Backyard Family Fun

Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

Dive into the world of backyard bliss with the Backyard Family Fun podcast! Join the team at Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products as we share stories from our 50 years in business, introduce you to the faces behind your perfect pool, and give you expert tips to keep your pool and spa sparkling all season long. Get ready for fun, family, and everything you need to make the most of your backyard oasis!

  1. 4d ago

    Pool Upgrades Worth the Money: Variable-Speed Pumps, Automation, LED Lights & Decking | Backyard Family Fun Podcast

    On Backyard Family Fun from Pride Pools, Spas, and Leisure Products, producer Dee Daniels talks with Alex Smith in the Savannah location about pool upgrades that are worth the investment for existing pools. They highlight variable-speed pumps as a popular retrofit for energy efficiency, built-in scheduling, longer motor life, and automatic restart after power outages, helping keep water clear during hot weather, heavy use, and frequent rain.   Alex explains automation options for pumps, sanitation, lighting, and cleaners, including phone-based control via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth apps for scheduling and changing LED color light themes. They also cover renovation upgrades like adding or retrofitting pool lights, automatic cleaners, cool-deck knockdown textured coatings to reduce heat on older concrete decks, coated rails, and liner replacements to modernize older pools and extend enjoyment year-round.   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:35 Episode Setup and Goals 01:23 Why Upgrade Older Pools 02:56 Variable Speed Pump Benefits 06:52 Automation Options Overview 08:17 Cleaners and LED Lighting 09:35 Remote Control and Apps 15:00 Durability and Storm Resets 17:47 Decking and Safety Upgrades 21:02 Modernizing for Value 22:45 Start Small or Go All In 24:02 Wrap Up and Where to Visit 24:24 Final Sign Off   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

    Pool Upgrades Worth the Money: Variable-Speed Pumps, Automation, LED Lights & Decking | Backyard Family Fun Podcast
  2. Sep 24

    First-Time Hot Tub Buyer Guide: Price vs Ownership Costs, Sizing, Placement, Electrical Needs, Maintenance, Warranty & Service

    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

  3. Sep 17

    Designing the Ultimate Backyard: Pools, Spas, Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Pits, and Automation

    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

  4. Sep 10

    PUMP IT UP: Keep Your Pool Pump Running, Clear Debris, and Prevent Green Water

    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

    PUMP IT UP: Keep Your Pool Pump Running, Clear Debris, and Prevent Green Water
  5. Sep 3

    Fall Pool Maintenance Tips: Water Chemistry, Circulation & Testing with Pride Pools

    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

    Fall Pool Maintenance Tips: Water Chemistry, Circulation & Testing with Pride Pools
  6. Aug 27

    Pool Leaf War Tips: Fall Debris Cleanup, Automatic Cleaners & Water Chemistry | Backyard Family Fun Podcast

    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

    Pool Leaf War Tips: Fall Debris Cleanup, Automatic Cleaners & Water Chemistry | Backyard Family Fun Podcast
  7. Aug 20

    Kicking Off Season 4: Hot Tub Season Is Just Around the Corner!

    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

    Kicking Off Season 4: Hot Tub Season Is Just Around the Corner!
  8. Jul 30

    Beyond the Water: Technology and Tradition at Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products

    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

    Beyond the Water: Technology and Tradition at Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Dive into the world of backyard bliss with the Backyard Family Fun podcast! Join the team at Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products as we share stories from our 50 years in business, introduce you to the faces behind your perfect pool, and give you expert tips to keep your pool and spa sparkling all season long. Get ready for fun, family, and everything you need to make the most of your backyard oasis!