Top 5 Pool Toys Under $30

Whether your thinking of building a pool, are building a pool, or you already have one you are going to want some really fun pool toys. Over the years I have seen a lot of fun pool toys. Some gave me fleeting fun and others seemed to keep myself and my kids entertained for the long run. Here are my Top 5 pool toys under $30.

 1. Pool Noodles

This may seem obvious, but this pool toy/floater/safe sword/absolute fun tops the list for its versatility and affordability. Ranging from $3(very cheap with hole in the middle and easily broken) to $15 (lasts much longer and has no holes) these can be used for almost any swimming activity. They also have 31 other strange uses according to TipJunkie. Get the good ones and you won't be sorry. Looking for the cheap ones? Click here.

2. Water Torpedos
When I was little we used to throw pennies down into the pool and have contests to see who could grab the most in one dive. Water Torpedos take it to the next level. Somehow they have manufactured these things to take off as soon as they hit the water and travel like an actual torpedo(no batteries or nuclear warheads included). My kids can't get enough of them. They can spend hours creating new games involving these fun pool toys. Not only are they fun, they are affordable. They are a must have for anyone with kids.

3. The Skateboard Subsurfer
This is exactly what is sounds like. You can actually skateboard underwater. Since I grew up in southern California, this is the definition of awesome to me. I can guarantee the adults will be playing with this too. For under $20 it is a great addition to your pool toy collection.

4. Floating Basketball Hoop

Personally this could have been #1 for me. I am a basketball fan through and through. If you dream of playing basketball as I do, than I recommend you going for the more expensive(but long lasting route. I recommend the more durable Cool Jam Pro for basketball aficionados, but at $200 you have to be committed. 

If you just want to have some basketball fun in the pool, than this is the one to go for. This comes in eight cents over budget at $30.08, but it's worth the splurge. A lot of the other water hoops are either difficult to put together or they don't last. The Swimline Giant Basketball Hoop is a purchase that will bring lots of fun, laughter and endless pool pick up games. 

5. Swimming Rings

These are more fun than you might imagine. Essentially you set up these rings in whatever pattern you desire and you can create a pool obstacle course to see who can make it through and best times. Combine this with the Torpedo Bandits' listed above and you have quite a contest. If you have a diving board than the fun only increases as you try to make it through these simple, but fun rings. 

There you have it. Those are the top 5 pool toys under $30. Check out my other lists: Adult Pool Toys, Awesome Pool Toys Over $150, and Backyard Must-Haves. 

To Salt Or Not To Salt, That Is The Question.

Salt systems continue to be a source of back and forth arguing within the pool business. I meet with people who love them and I meet with people who would never have one again.  As I always say, " Salt systems work great if the pool is designed for a salt system. If it's not, than your probably going to pay in the long run."

In my opinion, the following article lays out wonderfully the potential woes of a salt system.
http://www.intec-america.com/resources/SaltWaterPools.asp

Knowledge is Power at the Pool Industry Expo 2014 in Monterey

Bob Blankenship and I took this photo from the docks in Monterey, CA while attending the Pool Industry Expo this September. While there, we took quite a few classes to keep up to date on the changes taking place in the pool business. We also enjoyed the trade show with all the manufacturers and there newest products designed to make swimming pools more efficient, durable and generally awesome.

Quick Tip: Make sure your designer and pool builder is staying up to date with the newest education for swimming pools. A lot has changed in the pool industry in the last few years. Energy saving equipment and building techniques can save you money over outdated building practices.  Only those who continue to get training are building the best swimming pools that will last the longest and save you the most money.

Constructing a Giant cave, waterfall and slide

Backyard Waterpark

Featured: 132' Perimeter pool(8.5 depth) with Raised Spa(stacked stone facia), Stone coping, Upgraded Tile, Prism Blue Pebblesheen, Extra Large Cove waterfall with wet steps and slide. I bet you are thinking about how much fun going down that slide would be.

Above you can see a very large swimming pool project that Blankenship Pools just finished. I played the part of Pool Designer and Project Manager. Did we succeed in our goal? Yes. The Homeowners are thrilled with the pool and the process.

When I met the homeowner I could tell this was going to be a fun project. They had a few ideas of what they wanted, but asked me to put something together for them. I pulled out the graphing paper and started hand drawing different shapes and options. After about an hour, we came up with a design they loved which maximized the space they had and came in around the budget they had in mind. Originally, we were to build a sunken swim up bar, but after looking at the space and the cost, the homeowner decided with this plan. I'm glad they did. This is a great combination of function and design.

If you have any questions on what a pool would look like in your yard or what kind of design would be best. Call me at 530-638-3796.