Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools

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