: May is Pool Safety Month
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: May is Pool Safety Month: Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: May is Pool Safety Month : May is pool safety month and with the openings in full swing, it is a great time to talk ti...
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TEN BEST TOYS OF 2016
WE HAVE TOYS!!!
Our Lakeville Store is where it’s at for pool toys this summer. A one-stop shop for all of your needs. Come in with a water sample and leave with your chemicals and hours of fun for you and the family. Conveniently located at 54 Main Street, Lakeville, MA, stop in today! Are you one of our Weymouth customers? Have no fear, give us a call, and a few days, and we will have what you’re looking for ready for pick up in our Weymouth store. For valet service customers, let us know what you want and have it delivered to you when your pool is serviced.
CHECK OUT OUR TOP TEN BEST TOYS OF 2016
1. Aquarium Beach Ball by Intex
This 24 inch beach ball is fun for all whether you are in the pool or out of the pool. Your little ones will love the fun design and you will love the laughter it brings! Also a great gift to pick up on your way to the next pool party! 2. Star Wars Light Up Death Star Ball
If your little tyke is anything like mine, it has been a year of star wars everything, so why not a light up death star ball! This awesome death star replica comes with LED lights that is sure to make nighttime play as fun as daytime play.
3. 54 Inch Riptide Sport Tube
This seriously heavy duty sport tube is great for rough and tumble play or just lounging around the pool.
4. T-Rex Rider
Supercool, dual passenger pool float is made with durable vinyl and side pontoons to keep the kids from tipping over. Hours are fun are inevitable with this guy swimming in your pool.
5. Intex Ride On Stingray
This float is just as cool as it looks. Your little ones will love floating around the pool on this giant stingray.
6. Intex Ride On Lobster
What goes better with a Stingray in the pool? A lobster of course! Avoid the sharing battle by adding a lobster to your pool.
7. Pink Flamingo Float
Why should the kids have all the fun? Catch some rays, relaxing on this giant pink flamingo.
8. Squid Divers
There is just something about diving for treasures that makes a kid’s whole day. Squid Divers are the perfect diving toy. Soft and flexible, the kids will love watching as they wiggle their way to the bottom.
9. The Original Toypedo
This toy is a classic. Can glide up to 30ft underwater. A great way for your little swimmer to practice his or her underwater skills!
10. Aqua Rider Squirter
Taking fun to the next level, these aren’t your normal noodles. As if the animal heads weren’t enough fun on their own, these animals pack a punch with a built-in water gun. The kids will have hours of fun in the sun with these toys!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: May is Pool Safety Month
Aquaknot Pools, Inc.: May is Pool Safety Month: May is pool safety month and with the openings in full swing, it is a great time to talk tips on how to keep those little ones safe wh...
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
May is Pool Safety Month
May is pool safety month and with the openings in full swing, it is a great time to talk tips on how to keep those little ones safe when there is a swimming pool in the yard. From winter through fall, there are ways you can ensure that your pool remains a place where smiles are plentiful and memories are made.
Here are some tips to ensure that your swimmers remain safe as they play for years to come!
1. Establish Pool Rules
Everyone has heard the old saying, "My house, my rules." Well, same applies to your pool. Your pool company should be able to order you a general sign with pool rules, but in the age of the internet, you may also want to look into finding a custom made sign. The HealthyChildren.org website gives some great advice for pool rules beginning with a blanket rule of no kids near the pool without an adult. Other recommendations included on their site: no riding toys near the pool, no electric appliances near the pool, no running, and no pool toys in the pool when the pool is not in use.
2. Fencing
All towns have their own rules about what is required as for fencing around a swimming pool. While a fence around the back of your yard, versus just around the pool, may be more aesthetically pleasing to you, if safety is your primary concern, then it is best to have the fence around the pool. A fence around the pool provides a barrier between your little ones and the pool and with so many options, many fences only add to the beauty of your new backyard. Mass Building Codes also require that your fence be self-closing and provide for the ability to lock.
3. Alarms and locks
If you decide that you prefer the fence to encompass more of your yard, then you should consider the use of alarms. A good idea would be to install child secure locks and door alarms to any doors leading to the backyard area. There are several types of door alarms and chimes and most can be found at your local hardware stores or online.
We have many people also inquire about in pool alarm systems. While these are good as a last defense, the problem remains that the child has already fallen in by the time this alarm is triggered.
4. Safety Covers
We aren't talking winter covers here, nor are we talking solar covers - you know, those covers that look like bubble wrap. Safety covers are the latest in pool technology. Aquaknot Pools is an authorized dealer of Cover Pools products, which patented the safety cover 50 years ago. The Cover Pools safety cover protects children and animals by acting as a horizontal fence over the pool and also works to keep heat in, giving owners a valuable savings when it comes to heating their pool.
5. Winter Safety
Finally, when the summer fun is over, it is important to consider what precautions to take for those winter months. Many people are veering from the traditional pool covers for a winter safety cover. Loop Loc cover. The infamous "elephant standing on the cover" has been around for as long as we can remember and Aquaknot Pools has been a longtime fan.
Loop Loc covers are mesh covers anchored to the decking area surrounding a pool. The mesh allows for water to drain through the cover, preventing it from pooling over the winter months. As with all products that we recommend at Aquaknot, the Loop Loc cover excels in quality and exceeds all required safety standards.
Aquaknot Pools, Inc. is happy to speak with you about your safety needs and are hear to help make your pool a life long source of enjoyment for you and your family.
Happy Swimming!
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Come on summer!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)