Welcome to Backyard Family Fun! This episode is with Alex Smith at Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products in Savannah about why buying a spa from a trusted local dealer matters, especially compared to traveling “expo” style sales events.

Alex explains that high-pressure tactics, big “limited-time” discounts, curbside delivery, and proprietary parts can leave buyers with difficult or delayed service after the sellers leave town. He emphasizes Pride’s long experience (including past spa manufacturing), transparent, no-pressure shopping, and full delivery/setup process: coordinating site readiness, setting the spa in place, connecting power, filling, testing, and teaching operation before leaving.

They also highlight add-ons like covers, CoverMates, steps, and water-care support, plus the value of a “test soak” to confirm fit, seating, and jet therapy for wellness or relaxation.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:55 Hot Tub Season

02:10 Avoid Traveling Sales

06:02 Local Service Matters

12:38 Delivery Setup Support

15:40 Accessories Water Care

17:52 Test Soak Before Buy

22:36 Pricing Pressure Tactics

25:14 Choosing Right Spa

29:28 Final Takeaways

30:36 Outro Contact Info

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

In this Backyard Family Fun episode from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products in Claxton and Savannah, Georgia, Dee talks with Alex Smith about seasonal outdoor living products available in-store and online.

Alex highlights USA-made Canyon Coolers (hard and soft-sided options plus tumblers) and emphasizes their durability and no-hassle lifetime warranty replacement. They discuss Tenjam in-pool and poolside loungers and accessories designed for sun decks/tanning ledges, built from high-density resin to withstand sun, chlorine, and heavy use, including armrests and drink holders.

Alex also recommends Thermacell for scent-free, smoke-free mosquito and bug control over a wide radius using a heat-activated system. The conversation covers Green Mountain Grills with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Big Green Egg grills with “eggcessories,” along with other gift ideas like mailbox wraps, yard flags, hammocks, Speakwa waterproof speakers (including the Barnacle), and Wobobo water-friendly games.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:40 Gift Season Picks

01:30 Canyon Cooler Lineup

04:16 Warranty And Service

07:28 Testing What We Sell

08:35 Poolside Sun Deck Furniture

11:46 Tenjam Durability Features

15:15 Thermacell Bug Defense

20:57 Built to Take a Beating

21:28 Grill Wishlist Season

22:02 Green Mountain Grill Experience

23:56 Smart Features and Backyard Vibes

25:47 Big Green Egg Legacy

26:46 Eggcessories and Grill Care

28:47 Holiday Backyard Gift Ideas

30:08 Hammocks for Post Pool Relaxing

31:10 Waterproof Speakers and Barnacle

33:18 Wobobo Poolside Games

35:00 Where to Shop and Wrap Up

36:29 Closing Credits and Contact Info

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

In this Backyard Family Fun episode from Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products, host Dee Daniels talks with Marshall Smith in the Savannah, Georgia location about essential pool maintenance and how easy pool ownership can be.

Marshall explains Pride Pools’ Pool School and water testing support, including a 13-point professional analysis and at-home testing with strips or solutions, recommending professional testing about every six weeks. They caution against “all-in-one” chemical fixes and emphasize building a pool profile based on water volume, source water, and pool surface (vinyl, gunite, fiberglass) to choose the right sanitizer options, including chlorine, salt, biguanide, and ultraviolet.

The conversation covers must-have cleaning tools, vacuum and robotic cleaner choices, filtration (favoring sand filters for ease), and the importance of proper pump sizing for circulation. Marshall suggests weekly maintenance, typically taking 10–15 minutes.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Backyard Family Fun

00:35 Pool Maintenance Overview

01:28 Water Testing and Pool School

03:15 Avoiding All in One Fixes

04:55 Building Your Pool Profile

06:06 Essential Cleaning Tools

07:32 Choosing the Right Vacuum

11:35 Chemicals and Sanitizer Options

13:43 Filters and Easy Upkeep

15:31 Pumps and Proper Circulation

17:58 Weekly Maintenance Routine

19:47 Wrap Up and Contact Info

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:35 Episode Setup and Goals

01:23 Why Upgrade Older Pools

02:56 Variable Speed Pump Benefits

06:52 Automation Options Overview

08:17 Cleaners and LED Lighting

09:35 Remote Control and Apps

15:00 Durability and Storm Resets

17:47 Decking and Safety Upgrades

21:02 Modernizing for Value

22:45 Start Small or Go All In

24:02 Wrap Up and Where to Visit

24:24 Final Sign Off

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

In this Backyard Family Fun episode from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products in Claxton and Savannah, Georgia, producer Dee talks with expert Marshall Smith about what first-time hot tub buyers should know.

They emphasize looking beyond upfront price to total ownership factors like energy consumption, maintenance, warranty, and local service availability from an authorized service center. Marshall encourages shoppers to visit the showroom to see models, “dry soak” or “test soak,” and choose the right size, seating layout, and features, including Bullfrog Hot Tubs’ mobile jet packs.

They discuss planning the installation location (privacy, drainage, surface support), using photos or on-site inspections, options like portable spa pads, electrical requirements ranging from plug-and-play 110/120V to 240V, minimal ongoing water care and filtration, the importance of a hard cover and lift assist, and how warranties vary and depend on the company backing them.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Backyard Family Fun

01:12 Hot Tub Buying Basics

02:02 Beyond Price Ownership Costs

05:06 Local Service Matters

06:46 Choosing Size and Seating

08:30 Bullfrog Jet Pack Therapy

09:23 Test Soak Before You Buy

10:57 Placement and Site Planning

14:08 Electrical Requirements Explained

16:03 Maintenance Made Simple

17:54 Covers and Energy Savings

19:59 Warranty Peace of Mind

21:14 Final Tips and Wrap Up

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

On this episode of Backyard Family Fun, producer Dee Daniels sits down with Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure expert Alex Smith in the Savannah location to chat about building the ultimate backyard retreat, encouraging listeners to bring a “backyard list” of ideas for help planning and accenting features.

They discuss pool covers and aesthetically pleasing safety covers for fall debris, and note that many local pool owners don’t need to fully close pools. Alex highlights backyard gathering essentials like comfortable seating, coolers, waterproof speakers, grills such as Big Green Egg and Green Mountain wood pellet grills (including app control and saved cooking profiles), and fire features like the low-smoke Solo Stove.

The episode also covers water features like automated deck jets with lighting, spillover spas, and using Pool Studio design tools to plan pools, decking, fencing, and layouts tailored to each lot.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Backyard Family Fun

00:35 Dream Backyard Checklist

01:52 Pool Covers and Fall Debris

04:24 Comfort Music and Coolers

04:53 Grilling Brings Everyone Together

07:44 Solo Stove Fire Pit Feature

10:20 Pool as the Focal Point

11:41 Waterproof Speakers and Lighting

12:21 Water Features and Deck Jets

15:17 Smart Grill App Controls

16:36 Designing with Pool Studio

20:09 Pool Shapes and Spillover Spas

23:11 Visit Pride Pools and Wrap Up

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

In this Backyard Family Fun episode from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products in Claxton and Savannah, Georgia, producer Dee Daniels talks with Alex Smith about protecting the “heart of the pool”—the pump—especially in fall when people swim less and leaves and debris build up.

Alex explains that organic debris around the pump can block ventilation, shorten motor life, and lead to circulation failure and green water, so homeowners should keep the area clear (including the “two-foot rule”), avoid letting debris pile up, and keep the pump running year-round or at least on a 12-and-12 schedule.

They recommend professional water testing every four to six weeks, annual sand cleaning, replacing sand every four to five years, and calling for service if pressure changes or clogs occur. Pride Pools also keeps customer equipment records, model and serial numbers, and images for future parts and replacements.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:53 Why Pumps Matter

01:26 Fall Neglect Risks

03:39 Clear Debris Around Equipment

05:08 Keep It Running Year Round

06:26 Two Foot Clearance Rule

09:06 Mechanical Checks and Inspections

12:35 Filtration and Sand Maintenance

14:05 Common Pump Problems

15:17 Let Pros Handle It

16:37 Keeping Your Pool Records

20:30 Run the Pump Save Money

23:06 Turnover Rates and Scheduling

24:41 Wrap Up and Where to Find Us

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE

On the Backyard Family Fun podcast from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products, producer Dee Daniels talks with Marshall Smith at the Claxton, Georgia location about keeping pool water healthy in the fall and off-season.

They stress the ongoing importance of circulation and filtration while noting cooler temperatures allow owners to reduce run time and energy use. Marshall explains how water temperature, bather load, and rain (often more acidic, especially during hurricane season) can shift pH and alkalinity, making periodic checks important without micromanaging.

Sanitizer demand like chlorine typically drops as water cools, and algae growth diminishes once water temperature is below about 70°F, though heated pools should follow a summer-style regimen.

They discuss why fewer Southern owners “close” pools now, debris management tools (including leaf net covers), and recommend bringing water in for Pride Pools’ 13-point analysis, with testing frequency easing from about every six weeks to every eight to ten weeks.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Backyard Family Fun

01:21 Fall Pool Care Overview

04:07 pH and Alkalinity Shifts

05:40 Rain and Regional Factors

09:18 Chlorine and Cooler Temps

11:15 Water Testing and Analysis

13:36 Algae Myths in Fall

15:21 To Cover or Not

19:17 Debris Tools and Leaf Nets

21:24 Proactive Fall Checklist

23:21 Testing Frequency Schedule

25:34 Wrap Up and Next Episodes

26:26 Final Thanks and Contact Info

LEARN MORE WITH THESE SHOW LINKS:

TAP HERE for the Pride Pools Main Page

TAP HERE to see both Pride Pools Locations

TAP HERE to enter the Pride Pools POOL DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to enter Pride Pools SPA DESIGN CENTER

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA PRODUCTS

TAP HERE to learn more about POOL & SPA SERVICES

EMAIL QUESTIONS and COMMENTS to info@pridepools.com

PRIDE POOLS on FACEBOOK

PRIDE POOLS on X

PRIDE POOLS on INSTAGRAM

PRIDE POOLS on YOUTUBE