Backyard Family Fun

Producer Dee Daniels is back at the Savannah location of Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products for this episode of Backyard Family Fun to talk with Alex Smith about popular summer backyard “big-ticket” items, including hot tubs, swim spas, and custom saunas.
 
Alex highlights hydrotherapy benefits, unique jet placement, and how hot water can help reset after a long day, while saunas can be designed for homes or additions and support aromatherapy, sweating, and durability using specialized wood. They discuss swim spas as a space-saving alternative to pools, offering swim-jet resistance, seating for relaxing, adjustable temperature, and low-maintenance self-contained filtration with a fresh mineral water sanitation system.
 
Alex explains Pride Pools’ project support for placement, concrete pads, electrical, and delivery logistics, plus the value of buying local for warranty, service, and in-person help.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Backyard Fun
00:47 Summer Backyard Upgrades
01:07 Hot Tub Hydrotherapy Benefits
02:09 Saunas for Wellness
04:10 Custom Sauna Options
07:25 Swim Spas Overview
07:53 Installation and Setup Planning
09:52 Swim Spa Features and Sizing
13:46 Maintenance and Water Care
16:01 Buy Local Service and Warranty
22:20 Showroom Tips and Dry Testing
23:47 Wrap Up and Next Time
 
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

We're having all the BACKYARD FAMILY FUN at Pride Pool, Spas and Leisure Products in Savannah AND Claxton while producer Dee talks with Alex Smith about making pool ownership easier through automatic cleaning.
 
Alex explains the Pool Care Center and the three main types of automatic pool cleaners: suction-side (runs through the skimmer), pressure-side (requires a booster pump and is standard on their in-ground installs), and robotic (corded or cordless and adaptable to vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete pools, especially for retrofits).
 
They discuss how choosing the right cleaner depends on above-ground vs. in-ground pools, pool size, shape, and depth, and why buying online can lead to the wrong model. Alex notes manufacturer rebates, Pride Pool’s extended warranty as an authorized service center, and other battery-operated cleaning devices for debris-heavy pools and swim spas, plus the importance of scheduling cleaners when no one is swimming.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Pride Pool
00:53 Pool Care Center Tour
01:23 Why Automatic Cleaners
02:27 Three Cleaner Types
04:02 App Control and Setup
05:16 Choosing the Right Cleaner
07:44 Avoiding Online Mistakes
09:39 Suction vs Pressure Explained
11:26 Leave Cleaner in Pool
13:55 Rebates and Extended Warranty
16:12 Service After the Sale
18:04 Fast Fixes for Party Season
18:21 Swim Spa Cleaning Tools
19:31 Leaf Vac and Leaf Eater
22:33 Testing New Cleaners
23:37 Cordless Cleaner Deals
24:51 Match Cleaner to Pool
29:07 Scheduling Safety Story
32:37 Cleaner Types Breakdown
34:01 Wrap Up and Visit 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

In this Backyard Family Fun episode brought to you by Pride Pool, Spas, and Leisure Products, Dee talks with Marshall Smith about pool maintenance (with spa maintenance covered separately).
 
They discuss whether owners should maintain pools themselves or use Pride’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly service, noting automation can make DIY easier. Marshall explains that while water chemistry and testing water samples matter, circulation and filtration are even more critical, and he frames pool care as three parts: water chemistry, automation, and cleaning, strongly recommending an automatic pool cleaner.
 
He outlines common filtration systems and recommends sand filters, which dominate their southeast Georgia pools, for easier, lower-cost ownership. They explain backwashing using a pressure gauge (about 8–10 psi over normal), typical frequency, and replacing sand every 3–5 years, plus signs of leaks, pump failure indicators (noise), and how automation can save time and energy and be controlled via an app.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Pool Maintenance Intro
01:12 DIY or Pro Service
02:33 Water Chemistry Basics
04:11 Three Keys to Care
06:18 Best Filter Types
08:35 Backwashing Explained
12:08 Leak Signs and Fixes
15:50 When Pumps Fail
17:15 Automation Costs and Benefits
21:02 Wrap Up and Links
 
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 episode of Backyard Family Fun, producer Dee Daniels is hanging out at Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products in Savannah, Georgia, with marketing and public relations director Joe Driggers to discuss the company’s 51st year in business and the culture behind its long-standing customer relationships in Savannah and Claxton.
 
Driggers explains that Pride Pools’ culture comes from its PRIDE mission statement: personalized service, readiness to serve, intelligent product knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to go the extra mile, supported by ongoing training and honest product guidance. They highlight multi-generation customers, employee longevity, and the broader backyard-retreat offerings beyond pools and spas, including grills and smokers. The episode also notes current job openings for retail sales associates and pool maintenance and water care specialists, with benefits including 401(k), sick pay, vacation time, and paid industry-related training.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Backyard Family Fun
00:35 Meet Dee and Joe
01:10 51 Years of Pride
01:57 Personalized Service
04:04 Ready to Serve
05:08 Product Knowledge Matters
07:42 Dedication and Tenure
08:54 Extra Mile Enthusiasm
10:26 More Than Pools
12:13 Join the Pride Team
14:17 Benefits and Training
15:44 Wrap Up and Referrals
17:36 Thanks and How to Connect
 
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

Backyard Family Fun brought to you by Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products
 
Dee Daniels sits down with Marshall Smith at Pride Pools’ Savannah location to answer common pool and spa questions for the May swim season. Marshall explains three core pillars of easy DIY pool maintenance—circulation (run the pump to prevent stagnation and reduce chemical costs), filtration (sand, cartridge, or DE, with sand being easiest to maintain), and chemistry (balancing pH, calcium hardness, total alkalinity, and metals, plus sanitizing, oxidizing/shocking, and algae treatment).
 
They define “shocking” as oxidation and recommend at least every two weeks during peak season, adjusting for bather load, pool size, environment, and adding fresh water. Ideal pH range is 7.2–7.6 (about 7.4 preferred) for swimmer comfort, water clarity, and equipment longevity. They also cover proper water-sample collection, Pride Pools’ free labeled bottles, where to take samples, and convenient drop-off boxes at Savannah and Claxton locations.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 
00:00 Welcome and Season Kickoff
01:16 Pool Care Three Pillars
02:47 Circulation Run the Pump
04:03 Filtration Types Explained
05:44 Chemistry Balance and Sanitize
09:27 Shocking Oxidizing Basics
12:12 How Often to Shock
13:32 pH Sweet Spot
17:20 Water Testing Sample Tips
22:49 Drop Off Convenience 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

Producer Dee Daniels hosts Backyard Family Fun at Pride Pools’ Savannah location with senior project manager and in-ground pool specialist Warren Fair to discuss when and how to start the in-ground pool process.
 
Fair explains the “beat the heat, don’t chase it” approach: planning early helps secure a dig date and maximize swim season, since building involves design, permitting, scheduling, manufacturing, and construction. He notes a common sweet spot is January through March (even early May), with permits and pool manufacturing often running about 45 days, but timelines can extend due to demand, flood-zone reviews, or manufacturing delays.
 
Fair says pools can be built year-round, with fall builds helping yards recover faster, and season-extension options include heaters, heat pumps, solar covers, and retrofits. He recommends getting on the dig list early with refundable deposits until the pool is ordered and bringing yard photos and a plat for planning.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:27 Pool Season Buzz
01:01 Beat the Heat Planning
02:04 Inground Build Process
03:12 Design It Right
04:48 Best Time to Start
08:10 If You Missed the Window
09:41 Dig List Scheduling
11:05 Delays and Hiccups
13:12 Heaters and Covers
15:21 Retrofit Later Options
16:38 Getting Off the Fence
17:45 Backyard Prep Tips
19:11 Wrap Up and Thanks
 
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

Backyard Family Fun is brought to you by Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products in Savannah and Claxton! This episode, producer Dee Daniels visits the Savannah location of Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products to talk with Alex Smith about preparing for a summer backyard kickoff.
 
They compare two grill lines—Big Green Egg and Green Mountain Grill—with Alex favoring the wood-pellet Green Mountain Grill for temperature control, WiFi settings, and flavor pellets, while noting the Big Green Egg’s high-heat capability and reusable charcoal. Alex highlights Pride Pools’ local, family-owned service, competitive pricing, sauces and spices, and in-house custom wooden tables for the Big Green Egg.
 
They also discuss pool and spa readiness for summer 2026, including high-quality pool salt for chlorine generators, tested automatic and cordless/robotic cleaners, and unique pool toys and family games, plus available services to handle pool upkeep.
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome and Summer Prep
00:41 Choosing Your Grill
01:37 Green Mountain Grill Tips
04:29 Big Green Egg Heat
05:29 Deals Sauces and Support
07:36 Egg Tables and Addons
09:10 Must Have Grill Accessories
12:23 Pool Season Accessories
13:37 Salt Pools and Cleaners
15:50 Toys Games and Backyard Fun
18:29 Spa Moments and Philosophy
21:19 Services 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

Backyard Family Fun brought to you by Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products - is diving in over at the Savannah location to talk with Alex Smith about Pride Pool’s free annual “pool school” for customers, featuring food, drinks, water testing with one-on-one chemical guidance, and storewide and chemical discounts.
 
Attendees are encouraged to bring a water sample for testing and receive a printout and explanations of needed adjustments; pool care topics include the five basic keys, sanitizer options (chlorine, bromine, salt), balancing pH/alkalinity/calcium, and the importance of adequate pump run time and filter maintenance (including sand replacement every five years). Dates and RSVP details are shared: Claxton Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 (912-739-2230) and Savannah Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 (912-927-3957), with limited seats and a possible additional Savannah session in May.
 
The conversation also highlights pool equipment inspections/profiles, regional climate considerations, and safety options and resources, including a free swim lesson program mentioned through the PHTA.
 
DON'T FORGET YOUR DETAILS ON POOL SCHOOL:
SIGN UP TODAY FOR POOL SCHOOL!! CLASSES WILL FILL UP FAST
Pool School is a great opportunity to learn the proper way to create and maintain the optimal pool experience. This event is FREE, we encourage you to RSVP; so that there are enough seats for everyone! There will be refreshments available and a FREE gift for all attendees. **Special discounts on chemicals** (discount valid for the night of the class only)
 
CLAXTON location..Tuesday April 21, 2026 at 6:30pm..call 912-739-2230 to RSVP
SAVANNAH location..Thursday April 23, 2026 at 6:30pm..call 912-927-3957 to RSVP
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 
00:00 Pool School Preview
00:32 Free Perks And Discounts
00:50 Bring A Water Sample
02:15 Dates Times And RSVP
02:59 What Youll Learn At School
03:35 Why They Split Sessions
04:27 Pools Should Be Enjoyable
07:10 Easy Weekly Maintenance
08:35 Local Advice Beats Internet
09:49 Safety And Swim Lessons
12:16 Pro Inspections And Profiles
14:17 Avoid Holiday Breakdowns
14:33 Remote Pool Controls
15:16 Simple 123 Chemistry
16:11 What Water Tests Reveal
18:58 Balancing pH and Alkalinity
21:49 Minerals Stains and Sanitizers
23:46 Pump Runtime Matters
26:04 Filter Types and Maintenance
28:09 Pool School RSVP 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