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CONCRETE OR FIBERGLASS POOL

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WHICH MATERIAL IS BEST FOR NEW POOLS?

So you’ve decided to have a new swimming pool installed in your backyard. It wasn’t an easy decision. Concerns over things like cost and safety doubtless kept you brooding over cup after cup of coffee. Now that you’re moving forward with the project, however, you’re pleased. More than pleased. Because hey—swimming pools, especially brand new ones, are a blast to spend time in. Not only that, but with a pool, the resale value of your home is going to increase. This is the right thing to do.

But have you thought about what you want this private oasis to be made of? You probably have. Indeed, pool construction material is going to play a huge factor in longevity, maintenance, and all-around fun. It’s important to make the right call here that provides a nice balance of all three. We talked with a concrete contractor in Carlsbad, CA to find out about his perspective on the big difference between two pool deck types; concrete and fiberglass. 

INSTALLATION AND COST

A team of trained professionals should always do the installation of an in-ground pool. The job calls for precise excavation, plus specific tools and equipment. 

Concrete

Dry-mixed concrete is best for pools, as it is less porous and thus holds longer under the waves. Other equipment needed for the task of installing a concrete pool would be:

  • Reinforcing bars
  • Mesh
  • Formwork

Because excavation for the material is more difficult, having a concrete pool installed can take months, with the standard size 12X24 foot job hovering around $60,000.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools cost about the same. They are pre-cast and delivered to the site by vehicle. From here, installation goes much faster—the standard time for getting a fiberglass pool in and ready to go is about five weeks. Keep in mind, however, that because fiberglass pools are delivered over the road, their width is limited to around 16 feet.

PERFORMANCE

Concrete

Now, what are you going to get from your pool deck? You’re going to get a somewhat rough surface that can potentially be a hazard to sensitive feet (chafed skin, stubbed toes), though at the same time will be less slippery than fiberglass, which could mean fewer falling accidents around ladders and coping. Concrete can assume many shapes and sizes to fit its environment. This makes it a fantastic medium for customization.

Fiberglass

Being pre-cast, a fiberglass pool isn’t quite as open to shapeshifting as concrete. The surface is smooth, almost like porcelain, which can present some treachery with walking and climbing; however, this also means it’s non-porous, so unlike concrete (which needs to be resurfaced every few years) bacteria will have a much harder time finding a place to grow. Here’s another great thing: Because fiberglass doesn’t readily absorb heat, the water is going to get warmer faster and stay that way for long. Concrete likes to steal some of that warmth from your pool heater, leaving the poor machine with more work.

MAINTENANCE AND DURABILITY

A concrete swimming pool does love its attention. You’ll likely need to scrub it once a week as well as make sure the chemicals are delicately balanced. Fiberglass pools are much easier going. Their smooth surface makes it hard for material to get trapped and start growing. Nor will you need so many chemicals to keep the water safe for swimming.

That being said, a concrete pool is somewhat tougher in the long haul. All of that maintenance is going to give an owner sprawling decades of enjoyment, whereas fiberglass owners can expect around 20 years’ screaming and splashing. Fiberglass also tends to be more prone to cracks, especially if the protective gel finish isn’t re-applied every 8-10 years.

WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE?

To wrap things up, let’s put them this way:  Fiberglass is far easier to take care of, which means more fun and games, less cleaning, and repair. Concrete gives you more options with size, shape, and depth.

Use fiberglass if you want:

  • A small or medium-sized pool
  • Low maintenance and repair
  • Flexibility for shifting landscapes
  • A smooth, shiny surface (the pool, not the water)

Use concrete if you want:

  • A larger, deeper swim
  • More choices with decoration and design
  • Rougher texture to reduce slipping accidents
  • Longer overall lifespan (though with frequent upkeep tasks)

Consider the above carefully before settling on a material. Your new swimming pool is meant for relaxation, not taxation. You’ll get decades worth of happiness from the fun it creates—so long as you make peace with the fundamentals beforehand.

Water Pipe Leaking FAQs: Plumbing Checks and Repairs

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Plumbing problems can be a common occurrence in many homes, leaks in particular. Leaks are an issue most homeowners can expect to experience at least once. Whether it’s minor leaks like faucet leaks or major ones like slab leaks, it’s vital you address the leak as soon as you realize it’s there. Knowing a thing or two about leaks can be a great way to prepare yourself before it happens to you. Read on for some frequently asked questions to help get ready in case of a leak springs in your home.

How Do You Know You Have a Leak?

There are easy methods to locate leaks, especially if you’re trying to find them early and avoid water damage. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs.

  • Water Stains
    Leaks in the walls can often cause visible signs of water damage (e.g. warped and discoloured walls and mould growth). Keep an eye out for stains and discolouration in the floorboards and walls, even if there aren’t any other signs of moisture. The stains can be signs that water is already pooling and causing damage, even if you can’t see water yet.
  • High Water Bills
    Unexpectedly high water bills can point to a sudden leak. Water bills are generally consistent, so sudden spikes are usually an indicator of a problem. You can also compare your bills to your neighbours’; if there is a significant difference, it may help tell if there is a leak on your end.
  • Strange Noises
    Strange sounds are often a clue that something is up with the house. Pay close attention to any hissing or dripping sounds near your fixtures (e.g. the toilet or sink). The sounds could mean that water is flowing where it shouldn’t.

Where Should You Look?

The usual locations for leaks in a house are the kitchen and bathroom. Check under the sinks for signs of water; those are very likely spots in case of a leak. You can also splash water around the shower door to see if it leaks outside. Inspect the caulking around your fixtures as well; cracks in the caulking can indicate the leak is coming from that area.

Why Are Repairs Important?

In case of a leak, it’s always vital you contact a plumber for a waterproofing service in Toronto. Leaks can cause severe damage to surrounding areas, making it vital you solve the problem before it has time to do too much harm. Leaks also tend to get bigger with age; get them looked at immediately to minimize the damage to your home. Too much water in the house can also present a health hazard in the form of mould growth.

How Much Do Repairs Cost?

The cost of repairs can depend on different factors (e.g. commercial or residential address, location of the leak, and how long it takes to locate). However, most plumbing companies like Plumbing Authority Inc. offer free estimates to give you an idea of what services for your home might cost for you.

In any case, regular maintenance is generally a more cost-effective option than waiting. Think of it as a way to keep your system running smoothly before any problems emerge. Consider getting an estimate for your system to identify potential problems early and avoid damage to your home.

LATEST TRENDS IN HOME FURNITURE

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Whenever you feel like you want to overhaul your surroundings, your home is the best place to start with. Living in a home that is full of very old furniture and design that you set up years ago can become boring at some point. It is at that point where people start to look for new interior design and furniture ideas to spice up their place. After all, your home is the place where you spend most of your time. So it is a sensible thing that you would want to have new furniture inside it after some time.

The first step to take would be to pick the right furniture that goes well with other aspects of your home, be it your living room, bedroom, or the kitchen. Furniture can either be custom made or bought directly from the store. If you are someone who has gotten bored with the same old furniture inside your house, then this article is for you. Today, we will share with you the latest trends in home furniture that you can incorporate in your house to make things fresh and interesting. Some of these furniture trends are listed as follows;

Reclaimed Wood

When it comes to environment-friendly furniture, using reclaimed wood is a great option and has become a trend nowadays. One of the most significant advantages of using reclaimed wood is that every piece of it has a story behind it. You should incorporate warm tones with reclaimed wood, which will allow your home to have a cozy feel.

An example would be a modern dining table made out of old reclaimed wood that is oddly shaped. It would give a beautiful and vintage feel to your dining room. People nowadays are focusing more and more on saving the trees and the environment, so this trend is never going to get old.

Plywood furniture is also a good choice if you want to introduce a retro and minimalistic feel inside your house. A customized cabinet made out of reclaimed plywood will be an amazing addition to any bedroom inside any house. If you want to jump on the bandwagon of saving the environment, then this home furniture trend will be the best for you.

Pink Colors

Different shades of pink have become a trend this following year, and many homeowners are covering every piece of furniture with upholstery that is available in this specific shade. This trend is not going anywhere anytime soon. So it is a decent idea to add a touch of pink in every room of your house to brighten things up.

Also, shades of grey are making a comeback these days. When strategically incorporated into the interior of your home, they can make any drab old furniture look new and lively. To sum up, it is all up to what you prefer. A good practice would be to go online and look at new design trends that go well with the overall setting of your house.

Curve Craze

Gone are the days when people used to buy huge boxy sofas. Curved furniture has become a new trend now for the last two years. Curvy furniture is making a comeback in the form of roundtables, dining tables, and even coffee tables. Beds and sofas are also being made in curved and oddly shaped form to add a unique aesthetic to every room inside a house. Not only furniture, but the use of curved tiles are also considered in the room flooring and design.

It is one of the most fascinating trends to consider as far as the latest home furniture trends go.

Mixing Metals

Metals are being used in different ways, and the trend has become popular than it has ever been. Metals such as copper, brass, and gold give a classy feel to any furniture it is used in. Another good idea that has recently become a trend is mixing different metals with different textured materials.

Materials such as cashmere and velvet are mixed with shinny metals like gold or silver to give everything a more eye-popping look. An example of such a mixing of material would be a sofa that has golden legs and velvet upholstery.

THE FINAL WORDS

At the end of the day, it is all up to your preferences and what type of design and furniture you like the most. Pulling off a beautiful looking interior design with the right furniture is not an easy thing to do. Home furniture trends are changing with every passing day, and sometimes it can be challenging to keep up and stay up to date with everything. Everything also depends on what your budget is and what type of furniture you can afford to buy. Other than that, today, we have shared with you some latest home furniture trends, so it is a good idea that you consider them before your next remodeling or renovation project.

How to sanitize your private pool during the COVID-19 outbreak?

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Amid the global coronavirus crisis, when schools, shopping malls, restaurants, and parks are shut down, families now have quality time to spend together.

So, your family is seeking new and exciting ways to keep their children entertained and away from scary Covid-19 updates.

There’s nothing more exhilarating than spending an entire afternoon with the kids by your private poolside.  But, is swimming safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

According to a recent article published in The Sun, “Yes,” swimming is a safe thing to do, but at the same time, make sure your backyard pool is properly disinfected with the use of chlorine. This chemical is recommended to kill any traces of the virus in the water.

Further, the WHO (World Health Organization) advised 15mg. min/liter as the chlorination level to eradicate both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in the swimming pool.

Now, coming to the various effective ways to sanitize your pool :

Keeping your private pool water clean and sanitized will ensure a safe and the enthralling swimming experience for you and your days during this COVID-19 lockdown.

Right from saline, bromine to chlorine, there are many ways to maintain the hygiene of your pool.

1. Chlorine tablets

Chlorine has always been a standard yet most powerful chemical for disinfecting the pool before and after every use. It is effective in oxidizing the organic debris, sanitizing the water, and preventing the growth of algae and getting rid of unsightly substances.

Can chlorine inactivate the virus?

The good news is chlorine can kill the virus. So, before/after disinfecting your swimming pool is enough to render the virus inactive.

The CDC reported on March 10 that “there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

2.  Bromine tablets

Bromine is the best pool chemical alternative to those with sensitive skin or having chlorine allergies. The bromine tablets remove harmful contaminants, bacteria and viruses.

Compared to chlorine, bromine is more stable in the warmer temperatures. Also, bromine produces less chemical odor, but its smell is tough to wash from your skin.

Bromine is available in the form of tablets. Add these tablets to your pool using a chemical feeder so that the tablets are dissolved thoroughly. After sanitizing your private pool with bromine tablets, cover it using a pool enclosure to protect your swimming pool from insects, animals, and debris.

3. Ozone gas

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For homeowners that don’t want to add chemicals to their private pool, ozone gas could be the best alternative. When the ozone gas is in contact with algae or pathogens in your swimming pool, it kills these substances right away.

However, for using the ozone gas in the pool, you are required to install a device known as Ozonator. This could be a slight matter of concern during the coronavirus shut down.

Can coronavirus be transmitted via water?

Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that transfers from one person to another via the tiny droplets of mucus or spit.

Although this is the most common means of transmission, medical science is still discovering the various particulars of this novel virus. The question remains at large what are the modes of transmission that we are unaware of. However, it’s believed that the virus cannot be transmitted via water,

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in a statement on March 10 said, “the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

While you’re doing all in your capacity to keep the private pool sanitized, having superior-quality and convenient-to-use swimming pool covers can reduce your efforts and save time.

CREATIVE TIPS FOR ADDING COLORS TO YOUR HOME

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People say that the residents of a house turn it into a home. And no property is worthy of being called home to anyone unless it reflects a part of their personality. That is why many individuals love to personalize their property, including their concrete patio Orange County, and tailor it in a manner to suit and comfort them.

People who are more vibrant than others in nature wish to live in an environment that lives and breathes. They achieve this by adding more colors to their residence and making it more lovable. Maybe it’s because they feel that homes mirror the soul of the people residing in them. Or it might be that being in a colorful environment makes them have a fresh and positive outlook on life. Whatever the reason may be, what’s important are the many options that they have discovered to do this. Some people renovate their houses with the inclusion of a study or an indoor gym, while others prefer to use more subtle ways with the help of decoration pieces and artworks. It has encouraged many interior designers to establish themselves and gain prominence by reshaping the houses of people in a manner that they feel more welcoming. But, even they use conventional methods to bring your home to life.

The upside of hiring professionals is that they will get the job done for you, but the downside is that the results produced won’t represent you. Regardless of the level of dedication, a designer will only be able to include what they think would suit you best, or what you ask of them. You can’t expect them to invest themselves as you would while decorating your home. A great example to explain this would be with the help of artwork. Like people in Australia have distinct tastes in art, and you might want to include a painting that you made yourself or get canvas prints in Australia at reasonable prices. You deprive yourself of this opportunity when hiring someone to do it for you.

If the idea makes you feel that you are not up to the task, then take some help. Here are some creative tips to add colors to your home that might make you feel motivated.

1. FLOORING

Start from the bottom. Flooring is often the most neglected option, but in reality, it can significantly change the look of any room and add new flavor to it. Your flooring options include wood, ceramics, and rugs, all of which can offer variety when it comes to adding color. Wood flooring is an elegant choice, but the other two options present a more extensive catalog. If you think that you can afford or would like to change how your floor looks like after some time, rugs are the best option for you. But you can still go ahead and explore.

2. FURNITURE

Furniture is what occupies the most space on floors, and if used right can add a good deal of colors to your home. You can go with the option of color-coding rooms and then choose the furniture accordingly. However, since it is often in your line of sight, it would be better not to choose colors that are too loud. You might grow out of it sooner than you think.

3. APPLIANCES

Technology and appliances are an essential part of any residence. With time, there are sleek and beautiful designs to choose from available for the customers. Don’t go with monotonous options when you can choose a lively design. Make sure that it proves to be an asset to you in more than one way.

4. ARTWORKS

You can paint your walls or put wallpaper on them, but they still would have room for improvement. Using your affection for art, cover them with pieces that suit your taste best. You don’t want to be a specialist to connect with good artwork. Anything that resonates with you is a good fit for your walls.

5. CURTAINS AND LINENS

Another area that you can use to improvise with colors is your windows and beds. Try to pick the curtains that are soothing for your eyes and would make you feel that there’s a world to explore outside that window. Similarly, you can choose linens that appear more colorful and comfortable when you look at your bed. This way, you won’t miss an opportunity to express yourself.

6. MOTHER NATURE

Nothing can help more when it’s about adding colors to your home than Mother Nature. Plants are colorful, they are practically alive, and they are also great for your health, which is everything you need to achieve when you think about adding more colors to your home. And the best part is that they are neither expensive nor too hard to maintain. Besides, you can get hung on gardening while trying to manage them, which is a healthy activity for spirited people.

SUMMARY

These were some instructions that you can use when thinking of personalizing and decorating your home to add more colors to it. You have to start at some point, if not with the project of your entire house. So you should get more educated on it and start spilling the shades of your lively aura. Who knows? You might discover that you have a skill for this job.

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