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Seven Simple Tips to Keep Your Pool Clean This Summer

Posted on by brazo

With Summer just around the corner visions of hot days spent cooling down in a sparkling blue pool are crowding our minds. You may be preparing to either refill your pool again or dust off the cover and start preparing your pool water to be suitable to swim in when those scorching summer days roll around. At the start of summer it’s so easy to enjoy that newly cleaned pristine water but as the weeks go by there’s a good chance that water will start to turn slightly green and when stepping out on a bright day the water that may by this time be covered with leaves and bugs suddenly doesn’t look so inviting anymore. With family vacations and days trips away it can be hard to keep up your pool maintenance or even think about it when there is so much else going on, but if you follow these Seven Simple Tips bellow then you can be rest assured to have a long summer of sparkling blue water ahead of you.

 

1. Pool Scoop Nets

There is a lot to be said for the simple hand help pool net. The cheapest bit of pool cleaning equipment you can get but very effective. This is an easy job to get your teens to do every few days. Just by walking around the pool with the long net and picking up any floating leaves or bugs you are assisting the skimmer with its hard work and assuring that the filter won’t get blocked or clogged as easily.

2. Cleaning Out Your Skimmer Basket

Your skimmer basket usually sits on the side of your pool and is what helps filter the water and the capture floating debris on the surface of your pool. If you do not have a reliable skimmer then it’s best to get a new one installed, which will save you time in the long run. The skimmer sends the debris into a fine mesh basket that can be taken out and emptied. Making emptying your skimmer basket a once a week job can work wonders in keeping your pool clean and clear.

 

3. Cleaning Your Pool Filter

Working alongside your pool skimmer is your filter, the mechanism that is constantly cycling your water and filtering out the nasties. A good pool filter may only need to be cleaned two or three times a year but it is still important to keep on top of it especially if there has been excessive rainfall or any kind of storm in your area. The best way to clean out your filters is to have two element sets that you can switch out while you soak one set in a cleaning solution like Trisodium Phosphate or muriatic acid. Your local pool store will give you the correct percentages you should use to mix them with water. Try cleaning out your filter at the start of summer, midway through and then at the end before you put it to rest for the colder months. This way you will be sure to stay on top of your pool filtration and if you mark your cleaning times on your calendar it will be easy to remember!

 

4. Checking Your Pool Chemistry

Summers here and schools so why would I want to be doing chemistry? you must be asking! Well, your pool runs on a very delicate chemical balance and so it’s important to keep that in check so your water is safe to swim in and doesn’t develop things like algae. This should be done at least two times a week during the summer months when you are using your pool more. Making sure your pH and Chlorine levels are right is just vital. You can head to your local pool store and get a chart for your pool in case you haven’t already got one to make sure you are getting your levels right.

 

5. Pool Covers

The most effective way to keep debris out and your levels right are by having a pool cover. Pool covers can be cumbersome things and you may only have a big heavy one used for winter that you have no desire to roll up day in day out over summer, but times are changing and you can now get incredibly user-friendly pool covers. Check out these great pool cover reviews to help direct you to the right one to fit your pool. You don’t have to keep it over your pool any time you are not using it, but it can be great to pull over you cover each night to help keep lovely heat in and annoying leaves and bugs out, saving you cleaning time.

6. Pool Vacuums

A pool Vacuum or ‘creepy crawly’ as they are often referred to, is the way to go to keep the sides and the bottom of your pool clean. These work automatically and just need to be put in the pool and then turned on at a certain time during the week. This will help clean the debris that has fallen to the bottom and not been caught by the filter or your hand scoop net.

7. Always Shower Before You Swim

This may seem like the simplest advice and not really something that would make a difference, why get wet before jumping in the pool right? But our skin stores on it it’s own chemicals and things it has picked up during the day, dirt, sand and dust or if we’ve been working in the shed, paint or oil or even fertilizer from working in the garden or on your lawn. All of these things can upset the pH levels in our pool, so for the sake of an extra minute have a quick shower and rinse off with soap. If you don’t already have an outdoor shower by you pool then it could be a fun summer DIY project to get going.

 

 

So there you have it, easy steps that will make pool maintenance a breeze. If you are able to keep on top of it you’ll have more time for relaxing in your pool! If you think you’ll struggle to remember these tips or if life is seeming to always just get in the way then you can even try printing off your own checklist and roster to help you to remember the weekly jobs and by breaking down the jobs into a checklist you are bound to find it easier to tick each box off instead of just trying to remember.

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DIY Kids Cubbies

Posted on by brazo

With the summer holidays fast approaching, if you have kids then chances are they are going to be home a lot for the next few months. I’m sure you want to keep them as occupied as possible and get them outdoors to make the most of this great season, but if you are at work a lot then you won’t be home to make sure each of their days is jam-packed with fun. So why not invest a little time into making an outdoors cubby with your kids and then they’ll have somewhere to play and really make their own over the holidays. All you’ll need is some simple DIY tools and materials you can ether buy for salvage.

 

Getting the kids involved

Get your kids excited about the project by enlisting their help in generating ideas, after all this is a cubby for them, somewhere they can play for hours every day so you want to tailor it to their needs and likes. You can take their ideas which are probably quite grand and help them see how you can scale it back to be something achievable and to fit into your yard, you’re not going to be able to build a tree house if your yard does not have any trees! Planning this project with your kids can give you some quality time together as well as being a fun activity that gets every ones creativity going. And then when it is time for the actual building, fitting out your kids with some tools and hard hats will really make them feel like a part of the team and very proud of their new space knowing that they contributed to it.

Cubby Types

If you’re having a few mental blacks about what kind of cubby or tree house would be suited to your yard then stress no longer, we’ve put together a list of some different kinds of cubbies to suit every backyard and every budget. Remember, cubbies do not have to be massively expensive things.

 

The Tree House

If you’re lucky enough to have some bigger trees in your yard then have a think about building a tree house with your kids. Kids love being up in the branches naturally and to make a space that is just a little more unreachable for adults is something that will make it extra special for them.

To start with you will need to decide if you want to have a cubby that is grounded but wrapped around a tree or if you want to have the tree providing the main structural support for your cubby. If it is the latter you will have to make sure your tree is big and strong enough to support a fair bit of weight, even though children are small, get a few of them up there and the weight may dramatically increase. Safety really needs to be the base of your building.

If you do choose to have a tree house that is up in the branches, start by designing the house around the tree. Make sure if it is up higher than a meter that you have proper railings on the cubby to lessen the chances of falls. Things like rope ladders and trap doors are great added extras, it’s the little details that kids will love.

There are plenty of tree houses you can do that have their foundations on the ground if your trees are not tall or strong enough but you still want to incorporate that element of nature into them. Design a base that can easily fit around your tree/s and to give it that tree house feel you can still make it higher up so that to enter kids will have to climb up a rope or wooden ladder.

These kinds of tree houses can be more on the expensive side, requiring more timber and supports for safety and quite time consuming as building anything off the ground will require a bit more effort, but if you are on a budget and want to be building something up in the branches there are other ways to make simple tree houses. If you have a bigger based tree with some great wide branches on it how about start with making a simple platform. Using pieces of wood nailed straight into the trunk you can quite easily make a ladder and then a small platform between branches. Even a simple frame like this can be captivating to children and if you don’t have the materials for a roof, try draping some old canvas or even sheets in the summertime to give it a bit more of a fort feel.

 

Free Standing Cubbies

If a tree house is not a viable option for you then try out a freestanding cubby. You can make a basic square or rectangular base and then build on from there. Consider if you want an enclosed space or more of an open fort style. If you are going for the enclosed look make sure you still have plenty of airflow coming through. Closed in cubbies that are not sealed properly can really let damp in and end up smelling not so great if left unattended. Get creative with your windows shapes and door openings. Your freestanding cubbies can still off the ground and provide creative ways of getting in and out. Think about spider webbing type ladders or even rock wall shapes to make an extra fun entrance.

There are a few different twists you can put on the usual cubby house type shapes. Consider an A-frame house. You can make this all from timber or even from tin or leftover roofing you may have around. An A-frame cubby is a simple structure to build and gives more of a camping feel to the playhouse that kids will love. You can even put some curtains up as an option for a doorway if you do not want to fully enclose it.

If you do have a strict budget or a tiny yard which does not allow enough space to put a full-sized cubby, consider putting up some smaller shelter structures that will still allow young kids a chance to have their own little hideout. Putting four old door frames together on a simple A-frame shape can make a permanent tent-like structure which little kids will love crawling in and out of. You can do this directly on grass or create your own wooden platform for this to sit on. A project like this can be done in a day and the effects are just wonderful. Even putting up a simple A-frame, frame or an open rectangular design that can be covered with canvas or tarpaulins can be a fun space for kids to create in.

Creative Ideas

Pulley systems can be easily made with a pulley and some rope, simple things you will have lying around the home. Attach a basket or bucket to one end so that kids can bring items up easily into their new home, you will be amazed at how much fun they will have sending things up and down.

Chalkboards are another add-on that can really boost a cubby, kids love writing notes or signs, and a firmly attached bucket can be placed alongside the board to keep in chalk and rag dusters.

Hanging swings off the sides of your cubby can provide some entertainment; regular rope or tire swings are a fun way to go. While adding a hammock inside or even underneath, if your cubby is on stilts, can make a great relaxing area where the kids can enjoy some outside downtime.

Upcycling

Another way you can determine the kind of structure you want to make for your children is by looking at what you already have. You may have a whole pile of scrap wood, and old ladder or used windows. Take a look at these things and see if you can incorporate them into your building to make something really unique and inexpensive. You can also have a look at your local tip shop for any salvaged materials. You may just be inspired by something you see there and your cubby could take on its form to incorporate your key piece.

 

Cubby Interiors

To complete your kid’s cubby you’ll probably want to have it slightly furnished. If you want to put in cushions and mattresses or even curtains have a think about using sturdier fabric that is more weatherproof than your average inside cushion. These items will no doubt spend some time out in the elements and even if your cubby has a roof on it they are sure to get all manner of dirt and moister on them from kids play, so choose colours and fabrics that are hardier and so you won’t have to wash them every other weekend. If you want to add any furniture be mindful of overcrowding, what kids want is more or less a blank space where their cubby can be a pirate ship, doctors surgery or a shop. Think about this in the design as often a plainer cubby can allow for more imaginative games and experiences.

Design with imagination

Take your time to work with your kids and really design using your imaginations and thinking about what you already have to work with and your existing space. Even the smallest or yards will have room for a little playhouse or cubby and over the years who knows what they will be able to grow and expand into. Remember to look for recycled goods and reclaimed timber to make an eco-friendly, cheap and unique option when creating your kid’s masterpiece. A cubby is something your kids will have fun in for years to come and will get them out into the outdoors and enjoying nature while using their imaginations.

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Choosing a lawn mower

Posted on by brazo

Buying a lawn mower is not always an easy decision. Lawn mowers are a bigger financial investment that most gardening equipment so you want to make sure you’re getting your moneys worth and the right lawn mower to suit your personal needs. A lawn mower should be something you own for years and that is a lasting product provided of course you keep up it’s maintenance. With lawn mowers there is not a one size fits all models and with yards coming in all shapes and sizes it’s important you are choosing one that will suit your garden needs and keep your garden looking great. Take a look below at our guide so that you are sure to pick the right mower for you.

 

Things to consider when buying your lawn mower

There are a few factors involved when purchasing a mower. Firstly what you need it for. Do you have a small yard that needs to be mowed once every two week? Or do you live on a large property that needs constant maintenance?

As well as looking at the size you’ll have to factor in if your yard is hilly and has many obstacles like trees or play equipment that you will have to mow around. All of these things will affect the kind of mower you will purchase, even the kind of grass you have growing.

Engine Size

Another thing to look into is the power of your lawn mower. There is not a lot of point in getting the top of the range mower for your push lawn mower if you are only mowing a small area of flat grass every few weeks. Likewise don’t expect to cut through tough long grass with a small mower. Again take a look at the size and needs of your garden to be sure you are getting the engine that’s power will suit your yard.

Added features

Some mowers come with a lot of features like electric starts, which saves you having to rev it up yourself. The higher tech the features the bigger the price so make sure you are seeing what is really necessary and if it will make your life a whole lot easier or if it just more of a gimmick.

 

Your Yard

A small yard

If you have a smaller yard then you will probably be looking at a push mower or an electric mower. Push mowers are propelled by the operator and are on the cheaper scale. If you only have a small area to mow then consider a push mower as mowing a small area will not be too physically exhausting and the cheaper price point is a good thing if you are not needing to use your mower once a week. Electric mowers can be a lot smaller and easier to store. These take no fiddling around with fuel and are easy to start but they do lack the power of a push mower so if you have slopes or a thicker grass type then they may not be for you, but they are ideal for small grassed courtyards.

Some Mowers to Consider for a smaller yard

Ozito Ecomow     

This mower is a small and lightweight electric model. It features a quiet running 1000W motor that has very low maintenance. It is easily portable and has three different height adjustments. A great feature of this mower is it’s 30L grass catcher that collects the lawn clippings so you can compost or turn them into mulch while keeping your lawn looking neat and tidy. This is a great model for the small lawn.

 

Honda 21

The Honda 21 is a petrol push mower. It had twin bar bladed and Hondas very own engine braking technology for easy use. It is very economic on fuel and has a smooth quiet operation. It comes as a four stroke, which means there is no messy fuel mixing involved. Its clip director mulching feature also comes in handy. Perfect for the medium sized yard.

 

A larger yard

If your yard is on the bigger scale then you may consider an electric mower or a self-propelled mower. These mowers take a lot of the physical exertion out of moving as they move themselves forward and just need to be guided by you. This is a great feature also for those who are not as physically fit and may tire easily with a push mower.

Some Mowers to Consider for a larger yard

 

Ryobi 160cc 18in 4 Stroke Self-Propelled Mower

The Ryobi is a self-propelled mower that features powerful 4-stroke engine. It comes with the choice of 7 cutting height, which can give you more control over the look you are wanting for your lawn. It has an auto choke which makes for easier starting with no priming needed. And it’s self propelled function helps save on the physically exhaustion of mowing larger areas. Great for the larger yard or those who need a little extra push help.

 

Honda 21” Commercial Push Mower

This mower is an upgrade on the smaller model mentioned above. It is a bigger machine that has a bit more oomph too it and it perfectly suited to people who will be using a mower a lot either in a professional capacity of for constant grounds keeping for their own property. It comes with a 2 year warranty for domestic use and again with it’s clean running engine and twin bar blades is a solid model for anyone looking to get a lot of use from their mower.

 

A large Property

If you are on a big property as a apposed to a back yard then a ride on mower may be the right solution for you. They are also ride on mowers that come with different attachments so you can get more than just a mower for your money. These are obviously on the more expensive scale and are best with mowing large unobstructed areas. They are also bulky to store so make sure you have enough room on your property to store it in a sheltered area.

Some Mowers to Consider for a large property

Husqvarna TS138 Ride on Mower

This mower is a ride on for those with a large property that needs a lot of maintenance. The Husqvarna is an efficient mower with side ejection and ergonomically built to make hours in the chair as comfortable as can be. It features a Briggs & Stratton Endurance engine, which is known for its power and has full pressure lubrication. It is pedal operated and has a range of accessories available to build onto it.

 

John Deere X300 Select Series

John Deere has a great reputation for making powerful farming equipment. With their X300 they are bringing the power of farming to a smaller model suitable for the large landowner. It’s long wheelbase gives the rider great stability and a smoother riding experience through more rugged terrain. It comes with a Twin Touch hydro-static transmission for easy use and a V-twin iTorque power system. With a medium range price point this is the perfect ride on is your black of land has more challenging terrain.

 

Making the right choice

Before going out to shop around for your motor make sure you have made your own list of everything you need your mower to do, the size of your yard and your own physical capabilities. Visiting different stores and feeling each machine is the best way to know you are getting exactly what you want, and by showing the shop attended your list of needs they will be able to help you better find a mower that you will be happy with. Remember to take proper care of your mower and get yearly services to keep your engine running smooth and your blades sharp for years to come.

 

 

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