tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78748744068199520972024-03-14T03:20:54.056-07:00Swimming Pool SeasonLesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937559552695779879noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-60599716942588220832017-03-21T10:10:00.001-07:002017-03-21T10:10:29.992-07:00Best Pool Maintenance Tips for Atlanta Homeowners<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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If
you're a homeowner living in Atlanta, chances are, you have a pool in your
backyard. Likewise, you're probably aware of the basic pool maintenance tips,
such as maintaining the water and pH levels. However, it doesn't end with that.
One of the important aspects of <a href="http://www.citywiderpm.com/property-maintenance-tips">maintaining your
Atlanta property</a> is to ensure that your pool won't be succumbing to
less-than-luxurious conditions, and here's how.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h1>
5 Tips for Your Atlanta
Home’s Pool<o:p></o:p></h1>
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1. Climate Is Very Important
in Pool Care<o:p></o:p></h2>
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In
order to keep your pool properly balanced and the water sparkling clean, it's
crucial to add chemicals carefully. Don't forget to test it as often as
possible, especially when the summer starts to heat up, as more and more people
will be using your pool. You also have to familiarize yourself with the weather
and climate conditions in your Atlanta home, as this would affect your pool in
one way or another. If you're having your pool serviced by a professional,
don't hesitate to ask about how you can maintain your pool depending on the
weather.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Skimming and Scrubbing
Should be Part of Your Life<o:p></o:p></h2>
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Skimming
the leaves and removing the debris is something you must do on a regular basis,
especially if you want to achieve a pristine pool. Likewise, if you have some
money to spare, then you should invest in a vacuum that's capable of cleaning
the bottom of the pool. Aside from skimming, scrubbing is equally important.
You have to scrub the sides of the pool to avoid algae build-up. Don't worry,
unlike skimming, you don't have to do this as often as possible, especially if
you're living in Atlanta. In fact, you can get away with scrubbing every other
week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. The Pool Heater Should Be
Professionally Serviced<o:p></o:p></h2>
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Out
of all the pool equipment, the pool heaters require the least maintenance. A
lot of homeowners prefer gas heaters as they work fine, even without being
serviced for several years. However, the electric ones are known for lasting
longer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's
always ideal to consult the manufacturer's manual and pay attention to the
specific care and instructions. There will be instances where calcium scales
could accumulate inside the tube of the heater. This can affect the flow of
water, and prevent it from getting heated. If this happens, the best thing you
can do is call a professional. Don't try to disassemble the heater yourself as
you might end up causing more damage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. The Filters Are Your
Pool's Kidneys<o:p></o:p></h2>
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Our
kidneys are very important. They are what eliminate the impurities from our
body. The pool's filter has a similar role. It removes the impurities, such as
leaves, dirt, and other items from the water. Cleaning the filter isn't that
complicated at all. You just have to turn it off, remove the cap located on the
pool deck, and remove the dirt and debris you can see. Cleaning the filter
basket should be done at least once a week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h2>
5. Keep it Cool<o:p></o:p></h2>
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Pools
use a lot of energy. In fact, a pool that’s above 82 degrees would lead to a
higher electric bill. As a wise homeowner, you should invest in a solar cover
on the water. This would keep your pool warm, without using electricity at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.citywiderpm.com/">Responsible property owners</a> maintain
their properties on a consistent basis. This keeps everything functioning well
and decreases the chance of big unforeseen repairs. This holds true for your
pool as well as your property. <o:p></o:p></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937559552695779879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-34314905593985931252014-04-22T09:34:00.001-07:002014-04-23T05:12:45.673-07:00Starting Early<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig1c8ZoPAK8/U1aVXorvJ4I/AAAAAAAAAT4/bhJ6Uom5S7c/s1600/203570817_c772a00623+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig1c8ZoPAK8/U1aVXorvJ4I/AAAAAAAAAT4/bhJ6Uom5S7c/s1600/203570817_c772a00623+2.jpg" height="152" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Growing up with a pool, I knew how to
swim at an early age. My brother and I learned to swim because of the strong
desire to imitate my oldest brother, who was diving and jumping and having a
great time<b>, </b>we wanted to do that.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">As it happens, my sisters were the
complete opposite. Their push to swim did not come from a desire of imitation;
but, a necessity to survive in a family of swimmers. Even then, one succeeded and
the other did not. To this day, my oldest sister still cannot swim.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Last week, ISR Swim School started here
at Aquarama Pools. This program is designed to teach infants how to<b> </b>survive,
if they fell into a pool or any body of water.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The parents began to arrive and quickly
outfitted their children in the needed gear to start swimming. Now, it’s
easy to imagine a toddler learning to swim as their mind has developed enough
to make visible responses to our instructions. However, many of these young
swimmers are infants, who are still adapting to this new world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Children grow up and learn to fear water,
as they know they cannot breathe while under it. Infants on the other hand, are
wild and bold. Fears that have yet to become developed, do not hold them back
as any parent will tell you.<b> </b>This is one key factor in teaching them to
swim early on.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Although many are quick learners, these
amateur swimmers did not quickly take to the<b> </b>water. Screams
split the normally calm air here, causing fellow employees to quickly
come and check out the commotion. With strong hands, the expert
instructor takes on each child as if they were her own. Carefully molding these
young swimmers to make sure they will be safe after they leave her care.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Looking back, I can only imagine the
change my sister would have experienced if she was given the same instructions
at such an early age. Considering the positive impact these classes have on
each of the infants and their parents, our employees quickly relate to a sense
of accomplishment. To share in this amazing achievement and know that through
their support here at Aquarama, these little ones will learn to love the water.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-37260376513020203742014-02-11T10:01:00.001-08:002014-02-11T10:02:03.929-08:00Freeze Warning!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Freeze Warning Tips</u></span></h2>
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Many customers are worried about their equipment and possible freeze damage.</div>
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The possibility of loosing power can cause a running system to quickly freeze over and cause costly damage to your equipment. </div>
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<u>To avoid this, follow these simple steps:</u></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Turn OFF the Power</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Drain equipment by removing plugs from all equipment.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cover equipment with heavy blanket(s) to shield from
outside elements ex: cold temps, ice, snow, wind, rain</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Call Aquarama Pools and Spas to verify everything is
properly taken care of.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Drain Plugs:</u></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-9971299332114623162014-02-10T08:59:00.000-08:002014-02-10T08:59:31.514-08:003 Meals, 3 Completely Unique Ideas for Your Egg! <h1 class="title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 30px;">The Diversity of the Big Green Egg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 30px;">Try this setup for a day of meals all brought to you by the egg.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 30px;">Breakfast </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Muffins</span></h1>
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<a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blueberry-use.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Blueberry Muffins" class="alignnone wp-image-9526" height="204" src="http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blueberry-use.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" width="576" /></a></div>
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This muffin is the one to go to for a well-behaved, consistent recipe. It does very well with any kind of berry.</div>
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Recipe courtesy of King Arthur Flour. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">KingArthurFlour.com</a>.</div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients</b>:</div>
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2 1/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt<br />1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen<br />Coarse white sparkling sugar for garnish (optional)</div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Instructions</b></div>
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Set the EGG for indirect cooking at 375°F/191°C and line muffin tin with papers.</div>
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.</div>
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In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a hand-held or stand mixer, until light, fluffy, and almost white in color. Start the mixer at low speed until the ingredients are incorporated, then gradually increase speed to medium-high until the desired color and texture are reached.</div>
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Scrape down the bowl to make sure all the butter is incorporated then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.</div>
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Add the vanilla and sour cream or yogurt, and mix until incorporated. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until the batter is smooth. It will be thick. Fold in the berries by hand.</div>
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Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, using a heaping 1/4-cup for each. Sprinkle with regular granulated or coarse white sugar, if desired.</div>
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Bake the muffins for 18 to 24 minutes. Remove them from the EGG, cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove the muffins from the pan to finish cooling on a rack.</div>
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*Tip: This recipe works well for any kind of berry.</div>
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Yields 12 muffins</div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 30px;">Lunch</span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">Classic Grilled Cheese</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/grilled-cheese-sand960.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-6889" src="http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/grilled-cheese-sand960.jpg" height="204" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="grilled-cheese-sand960" width="576" /></a></div>
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April is National Grilled Cheese Month so let’s celebrate by grilling an American Classic on the Big Green Egg!</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients:</strong></div>
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8 Slices of your choice of bread (Whole Wheat)<br />
8 Slices of American Cheese<br />
Butter</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">EGG Setup:</strong><br />
Preheat the <a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/cooking-grids-racks-extenders-pans/half-moon-griddle/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Half Moon Griddle ">Half-Moon Cast Iron Griddle</a> (ridges up for grill marks) on the EGG direct at 400°F/204°C.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Method</strong><br />
Spread butter on one side of a slice of bread. Place bread butter-side-down and add 2 slices of cheese. Butter a second slice of bread on one side and place butter-side-up on top of the cheese.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
To cook, place sandwich on the griddle until lightly browned and flip over, continue grilling until cheese is melted.</div>
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Transfer to plate, cut diagonally and serve immediately with a side of your favorite chips, salad or tomato soup.</div>
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Serves 4</div>
</h1>
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<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1em;">Dinner</span></li>
</ul>
</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grilled Vegetable Lasagna</span></h1>
<div class="post-meta" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/themes/Aggregate/images/meta-separator.png); background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 8px 0px 14px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/veggie-lasagna-960.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-5615" src="http://www.biggreenegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/veggie-lasagna-960.jpg" height="204" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="veggie-lasagna-960" width="576" /></a></div>
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Layers of lasagna noodles are interspersed with grilled vegetables, cheese, and tomato sauce, then blanketed with Mornay sauce, for this vegetarian version of lasagna. Although lasagna noodles are used in this recipe, wonton skins, prepared according to package instructions, make a perfect and lighter substitute for traditional lasagna noodles. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick weeknight dinner.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients:</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1 tablespoon plus 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil<br />
10 ounces fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried<br />
2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise<br />
2 yellow crookneck squash, quartered lengthwise<br />
2 Japanese eggplants, quartered lengthwise<br />
11⁄2 cups portobello mushrooms, gills removed (6 ounces)<br />
11⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder<br />
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
2 roasted red bell peppers, chopped (page 170)<br />
2 cups ricotta cheese (1 pound)<br />
1⁄2 cup goat cheese (2 ounces), at room temperature<br />
1 large egg<br />
1⁄2 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves, chopped<br />
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mornay Sauce</strong><br />
2 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br />
11⁄4 cups whole milk<br />
1⁄2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (2 ounces)<br />
1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper<br />
5 cups Garden-Fresh Tomato Sauce<br />
1 pound lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions<br />
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Equipment:</strong> Plate Setter, <a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/plate-setters-baking-stones/deep-dish-baking-stones/es/deep-dish-baking-stones/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Deep Dish Pizza/Baking Stone</a> or a 9 by 13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Instructions</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Set the EGG for direct cooking with the porcelain coated grid.</div>
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Preheat the EGG to 500ºF.</div>
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Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large sauté pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted. Set aside.</div>
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Brush the zucchini, squash, eggplant, and mushrooms with the remaining 1⁄4 cup olive oil and season with the garlic powder and salt and pepper. Place the vegetables on the grid. Close the lid of the EGG and grill for 2 minutes per side. Transfer the vegetables to a rimmed sheet pan and let cool slightly.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Using the Grill Gripper and Pit <a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/tools-thermometers-and-cleaners/gloves-mitts/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mitt BBQ Glove</a> or <a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/tools-thermometers-and-cleaners/gloves-mitts/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00693e; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grilling Mitts</a>, carefully remove the grid and add the Plate Setter, legs down. Lower the temperature to 350ºF.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #48423f; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Dice the zucchini, squash, eggplant, and mushrooms into 1⁄2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add the bell peppers and spinach and stir to incorporate. Combine the ricotta cheese, goat cheese, egg, basil, and thyme in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside.</div>
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To make the Mornay sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Add the flour and cook on low heat for 3 minutes, or until the roux is bubbly and the flour is no longer raw. Using a whisk, add the milk. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until thick. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese, nutmeg, and pepper. Stir well to combine.</div>
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Reserve 2 cups of tomato sauce and keep warm in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. To assemble the lasagna, spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom of the Stone. Add layers, starting with one-third of the noodles, then adding one-half of the grilled vegetables and 1 cup of the tomato sauce. Make 1 more layer and top the layer of tomato sauce with the remaining noodles.</div>
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Pour the Mornay sauce evenly over the lasagna ingredients and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Place the baking stone on the Plate Setter and close the lid of the EGG. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is thoroughly heated. Remove the baking dish and allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes.</div>
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Cut into 3 by 4-inch pieces and serve with the remaining heated tomato sauce.</div>
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Serves 8</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Copyright BGE 2012</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-32808448353724441152013-12-09T10:42:00.001-08:002013-12-09T10:42:07.314-08:00Is your drain cover life expectancy about to expire?<b>Is your Drain Cover Life Expectancy About to Expire?</b><br />
<br />
This December marks five years that the Federal mandates in the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) have been in effect, including the requirement that<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>All suction fitting assemblies or drain covers manufactured or sold comply with the applicable standard (now APSP-16); and</li>
<li>That all commercial pool and spa drains to have new VGB certified covers.</li>
</ol>
Since numerous fittings were installed in 2008 and early 2009, many have or are about to reach the end of their stated life expectancy and need to be replaced before the start of the 2014 season.<br />
<br />
As with the original fittings, each replacement unit must be compatible with the existing frame and sump, and have a flow rating equal or greater than the maximum system flow. All units should be installed by an industry professional (Aquarama Pools and Spas), in accordance with manufacturer instructions.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Aquarama Pools and Spas strongly encourages our customers to contact us and have us review the pool/spa circulation system, as well as the integrity of the existing frames.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2013-12-01/singer-ushers-son-released-hospital-months-after-swimming-pool-accident#.UqYOoucv0Z4.blogger">Singer Usher's son released from hospital months after swimming pool accident | Lubbock Online | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0565 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA 30064, USA33.938705 -84.55242799999996421.0173215 -105.20672499999996 46.860088499999996 -63.898130999999964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-15583378065290750552013-10-26T09:45:00.002-07:002013-10-26T09:45:35.073-07:00AQUA-KNOWLEDGE FREEZE WARNING!<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">FREEZE
WARNING!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Ice and plumbing do not
mix. Most plumbing on pools are plumbed with PVC and are subject to
cracking as the water expands as it turns to ice. This can cause major
damage to the pool equipment and underground plumbing. The last thing you
want is to have is something freeze and break.</span></b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span face="Cambria, serif" size="3"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Running water will not freeze. Therefore most pools are </span><span face="Cambria, serif" size="3">equip with freeze protection devices to
turn pumps on or to keep pumps running. This should prevent freeze
damage.</span></span></b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span face="Cambria, serif" size="3"><b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Cambria","serif";"> However, in case of a power outage or an equipment malfunction
during freezing temperatures, you can follow these simple steps to help
prevent costly repairs.</span></b></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<tr>
<td style="background: black; border: none; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 100.0%;" width="100%">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img align="left" border="0" height="75" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.148" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs104/1101658624568/img/148.jpg" v:shapes="_x0000_s1026" vspace="5" width="100" /><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #cdf59c; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span color="#8eb65d" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><span color="#cdf59c" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">STEPS TO TAKE DURING POWER FAILURE
AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONING <u>DURING </u></span><u><span color="#cdf59c" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">FREEZING</span><span color="#cdf59c" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"> TEMPERATURES:</span></u></span></div>
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<li align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cdf59c; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 2.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Drain
equipment by removing plugs from all equipment.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cdf59c; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 2.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cover
equipment with heavy blanket to shield from outside elements.
i.e. wind, rain, snow, ice.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cdf59c; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 2.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Call
your local pool professional.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
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<span style="color: #8eb65d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">565
Powder Springs Street. Marietta, GA. 30064<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-39184513551950030292013-07-13T10:12:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:12:32.443-07:00From DIY to CEO<a href="http://mdjonline.com/bookmark/20319762/article-From+DIY+to+CEO#.UeGKRDUCMlc.blogger">From DIY to CEO</a>: Woman expands father’s pool business into top 10% of companies in industryUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-85731602065969059872013-05-02T12:32:00.000-07:002013-05-02T12:32:50.233-07:00Polaris 3900 Sport<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BoAk53llcE/UYK7pDNk2ZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/8_aVJ06Mr48/s1600/Polaris+3900+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BoAk53llcE/UYK7pDNk2ZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/8_aVJ06Mr48/s1600/Polaris+3900+flyer.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; text-shadow: black 0px 1px 0px, black 1px 1px 2px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; text-shadow: black 0px 1px 0px, black 1px 1px 2px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new and improved Polaris 3900 Sport delivers unmatched vacuum power, incomparable convenience, and legendary performance. It integrates the time-proven Polaris Classic series features you love with innovative new enhancements for added durability, reliability, and performance.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; text-shadow: black 0px 1px 0px, black 1px 1px 2px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Polaris 3900 Sport combines the dynamic appeal of a completely re-engineered body design with the most sophisticated features, producing maximum vacuum power and drive torque for quicker cleaning and fewer hang-ups. It features an all-wheel PosiDrive system with durable stainless steel drive chain that delivers 50% more torque for maximum speed and performance. And, it is equipped with a dual-chamber zippered SuperBag that picks up and stores more debris, making cleaning easy and less frequent. It also features innovative auto-reverse technology, which enables it to free itself if it gets stuck.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Polaris 3900 Sport pressure cleaner works in all in-ground pools, and requires a booster pump. It supplements the pool's filtration system by circulating an additional 40 gallons of water per minute through its filter bag. The 3900 Sport now includes TailSweep PRO, an advanced sweep hose enhancement that blows debris out of corners and hard to reach places, while also keeping water from spraying outside the pool. No more wet windows or walkways!</span></div>
<h2>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Features:</span></h2>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Most vacuum power of any 3-jet Polaris cleaner, with 40 GPM of additional pool filtration through the filter bag.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>50% more torque with the all-wheel PoslDrive system with stainless steel chain.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now includes TallSweed Pro. providing ultimate sweeping action, while eliminating water from spraying outside the pool.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Equipped with dual chamber SuperBag that collects more debris.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Supplements the filtration system by circulating an additional 40 gallons of water per minute. </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Works in all in-ground pools, requires booster pump.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Combine the 3900 Sport with the PB4-60 booster pump for maximum performance.</b></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-23501910248281745952013-04-08T10:52:00.000-07:002013-04-08T11:02:11.555-07:005 Tips for Planning this Season's First Pool Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jWpsI0CobE/UWMGEnnA_fI/AAAAAAAAAQI/v1r1PX62bCU/s1600/Pool-party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jWpsI0CobE/UWMGEnnA_fI/AAAAAAAAAQI/v1r1PX62bCU/s320/Pool-party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">5 Tips for Planning this Season's First Pool Party</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: blue;">By Kelly Hagler</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">For pool owners, the best way to ring in the new season is to throw the first pool party. Whether it’s a child’s birthday celebration or a small gathering of close friends, the most important planning happens before you send the invites.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">By focusing on pre-party maintenance and preparation, you can ensure your sparkling blue pool will make a strong impression. Combine clear water with interactive entertainment options, vibrant decorations and a unique theme, and your party will set the tone for the rest of the season.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Here are five tips for successfully planning the season’s first party.<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">1. Maintain your water to create a sparkling blue pool</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Clean, clear and balanced water is the most important element of any pool party, so don’t lose sight of pool maintenance while putting together your elaborate plans.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Don’t wait until that morning to check your water,” says Gina Samarotto, principal designer at Samarotto Design Group, a landscape design firm in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “You want to give the chemicals time to … do their job.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Sabina McPherson, manager of <a class="external" href="http://www.aqualeisurepools.com/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Aqua Leisure Pools</a> in Virginia Beach, Va., suggests implementing a specific maintenance program leading up to the party. The program should include a shock treatment, a chlorinator and a clarifier. Your maintenance plan can include:</span></span></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">POOLIFE® Super Shock ’n Swim, which will dissolve quickly and give your water a soft feel guests will love.</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">POOLIFE® Active Cleaning® Granules destroy bacteria, control algae and oxidize organic contaminants, resulting in a clean pool</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">POOLIFE® Natural Clarifier improves filtration, eliminates oil and scum and can turn cloudy water clear.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">2. Choose a unique party theme</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Establishing a theme for your<a href="http://www.poollifemag.com/throw-a-posh-pool-party/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> party</a> can create a memorable experience for guests and provide you with ideas for props and other details you can incorporate into the event, says Sarah Lowy, co-founder of JOWY Productions, an event design, planning and production company in Beverly Hills, Calif.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Lowy and co-founder Jodi Cohen suggest a few party themes for your first party:</span></span></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Classic toga party</strong>. Guests can customize pool wraps and experiment with different toga designs and colors.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hawaiian luau</strong>. Create an authentic scene with tiki torches and real or fake leis for your guests as they arrive. Include fruit-inspired beverages and brightly colored snacks that align with the luau theme.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fire and ice.</strong> If you have an outdoor fireplace, combine fire and water to make a fun, bonfire-like party with comfort food and minimal décor.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">3. Offer interactive games for kids and adults</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">If you’re hosting a child’s birthday, the kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun. Entertain adults by creating some light-hearted pool competition. “Plan pool Olympics or a basketball tournament if there’s a hoop available,” Cohen says. “Get parents involved in drills and coaching.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Consider entertainment options out of the water, as well. “Hire someone to entertain the kids or set up activity stations, [such as] face painting, balloon crafts or tie-dying shirts,” Cohen says.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">4. Purchase new pool entertainment products</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">With a little research, you can equip your pool with innovative, new and unique products to enhance your party’s aesthetics. McPherson suggests adding a pool scent that corresponds with the party theme.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Usually, scents last until you shock the pool again,” she says. “There are a wide range of scents to pick from, like piña colada and Polynesian paradise.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Floating speakers and lights are a neat way to keep the party going after the sun goes down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“You can wirelessly connect your MP3 player or iPod to a floating speaker,” McPherson says. “There are also a lot of options for inflatable lights in different designs, like illuminating balls or flowers.”</span></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">5. Focus on functional décor</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">There are endless possibilities for party décor. But functional décor is key to managing the wet mess that inevitably comes with a pool party. Samarotto suggests investing in a few low-cost bath towels in bright colors for guests.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Some pool owners ask guests to bring their own,” she says. “But you always end up with left-behind towels that you don’t need.” Samarotto suggests rolling up the towels and placing them poolside. Additionally, Cohen suggests providing guests with tasteful bins and hampers for people to dump their wet towels.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">With the right planning and maintenance, you can have a successful pool party. From party themes to unique pool products—and, of course, sparkling blue water—kick off the summer with a celebration both adults and kids can enjoy.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-51758959928329274342013-03-29T13:39:00.001-07:002013-03-29T13:41:19.508-07:00Pool Owner Green Tips<br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">An Energy-Efficient Backyard Oasis</span></h1>
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One perk of owning a pool is the chance to relax outdoors and get closer to nature. But maintaining that private oasis can have an impact on the environment. A 2008 report from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that pool owners could reduce carbon emissions by 3 million tons if every residential pool consumed just one-third less energy. And while you’re helping save the planet, you can save on utility bills, too.</div>
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There are several options for a more energy-efficient and cost-effective pool:</div>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: url(http://www.poolife.com/FedFiles/en/Poolife/Images/productBullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: middle;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Switch to a Variable-Speed Pool Pump</strong><br />If you make just one upgrade start with your pump. Single-speed pumps drain the most energy because they’re made unnecessarily powerful. Variable-speed pumps can be dialed down to run longer, slower and more efficiently.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: url(http://www.poolife.com/FedFiles/en/Poolife/Images/productBullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: middle;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Purchase an Energy-Efficient Heater or Heat Pump</strong>New gas- or solar-powered heaters have higher efficiency ratings and lower operating costs than older models. Heat pumps actually draw warmth from the air, recycling natural summer heat back into your pool.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: url(http://www.poolife.com/FedFiles/en/Poolife/Images/productBullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: middle;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cover Your Pool When It’s Not in Use</strong>Leaving your pool uncovered causes water to be wasted through evaporation, which takes most of your pool’s heat with it. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a pool cover alone can save 50 to 70 percent in heating costs.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: url(http://www.poolife.com/FedFiles/en/Poolife/Images/productBullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: middle;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Choose Cartridge Filters Over Sand Filters</strong>Pumps don’t have to work as hard to pull water through cartridge filters and they can be cleaned less frequently, conserving water.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: url(http://www.poolife.com/FedFiles/en/Poolife/Images/productBullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: middle;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Add an Automated Control System</strong>Automated systems operate everything from pumps and heaters to pool sweeps and lighting. Besides offering convenience, they reduce waste and can be programmed to run during off-peak hours when utility rates are cheapest. Options range from simple time clocks to Internet-based systems you can monitor and control away from home.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: url(http://www.poolife.com/FedFiles/en/Poolife/Images/productBullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: middle;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Replace Your Pool Lights with LEDs</strong>LED lights consume 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times as long. And because LEDs distribute light more evenly, they lend the perfect poolside ambience.</li>
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<span style="color: #565656; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">www.AquaramaPOOLSandSPAS.com</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7874874406819952097.post-91517668577204017202013-03-26T11:34:00.000-07:002013-03-26T11:36:29.106-07:00Seasonal Checklist for Pool Preparation and Safety <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Seasonal Checklist for Pool Preparation and Safety -By Clare Curley </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Every year, pool owners can’t wait to take that first dip into the cool, clear water, but it takes more than just removing the cover to keep your pool fun lasting all summer long.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To prevent damage and ensure safe swimming, pool owners should thoroughly inspect their pool equipment at the beginning of the season, and then follow up with periodic inspections throughout the year. It doesn’t take much time if you know what to look for, so keep a checklist handy to make sure you don’t miss any steps.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Season opening</strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;">When opening your pool, look for wear and tear, and repair or replace any broken equipment. Here’s what to inspect:</span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ladder</em>—A loose ladder could cause injuries, so be sure all ladders, stairs and handrails are secure. Tighten the bolts that hold the decorative plates around the ladder’s anchors in place, and replace any treads that are cracked or broken. Jennifer Clements, co-owner of Pla-Mor Pools in Mechanicsville, Va., suggests making sure the rubber ladder bumpers thoroughly cover the end of the ladder and are still flexible. “If they slide up inside of the ladder, you could end up with a hole in your liner or damage your pool wall,” she says.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Skimmer</em>—For in-ground pools, pop the lid off each skimmer and inspect it for damage. “If it’s the slightest bit cracked, you need to replace it,” says Paul Kurke, training manager for Arch Chemicals. “If you walk on cracked plastic, you could hurt yourself or further damage the skimmer.”<br />Since a damaged basket could compromise your pool pump, also make sure the basket inside the skimmer is intact.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Return inlets</em>—Directional eyeball fittings may break or get lost, causing water to shoot straight out. To optimize your filtration and the flow of sanitizer through your pool, inspect the inlets to be sure they’re undamaged and aimed in the correct direction—downward and to one side.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Diving board</em>—If you have a diving board, make sure the bolts securing the mounts at the deck end of the board aren’t loose or rusted. On some boards, you’ll also need to inspect the rubber fulcrum in the center and replace it if the rubber is cracked, broken or missing. “Pay close attention to the sides of the board,” Clements says. “If you see any signs of spider cracks, the board should be replaced right away.”</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gasket</em>—A rubber gasket is located inside of the multi-port valve (manifold) above the filter. To inspect it, you must first disassemble the valve. A constant dripping from the backwash hose is a sign the valve, or a gasket inside of it, needs some attention. If the gasket shows any signs of wear, Kurke recommends replacing it. “It’s also important to check and replace worn gaskets beneath the lid of the pump strainer well and the underwater pool light.”</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pressure gauge</em>—A defective gauge will prevent you from knowing when it’s time to backwash. If you get a high reading when the filter is not running, it needs to be replaced. The sand in the filter should be replaced every two to three years. A continuously high pressure gauge reading could also result from a sand bed that is clogged with mineral deposits. Replace the sand if the pressure doesn’t return to a normal level after backwashing.</span></li>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Weekly</strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Because the strainer basket and pump require more attention, you should inspect them weekly throughout the summer:</span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Strainer basket</em>—Every time you empty debris, examine the strainer basket to make sure it isn’t broken or cracked.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pump</em>—“When you’re vacuuming and backwashing, it’s the perfect time to take three extra seconds to do a visual inspection of the pump and filter system,” Clements says. “Any sign of unexplainable water underneath your pump, filter or elsewhere in your plumbing needs to be dealt with right away.”If the pump starts making a screeching noise, it could be time to replace the ceramic seal on the motor shaft.</span></li>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Holidays</strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Since you should chemically clean your filters and inspect them for damage every four to six weeks, Clements tells her clients to use Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day as a handy reminder.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">End of season</strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you have an aboveground pool, examine the cartridge filter toward the end of the season. Remove the cartridge and inspect the pleats for cracks or tears. Also, make sure the bands aren’t broken.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you’re ever unsure about replacing parts or making repairs, check with AquaRama Pools & Spas so we can make sure you have exactly what you need. And remember: Closing your pool down properly will prevent damage over the winter and save you time when opening it back up in the spring.</span></div>
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