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Changing backyards and lives since 1988

A collection of poolside skincare and sun care products displayed on a wooden deck near a swimming pool. The products include various bottles and containers, such as sunscreen, lotion, and possibly shampoo or body wash, all bathed in warm sunlight.

Avoid These Common Pool Chemical Mistakes for a Safe and Sparkling Pool

Owning a pool means enjoying endless summer fun—but only if you maintain it properly! If you're planning to handle your pool maintenance this year, understanding proper chemical usage is essential.

Backyard swimming pool covered with a fitted automatic pool cover in Maple Grove, MN.

Thinking About an Automatic Pool Cover? Here's Why It's a Smart Move

Covering your pool shouldn't be a daily chore or something you skip just to avoid the hassle. If you’re still manually covering your pool (or not covering it at all), it might be time to consider an upgrade. An automatic pool cover offers convenience, safety, and real cost savings, making it one of the most valuable additions you can make to your backyard setup.

Backyard in-ground swimming pool surrounded by a smooth concrete deck, with patio furniture, a basketball hoop, and lounge chairs nearby. The pool is clean and clear, located in a residential neighborhood in Woodbury, MN.

Why a Pool Heater Might Be the Upgrade Your Backyard Oasis Needs

Dreaming of longer swims and warmer water? Whether you're installing a brand-new pool or enhancing an existing one, adding a pool heater can make all the difference. Many homeowners overlook this addition, but a pool heater can significantly elevate your swimming experience, and even your property value.

Swimming pool in Hugo, MN covered with a dark green, winter pool cover, securely fastened and extending slightly onto the surrounding paver deck.

Discover the Best Pool Covers for Winter: Keep Your Pool Safe and Clean

As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, pool owners face the critical task of protecting their investment from harsh seasonal conditions. The right winter pool cover not only keeps your pool clean and safe but also extends its lifespan, saving you time, money, and frustration when spring arrives.

Luxury home in Bayport, MN, with a glowing purple-lit in-ground pool at dusk, featuring a water slide, deck jets, and poolside lounge chairs. The two-story house has large windows, warm exterior lighting, and is surrounded by tall evergreen trees, creating a serene and upscale outdoor setting.

Brighten Up Your Backyard Oasis With Underwater Lighting

Thinking about adding an extra wow factor to your pool? Whether you're designing a new pool or upgrading an existing one, underwater lighting is a smart investment. It doesn’t just make your pool look stunning at night; it also improves safety for those evening swims.

A backyard inground swimming pool is covered with a winter safety cover, secured to the surrounding concrete deck with black straps and anchors.

Choosing the Right Winter Pool Cover for Your Twin Cities Home

Closing your pool for the season is more than just draining and cleaning; the right pool cover is your final layer of protection. A quality cover keeps debris out, reduces algae growth, and protects your investment while your pool rests through the Minnesota winter.

A man wearing a gray t-shirt stands beside a swimming pool, packing colorful pool toys into a large beige tote bag.

Ready to Put Your Pool to Sleep for the Season?

When you're finished enjoying summer swims and backyard lounging, it's time to prepare your pool for its off-season. A proper pool closing isn't just routine, it's essential. Without it, your pool could suffer costly damage from harsh Minnesota winters. Whether you're the DIY type or prefer to leave it to the pros, this guide will walk you through each important step.

A backyard in White Bear Lake, MN, showing a partially completed swimming pool installation surrounded by fresh soil and landscaping preparations

Discover the Best Season to Renovate Your Swimming Pool

Renovating your swimming pool transforms your backyard from merely functional to fantastically inviting. Timing this renovation wisely can significantly affect your project's efficiency, costs, and overall satisfaction. Explore how each season uniquely impacts your pool makeover plans and find the ideal time to breathe new life into your outdoor space.

A luxurious modern backyard features a large rectangular swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by an expansive light gray concrete patio.

Discover the Perfect Pool Shape for Your Twin Cities Backyard

Thinking about adding a custom pool to your Minneapolis or St. Paul home? Building a pool is an exciting investment, but it’s also a big project with many decisions to make, from choosing the design to selecting equipment and planning for maintenance.

A pool technician inspects a pool-related device near the edge of a residential swimming pool in Forest Lake, MN.

Enjoy Your Pool Without the Headache of Pool Maintenance

A backyard pool should be a source of relaxation, not stress. But between managing water chemistry, clearing debris, and keeping equipment running smoothly, pool ownership can quickly turn into a full-time job. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all on your own.

A residential backyard pool construction in White Bear Lake, MN showing workers assembling a rectangular in-ground pool. A Royal Pool and Spa logoed excavator is parked nearby, and the surrounding area is filled with dirt piles and construction materials.

How Long Does a Custom Pool Build Take? What Homeowners Need to Know

Dreaming of transforming your backyard into a personal oasis? If a custom pool is on your wishlist, you’re probably wondering, How long will it take to build? While the exact timeline depends on several factors, most homeowners are pleasantly surprised that the process is quicker than they expect.

In-ground residential swimming pool in Dellwood, MN, with a bright blue liner freshly installed. The surrounding area is unpaved, with exposed dirt and construction tools visible.

How to Choose the Right Pool Liner for Your Pool

Selecting a pool liner isn’t just about looks; it affects your pool’s maintenance needs, long-term durability, and overall enjoyment. Whether you're installing a new pool or replacing an existing liner, making the right choice upfront can save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

Underwater view of a swimming pool with cloudy water, making visibility hazy.

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water: Causes, Solutions, and Expert Help

Is your pool water looking murky and uninviting? Cloudy water isn't just an eyesore—it can also harbor harmful bacteria if left untreated. The good news is that clearing up the cloudiness is usually straightforward, especially with the help of a professional swimming pool maintenance technician. Still, it's essential to understand what causes cloudy water and how to fix it. Below, we'll break down the three most common culprits and what you can do to restore crystal-clear swimming pool water.

A rectangular inground swimming pool in Hugo, MN covered with an automatic safety cover.

Keep Your Automatic Pool Cover in Top Shape All Year

An automatic pool cover is more than a convenience; it’s a key part of keeping your pool clean, energy-efficient, and safe for your family. Like any investment, it needs consistent care to perform at its best and last for years.

Pool technician kneeling near a swimming pool in St. Paul, MN and professionally testing the water balance of the pool.

Keep Your Pool Safe & Enjoyable with Professional Water Testing

Your pool should be a place of relaxation, fun, and enjoyment. However, maintaining crystal-clear, balanced water is key to a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Regular professional water testing is essential to achieving this goal.

In-ground swimming pool being closed for the winter in a Mahtomedi, MN neighborhood. Fallen leaves are scattered around the pool deck, suggesting late autumn.

Don't Let Winter Wreck Your Pool: Why Proper Closing Matters

As the temperatures begin to drop and snow looms on the horizon, your swimming pool might be the last thing on your mind. But if you haven't winterized it yet, you may want to start thinking about it. Delaying this crucial task—or skipping it altogether—can result in costly damage that no homeowner wants to face come spring.

A saltwater swimming pool with sparkling blue water sits in a spacious Dellwood, MN backyard surrounded by green grass and open fields.

Protect Your Investment: A Homeowner’s Guide to Closing Your Saltwater Pool for Winter

If you own a saltwater pool, preparing it for winter isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a must. Even if you’re planning to hire a professional, knowing the basics of winterization can help you avoid costly surprises next spring. From preventing algae blooms to avoiding equipment damage, properly closing your pool now can save you thousands later.

Pool equipment setup on a concrete pad beside a house in White Bear Lake, MN, featuring a beige pool filter tank with a pressure gauge, a pool pump, multiple PVC valves and pipes, and a black pool heater unit.

3 Signs It’s Time to Call in the Pool Pump Pros

A crystal-clear swimming pool doesn't happen by accident — your pool pump is the silent hero working behind the scenes. This essential piece of equipment circulates and filters your pool water, helping keep it clean, safe, and swim-ready. But what happens when your pump starts to fail?

Swimming Pool Closing in Minnesota -- When and How to Do It Right

As a Minnesota homeowner with an in-ground pool, knowing the ideal time to winterize your pool is essential. Closing your pool properly and at the right time protects your investment from freezing damage, preserves its beauty, and ensures hassle-free reopening in the spring.

In-ground swimming pool installation underway in a Stillwater, MN backyard. The pool structure is fully set with a light blue patterned liner in place, and the surrounding dirt is exposed. Orange construction fencing encircles the site for safety.

Ready for Backyard Bliss? Here's What to Know Before Installing a Pool

If you're looking to transform your outdoor space into a private retreat for family fun and summer relaxation, a custom in-ground pool might be the perfect addition.

Two workers install a new swimming pool liner with a blue tile pattern in North Oaks, MN. One person holds the liner in place while the other uses a tool to secure it into the track along the pool wall.

Is It Time to Replace Your Pool Liner? Here’s How to Tell

A well-maintained pool can be the highlight of your backyard, but even the best pools need a little attention over time. One area that often needs replacing? The pool liner. While there’s no set expiration date, your liner will eventually wear out. The key is knowing what signs to watch for so you can take action before small issues turn into big problems.

Struggling with a Stuck Automatic Pool Cover? Reasons it Won’t Open

An automatic pool cover is a fantastic way to protect your pool and save time on maintenance, but when it stops working, it can quickly become frustrating. If your pool cover isn't opening or closing as it should, don't worry---Royal Pool & Spa is here to help!

Is Your Pool Pump Failing? Here’s How to Tell

Is Your Pool Pump Failing? Here's How to Tell

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