Christmas Light Safety Tips

Jason Craycraft • April 25, 2023

This time of year, many of us are stringing up Christmas lights. The debate over whether flashing colors, twinkling white lights, or icicles are the way to go, but one thing remains the same: Not following basic safety rules when installing your lights can lead to injury.. or worse! Whether you are putting up one string around your porch or in a competition for the best-lit house in your neighborhood, here are some Christmas light safety tips to keep in mind:

Be Careful With That Ladder

You’re probably going to need to use a ladder to put your lights up. Safe ladder use is slightly different in the winter than in the summer because you may have to contend with ice, snow, and wind. If it’s bad out, save the light stringing for another day. You should be good to go if the ground is dry and ice-free and the wind isn’t kicking up a fuss.

Have someone help you so that you can always keep three points of contact on your ladder: If you are using one hand to string lights, then both feet need to be firmly on the rungs. If you are actively climbing, then you need to have your hands free to hold onto the ladder.

Never stand on the top rung of a ladder, and make sure it’s in good working order before you begin. If you don’t feel stable, then you probably aren’t, so if things seem shaky or wobbly at any point, carefully descend and re-place your ladder on more even ground.

Prevent House Fires

Improperly installing or using your lighting could lead to fires. Don’t overload your circuits: Read the manual that comes with the lights to see how many strings can be safely connected. Be sure that you are using an outlet that will be able to support the required electrical load; if the breaker flips, then you have too many lights connected or plugged into one socket.

Also, even perfectly wired lights can cause a fire if there is an electrical malfunction, so don’t leave your lights on overnight or when you aren’t home. If you are home and awake, you’ll be able to detect a problem when it first occurs, saving your property and maybe even your life.

Be Careful on the Roof

It should go without saying that if the roof is snow- or ice-covered, you should not be up there, but every year, many people visit emergency rooms due to falling off of slippery roofs. Only venture up if the roof is dry and if you are sure that it will support you. Watch out for any soft spots; remember that ice accumulating under shingles can cause soft spots in the wood. You might find this out by climbing on the roof before you detect a leak in your house, so tread carefully.

Decorating for the winter holidays can be an exciting and fun part of your neighborhood or family tradition. Just keep basic safety tips in mind so that you can enjoy the holiday in one piece!

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5 Things We Want You to Know Before Installing a Pool

By JASON CRAYCRAFT • July 24, 2025

At Omni Pools & Scapes, we love building dream backyards. But before we break ground (literally), there are a few things we wish every client knew. Think of this as your poolside pre-game checklist—minus the sunscreen (but seriously, wear sunscreen).

Winterizing Your Pool: A Comprehensive Guide by Omni Pools & Scapes

By JASON CRAYCRAFT • December 4, 2024

As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, December marks the time to think about closing your pool for the winter season. Here at Omni Pools & Scapes, we understand that proper winterization is crucial for protecting your pool and ensuring it's ready for use come spring. Here's your step-by-step guide to shutting down your pool the right way: Why Winterize Your Pool? Winterizing your pool isn't just a tradition; it's essential for: Preventing Damage : Ice can expand and crack your pool's structure or equipment. Avoiding Algae and Bacteria : Cold weather doesn't kill all microorganisms, so proper chemical treatment is necessary. Maintaining Water Quality : Ensuring your pool water remains balanced during winter minimizes the effort needed to reopen it. Step-by-Step Winterization Process: Balance the Water Chemistry: Test for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. Adjust as necessary to keep your water in balance, which helps in preventing algae and scale during the off-season. Clean the Pool Thoroughly: Remove leaves, debris, and vacuum the pool to leave it clean. Brush the walls to dislodge any dirt or algae. Clean or backwash your filter to ensure it's not clogged with debris from the season. Lower the Water Level: For pools in colder climates like Ohio, lower the water level below the skimmer and return lines to prevent ice damage. However, for pools with an auto-cover, maintain a level that doesn't interfere with the cover's ability to seal. Drain and Store Equipment: Drain the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment to protect from freezing temperatures. Follow manufacturer guidelines for storage. Remove and store ladders, diving boards, and other accessories in a dry place to prevent rust or damage. Add Winterizing Chemicals: Use a winterizing kit or add chemicals separately to prevent algae growth and maintain water clarity. This typically includes: Shock treatment to kill off any remaining algae and bacteria. Algaecide to prevent growth during winter. Sequestering agents to prevent staining from metals in the water. Install the Pool Cover: For above-ground pools, a solid cover is essential. For in-ground pools, mesh or solid covers can be used, depending on your preference for water management during winter. Ensure the cover is secure and tight to keep out debris and to minimize water accumulation on top. Circulate Water One Last Time: Run your pump with the winterizing chemicals to distribute them evenly. Then, shut down your system. Protect Against Freeze: Use pool antifreeze in skimmer and return lines to prevent freezing and damage. Consider a pool heater or invest in a freeze protection system if you live in an area with extreme cold snaps.

Elevating Your Outdoor Space with Hardscapes

By JASON CRAYCRAFT • November 17, 2024

At Omni Pools & Scapes, we believe that the beauty of a well-designed pool area extends beyond the water itself. Hardscaping plays a pivotal role in defining the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space. Let's explore how to integrate hardscapes to elevate your backyard into a true outdoor masterpiece. What is Hardscaping? Hardscaping refers to the non-living features of your landscape, like pathways, patios , retaining walls , and outdoor kitchens . These elements provide structure, facilitate movement, and create focal points or areas for leisure and entertainment. The Role of Hardscaping in Pool Design Functional Aesthetics : Patios : A well-designed patio around your pool can serve as a deck for sunbathing , a dance floor for parties, or a dining area for al fresco meals. Choose materials that complement your pool's style, whether it's natural stone for a rustic feel or sleek concrete for modern elegance. Walkways : These guide guests around your pool safely while adding to the overall design. They can be made of pavers, gravel, or even wood, depending on the ambiance you wish to create. Defining Spaces : Outdoor Kitchens : Imagine walking from your pool to a fully functional kitchen area. Hardscaping here includes countertops, grills, and seating, turning your backyard into an entertainment zone. Fire Features : From fire pits to outdoor fireplaces , these elements not only extend your pool season into cooler months but also serve as a gathering spot for nighttime enjoyment. Water Management : Retaining Walls : Useful for managing water flow, preventing erosion, and creating multi-level landscapes that add depth and interest. Drainage Systems : Properly designed hardscapes can incorporate elegant solutions for water drainage, ensuring your pool area remains pristine and functional.