Livingston Reporting - page 303

Tips On Repair Coping in Gunite Swimming Pools

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When you become a pool owner whether you have had on installed or you have purchased a home with a pool there is so much to learn in regards to the upkeep. There will be many new terms to learn about, one in particular is pool coping.  The swimming pools coping in basic terms is the buffer between the deck of the in ground pool and the pools beams.

It is particularly important in new gunite swimming pool construction that the coping is kept up on.  You will find major settling in the pool over the first year or two.  This is when changes in the ground as it shifts and settles can cause cracks in the pools tile, coping and joints.  If the cracks are left and are not repaired water is allowed to seep in between the pools plaster walls and the soil supporting the pool as a whole.

When fixing the damaged swimming pool coping you find the hardest part is finding coping stones to match the areas that are broken.  Below you will find steps to help do your coping repair on your own.  Most homeowners find that since the coping is such an aesthetic part of the pool that a swimming pool contractor is much better suited to handle the detailed repair.

Step by Step Swimming Pool Coping Repair

1)      To begin your coping repair you will need to remove the old mortar that is holding the stones/tile in place.  Most of the time for small swimming pool coping repairs you can use a hammer and a chisel to get into the area that is damaged.  When the repair is larger the mortar can be removed using a saw.  Be so careful not to damage areas around the original area of damage.

2)      Remove the coping stones that are damaged and in need of replacement until you see the exposed beam below.  You need to thoroughly clean out the old mortar that is left within the hole. Use the chisel and hammer to get off all of the mortar and a shop vacuum to help get even the smallest bits of mortar cleaned up.

3)      The next step involves mixing the coping repair product in a work bucket.  This will be used as your mortar and grout for the coping repair job. Every material that is being used will have directions specific to prepare it.  The basic consistency will be mashed potatoes.

4)      With a trowel you will add the mixture to the beam and create a space to set the replacement coping stones in.  The bed will be just deep enough for the new stones to be level to the surrounding stone.  If the area is uneven it leaves room for stubbed toes and the look of the pool being off.

5)      Using the trowel you need to add a layer of the mortar to the sides and back of the coping and set the stone in place.  The stone should fit firmly into the mortar bed laid in step 4.

6)      This process will be continued until the entire area that had been damaged is replaced with new coping and mortar.  It is crucial to make sure the spacing is even throughout the process. Any gaps can be filled in with any additional mixture.

7)      Before the mixture dries on the surface of the coping use a clean damp sponge to clean the area.  The grooves between the copings can be created using the handle of the trowel once the mortar has begun to set up.

Coping repair can be complex and should be done with great care.  If there is color in your existing mortar make sure you add the color to the mix before you add water.  These little things are what make this job an easy one to hand off to professional pool contractors.  The match must be spot on otherwise the repair will be evident and this is what is to be avoided anytime a repair is needed.

Pound Pool Plastering

Computer Repair Services

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

It is quite possible that the majority of households own a computer.  The internet is the gateway for many interactions we have.  Without access to a home computer it is possible to miss out on this interaction and to be less up to date with what is happening in the world around you.

We use the computer and internet for social media, business, constant contact via email, shopping and a variety of other activities.  Not surprisingly people seem to be lost without access to their computers and the internet.  When a computer goes in for repair because of a virus needing to be removed, a hard drive reconfigured, system upgrade or an operating system reloaded minimizing the downtime is important.

Not only is it important to minimize downtime as a consumer you want to ensure you are getting quality service at reasonable rates. Technology is a booming industry and computer repair companies are popping up all over the place.  The difference will be in the service you receive and the quality of the technician working on your pc.  To make sure you find quality computer repair shop follow the steps below.

One thing to do is to check with people that have used the shops services. You want to be sure that you are working with a technician that can replicate and fix the issue that is wrong with your PC.  Things to consider are fixes to your computer such as a virus removal.  Any anti-virus protection your computer has can be manipulated by the designers of computer viruses.  So if your computer is going in for the removal of a virus make sure the technician updates your antivirus protection and provides you with safe internet searching tips to prevent a virus from being able to infect your computer otherwise you could infect your computer once again.

It is important that before you leave the computer repair shop that you turn on your computer to ensure the problem you brought it in for is fixed and that you don’t see any new issues occurring.  Once you leave the shop it is hard to prove that the technician did not in fact fix the issue.

Ask friends, family and neighbors who they have used for computer repair.  With households now owning at least one or more computer the likelihood that someone you know has had an experience with a local computer repair company is favorable.  Check with them to see if they would recommend the services provided by the company and if they were satisfied with the communications and recommendations given by the technician.  It is important that the technician is knowledgeable of computers and technology but also able to communicate in a manner that is understandable to a non tech savvy individual.

Computers Plus Service, CPS, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computers, business networking and website development.  You will find more about their search engine optimization packages online at http://www.cpsmi.com/.

Creative Programs and Systems

Finding The Right Diamond Cut

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When men are seeking out the perfect engagement ring one thing they are after is a perfect shaped ring for their beautiful fiancé to be.  A classic diamond is thought to be round, brilliant and a kaleidoscope of stunning aspects that bring allure to the eye.

Although this is true there is a lot more to diamonds than most people choosing one know, including that they come in a variety of shapes.  Although traditionally diamonds are round and that shape is considered the most popular that is hardly it when it comes to the majestic diamond.

Round Diamonds

A round shape diamond is the shape people first think of when considering purchasing a diamond.  Many engagement ring setting are specially designed to be paired with a classic solitaire diamond. This is why round diamonds account for over seventy-five percent of all diamonds sold now a days.  Solitaires are cut to maximize the crown, girdle and pavilion and are calibrated to allow the most intensity and brightness that the diamond has to offer.  This is a favorable option when choosing a diamond for a very traditional bride to be.

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are equally as beautiful to the classic solitaire.  Ovals are perfectly symmetrical and look wonderful on women with small hands or shorter fingers.  It allows the hand to appear elongated.

Marquise Diamonds

A marquise is a long shaped diamond with points at the end and is said to be inspired by the smile of Marquise de Pompadour.  A marquise diamond is beautiful when paired with smaller solitaire diamonds that enhance the unique and distinct pointed shape of the diamond.

Pear Shaped Diamonds

This shaped diamond combines the beautiful elements of both the oval shaped and marquise shaped diamonds. The pear is oval at the base and is pointed at the top and gives the appearance of a tear drop.  It compliments small to average sized hands.  Many pear shaped diamonds are used as pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Talk about romantic!  A heart shaped diamond is one of the most difficult diamonds to produce and takes an extremely skilled diamond cutter to assure an even shape and well defined outline.  For a true romantic this is the most perfect choice in diamond shapes.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

An emerald cut diamond is cut in the shape of a rectangle with round cut corners.  When it comes to selecting an emerald cut diamond pay particular attention to the clarity and cut.  In this shape the flaws of the diamond are more pronounced therefore to choose one that is of the quality you wish for an engagement ring stone it takes a great deal of diamond knowledge.

Princess Cut Diamonds

This is a square cut diamond that is cut with an enhanced number of facets to improve upon the brilliance and sparkle of the stone.  This stone is beautiful on many different sized hands but is exceptional for those with long fingers.

Diamond cutters are still coming up with new shapes as we speak.  Some cutters take classic designs and improve upon their brilliance.  The shape you choose to propose with will be determined by personal preference and your spin on what your bride to be desires.

When men are seeking out the perfect engagement ring one thing they are after is a perfect shaped ring for their beautiful fiancé to be.  A classic diamond is thought to be round, brilliant and a kaleidoscope of stunning aspects that bring allure to the eye.

Although this is true there is a lot more to diamonds than most people choosing one know, including that they come in a variety of shapes.  Although traditionally diamonds are round and that shape is considered the most popular that is hardly it when it comes to the majestic diamond.

Round Diamonds

A round shape diamond is the shape people first think of when considering purchasing a diamond.  Many engagement ring setting are specially designed to be paired with a classic solitaire diamond. This is why round diamonds account for over seventy-five percent of all diamonds sold now a days.  Solitaires are cut to maximize the crown, girdle and pavilion and are calibrated to allow the most intensity and brightness that the diamond has to offer.  This is a favorable option when choosing a diamond for a very traditional bride to be.

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are equally as beautiful to the classic solitaire.  Ovals are perfectly symmetrical and look wonderful on women with small hands or shorter fingers.  It allows the hand to appear elongated.

Marquise Diamonds

A marquise is a long shaped diamond with points at the end and is said to be inspired by the smile of Marquise de Pompadour.  A marquise diamond is beautiful when paired with smaller solitaire diamonds that enhance the unique and distinct pointed shape of the diamond.

Pear Shaped Diamonds

This shaped diamond combines the beautiful elements of both the oval shaped and marquise shaped diamonds. The pear is oval at the base and is pointed at the top and gives the appearance of a tear drop.  It compliments small to average sized hands.  Many pear shaped diamonds are used as pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Talk about romantic!  A heart shaped diamond is one of the most difficult diamonds to produce and takes an extremely skilled diamond cutter to assure an even shape and well defined outline.  For a true romantic this is the most perfect choice in diamond shapes.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

An emerald cut diamond is cut in the shape of a rectangle with round cut corners.  When it comes to selecting an emerald cut diamond pay particular attention to the clarity and cut.  In this shape the flaws of the diamond are more pronounced therefore to choose one that is of the quality you wish for an engagement ring stone it takes a great deal of diamond knowledge.

Princess Cut Diamonds

This is a square cut diamond that is cut with an enhanced number of facets to improve upon the brilliance and sparkle of the stone.  This stone is beautiful on many different sized hands but is exceptional for those with long fingers.

Diamond cutters are still coming up with new shapes as we speak.  Some cutters take classic designs and improve upon their brilliance.  The shape you choose to propose with will be determined by personal preference and your spin on what your bride to be desires.

DaRoche Jewelers

The Reasons Don’t Matter When Going Through A Divorce Your Attorney Does

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When you walk down the aisle into wedded bliss no one is ever thinking about what lies on the opposite side of happily ever after.  The vow does not say happily ever after until the divorce after all.  As much as we don’t like to think that our marriage could fail and that we could be the fifty percent that don’t work out it does happen.  As a divorce attorney I am often asked what the leading factors in divorce are.  From experience and years of experience I have gained little knowledge to actually narrow the exact cause of divorce.  Instead I have come to realize that many little factors combine into one massive explosion which in itself leads to filing for divorce.

For instance, many people believe that a fifty-fifty split in the chores around the home will keep you happily married until death do you part.  This view is a rather modern version of society’s views on marriage and does not necessarily help with keeping your marriage out of divorce court.  The chores might not be as much to blame as the way the structure of the family in this situation is viewed.  One theory is that the marriage becomes less sacred as the wife is viewed as not doing her duties in maintaining the family.  Although this is an old fashion view it still plays into the mindset of a family unit.

In marriage both partners should be willing to do things around the house for their partner as a desire to please them.  Whether this is done in a perfect fifty-fifty split is less of an issue verse the mindset that you are doing something for your family and your partner.  With this view of marriage you are doing chores to please your spouse rather than out of a combative view that everyone must stay equal.

In-laws and the relationships couples have with them are another source where people often site as the reason their marriage has failed. In studies it has been said that when a husband is close with his in-laws the marriage is 20% less likely to end in divorce where as the opposite is true when it is the wife that is close to her in-laws.

Why you ask?  Many times men take criticism as constructive and use the information making it a less personal jab against them.  This is not true when it comes to the wife accepting criticism or input.  Women are more likely to see it as a meddlesome, personal attack on them.  This rift often causes issues within a marriage.  The fact is the relationship with the in-laws is not necessarily the issue but instead the manner at which we take in and process situations.

The list of reasons people think their marriages have failed is plentiful.  Here I sited two issues that come out a lot when talking about why couples think their marriage dissolved.  The main thing to remember if you find your marriage in a state in which it is beyond repair you both must seek council.  Divorce attorneys work together to diffuse explosive situations and to create an outcome that will be in the best interest of both parties.  In divorce proceeding’s  the same thing is true as it is when talking about marriage success and failure… the little things add up and combine into one massive explosion.  Attorney’s can help prevent your divorce from combusting.

Longton Law

Protect Your Family With An Aluminum Swimming Pool Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Pools and hot tubs are a family favorite for summer fun.  While they may be fun without the proper precautions in place they can become dangerous.  This is why many states have laws in place that state pool fencing needs to be in place where ever a pool or hot tub is in place.  Pool fences help to prevent falls and drowning saving thousands of lives every year.

 

When it comes to adding a fence to your pool area you should first check with the local municipalities to determine any special regulations that are needed.  It does not make sense to purchase a fence for the area only later to determine that local guidelines were not followed. Many of the considerations surrounding pool fence requirements include the type of pool, above ground or in ground, the material of the fence, the height of the fencing and the type of a gate and lock installed.

 

When looking into a fence it is good to know that the fence needs to be designed with young children in mind.  The primary reason pool fences are installed is to keep children safe around water.  Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death in children between the ages of one and four.  A fence should surround the pool and be installed with a self-closing, self latching gate.  Even if your home does not have little children in it consider visitors welcomed and not.  Accidents happen, that is why they are accidents.

 

There are many varieties of material to choose from when looking into fencing for your pool area.  One of my favorites for durability, ease of installation, easy maintenance and style is aluminum fencing. Aluminum pool fencing is available in a variety of colors, styles and heights.  It can easily be anchored into existing concrete pads or newly poured concrete. Aluminum fencing is also great as it is rust-proof.

 

Wood fencing is another option in pool fencing.  When purchasing wood fencing for your pool area it is good to note that this material will need regular maintenance including cleaning and weather proofing.  This is a major drawback to wood fencing as well as the low visibility it provides inside of the pool area.  Wood fencing is not a first choice for most pool owners as the extra maintenance and upkeep usually detour wood in favor of something with ease of maintenance even when it costs a bit more.

 

In warmer climates where many homeowners have a pool indoor small mesh fences are used.  Even with this, a safety fence is needed for the pool area.  A vinyl and mesh fence is placed around the edge of the pool area.  The fence relies on vertical post placed into the concrete and a non-climbable mesh attached to the posts.  The fence is removable when the pool is in use and is required to be installed when the pool is not in use. This ensures that even if a small child were to get out onto the porch area where the pool is the water remains blocked and off limits.

 

A gate and latch is recommended for all pool areas.  Locking mechanisms vary however something more complex, a self closing, self latching, self locking option is recommended for optimal security for the pool area. Mesh fences aren’t required to have a gate if the owner is willing to remove the mesh each time the pool is in use.  The main thing for pool safety to be effective is that the lock needs to be used each and every time the pool is unsupervised.

 

Great deals in aluminum pool fencing can be found online.  Most sellers also have a direct connection with fence installers local to your area if you are not interested in installing the fence on your own. The key element to look for in purchasing aluminum fencing for your pool online is a reputable seller that offers assistance before; during and after you purchase your pool fence.

Forever-Fence

Making Your Home A Safe Independent Living Space

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Eventually everybody comes to a point in life where they need to rely on care from someone else.  Most of the time it is a parent needing end of life care. Depending on each situation the choice to bring them home to live with you or to live in an assisted living facility is a personal one.  Both situations involve a change for your loved one and you and both require a great deal of planning.

 

If the choice is to bring them into your home it is important to make sure you are equipped with independent living products and solutions throughout your home.  Note that these products are no longer clinical in style and have been made to enhance ones home while not necessarily needing to be permanently installed.  These products help to allow seniors to maintain an independent and safe lifestyle while retaining the homes appearance and allowing the senior to feel like less of a burden to you.

One of the most important rooms to make safe is the bathroom area.  Many homes have multiple bathrooms.  The bathroom that the senior in the household will be using most often should be the one that is equipped with essential safety measures.  To make sure the bathroom renovations are up to par for independent adult living make sure that getting in and out of the tub and up off the toilet is as easy as possible.  This may mean that grab bars need to be installed and that padding and anti-slip materials are added to slick ceramic tile and linoleum floors.  Preventing the fall from happening in the first place is a whole lot easier than caring for the patient after the fall.

 

If your home is one in which a threshold is crossed to enter or if the home has small steps that help vary the levels consider the installation of a threshold ramp is an affordable option that can be made to blend with the existing décor of the home.  It does not have to be permanent and can be easily installed.  These are good to have no matter if a walker or wheelchair is needed.  Week knees and legs are better equipped to handle small threshold ramps better than steps and more likely than not a walker or mobility equipment of sorts will be needed at some point.  If your home has stairs the best option is to make everything that the senior needs accessible to him/her on the main floor where they will be spending most of their time. Otherwise be prepared to install a chair lift to ease access to the rest of the home.

 

The bedroom is another room that requires the senior to be independent in movement and needs to be extra safe.  Sensors are a must for seniors in the bedroom area.  Lights that are activated with movement or clapping are needed so that the minute the elderly loved one is awake they can have access to light without leaving the bed.  Depending on the level of care needed there are a multitude of products available to assist seniors in getting around with little to no help and that help maintain the aspect of privacy that is so desired.

 

Each room in the house has certain challenges that will need to be overcome when it comes to handicap construction otherwise known as age in place accommodations.  When it comes to caring for a loved one and ensure their independence and safety as they live out the last years of their lives no obstacle is one that a solution can’t be found.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Choosing Between Aluminum and Vinyl Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Every type of fencing material has advantages and disadvantages associated with it.  What is right for a homeowner is not necessarily desired for a business owner.  Your needs and wants will help you decide between the multitudes of materials that fencing can be purchased in.  This article will take a look at vinyl fencing and decorative ornamental aluminum fencing.

 

Vinyl fencing has an advantage over aluminum in the area of privacy.  Most styles of aluminum fencing have spindles that leave a certain sized gap between the railings that vinyl fencing can avoid.  Vinyl fencing can be purchased as a privacy fence without any gap.  If you live in a subdivision and you are looking for privacy pool fencing, vinyl might be the way to go around your pool.  However, if you already have privacy fencing surrounding the outer edge of your landscape, decorative aluminum pool fencing can be an attractive addition to the pool area to keep the area safe when adults are present and kids are playing in the backyard.

 

As far as maintenance is concerned both vinyl and aluminum fencing are low maintenance.  Vinyl can be kept looking good and fresh with some warm, soapy water.  Ornamental fencing can be power washed and returned to its natural state easily as well.

 

When it comes to having an entire fence and gate system installed vinyl looses when it comes to needing a larger gate. Large gates in vinyl are just not a secure as their aluminum counterparts.  If you are looking into an electronic access gate by all means look into aluminum.  It is hands down the better choice for large gated entry access ways and also can handle a variety of access control systems and control operators including slide gate operators and swing gate operators.

 

When it comes to the price of material, vinyl and aluminum run right around the same cost.  The price increases in relation to the size and decorative features that are added on to the fencing.  For both vinyl and aluminum fencing you can add designer post covers and spindles.  The best way to compare for your yard is to have a professional fence installer out to evaluate and estimate the property in both materials with the features you would want to make the fence exactly what you desire.

 

Both materials come in a wide variety of colors.  Ornamental aluminum can be special ordered in basically any color imaginable.  Vinyl traditionally comes in white.  Manufactures are starting to produce imitation wood grain as well.

 

As with any home improvement purchase, there are advantages and disadvantages.  In this instance the benefits and drawbacks are really left up to personal preferences.  One does not stand out as a clear winner when it comes to a fencing material.  Vinyl fencing is great for privacy where as aluminum fencing seems to be better in regards to security.  For pool fencing I would think the decorative aluminum pool fencing would be a better choice as the gate systems seem to provide better and more fool proof locking systems than what is found in vinyl gate systems.

Forever-Fence

Consider An Automatic Entry Gate For Your Home or Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

There are a multitude of reasons that homeowners and business owners alike would consider having an automatic entry gate installed.  Electric gates are something that need to be installed with a detailed plan as many details involved are lifestyle orientated.  Many clients begin researching automatic gates and fencing for security reasons.  Only later do they discover the added benefits that an electronic access entry gate brings to the property.  Below are some reasons to think about adding an automated gate to your landscape.

When more than one child is playing in the yard at a time it is often easy to lose track of them. Many times when the kids are out in the yard one will want to be on the swings in the back and one in the front with the garden.  Here in lies the issue of having eyes in more than one place at a time.  Installing a fence and gate system surrounding your property would give structured boundaries for the children.  A closed gate would make it near impossible for the child to leave the yard area.  This is also true in relation to pets.

Security is one of the main reasons people begin to look into electronic gates.  Think about all the random people who come up and knock on your door in a day.  Wouldn’t it be nice to not have unwanted visitors?  Also, a gate would eliminate the random people stopping just to check out your property.  People exploring your property would be a thing of the past.  It will also deter thieves as a gate and fence system provides quiet the obstacle in getting anything worth value out of the home undetected.

Gate and fence systems also keep unwanted animals out of the yard and pets inside.  Deer and rabbits are big culprits in ruining the hard work and effort that goes into landscaping and gardens.  Keep your yard safe from unwanted intrusions by adding fencing as well as the automatic gate entry.  Fencing comes in a variety of material from decorative aluminum fencing to wooden picket fencing.

Fence and gate access are one of the upgrade you can make in your yard that you can actually recoup when you sell your home.  An automatic gate adds value to the property as well as appeal to the buyers. Consider how nice it would be to sell your home for more and quicker.

Privacy is something that is often desired amongst homeowners.  Privacy fencing can be purchased and installed along with a closed gate.  This maintains privacy and helps reduce noise.  This is especially important in high traffic areas with a lot of noise pollution and in over populated subdivisions.  If you live in a community with “community rules” you will want to check with the home owners association before purchasing and installing privacy fencing as some communities foster an open air feel.

A fence is a super nice luxury to have installed and the benefits are unique to each household and business.  Before committing to a style check out all of the options in gate mechanics and access control systems.  Not only do you have to consider the material, style and aesthetics but also how it will function and what mechanisms will be the most convenient for your household.

SAC Fence

Choosing The Perfect Wedding Bands

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

One of life’s most meaningful events is your wedding day.  The day you marry that one person that will always be with you, fighting the battles good and bad.  The one piece of jewelry that symbolizes it all is your wedding bands, the promise of never-ending devotion. The stress that comes along with the wedding is enough so choosing a wedding band should be one of the fun and joyous parts. Below you will find some easy tips to help you and your partner find the perfect wedding bands.

The first tip is to narrow the choices down to just a few pieces.  Wedding rings/bands are one of the few, if not the only piece of jewelry that you will shop for together and wear every day.  There are some choices you need to make together before you hit the jewelry stores.  Decide upon a metal that you can both love forever.  Do you like yellow or white metals? Do you like something simple, classic or something that says something, a statement?

Don’t wait till the last minute to shop for wedding bands.  Start sooner than later so that you don’t end up settling in the end.  Once you have discussed the basics above start heading out to stores to get a feel for rings. Another place to look is online.  Online jewelry retailers can often afford to offer lower costs because their overhead is not as large as chain stores.  Research, browse, budget and examine pieces that you are considering several times before making a final decision.

Another thing to remember is that wedding bands don’t have to match.  The groom can choose yellow while the bride wears platinum.  The rules regarding wedding pieces don’t exist anymore.  Brides need to consider their engagement rings if they would like to wear the two pieces together.  Consider having one element or aspect that matches on the rings that bring them together.  Consider an inscription or having the rings engraved with the same verse or saying.

Consider the budget that has been set aside for the wedding and wedding jewelry.  The choice of metal and details will depend upon your budget. Consider the budget especially if you would like custom wedding jewelry.  Custom designs and intricate pieces will cost more.  If you have a low budget consider simple matching bands for now and later on down the road when you are ready to renew those vows consider an upgrade.

Think practically when considering a wedding ring/band.  Seriously a pretty piece will bring you no value if it is uncomfortable to wear and needs to be removed often.  The band is to be worn all day, every day.  If you work day in and day out with your hands consider that something simple might hold up better during your day to day life.

Although trendy pieces are okay make sure to think about the piece and how it will look in the future.  Is this going to be a piece you will want to wear in fifteen years?  Do you ever look at the jewelry that is being worn by the elder women in your family and instantly can date the piece back to the decade they were married in?  This is just one more thing to think about when purchasing your wedding band and ensuring the piece holds up to the longevity of the bond you are embarking on.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

Cleaning Your Pool Like a Professional

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Spring is a great time to get pool repairs taken care of. Gunite swimming pools need maintenance and taken care of those larger projects is better before the pool is open, filled and inconveniencing the fun a pool brings to your backyard in the summer. The summer season brings a whole new level of care and maintenance to having a swimming pool, including daily cleanings. Many families hire a professional pool cleaning service to come in and clean the tile, caulking and cement. In this article we will show you that it is possible to clean your own pool in under an hour with reasonably priced tools that are readily available.

Step 1: Clean the surface of the pool water with a pool skimmer.

Clear off the water’s surface. Skim off fallen leaves, beetles, flies, floating frogs and ordinary debris that have collected. You will want to empty the skimmer in a plastic trash bag and throw the debris in a closed trash can. Small critters and leaves decaying is not pleasant to smell. Continue this process until you have removed all of the debris.

Step 2: Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool to loosen and remove build up.

Pool wall cleaning brushes are specially designed long bristle brushes that are made to curve up and down the walls of the pool as well as the bottom. The pool broom will loosen up the dirt, debris, grime and oils that have settled and collected on the walls and floor of the swimming pool marcite. The next step is to use the pool skimmer/net to collect all the debris that is now floating around on the top of the swimming pool water and again place it in a trash bag and dispose of it.

Step 3: Clear out the pump basket and thoroughly clean all of the garbage that has accumulated.

The first step in cleaning out the pump is to turn off the pool pump. Remove the pump basket and pull it out and empty out any built up debris. This will help make sure that the filtration system is running smoothly. While the basket is out it is a good time to check it over and make sure there are no cracks in the oil ring. Put everything back in place and turn the pump back on. Look around the ground around the pump and make sure that nothing is leaking.

Step 4: Vacuuming the swimming pool.

More time than not the cleaning brush will be enough to clean out the pool. If the pool looks dirty after the cleaning brush and skimmer have been used it is time to pull out the vacuum. Make sure the pool vacuum is attached and a strong suction is created. Run the vacuum along the sides and bottom of the pool just as you would household carpet. Use slow and steady strokes throughout the process to ensure that you have reached every spot. There is no need to go through the hassle of cleaning the pool and getting the vacuum out if you aren’t going to do a thorough job.

Step 5: Balance the chemicals of the water.

The chemicals in the pool are so important to the overall health of the pool water and pools plaster. Purchase a tester to test the levels of the chemicals in the pool water. Add alkaline and chlorine to ensure the water is at a hundred percent. If the balance is off it can harm the marcite surface of the pool. The plaster is the hard shell of the pool so it is important to keep it in shape and you can do this with the correct ph of the pool.
Give yourself a solid hour, follow each of the above steps to the tee and you will have yourself a sparkling clean pool ready for the family to jump in and enjoy!

Pound Pool Plastering