Deep Eddy Pool – Cool Texas Pools

Deep Eddy Pool – Cool Texas Pools

The average summer temperature in Texas is about 97℉. That’s hot. But on some days the temperature can reach into the 100s. The record high for a San Antonio, Texas September is 111℉. That’s even hotter.

Texans know how bad the heat can get. If you grew up in Texas, you probably also know how to beat the heat pretty well. Before the days of air conditioning, Texas residents had to be creative when keeping cool. Thankfully, Mother Nature is on our side and offers plenty of great spots to cool off during the scorching Texas summer.

Texas Pools to the Rescue

Swimming pools are becoming a fixture for suburban homeowners and apartment dwellers alike. Most modern apartments have a family pool free for resident use. Homeowners are installing their own personal pools on their properties as it becomes more affordable.

But it wasn’t always that way. Before pools became so accessible, overheating Texans had to search out nature’s bounty of natural water. Texas may be dry, but it has no shortage of natural swimming pools that are among some of the best places to cool off in the world.

Deep Eddy Brings the Cold

Deep Eddy Pool provides recreational swimming for families that live in Austin. You’ll find it nestled off of the bank of the Colorado River and the Missouri Pacific Railway in Austin. It’s modern appearance looks almost nothing like the way it has looked historically. It has seen many evolutions throughout its life, but it actually began as a simple watering hole. The bank of the Colorado River formed an eddy that provides a safe haven for swimmers who don’t want to get caught up in the river current.
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons

What is an Eddy Anyway?

Sailors and fishermen may know it well, but eddy isn’t a layman’s term. An eddy is a pool of fresh natural water formed when flowing water meets an immovable obstacle. The water has to begin flowing in another direction when it meets the obstacle because of pressure from the current. Once the water is pushed by the current, it no longer flows in the same direction. The forward flow of the current meets with the reverse flow past the obstacle. It pushes the water in a different direction, creating a swirl.

The space in front of the object fills with water that doesn’t flow with the current. The water is also protected by the swirling water on either side of the obstacle. The swirls provide the area in front of the obstacle with constant fresh water. The still, circulating water is a perfect area for recreational swimming.

That’s Where Deep Eddy Pool Began

The history of Deep Eddy Pool goes further back than the beginning of civilization in Texas. Long ago, the bank at the Colorado River and Missouri Pacific junction housed an unusually large boulder. It acted as an obstacle that created an eddy just off of the land where people could swim. It didn’t take long for potential landowners to notice that the spot was popular and would make a great investment.

An investor with a vision came in and made serious changes in 1915. A.J. Eilers wanted to create an all-inclusive resort in which visitors could spend large amounts of time (and money). The Deep Eddy Bathing Beach would include all the amenities of a park alongside a man-made pool with natural water from the Colorado River. Eilers built cabins for overnight stays as well as a fully functional bathhouse. He also set up campsites where beachgoers could sleep in the wilderness. He included food and drink stands for his more affluent visitors.

More importantly, he transformed the natural eddy created by the boulder into a concrete swimming pool. To draw even more visitors, Eilers built attractions alongside the pool. Among the more popular ones was Lorena’s Diving Horse. The diving horse attraction had been a trendy show that started in the 1880s in which a horse and rider dive together from a high dive. Deep Eddy’s diving horse dove from a 50-foot-tall diving board into the Deep Eddy pool. Eilers even included a Ferris wheel at his park.

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The Pool Sees Big Change

A huge flood in 1935 destroyed most of the park’s attractions and completely filled the pool with mud and remains. The City of Austin had purchased the pool and park just before the flood destroyed it and before the city broke ground on any improvements. Because of the massive cost of rebuilding the park in its entirety, the city opted to restore only the pool and bathhouse. They reopened the park as is in 1936.

Now open to the public, the park became a memorial to A.J. Eilers. The bathhouse fell out of use and turned into an exhibition center. The non-profit organization Friends of Deep Eddy, interested in conserving the history of Deep Eddy Pool, raised funds and restored the bathhouse to its original glory in 2007. The pool still uses natural water from a well and now includes an area for lap swimming and a shallow wading section for children. It is also used to train lifeguards and aquatics researchers as well as host numerous public events. A hike and bike trail leads from the pool to other Austin parks, and a dock connects boaters to Town Lake. A barbecue pit allows swimmers to host parties and barbecues for all-day fun.

Appreciating Texas Pools

If you’re outside of San Antonio and looking for a pool, dip your toes into Deep Eddy. Next time you visit, you can look around and see the history of Deep Eddy Pool with your own eyes. When you get to know the lengths that Texans have gone to stay cool in the searing summer air, you can appreciate the splendor of your own pool in the comfort of San Antonio.

What Pool Equipment Do You Need?

WHAT POOL EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?

Purchasing pool equipment can get overwhelming fast. When you are dealing with pool contractors trying to sell you extraneous items, you can forget a pool is supposed to be fun. However, it can quickly become a source of anxiety and headaches. Some contractors force you to make substantial investments to cover mounting costs. They may leave you high and dry, leaving you with a bill that’s far more than you expected.

Sanchez Pools likes to work differently. We have come up with a basic list of the equipment your pool needs. While we are more than ready to help you out with any of your pool equipment needs, it is important to know what is necessary. You need to get the most from your pool at all times.

Pump and Filtration Device

When you are installing a pool, cleanliness is paramount. It is tremendously important to get a pump as well as a filtration device. While you can have both independently of each other, the two machines work perfectly in tandem. The functionality of these two devices put together boost their effectiveness and make your pool something to behold.

The pump functions by churning the water at all times. This helps on particularly calm days where the water seems more like a sheet of glass than a place for swimming. The pump forces water into strategic areas, allowing the water to get cleaned out by the filtration unit. Once through, you have fresh water push back into the pool from the filter by the pump. There are three different kinds of filters that you can invest in:

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Cartridge
Cartridge filters are mostly found in above ground pools. They can be relatively easy to maintain, as the cartridge is within the above-ground pump. A cartridge filter also provides good results and requires fairly regular maintenance. The cartridge also needs to be replaced about every three years.

Sand

Sand filters are often considered the lowest maintenance of all filters. A sand filter places specially crafted sand into a filter. Then, the filter grabs incredibly small dirt particles between the sand granules. Whereas other filters may require frequent changing, a sand filter usually needs to be replaced after seven years.

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D.E.
A diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter is considered the best on the market. All filters trap dirt, but what sets the D.E. filters apart is its ability to trap particles down to 3 microns. To give you perspective, a grain of sand is 100 microns wide. While this may sound great, a D.E. filter also requires a regular application of specialized D.E. powder to get the best results. Your water may be crystal clear, but be ready to put in a good amount of work.

Leaf Net
A leaf net is not necessarily needed. However, depending on where you live, it could make your life much easier. If you reside in a highly wooded area and want to maintain a picturesque pool, you will need to invest in a leaf net. This will help cut down on the amount of maintenance you will need to do when the summer begins to wind down.

It is imperative that a leaf net be larger than your pool. This gives more coverage to the entire pool and helps prevent debris from entering. If the net is smaller, you will invite more hazards to enter the water, creating problems for your pool’s cleanliness and potential problems for your filtration system.

Lighting
There are few things as relaxing as a swim. What happens when you want to let off steam in the pool but it is nighttime? A porch light can only extend so far, which is why you may need to invest in some additional lighting. This can add a whole new layer for your pool use.Lights can be installed by the walkway to light up the pool area. This can create a roomy feel, greeting visitors and welcoming them into the sectioned off area. These lights can also evoke the mood you desire, helping craft a complete experience for the poolside people.

You can also install lighting underwater. The beauty of the deep blue water can now shine 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can also cast a blue glow on the surrounding area, creating an ethereal experience.

If you want to make the investment in quality pool equipment without anyone trying to short change you, contact Sanchez Pools, Inc. Our pool technicians are waiting to answer your questions. Call now and get the best pool equipment in Austin now.

11 Extraordinary and Unusual Swimming Pools You Need to Visit

Love swimming? Then you’ll have to put these 10 incredible pools from around the world on your bucket list.

1. Marina Bay Sands Resort

The Sands SkyPark Infinity Pool in Singapore creates one of the most stunning optical illusions you’ll ever see. At first glance, it looks like swimmers are about to fall off the edge of a waterfall into the stunning Singapore skyline. But no need to fear falling; this rooftop pool is best known for its amazing view.

2. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

A man-made geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon is a huge attraction for tourists and local Icelanders alike (contrary to what the name may imply, swimming is a popular pastime in Iceland). The sky blue water is naturally filled with minerals that soothe the skin and the warm water creates a tranquil environment for all who visit.

Blue lagoon pool iceland — Source: http://blog.icelanddesign.is/christmas-calendar-19-svava-atladottir/blue-lagoon-1

3. Seagaia Ocean Dome

Unfortunately, this unbelievable indoor beach at the Sheraton Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki, Japan was closed indefinitely in 2007 for renovations. However, this one’s just too legendary to omit from the list. The Ocean Dome featured an artificial volcano that erupted every 15 minutes as well as a retractable roof to let natural sunlight in. Visitors could even surf on the manmade waves!

4. Crocosaurus Cove

This wild diving experience is located in – where else? – Australia. “The Cage of Death,” as it’s called (no worries, it’s perfectly safe!), allows swimmers to swim with massive 18-foot long saltwater crocodiles behind a thick acrylic tube. It’s an up-close experience like none you’ve ever seen before.

5. Ubud Hanging Gardens

This swimming paradise offers a breath taking outlook over the valleys and jungles of Bali. In this nature-inspired pool, swimmers feel as if they’re floating just above the treetops. You’ll enjoy the peaceful soundtrack of nature as you’re surrounded by suspended candles and served poolside drinks.

6. The Library Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand

Don’t be fooled by this seemingly crimson water. The water in this pool is actually clear, but deep red and orange mosaic tiles on the bottom create the illusion of a maroon oasis just steps from the white sand beach.

the red pool — Source: http://www.thelibrary.co.th/the-red-pool.html

7. Icon Brickell Viceroy

You won’t have to worry about the pool being full here! Located in downtown Miami, this is the longest pool in the entire United States. It stretches further than three city blocks and is filled with 300,000 gallons of water. There are actually dining tables set up in the reflection pool so guests can simultaneously have lunch and cool their feet off in the water.

Source: http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/miami/overview

8. Homestead Caldera, a.k.a. “The Crater”

The Crater is a natural hot spring surrounded by a rock dome, and it’s borderline otherworldly. Located about 30 miles outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, The Crater is over 10,000 years in the making. The dome lets in sunlight while the crystal clear water at a constant temperature of 90-96 degrees keeps you warm. You can do more than swim here: visitors can partake in historical tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even paddle board yoga.

9. Beer Pool

That isn’t just a clever name – this pool located in Austria’s Starkenberger Brewery Castle is literally filled with hot beer for guests to swim in. The warm beer is rich in calcium and vitamins and is said to be healing for the skin, but it’s not advisable to drink. Guests can order cold, clean beer from the brewery.

Beer Pool Austria — Source: http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/starkenberger-beer-resort

10. Hanging Pool at The Joule Hotel

This one is for the daring. The pool in Dallas, TX extends 8 feet out over the side of the hotel – from the tenth floor. Not only can swimmers watch city goers below, but people on the street can look up at the swimmers as well.

11. San Alfonso Del Mar

This wouldn’t be a proper top 10 list without the largest swimming pool in the world. That’s right – this pool located in Algarrobo, Chile, spans 20 acres and holds an astounding 66 million gallons of seawater pumped and filtered from the Pacific Ocean. If you just did a quick take, you would probably think it was part of the ocean itself!