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Chlorine v Salt Water: which should you Choose for your Pool?

 

This debate has been raging for years. There are advantages and disadvantages in using both forms of pool stabiliser. Salt is added to saltwater pools which dissolves and purifies the water. The pH levels have to be regularly maintained, as well as the salt to water ratio. You must also have a salt chlorinator. For chlorine pools, chlorine tablets are added to the water via a floating distribution device or at the pump unit site.

Maintaining a saltwater pool

Saltwater pools cost less to maintain. There is no need to purchase chlorine, as chlorine is actually a by-product of the salt added to the pool water. It must be remembered that saltwater pools are not chlorine free pools. No harsh chemicals are used in a saltwater pool. If your pool needs heavy maintenance, it may take three to five days before the pool is usable. Saltwater pools are quite inexpensive to maintain and the upkeep of this type of pool does not take up much time. The saltwater runs through an electrical system which produces chlorine naturally.

The effect of saltwater

As salt is a natural product, it is much safer for the skin and hair. Swimming in saline will also not damage your swimming costume and will not cause your costume to fade. Saltwater will not cause irritation to eyes and this type of pool is the safer option for pets and people. People often think that a saltwater pool will resemble plunging into the ocean. They believe you will get the same very salty taste and after swimming, that you hair will be stiff with salt and your skin will crackle from dried salt flakes. This is all untrue.

Maintaining a chlorine pool

pH levels need to be checked to balance out the water. Because it is necessary to purchase chlorine tablets, this type of pool maintenance may work out more costly. However, in the event of heavy rain or even water loss, chlorine will keep a pool cleaner and clearer and prevent build up of scum on the waterline. Chlorine will clear up pool water much quicker than salt. Chlorine will clear a pool of harmful bacteria in one to two days.

The effect of chlorine

Chlorine kills bacteria living in the water. It also prevents mould build up and will kill mildew. However, it can sometimes leave a white residue, called chlorine flaking, on the skin. Chlorine can discolour and dry out your hair but if you have any type of head lice, the chlorine will kill them.

The type of pool maintenance you decide upon is entirely up to you. There are benefits in using salt, as well as benefits in using chlorine. For further information on what would be the best method to use, http://www.alliancepoolstores.com.au/ has a wealth of information for the novice, as well as the established, pool owner. This is a personal decision that needs to be chosen on the amount of time you have for swimming pool maintenance and what type of water you wish to be swimming in. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a maintenance free pool.

Kim Blair
Content Writer SF

What you Need to do Before you Cut Down a Tree

Sometimes trees do need to be felled for safety reasons. They may be compromising power lines, have dead branches or other hazards. Felling a tree can be dangerous, so it is important to be well prepared. You will need council approval, tools including a good chainsaw, and a plan of action.

Check with the Council

You will need to check with your local council to ensure that there are no laws preventing you from removing the tree. If the tree is dead or dying you probably don’t need consent, but it is still best to check. Better to be safe than cop a fine.

Have the Necessary Tools

Besides a chainsaw and lots of common sense, you will need two plastic felling wedges to stop your saw getting pinched in the cuts you are making. A safety hat or helmet, leather chaps and leather gloves, boots and safety goggles are essential.

What size chainsaw you need will depend on the size of the tree. You can hire a chainsaw or you may choose to buy one if you will need to use it more than once. Stihl chain saws have a great reputation.

Get Rid of Obstacles

Remove any obstacles from around the base of the tree; things like lower branches, vines and other vegetation.

The Felling Zone

Trees are generally taller than they look from the ground so overestimate the area you will need to fell the tree. One way to determine where a tree will fall is with the ‘axe handling trick’ To do this you hold the axe at arm’s length then back away from the tree until the top of the axe is even with the top and the bottom of the tree. The position of your feet should be roughly where the treetop will land. This is an estimate so always allow more room.

Make sure you clear the path of the falling tree. Mark the landing spot with a stick that has brightly coloured tape or a rag tied to it.

Make a Notch

Cut a 70 degree notch, with a downward slice first and then an upward cut to complete the notch. The depth of the notch you cut should be one-fifth the size of the trunk’s diameter. The notch will act as a hinge when the tree is being felled. The notch should be cut on the fall side of tree. Make it at a comfortable height.

Make the Back Cut

Mark the side of the tree where you want to stop the back cut. Start the cut on the back of tree and bring it to your mark. When you have space, insert a wedge to stop the saw getting jammed in the tree. Keep looking at the top of the tree of for signs it is moving in any direction and be ready to get out of the way. Move away at a 45 degree angle from the tree. Timber!

Let’s Sing!

The kids are now into singing and I have been telling my husband to buy a magic sing for the kids. He suggested on looking for microphone and save on Shure Microphones at musician’s friend. We have many options and still looking for the perfect mic or videoke mic for the kids. One of the moms in school mentioned on buying the cheaper ones but my brother said it is better to buy the branded ones.

Storage Box Tales

Storage box has become a necessity in my home (just like printing postcards online for post card enthusiasts) , with more than 8 years of accumulated toys and what not, it comes very handy.

After another flood hit us last year, I decided to organized our storage room (the other room of this house we are renting) and bought a lot of storage box. I got each box for a little over 1000Php each and it served its purpose very well.

The boxes, I used to store the toys, mostly Mega Blocs. I love how the boxes are stack able and has a very sturdy lid. Now I am planning to buy more boxes to place other stuff such as important documents and old clothes that have sentimental value.

These big storage boxes saved me a lot of spaces.

5 DIY Projects You Can Complete This Weekend

Finding do it yourself projects can be a lot of fun. Not only can you save money by doing things yourself, but you can also have fun and feel pride in what you have created. If the idea of starting a do it yourself project leaves you thinking about a project that might take months to complete, you shouldn’t worry. These five projects can be easily completed over the weekend, and you can enjoy the benefits of these projects for a long time to come.

Installing Shelves

Shelves can be handy in many places in the home. Whether you would like to create more storage space in your closet, break up an open cabinet with a sturdy shelf or simply built shelves on your walls for displaying collectibles or storing books, you can surely find a place to put a few shelves in your house. Luckily, you can build them relatively easily and quickly with the right tools and materials, or you can purchase shelving kits that you can install yourself in just a few hours.

Painting

Painting a room can give it a whole new look, and you can take your painting job pretty much anywhere that your imagination might take you. Consider painting your kitchen a cheerful color or making your bathroom more relaxing by adding a coat of paint, or get your kids involved in decorating the walls in their bedrooms. A couple of cans of paint, some paint rollers and drop cloths are pretty much all that you need to make a difference. You can also try tricks like sponge painting or stenciling to make your home’s paint job even more exciting.

Build a Swing

For the perfect decorative accent to your lawn and a comfortable place to sit and relax, consider building your own swing. You can often find easy-to-follow patterns for making these things if you check out home improvement stores, and you won’t need a whole lot of tools. Along with making a swing, you can also try making a picnic table or other similar project. Metro Steel offer a range of steel supplies in Brisbane if you are planning on building a more sturdy swing set.

Planting a Garden

Planting a garden can be incredibly relaxing, and it can yield a fruitful crop of fruits and veggies or a beautiful garden that will wake up your whole lawn. You can start with seeds or bulbs or purchase young plants that have already started growing, then plant them in your yard. All you need is some good soil, a spot in your yard and a couple of gardening tools, and you can quickly and easily put together a garden that you can be proud of and that you can enjoy for the rest of the season.

Welcome the Birds

Placing bird feeders, bird houses and bird baths in your yard can help encourage beautiful birds to flock to your lawn, providing your whole family with a beautiful show of nature. You can make some of these items yourself or purchase them already made at most home improvement or mass market retail stores.

Written by Jonah Shaw