Tara Vassallo Soto and Kaylee from Rising Sun Pools introduce Marquis Spas and talk about what makes the line different, from its spa designs and hydrotherapy features to its maintenance and customization options.

The conversation focuses heavily on MicroSilk, a built in system that creates extremely small bubbles and is designed to provide a different soaking experience. They explain how it works, what it looks like when activated, and why Rising Sun offers wet testing so customers can experience it for themselves.

They also discuss saltwater hot tubs, chemical maintenance, ozone and mineral systems, filtration, jet placement, diverters, spa controls, and the Control My Spa app. Kaylee explains why the number of jets is not necessarily the most important factor when choosing a hot tub and why jet placement and function matter.

The episode also covers water testing at Rising Sun, what customers should bring when they need help with their spa chemistry, and how special ordering allows customers to customize their Marquis Spa with different layouts, colors, and features.

00:00 Introducing Marquis Spas

01:00 Why Rising Sun chose Marquis

02:00 Where Marquis Spas are made

03:00 Saltwater hot tubs

04:00 Salt systems and spa maintenance

05:00 Reducing chemical use

06:00 Service and long term support

07:00 Why customers choose MicroSilk

08:00 How MicroSilk works

09:00 What MicroSilk looks like

10:00 Trying MicroSilk for yourself

11:00 The Control My Spa app

12:00 Filtration and cleaning systems

13:00 Why jet placement matters

14:00 Understanding spa controls

15:00 Spa manuals and getting started

16:00 Water testing at Rising Sun

17:00 Bringing your spa chemicals

18:00 Marquis sales and special orders

19:00 Choosing your Marquis Spa

What kind of pool cover is right for your pool? Tara Vassallo-Soto sits down with Vincent Soto from Loop Lock to break down the different pool cover options for above ground and in ground pools. They discuss tarp covers, air pillows, pumps, water tubes, leaf nets, automatic covers, and safety covers, including what makes Loop Lock covers different.

The conversation covers safety concerns, winter maintenance, algae prevention, pool features that can make installation more complicated, snow and weight loads, pricing, warranties, and how long different covers can last. They also explain why using the wrong materials, like cinder blocks, can potentially damage a pool.

00:00 Pool cover basics
01:00 Above ground versus in ground covers
02:00 Tarp covers and safety cover requirements
03:00 Air pillows and winter water management
04:00 Pumps and removing water
06:00 Choosing the right in ground cover size
07:00 Water tubes and Aqua Blocks
08:00 Why cinder blocks can cause damage
09:00 Automatic covers
10:00 Leaf nets and fall maintenance
12:00 The problem with leaves and extra weight
13:00 How Loop Lock safety covers work
16:00 Safety cover construction and testing
20:00 Sunlight, algae, and mesh covers
21:00 Solid safety covers and drain panels
22:00 Mesh versus solid cover maintenance
23:00 Pool events and opening your pool early
24:00 Pool features and unusual installations
25:00 Snow loads and animals on covers
27:00 Pool cover pricing
28:00 Cover lifespan and maintenance
30:00 Custom fit and cover replacement
31:00 Long term cost and warranty
32:00 Closing thoughts

What exactly happens at Pool School? Tara Vassallo Soto and Kaylee from Rising Sun Pools talk about the annual event designed to help pool owners better understand their pools and prepare for the changing seasons.

They break down what Pool School covers, including pool chemistry, equipment winterization, spa care, and what homeowners need to know when closing or keeping their pools open. They also discuss why real world pool experience can be difficult for AI to replicate, especially when every pool has different equipment, water conditions, weather, and usage.

The conversation also covers the effects of drought and extreme heat on pool water levels, evaporation, algae growth, and chemical balance. Kaylee shares several ways homeowners can reduce evaporation and keep their pools running efficiently.

Pool School is more than just a class. It gives customers a chance to ask questions, learn from experienced pool professionals, and share solutions with other pool owners who may have dealt with similar problems.

00:00 What is Pool School?

01:00 What Pool School teaches

02:00 Pool closing and equipment

03:00 Food, drinks, and the Pool School experience

04:00 The different Pool School classes

05:00 Winterizing pool equipment

06:00 Spa care and maintenance

07:00 Why AI cannot replace pool expertise

08:00 A real example of AI giving the wrong answer

10:00 Why every pool is different

11:00 The value of experienced pool professionals

12:00 Learning from other pool owners

13:00 How drought and heat affect pools

14:00 Evaporation and algae growth

15:00 Ways to reduce evaporation

16:00 Water features and water conservation

17:00 Pool School details and registration

How much does it really cost to install an in-ground pool? The answer goes well beyond the price of the pool itself.

In this episode of Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools, Tara sits down with in-ground pool coordinator Kevin Milan to break down the real-world costs of vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete pools—including many of the expenses homeowners don’t initially think about.

They discuss starting budgets for each type of pool, electrical work, decking, fencing, general contractor costs, permits, equipment, backyard access, impervious-surface restrictions, automatic pool covers, and premium finishes like travertine.

You’ll also learn how a $65,000 budget differs from a $100,000 pool project, why the same budget can buy either a basic concrete pool or a highly upgraded vinyl or fiberglass pool, and how features and finishes can dramatically change the final price.

Plus, Kevin explains why fall and winter can be the best time to contract and build a pool—potentially getting ahead of annual price increases while having your backyard ready when swimming season arrives.

If you’re budgeting for an in-ground pool, this episode will give you a much better idea of what to expect before requesting quotes.

00:00 The Real Cost of an In-Ground Pool
00:39 What Can You Get With a $65,000 Budget?
01:36 Starting Cost of a Vinyl Pool
01:59 Does Pool Size or Shape Affect the Price?
03:08 The Costs Beyond the Pool Itself
03:25 Electrical, Decking and Other Required Costs
03:54 Impervious Surface Restrictions Explained
05:10 Building a Pool on a $65K Budget
05:33 What Does a Pool General Contractor Handle?
06:20 Can You Save Money Managing Contractors Yourself?
06:43 Typical Electrical and Decking Costs
07:51 What’s Included With the Pool?
09:16 How Much More Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?
10:03 Starting Cost of a Concrete Pool
10:35 How Decking Choices Affect Your Budget
12:08 How Much Does Travertine Cost?
13:10 What Can a $100,000 Pool Budget Buy?
13:39 Why a Survey or Plot Plan Helps
14:25 Setting a Realistic Pool Budget
15:08 Pool Budget vs. Home Value
15:55 How Pool Cost Relates to Construction Time
16:39 Don’t Forget the Cost of Fencing
17:04 How Much Does an Automatic Pool Cover Cost?
17:49 A $500,000+ Backyard Pool Project
19:07 How Pool Prices Have Changed
19:30 Why Modern Pools Cost More
21:06 Is There a Best Time of Year to Buy a Pool?
21:40 Why Fall and Winter Can Save You Money
22:37 Build Now and Be Ready for Swimming Season

#BackyardTimes #RisingSunPools #PoolCost #IngroundPool #SwimmingPool #PoolBuilder #VinylPool #FiberglassPool #ConcretePool #PoolDesign #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving

In this episode of Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools, Tara sits down with in-ground pool coordinator Kevin Milan to break down the real differences between the three major types of in-ground swimming pools.

They compare cost, customization, maintenance, durability, warranties, installation, diving options, and long-term ownership to help homeowners understand which pool makes the most sense for their backyard and lifestyle.

You’ll learn why vinyl pools offer tremendous flexibility at a lower initial cost, why fiberglass can be one of the easiest options to maintain, and why concrete offers nearly unlimited customization. They also discuss liner replacement, resurfacing costs, pool finishes, equipment warranties, backyard access—and even what happens when a horse gets into your pool.

Whether you’re just beginning your research or getting ready to choose a pool, this episode will help you understand the tradeoffs before you invest.

Subscribe to Backyard Times for more expert advice on pools, spas, maintenance, renovations, and creating a better backyard.

00:00 Which In-Ground Pool Is Right for You?
00:23 How to Choose the Right Type of Pool
01:31 How Vinyl Pools Are Built
01:54 Customizing a Vinyl Pool
02:19 What You Need for a Diving Pool
03:33 Can Fiberglass Pools Have Diving Boards?
04:00 How Fiberglass Pools Are Installed
05:11 When You Need a Crane for Pool Installation
05:51 Why Concrete Offers the Most Customization
07:00 How Long Does a Vinyl Liner Last?
07:32 Comparing Long-Term Pool Costs
08:16 How Long Can an In-Ground Pool Last?
10:00 Pool Warranties Explained
11:09 Equipment Options for All Three Pool Types
11:33 Why In-House Pool Service Matters
12:37 Vinyl Pool Pros and Cons
14:10 Can Dogs Damage a Vinyl Pool Liner?
14:30 What Happens When a Horse Gets in Your Pool?
15:17 Fiberglass Pool Pros and Cons
16:56 The Biggest Limitation of Fiberglass Pools
17:15 Which Pool Requires the Least Maintenance?
17:40 Concrete Pool Finishes Explained
19:29 Concrete Pool Pros and Cons
19:50 How Much Does Concrete Pool Resurfacing Cost?
20:15 How Maintenance Affects Pool Lifespan
21:18 Which Pool Should You Choose?

#BackyardTimes #RisingSunPools #IngroundPool #SwimmingPool #PoolDesign #VinylPool #FiberglassPool #ConcretePool #PoolBuilder #PoolMaintenance #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving

Thinking about putting a pool in your backyard? Before you sign a contract, there are some important things you should know.

In this episode of Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools, we break down the biggest considerations homeowners should think about before installing a pool—from choosing the right pool builder and understanding permits to comparing quotes, selecting equipment, planning for maintenance, navigating HOA requirements, and keeping your family safe.

You’ll learn why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal, how permitting timelines can dramatically affect your project, what to consider when choosing between concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, and above-ground pools, and why the relationship with your pool company matters long after construction is finished.

We also discuss warranties, landscaping, property value, outdoor living, pool safety, ongoing maintenance, and what questions you should ask before choosing a contractor.

If a pool is somewhere in your future, this episode could save you a lot of frustration—and potentially a lot of money.

Learn more about pools, spas, maintenance, renovations, and backyard living from Rising Sun Pools & Spas.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Backyard Times.

00:00 Welcome to Backyard Times
00:34 What to Know Before Building a Pool
01:01 Avoiding Inexperienced Pool Contractors
03:00 Pool Permits and Local Regulations
04:57 Why Faster Isn’t Always Better
05:05 The Problem With Choosing the Lowest Quote
06:02 How Many Pool Quotes Should You Get?
07:29 How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool?
08:30 Planning Landscaping and the Entire Backyard
10:30 What Does Pool Maintenance Really Cost?
12:39 Why Own a Pool Instead of Using the Community Pool?
14:07 Pool Equipment, Warranties and Service
15:19 In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools
16:06 Do Pools Increase Property Value?
17:40 Concrete vs. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Pools
19:10 Navigating HOA Requirements
20:00 Pool Safety for Kids and Families
22:19 Reputation, Experience and References Matter
23:40 The First Step to Building Your Pool
25:05 Closing Thoughts

#BackyardTimes #RisingSunPools #SwimmingPool #PoolDesign #PoolInstallation #PoolBuilder #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #IngroundPool #PoolMaintenance #PoolSafety #SwimmingPools

When is the right time to close your pool for the winter—and when should you open it back up in the spring?

In this episode of Backyard Times, Joe talks with the Tara from Rising Sun Pools & Spas about pool closing, winterization, spring openings, and the expensive mistakes homeowners can make when trying to do it themselves.

You’ll learn why there isn’t one perfect date to close a pool, how leaves and North Carolina weather affect your timing, what equipment actually needs to be winterized, and why simply turning your pool equipment off is not the same thing as properly closing your pool.

They also discuss saltwater pools, above-ground pools, hot tubs, safety covers, DIY winterization, spring pollen, green pools, and why opening your pool a little early can sometimes save you money.

Rising Sun Pools & Spas has been serving North Carolina families since 1972 and services pools and spas whether they originally installed them or not.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Backyard Times
00:42 When Should You Close Your Pool?
02:06 What’s Included in a Pool Closing?
02:50 What Equipment Needs to Be Winterized?
03:29 Preventing Freeze Damage
04:43 What If the Pool Water Freezes?
05:34 Do Saltwater Pools Freeze?
06:12 DIY Pool Winterization Mistakes
07:12 The Cost of Professional Pool Closing
07:43 Rising Sun Pool School
09:06 Do Hot Tubs Need to Be Winterized?
09:51 Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool Closing
10:51 Common Winterization Mistakes
11:34 Pool Maintenance & Vacation Service
12:18 How Long Does Pool Winterization Take?
13:20 When Should You Open Your Pool?
14:51 Why You Should Open Before a Pool Party
16:41 Is It Cheaper to Open Your Pool Early?
17:26 Pro Tips for Opening & Closing Your Pool
18:28 Can You Trust YouTube Pool Tutorials?
19:41 Will Rising Sun Service Pools They Didn’t Build?
20:17 Final Thoughts

#PoolMaintenance #PoolWinterization #PoolClosing #PoolOpening #SwimmingPool #PoolCare #PoolTips #SaltwaterPool #BackyardLiving #RisingSunPools #NorthCarolina #RaleighNC #CaryNC #BackyardTimes

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