Thursday, February 7, 2008
Monday, June 25, 2007
Blue World Pools are an Enjoyable and Healthy Way to Workout
Imagine climbing up a hundred stairs without huffing and puffing for breath, even when you are only in your thirties or so. At an age when you should be healthy enough for such physical exertions you find that you have no stamina left to even climb stairs. This is a red alert for your unhealthy lifestyle. Even if the hectic schedule leaves most of us with no time at all for a workout at the gym or participating in any outdoor activity, we cannot afford to let go of ourselves in this manner. This has given rise to a need for alternative solutions where an individual can enjoy a physical, outdoor activity with his friends and family and get a good workout as well. Blue World Pools have the perfect solution for you.
Swimming, as we all know, is an excellent form of exercise. However, you may argue that it is difficult to make time to actually go to a club and enjoy a refreshing swim. Blue World pools can take care of this problem. A single phone call to an authentic Blue world pool dealer can ensure that a swimming pool, designed and shaped according to your preferences, is promptly installed in your very own backyard. A little reference check on the dealer that you are planning to hire will ensure that you are not prey to any fraudulent schemes that are floating in the market these days. A scheming dealer could spoil all your plans of having your personal swimming pool by fraudulently charging extra and not delivering the product according to your needs. A Blue World Pool dealer can relieve you of any unnecessary tension concerning the luxury of a swimming pool or a hot tub, whichever you are getting installed.
An enjoyable way to spend your time with your family would be a dip in your very own Blue World pool. It offers the dual benefit of fun and workout, an offer that is too good to resist. Swimming can be the best form of exercise as it uses almost all the major muscle groups while enhancing the endurance power of heart and lungs. It improves your posture and flexibility which can have a visible effect on your personality. It is the best option for people who are overweight or suffer from back problems, as it does not cause any strain on the muscles and connective tissues. Even a pregnant woman can enjoy the pleasure of swimming under the advice of her doctor and this makes a Blue World pool the ideal option for the family.
Water sports can be considered as the most injury-free sport that can be enjoyed by people of all age groups and even by those suffering from particular ailments like arthritis or an injury. Installing a Blue World pool in the comfort of your own home will ensure that the entire family, irrespective of the age group can participate in this fun activity. Now there is no need to feel guilty about spending less time with your family members or even going out from the comfort of your home. Blue World pools ensure a relaxed time with the family every day of the week, irrespective of the season and weather.
Swimming, as we all know, is an excellent form of exercise. However, you may argue that it is difficult to make time to actually go to a club and enjoy a refreshing swim. Blue World pools can take care of this problem. A single phone call to an authentic Blue world pool dealer can ensure that a swimming pool, designed and shaped according to your preferences, is promptly installed in your very own backyard. A little reference check on the dealer that you are planning to hire will ensure that you are not prey to any fraudulent schemes that are floating in the market these days. A scheming dealer could spoil all your plans of having your personal swimming pool by fraudulently charging extra and not delivering the product according to your needs. A Blue World Pool dealer can relieve you of any unnecessary tension concerning the luxury of a swimming pool or a hot tub, whichever you are getting installed.
An enjoyable way to spend your time with your family would be a dip in your very own Blue World pool. It offers the dual benefit of fun and workout, an offer that is too good to resist. Swimming can be the best form of exercise as it uses almost all the major muscle groups while enhancing the endurance power of heart and lungs. It improves your posture and flexibility which can have a visible effect on your personality. It is the best option for people who are overweight or suffer from back problems, as it does not cause any strain on the muscles and connective tissues. Even a pregnant woman can enjoy the pleasure of swimming under the advice of her doctor and this makes a Blue World pool the ideal option for the family.
Water sports can be considered as the most injury-free sport that can be enjoyed by people of all age groups and even by those suffering from particular ailments like arthritis or an injury. Installing a Blue World pool in the comfort of your own home will ensure that the entire family, irrespective of the age group can participate in this fun activity. Now there is no need to feel guilty about spending less time with your family members or even going out from the comfort of your home. Blue World pools ensure a relaxed time with the family every day of the week, irrespective of the season and weather.
Smoke Detector
Every 83 seconds a residential fire breaks out in the United States. Each year, residential fires injure over 39,000 American children under the age of 14. In two-thirds of these homes, the smoke detector either doesn't work or doesn't exist.
Statistics show that installing a smoke detector saves lives. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), "Homes with a smoke detector typically have a death rate that is 40 to 50 percent less than the rate for homes without a smoke detector."
The NFPA sets the rules and regulations pertaining to residential smoke detectors, but most people aren't aware of these policies. The NFPA also provides the public with information on smoke detector maintenance and when you should replace them.
Regulations for Smoke Detectors
Because a smoke detector is usually hardwired into the electrical systems of many older homes, retrofitting these residences with a new smoke detector is often difficult. But, upgrading your smoke detector is essential to ensuring you and your family are safe if a fire ever breaks out in your home.
Below are the NFPA smoke detector regulations for existing homes.
• Place a smoke detector, loud enough to hear through a closed door, outside each bedroom.
• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home.
• A smoke detector powered by the home's electrical system must have battery-powered backup.
• All smoke detectors on each floor must be interconnected.
According to NFPA regulations, an additional smoke detector must be located in each sleeping area.
Replacing and Maintaining Your Smoke Detector
"Simple steps like maintaining smoke detectors and replacing older ones help diminish the possibility of fire deaths in the home," says John R. Hall, Jr., NFPA's assistant vice president for fire analysis and research. The rules of thumb are to replace a smoke detector every 10 years and when you move into a new residence.
A smoke detector is a crucial fire-safety tool, but installing and replacing it is only half the battle. Proper maintenance is also necessary. Performing the following tasks makes it easy to keep your smoke detector in good working condition.
• Perform a monthly check by pressing the test button on your smoke detector.
• Replace batteries annually and when the smoke detector begins to emit the low-battery warning beep.
• Clean your smoke detector weekly by a vacuuming any accumulated dust or dander, and wipe it down monthly with a damp rag.
• Install long-lasting batteries into all smoke detectors.
Smoke detector maintenance is neither difficult nor time consuming, but it is imperative to ensure proper function.
Statistics show that installing a smoke detector saves lives. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), "Homes with a smoke detector typically have a death rate that is 40 to 50 percent less than the rate for homes without a smoke detector."
The NFPA sets the rules and regulations pertaining to residential smoke detectors, but most people aren't aware of these policies. The NFPA also provides the public with information on smoke detector maintenance and when you should replace them.
Regulations for Smoke Detectors
Because a smoke detector is usually hardwired into the electrical systems of many older homes, retrofitting these residences with a new smoke detector is often difficult. But, upgrading your smoke detector is essential to ensuring you and your family are safe if a fire ever breaks out in your home.
Below are the NFPA smoke detector regulations for existing homes.
• Place a smoke detector, loud enough to hear through a closed door, outside each bedroom.
• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home.
• A smoke detector powered by the home's electrical system must have battery-powered backup.
• All smoke detectors on each floor must be interconnected.
According to NFPA regulations, an additional smoke detector must be located in each sleeping area.
Replacing and Maintaining Your Smoke Detector
"Simple steps like maintaining smoke detectors and replacing older ones help diminish the possibility of fire deaths in the home," says John R. Hall, Jr., NFPA's assistant vice president for fire analysis and research. The rules of thumb are to replace a smoke detector every 10 years and when you move into a new residence.
A smoke detector is a crucial fire-safety tool, but installing and replacing it is only half the battle. Proper maintenance is also necessary. Performing the following tasks makes it easy to keep your smoke detector in good working condition.
• Perform a monthly check by pressing the test button on your smoke detector.
• Replace batteries annually and when the smoke detector begins to emit the low-battery warning beep.
• Clean your smoke detector weekly by a vacuuming any accumulated dust or dander, and wipe it down monthly with a damp rag.
• Install long-lasting batteries into all smoke detectors.
Smoke detector maintenance is neither difficult nor time consuming, but it is imperative to ensure proper function.
Black Molds And The Musty Odor
Grow of the deadlier mold and mildew has been becoming the threatening concern for the people in the earth since its recognition. Mold and mildew are the musty sick building syndrome and the producer of musty odor in the basements, kitchen, living room and various other places. There are numbers of molds are out there in the world, but all of them are not dangerous and contribute threats for the mankind like some of them produce penicillin that is kind of procurement for sickness.
Now question comes what is mold and mildew? Molds are the microscopic organism and belong to the fungi kingdom. These fungi thrive in the moist and damp dry condition. Molds are fungi that reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air. Spores that land on moist objects may begin to grow. Mildews are the kind of mold with the white in color. Molds are everywhere like all the organic places. They are found in wallpapers, ceiling tiles, paintings, adhesive, carpeting, and wallboard and on the woody substances. They thrive in dark, warm and moist locations like under the carpet, inside walls and ceiling. They will also contaminate items that come in contact with those surfaces.
The highly toxic black molds are treated as the main sick building syndrome. The scientific term of the black mold is "Stachybotrys Chartarum". Toxic mold is a type of mold that produces hazardous byproducts, called mycotoxins. The black molds are the moisture- laden material that contains cellulose. The molds can provoke the disorder like allergic reaction and asthma in most of the common cases. It is very essential to get rid of black molds, as the complains of flu like symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory impairment, and migraines, sick building syndrome, dizziness and nasal problems are common. These are the mild symptoms. Many researchers claim that mold can attack several main body systems, including the brain, central nervous and resistant systems and have been the direct cause of some deaths. Asthmatics, infants and individuals suffering immune system deficiencies are particularly vulnerable.
To take proper precaution about your health and sick building syndrome there must be some remedies to reducing or removing molds from the house-hold. First thing to start with the dehumidifier and stabilize the condition of the house environment, the proper ventilation process would minimize the molds to reproduce. Bleach wash along with the water will have to be done. There are organic and natural supplements that are well specified option to drive the molds and mildews out of the house.
Now question comes what is mold and mildew? Molds are the microscopic organism and belong to the fungi kingdom. These fungi thrive in the moist and damp dry condition. Molds are fungi that reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air. Spores that land on moist objects may begin to grow. Mildews are the kind of mold with the white in color. Molds are everywhere like all the organic places. They are found in wallpapers, ceiling tiles, paintings, adhesive, carpeting, and wallboard and on the woody substances. They thrive in dark, warm and moist locations like under the carpet, inside walls and ceiling. They will also contaminate items that come in contact with those surfaces.
The highly toxic black molds are treated as the main sick building syndrome. The scientific term of the black mold is "Stachybotrys Chartarum". Toxic mold is a type of mold that produces hazardous byproducts, called mycotoxins. The black molds are the moisture- laden material that contains cellulose. The molds can provoke the disorder like allergic reaction and asthma in most of the common cases. It is very essential to get rid of black molds, as the complains of flu like symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory impairment, and migraines, sick building syndrome, dizziness and nasal problems are common. These are the mild symptoms. Many researchers claim that mold can attack several main body systems, including the brain, central nervous and resistant systems and have been the direct cause of some deaths. Asthmatics, infants and individuals suffering immune system deficiencies are particularly vulnerable.
To take proper precaution about your health and sick building syndrome there must be some remedies to reducing or removing molds from the house-hold. First thing to start with the dehumidifier and stabilize the condition of the house environment, the proper ventilation process would minimize the molds to reproduce. Bleach wash along with the water will have to be done. There are organic and natural supplements that are well specified option to drive the molds and mildews out of the house.
Maintaining Your Carpet When You Have Kids
If you have kids you know that they can often have a very negative impact on your carpet. Is it possible to have a clean carpet and kids? The answer to that question is yes, it is possible. There are however some things that you need to know and do to make them live well together. Read this article and learn some tricks to help you keep your carpet clean when you have kids.
The biggest thing you can do to protect your carpets is the most obvious. That is to not let them bring food onto the carpet. This is of course easier said than done but it is possible. Use extra caution when your children have juice or other colored drinks. Even if you put them in a sippy cup they can end up on the carpet. Sippy cups may not spill but they do drip. Solid foods can also be a problem especially when they drop them on the floor and then walk on them, grinding them into the carpet. So if you do choose to allow your kids to have food and drink on the carpet be sure to at least supervise them while they have them. The next tip is to vacuum the carpet more regularly. Once a week is good if you have no children but with kids you may need to vacuum every other day or even every day in high traffic areas. They bring a lot of soil onto the carpet and you need to get it up as soon as possible to prevent the soil from staining and damaging the carpeting. So keep your vacuum handy and in good condition. The last tip I have for you is to keep a good bottle of spotter and some cotton terry cloth spotting towels handy. Have them in a convenient location so that you can get to them quickly to clean up that sudden accident. Having spotter handy will allow you to clean the spots as they happen instead of letting them build up. If you let the spots build up you will have a big problem in no time.
Carpet and children do not have to be at odds with one another. You can in fact live with both if you just take a few moments to do a little maintenance. The effort is well worth the result of a clean and long lasting carpet and a home you like to be in.
The biggest thing you can do to protect your carpets is the most obvious. That is to not let them bring food onto the carpet. This is of course easier said than done but it is possible. Use extra caution when your children have juice or other colored drinks. Even if you put them in a sippy cup they can end up on the carpet. Sippy cups may not spill but they do drip. Solid foods can also be a problem especially when they drop them on the floor and then walk on them, grinding them into the carpet. So if you do choose to allow your kids to have food and drink on the carpet be sure to at least supervise them while they have them. The next tip is to vacuum the carpet more regularly. Once a week is good if you have no children but with kids you may need to vacuum every other day or even every day in high traffic areas. They bring a lot of soil onto the carpet and you need to get it up as soon as possible to prevent the soil from staining and damaging the carpeting. So keep your vacuum handy and in good condition. The last tip I have for you is to keep a good bottle of spotter and some cotton terry cloth spotting towels handy. Have them in a convenient location so that you can get to them quickly to clean up that sudden accident. Having spotter handy will allow you to clean the spots as they happen instead of letting them build up. If you let the spots build up you will have a big problem in no time.
Carpet and children do not have to be at odds with one another. You can in fact live with both if you just take a few moments to do a little maintenance. The effort is well worth the result of a clean and long lasting carpet and a home you like to be in.
Door Lock
Nothing is more important than the security of your home and your loved ones. One of the most basic things you can do to protect your valuables is to secure your residence with quality door locks. The entry point for the majority of burglaries is through a door because it is the quickest and easiest route in and out of your home.
It may surprise you to learn that most building codes don't require a lock on external doors. Because building codes do not require a minimum standard for door locks, most contractors select locks based on price. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to examine your existing locks to determine whether or not you need an upgrade.
Types of Locks
1. Knob locks - spring latch and dead latch varieties. These locks can be easily picked or forced. They are best used on interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, or in combination with deadbolts.
2. Deadbolts - many different varieties. These are the most secure kind of lock. They should be used on all exterior doors of your home.
3. Chains - most are attached to the door and frame with short screws. Chains are generally not very thick or strong. They are useful as secondary protection. Do not use as your main method of security.
4. Wedges - rubber or wooden triangle that can be wedged under the door to prevent it from opening more than a few inches. These can be reinforced by inserting two steel pins into the floor behind it. Good as secondary protection, especially on bedroom doors, as they can slow an intruder down.
Deadbolts
Many would-be burglars will move on to another home if they see high-quality deadbolts installed on all your exterior doors. No matter what type of deadbolt you purchase, there are a few key features that every deadbolt should have.
First, make sure that your deadbolt extends at least one inch into the wall. Second, the lock should be made entirely of metal, and there should be no exposed screws on the outside of the door. Finally, to ensure you are purchasing a quality lock, be sure that it has an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Grade 1 classification.
There are two types of deadbolt locks, single cylinder and double cylinder. Single cylinder locks require a keyed entry from the outside but can be locked with a turning knob from the inside.
Double cylinder deadbolts require a key both internally and externally to lock and unlock the door. Double cylinder locks are more secure for doors containing glass or that are located near a window. However, they can create a safety hazard in the event that a quick exit is required. It is a good idea to keep a key in a designated location near the door in case of fire or other emergencies.
Additional Lock Features
Free-spinning Collar - One quarter of home invasions occur when the perpetrator manipulates the lock in some fashion. If an intruder attempts to saw off the bolt, the free-spinning collar makes it difficult for him to get a cut as the bolt spins with every motion. This feature also prevents burglars from removing the bolt with a wrench or vise grips. You can purchase drill-resistant deadbolts as well that contain steel chips within the lock housing that destroy drill bits.
Strike Plates - Strike plates come with every door lock, but not all of them offer security. The strike plate is generally the most vulnerable portion of the entire door lock. The strike plate should be made of a heavy metal and attached to the door frame and stud wall with screws that are at least 3 inches long. The screw holes should be staggered for extra security as this makes it more difficult to split the wood door frame with a heavy impact.
Doors & Door Frames
No matter what kind of lock you select, it can easily become useless if you do not have a sturdy door and door frame.
You should use solid wood core or metal doors for all exterior entries to your home, including doors leading from your garage to the interior of your home. The doors should be at least 1 ¾ inches thick without any glass panels that would allow a thief to reach in and unlock your door from the inside.
It is important to have a durable door frame as well because burglars often employ a technique called "spreading" to enter your home. This involves planting a wedge between the frame and the wall and applying pressure until the wood bows to allow entry.
To protect your home from this kind of forced entry, install 3 to 4 inch screws along the door strip and frame. The screws should penetrate the stud to hold the door frame and door strip securely to the main wall.
The Next Step
Once you have the appropriate door lock installed, the most important thing to remember is to use it! One-third of all home intruders gain access through an unlocked door or window.
It may surprise you to learn that most building codes don't require a lock on external doors. Because building codes do not require a minimum standard for door locks, most contractors select locks based on price. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to examine your existing locks to determine whether or not you need an upgrade.
Types of Locks
1. Knob locks - spring latch and dead latch varieties. These locks can be easily picked or forced. They are best used on interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, or in combination with deadbolts.
2. Deadbolts - many different varieties. These are the most secure kind of lock. They should be used on all exterior doors of your home.
3. Chains - most are attached to the door and frame with short screws. Chains are generally not very thick or strong. They are useful as secondary protection. Do not use as your main method of security.
4. Wedges - rubber or wooden triangle that can be wedged under the door to prevent it from opening more than a few inches. These can be reinforced by inserting two steel pins into the floor behind it. Good as secondary protection, especially on bedroom doors, as they can slow an intruder down.
Deadbolts
Many would-be burglars will move on to another home if they see high-quality deadbolts installed on all your exterior doors. No matter what type of deadbolt you purchase, there are a few key features that every deadbolt should have.
First, make sure that your deadbolt extends at least one inch into the wall. Second, the lock should be made entirely of metal, and there should be no exposed screws on the outside of the door. Finally, to ensure you are purchasing a quality lock, be sure that it has an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Grade 1 classification.
There are two types of deadbolt locks, single cylinder and double cylinder. Single cylinder locks require a keyed entry from the outside but can be locked with a turning knob from the inside.
Double cylinder deadbolts require a key both internally and externally to lock and unlock the door. Double cylinder locks are more secure for doors containing glass or that are located near a window. However, they can create a safety hazard in the event that a quick exit is required. It is a good idea to keep a key in a designated location near the door in case of fire or other emergencies.
Additional Lock Features
Free-spinning Collar - One quarter of home invasions occur when the perpetrator manipulates the lock in some fashion. If an intruder attempts to saw off the bolt, the free-spinning collar makes it difficult for him to get a cut as the bolt spins with every motion. This feature also prevents burglars from removing the bolt with a wrench or vise grips. You can purchase drill-resistant deadbolts as well that contain steel chips within the lock housing that destroy drill bits.
Strike Plates - Strike plates come with every door lock, but not all of them offer security. The strike plate is generally the most vulnerable portion of the entire door lock. The strike plate should be made of a heavy metal and attached to the door frame and stud wall with screws that are at least 3 inches long. The screw holes should be staggered for extra security as this makes it more difficult to split the wood door frame with a heavy impact.
Doors & Door Frames
No matter what kind of lock you select, it can easily become useless if you do not have a sturdy door and door frame.
You should use solid wood core or metal doors for all exterior entries to your home, including doors leading from your garage to the interior of your home. The doors should be at least 1 ¾ inches thick without any glass panels that would allow a thief to reach in and unlock your door from the inside.
It is important to have a durable door frame as well because burglars often employ a technique called "spreading" to enter your home. This involves planting a wedge between the frame and the wall and applying pressure until the wood bows to allow entry.
To protect your home from this kind of forced entry, install 3 to 4 inch screws along the door strip and frame. The screws should penetrate the stud to hold the door frame and door strip securely to the main wall.
The Next Step
Once you have the appropriate door lock installed, the most important thing to remember is to use it! One-third of all home intruders gain access through an unlocked door or window.
Why Choose Slate Tile Flooring For Your Home?
Today slate tile flooring is becoming ever more popular for providing a beautiful finishing touch to any refurbished room in the house especially the bathroom, kitchen and basement or even in an area outdoors.
This is because this beautiful natural stone is not only waterproof, making it the ideal choice for areas where moisture or water may be present, but it is also very durable. Because of its durability it does not require much in the way of maintenance and due to the dark color of the stone it can hide dirt very well.
So is slate tile flooring really the right choice for your home? Below we will take a look at some of the things you will need to consider if you are thinking of having slate flooring installed in your home.
1. When considering slate tile flooring it is important that you consider the location where you are looking to have it installed. If you are placing it in an area where there is going to be a lot of foot traffic or if it is going to be outside then you need to choose accordingly.
2. It is also important to remember that slate flooring is by nature not as uniformly colored like certain ceramic tiles or hardwood and laminate flooring will be. However these variations in color can actually be used to your advantage when installing the flooring as it will provide you with a possible pattern for the room in question.
3. Before you actually install the slate tile flooring lay it out in a dry run and this will provide you with a chance to test color patterns as well as any thickness variations that may occur between each slate tile. Also you can check out the overall spacing of your slate tile flooring to ensure that it fits into the floor space that you are covering.
By keeping these points in mind when considering slate tile flooring for your home, you should be able to find something that really adds to the design of the room where you want to install it. Not only is it strong and durable and able to resist water, it is also easy to care for because any accidental spills just need to be wiped up using either a cloth or mop.
On the other hand, be aware that there are some downsides to having slate tile flooring in your home. The main one is that it feels cold to walk on if you are barefoot. Also, if it has become highly polished it can be very slippery. This type of tile flooring is also not really the sort of thing you should install in an apartment as it does not absorb sound very well.
This is because this beautiful natural stone is not only waterproof, making it the ideal choice for areas where moisture or water may be present, but it is also very durable. Because of its durability it does not require much in the way of maintenance and due to the dark color of the stone it can hide dirt very well.
So is slate tile flooring really the right choice for your home? Below we will take a look at some of the things you will need to consider if you are thinking of having slate flooring installed in your home.
1. When considering slate tile flooring it is important that you consider the location where you are looking to have it installed. If you are placing it in an area where there is going to be a lot of foot traffic or if it is going to be outside then you need to choose accordingly.
2. It is also important to remember that slate flooring is by nature not as uniformly colored like certain ceramic tiles or hardwood and laminate flooring will be. However these variations in color can actually be used to your advantage when installing the flooring as it will provide you with a possible pattern for the room in question.
3. Before you actually install the slate tile flooring lay it out in a dry run and this will provide you with a chance to test color patterns as well as any thickness variations that may occur between each slate tile. Also you can check out the overall spacing of your slate tile flooring to ensure that it fits into the floor space that you are covering.
By keeping these points in mind when considering slate tile flooring for your home, you should be able to find something that really adds to the design of the room where you want to install it. Not only is it strong and durable and able to resist water, it is also easy to care for because any accidental spills just need to be wiped up using either a cloth or mop.
On the other hand, be aware that there are some downsides to having slate tile flooring in your home. The main one is that it feels cold to walk on if you are barefoot. Also, if it has become highly polished it can be very slippery. This type of tile flooring is also not really the sort of thing you should install in an apartment as it does not absorb sound very well.
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