Bring the Tropics to You

It’s just simply impossible to be in a bad frame of mind when your sitting in in any type of ski enclosure and time seems to simply stand still. The good news is that they are coming back into style and are springing up in backyards everywhere. Hey! If you can’t get to the tropics then why not bring them to you!

You May Need an Approved Set of Plans

You really shouldn’t need any permits to build one in your backyard but that all changes if you are running power or water to it. If this is the case then you will need a complete set of plans that have to be approved by the county planning office.

Staying in Code Yet Retaining the Light Look

That can be a problem, because they have specific rules that govern how any structure can be built. A light structure such as a tiki hut may have some problems getting approved. One idea is to talk to others that have built them and see how they got around all of those problems.

The Floor of Your Tiki Hut

It seems to me that a simple cement floor might work best for your hut. It’s the same style of floor that you will find in the beach front, thatched roof palapas in Mexico. They also use steel pipe wrapped with rope and rough driftwood in the framing and it looks great!

Bring on the Margaritas!

There are some good sources for plans and materials online now, so you will definitely want to access them. Also, many of these same online venues have lots of tiki hut supplies as well. Also, don’t forget to pick up a good tropical drink recipe book because your going to need it.

Written by Jenny Gremoland. Find the best articles on the net about tropical hut including grass hut.

• How Does It Work? Answer: As the name would suggest; salt water swimming pools involve the process of adding salt (about 20 lb. Per: 1,000 gallons) to your pool water. The water is then moved by the pump through cells consisting of titanium plates that are electrically charged; converting the salt into pure chlorine.
• What’s the Cost? Answer: Electronic chlorine generators for above ground pools run from $150 to around $ 500 depending on the manufacturer and the size of the pool. The price range for in ground models is between $ 600 and $ 1,200. Even though the upfront cost is more than traditional systems; the expense will be recouped many times over in savings on chlorine tablets.
• Will the water be salty like the ocean? Answer: No; the water may have a slight taste of salt, but will only have about one tenth the salinity level of ocean water.
• Will it eliminate the need for chemicals? Answer: No; while it will eliminate the need for chemical chlorine and reduce the needed amounts of other chemicals, some amounts of muriatic acid, calcium chloride, stabilizer, and other chemicals will need to be used from time to time to control ph, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other occasional conditions.
• What are the major advantages of salt water swimming pools? Answer: Easier maintenance reduced chemical costs, no chlorine odor, less irritation of the eyes and skin, and better control of water chemistry.
• Are there disadvantages to salt water swimming pools? Answer: The salt can be corrosive to metal equipment and patio furniture (granular and tablet chlorine is also) and it can cause scaling on tile and decks, which can be rinsed off with water. Overall, the effects are about equal to chemically chlorinated water.

Hopefully, we’ve helped clear up some of the issues concerning salt water swimming pools. Thanks for reading and good luck!

For a complete guide to saving money by taking care of your own pool maintenance; go to http://www.yourselfhomerepair.com/poolmaintenance-guide.html

For more tips and pool care advice; visit our website at http://www.yourselfhomerepair.com/swimmingpools.html

Glenn Whitehead is a former general contractor with over 25 years experience in the construction industry in Houston, TX. He is currently the webmaster of YourselfHomeRepair.com, a do it yourself home repair and improvement site with how to articles, tips for finding contractors, and help preparing contract documents

Every solar heating system takes pool water, pumps it through a heat exchanger, and returns the water to the pool at a higher temperature. The method of pumping the water is usually the pools filtration circulating pump, which can often be quite large, in the 1 to 2 horse power range. this means that to heat your pool you would need to run your filter pump for up to 8 hours a day, which uses 6000 watts of electricity a day or 6 kwh.

The second part of the system is the heat exchanger, commonly these are glazed solar panels with a pipe looping back and forth across the panel to absorb as much of the suns heat as it can, typically the area of the solar panels needs to be greater than 50% of the pool area, and often up to the whole pool area in size to give a sufficient increase in temperature.

The forth part of the system is a controller that ensures that the system only runs when there is a difference in temperature between the heat in the heat exchanger and the water in the pool. If the system was to run while the pool was hotter than the panels the heat would be radiated away.

A solar heating system using the traditional solar panels could cost you between $2000 and $4000 depending on the manufacturer you choose,

ALTERNATIVES

If you have ever left your garden hose laying in the sun you will know how hot the water can get, so lets consider using black irrigation hose to heat the water, you will need an area that is as large as possible, possibly a roof where you can loop the pipe back and forth without kinking it. The area needs to be flat, (no humps and bumps) but can be inclined. The water would be pumped to the top of the incline and allowed to run back to the pool picking up heat on the way, the more pipe that you can add to the run the better, think in terms of 500 meters of three quarter inch inside diameter tube. If you are laying a patio around the pool, lay as much of the pipe in to the concrete just below the tile level as the concrete will get hot in the sun and transfer that heat to the tube. The cost of 500 meters of black irrigation pipe should not be more that about $100.

The pump is the next thing to consider, the 1hp filter pump will cost around $0.75 to $1.00 a day to run, so lets look at a 12 volt dc surface pump that will lift the pool water to the top of the incline, and if you connect it to a solar electric panel will work all the hours of sunlight for nothing. the other advantage of this method is that you can do without a controller as the pump will only work when the sun is out.

You would need to make sure the pump you choose will lift the water to the height that you need, but you should be able to find a solar pump for under $200, which apart from the time it takes to install will give you a cheap solar pool heating system for about $300 with zero running costs

by Graham A Taylor,
for more information about pool heating, visit poolheatinginfo.com

The pumps help in keeping the pool clean as well as keeping off any insects that could otherwise turn the pool to be their breeding ground. The pumps will also ensure that all chemicals have been properly distributed all over the pool.

Choosing the appropriate model can be a hard task. However, you should not let the price prevent you from purchasing a make that properly fits the needs of your pool. This means that you should think about the size of the pool before addressing your concerns on the prices as it is the size that determines the volume of water that can be held by your pool. This influences your filter and pump choice directly.

Purchase pool pumps that will be capable of offering proper water circulation. This will necessitate checking the gallons of water that the pumps you choose can circulate per minute.

Remember to check their size and capacity too. In case you want to compare the price and capability of the pump, then choose by model. Choose a make that preserves energy to enable you save on your monthly bills.

Sometimes its possible to feel pressured by the idea of having to choose the best from the large number of models in the market. In this case your best defense is knowing the exact needs for your pool. Once you are able to do this, make sure that the pump has been correctly installed and the pool filter is perfect for guaranteed services over a long time.

Currently, over ground pool pumps are preferred over the in ground ones. This is mainly because they are more cost effective and they offer similar services to the in ground pool pumps. You are also able to choose the size and shape that suits you best. The best thing about these pumps is that they are fast to install and relocation is easy.

A combination of the right pool filters and over ground pumps is the best solution to your pools cleaning needs. This will also help you conserve energy which means less monthly bills. This will contribute to the long-term maintenance of the pool.

Newpoolpump offers precision therapy infrared sauna with the latest and the best technologies in ceramic heating as well as hemlock wood. Equipments like the pumps and pool filter manufactured with quality workmanship essential for the project at reasonable prices are also offered.

But here’s the true hidden factor: the residents or homeowners of the house ultimately influence the amount of energy that is used. An energy savvy homeowner in an older house has a better chance at lower energy bills than the homeowner in a newer house who is careless and mistakenly thinks that simply having a newer house will lower energy bills by itself.

That said, what could possibly be in a new house that could potentially cause it to be less efficient than a home 20 years older?

First there’s the possibility of an improperly sized HVAC system. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) contractors are trained to size and install a heating a cooling system at least equal to the needs of the house. The contractor inspects the home, makes his calculations, and orders the supplies. A cost is drawn up, and work begins. The ductwork is put in, the appliances installed and tested.

Much of the time, the contractors are completely correct in their sizing of the system. After all, they are professionals. However, if there is an addition, or if there is more to the house added after the HVAC system is installed, the system may now be undersized. What does an undersized HVAC system mean? If it has to condition a larger area at the same efficiency, the unit will run longer and thus use more energy.

Another gaffe can be placing the HVAC registers near windows and doors. This is especially prevalent in split level homes or newer homes with large bay or front facing windows. Often times there is no other place to put the register, so it goes in front of the window. As long as the window is new and covered (and insulated well) most of the time this shouldn’t be a problem. But down the road, as the window insulation fails, this can be a major source of energy loss.

Another offender is placing registers too close to sliding glass doors that lead to a patio or outdoors. Often times, these doors are added after HVAC installation. The effects are obvious – when the doors are opened energy is forced out of the house at a very fast rate.

Newer homes also tend to have more exhaust fans than older homes. Exhaust fans are not like other standard fans that simply circulate air. Exhaust fans actively force or remove air from a space. In this case, that space is your home. They are essential in attics to prevent ice and pressure buildup, but exhaust fans in range hoods and lavatories (as well as in some dens, especially those with fireplaces) pose an energy risk.

Newer homes also pose a greater risk for insulation gaps. Insulation gaps, or insulation voids, are areas of the wall (most commonly) where insulation settles or is simply not installed. This may be done on purpose or accidentally. An example of “on purpose” insulation voids can be found around most recessed lighting fixtures. The reason is because these fixtures are not properly insulated units, so fiberglass insulation cannot come in contact with the unit. So, as much as a square foot or more of missing insulation will probably be present around such units. Many ceiling fan junction boxes have the same requirement. Insulation here, though, may be just “missed” because the walls are often a primary focus. Sometimes the installer may also miss insulation in a wall, especially near windows or doors or switches/outlets. This is because often times the insulation is not done at the same time the electrical work is done.

If the new house has an air conditioner, the placement of the air conditioner unit is important as well. Although most are insulated, if left out in the sun, it may have to work harder. HVAC contractors sometimes take this into account, and sometimes are tied to a location based on the location of the HVAC ducts. Luckily, you can counteract this by building a small open enclosure to protect the a/c unit.

Keep in mind when you are thinking about a brand new home that there is simply no history of energy bills for the house. So in effect you are flying blind. You can make educated guesses based on the energy star stickers, the area temperature, and your appliances (assuming insulation is to spec) but there is no real way to accurately predict future bills.

Also, many newer housing developments where homes are built are noticeably void of trees and other taller vegetation. Older, taller mature trees are cut down to make way for the homes, and in their place (sometimes) there are a couple of small, younger trees. Trees provide a natural wind break and provide shade. In the winter, when deciduous trees shed their leaves, they let sun through while still providing moderate wind protection. This is an effect 95% of people forget about when looking at the majesty of a brand new home.

Ultimately, here is the bottom line. Under most circumstances, newer homes have an immediate energy efficiency advantage over older homes. Ultimately it is the residents of the home that at least partially control the home’s energy usage. Still, newer homes may have energy problems older homes may not have that you should be aware of. And we outlined those above.

David Anderson continues to be so completely obsessed with home energy and finding ways to reduce energy bills that he’s now losing sleep over it. He is a regular contributor to the Utility Bill Busters Blog, a site updated (almost) daily with a ton of free tips and resourced for helping homeowners save money on their energy bills. It can be found at http://www.utilitybillbusters.com. (And if you want to know more about insulation voids and how to conduct your own energy audit, check out http://www.energyaudits.net!)

Why people use enclosures

Enclosures become a part of the home for many different reasons. Some people, simply need an outlet to show their individual design flare. This explains the rapid development of different enclosure designs, especially in shower enclosures. Now, traditional sliding glass door shower or shower curtain are things of the past. The more design-conscious homeowners prefer modern designs such as frameless shower doors and enclosures.

Enclosures are also very useful and have been installed in homes across the United States because of their functionality. Shower enclosures, for example, keep the other parts of the bathroom from getting wet, and also serve as an integral design focal point in otherwise dull bathrooms. On the other hand, patio enclosures that are top-selling household enclosures serve to protect the rest of the house from the outside weather.

Other types of enclosures

Perhaps you don’t not realize it, but many other types of enclosures have found their way into your home. Electrical enclosures, electronic gadget enclosures (such as TV racks, subwoofer enclosures, computer enclosures, etc) and kitchen equipment enclosures are just some. These types do not only ‘hide’ the cluttered look of wire cables, but also protect important appliances from dust and accidents and serve to prevent fire.

Enclosures provides detailed information on Enclosures, Shower Enclosures, Patio Enclosures, Subwoofer Enclosures and more. Enclosures is affiliated with Canopy Tents [http://www.i-Canopy.com].

First let’s discuss: What is a room? Basically it’s an enclosed space. There are walls, a ceiling and a floor, some windows and a few doors. Even if your house has an open floor plan where you have one or two large interconnected rooms, rather than a series of smaller rooms, there are areas within those large rooms that are partially enclosed, not with walls, but with elements like decorative screens, potted plants, or bookshelves. This sense of being enclosed, thus protected, is what makes a room comfortable to be in. There are other things that bring a feeling of comfort but they are secondary to this primary sense of enclosure.

Now for your frame of mind: stop separating the outside of your house from the inside of your house, try to think of your property as all one place. Look at your outdoor space, look at your yard and take inventory of what you have naturally in that space. What has mother nature already provided for you? Hopefully you have some kind of natural elements that can be the focal point of your new outdoor living room such as a large tree, a hedgerow, a nice slope, or a beautiful view. In urban locations, your yard could be a barren rectangle, with nothing in it but some dirt and weeds, but there may be other qualities you could start with, such as a lovely angle of morning sun, maybe a nice brick wall on one side creating a microclimate, or even an interesting urban view of some kind.

Spend some time out there and identify just what are feels the best to you. Bring a chair outside and just sit in it in different spots until you get a feeling of being in the right spot. Then you must ask yourself, can this spot be turned into an outdoor living room? How will you connect it to visually to your house? Are there interior elements of your home that you can repeat outside? How will you connect your new outdoor living room physically to your house? How will get there from inside your house? There must be an easy way to go from inside to outside and back inside. I can’t stress this aspect of the design enough so. Smooth transition between inside and out is how you start feeling like your outdoor living room is really just another room of your house; an extension of your home.

Once you have decided on where to site your new outdoor living room, and those with those tiny yards may not have a choice, you can work on how to create the “walls”, “floor”, and even a “ceiling”. Your project has now become landscape design! You may need the advice of a garden designer at this point, or some great books on the subject to understand the materials that are used in building landscapes and how to use them to create enclosure, privacy and beauty.

Once you have supplied the “floor;” normally a wooden deck or a stone, brick or even concrete patio or terrace, and some “walls;” typically a formal hedge, loose hedgerow, wall, or fence, and maybe a “ceiling”; a sloping roof or retractable awning or parasol attached to the house, you can go crazy furnishing your new outdoor living room. Consider some sort of heating element such as a wood burning or gas fireplace, fire pit, chimney, or portable patio heater to enable to use your new “room” all year round.

Furnishings like benches and tabletops can be made out of say, cast concrete for a real permanent feel, or obtained from a myriad of sources. Manufacturers are offering many new choices for furniture and lighting designed specifically for the outdoors as well as much better selections than ever for tough but nice fabrics for outdoor furniture, cushions, pillows, rugs and shades. Almost anything you can dream up as a way of making your outdoor living room more comfortable is now available for purchase online and off.

http://www.outdoorlightsandfurniture.com

Julia is a professional landscape designer and gardener practicing in and around Boston. Helping people enjoy living life outdoors is a full time passion.

Building a patio onto your home will increase the value greatly if done correctly.

A patio can be as simple as an extra room used for drinking tea or reading a book, obviously the weather will determine greatly how you build the patio and to what effect the room is used.

Those that live in a cooler climate may decide to choose a more naturalist approach and use a glass enclosure that will retain the heat from the sun. In this scenario you may already have a concrete slab which by building a frame and completing with windows boom! You’ve got a Patio.

If you live in a warmer climate you’re more likely to want ventilation, screens can provide this enclosed space with natural airflow. Screens also provide protection from insects and many screens now offer great security. Having a screened sun room can be a great addition to the family home. One vital aspect to take into consideration when designing the patio, make sure you’ve considered cross ventilation.

Alternatively a nice wooden patio or deck could be the solution your after, nothing like a barbeque out the back on the patio. Make sure you choose your wood carefully and have it treated for weather damage. A Patio will add value to your home if and when executed properly, you should take your time designing the patio carefully and make all considerations and get as much information and education as you can.

For more information check out http://patiobuilding.com.au

The more specialized tools that are used to clean swimming pools comprise leaf skimmers, leaf rakes, brushes, corner brushes, pool sweeps, grids and cartridges for the filter, motors and pumps, pool filters, and many more. Virtually all of these accessories are a given have, especially when you’ve got trees around their pool. Leafs in the water can be very annoying and distracting, and should be removed on a frequent basis.

The biggest aspect to keeping your pool nice and clean is to make certain that the care of your water is invariably up up to now. There are many water care products that you can purchase, including balancing chemical substances, sanitizes, chemical substances to treat algae, stain remedy products, water testing kits, and saltwater systems. Usually, chlorine is used as a sanitizer, as it assists get rid of and prevent any organic material that exists in the water.

By employing chlorine in your pool, you will greatly reduce the load that organic material puts on the filter. The regular maintenance of your pH balance and the correct levels of alkalinity are also very critical to keeping your pool clean. You should likewise make certain that you look into your calcium as well. The pump that you apply is also important, as it will prevent the waste of energy. To make things easier on yourself, you can obtain an automatic pool cleaner that will do just about everything for you.

To get the proper amount of chlorine feed, you’ll need to use hand feeding or tablet feeding. This will ensure that you get the correct amount of chlorine in the water. Chlorine is also important for protecting skin, nevertheless, you should try not to swallow water that has chlorine in it. There are saltwater chlorine generators about as well, which are one of the hottest means to get the proper amount of chlorine in your water.

As long you use the specific cleaning supplies and products with your pool, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh and clean water whenever you arrange to go swimming. Keeping your water clean is also healthy for your skin, and anyone else who gets in your pool. You should always make sure that you have cleaning supplies reachable, and check your water on a frequent basis. You can become a pool testing kit for a little of nothing – which will more than pay for itself when you commit to check your water.

Sheldon has been writing articles online for nearly 5 years now. Not only does this author specialize in weight loss, fitness and diet, you can as well check out his latest website on dog shock collars reviews and Folding Patio Chairs.

The most typical screen enclosure being built on a house is the screen porch, however, many folks are benefiting from this trend and are building customized screen rooms for a number of different purposes, for example pool enclosures. In the southeast for example, the main advantage of having shelter from mosquitoes, is the West Nile Virus health issues, which has contributed to increasingly more householders getting room enclosures over their porches and patios to safeguard their kids and family from attacks whilst still having the capacity to take advantage of the outdoor living.

At this time there are models that consist of glass or perspex so as to permit natural daylight in along with giving an unblocked view of the stars. They allow for good venting, notably when bbqing or unwinding in a jacuzzi throughout the summer and safeguard your patio from snowfall or extreme rain over the winter.

Swimming pool enclosures are fantastic for maximizing the amount of time you can spend in the pool. These are perfect at always keeping airborne debris and dirt from dropping into your swimming pool and will shield and shelter your young ones from the severe sun shine while they’re just splashing in the water because of the built-in UV protection. As well as continuing to keep your swimming pool comfortable and thoroughly clean, they’ve also been exceptional at protecting against freezing of your pool throughout the winter season. Made out of light, yet very resilient PVC materials, the best include a minimum of a 120 month warranty, with 15 years on offer through the top suppliers. Brand names to investigate include Pool and Spa and for extra piece of mind, search for active members of the IPC.

Josie Duval has her own garden design and landscaping business. If you want to enjoy the outdoors and don’t want to be bothered by insects, then she can help you save big money when looking for a Pop up Gazebo for your garden.

Visit http://www.gazeboforsale.org for a complete guide to gazebos and other really cheap garden structures to make your backyard more fun this summer.