Home Saunas Improve Health and Reduce Stress

Sauna

 You have probably heard about the health benefits of saunas for years. They are known to increase circulation in the body and provide relief for aches, pains, and tension. Saunas can also improve the look and feel of your skin and aid in the relief of symptoms of asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, bronchitis, rheumatism, sports injuries, common cold, migraine headaches, muscle pain, and influenza. They are perfect for melting away stress AND weight,  burning up to 600 calories per half hour of use. With this long list of benefits, you have probably visited or considered visiting a sauna in your lifetime. Did you know that you can get the benefits of a sauna at the comfort of your own home? Home saunas are more affordable than ever. They are available in a compact size that is perfect for one person or a roomier two, three, or four person variety. They are easy to assemble and can be beautifully incorporated into any room of your home. Your sauna will even come with reading lights and built-in sound system so that you can enjoy your favorite book or music while steaming away your tension. You will love melting away your stress and improving your overall health at home!

Winterizing? Don’t Forget to Clean That Pool!

Dirty Pool

Did you know that cleaning your swimming pool is one of the first and most important steps in winterizing it, but it’s often the step that gets overlooked or skipped?  Once swimming season is over, it’s natural to want to spend as little time as possible getting the pool ready for the winter months.  But, shirking the responsibility of cleaning your pool can invite problems.  When leaves, dirt, and other debris are left in a pool for an extended period of time, they can leave unsightly and permanent stains.  Additionally, the effectiveness of your winterizing chemicals is diminished when a pool contains debris.  Automatic Pool Cleaner

Preventing these problems means brushing down the sides and bottom of the pool with a wall brush, letting all that debris settle to the bottom, and then vacuuming it.  Automatic Pool Cleaners make the job of cleaning a bit easier, and there are a wide variety of automatic pool cleaners available for above ground pools and in ground pools.

Taking that little bit of extra time for cleaning your swimming pool when you winterize is well worth the effort.  You’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor when you reveal a clean, stain-free pool after the winter pool cover comes off next season.

Decorative Outdoor Clocks for Poolside Time!

Outdoor ClockOutdoor ClockOutdoor Clock

An outdoor clock can add a splash of color or a beautiful design to your pool area. Weather and water-proof, you can find a design to brighten up any outdoor area! Whether you choose resin, metal, or wood, there are countless designs and styles. You can even find radio controlled atomic clocks designed for outdoor use! They are all made to withstand the elements and stand the test of time. You will never lose track of time while enjoying your pool!

Pool Alarms Required By Law in 2011

Pool Alarms

As of January 1, 2011, new residential swimming pools in Tennessee will be required to have a pool alarm. According to Senate Bill No. 3019, also known as “Katie Beth’s Law,” no swimming pool will pass electrical inspection if a proper pool alarm is not installed. And, as stated in the law, if a building permit is required for construction on a new pool as well as for any alterations made on an existing pool, that building permit will not be granted “unless the project calls for a functioning swimming pool alarm to be installed prior to the completion of the construction project.” Finally, the law requires pool suppliers to clearly post a sign that reads: “State Law Requires a Pool Alarm Be Installed.”

Katie Beth’s Law applies to any residential swimming pool which contains water that is more than 36 inches deep — this includes, but is not limited to, in ground pools, above ground pools, and non-portable spas and hot tubs.

Acceptable pool alarms do not include those that can be strapped to the wrist of a child. Rather, a proper pool alarm must be attached to the pool and must be able to detect when an object or person weighing 15 pounds or more enters the pool’s water. The sound of the alarm must be at least 50 decibels in strength to ensure that it can be heard from inside a home.

Even if you do not live in Tennessee where Katie Beth’s Law applies, installing a high quality pool alarm is an essential step in ensuring the safety of children and pets around the backyard swimming pool. Pool alarms are generally easy to install, and they can bring enormous peace of mind to homeowners.

Please note that pool alarms, or any other safety device, should not be expected to completely replace responsible adult supervision.

Click to read Katie Beth’s Law.

The Time Is Now For an Above Ground Pool

Above Ground Pools

Did you know that the best time to purchase an above ground pool and have it installed is in fall and winter?  It’s true, and here are two major reasons why:

Off Season Sales

After summer, many companies who sell above ground pools have big sales on pools and pool supplies.  Some companies simply want to reduce inventory to make room for next year’s new products.  Many companies, though, have sales because business tends to drop off after summer, and keeping prices low means keeping customers around even during the off-season.

You can get an above ground pool and all of the pool supplies and gear you’ll need for much less money now than if you waited until spring or summer.

Lower Installation Costs

Above ground pool installations are more expensive in the spring and summer because that’s generally when homeowners think about having a pool installed.  Pool installers are much more busy in the spring and summer, and their prices and lack of availability reflect the demand.

But, just like companies who sell pools and pool supplies, companies who install pools tend to experience a drop-off in work after the summer months.  To keep work coming in, pool installation companies usually lower their prices in the fall and winter.

By shopping around, you should be able to find a company who is readily available to install your above ground pool for much less money than if you were to wait until spring.

While swimming pools and pool supplies may be the furthest things from our minds in fall and winter, it is actually the best and most affordable time to be thinking about them.   You can save a significant amount of money by planning ahead, and you can look forward to enjoying your new above ground pool as soon as the weather turns warm next spring.