Winterizing your in-ground swimming pool is essential if you expect to enjoy the next summer in your backyard, splashing in the water. As a pool owner, you definitely don't want to open your swimming area when the weather warms to find that your pool isn't fit for neither man nor beast! Especially if you are just getting your pool installed at home, it's important to know the proper procedures so there are no problems in the future.
When you "winterize," or close, your swimming pool you take steps to protect the bowl from the elements, and to maintain clean surfaces as much as possible so that there is less work to do in the spring or summer. If you leave your water in the pool, definitely take note of these tips:
1) Have your water tested for the correct chemical balance. Your local pool supplies shop may offer this service if you're not sure how to do it yourself. It's important to make sure the alkalinity and pH is right in your water because this helps keep the water clean and prevents stains and other damage during the winter. If you visit your pool store, you may see winter kits for sale - these are helpful in maintaining your water's freshness and color.
2) If you have reason to believe the temperature will drop to below freezing, be warned how this will affect your pool. Water expands when it freezes, and this could mean damage to your liner or bowl and cause leaks later on. You may wish to keep your water level low enough so this doesn't happen - keeping it below your skimmers will help.
3) Your plumbing lines and filters should be cleared of water. If you're not sure how to do this yourself, your local pool experts can take care of this for now.
4) Invest in a strong cover for your pool. This will help keep out debris that you would otherwise skim out on a regular basis.
Taking care of your pool when you are not using it will help ensure that your swimming area is perfectly clean and healthy for the next summer period. Take care to know the balance and levels of your water, and consult with pool experts when you can. Once winter is over and the cover comes off, you'll enjoy another season of swimming and backyard fun with family and friends.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk pool supplies and Virginia Beach pools.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Keeping Your Plumbing Up to Date
As a homeowner, you should be able to turn on a faucet and expect clean water, and you should have the luxury of doing laundry, working your garbage disposal, and flushing your toilet without anticipating any problems with your plumbing. You take pride in your home and its fixtures, and while you might hesitate when it comes time to upgrade anything in your kitchen or bathroom, you ought to know that the benefits of updated plumbing outweigh the cost in the long run.
Why should you keep your plumbing up to date? There are a number of reasons to consider new fixtures, pipes and appliances. Here are some thoughts to consider the next time you settle in for a nice bath or start cooking a meal:
1) Your family and guests will thank you for it. If yours is the household that sees people waiting in line for hot water every morning, don't feel discouraged if you believe that problem will never be resolved. Consult with a plumbing professional for options that keep everybody at home happy, and clean! Whether it involves installing another shower or better pipes for improved flow, you can find help toward getting everybody's bathroom routines finished in a timely manner.
2) You can save money on water and heating bills. Upgrade to newer equipment like a tankless water heater or other fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen - like low-flush toilets and lower-flow faucets, and you may find you're pay less each month when the bills arrive. This is because you use less water and heat every day.
3) You may get a break on your taxes! With the purchase of energy saving devices for home improvement, you may be able to write off the money on your next tax return. This includes plumbing fixtures like tankless water heaters.
4) You improve the value of your home. If ever you decide to sell your house, you stand to increase bids thanks to the upgraded features done to your bathroom and kitchen. You've given potential home buyers more reason to consider your house over others, and they have less home improvement work to do when you vacate.
Upgraded plumbing yields benefits for everybody at home. More efficient pipes run clean water, help save you money and make your home more pleasant. If you're unable to make the improvements yourself, talk to your local plumber about cost effective options.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Chicago plumbing services and Norfolk plumbing services.
Why should you keep your plumbing up to date? There are a number of reasons to consider new fixtures, pipes and appliances. Here are some thoughts to consider the next time you settle in for a nice bath or start cooking a meal:
1) Your family and guests will thank you for it. If yours is the household that sees people waiting in line for hot water every morning, don't feel discouraged if you believe that problem will never be resolved. Consult with a plumbing professional for options that keep everybody at home happy, and clean! Whether it involves installing another shower or better pipes for improved flow, you can find help toward getting everybody's bathroom routines finished in a timely manner.
2) You can save money on water and heating bills. Upgrade to newer equipment like a tankless water heater or other fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen - like low-flush toilets and lower-flow faucets, and you may find you're pay less each month when the bills arrive. This is because you use less water and heat every day.
3) You may get a break on your taxes! With the purchase of energy saving devices for home improvement, you may be able to write off the money on your next tax return. This includes plumbing fixtures like tankless water heaters.
4) You improve the value of your home. If ever you decide to sell your house, you stand to increase bids thanks to the upgraded features done to your bathroom and kitchen. You've given potential home buyers more reason to consider your house over others, and they have less home improvement work to do when you vacate.
Upgraded plumbing yields benefits for everybody at home. More efficient pipes run clean water, help save you money and make your home more pleasant. If you're unable to make the improvements yourself, talk to your local plumber about cost effective options.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Chicago plumbing services and Norfolk plumbing services.
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