Backyard Family Fun

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

On Backyard Family Fun from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products in Claxton and Savannah, Georgia, Dee Daniels talks with Alex Smith about managing the fall “leaf war” in pools. Alex stresses keeping the pump running so the skimmer can remove debris before it sinks, recommending a 12-hours-on/12-hours-off schedule in fall and winter.
 
They cover tools to remove leaves, pine straw, acorns, and pine cones, including battery-operated and garden-hose Venturi leaf eaters, automatic cleaners (corded and cordless robotic models that can clean floors and walls), pressure-side cleaners with booster pumps, and manual leaf rake nets, plus the option to use Pride Pools’ maintenance service. Alex explains that leaving organic debris in the pool can stain surfaces and disrupt water chemistry by lowering sanitizer levels, leading to algae and green water, and notes higher chlorine levels can be acceptable when pH and other parameters are balanced.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Backyard Family Fun
00:50 Fall Leaf War Begins
01:38 Run the Pump to Skim
02:33 Leaf Eater Vacuums
04:47 Automatic Cleaner Magic
06:13 Old School Leaf Rake
06:52 Let Pros Handle It
08:30 Leaves Ruin Water Chemistry
11:55 Storms Heat and Algae
16:35 Circulation and VS Pumps
20:36 New Owner Cleaning Toolbox
22:55 Choosing the Right Cleaner
27:30 Buy Local Warranties Support
29:01 Wrap Up and Where to Find Us
29:24 Final Thanks and Subscribe
 
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

Season 4 of the Backyard Family Fun Podcast is here—and we’re kicking things off with one of our favorite backyard topics: hot tubs!
Dee is back with Marshall Smith from Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products at the Claxton location for a fun conversation about getting your spa ready for the cooler months ahead. With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about turning the hot tub back into part of your family’s backyard routine.
Marshall shares why September through November can be such a sweet spot for hot tub shopping, what to look for when choosing a new spa, and how new technology from Bullfrog Spas is changing the hot tub experience.
Already have a hot tub? They’ve got you covered there, too. Dee and Marshall walk through what to check if your spa has been sitting idle through the summer—including filters, water chemistry, equipment, covers, and energy efficiency. They also talk about maintaining a baseline water temperature, using a thermal blanket, and why that hot tub cover may be more important than you think!
And, of course, they talk about one of the best parts of hot tub ownership: relaxation. From winding down after a long day to creating a bedtime routine, Marshall shares how hot tub time has become part of his own “sleep mode” routine.
It’s a celebratory start to a brand-new season of Backyard Family Fun, and there’s plenty more to come!
In this episode, Dee and Marshall talk about:
Why fall is prime time for hot tub season
What makes Bullfrog Spas an industry innovator
When to shop for a new hot tub—and how in-stock models may offer added savings
How to bring a hot tub back online after sitting idle for the summer
Why fresh water should always be tested
How bather load affects hot tub maintenance
When it may be time to replace your hot tub cover
How a good cover can improve energy efficiency
Choosing a new cover color to give your backyard a little facelift
Maintaining a baseline temperature between 95–98 degrees
Using hot tub technology and apps to control your spa remotely
What thermal or solar blankets can do for heat retention
Creating a relaxing hot tub routine before bedtime
Why hot tub time can be the perfect way to transition into “sleep mode”
Have a hot tub question for Dee and Marshall?
We want to hear it! Send your questions to Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products, stop by one of their locations, or connect with the team through the links below. Your question could be featured in a future episode of Backyard Family Fun!
Here’s to Season 4—and plenty more backyard family fun ahead!
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

Producer Dee Daniels is in the Pride Pools’ Savannah location to talk with Alex Smith about the company’s 51st year and how pool-industry technology has advanced across retail, service, and new construction.
 
Alex highlights automation now being standard for features like spillover spas, LED color lights, and controls via phone, plus cordless automatic cleaners and service tools that email customers before-and-after photos with invoices. He explains Pride Pools tests new products in-house before recommending them, prioritizing customer service over “latest and greatest” hype.
 
They discuss why brick-and-mortar matters: many pool and spa purchases require detailed guidance on sizing, power, fuel types, and accessories, and in-person help reduces mistakes and returns common with online shopping. Pride Pools serves customers through both Savannah and Claxton locations, supporting rural counties and buy-local community benefits.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Pride Pools
00:23 51 Years of Growth
01:32 Smart Pool Technology
04:15 Service Made Simple
05:20 Testing New Products
07:44 Why Brick and Mortar
09:54 Online Ordering Pitfalls
13:34 Choosing the Right Cleaner
15:41 Finding Your Perfect Spa
20:39 Savannah and Claxton Locations
23:38 Showrooms and Spa Fit
25:53 51 Years of Trust
26:03 Final Thanks and Wrap
 
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

The Backyard Family Fun Podcast from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products is back with host Dee Daniels talking with Xander Smith, third-generation member of the Pride Pools family and retail specialist, about what makes the showroom experience so unique and how the latest backyard products are making pool ownership easier than ever.
Xander shares how growing up in the family business gave him firsthand experience with everything from pool construction to testing the newest products before they ever reach customers. He explains why Pride Pools focuses on carrying products they've personally used, how their certified repair center keeps robotic pool cleaners running, and why building lasting relationships with customers has been just as important as selling great products for more than 50 years.
The conversation also explores the rapid evolution of pool and spa technology, including robotic cleaners, computer-analyzed water testing, swim spas, Bullfrog's interchangeable JetPak® system, and app-connected pellet grills. Xander offers practical advice on monthly water testing, choosing the right backyard products, and why stopping by the showroom can help homeowners discover solutions they never knew existed.
 
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