http://articles.funoutdoorproducts.com/rss.xml A blog about funoutdoorproducts.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.funoutdoorproducts.com/?a=35629 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Shopping for swimming pools and the necessary accessories can make a shopper's head swim. Not only do choosing the type of pool and accessories cause headaches, but it takes time as well. Thus knowing what you need before you pull the plastic out of your wallet will help you save both time and money in the end. <br /><br />First and foremost, you must have a cover for your pool. These keep debris and people out of your pool, subsequently protecting your water. The cold winter season especially demands a cover to protect your pool from snow, wind, and ice. Your pool cover will need either straps or several heavy objects to ensure it stays in place. <br /><br />A skimmer will also help you keep your pool in optima condition. With this long-reaching device you can pick up branches, insects, and other debris from the surface of your pool. Likening itself to a large badminton racket, the skimmer will save you maintenance money in the long run. Use your skimmer every day to keep your pool clean and beautiful throughout the season. <br /><br />Concrete below-ground pools require surface treatment. Otherwise a swimmer's skin will suffer. Pool paint, which comes in water, rubber, or epoxy based versions, comes in a few choices. Treating your pool surface will protect the surface from both the sun and chemicals that can erode it. <br /><br />Antifreeze should top your list if you live in a colder climate. This will help you clean pipes and your pump once you shut your pool down for the winter. After draining the water from your pool, pump, and pipes, pour the antifreeze into your pump and pipes. This will ensure that nothing freezes on cold days. <br /><br />Pool furniture truly adds the finishing ambiance to your pool atmosphere. You don't have to spend a fortunate either. Even simple furniture works well. A variety of decorating options exist, allowing some to make the pool area as ornate as their own living room. When deciding on your pieces, select furniture strong enough to withstand both the summer and winter temperatures. <br /><br />Those on a budget can still get the accessories and supplies needed without having to spend a fortunate. Discount prices or sale prices become prevalent at specific times of the year, so keep an eye out for these cost efficient times. If you buy only what you need at the lowest prices possible, usually in the winter, you can find a way to afford what you need to maintain your pool.<br /><br />Accessories can be both necessary and fun. Keep in mind what you need as you shop and then if you have the funds, splurge on something fun as well. Though shopping for your pool can take both time and money, accessories will make your swimming experience the best possible one it can be.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Hammocks, Grills, Patio Furniture at <a href="http://www.funoutdoorproducts.com/">http://www.funoutdoorproducts.com</a></p> 2006-09-02T17:06-04:00 http://articles.funoutdoorproducts.com/?a=35628 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Homeowners take pride in their homes. In doing so, they aim to improve and beautify their places through a variety of ways. They seed thick lawns and hire landscapers to create gorgeous yards. Homeowners realize that their homes reflect them and their status. These same homeowners also realize that with every dollar they spend to make their homes attractive, they are raising the property value of their home and the homes next to theirs. So it's no wonder that outdoor relaxation areas have become a focal point in recent times. <br /><br />As a result of homeowners' desire to improve the aesthetics of their homes, patio canopies have grown in popularity. Though three to four weeks may pass from order to delivery, made-to-order patio canopies offer a variety of benefits for the average homeowner. They help protect the patio from sunlight, rain, snow, and other abrasive elements. Additionally water proof systems with roof tensioning and other supports stop water buildup on the canopy. <br /><br />Homes with swimming pools, backyard decks, or other large outdoor areas exposed to the elements benefit most from patio canopies. Canopies can stand alone in these great outdoor spaces or can attach to an existing home patio. Many steel-structured patio canopies maintain their attractive flexibility and retract ability by adding comfort screen attachments to close off a desired area. Some canopies will even serve as an extension of the house or create a new room. Several different canopies on the market today will give you what you are looking for. <br /><br />Arch Roof Portable Patio Canopy 10x20<br /><br />With a clean white powder coated frame, matching white cover with drawstring sides, this smooth looking cover works ideally for outdoor parties. It's plastic footpads protect the surface of the patio or deck, thus making it an even more desirable canopy. This sturdy unit comes with 20 gauge pies, powder coated steel at 1 3/8 inches outside diameter, 17 gauge fittings, and powder coated steel with 1 &frac12; inches outside diameter. <br />Price: $249.00<br /><br />Patio Canopies-Legend Steel Canopies by California Canopies<br /><br />Popular and economical, this instant patio canopy features single piece lightweight powder coated steel frame. It sheds water with its water resistant qualities and protects its owner with its UV and firetreated 250D top. Additionally, it comes in six colors for its 10x10 size. <br />Price: $239 (5x5 feet) $269 (8x8 feet) $299 (10x10 feet)<br /><br />EZ UP 10'x10' Escort Instant Shelter<br />Great for patio or lawn, the Escort features easy set up. It promises to require only one person to set up its textured polyester cover and powder coated frame. Additionally it includes a frame, top, stakes, and roller pad. <br /><br />These three canopies provide just a few examples of what exist on the market today. As canopies in general grow in popularity, homeowners will surely have more options for canopy variety.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Fun OUtdoor Products at <a href="http://www.funoutdoorproducts.com/">http://www.funoutdoorproducts.com</a></p> 2006-09-02T17:03-04:00 http://articles.funoutdoorproducts.com/?a=35243 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>To really enjoy the outdoors at home it pays to invest a little time in landscaping your yard so you will enjoy the experience.<br /><br />There is no doubt that with landscaping one wants to save money, as well as have an nice-looking property. Not only can landscaping help you give your a home face-lift, but it can also provide a source of fulfilling exercise in the fresh air. When you take care of your yard on your own, you save money and improve your physical conditioning. But if the landscape turns out to look bad, then that is so much time and money wasted. However, it is possible to make certain you have a better-looking landscape by following a few tips that can help you take better care of your yard.<br /><br />First off, know what type of soil you have in your yard. Some plants will thrive in soil with more acidity, and others will do better with a little more alkali. Also, sandy soil and clay soil, as well as the presence of a loamy soil, can play a big part in determining what types of plants will thrive in a landscape. When you invest in plants that will do well in the soil conditions present in your yard, then you make a smarter money decision, and you end up with a better looking landscape. If there are plants that you are more inclined to use in your soil, but the soil is not what it should be, you can do things to improve the soil to the necessary conditions. <br /><br />Figure out how much room each of the plants will need. There are some plants that will need more room for their root systems than others. If you choose one plant that tends to grow everywhere, and you do not have enough space, you may come to find that your other plants may be crowded out or that they may suffocate and die.. Many shrubs and small trees need to be planted at least three to four feet apart to have enough room to grow.<br /><br />Use native plants that are indigenous to your area in your landscape design. This is one of the most effective things you can do to ensure a good-looking yard. Find out what types of plants grow best in your area, and what plants are indigenous to the region. This way you will be ahead of the game and know that the plants you choose are adapted to the climate. You will not have to struggle against natural inclinations to keep your landscape looking beautiful. If you due use non-native plants, assure yourself that they come from a place that shares a climate similar to the one in which you live.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author to many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. For fun outdoor products go to <a href="http://www.funoutdoorproducts.com/">http://www.funoutdoorproducts.com</a></p> 2006-07-29T20:39-04:00