Archive for January, 2010
Feng Shui – Wind Chimes To Better Your Life no comments
Wind chimes are attributed to the Chinese, who over three thousand years ago made them to generate melodic sounds for their religious services. Such chimes are also used in Feng Shui and are often made of wood and bamboo.
Available Types
The number of cylinders that a wind chime has is what decides its purpose. Six to eight cylinders are said to bring good luck. Five tubes are often used to protect against bad luck. Not only are they considered to bring luck but wind chimes made of eight cylinders, hollowed and connected to a ship can bring wealth to the owner. The ship must be modeled after an ancient Chinese ship used for trading. Usually, they are made from bamboo or rosewood.
Although people tend to hang them everywhere, placing them in a position where they face a certain star is considered the best place. This is because stars are fire elements and by facing them, wind chimes made of wood receive sustenance that in turn makes good luck stream into your home and in turn into your life. Feng Shui wind chimes have long been considered to bring luck into the home in which they hang. On the other hand, metal versions are not recommended because they can release bad luck. Rather than receiving the sustenance from the stars, they resist it.
Bamboo version
Presently, bamboo chimes are the most popular for Feng Shui practices. Natural healing powers are said to be one of their when they are hung in your doorways and windows. To experience the mind healing powers, you need to stop and listen to the music that is generated by the breeze playing with them.
in case you do not realize, most bamboo wind chimes are hand cut before being tuned to produce wonderful sounds. Almost nothing else in the world is as soothing as they are. Depending on the thickness of the wood, different sounds are made. A thinner wood produces a tinkling sound whereas a thicker one makes a bong sound. Either way the sounds produced by them is said to have great results on clearing your mind and relieving stress.
Feng Shui wind chimes have become more popular over the last few years as people search for ways to improve their life. A large part of this ancient practice is the belief in it so if you believe that the placement of wind chimes will enhance your life, they may do just that.
Thinking of having Feng Shui interior design for your home or office? It can be easily done with Feng Shui Office tips which you can find at our comprehensive Feng Shui site.
The Chinese Art of Feng Shui no comments
For over 3,000 years the art of Feng Shui has been practiced in China. Early Chinese people who practiced this art were responsible for finding the area that was used to build homes and creating their villages. The areas they found were called Belly of the Dragon because they were above areas that were prone to flooding and below areas of high winds. This is what is meant by achieving the balance of wind and water.
Once they found the right spot for building, these master would oversee the building of the structures so that they did not interfere with the natural elements of the area. Being in harmony with these elements is the basis for this ancient practice.
Practitioners in the very early days were regarded highly but the only patrons they were allowed to see were the emperors and privileged people of that time. The commoners were not allowed to seek assistance from them. Any practitioner who was found to have helped a commoner was subject to being severely punished or put to death
These practitioners use the solar system, the earth, and a person birth date to calculate the best directions for a person to live and work. Placement of certain objects related to the five elements of the Feng Shui principle are key to having the correct balance and in turn provide peace and harmony.
During the East Han Dynasty in 25 A.D., written records were kept that detail the beliefs that are used. The theories of Yin and Yang, believing that everything must be balanced to achieve harmony, were practiced around 770 B.C. to 475 B.C. at the earliest.
Many practices were handed down from generation to generation. They more often were in the form of communicating verbally or poems were made up to teach to students. Because the art was kept a secret from commoners, not many written records are available.
If you believe in the power of Feng Shui, becoming more in balance and at ease with your life are part of the results. These results do not happen overnight. The truly devoted will have the harmony in their life as well as the peace within to overcome the most troublesome of obstacles.
The energy that is associated with Feng Shui is called chi. Chi is influenced by the positioning of something and anything that is placed around it. In that way of thinking, the earth is positioned and all living things that are around it are energy. The energy can be either positive or negative.
Many people believe that crystals are important to the practice of Feng Shui. However these are treated as myths among true practices of this ancient art. Your space has to have the energy patterns clear and distinct. Only then will everything fall into place.
Are you interested to find out what is Feng Shui? Download our free report on How To Clear Your Life’s Clutter With Feng Shui and learn valuable Feng Shui tips to improve your Feng Shui Home.
Lovely Stained Glass Doors no comments
Stained glass is perhaps one of the most beautiful types of glass available, and is most known for its presence in lovely medieval church windows, depicting glorious scenes. Usually, stained glass is used to depict some sort of picture or symbol or idea, though now it is increasingly being used as simple decoration and an added touch of beauty to offices and homes. The stained colors are much more subtle, and stained glass is even used in doors and for coffee tables.
Stained glass is created by adding metallic oxides to glass that is molten (created from melting silica with other products) and continually kept melted inside a clay pot over a furnace. The type and amount of oxide added determines the shade and brilliance of color; copper oxides result in green glass, while cobalt makes blue glass and gold makes red glass. These days, the red color is made with less expensive chemicals and produces a more brilliant red.
With stained glass doors becoming more common, more and more companies are willing to produce and sell stained doors for your home or office. Most glass doors have mostly clear (or very slightly tinted glass) with a fairly simple design that involves a bit of stained glass for effect. This way, the door will match the calmer surroundings instead of being garishly bright. While some stained glass doors are completely made of glass (and these are great for inside doors leading to offices, or doors leading into gardens), other stained glass doors are only partially made of glass. Instead, the door is mostly wood, with an inset stained glass window that adds beautifully to the design of the door. However, if you are looking for this type of stained glass door, I would highly recommend having a rather fancy wooden door either stained or painted a darker color; carvings on the door would add to the look, and a heavier wooden door would be best. This makes the glass area fit in aesthetically onto the heavy wooden door. Because glass is so fancy, it is good to have a well-designed door to match it. Wooden doors like these are mostly used as front doors; make sure that your colors and designs also match the exterior of your house before deciding.
In order for a manufacturer to correctly create a glass door for your home, the first step is to make measurements of the door, or of the window set into the door. Make sure these are accurate, as stained glass is difficult to modify. Give the manufacturer a sketched design of what you’d like to be depicted on your stained door, or choose from their selection of designs. It is generally a good idea to keep the design simple and not too colorful-otherwise, the resulting glass may seem too flashy and even garish. Keep in mind that glass doors can be used for indoor and outdoor uses, and some even have glass doors to add a touch of elegance.
Specialtydoors.com offers beautiful glass doors and specials doors like stained glass doors.
Interior Doors no comments
Whether you are building a new home, or simply renovating what you have now, it’s important that you get the right interior doors for your home. Too many times people will simply get whatever’s cheapest instead of purchasing doors that accent the overall design of the house. Having the best possible interior doors will also raise the value of your home. There are various door styles to choose from including: raised panel, flat panel, French, bifold, mirrored doors, V-Groove doors, pantry & laundry doors, custom glass, Dutch, and café. With all of these styles to choose from, there is no reason to stick with boring, flat doors.
Raised panel doors are an American classic which seek to reproduce different periods of the country’s history. Colonial 8 panel doors for example, were popular during the colonial era. The 6 panel doors on the other hand were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Try to find the type of door which best suits the design of your home. There are also flat panel door designs which aren’t quite as plain as standard flat doors. They feature a simpler look with larger panels. For a particularly fancy look, go for the French interior door style. This style of door can be classified as the following: French doors with wood mullions, French doors with beveled glass, French doors with grooved glass, bifold French doors with clear tempered glass, and bifold French doors with beveled glass.
Bifold doors are used for pantries, closets, and even folding doors between rooms. The thing that sets bifold doors apart from the others is the fact that they are always in pairs. This can be achieved with 2 doors folding to one side, or with 4 doors split in the center and folding back to each side. Mirrored doors are available as standard and customs sizes and made out of various kinds of wood. One or both sides of a mirrored door will feature a mirror made with safety glass. This style of door is great for your bathrooms and bedrooms.
V-groove doors are made of solid hardwood usually presented in square tile and rail Kinsmen style. Interior doors also are available for laundry and pantry rooms. They offer some fancy designs with frosted glass which allows light into the rooms, but allows only minimum visibility. Dutch doors are another popular form of interior door which are divided into half with a separate door both above and below. These doors are very elegant and feature a variety of uses. It is common for the top door to remain open and the bottom door will sometimes have a shelf. These doors were first invented in the Netherlands in the 17th century. They became popular in the United States and were often used as outside doors. As neighborhoods became less safe they ceased being used outside as often. At this point they are mostly used as interior doors. Hopefully you have gained some better insight on the many different types of interior doors available.
Specialtydoors.com offers interior doors, specials doors and other glass doors glass doors.
Taking Care of Your Wood Doors – The How Side of It no comments
Doors are considered home accessories that add beauty and style to the house. There is not any building or establishment that is built without it or a panel that covers the main entrance. That said, it’s simply means that regardless if you have wood doors or made out of metals or glasses, high consideration on how you could promote its longevity and safety is of vital need.
It is not always easy to maintain a good piece of material especially if it’s commonly used. This holds true especially for wood doors whereby people coming in and out of your establishment may be careless sometimes when they open or close the door. For this reason, many establishment owners who own wooden doors are considering which type they would choose.
Well it depends actually on your needs. If you have a bigger establishment where people are coming in and out of your establishment more often, you may want to consider installing highly maintained wood doors. If the regular or standard interior wooden door is about 80″x36″x1.5/16″, consult a reliable installers if you could use thicker ones. You may also want to inquire about your safety options for your door.
On the other hand, if you are a homeowner who prefers to maintain good doors, you may want to consult an interior designer for your options just to make sure that your doors are carefully well maintained. This holds true if you want to accessorize or accentuate your home using your wooden doors inside and out of your home. Understand that they also need some caring and maintenance so it’s critical for you to know the kind of maintenance materials for your wood doors. Below you’ll find the following suggestions useful in taking care of your doors:
1. Check unwanted marks or defects. Contact and seek the assistance of a home maintenance service crew if you determined some defects in your door. You can request for a reinstallation after you checked for these defects.
2. Retouching your wooden doors is warranted when you have observed these defects. At times, home maintenance crew will have to fix these defects by de-installing doors. Never attempt to repair even the minor damages yourself to prevent furthering these cracks.
3. Always check for other defects prior to the reinstallation of your wood doors.
4. When cleaning, make sure to use non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for wooden doors. Read the cleaners’ instructions and contents first before buying or applying it to the wood. Make sure that when you apply the material, that won’t leave harmful residue on your wooden doors.
5. Close and open carefully. Realize that to promote longevity of your wood doors, you do not have to violently open or close these doors regardless of your emotion. Again, repairing wooden doors may warrant cost so make sure to take good care of these.
These tips, though simple, promote excellent care for your wood doors thus keeping your interior design for doors cost effective.
You can also scout for further practical steps on how you can take care of the wood doors. If you are in the process of establishing your own home and prefers to use wood doors, check for some reliable resources at http://www.lenfex.com which are the best types of wood doors available for your budget and new home.
Simple Monochromatic Decorating no comments
When it comes to figuring out the color sc heme of a room, a monochromatic color scheme is one option. With a monochromatic color scheme, only one color is used for almost all the surfaces in the room. Contrast is added to the room by using different shades of the color, from light to dark. Here are some tips to consider if you are thinking about decorating in a monochromatic color scheme that will help you achieve the best look possible.
Add White or a Neutral Color to the Room
If you pair the color with white or another neutral, you can avoid having a room that looks like it’s too matched or boring. Of course, you don’t want the neutral color to be the main focus in the room but rather an accent. In a blue monochromatic scheme, for instance, although the walls and furniture are blue, you might add in a blue and white area rug. Another way to add a neutral is to paint the trim in the room white.
Choose the Color of the Room Wisely
When you decorate a room with a monochromatic color scheme, it’s important that you really put some thought into the color choice. After all, if you go with a color you’re not crazy about, you will most likely not end up very happy with the finished look of the room. So be sure to pick a color that you like to look at! For those of you who are new to the monochromatic look, you may want to avoid bold color choices such as red and orange. Remember, once a monochromatic look has been achieved in a room, it’s going to be a lot harder to change the room since everything you have will be in some sort of shade of that color. Therefore, it’s really important that you think carefully about your color choice. Don’t just go rushing into a hasty decision that you may end up regretting.
Mix Up the Shades of the Color
The best way to determine different shades of the color you’ve chosen is to visit a paint store and collect some color swatches. With these swatches, you can see the different shades of the color that you should work with. An important key to a monochromatic color scheme is making sure you’re not painting the walls the exact same shade as the furniture. Likewise, you don’t want your floor to be the exact same shade as the walls. Mixing up the shades of color always adds character and interest to a room, giving it a better overall look. You might also use accessories like pillows, curtains, baskets, and candles to your advantage by choosing completely different shades from the rest of the room.
A monochromatic color scheme is not always the easiest to pull off in a room. You really have to be willing to put some planning into the décor, making sure that everything flows well and you have the perfect balance of color.
About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior decorating industry for 4 decades. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your home office, dining room and bedroom. Are you searching for wood bookcase for your family room or a pair of wood file cabinets for your home office then they probably have everything you need.
Important Things to Know About Ipods no comments
It’s one thing to find creepy people on a subway, but it’s another to have that creepy person mug someone for their iPod. Because iPods are so popular (and become more so with new models like the video iPod or the iPod nano) they are more likely to get stolen by a mugger. Someone may want a free iPod, and rather than buying one, or looking online for a free iPod, they take someone else’s iPod.
Because it is so common, some major cities have published a version of guidelines for people to protect themselves and their ipods. Many of these flyers share statistics of the amount of ipods that are stolen. According to one statistic from San Francisco, only 15 robberies were reported, but 11% of those were ipods). Many people suggest using regular headphones rather than the white pieces so that it becomes less obvious. Anyone that is smart with their iPod and knows how to conceal it will most likely keep their iPod, and the muggers will not get a free iPod very easily.
Concealing an iPod is easy, but learning how to use a new iPod can be frustrating. One of the biggest issues facing new iPod owners is the stacks of music that remain unripped and an unrealistic expectation that go along with the loading process. But owning an iPod should not be a burden. Any iPod owner can have access to thousands of songs on their iPod nano, if they give themselves plenty of time to load the songs. An entire library of music does not need to be loaded at one time. It is possible to load music onto the new iPod in increments. Allowing the iTunes collection to grow makes for better selection when loading the iPod. Also, an incomplete library doesn’t mean failure. An entire CD collection does not have to be ripped in order to enjoy an iPod. Remember that can only a single song can be listened to at any one time time.
Don’t feel tied to older music. People grow and change. The CDs from a decade or two ago might help connect to the past but if musical tastes have changed over time, allow new tracks in the library without feeling obligated to the older collection. No one will be checking in to make sure all those 80′s and 90′s CDs got digitized.
One of the great things about iTunes is that new music can be tested without commitment. It is possible to listen to the free 30-second samples and check out new play lists. And don’t forget that every Tuesday, iTunes offers free tracks that might lead to new artists and styles to enjoy on the iPod. If a CD collection is just too much of a burden to face, enjoy any number of free pod casts on the new iPod and if possible, own a 5G or newer unit to watch TV and movies as well. The iPod does not begin or end with music. iPods shouldn’t remain wrapped and unused on a coffee table.
Does the Lifepop Stereo Pet Carrier really steal the spotlight? Chances are it probably does not steal the show more than the pup itself, but it’s a pretty cool iPod-compatible accessory. It can be used to carry around the pooch as he or she rocks out to iPod music, or whimpers in abject misery while listening to you’re the old music collection on the iPod. It’s basically a soft padded bag with built-in speakers and a mini-plug to hook into the iPod. There’s a fully zippered ventilated top so Fido will be able to breathe while grooving.
For more resources about Free Calling Card or even about Free International Calling Card and especially about Free Long Distance please review these links.
Tips To Consider When Shopping For The Best Plasma TV no comments
For a great many of us selecting a TV is a very important decision. While some people will choose to watch Boob tube on a normal LCD television, other will like to watch their programs on a plasma TV. Since you can find a large number of plasma TVs you will need to know how to pick out the best plasma Television that you can afford.
Today’s plasma tv’s come in all sizes with many different features. Understanding what you need in a tv before you go and buy will not only give you piece of mind, but will also empower you to make a sound purchasing decision.
So, first lets look at the size. Size is an important part of the picture. Because if the plasma television doesn’t fit into the designated spot in your home then nothing else matters at that point. Once you determine the size then you can move onto brand, style and features.
Ok, now that you have determined the size you should move to brand and style. Now this is a matter of preference. What has been your experience with with some of your other electronic devices – specifically with the brand? Did you encounter problems with the device? If so, how was the brands support?
Now when it comes to style, the plasma tv’s are very similar across the board. That is what they a know for, their sleek design. This again is one of those things that if it looks good to you then go with you instinct on this one.
Now as for price, the various plasma TVs in the market that are 42 inches and infra are not that expensive. You can in general expect to pay in the realm of $1000 to about $5000 for these high def tv’s. We use the 42 inch for our example here because it is the standard size in the market place today.
Once you have settled on the brand and the sizing you can focus on the other aspects of looking for for the best plasma TV. The features that you will find in plasma TVs will also influence your choice.
These different features will include how the color looks. As most plasma televisions have a rich color look you can unremarkably find well situated blocks of solid black that adds a depth to your viewing pleasure.
Another interesting feature that you can find in plasma TVs is plasma throttle cells that have to do with the color for the boob tube. With this you will see that your plasma television system can give you a better true to life color and depth to your various programs.
When you are selecting the best plasma Tv set that you can purchase you should see if there are any terminals that are found with your plasma TV choice. These terminals will allow you access to your accessories like a camcorder, DVD player, game stations like playstation and X-box.
By looking at these different items you can select the best plasma tv for your observation pleasure. Knowing the main features and elements that you want in a high definition plasma tv will shorten the field of availability that you have to look through. This way you know that you will select the one that you is right for you.
Bowe Packer provides free and valuable information to online consumers. He has written over 20 articles on plasma tv’s and provides is Plasma TV site for those who are interested in Plasma TV’s. Visit his site and gather free plasma tv information.
Printing from Your Digital Camera – The Dos and Don’ts to Preserve Photos no comments
Since the introduction of the digital camera, consumers have hailed the convenience and immediacy of their work. Snapping pictures and being able to view them on the camera to determine if a retake is needed, sharing them online within moments of recording images, and producing prints at home without the time involved in filling an entire roll of film, transporting them to the photo lab, and awaiting their development are among the best loved features of the digital camera.
Beyond the convenience of a such a camera however, the question of how well images printed at home would endure the years has been a significant concern. In the early years, the quality of the various types of printers, inks, and paper were much less reliable than the photographic processes used in a photo lab. Many years have passed however and progress has been made in developing more durable materials. Although only time will tell, in today’s market, some printer manufacturers tout a life span of 75 to 100 years or longer for prints produced by their printers and materials.
In addition to the ongoing advancements in printer technology and paper/ink quality, home photographers can certainly do much to assure that their grandchildren will be able to enjoy the images that they record on their digital camera today through proper handling.
Materials
Do: Use of a high quality printer designed for printing the photos from a digital camera is recommended of course but quality ink and paper which complement each other helps to assure the longevity of the print that is produced. The best way to assure that the printer, paper, and ink used will work well together is to purchase them from the same manufacturer. The paper selected should be coated and designated specifically for printing photographs.
Don’t: Use of some materials in framing, mounting, or matting pictures speeds the demise of the print and should be avoided. For optimum longevity, materials should pass ISO standards for being acid and lignin-free. Corrugated cardboard and PVC coverings are materials to be avoided when working with prints.
Handling
Do: When producing prints at home it is critical to assure that they dry before handling them. They may dry to the touch almost instantly, but it is advisable to allow them several hours before handling, framing, or storing them.
Don’t: Prints created at home are particularly susceptible to damage from the oils in a person’s skin as well as the abrasion created by touching or brushing against them, therefore minimizing how much these prints are touched can help to reduce degradation of the image.
Display
Light, humidity, contaminants in the air, and exposure to water are other factors that can significantly damage prints. Displaying unprotected, uncovered prints potentially exposes them to all of these factors which can result in an early demise for the images so lovingly captured by the camera.
Do: For display purposes it is wise to place prints in a frame with an anti-UV glass cover or to insert them into a clear protector; although polyvinyl chloride is not a recommended material.
Don’t: Displaying prints where they will be directly in the sunlight promotes premature fading and placing them in environments with higher heat and humidity such as in a kitchen or bath can promote fading, blurring, and yellowing.
Storage
Do: Placing prints in an album offers a convenient method of properly storing them as well as labeling and displaying them for future enjoyment. Ideally, the album used should be acid and lignin-free, offer non-PVC page protection, and allow the user to attach prints via corners versus an adhesive.
Don’t: Because of the negative effects of light, heat, humidity, and exposure to pollution and water, storage in both attics where temperatures can soar and in basements where humidity and the risk of exposure to water is greater is not recommended. Closets are a better option as it is best to store prints in a cool, dry, dark area.
The conveniences offered by a digital camera are ideal for those wanting to enjoy and share a moment via pictures. For those hoping to use their camera to provide a more lasting record, recent advancements in printing technology would seem to offer the potential of sharing memories captured today with future generations. Home photographers will simply need to use an appropriate camera, printing materials, and assure they follow a few rules when handling their prints to assure they provide a lasting impression.
The author, Christine Peppler invites readers to discover more information about using and selecting a camera through information available on her website.
5 Keys To Good Pool Care no comments
There are 5 Keys to simple swimming pool care. Circulation, Filtration, Cleaning, Water Testing, and Water Chemistry. When you follow all 5 keys, your pool will not only look good, it will also feel good, be more economical to operate, and the pool and its equipment will last longer. Here’s a brief synopsis of the 5 keys.
Key 1 – Circulation
Good circulation in your pool means much more than filtering water – it’s getting all of the water in the pool moving & through the filter. Circulation is more than filter or pump turnover; its removing dead spots – you know those areas where algae always seems to grow or where dirt & debris always seems to accumulate. The better the water is circulating, the better the filtration, the cleaner the pool. In fact it typically takes up to FOUR turnovers to get all of the water completely filtered.
Dead spots are corners of rectangular pools, areas directly adjacent to skimmer(s) & return fittings, behind ladders, and often times the entire lower half of a pool! This especially true if the return jets are turned UP so that you can see the water rippling on the surface. In aboveground round & oval pools that have the return jet turned to the side to create a whirlpool, the center of the pool will get little or no circulation, sort of like the eye of a hurricane, and a “pillar” of cloud will form.
The easiest way to get better circulation is to use the pool as often as possible.
Key 2 – Filtration
Now that the water is circulating properly, good filtration removes dirt, debris & even certain large bacteria & algae. Sand filters remove the largest particles, Cartridge filters remove smaller particles & DE filters remove the smallest. Filter your water for 8 to 12 hours every day from opening to closing. Use a timer so that you don’t forget and save money. By the way, for the best filtration, be sure to chemically clean your filter about twice each season to remove accumulations of greases, oils & other swimmer and environmental waste that clog your pool filter & that routine backwashing & rinsing will NOT remove.
Chemically clean the filter 2 times each season so that the filter runs more efficiently.
Key 3 – Cleaning
Most swimming pools have at least one area with little or no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. These areas produce the “stuff” that contributes to cloudy or green water and higher than normal chlorine or sanitizer usage. At least once a week, the walls and floor should be brushed and vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Brushing is a must, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner or retain a weekly service. It’s like taking care of your teeth – you know that you should brush & floss, but…Oh, and don’t forget to clean that water line regularly to break up bio-film build up.
Vacuum the pool once or twice each week. Be sure to brush the walls to break up any algae that may not be seen, but is forming. Brush & clean the waterline to break up any bio-film that is forming.
Key 4 – Testing
Test your pool water at least 2 times per week & bring in a 1 quart water sample for a complete computerized test & analysis 3 times per season for best results. Testing keeps you up to date on what’s going on with your pool water. Don’t rely solely on how the water looks. In fact most of the SERIOUS water problems that we see (skin rashes, colored hair, pool surface etching, etc.) occur when the water is “crystal clear” about the middle of the swimming season. Make pH, total alkalinity & calcium hardness adjustments promptly. You’ll protect the filter system, the pool surfaces, get better chlorine & sanitizer efficiency and virtually eliminate red eyes & dry skin.
Use a good quality test kit or test strips. Take a water sample to reputable local dealer for periodic testing as well. Ask them to test for metals that might be present that could lead to staining of the pool surface.
Key 5 – Water Chemistry
Last but not least it’s water chemistry. Pool water chemistry IS easy – just 4 simple steps:
1. Maintain a constant level of sanitizer in the pool. Slow dissolving chlorine sticks or tablets; proper level of biguanide (Soft Swim); bromine; salt level.
2. Shock the pool weekly or at a minimum every 2 weeks (biguanides shock every 3 to 4 weeks). Shocking oxidizes unfilterable wastes & breaks up chloramines that lead to cloudy water, algae, smelly pools & red eyes.
3. Add algicide weekly or at least every 2 weeks to prevent algae growth. A good quality algicide (concentrates sold in quart sizes) backs up the chlorine or sanitizer in case it is exhausted due to heavy bather load or heavy rain.
4. Maintain good water balance. Without good water balance, the sanitizer doesn’t work properly or efficiently. The water can become cloudy (high pH) or aggressive (low pH – water is often times really clear). You’ll also protect your friends & family who use your pool.
The 5 Keys typically take about ONE hour or less to accomplish each week. Yes, that’s it! Just 1 hour. Now you can enjoy your pool more & actually work less. In the long run, you’ll also spend less time & money.