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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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!
  6. 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
  7. Jul 23

    Behind the Showroom: Pool Products, Smart Technology & Backyard Living

    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

  8. Jul 16

    Backyard Family Fun: Pool Games, Wellness, and Spa Accessories at Pride Pools

    Producer Dee Daniels is having some fun in the sun at Pride Pools’ Savannah location with Alex Smith to discuss summer poolside family fun, highlighting the store’s “fun central” retail displays of unique floats and interactive pool games that encourage competition, exercise, and togetherness.   They note how pool activities can improve family communication and bring everyone together, often alongside grilling. The conversation shifts to wellness benefits of pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, including hydrotherapy and aquatic resistance for rehabilitation, with examples of improved mobility and back relief. They recommend using pools and spas regularly for mental and physical relaxation and better sleep, including alternating between hot spas and cooler pools.   They also cover helpful spa accessories such as towel trees, cover lifters, and lighted or storage steps, plus Bullfrog jetpack therapy options. Listeners are directed to Pride Pools’ Savannah and Claxton locations and pridepools.com.   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Summer Pool Fun Intro 00:27 Fun Central Store Finds 01:34 Family Games And Competition 03:25 Pool Time Brings Everyone 04:44 In Store Interactive Games 06:19 Backyard Memories And Safety 08:27 Swim Spa Wellness Benefits 12:14 Nighttime Water Therapy 15:01 Must Have Spa Accessories 19:27 Spa To Pool Relaxation 22:00 Wrap Up And Where To Shop   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: Pool Games, Wellness, and Spa Accessories at Pride Pools
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out of 5
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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!