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Swimming Pools & Water Fountains & Ponds : Home & Garden
How to Test Total Alkalinity in a Swimming Pool
Swimming pools must be tested regularly for total alkalinity, which is the ability of the pool water to resist changes in pH. This is sometimes called the buffering capacity of the water, and it's an important factor in keeping the pool balanced. Test for total alkalinity in this way to keep the wat
Instructions for the Intex Salt Water Pool Filter
Summer means time for swimming and back yard fun. Meticulous pool maintenance chores often diminish the fun and prevent people from installing a pool. The constant battle to balance the chlorine levels is enough to drive some bonkers. The Intex salt water pool filter is the cure for this insanity. S
The Best Christmas Inflatables for 2012
Inflatables have become many people's favorite holiday decorations. So, what's new for 2012 in the world of inflatable, airblown Christmas characters? Discover the trends and find out who -- or what -- made this year's list!
How to Clean Pool Screens
If you have an outdoor pool, chances are good that you spend quite a bit of your time removing things such as bugs and leaves that have fallen into it. One solution that some pool owners have tried is to combine the cleaner advantages of an indoor pool with the feel of an outdoor pool by having thei
What Are the Dangers of Children and Hot Tubs?
Many experts caution the prolonged use of hot tubs for children. Find out what are the health hazards of letting your kids stay long in hot tubs.
Home and Garden Books
Books are a perennial source of inspiration, with how-to information and lots of photos. They also make great gifts. Check out our list of the best new home and garden books.
How to Treat Algae in a Gunite Swimming Pool
In ponds and fish tanks, algae can provide an important source of nutrition and oxygen for the animals. In swimming pools, however, algae is an unwanted guest. These small organisms that bloom in green and black can take a clear sparkling swimming pool to green, soupy and unappealing. With these sim
How to Build a Stacked Stone Water Feature
A water feature adds a focal point to your yard. Properly landscaped, it attracts birds and butterflies. Fish thrive in the pond beneath the splashing water. In the summer it adds a cool spot to hang a hammock near. Stacked stone lends itself to variations in design and size, making it easy to match
Infrared Sauna Tips - Size Does Matter
Infrared saunas have many health benefits and buying an infrared sauna is quite simple; however it is important to keep a few things in mind. The infrared heater is perhaps the most important part of the whole kit. The quality of the infrared heater determines the quality of the sauna.
Baltimore's 34th Street Holiday Lights
Outdoor Christmas and holiday decorations are often the first signs that it's time to celebrate the season. Light up your world wherever you live and whatever winter holiday you celebrate: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza or New Year's. Size really doesn't matter -- you can decorate a tin
How to Add an Outdoor Faucet
Outside faucets can be useful. Watering a garden, mixing concrete, using a sprinkler, washing a car, or filling a swimming pool all require an outside faucet. Just think of trying to fill a pool from inside the house. Adding an outside faucet to a home that does not have one can be a time-saving inv
Flexible Ductwork Pros & Cons
Flexible ductwork became popular in the 1970's, mainly due to the decreased cost compared to rigid sheet metal ductwork. Both types of duct work can suffer as a result of connections coming apart and crushing.
Pool Sand Alternatives
There are many filter options for water purification.pool image by Yuri Osadchi from Fotolia.comThere are many alternatives to pool sand filters. Many pool and spa owners are disappointed with the quality of their sand filters and begin exploring the options that they have outside of this...
How to Extend a Pond
A small pond limits the number of fish you can add to your pond. As fish grow and multiply, they deplete oxygen in the water and create excess waste. Some fish may even outgrow the pond. Sterlets, for example, may grow from 23 to 35 inches in length. Prairie Spring Fish Farm notes that all sturgeon,
What Is Alkalinity in Backyard Water Features?
Adding an ornamental pond or fountain in the backyard garden adds visual excitement and contrast. The parent material of the pond liner or water feature's structure can affect the pH of the water. High pH can negatively affect plant or animal life.
Beneficial Aspects of Automatic Pool Cleaner Machines
A robotic pool cleaner works mechanically and efficiently. The in-built driving mechanism of these automatic pool cleaners is a futuristic one and enables these machines to perform pool cleaning jobs quite effectively and robotically. The beneficial aspects of these robotic cleaners are described he
Pool Liners - Essential Protection For Modern Pools
The new vinyl pool liner is a welcome addition to any pool given its many advantages over the old traditional liners. The new styles and physically more attractive, as well as more safe for those swimming in the pool.
Above Ground Or in Ground Swimming Pool?
If you're considering getting a swimming pool for your property, there are a lot of important decisions to make.Probably the biggest decision is whether you want a swimming pool that is above ground for an in ground model.
Chimney Liner Materials
While many modern houses are equipped with central air and heating, houses built in past decades may still employ heating warmth from stoves and fireplaces. These houses generally have a masonry chimney. If your house has a chimney, you should inspect the inside of the chimney at least every year. O