07 Oct

Posted at 13:52h in General Interest by
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Pool Shade Ideas: 7 Ways to Cover Your Swimming Pool

From Shade FX

The thought that creating shade around a swimming pool is one that usually escapes most people.  Shade isn't the first thing that comes to one's mind when they envision their own inground swimming pool space.  Luckily, skilled designers are attuned to the crucial fact that creating shaded areas in the proper spots are every bit as important as the areas that receive sun.  This post from Shade FX presents 7 unique ways to provide a respite from UV rays and hot midday sun exposure.

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06 Oct

Posted at 14:19h in General Interest by
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Outdoor Dining Rooms

From Landscaping Network

8 ideas for creating the ultimate outdoor dining area

Outdoor living enthusiasts understand one principle above all when it comes to their outdoor living space:  It is meant to enjoy and to draw people together.  Nothing accomplishes this task like an outdoor dining area.  Think about how a dining room brings family together inside the home, and you will understand the power of creating an outdoor dining area.  This post from the Landscaping Network gives 8 stunning examples of outdoor dining areas that will inspire you to bring your family and friends together for outdoor meals.

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05 Oct

Posted at 14:22h in General Interest by
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Fire & Water Features

From Landscaping Network

7 ways to add drama to your landscape with fire and water elements

You've probably seen the fabulous pictures across the internet and in design and home magazines featuring firebowls, firepits, and fire strips around swimming pools.  Fire attracts attention, and creates amazing action and drama in any outdoor living design, but especially when combined with water.  Two of the most ancient elements that are associated with mystery, life, and spirituality come together in these amazing swimming pool designs that combine these two elements amazingly.  This post from Landscaping Network showcases these combination features which represent the latest innovation in the ever-changing swimming pool design and outdoor living design arena.

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02 Oct

Posted at 14:05h in General Interest by
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Talk with your Aging Parents About Senior Citizens Swimming to
Develop Aging Fitness

From Talk Early...talk often...

As we age, our bone density decreases, we lose stamina, and it becomes harder and harder to keep up an excercise regimen to stay in shape.  This is especially the case for senior citizens, as the rate at which the decline in these situations increases with seniors.  Water exercise is a great way for senior citizens to exercise, as the water provides resistance, and is low impact on bones and joints.  This post from talk early...talk often... presents some great workouts in the swimming pool for senior citizens, and explains the benefits.

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01 Oct

Posted at 13:30h in General Interest by
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Mystery Stains in Salt Generator Pools

From Aqua

One of the most popular trends in the swimming pool industry over the last two decades has been the proliferation of the saltwater swimming pool.  Never before in the history of the industry has a consumer-driven groundswell caused a demand for a product or service commensurate with salt water swimming pools, or chlorine generators.  Like many things in life that seem too good to be true, Salt water swimming pools can have some inherent issues that somewhat negate their promise of a maintenance free swimming experience.  This post from Aqua Magazine presents some frequently seen issues that happen with salt water chlorine generation, and explains what causes them.

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30 Sep

Posted at 13:57h in General Interest by
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Benefits of a Steam Room vs. a Sauna

From ehow

Many people don't realize that a Sauna is very different from a Steam Room.  This post from eHow discusses the differences between a Sauna and A Steam Room, and what makes the benefits associated with both entities different.  The main difference, as this article points out, are the types of heat that they provide, and whether the heat is dry or wet heat.  Either amenitiy would be a great addition to any type of indoor or outdoor swimming pool to warm up after a vigorous swim.

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22 Sep

Posted at 14:12h in General Interest by
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Winterize Your Landscape

From Landscaping Network

If you are one of the fortunate souls who live in the sunbelt, you aren't thinking about the harsh effects of winter.  The freezing temperatures, harsh winds, snow and thaw cycles can literally destroy landscape elements if not planned for.  This post from Landscaping Network tells the homeowner how to properly protect plants, paving, decks, arbors, lighting, furniture, and lawns from the harsh winter conditions.  Proper planning will help the transition back to Spring be much easier and damage-free.

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03 Sep

Posted at 16:10h in General Interest by
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Swimming Pool Care Myths

From Pool & Spa Warehouse

Everyone has heard an anecdotal story or two about swimming pools.  These myths can not only be misleading, but they can actually be dangerous to one's health if they are misconstrued.  This post from The Pool and Spa Warehouse lists some of these commonly misleading and potentially dangerous myths, and presents the truth about them to set the record straight.

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02 Sep

Posted at 14:01h in General Interest by
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6 things you must know about going solar

From Yahoo Homes

Swimming Pool owners have a special attachment to the outdoors.  They love using their pool and their outdoor living space, which is why they took the plunge and installed the swimming pool in the first place.  What new swimming pool owners sometimes don't fully comprehend is the increased costs that are associated with ownership.  The costs of electricity, gas, and water are sometimes a big surprise to some new owners.  Some owners are looking to alternative technologies to help mitigate the costs of ownership.  This post from Yahoo Homes gives some great tips on one such technology, Solar power.

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31 Aug

Posted at 13:50h in General Interest by
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TEST YOUR WATER

From Hayward

Swimming pool owners want to enjoy their swimming pools without having to worry about water chemistry.  The fact is, vigilance in testing the water chemistry can go great lengths towards preserving the life of one's swimming pool, and keeping the pool enjoyable for one's friends and family.  This post from Hayward Pool Products gives a great primer on the aspects of water chemistry that are to be maintanted, and how to test for them to keep the water in perfect balance.

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