Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools

Rising Sun Pools & Spas
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Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools is the podcast for anyone who wants to build a better backyard, understand their pool or spa, and spend more time enjoying life outside. Hosted by Tara Soto of Rising Sun Pools & Spas, Backyard Times brings more than five decades of family experience in the pool and spa industry to practical conversations homeowners can actually understand and use. From choosing between vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass pools to maintenance, water chemistry, repairs, renovations, hot tubs, equipment, inspections, outdoor living, and backyard design, Tara and her guests take the mystery out of creating and caring for your backyard escape. You’ll hear from industry experts, homeowners, realtors, landscapers, backyard professionals, and the people behind Rising Sun, along with stories and lessons from a family business that has been serving North Carolina since 1972. Whether you’re planning your first pool, taking care of the one you already own, considering a hot tub or backyard renovation, or simply looking for ideas to make life outside better, pull up a chair. It’s time for Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Vinyl Pool Liners Explained

    What actually goes into an in ground vinyl pool liner? Tara Vassallo-Soto and Vincent Soto break down how vinyl liners are made, measured, installed, and inspected. They explain why liners need to be custom fitted to each pool, how the vinyl is heat welded, and how manufacturers check seams before a liner leaves the factory. The conversation also covers liner lifespan, water chemistry, thickness and mil ratings, warranties, liner patterns, safety textures, and what homeowners should consider when choosing a replacement. They also discuss Loop Lock's exclusive patterns and why seeing physical liner samples can make a big difference when choosing how your pool will look. 00:00 What is an in ground vinyl liner?01:00 How vinyl pools are constructed03:00 Why liners need to be custom fitted05:00 Liner options around steps07:00 How vinyl liners are manufactured08:00 The liner bead and track09:00 Heat welding the liner10:00 How liners are inspected11:00 Can a liner seam be repaired?12:00 How long liners last13:00 What affects liner lifespan15:00 Why vinyl liners can stretch16:00 Understanding liner thickness18:00 Where vinyl liners come from19:00 Testing and certification20:00 Loop Lock patterns and designs22:00 Textured areas and pool safety23:00 Liner warranties24:00 Choosing a liner color26:00 Mil thickness and value28:00 Why physical samples matter30:00 Closing thoughts

  2. Oct 13

    Marquis Spas: What Makes Them Different?

    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

  3. Oct 6

    How To Choose The Right Pool Cover

    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 basics01:00 Above ground versus in ground covers02:00 Tarp covers and safety cover requirements03:00 Air pillows and winter water management04:00 Pumps and removing water06:00 Choosing the right in ground cover size07:00 Water tubes and Aqua Blocks08:00 Why cinder blocks can cause damage09:00 Automatic covers10:00 Leaf nets and fall maintenance12:00 The problem with leaves and extra weight13:00 How Loop Lock safety covers work16:00 Safety cover construction and testing20:00 Sunlight, algae, and mesh covers21:00 Solid safety covers and drain panels22:00 Mesh versus solid cover maintenance23:00 Pool events and opening your pool early24:00 Pool features and unusual installations25:00 Snow loads and animals on covers27:00 Pool cover pricing28:00 Cover lifespan and maintenance30:00 Custom fit and cover replacement31:00 Long term cost and warranty32:00 Closing thoughts

  4. Sep 24

    Pool School: Everything Pool Owners Need To Know

    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

  5. Sep 22

    How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Really Cost? | Vinyl, Fiberglass & Concrete

    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 Pool00:39 What Can You Get With a $65,000 Budget?01:36 Starting Cost of a Vinyl Pool01:59 Does Pool Size or Shape Affect the Price?03:08 The Costs Beyond the Pool Itself03:25 Electrical, Decking and Other Required Costs03:54 Impervious Surface Restrictions Explained05:10 Building a Pool on a $65K Budget05:33 What Does a Pool General Contractor Handle?06:20 Can You Save Money Managing Contractors Yourself?06:43 Typical Electrical and Decking Costs07:51 What’s Included With the Pool?09:16 How Much More Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?10:03 Starting Cost of a Concrete Pool10:35 How Decking Choices Affect Your Budget12:08 How Much Does Travertine Cost?13:10 What Can a $100,000 Pool Budget Buy?13:39 Why a Survey or Plot Plan Helps14:25 Setting a Realistic Pool Budget15:08 Pool Budget vs. Home Value15:55 How Pool Cost Relates to Construction Time16:39 Don’t Forget the Cost of Fencing17:04 How Much Does an Automatic Pool Cover Cost?17:49 A $500,000+ Backyard Pool Project19:07 How Pool Prices Have Changed19:30 Why Modern Pools Cost More21:06 Is There a Best Time of Year to Buy a Pool?21:40 Why Fall and Winter Can Save You Money22:37 Build Now and Be Ready for Swimming Season #BackyardTimes #RisingSunPools #PoolCost #IngroundPool #SwimmingPool #PoolBuilder #VinylPool #FiberglassPool #ConcretePool #PoolDesign #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving

  6. Sep 15

    Vinyl vs. Fiberglass vs. Concrete Pools: Which Is Best for You?

    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 Pool01:31 How Vinyl Pools Are Built01:54 Customizing a Vinyl Pool02:19 What You Need for a Diving Pool03:33 Can Fiberglass Pools Have Diving Boards?04:00 How Fiberglass Pools Are Installed05:11 When You Need a Crane for Pool Installation05:51 Why Concrete Offers the Most Customization07:00 How Long Does a Vinyl Liner Last?07:32 Comparing Long-Term Pool Costs08:16 How Long Can an In-Ground Pool Last?10:00 Pool Warranties Explained11:09 Equipment Options for All Three Pool Types11:33 Why In-House Pool Service Matters12:37 Vinyl Pool Pros and Cons14:10 Can Dogs Damage a Vinyl Pool Liner?14:30 What Happens When a Horse Gets in Your Pool?15:17 Fiberglass Pool Pros and Cons16:56 The Biggest Limitation of Fiberglass Pools17:15 Which Pool Requires the Least Maintenance?17:40 Concrete Pool Finishes Explained19:29 Concrete Pool Pros and Cons19:50 How Much Does Concrete Pool Resurfacing Cost?20:15 How Maintenance Affects Pool Lifespan21:18 Which Pool Should You Choose? #BackyardTimes #RisingSunPools #IngroundPool #SwimmingPool #PoolDesign #VinylPool #FiberglassPool #ConcretePool #PoolBuilder #PoolMaintenance #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving

  7. Sep 8

    10 Things to Know Before Building a Pool

    Thinking about putting a pool in your backyard? Before you sign a contract, there are some important things you should know. In this episode of Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools, we break down the biggest considerations homeowners should think about before installing a pool—from choosing the right pool builder and understanding permits to comparing quotes, selecting equipment, planning for maintenance, navigating HOA requirements, and keeping your family safe. You’ll learn why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal, how permitting timelines can dramatically affect your project, what to consider when choosing between concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, and above-ground pools, and why the relationship with your pool company matters long after construction is finished. We also discuss warranties, landscaping, property value, outdoor living, pool safety, ongoing maintenance, and what questions you should ask before choosing a contractor. If a pool is somewhere in your future, this episode could save you a lot of frustration—and potentially a lot of money. Learn more about pools, spas, maintenance, renovations, and backyard living from Rising Sun Pools & Spas. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Backyard Times.  00:00 Welcome to Backyard Times00:34 What to Know Before Building a Pool01:01 Avoiding Inexperienced Pool Contractors03:00 Pool Permits and Local Regulations04:57 Why Faster Isn’t Always Better05:05 The Problem With Choosing the Lowest Quote06:02 How Many Pool Quotes Should You Get?07:29 How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool?08:30 Planning Landscaping and the Entire Backyard10:30 What Does Pool Maintenance Really Cost?12:39 Why Own a Pool Instead of Using the Community Pool?14:07 Pool Equipment, Warranties and Service15:19 In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools16:06 Do Pools Increase Property Value?17:40 Concrete vs. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Pools19:10 Navigating HOA Requirements20:00 Pool Safety for Kids and Families22:19 Reputation, Experience and References Matter23:40 The First Step to Building Your Pool25:05 Closing Thoughts #BackyardTimes #RisingSunPools #SwimmingPool #PoolDesign #PoolInstallation #PoolBuilder #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #IngroundPool #PoolMaintenance #PoolSafety #SwimmingPools

  8. Sep 1

    When Should You Close Your Pool? Winterizing Tips That Can Save You Thousands

    When is the right time to close your pool for the winter—and when should you open it back up in the spring? In this episode of Backyard Times, Joe talks with the Tara from Rising Sun Pools & Spas about pool closing, winterization, spring openings, and the expensive mistakes homeowners can make when trying to do it themselves. You’ll learn why there isn’t one perfect date to close a pool, how leaves and North Carolina weather affect your timing, what equipment actually needs to be winterized, and why simply turning your pool equipment off is not the same thing as properly closing your pool. They also discuss saltwater pools, above-ground pools, hot tubs, safety covers, DIY winterization, spring pollen, green pools, and why opening your pool a little early can sometimes save you money. Rising Sun Pools & Spas has been serving North Carolina families since 1972 and services pools and spas whether they originally installed them or not.  Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Backyard Times00:42 When Should You Close Your Pool?02:06 What’s Included in a Pool Closing?02:50 What Equipment Needs to Be Winterized?03:29 Preventing Freeze Damage04:43 What If the Pool Water Freezes?05:34 Do Saltwater Pools Freeze?06:12 DIY Pool Winterization Mistakes07:12 The Cost of Professional Pool Closing07:43 Rising Sun Pool School09:06 Do Hot Tubs Need to Be Winterized?09:51 Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool Closing10:51 Common Winterization Mistakes11:34 Pool Maintenance & Vacation Service12:18 How Long Does Pool Winterization Take?13:20 When Should You Open Your Pool?14:51 Why You Should Open Before a Pool Party16:41 Is It Cheaper to Open Your Pool Early?17:26 Pro Tips for Opening & Closing Your Pool18:28 Can You Trust YouTube Pool Tutorials?19:41 Will Rising Sun Service Pools They Didn’t Build?20:17 Final Thoughts #PoolMaintenance #PoolWinterization #PoolClosing #PoolOpening #SwimmingPool #PoolCare #PoolTips #SaltwaterPool #BackyardLiving #RisingSunPools #NorthCarolina #RaleighNC #CaryNC #BackyardTimes

    When Should You Close Your Pool? Winterizing Tips That Can Save You Thousands

  9. Aug 20

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    We are here to help you build a better backyard.

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About

Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools is the podcast for anyone who wants to build a better backyard, understand their pool or spa, and spend more time enjoying life outside. Hosted by Tara Soto of Rising Sun Pools & Spas, Backyard Times brings more than five decades of family experience in the pool and spa industry to practical conversations homeowners can actually understand and use. From choosing between vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass pools to maintenance, water chemistry, repairs, renovations, hot tubs, equipment, inspections, outdoor living, and backyard design, Tara and her guests take the mystery out of creating and caring for your backyard escape. You’ll hear from industry experts, homeowners, realtors, landscapers, backyard professionals, and the people behind Rising Sun, along with stories and lessons from a family business that has been serving North Carolina since 1972. Whether you’re planning your first pool, taking care of the one you already own, considering a hot tub or backyard renovation, or simply looking for ideas to make life outside better, pull up a chair. It’s time for Backyard Times by Rising Sun Pools.

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