Posts Tagged ‘garden’

The Hayward Wanda The Whale Above Ground Pool Vacuum Revealed

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

The Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale is one of the best selling above ground pool vacuums. It is an automatic pool cleaner designed for above ground pools with vinyl liners. It works equally as well on both flat bottoms and dished bottoms. Hayward is known for their dependable pool cleaners. Like its cousins the AquaBug and Diver Dave, it is built to last.

Function

In the same way as with Hayward’s other automatic pool cleaners, such as Diver Dave and the AquaBug, Wanda The Whale is self-propelled. It, along with the others, uses a technology patented by Hayward called SmartDrive, which programs the steering to clean faster and more efficiently than most other bottom-roving vacuums, which move around in a random pattern. While the Wanda the Whale above ground pool cleaner works in the same way as the Diver Dave and the AquaBug models, it moves slightly more rapidly than the other two, and thus cleans the pool in a shorter time period.

Suction

The vacuum ability on Wanda The Whale is powerful. It picks up everything from sand and small particles to fallen leaves and twigs. If you are planning to use it to suck up leaves, you may want to invest in aleaf catcher, which will prevent your filter from clogging. It’s an inexpensive purchase which will prevent you from wasting time and energy unclogging your filter, or, worse, having to make an unwanted repair.

Design

Similar to Hayward’s other above ground pool vacuums the AquaBug and Diver Dave, Wanda The Whale comes in a unique color and pattern, which sets it apart from other automatic above ground pool vacuums. Kids love the fun design, which looks like a playful blue whale. But don’t let its fun exterior fool you; Wanda The Whale is one of the best automatic cleaners available.

Equipment

The Hayward Wanda The Whale automatic pool vacuum functions with a standard above ground pool filtration system, so it is not necessary to purchase an additional booster pump. This is good because it saves energy, and therefore, of course, saves money on electricity bills.

Safety

One of the most important things about Wanda The Whale, as well as with most automatic above ground pool vacuums, is that it keeps the pool clean with its powerful suction ability instead of using harsh chemical sanitizers. Too many chemicals in the water can lead to poor health effects. This is especially the case with children, whose immune systems are not as strong and well developed as adults’. The last thing we would want is for the pool to make our kids ill – or worse, to develop more serious cancers.

What’s Included

Included with the Hayward Wanda The Whale is a 30′ hose that connects to your pump and an instructional DVD.

If you’d like to learn more about above ground pool vacuums or which is the best above ground pool vacuum for you, check out Bob Washington’s website.

Swimming Pool Lights To Add Some Shine And Sparkle To Your Pool.

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Night time swimming sessions are great when you have pool lights and also will be safer. Having lighting at the pool isn’t only for the safety aspect but it makes the pool look nice too. Coloured lighting in the swimming pool will take it one stage further by giving you mood lighting. Some lights can even be multi coloured and changing every minute or so.

Exactly where to place the pool lighting around the pool.

One option is the swimming pool lighting recessed into the sides of the pool. You can have tracks systems that will go under the coving around the edge of a pool. Above the water lighting is the easiest to install and to look after. Parties by the pool are nicer with good lighting. There is lighting that can only really be installed when the pool is being commissioned first. There are some that are aftermarket, which can be fitted without draining the pool.

12 Volt Halogen

Lighting for recreational swimming which is very inexpensive to install You will have 100 watt halogen bulbs that run off a 12 volt transformer. Has to be 12 volt for safety considerations. The bulbs are white light but you can change the lens covers to be able to have other colours.

Lighting Using Fiber Optics.

Side illuminating fibre optic cable that fits under the coping of your spa or your swimming pool. For different types of build of the swimming pool there various types of lights. Fibreglass Concrete, or a vinyl built pool. The light is brighter when there are more strands of the fibre. The cables are malleable to be able to fit on curves easily.

Lighting by LED.

The way forward with swimming pool lights is the LED technology for the most efficient energy use. The bulbs last for a very long time so the costs of replacing is much reduced. You will get 30,000 hours or more from an LED bulb. LED lighting gives you an option for automated colour changing of the light A light show with red, blue, white and magenta colours with a programming of the colour changes. Individual colours of LED can be mixed to alter the overall colour of each light unit.

Floating Swimming Pool Lights.

Available in a variety of shapes, patterns, styles and sizes you have the battery operated LED Lights. Shaped like flowers, water lilies or roses. Multi colour light displays in the shape of a starship toy. Floating swimming pool lighting you switch on and drop into the pool can be in the shape of jelly fish. Have a disco lighting effect on the bottom of the pool from this style of pool lights.

Getting the best deals on best prices inground swimming pool for your garden. What is the best pool heat exchanger for your swimming pool

Good reasons to buy a Swimming pool Cover

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

Make your life easier with the looking after the swimming pool by using a swimming pool cover. Save lots of time not having to pull leaves and other debris from the pool when you commission it for the new summer season

Popular Types of Swimming Pool Covers

* Above ground mesh pool covers. * Automatic electric swimming pool covers. * Solar swimming pool covers.

Get discounted Solar Swimming Pool Covers

Solar blankets will gather the heat from the sun and help considerably to keep the water temperature up to prolong the swimming season. They bring up the temperature of the pool considerably, For safety reasons make sure you don’t let swimmers in until the cover is fully removed from the swimming pool.

Go Electric

Get some rails in the side of your pool and have a motor attached by the pool makers and you can have one of the automatic swimming pool covers

Protect your Swimming Pool and Pool covers from the Autumn Leaves

Stretch a leaf net across the in ground or above ground swimming pool cover and save time getting the leaves off really easy with one action instead of lots of brushing.

Closing up the Pool in Winter with you Discount swimming Pool Covers

There are cheap swimming pool covers that you can hold in place with water bags or with recessed hooks. Stop the mess getting in the pool over the winter so that you will have less effort required to clean up in spring. There will be less algae forming in the pool also.

Environmental Benefits of Pool Covers

When you are spending money heating the pool even with a eco friendly type pool heater there is a carbon cost to the environment. Swimming pool covers will go some way to reduce the waste by insulating the pool water. You will still be able to extend the swimming pool season.

Choosing the correct pool inground swimming pool for your family home. Taking care of your pool by using swimming pool covers to keep it in better condition.

Good For Your Health Luxury Low Price Hot Tubs Are A Great Option

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

Increasing blood flow and dilating blood vessels is the best way to manage joint pain and arthritis. Hot tubs increase both blood flow and dilate blood vessels through hot water and massaging jets. By using a hot tub on a daily basis arthritis and joint pain can be managed quite easily.

Healing waters date back to the 15th century when Romans would travel to Hot Springs in Belgium. These hot springs known as Aqaue Spadanae would help the heal the joints and aching muscles of the ancient Romans. Although then they were not aware of why they felt “healed”, today we understand that the hot water pools were the reason. The hot spring pools at Aqaue Spadanae would reach temperatures of 114 degrees, today known as the optimum temperature for increasing blood flow.

Many low quality units can reach temperatures of 105, and the best luxury hot tubs can reach 114 degrees. Temperatures as low as 100 degrees are shown to significantly increase blood flow. The best luxury hot tub models have better heater and more jets and stronger jets that will easily meet any heat requirement a joint pain sufferer may have.

When buying a hot tub. It is always best to buy direct from the manufacturer. Avoid hot tub dealers at all costs. Hot tub dealers come and go quickly and often double or triple the price of the hot tub. A low price hot tub and a luxury hot tub can be the same thing. A company like this will offer hot tubs direct to customers with no middleman saving customers tons of money.

Many hot tubs offer features beyond just jets and heated water. Hot tubs can come with color changing light, a teak cabinet rather than ugly plastic as well as fountains and waterfalls. Adding extras is a great way to make your experience a relaxing one as well as a healthful one.

Want to find out more about low price hot tubs, then visit the site Michael Madison recommends on how to get the best price hot tubs for your needs.

Try To Make The Favorable Swimming Pool Solar Heater Choice

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Non-renewable assets are restricted and many people are advocating using green assets a lot more to conserve the energy and the environment. Solar power is instantly accessible and solar powered products are excellent buys for everyone. These solar powered goods could be somewhat expensive in the beginning however they offer long lasting benefits by spending less on your utility bills every month. Swimming pool solar heaters can be placed in commercial structures and homes to cut back fuel charges. Everyone wants a nicely heated pool it will be achieved with the use of solar pool heaters.

How Do They Do the Job?

Swimming pool solar heaters have solar panel, filtration system, pump motor and flow control valve. Water from the swimming pool is pumped through filtration systems and it also passes through solar collectors. It is at this point that water is heated using energy taken from sun from the solar power systems. After heating up water flowing through the pool, water is delivered to the pool. In hot climatic conditions, the collectors enable you to cool the water when water is circulated through the collector at night. Valves control the direction of water flow to keep optimal temperature. These valves can be governed either automatically or manually.

It is not necessary to change your existing pool system to take advantage of solar pool heaters. You can set up solar heating system without transforming infrastructure or flow pipes. Once installed, acclimatized pool can be managed without investing for fuel. This system can be utilized for both over the ground and in ground swimming pools.

Forms of Solar Pool Heaters

Two kinds of swimming pool solar heaters are common – glazed heaters and unglazed heaters. Unglazed heaters are appropriate if you are more worried about heating the pool during freezing temperatures. They are constructed with heavy duty plastic or rubber that extends panels life. Unglazed heaters tend to be suitable for use in indoor swimming pools in cold areas.

Glazed heaters, alternatively, have sophisticated glass covering that can effectively get solar heat during just about all temperatures. In order to acclimatize your pool for the whole year, glazed heaters are a great choice. These heaters use copper tubing with aluminum plate and iron tempered glass. The same heater can be modified to heat domestic water to enable you to have solar water heater with a single investment.

Are Solar Pool Heaters Suited to You?

Swimming pool solar heaters value at $3000 to $4000 according to the system you select. The investment recovery time period of these systems varies between 1.5 years to 7 years. The particular payback time depends upon the expense of fuels in your region. After installation, solar pool heaters do not require maintenance. They could be used for about 10-20 years with no changes. When long term benefits are regarded, solar pool heaters are certainly cost effective when compared to gas and heat pump pool heaters. However, you must consult a seasoned solar contractor and plumber to choose the kind of solar powered pool heater for your home.

Learn more about Swimming Pool Heat Pumps. Stop by Sans Anjay’s site where you can find out all about swimming pool solar heaters and what it can do for you.

Testing And Adjusting Spa Water Balance

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Spa Chemicals may be employed in order to retain sterile water which is free of bacterium, unhealthy aromas and flavours, and gives safe swimming with no irritation. It is standard industry procedure to retain healthy spa water by means of chemicals, plus its also the quickest and easiest way of protecting yourself and the garden spa. Here we wish to give you help during modifying the water balance.

Using chlorine

The chlorine in pools and hot tubs is the main defence it’s water has, making Chlorine essentially the most valuable chemical used. It’s always suggested to utilize Stabilised Chlorine in the role of the sanitiser, for the reason that it’s always just about pH neutral, rendering the result on general water balance dependable.

It is advisable to analyze Chlorine levels on every occasion you dip, but if at all possible each calendar day. Its best reading is between 3 to 5 parts per million. Weaken a few granules in water, ahead of utilising a tiny amount at a time to tweak. Solving over doses is much more difficult than using more Sanitizer.

Test Total Alkalinity (TA) and pH

This set of readings is yet again usually right checked as habitually as achievable, and a good number recommend doing it prior to each bathing session. The Total Alkalinity has a bearing upon pH being stable, spa discolouring and limescale, so it really is essential it is right. The pH level of your water can impact bather enjoyment, and if wrong can produce skin irritation.

The optimal TA reading is from eighty parts per million to one hundred fifty ppm, nevertheless verify with your Hot tub seller as the best levels vary for singular machines. We can apply Total Alkalinity increasing chemical, or pH increaser, to regulate it’s level. Your optimal pH range will be 7.4 – 7.6 pH, therefore if your Total Alkalinity range was in shape, however the pH is wide of the mark, insert a quantity of pH plus or pH minus in minor quantities to remedy. Check your Total alkalinity again after you’ve altered pH.

Using Spa Shock Effectively

Adding the Shock remedy once per week, in addition to after intense dipping, can help to oxidise your water, which helps eliminate waste along with contaminants added via bathers. In order to allow continuous operation of the hot tub, it is probably best to utilize a non-chlorine shock remedy.

The author works for a UK Hot Tubs retailer, and often writes on this topic.

Making Yard Party Using Swimming Pools Above Ground

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Have you ever wished you had a pool in your lawn? In the event you just transferred into a brand new home and have this nice lawn that needs something to fill the space, you may wish to put in a pool to cool down on warm days. Setting up an in-ground swimming pool might be quite pricey. There is a more inexpensive option in swimming pools above ground. You have to think about many elements before purchasing any kind of swimming pool to make sure that you purchase one that will suit you, your budget and your life-style.

It would take a lot of money to buy a new house or have one renovated. A swimming pool may be a pleasant addition to your property but if budget is a bit strained from purchasing the brand new property then maybe a swimming pool above ground will be more possible. In-ground swimming pools are more expensive to put in and keep but typically are more fascinating and aesthetic. On the other hand, above ground pools are more affordable, quite easy to set up and is so much safer for families with small kids. Swimming pools above ground are geared up with ladders that could be removed if not in use. It will be quite tough for kids to get in above ground pools without the ladder. In-ground pools are more hazardous for kids because kids could fall in to them when no one is watching.

You may even set up the swimming pools above ground on your own. Just purchase a kit you’ll be able to construct on the web or coming from a store and you’re good to go. The kits could cost as little as $500 or a bit more and you can find a number of types, dimensions and depths to choose from. In-ground swimming pools are pricey and time consuming. It could actually take ages to dig and place the foundation before you can actually put in the pool. You will most likely have to get professionals to do it and spend much more than just the materials and equipment. In-ground swimming pools also take up more room to work on.

Another benefit to choosing a swimming pool above ground is that almost all municipalities do not consider these types of pools as permanent set ups and do not add to property taxes for houses with above ground pools. Taxes you’ll have to pay will increase with in-ground swimming pools though. Though it seems as if swimming pools above ground have more pluses, not everyone wants or requires a pool above ground. Serious swimmers desire a larger pool they will swim laps in. An in-ground swimming pool would be more preferrred for that purpose. You can’t actually do laps and do critical swimming in an above ground pool’s limited space. Above ground pools also have a restricted depth of 4 feet that a lot of adults find extremely shallow.

In-ground pools could be adorned with waterfalls and slides. They can be outfitted with a diving floorboard and fancy lights. You could also modify the form of an in-ground swimming pool. Above ground pools would just have custom sizes and basic forms. In-ground pools are fairly pricey to maintain. It takes money and time to maintain an in-ground pool clean and working well. The ultimate choice between in-ground pools and swimming pools above ground is all about budget and personal preference. If you have money to burn, an in-ground swimming pool could be for you. But when you have less time, space and cash, then maybe it is a more sensible choice to get one above ground.

To get more info on swimming pools above ground, you can visit Zack Derrick’s online resource site on inflatable pools to get recent updates, compare offers, read reviews, learn all the facts and check where to shop.

How To Go About Landscaping For A Pool

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Many people like the notion of having a pool in their backyard. If you do as well, you should understand that it takes either a lot of work or a lot of money to set up. Then there is the incessant maintenance of the pool and its water. If you are worried that you will lose all of your garden, there is no need, because you can plan your pool so that there is a fair bit of greenery built into it. In deed, there are many suggestions you can use when landscaping for a pool.

When landscaping for a pool, you need to have a design to work to. You can either have a tailor-made plan drawn up for your backyard, you could make your own plan or you could use one out of a magazine. There is no reason why you can not create your own design. The best way to begin would be to get some concepts from landscaping magazines or other household periodicals.

The best way of going about landscaping for a pool is to draw the exact size and shape of your backyard on a sheet of graph paper to scale. Mark in any immovable objects such as downpipes, a shed or septic tank. If that limits the size of your pool too much, you can have these items moved if necessary. Nothing is without a solution, but it does add to the cost. Once you have adequate space, you are ready to start planning.

Copy and modify drawings from periodicals by all means, but if you feel that you are not up to it, have the drawing made for you. A local architect can do it, or phone the local technical college and ask one of the lecturers or students to do it for you. It is not as expensive as you might think. If you have the design done for you, make sure that you have thought about what you want and make sure that the drawer knows about it.

If you prefer lots of flowers, it is best to have raised flower beds. This will prevent your flowers from spreading too far and will allow you more control. The flowers will have to be quite hardy and resistant to chemicals such as chlorine. The air will be more humid around the pool too.

You will have to have some shaded area for when it is very hot. Trees are a good idea, but they can take a very long time to grow. Palms look fantastic by a pool, but some species can take five years to grow high enough. You could check out the possibilities of planting semi-mature trees or look for faster-growing varieties. In the meanwhile, you could set up a grass-roofed lean-to or some umbrellas.

Lighting is also an important consideration. The pool should be floodlit at night to prevent people falling in it at night, but not only for that reason, it looks good as well. Accent lighting on the plants and trees really brings atmosphere to the pool and these lights can be solar powered so that you can move them around should you want to.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article writes on a number of subjects, but is at present concerned with outdoor accent lighting. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Outdoor Wall Lamps.

categories: landscaping,lighting,pool,garden,house,family,happiness,diy,recreation,hobbies,plants,stress management,construction,other

Caring For Your Hot Tub Cover

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Your hot tub cover has a essential job to perform with the condition of your hot tub and it’s water. A reliable cover gives insulation to the swimming pool. It also defends and protects the spa from the weather, serving to cut dirt accumulation on the skin, and obstruct vegetation and garbage from entering the water.

So, What can be done to take care of my Spa Cover?

Your pool cover is under relentless attack by several forces, including Ultra violet from the sun, rainwater, filth and grime from your backyard, and ozone. This also includes the chlorine which keeps spas and fitness pools fresh. By spending a little bit of time every 2-3 weeks, wiping the cover down using light soap and water (using no detergents!), it is possible to eliminate a little of the accumulation which will cut the cover’s operational functioning lifespan. When you’re washing the cover, please aim to focus on all the concealed crevices and cracks, along with both topmost and lower surfaces.

Once every three months, it is best to treat your spa cover with a high quality vinyl protectant remedy, which will provide a barrier to stop cracking, fading and splitting as a result of subjection to the sun, as well as stopping water damage and keeping the vinyl pliable and pliable. Please do make sure the protectant you put on is not one with a silicone oil origin, that will increase sunlight related problems.

Ok, How do we know when to replace the Cover?

After you have had your swim spa cover for a considerable time, it is going to clearly begin to reveal the signs or symptoms of excessive wear and tear, that include:

* Covers that are heavier than usual

* Covers which have a roughened texture on surface which faces the water

* Covers which collect water on top

Once your cover no longer has the capability to insulate properly, your swim spa running expenses might grow, as the heater is endlessly battling to maintain the temperature of the water where it must be. If your household power bills are escalating, your broken hot tub cover could possibly be the culprit. Even if you have not reached this point so far, when your cover is displaying a few of the warning signs or symptoms above, a new one is undoubtedly suggested.

Check out this site which has information about taking care of hot tubs and accessories, and check out these replacement hot tub covers available online.

The Perfect Barbecue Party

Monday, March 15th, 2010

The three most essential elements of any barbecue party are the guests, the weather and the food. I can not make recommendations about your friends and family, you are on your own there, but I hope you will find my suggestions for the other two fronts practical.

An unplanned party in the garden is great and often the best parties are the ones that just happen off the cuff, but if you want something a little more formal or more notable then you have to organize. The first step is to pick a date far enough in the future for most people to be unlikely to have a prior engagement, but not so far that they might forget about your barbecue party.

Depending on where you live of course, try to pick a date when it is unlikely to be cool or wet. This is hard in places like the UK, but may be simpler where you live. If the party goes on into the night it may get cool anyway and you could hire a few gas patio heaters in advance just in case. You could also have a sunshade or sheltered seating area in case of blazing sunshine or a light shower.

These days many people are vegetarian and you will have to plan in advance for them and other dieters, if they make up a sizable number of your guests. You could send out RSVP invitations and ask your guests to make known any special dietary requirements. I am not really suggesting that you have to cater to everybody, but if you have a lot of Jews or Arabs coming you will need to provide an alternative to pork chops and of course there are other minorities too.

In fact, you may have to do some investigation into the religions of the people coming to your barbecue party, because often cooking utensils may not have touched pork of meat or shellfish. Most people of the guests with these dietary needs will have been in this situation before and will appreciate if you go some way to providing an alternative.

For this reason, you will have to get your RSVP cards back at least a week before your barbecue party and do a bit of investigation on the telephone or the Internet. Then start preparing the barbecue side dishes. These should include baked or and boiled jacket potatoes and potato salad, baked beans, egg quarters and coleslaw along with pickles, relish, onions, chutneys tomato and curry sauces (hot and not so hot), as most people will eat them. These can be got ready a few days in advance and kept in Tupperware boxes in the fridge. Bread in the form of buns is also important so that people can make sandwiches.

It is imperative for a polished act, to have your party area fully prepared before your guests turn up. it is a good idea to set the music system up in the garden shed or the garage to save it from any sudden shower. Provide plenty of tissues for wiping greasy fingers and plenty of receptacles for the debris. Finger bowls with lemon water would be a good idea for this purpose too.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the propane outdoor heater. If you are interested in patio heaters too, please click through to Residential Patio Heaters.