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Top 3 Reasons Why You Need Professional Pool Maintenance

September 21, 2013adminSummer Activitieshome improvement, summer, swimming pools3 Comments

Whether you have a salty swimming pool or a fresh water one, doing regular maintenance and cleaning is crucial in maintaining the condition of both the water and the pool. However, with numerous parties on your schedule as well as other concerns to address, you may not have adequate time to maintain your swimming pool. For this reason, hiring pool maintenance professionals may be the way to go. This article explores the top 3 reasons why you should hire a professional swimming pool maintenance service company.

Water Balance of the Swimming Pool

The water balance of the swimming pool is very critical. One of the most important reasons why professional pool cleaning services are important is because the water chemistry is kept in check. Regular cleaning also ensures that the water remains always sanitized. Poor sanitation of your swimming pool may have disastrous health implications. Numerous cases of skin diseases among other contagious ailments have been reported in pools with poor water sanitation. According to the Pool Gear, the professional cleaning service you hire is going to check on the five pool water key components. These components are alkalinity, chlorine stabilizer, dissolved solids, pH levels, and calcium hardness. These five components are very essential in the maintenance of a healthy swimming pool. For example, removing all dissolved solids reduces mineral buildup on the tiles of the pool as well as the surrounding areas. This contributes a lot in the general outlook of your pool.

Pool Safety

Safety is also another reason why professional swimming pool maintenance services are important. Your home swimming pool has to be safe because you risk endangering the lives of your loved ones with an insecure swimming facility. When regular pool maintenance is ignored, hazardous pathogens as well as other dangerous microorganisms may thrive in a poorly kept pool which puts your family and friends at risk. According to SLVHealth.org, poorly maintained pool water can make important machinery and pumps at risk of poor function which can cost thousands of dollars in repair. Ignoring precautionary measures and failing to use professional maintenance services may affect your confidence in your swimming pool. On the other hand, hiring qualified services ensures that your pool is safe and an enjoyable environment for all.

Peace of Mind

After your swimming pool has been worked on by professionals, you are going to have a lot of peace of mind as well as free time to plan for your future gatherings and upcoming family get-togethers. This is because pool maintenance is time-consuming and it may take much of your time in case you were to do the cleaning yourself. As such, giving this task to professionals will save you much headache that comes with maintaining your swimming facility.

When scouting for swimming pool maintenance services, you should be keen to hire the very best! Check around your neighborhood for the most trusted pool maintenance services. If you have a neighbor whose swimming pool looks great, ask them which companies they hired. You also can search online for well-reviewed swimming pool service providers who have good ratings of customer satisfaction.

About the Author:

Max Kierstead is a blogger and writer for Big Splash Pool and Spa, a company that provides quality pool cleaning services, pool maintenance and Park City hot tubs repair.

Dreaming up the Perfect Vacation Home

September 19, 2013adminTips for homebuyershome improvement, home trends, summerLeave a comment

Vacation homes are a way to escape from the daily routine and stressors of life. They give you a place to relax, sip some wine, and talk to absolutely no one at all (if solitude is your thing!). But while you’re dreaming away about the perfect crib to escape to, you might want to take a practical approach to getting the job done within your means.
Here are just a few questions you’ll need to ask yourself to turn that dream into a reality!

What Can You Afford?

You can’t relax and enjoy the place if you’re worrying about how you’re going to pay for it. Therefore, among the most important considerations in building or buying a vacation home is your budget. Think hard about how long you’re willing to save up for your dream home and whether you’re willing to take on a mortgage for it. Determine a minimum amount per paycheck that you’ll set aside toward the project. Once you have the budget down, you can then determine the size of land or house you’ll be able to purchase and its location. Sometimes your budget will allow you to purchase a mansion on a lake with neighbors or to build (maybe even yourself!) a secluded little cottage miles from anyone.

What Would Make You Happy (Within Your Budget)?

It seems that the most popular features for a vacation home today are the windows, the landscaping and the sheer size of the home itself. But you have to wonder: have we forgotten the purpose of a vacation home? It’s not supposed to be a competition of who can have the biggest or best! The point of a vacation home is to get away and relax. You’re supposed to be escaping the Joneses while on vacation, not competing with them!

My vacation home, for example, would be an older-but-smaller house with an abundance of character…something with old fixtures and a rustic feel. There would be large windows and a huge porch on the side that would face the lake, river or pond. And it would be simple: there might be a small TV and DVD player but nothing fancy, and there would not be any Internet or cable. The atmosphere would be warm and cozy, with a fireplace in the living room that could warm the entire house because of the open floor plan. What about you?

Is It a Need or Luxury?

You know your budget. You know what you really want in your home and you’re pretty sure it’s at least in the same neighborhood as your budget. Now…where can you cut to make sure your project absolutely comes in at or under budget?

It might be that all you need to really relax is a roof over your head, a comfortable place to lay your head at night, a stove and fridge, running water and a bathroom with a shower. Start here, and one by one (and with price tags attached), add the things you just can’t do without, be it a hot tub or fancy kitchen. Think about what would make you happiest—the Joneses are not invited, remember!

All in all, vacation homes can really be worth owning. They can be excellent investments if done correctly, but they also provide you with a place to make memories and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A vacation home that is yours and yours only, give your mind and body a break, something everyone deserves from time to time.

This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, active mother of two and outdoors fanatic. If you have an interest rustic get-aways or vacationing spots, Samantha recommends checking out Nueltin Fly-in Lodges.

What does your dream vacation home look like? ~Gary B.

Beauty Tips to Make Your Above Ground Pool More Attractive

September 16, 2013adminSwimming Poolsdeck, home improvement, summer, swimming poolsLeave a comment

Frankly, my dear, your neighbors probably do give a damn. And your family probably does, as well. While you might think your faded or stained above ground pool isn’t considered an eyesore by your neighbors, you’re probably wrong. It might be time to purchase a replacement, especially if you’ve been thinking of getting a bigger one anyway. If, on the other hand, your pool’s problems are only cosmetic, you may just want to disguise its exterior with some clever handiwork.

Build a Deck

Building a handsome wooden deck around your old pool is one of the best ways to hide its stained or dirty sides. It is also an excellent way to conceal the fact that it is an above ground model, if you aren’t particularly fond of the way these pools look. For the best results, the decking area should be flush with the top of your pool so that it gives the illusion to onlookers that you have an in-ground pool.

Adding a New Pool

Approximately 3.2 million people own an above ground pool, according to the National Spa and Pool Institute. If you’ve been considering getting one, but are concerned with how it will blend with your backyard’s landscaping, start by doing a little legwork before purchasing just any old unit. Look around your backyard to determine what size and type of above ground pool will look best in your backyard.

Do you want a round or an oval unit? A 15-foot or a 30-foot? If you’re not exactly sure what type you’re looking for, you will find a number of different sizes, construction types and shapes of above ground pools at InTheSwim so you can get an idea of what might work best for your family.

Add Pleasing Features

Once you’ve had your new pool installed, planting a number of attractive bushes around its exterior will help it blend in with your backyard. Choose plants that won’t attract bees and won’t drop a lot of leaves, petals or seeds in the water.

If your home has an attractive siding, such as cedar, cover your pool with the same type of material. This will tie the pool into your home and make it look much more attractive.

Disguising the sides of your above ground pool with stone, rock or brick facade will give it an elegant appearance. Choose the material that will look best with your home. For example, if you have stone accents on your home, choose the same or similar stones to encircle your above ground pool.

Tie It All In

Choose a theme for your backyard and then decorate your above ground pool to match. For example, you could go with a Hawaiian theme and cover your pool’s exterior walls with a bamboo facade. You can then create a tiki bar out of the same bamboo and place it near your pool and insert tiki torches into the ground. Aloha.

4 Home Renovation Projects You Can Tackle This Summer

September 12, 2013adminDIY Projects, home improvementDIY projects, home improvement, painting, remodeling tips, summerLeave a comment

Summer is the best time to tackle home renovation and DIY projects. Some DIY projects will focus on maximizing your space or updating current spaces, and some projects will add to your property value. Below is a list of great ideas for DIY projects that you can tackle before the end of the summer.

Increase Your Energy Efficiency

Summer is the perfect time to invest in projects that will improve your energy efficiency. You can do this in multiple ways:

Insulate – You can insulate your attic, basement, hot water pipes, and hot water heaters.

Replace Doors and Windows – If your doors and windows are old or not properly sealed they will allow in cold drafts or warm air that will decrease your energy efficiency.

Replace Appliances – Replacing your washer, dryer, refrigerator, and heating and cooling units with energy efficient models will create upfront costs, but will save you money in the long run. These are only a few of the energy efficient appliance swaps you can make for your home.

Create More Shade -When you plant trees or bushes, add awnings or heat resistant shades, blinds, curtains, or screens. You will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Landscaping and Gardening

The spring and summer months are the best time to add more landscaping or redesign your current landscaping. If you have been wanting to expand your garden, or dig a new one, summer is the best time to do it. It is also a good time to plant new greenery or install the rock garden or rock pathway you have always wanted.

You could also add areas in your front and back yard where your family can spend more time outside enjoying a swimming pool, volleyball net, playhouse, or tree house.

Clean Exterior Elements

During the summer you can brighten the exterior of your home by pressure washing the sides, the patio, the porch, and the decks. If your home is brick, you can fix cracks by tuck-pointing and doing general maintenance.

Summer is also a good time to repaint and refinish the exterior of your home, to replace window siding and shutters, and add external elements like window boxes.

Repurpose Your Attic or Basement

If you have a basement or attic that you use as a storage space, the summer is a great time to repurpose the space. While you may still need to use the space, you can add organizational tools and accessories and which may help downsize your need for storage.

Once you have reorganized your space consider if there are any other ways you can repurpose the space. If you would like to create a play room for the kids, an art studio, an office space, a rec room, a home gym, or a guest bedroom, start by insulating the space and finishing the floors.

All of the home renovations above will show the pride you take in your home. If you select a DIY renovation or two to take on each summer you will have a well-maintained home that will keep its property value and look beautiful from the inside out.

The author, Russel Hartline, is a home renovator and freelance blogger with years of experience with home and DIY projects. He hopes to inspire readers to take on new projects and currently recommends buying bulkhead material from a professional for your projects.

If you need assistance with any of these projects and you live in the Westchester, New York area, give us a call! We’ll come out and provide you with a free in home estimate! Gary B.

10 Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

September 1, 2013adminDecks & Patios, Summer Activitiesdeck, home improvement, home trends, patio, summerLeave a comment

gazebos

More and more people are utilizing their outdoor living spaces in interesting and fun ways. We hope you enjoy this list! Did we miss anything?

Tips For Staying Cool This Summer

August 8, 2013adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Summer TipsDIY projects, home improvement, Safety, summerLeave a comment

Homeowners who enjoy taking care of minor DIY projects around the house are often stymied in the summer. For families who take an active role in their homes upkeep, summer brings along with it an intense heat that can be difficult to manage. However, there are solutions to this issue that have been designed by others with similar concerns. With the following tips in mind, homeowners who want to work on some light home improvement projects no longer have to give up because of the heat.

Find Those Pulse Points

This is a straightforward solution that can be immediate relief for individuals. It revolves around the idea of cooling down your “pulse points”. These are areas where the heart beat can be felt as the blood is being pumped throughout the body. For example, the wrists are one such area that should be continuously cooled.

Why the pulse points? These are areas that have a significant impact on the heating and cooling of the body because of how close the blood runs to the surface. By cooling down these specific areas, the chances of persevering through the intense heat increases tenfold. How does one go about cooling these pulse points? Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so. This is a simple solution to a conundrum that tends to perplex and frustrate many home owners and can be repeated as often as necessary.

Wear Light Clothing

The worst decision to ever make while working in the heat is to wear darker shades. The sun gets absorbed more readily by these colors and intensifies the heat. The best course of action is to put on lighter cotton clothing with a more tropical feel. Essentially, the goal should be to wear lighter colors that are made for the heat. These colors will not attract the sun and ensure the body is kept cool.

Stay Hydrated

It sounds obvious but it is frequently overlooked by homeowners working on home improvement projects. Water is a must in these situations as the body is losing fluid constantly through sweat. If the body starts showing signs of dehydration, the heat will worsen the situation. The body will not be able to produce an adequate amount of sweat to cool the body down.

Cool water can help provide short and long term relief. Make sure to drink plenty of water but make sure you don’t flush out all the electrolytes in your system. Snacking on some fruit or veggies during the day should help.

Implementing These Solutions

The solutions listed in this piece are easy to follow and should be implemented by all homeowners working on DIY projects in the heat. Home improvement is already a difficult task and the heat of the summer only makes it harder. If you’ll be working outside this summer, make sure to stay cool!

Guest author Jasmine Bosworth enjoys staying cool while taking care of pesky home projects. In hopes of making the interior of her home more comfortable this summer, she is currently pursuing a complete home window replacement with help from local contractors.

Home Repairs You Need for the End of Summer

July 29, 2013adminhome improvement, home remodeling, Summer Tipshome improvement, home repairs, summer33 Comments

When the end of summer is finally in sight, it is always a good practice to start looking at your home and see what repairs may need to be taken care of. Acting early on repairs can ensure that you are well equipped to handle the dog days of summer, while also preventing potential home calamities in the fall and winter. Here are some summer home repairs you need to make to prevent serious problems for your home.

1. A Leaky Roof

If you notice a small drip from the roof, now is the time to fix it. Roofing repair can be a bit of challenge if you do not know how to get started. It is in your best interest to hire a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and repair problems. Not only do they have the right knowledge, they have all the safety equipment. Falls from roofs can be fatal and seriously injurious.

To find out if you have a roof leak, look at the ceilings. Do you notice any water-stains on your ceiling? Check inside the attic for signs of wetness or water stains rolling down the boards. While you are in the attic, turn off your light and look for any signs of pinholes allowing light to stream through. This will show you exactly where you have some small roofing repairs to make. Check on the insulation level in your attic, as is might be time to add new insulation to help keep your heating and cooling costs under control.

2. Gutter Repairs

Using a ladder, climb up next to the gutters and clean out all the debris. Mud will accumulate in the gutter over the summer as a result of sudden storms and unexpected rainfalls. Wear gloves to protect your hands as you scoop out the mud and debris. You should also use a small hand trowel to scrape out any additional remnants. If you need to, use a hammer to nail the gutters back in place. A lot of homes will have the gutter system start to bend or pull away from the home due to large icicles that pull on the gutter during the winter. Secure the gutters using nails approved for a gutter system. A clogged gutter system can cause flooding problems, as the gutters are unable to properly remove water from the roof and away from the foundation.

3. Service Your HVAC

Ideally, you would call your local HVAC expert in the early spring to come out and service your unit. But for many busy homeowners, your AC unit and its potential problems don’t become readily apparent until summer has arrived. Older units may be hanging on by a thread, and as the temperatures climb, they risk breaking down. Having an expert service your system will let you know to plan on a replacement in the near future. They can also re-charge your Freon so your home will stay nice and cool during the summer. Plan on changing the filter on your HVAC system to keep fresh air circulating in the home.

4. Repair Air Leaks

A simple air leak from a door or window can increase your energy costs. You need to detect air leaks to look for problems that need repairs. Add a new layer of weather-stripping around the windows and doors. If you have an older home, consider having the windows completely replaced. New windows can insulate your home and reduce your energy bill significantly.

Byline: Lana Velasquez is a Texas-based freelance home improvement blogger. Having completed many of these end-of-summer repairs, she is now enlisting help from wood crafters and pavers in Houston to cap off her home renovations this year.

Make Your Backyard Beautiful

June 29, 2013adminDecks & Patios, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, home improvement, landscaping, summer2 Comments

As summertime approaches, you’re going to want to spend some quality time outside. If you’re lucky enough to live in a good location, you can go to the beach or maybe a neighborhood pool, but often your backyard is the place you’re going to catch the most sunshine and fresh air. In this case, it pays to transform your backyard into the place everyone wants to spend time. This is certainly possible, whether you’re on a budget or have an unlimited amount to spend on your backyard upgrades. Keeping your financial constraints in mind, you can upgrade your landscape, backyard fixtures, furniture, lighting, and a variety of amenities in order to have the best backyard this summer has ever seen.

Landscaping

One easy way to improve the quality of your backyard is to make sure your landscaping is up to snuff. If your grass is dying or non-existent, consider laying sod or sowing some grass seeds. Add flowers for a great smell and inexpensive splash of color. Make sure you keep any landscaping well groomed, as an unkempt lawn can quickly devalue your backyard. If your schedule doesn’t allow for consistent maintenance, consider hiring a gardener or at least installing an automated sprinkler system.

Building Structures

While you’re spending time in your backyard to get some sun, sometimes you need to escape into the shade. While a tree or umbrella can serve this purpose, if you want a more permanent shaded area it’s certainly possible. If you’re on a budget, consider designing and building your own structure, a task which can be fairly simple with some limited construction experience. Structures can also provide great storage space, a play area for your children, and even an outdoor studio for working in the sun.

Furnishing the Backyard

Furniture is of the utmost importance when you’re planning to relax in your backyard. Before making any furniture purchases, consider your primary uses for the backyard, as well as any space constraints you might have. Do you use your backyard primarily for lounging, or are you planning to throw dinner parties? Let the function shape your furniture choices, purchasing whatever is needed to best enjoy your backyard time. Keep in mind that purchasing the cheapest furniture, if you are on a budget, is not always the best idea as the quality often isn’t too great. Instead, purchase middle of the line furniture which will last for several seasons. Taking care to bring your furniture into a sheltered area in inclement weather can greatly improve the life of your furniture.

Adding Amenities

Again, take some time to think about what your backyard is most used for. If it’s primarily a play area for children, consider adding a cheap above-ground pool or investing in a jungle gym, whether you buy one or make it yourself. If cooking is your passion, plenty of DIY projects are available to expand your cooking capabilities. While you might already have a grill, consider making a pizza oven, smoker, or a bar from which to serve drinks.

No matter your financial constraints, it’s easy to get your backyard in tip-top condition for upcoming summer festivities. Take into account your budget and upgrade your furniture, fixtures, and even cooking amenities as needed for the best use of your backyard area.

This article was written by Andre Hickson, a landscaping contractor, father, and home renovator. For more landscaping tips and ways to improve your home, Andre suggests consulting professionals, like the Dorchester Awning Company.

Benefits of Owning a Pool in Your Backyard

June 23, 2013adminhome improvement, lawn and garden, Summer Activitieshome improvement, summer, swimming pools14 Comments

Owning a swimming pool has become a popular addition for many people. During the summer, you’ll find families flocking to their backyard swimming pools (or those of their neighbors). A pool can offer you numerous benefits that you will get nowhere else. Below are some of the reasons as to why owning a pool could be a great idea for you and your family:

General health benefits

Apart from the entertainment benefit, a swimming pool provides you with many health benefits. Spending a few minutes a day in the pool helps to exercise your body with no risk of injury as those caused by high impact exercise. Swimming is also a great aerobic activity! If you’re trying to keep fit without the hassles of going to a public place like a gym, then owning a pool is a great option for you. Personal pools are hygienic, easy to maintain and accessible at whatever time you choose to exercise.

Helps save money spent on recreational activities

Someone who loves swimming or engaging in other recreational activities will find owning a pool to be beneficial especially when it comes to saving time and money. You’ll no longer need to pack up the kids and head out to a public pool thus saving money in gas and time. Your backyard will become the center of your families recreational activities. There’s no end to the amount of fun you can have in your own private backyard oasis!

A pool can also help add value to your home

Having an in ground swimming pool in your backyard can easily add value to your home and even attract buyers in the event that you plan to sell your home. Many prospective buyers will opt for a home equipped with a pool over one that does not have one. This is especially the case if the pool is properly designed, landscaped and built by a professional pool construction company.

A pool can add an aesthetic touch to your backyard giving it an alluring appeal. Just the look of the sparkling clean water in the neighborhood will transform your home into a charming place where everyone wants to visit and spend some time. Always be sure to keep your pool maintained and the patio area safe and tidy!

Author About:

Jacqueline Mya is a passionate writer who loves to write Home Improvement related tips. By the way, you can find out more about Pool Maintenance Raleigh as well as much more information on all types of services at Pool Repair Raleigh

What are your thoughts on installing a swimming pool in your backyard? ~Gary B.

DIY Decks

April 4, 2013adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tipsdeck, DIY projects, home improvement, patio, spring, summerLeave a comment

Five tips to upgrade your outdoor living space for summer

From grilling and dining to simply relaxing, your home’s deck is frequently the center of family life during warm weather months. That’s why there’s no better time to give your outdoor living space the upgrade it deserves.

Whether you’re building a dream deck from scratch – or sprucing up an existing space – here are five tips for do-it-yourselfers who want to start turning their outdoor living aspirations into reality this weekend.

No. 1 – Discover your inspiration

Your deck is a natural extension of your home and your style. Think about the type of design elements that will best fit your family’s activities and complement both outdoor views and the layout of your yard. Flip through favorite magazines to find photos that jumpstart your inner designer, go online to experiment with virtual planners that allow you to try out different colors and configurations or use mobile apps to create outdoor living space designs anywhere at any time.

No. 2 – Choose materials manufactured to last

If you’re investing in a brand new deck, select materials that will stand up to years of wear and tear from kids, pets, dropped grilling tools, heavy outdoor furniture – and even the harshest of weather. New high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance combines superior durability and long-lasting good looks. With Trex’s protective shell technology, it’s also resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold – while offering hassle-free maintenance. –

Combining enduring beauty and performance – but priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers – Trex Enhance decking offers the additional peace of mind of a 25-year limited fade and stain warranty. It’s also available in stock at The Home Depot stores, making it even easier to begin building your outdoor oasis this weekend.

No. 3 – Look for easy-to-install solutions

Installing a new deck may seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and resources, you’ll not only save money on labor costs – but you’ll also take pride in knowing you successfully completed a home improvement project with your own two hands. As you create a list of essential materials for your project, think about incorporating a hidden fastener system – rather than traditional nails or screws. Hidden fasteners can make the installation of decking boards easier and faster and create a more professional look. Your deck’s surface will be smooth, seamless and more comfortable underfoot.

No. 4 – Consider a deck makeover

If your budget doesn’t allow for a complete deck rebuild this year, you can resurface an old wooden deck that’s starting to wear, warp and rot with new higher-performance materials. Simply remove the existing boards and check that the sub-structure remains sturdy before installing wood-alternative decking. Giving your wood deck a facelift with durable, beautiful composite materials will increase curb appeal, lengthen its lifespan and cut down on maintenance requirements for years to come.

No. 5 – Add finishing touches

Even if you’re already the proud owner of a gorgeous outdoor living space, take style and comfort to the next level with weekend warrior-worthy projects. Add new modular railing in contrasting or complementary colors to create a perfect frame for your deck, or establish cozy conversation nooks with weather-resistant furniture. Construct an elegant pergola to lend shade from the harsh summer sun and install energy-efficient deck lighting to create ambiance for twilight cocktail parties.

No time to install a deck yourself? No problem! Give us a call at 914-576-2572 and we’ll be happy to give you a free in home estimate. We do decks using all different materials depending on what suits your taste.

We can also add a beautiful Gazebo or Pergola to enhance your outdoor entertaining experience!

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