As we plan to spend our summers Living Poolside, undoubtedly we will be looking at our supply of sunscreen. Here are a few things to remember before you lather up!
Define SPF again?
SPF = Sun Protection Factor: “SPF 15, for example, means it would take your skin 15 times longer to get red than if you were wearing no protection at all. So if your unprotected skin begins to redden after 10 minutes in the sun, then with a generous coat of SPF 15, it would take 150 minutes for your skin to begin to turn red, but to get this protection, you'd have to slather sunscreen on as thick as icing.” Per the WebMD website.
They go on to suggest buying the SPF 30…
"So we're really getting, say, half the number that's on the bottle so just buy the [SPF] 30," That's what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends, too.”
Please remember that additional factors including the sun's intensity, your geographic location and your skin type also come into play and affect the effectiveness of any sunscreen so use the SPF as a guide but not a guarantee
What does broad spectrum mean?
A product carrying a “broad spectrum” label means that it offers protection from both UVA & UVB rays.
Should I apply the lotion while I am indoors or does it really matter?
Experts suggest that sunscreen be applied initially while indoors, 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside.
How much is enough?
A medium frame adult should use a quantity of sunscreen approximately the size of a golf ball.
Is it water resistant?
In 2012 sunscreen manufacturers were required to add clear messages on the labels stating how long water-resistant sunscreens maintain protection after the user swims or sweats. Labels must specify either 40 or 70 minutes of protection. If the lotion is not water resistant, it is required to carry a warning label to that effect.
Does it protect against skin cancer?
If the product has an SPF rating of 15 or higher the label can list it as protecting against skin cancer.
Are The Guidelines Different For Children?
Use sparingly on babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you keep a baby under the age of 6 months out of the sun. We suggest discussing this with your pediatrician in advance – they can assist you in making the right choices for your little one.
No Sprays! The FDA is exploring the risks of inhaling spray sunscreens, which could be greatest among children. Until the agency completes its analysis, they recommend spray sunscreens not be used on or by children unless you have no other product available. In that case, spray it on your hands first, then rub it on your child. And as with all sunscreens, be especially careful when applying it to faces and take care to avoid their eyes and mouth.
Reapply often. Reapply after swimming or toweling off unless the lotion is listed as water resistant in which case you can follow the instructions on the label.
***Check the expiration dates! Sunscreen does expire so make sure to check the expiration dates on the containers!***
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only.
Whether you are celebrating Mother’s Day, or just want to spoil her a bit, we have the plan for making Mom feel special. Start by collecting a few new items for her to use when enjoying her time poolside. You could place these in a new canvas tote or a gift bag of your choice:
Ideas For Mom’s Poolside Gift Bag:
1) Flip flops
2) Sunglasses
3) Her favorite sunscreen
4) Her favorite after sun lotion
5) Luxurious new beach/pool towels
6) Wide brimmed hat
7) Novel or favorite magazines
Now that you have her poolside & enjoying several of her favorite things you can get to work on a scrumptious brunch/snack just for her.
Apricot Yogurt Scones
(yields 8)
1 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg
3/4 cup plain yogurt (regular or low-fat)
1/4 cup milk (whole or skim – either works fine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze: (Optional)
1 cup confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Soak the apricots in one cup of very hot water for about 10 minutes (to plump them a bit) then drain, pat dry, & set aside.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder and soda, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter cutting it into the flour with your fingertips until no pieces larger than a pea remain. Now drain the apricots and add to the mixture tossing to coat with flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, yogurt, milk, & vanilla. Pour over the dry mix and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix together. Mix just until there is no more dry flour visible in the dough.
Use a 1/2-cup measure to scoop out the dough and drop it onto the baking sheet. Space the scones about an inch apart. Floured hands work best to gently pat the mounds into rounds & clean up the edges.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the scones are firm to the touch, golden on top, and browned on the bottom. Once the scones have cooled completely, whisk together the glaze ingredients & drizzle approx. a spoonful on the top of each. The glaze will harden within fifteen minutes.
Scones will keep in an airtight container for three days but are best the day that they are made. These scones are moister than most and don’t crumble as easily as traditional scones making them perfect for nibbling poolside.
These are excellent served with coffee, ice tea, Mimosas or any beverage of her choice! She will feel like royalty as you celebrate her love of family & Living Poolside!
Cinco de Mayo is often celebrated as the start of the summer entertaining season! Here at the Master Pools Guild, we have put together a few ideas to make celebrating Cinco de Mayo poolside a snap!
Decorations:
Use the color scheme from the Mexican flag – Red, White & Green
Music:
Take a quick trip to iTunes – where you will find plenty of Cinco de Mayo playlists & downloads that will have you shaking those maracas in no time!
Food:
Try a soft taco bar. Less mess than the hard shells. Include ingredients of chicken &/or beef & provide loads of options for toppings! Let your guests get creative & the“self serve” style, frees you up to enjoy the pool!
Special Note: The “fixings/toppings” containers can be aluminum disposable/recyclable for easy clean up – those large disposable aluminum baking pans also make great ice beds for bowls & platters you want to keep chilled.
Beverages:
Original Margarita (of course)
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz. white tequila
- ½ oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. triple sec
- Coarse salt
Directions:
Rim a 6 oz. margarita glass with a lime wedge and the dip it in coarse salt. Pour tequila, lime juice, & triple sec in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and then pour and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime.
Grapefruit Sangria
Ingredients:
- 4 cups grapefruit juice
- 3 cups Riesling wine
- 1 ½ cup ginger ale
- Sliced fruit (such as oranges, cut into wedges; thinly sliced and halved lemons and/or limes; pineapple wedges; and halved strawberries.
Directions:
Combine all of the liquid ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Add the fruit to the pitcher & serve over ice.
Speedy Mock Sangria
Ingredients:
- 2 cups orange juice, chilled
- 1 cup unsweetened white grape juice, chilled
- 1 cup reduced calorie cranberry juice
- 1 1-liter bottle diet lemon-lime soda, chilled
- Ice cubes
- Sliced fruit (such as oranges, cut into wedges; thinly sliced and halved lemons and/or limes; pineapple wedges; and halved strawberries.
Directions:
Sit aside lemon-lime soda. Combine all of the other liquid ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Add the fruit to the pitcher. Add the lemon-lime soda just before serving over ice. Makes 10 (6 oz.) servings and only 61 calories a glass.
So put on the music, keep your menu simple & enjoy time with friends & family as you celebrate Cinco de Mayo & the start of a new season of Living Poolside! ¡Salud!
Why Dads Buy Swimming Pools?
You take that final turn into your driveway and with a slow roll you enter your parking spot. You have had a long productive day and now it’s time to completely unwind. Walking into the house you feel like royalty when the little ones come running with the “Daddy play with me” list. Off you go to get changed on this warm summer daylight savings evening. As you walk out of your back door into the lush green surroundings of your garden, you hear the satisfying sound of water falling across rocks, through your garden and into your own swimming pool. Yes, relaxation is just a few steps away when you hear “Daddy watch what I can do” from number one son as you duck the beach ball coming at you from your little girl. You grew up with a swimming pool in your backyard and you can’t help but pause and remember all the stuff you did and enjoyed when you were their ages.
You can remember never wanting to get out of the swimming pool which is no different than the kids are now. You can remember never taking the time to pick up all the toys around the swimming pool or get them off the bottom of the pool, just like they do now. You can remember never getting enough time to show off your tricks you worked on all day, just like they are doing now. And then your memory is jogged by a wave of water from a perfectly placed cannon ball by son number two…just like you used to do to your Dad. Isn’t it something that the fun you had around the pool is so much like what your children want from you…attention, time, love, and encouragement. When all is said and it was not the type of swimming pool, nor the size of the swimming pool, nor the toys around and in your swimming pool that mattered one bit as long as Dad was here to play. That is all they remember! Their memory is all about Dad and how much fun you are to be around.
Building a back yard playground is always more fun when water is involved. There are times when swimming pools can be classified as big puddles for big kids and nothing can replace the goofy times, the fun memories, and the permanent connections you create as a family around that swimming pool. Play hard, pick up together, tighten a screw or rinse a filter as a team and what you have done is turned a well designed swimming pool into a tool for creating family memories.
Little boys have dreams and little boys grow up to be young men who can chase those dreams. Too quickly they grow up and go out on their own hoping to realize the same quality family time they have enjoyed with their family. They will enjoy the thought that they too will be able to watch their family grow up as they “hang” around home. Deep down inside that is why Dad’s buy swimming pools. But never forget that swimming pools can also be one of Moms favorite toys as they see the fun their kids have in the “water toy” during the day, just waiting for Dad to come home. Dinner will be easy tonight…dogs on the barbeque, her famous baked beans, and potato chips with dip, brownies and milk. Dads are smart; they buy swimming pools, play with the kids and keep Mom happy. The recipe is timeless!
Mission Pools
52 Years of Professional Swimming Pool Construction
It is the time of year where many of us are focusing on improved fitness & wellness programs for ourselves & for our families. While some may say our vision is a bit narrowly focused, here at Living Poolside, we do truly believe that swimming is the best fitness activity for all ages.
Here’s why:
1) Swimming not only burns calories, but boosts metabolism, and firms every muscle in your body, all without putting stress on your joints. This is the ONLY exercise that can make this claim. This is a huge plus for Arthritis sufferers.
2) Swimmers of all ages are found to have more lean muscle and trimmer waists and hips.
3) Water's neutralizing effect on gravity makes your body virtually weightless and allows you to swim almost daily without risking injury.
4) Studies have shown, habitual swimmers are biologically 20 years younger than their actual age.
Wouldn’t you agree that these are 4 great reasons to make swimming a major part of your fitness routine? But there is more…
Yet another benefit of swimming for fitness is stress relief. Swimming relaxes your body and soothes your mind. The process of swimming increases the oxygen flowing into your muscles. You focus on regulating your breathing and almost without realizing it, you experience the healing properties of being in the water. A workout in the swimming pool will leave you feeling physically and mentally refreshed.
As the popularity of swimming for fitness has increased, many fitness professionals and sports enthusiasts have designed specialized aquatic equipment i.e. aquatic weights, stationary bikes and treadmills and programs such as yoga in the pool, water Zumba classes and even POOL-ates that blend other fitness activities and swimming. Swimmers are often amazed at the enjoyment and fitness benefits gained by moving their fitness program into the swimming pool. As a true lifetime sport swimming can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So, join us here at Living Poolside & make swimming an integral part of a fitness program for you and your family!
Please note it is important to always check with your health care professional prior to beginning a new exercise program.
This contribution to Living Poolside comes from Kris Adcock, AdcockPool, Spa & Billiards, MS.
Kris Adcock & Her Family.
More Golden Moments As Master Pools Guild Members Bring Home Three Rounds of Gold!
Richmond, VA, November 14, 2012. In a year that has not been short on celebration, the Master Pools Guild is excited to announce that three members of the Guild were recognized with awards at the International Pool Spa & Patio Expo last week in New Orleans. The mood was festive and every seat was taken in Generations Hall as the winners were announced on Monday, November 5. The International Awards of Excellence celebrated its 42nd year this year. The awards are a program of APSP, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.
The three Master Pools Guild members recognized were as follows:
Winning in the Gold Category – Claffey Pools, Southlake Texas – Residential pool in a natural setting.
Winning in the Gold Category – Patio Pools & Spas, Tucson, AZ – Recreation/Leisure Pools.
Winning in the Gold Category – Watermania, Guatemala City, Guatemala – Commercial Pool.
“These awards are a wonderful representation of the broad spectrum of design specialties our members possess. Residential thru commercial, Master Pools Guild members continue to maintain a commanding presence at the forefront of our industry. Our entire membership extends our congratulations to these three companies on their Gold Award wins.” Dick Covert, Executive Director of the Master Pools Guild.
To find the Master Pools Guild member nearest you, simply click here to access our Member Locator. Or to learn more about the Guild & our award winning builders, visit our ABOUT THE GUILD page. Yours could be our next award winning design!
The Master Pools Guild is excited to announce the launch of a new education program in partnership with Artistic Resources & Training, A.R.T., Founded by landscape architect Mark Holden in collaboration with a range of other design professionals (including David Tisherman, Kevin Fleming, Larry Drasin, Judith Corona, Eric Herman, Richard Lee and Eric Gerds), A.R.T will deliver instruction over a range of topics beneficial to those who work with decorative and recreational water and outdoor environments. This initial course is entitled “The ART of Design & Materials” and will focus on the ART of selecting the right hardscape and softscape materials, a process that is essential to the creation of beautiful spaces.
In a letter to the members of the Master Pools Guild, David Tisherman stated “It is time to embrace forms of higher education that encompass the power to, in effect, create a new industry of aquatic design professionals ‘. The leadership of the Master Pools Guild agrees and the first session of the A.R.T. program will be held prior to the Guild’s meeting in Vancouver, B.C., October 16-20, where the group will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Dick Covert, executive director of the Master Pools Guild stated: “We have a group called Generation Next and that group really has been the driving force behind the launch of this partnership. Part of the process of planning our 50th anniversary celebration has not only been a look back over all we have achieved, but also to look forward toward the Guild’s goals for the future. The Guild is proud of the reputation we have as leaders in our industry. We plan to maintain that position and continuing education is a key component. This new partnership with ART is a natural fit.”
Breaking the mold… I could have just as easily titled this blog post “Thinking Outside the Box”, but wouldn’t that be exactly what everyone would have expected for the subject matter that I intend to cover? Ideally, this will be the first of many short articles that I write urging people to honestly ask themselves what owning a swimming pool, renovating a swimming pool, or building a new swimming pool as an addition or with new construction means to them specifically. For starters though, I’d like to talk about how the members of the Master Pools Guild work to break the mold of “pool builder” that the public has traditionally held. I recently realized that this was still a necessity after my Grandma (insert obligatory, Southern phrase here…), bless her heart, asked me, “Boy, when are you ever gonna give up them swimming pools and go get you a job doing something else?” She’s asked me that at least a dozen times in the past ten years. Granted, she’s 93, and didn’t grow up with a swimming pool. Heck, she probably didn’t even know anyone with a swimming pool. Still, despite realizing that she may never fully understand what it is that I do and not being bothered (too much) by that fact (that’s just Grandma, bless her heart), I also recognize that her attitude towards the industry has been shared by more than a few of those outside of the industry that I’ve encountered over the years. I’ve heard “pool guys” mocked as half wits and fly-by-nights, undeservedly suspected as shady individuals, and if the conversation drifted to “pool salesman”, even compared to “used car sales”… *gasp! Unfortunately, these claims have sometimes been well founded for certain builders and certain markets. Fortunately, the tides are changing on that perception. Even more fortunate for you, as consumers, it’s easier than ever to figure out which company in your area is working the hardest to change that perception. All you have to do is find the Master Pools Guild member nearest you.
Over the past couple of my now 20 years in the swimming pool industry I’ve noticed an increase in the number of people who tell us that the reason they chose us, Gress Inc., to build their pool was two -fold: first, we listened to them. It still surprises me to hear that a competitor has come in to a customer’s home, spent time with them, and then showed them a proposal that didn’t have any of the features that they wanted. Although I am always excited by the fact that the customer recognizes that we care enough to listen, it’s the second half of their statement that I’m really proud of. It usually comes out something like this, “Your design gives us everything we wanted, but it also incorporates some really good ideas that we hadn’t thought about.” I began to wonder why none of our competitors were catching on. Our clients would always assure us that our competition (at least the ones who were still in the running) had nice designs that met their “needs”, but few had taken the architectural style of the home, the slope or other site constraints, or more importantly, the unspoken desires seriously enough to take a chance by offering the client anything other than a replica of a picture that they pointed to in a book.
The more I’ve thought about this difference and asked myself why our competition hasn’t stepped up, the more convinced I’ve become that the only possible answer is that they are scared. You see, I’ve run across these guys in almost every aspect of my career… Employers in my early years who would lose their cool anytime someone asked them “why” they did things a certain way when there was obviously some shortcoming in the method they used. Co-workers that I would routinely have to follow behind making plumbing repairs because, “I’ve been doin’ this for 30 years, and ain’t never used no pipe cleaner”. Employees (former employees, that is) who wanted to argue about an extra half hour being added to the job every time they were told that they needed to change a certain construction practice as new materials or techniques were being developed. They were stuck in their tradition and afraid of change.
About a year or so ago, in an effort to come up with the easiest way to distinguish our company from the likes of those above, I began referring to them as “Traditional Pool Builders”. Traditionally, swimming pools required a lot of maintenance. Traditionally, swimming pools were painted or plastered white and surrounded with concrete decking. Traditionally, swimming pools required toxic chemicals to keep the water sparkling clear and bacteria free. Traditionally, the cost of running the pumps alone could be enough to turn people away from the idea of owning a pool. None of these hold true today so why would you want a traditional pool builder to build your pool?
That’s the thing about the Master Pools Guild that makes it such a great organization. None of our fellow members could ever be deemed “Traditional Pool Builders”. Membership alone is proof that you are dealing with a company that cares enough to stay up to speed with current technology, construction practices, and yes, even design possibilities. Don’t get me wrong, we might build a few traditional designs here and there (I’ve always said, “I’ll build any design you want. I’m going to give you my honest opinion about it, but in the end, they all look good from my back yard”), but we’re still NOT going to do it as “traditional pool builders”. Our approach will always be that of Masters of our trade who are lifted up and elevated by like minded builders from all over the world. I’m proud to say that we are not “traditional pool builders”, but not nearly as proud as I am to say that we are a Master Pools Builder. I’m proud to be a part of an organization of fellow builders who are equally dedicated to breaking the mold.
This is Master Pools Guild!!!
More thankful than proud,
Tony Carter
Gress’ Incorporated
New Hill, NC
Master Pools Guild is proud to share that, for the 4th time, Huber Pools has once again been honoroed by the Pacific Business News as one of the “Fastest 50” businesses in Hawaii. As the first Overall winner from Maui in 2007, Huber Pools has continued to see their business increase even in a struggling construction market overall.
In achieving success and growth in a down market, Hans Huber, owner and president credits “Opening a highly visible storefront showroom in Kai Ani Village on S. Kihei Rd, as well as hiring quality new employees both in the office/showroom and in the field has made a big difference in how we manage jobs. We are more efficient, more professional and are providing exceptional service to our customers.”
Notable projects in the past year include the completion of the new oceanfront pool at the Kauai Sheraton at Poipu, a complete remodel of the pool, spa and decking at the Maalaea Banyan, as well as the new pool and spa for the Courtyard by Marriott near the Maui airport.
Huber Pools specializes in gunite swimming pool construction, water features including natural and faux rock, pool remodels and renovations and decking/hardscape construction, and has not only the c49 specialty swimming pool license, but also the C23 Gunite license as well as the “A” General Engineering and “B” General Building licenses. Huber Pools is an always present member in the Gold Award category at the Master Pools Guild annual Excellence Awards, many of which are featured in our Photo Gallery.
You can visit Huber Pools at their beautiful showroom in the Kai Ani Village Condominiums at 1367 S. Kihei Rd Suite 3-110 Monday-Friday 8-4, or online anytime at www.HuberPools.com
Again, congratulations to Huber Pools! Your fellow Master Pools members look forward to seeing more of your inspiring designs.
Traditionally, the favorite hangouts in the home have been the kitchen and the family room. Today, the backyard is taking over as the favorite gathering space as more homeowners are bringing all the comforts of their indoor rooms to the outside, creating outdoor living spaces that become inviting extensions of their home.
As swimming pool owners, we have been in this "mode" for quite some time as our pools have always been a destination or focal point for our families, but now it appears that our secret is out. More and more homeowners are creatively expanding their living and recreational areas, and are delighted to experience the benefits that come with living an active lifestyle poolside.
Creating an outdoor living environment gives homeowners a fresh, vibrant option for expanding the elements of their home. An added bonus is the additional 13% that creating outdoor rooms can add to your home's value (per www.customhomeonline.com). And, of course, with the additional attention focused on this trend more and more innovative products are surfacing. Heaters and misters can extend your room's use into additional seasons and innovative landscape designs can give you a sustainable "green room" you will want to share with all yourVIP's.
As a Master Pools Guild member builder, we have access to the latest in technologies and innovations within our industry. Whether your outdoor plan is a single project, or a multiphase project with various stages, we can help you create the active, outdoor lifestyle you want for yourself and for your family. I hope you enjoy these photos of inspiration from some of our projects completed here by Pool Builders, Inc. If you live in the south Florida area, we would welcome your call to discuss the options you have for Living Poolside.
If you live outside the south Florida region, click here to access our Member Locator to find a Master Pools Guild member builder near you.
Contributed by Kevin Ford, Pool Builders Inc., Davie, Florida