Skirted Winter Covers For Above Ground Pools – Maximum Winter Protection For Your Pool

When you spend plenty of time, money and effort maintaining your above ground pool throughout the swimming season, you want to make sure that your pool is also well-protected throughout the winter so you can open it easily the following spring and can enjoy it for years to come. Having a high quality winter cover is one of the most important aspects of good winter protection. It's therefore not surprising that selecting a high quality winter cover is something that should not be done without some careful thought and consideration. If you don't choose the right cover for your pool, the lifespan of your pool could be significantly shortened and you could be making life more difficult for yourself when spring arrives. For maximized winter protection, skirted above ground pool covers are an excellent choice, as they will provide a better fit and better resistance against harsh weather.

Above ground winter pool covers are designed and manufactured specifically to withstand harsh weather and cold temperatures and to prevent your pool from becoming damaged during the winter months. These off-season above ground swimming pool covers are made from strong and extremely durable material such as woven polyethylene, with each and every individual strand providing maximized strength. High quality winter pool covers also feature a triple laminated inner scrim topped by a weather resistant coating. This coating is specially designed to provide resistance against harsh weather and UV damage from sunlight so that the cover will provide protection for your pool year after year.

The great thing about skirted above ground pool covers is that they will fit your pool like a glove for ultimate protection. Skirted covers are first cut to match the exact size and shape of your swimming pool. Then a skirt is sewn on to the main part of the cover to provide an even better fit. Skirted above ground winter pool covers come with a cable and small loops that attach to the pool uprights. The cable can then be run through the loops and the cover, allowing the cover to be safely and tightly secured. Just as pool covers with large overlaps are beneficial when it comes to extra protection, skirted above ground pool covers provide that extra material which makes it easier for the cover to withstand windy and other harsh weather.

When your winter pool cover fits properly, spring or summer openings will obviously go more smoothly. Tightly fitting covers prevent dirt, leaves and other debris from accumulating in and dirtying the water. This means that you will need to do less vacuuming and water straining once the winter is over. Best of all, a cleaner pool as a result of a good winter cover will mean that you can get back to swimming faster when the warmer weather arrives.

Like other high quality above ground pool covers designed to provide winter protection, the best skirted covers feature a black underside. This is an important characteristic to look for because a black underside will prevent light from passing through the cover, thereby inhibiting the growth of algae. The tight weave of the polyethylene fabric also helps to prevent algae growth and will greatly reduce the possibility of dirt and debris getting past the cover and entering the pool water. Not surprisingly, when algae growth is inhibited, it's far easier and faster to open your pool again in the spring, as far less cleaning and effort will be required.

As already mentioned, skirted above ground swimming pool covers can be cut to fit the exact dimensions of your particular pool. So no matter what the size or shape of your pool may be, you can have a winter pool cover that will fit precisely, thereby providing you with the highest level of winter protection for your swimming pool. Perhaps best of all, above ground pool covers from respected and trusted manufacturers are designed to provide quality protection for many years, sometimes for as much as 15 or even 20 years. For the very best protection possible, it's important to follow the installation tips that will come with your cover. Typically uncomplicated and easy to understand, the installation instructions will provide you with simple tips which can greatly increase the effectiveness of your winter cover.

While skirted swimming pool covers can provide your pool with excellent protection and weather resistance, they can still be found for good value. With direct online retailers such as Intheswim.com providing great selections of swimming pool supplies including skirted pool covers, it's possible to find everything you need for winterizing your pool at affordable prices. So if you want maximized winter protection for your above ground swimming pool so you can extend the life of your pool and get back to swimming faster, consider using a skirted above ground pool cover this coming winter.



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About the Author: James Claypool is experienced specialist in pool equipment including skirted winter covers for above ground pools. He explains all advantages of using above ground skirted winter covers.

Portable Hot Tubs and Spas: Easy way to relax

Relaxation and hydrotherapy are two of the main reasons why people choose to buy portable spas and hot tubs. With warm, soothing water and massaging jets, spas and hot tubs provide an easy way to unwind and to find some relief from the tension and stresses of everyday life. Of course, many purchasers also enjoy the unique social environment that hot tubs create. Whether you want to gather with friends and family or add some extra romance to your relationship with your significant other, spas and hot tubs can provide you with exactly what you need. Best of all, there are many different brands, models and features available on the portable hot tub market so you can select a hot tub or spa that meets all your needs and preferences for the ultimate at-home relaxation.


While just about all portable spas and hot tubs are great for relaxation, it's important that you purchase a model with the specific features and characteristics that will enhance and maximize your enjoyment of your hot tub. For example, if you want to use your portable hot tub as a remedy for arthritic pain, back pain or stiff muscles and joints, the placement of the hydrotherapy jets is an important consideration. You need to make sure that the hydrotherapy jets of your particular model are appropriately placed such that they will target and massage the particular part or parts of your body that you wish to soothe and relief of pain. Adjustable jets are also a good feature to look for, as they will allow for a more customized experience.

Other important considerations to keep in mind when looking at a selection of portable spas are size and seating arrangement. You need to think about how many people will be using your spa and for what purpose. If you have a large family or plan to use your hot tub as a focal point of parties, you will probably want to choose from a selection of portable hot tub that will seat several adults. In other circumstances, a more moderately sized spa may well be suitable for your home and lifestyle.

Luckily, portable spas are available in many different sizes and with many different seating configurations. From models designed to seat three adults to those with a capacity of up to six adults, there are many options to choose from. Naturally, in addition to size, it's also important to take note of the level of comfort provided by the spa's seats. If the seats are not comfortable, your relaxation and enjoyment could be significantly diminished. On the other hand, many portable hot tubs feature contoured seating which is specifically designed to offer maximized comfort which, in turn, maximizes the level of enjoyment you get out of every single one of your hot tub experiences.

In addition to hydrotherapy jets and seating, there are many other features and accessories which can further enhance your entire hot tub environment. For example, top-of-the-line digital controls and in-spa lighting are common amenities that can be found in many portable spas and hot tubs, especially those offered by highly respected manufacturers. Some portable hot tubs also feature waterfalls, which can add points of interest as well as soothing sounds. It's also possible to add additional amenities and features to your spa environment with spa and hot tub accessories. These can include everything from towel racks and drink holders to pillows and cushions, all of which can make portable spas even more relaxing and enjoyable.

Once you choose the perfect spa or hot tub for your home, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind with regards to installation and safety. While most spas are quite quiet, you may not want to place yours too close to a bedroom, depending upon the preferences of you and your family. Also, it's often a good idea to place your hot tub in an area where it will be relatively protected from wind, falling leaves and strong, direct sunlight. In terms of safety, it's vital to ensure that the installation is performed by licensed professionals and that your portable spa or hot tub meets all safety standards. If children live at your home or are likely to visit, a sturdy spa cover with safety locks is a must.

Once you have decided what features and amenities you are looking for, it will be time to find the perfect model at the perfect price. Fortunately, high quality portable spas and portable hot tubs can be found for great value if you know where to look. For example, direct online retailers such as Intheswim.com offer a wide range of excellent models and brands to choose from at very affordable prices. These retailers also offer a great selection of hot tub and spa accessories. Once you have everything you need and installation is complete, you will be ready to begin enjoying hours of fun and relaxation in your very own portable home spa or hot tub.


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About the Author: James Claypool is experienced specialist in pool equipment including portable hot tubs and spas. He explains all advantages of using portable hot tubs and spas.

What’s in Your Water – Five Facts You Need to Know

Why We Need It

Water constitutes 60% of the body’s contents. Many of us are so concerned about being hydrated, that Americans are often referred to as the Hydration Nation. We carry the clear stuff with us everywhere, and everyday. Water is, after all, the essential element in carrying nutrition to our cells, and generating circulation, digestion, respiration and cardiovascular functions which are necessary to sustain life.

How Much is Too Much?

For decades people have followed the 8 plus 8 rule; 8 glasses of water, consumed in 8 ounce glasses or containers, every day. This method of hydrating has always been promoted by doctors and nutritionists; however, recent research now proves that our hydrating needs vary with our activity levels. An active lifestyle requires more hydration than a sedentary amount of movement. Illness also requires an increase in fluids, if fever is present in the body, or some kind of infection. Never drink too much water because it can be deadly. Too much water being consumed when jogging or working out, causes a reduced level of sodium in the body. Reduced sodium causes light-headedness, nausea, and swelling of the body.

The Signs of Too Little

Its important to know the signs of dehydration so that you can avoid becoming ill. The signs include: headache, thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. Many people consume other liquids to keep hydrated. Fruit juices, milk, coffee and tea are frequently substituted for water. Although these fluids do hydrate, many juices have a high level of sugar or fructose corn syrup which contains high calorie content, and the sugar has no nutritional value.

Warm Water Is Best

The best temperature to drink water is at room temperature. Warm water helps the body digest food, distribute medications, and detoxify. However, drinking cold water has no serious ill effects and if that’s the only way to enjoy it, the important point is to hydrate.

Five Facts You Need to Know

Everyone needs information about what is contained in the drinking water in their community. It’s also beneficial to know the value of nutrient enhanced water, and how to carry water with you, safely.

1) Tap water that has been put through a carbon filter to trap the lead contaminates, is just as safe to drink as any bottled water, and has more minerals than most bottled waters.


2) Nutrient enhanced water has too much sugar, usually about 32.5 grams or more, and other additives. The body cannot always absorb liquid nutrients. Read the label to check for the sugar content.

3) Water that sits in plastic bottles collects bacteria and can leach toxic chemicals from the plastic into the water. It is not possible to detect bacteria or chemicals from the taste of the water.

4) For your good health, carry water in safe containers which are made from aluminum, or glass. Plastic bottles never break down in landfills and are having a seriously negative effect on the environment.

Put A Fountain In Your Garden

A great way to spice up your garden is to add a water feature. These can be both soothing and aesthetically appealing. I've found that there's nothing more relaxing than sitting on a bench next to my garden and listening to my fountain while I read a good book or do some studying. Putting in a water feature is fairly easy and relatively inexpensive, and will add immensely to the pleasantness of your garden. Also, the maintenance level is minimal.

Usually, people install fountains for the benefit of the natural ambience it provides. For some reason, being around a gorgeous scene of water gives you a positive energy. This is also good if you practice Tai Chi or some form of yoga or meditation. The constant drone of the water is exactly what most people need to concentrate on what they are doing. Even if you're not into that kind of stuff, just being in a garden with a fountain has a sort of meditative quality to it, even if you're not trying to do so. I recommend it to anyone.


When you first decide to put in a fountain, you need to put great care into picking out one that will go well with the rest of your garden. If you have any other decorations, you want to consider if it goes well with your motif. Does the fountain you're considering stand out in your garden like a sore thumb, or does it look like it was meant to be there? If you're like me, you can't naturally tell whether the fountain will be a good addition to your garden just by looking at it. So my solution was to bring my sister (a natural at fashion design and that kind of stuff) along with a picture of my garden to the store. I was able to get her expert opinion, as well as see for myself what it would look like. By doing this I was able to pick a beautiful rock fountain that goes marvelously with the rest of my garden.

However, I still had a slight problem with supplying my fountain with power. You see, my garden isn't very close to my house. I thought it would look pretty tacky to run an extension cord across my yard, so I had to come up with another solution. I discussed my situation with a Home Depot employee, and he quickly found me the exact solution I needed: an extension cord meant for being buried! All it took was a few hours of digging a small trench across my yard, and I had power to my fountain without an unsightly cord running across my yard. After I got over this little hitch, my fountain plan went beautifully.

So if you're looking for a way to make your garden a more classy and beautiful place to be, I hope you consider installing a fountain. The whole process is surprisingly inexpensive, and I think that you will be very happy with the results. Having a fountain in your garden is not only soothing, but it also adds a lot of character to an otherwise bland garden. Remember, gardens are not just for giving us vegetables! A garden is a place to go when you want to retreat from the outside world and dwell in your own thoughts with no disturbance.



Find tips about how to grow roses and how to grow orchids at the How to Grow Things website.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs, you have a lot to think about when it comes to safety. Whether you use different types of swimming pool liners, or think about purchasing a new swimming pool toy, there are a lot of pool inspection tips you should consider. It may also help to ask questions at your local swimming pool supply shop, because talking to experts face to face about your swimming pool safety needs can help you in the long run.

Your swimming pool design and capacity

A lot of things depend on your pool's design and capacity. Some of these things include the amount of water treatment chemicals you'll need, the type of liner you should have, as well as the aesthetics of your swimming pool. It's important to calculate the average depth of your pool using this equation: Deep End (feet) + Shallow End (feet) ? 2 = Average Depth. It will help you determine your swimming pool capacity. The swimming pool design you choose will also aid you in buying the proper swimming pool covers that you will need during different seasons. Leaf-catcher covers are effective during summer, fall and spring, while a different swimming pool cover is available for winter. These allow you to keep your pools in top shape despite the seasonal and climatic changes. Almost any swimming pool supply shop has a good stock of covers for your swimming pool. Keep in mind that a well-covered swimming pool is a safe pool.

Getting the ideal swimming pool liner

The quality of your swimming pool liner is essential to your pool's water quality. This is because it prevents the water from being contaminated. It also maintains your water's pH, and helps keep algae and mildew from growing. Also consider the type of material used for your liner. Swimming pool liners are usually made with vinyl or plastic, and can be quite decorative.

Inground Swimming Pool Safety

The elegance of inground swimming pools attracts a lot of buyers. However, it is important to keep in mind that inground pools have their own safety risks. It is important to always have someone watch the pool such as a "lifeguard" or simply an adult who can swim. This is because children (and unmindful adults) have a higher tendency to fall into an inground swimming pool as opposed to an above ground swimming pool. It will help to keep your inground swimming pool covered when not in use, or fenced off in certain areas.

Safe swimming pool toys for added fun

While purchasing fun and colorful swimming pool toys can be exciting, there are some accessories that can be considered as a "must-have". Goggles are important, especially for children. There are also special swimming pool toys and floats available for toddlers. Swim aids such as swimming pool floats, swim belts, and water wings, are also considered as safe swimming pool toys. Your local swimming pool supply shops probably have a good toys department - take a look around in order to get the best prices.


Source: Free Articles

Understanding About Water Meter Flow Rate

There are many factors that you need to take into consideration in regards to water meter flow rate, and if you are truly wanting to learn and understand about water flow rate, then it is crucial for you to know that you have to take all of these factors in, and make sure that you seriously understand them.

For instance, many people do not know that you can measure irrigation with a water meter flow rate system, and this is in fact one of the most important jobs that a water meter flow rate system will ever do, and so it is thus obviously crucial that this matter be more learned about.

Basically, flow meters in general are particularly excellent devices for the measuring of flow in irrigation pipes, and the main parts consist of that of a propeller, one which is mounted in a short section of pipe and geared to a revolution counter, and which also is able to record the rate of flow and the cumulative total overall.

Overall, the basic principle of operation in regards to this device is quite simple, and what really happens is that the speed of the flow is measured by that of the water turning the propeller as it passes by, and then the particular area is then determined in regards to the size of the involved pipe.

Furthermore, since the flow meters work on a particular principle which involves that of a given rate of flow through a fixed area of pipe, then the pipe thus must be flowing full in order for you to gain accurate results.

Using the Internet as an Informational Resource

If you are looking to find out more information on a matter such as this, and are wondering what resources are available for you to use, you should know that there are many, however the best one without a doubt is that of the Internet; the speed and efficiency of the Internet allow you to quickly and easily find exactly what you are looking for, without hassle.

Simply spending twenty minutes for example on the Internet can help you incredulously, and you will walk away much more knowledgeable on the matter then you were before, without a doubt. Therefore, using the resources that are available to you is an incredibly important factor in regards to learning about and understanding a matter such as this.

Convert Your Car To Run On Water - Save Money, Save Gas!

Convert your car to run on water – save gas, save your car, save money and save the planet.

Fox News recently broadcasted an interesting and very important video report.
A savvy automobile owner has come up with a very simple yet incredibly efficient way of boosting his old car’s gas mileage by up to 100% - that means several thousands of dollars economy every year.

The creator claims that his developed invention converts water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). Also called Brown's gas or Hydroxy burns better than regular gas at our fuel pumps and provides more energy. This process is often referred to as Hydrogen Fuel Cell conversion.

Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. More hybrid cars are sold all over the world, concepts of electric cars and Hydrogen fuel cell cars are developed in almost any country and finally there is a way for you to add a little something to fuel efficient revolution.

Car owners seem to forget or maybe ignore the fact that they could get better gas mileage simply by changing the way they drive. You do not need to buy an ugly and slow prototype in order to save on gas. You could increase gas mileage of your V8 truck as well! To get better gas mileage you should follow these simple rules;

• Accelerate gently. This will use less gas.

• Keep your distance - every time you stop you will have to accelerate.

• Take your car to a mechanic; simple air filter change or spark plugs replacement could greatly increase gas mileage

• Drive slower. Going over 120kph will use up much more gas.

• Change gears as soon as possible - low gear uses up to 30% more fuel than needed.

Our cars’ engines are designed in such poor way that they only burn about 20% of the fuel – the other 80% is wasted in heat and unburned gas (pollution). When converted to money at 3$ a gallon – per every gallon your car actually uses only 60 cents, and 2.40$ is completely wasted. When you convert your car to run on water, you create a gas which helps burning the fuel in a better proportion.

Instructions on how to convert car to run on water are also available for sale on the Internet. There have been many skeptical people that do not believe in the efficiency of the system – but there doubts always vanish after finding out that the instructions come with 2 month full satisfaction money back guarantee.

Is it not only the “saving money” part that attracts people - when you convert your car to run on water you also increase your car’s engine longevity and you greatly decrease the pollution. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently – which decreases the noise of the engine and the wear and tear of the motor’s parts.

The system is composed by simple parts that are basically bolted on the engine. It could be done at almost no cost, by anyone and to any car. The system is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine.

Just imagine yourself buying half the gas you are buying now! Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra couple of thousand of dollars for Christmas presents? For a vacation? For a down payment on a new car?

I hope this article gave you enough of useful information to consider converting your car to run on water.
Alexandre Sol
Alexandre Sol is a writer who loves to review different programs available on the internet. Feel free to check out some of his most popular pages; http://www.GetFreeLaptop.info and http://www.review-list.info

Boat Storage On Or Off The Water

By: Victor Epand

After the summer is over and all the summer fun has been had, its time to put your boat away for the winter. Some people choose to leave their boat docked in the water while others will find a warm comfortable place to keep their boat away from the winter elements. Either way there are some things you will need to do to protect your boat. The following paragraphs describe how to properly store your boat for the winter.



Storing Your Boat on land



Storing your boat on land is the best way to keep it from the harshest elements of winter. It also prevents blisters from developing around the hull area as a result of water soaking into any laminated area beneath the waterline. You should disconnect the battery and keep it at home for ease of maintenance and for prevention against theft. Also, another advantage of taking your boat off the water is that you will be able to thoroughly clean the outside of the boat.



Leaving Your Boat On The Water



If you decide to keep your boat in the water during the winter, you will need to keep the battery running so that the bilge pump can continue to function if required. However, the first priority is to make sure that all valves have been tightly closed to protect the thru-hulls. If you neglect to do this, not only will your boat possibly sink, but you may have to spend a lot of money on repairs. The only thru-hull which should be kept open is the cockpit drain, but you should clamp it with a hose made of stainless steel.



If you know that your boat is likely to be subject to freezing temperatures over the winter, you'll need to use some kind of de-icing system or install some kind of bubble system. It's also important that you check on your boat every few weeks or so over the winter months. If you're not going to be around, try to arrange for someone to check on it for you.



On land and in the water



Whether you're keeping your boat in the water or bringing it ashore, you need to cover it completely with a proper boat canvas cover. Make sure that the cover fits snugly and is well maintained. You can also buy special mould and mildew bags and situate them around the interior of the boat. This will prevent the boat from collecting any unpleasant odors and it will make your cleaning the boat in the spring time much easier.

Author Resource:-> Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat parts you can store, and model submarines.

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Our Search For Water On Mars Has Turned Snowy

For centuries it has been wondered by man whether or not there was life on the Martian planet or not. Now that we have actually been able to send a rover there to explore the surface of this intriguing planet, we believe now that at least there is no visible life there. The testing done by the rover and the technical gadgets it is equipped has been taking soil and rock samples to see if there might be some sort of small lifeform or water.

One of the main things scientists wanted to know for sure other than are there any life forms on Mars is whether or not there is any water present just below the surface of the planet anywhere. Scientists firmly believe that water once flowed on this planet, but dried up on the surface long ago. In the water that is though to be beneath the ground is where scientists were hopeful that they might still find some form of life.

So far there has been no discovery of anything living. At least if there has been anything found alive the rest of us have not been told about it. One of therecent discoveries that have been made is when the rover detected snowfall in the Martian atmosphere. This is a welcome finding since it is associated with water. The snowfall and ice particles evidently were not making it to the ground surface, but it is intriguing for scientists none the less.

They have said they will continue to watch for more of the snow falling on the North Polar cap for as long as the rover is still working. Soon the sun will be setting for Mars and will not return until sometime in April. This means that the solar powered rover will stop working for good. The rover has already lasted longer than was expected and this is a good thing else the snowfall might not have been detected had the rover already shut down as scientists though it should have.

What all of this water on Mars business really has to do with all of us is still in question. It could mean more to our future generations and then again it could all amount to nothing except gaining knowledge about a far away place that none of us would ever have the opportunity to do to and would we want to even if we could?

Mars Project Mars Project