Ladders > Shopping for a Swimming Pool

Shopping for a Swimming Pool

by: Jeff Lakie

When the summer rolls around and the air heats up, we all dream of having pools in our own backyard. However, before shopping for pools, it is important to be aware of safety issues. Make sure you are willing to take on the responsibility before you buy.

Do you have a lot of kids in your neighborhood? Pools are magnets for children! Be aware that if the pool is on your property, you may be liable for any accident that may occur. For safety reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend installing pools until your children are at least 5 years old. While they are certainly a lot of fun, pools can also be hazardous if the owners don't take proper precautions.

Fences should be placed around pools to prevent accidental falls as well as uninvited guests. The fences should be at least 4 feet high and gated. Ideally, there should be latches and locks for when the pools are not in use. Ladders from above-ground pools should be removed when not in use.

All pools should be equipped with life preservers. Swimmers should always have a buddy, regardless of age; children in particular should not swim without adult supervision. Too many drownings occur in pools every year, and many of these could have been easily prevented. Many of these accidents occur in family-owned pools.

Another thing to think about before shopping for pools is the amount of time that goes into owning them. Pools need to be well maintained. They should be cleaned regularly, and checked for pH levels. Chemicals such as chlorine need to be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas out of the sun, and they should be locked up when not in use. Covers should be kept on pools during long periods of non-use. This not only keeps swimmers out but also helps keep the pools clean.

Owners who follow simple safety guidelines can enjoy their pools without having to worry too much about catastrophes. Just remember that accidents can happen to anybody, and letting down your guard for just a moment may be long enough for that one tragedy to occur. With a responsible attitude and awareness, pools can be enjoyable for everyone.

About The Author

Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.pool-and-spa.info and http://www.pool-liners.info
websites providing information on swimming pools.

Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

by: Raynor James

Any Sally and Sam Homebuyer can look at a home and decide whether it is attractive. They might notice it is freshly painted in pleasing colors, has the requisite number of rooms, a cook?s kitchen and is located in a location with top schools. But what about less obvious parts of the house?

It takes special expertise to determine if the functional parts of a home are in good shape. If you attend an open house, how do you determine if there are plumbing problems, electrical problems, structural problems, drainage problems, the condition of heating and air conditioning equipment and the condition of literally hundreds of other items that could cause concern?

Enter the home inspector.

A home inspector is trained to be a detective in regard to the construction and working parts of homes.
It is not an exact science.

The home inspector cannot tear...

Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

Ladders > Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

Shingling a Roof

Shingling a Roof

by: Mark J. Donovan

Shingling or roofing a house is a major undertaking for a homeowner and extreme caution is required. This said, a Do-It-Yourselfer homeowner can shingle or roof their own home with a little knowledge and the right tools.

Required Tools

In order to roof a house properly and safely the following tools are needed: Ladders, Roof Jacks, Hammer, Carpenters Knife, Chalk Line, and preferably a compressor or nail gun.

Estimating Materials

Typically the roof is measured in squares, where a ?square? represents 100 square feet. There are eighty shingles in one square. However, when you go to your local home improvement store shingles are usually sold in bundles. Usually three bundles equal one square, however this can vary slightly pending the shingle style.

Measure the area of your roof (length x width) and divide by 100 to get the number of squares required. Then multiply this number by three...

Shingling a Roof

Ladders > Shingling a Roof

Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

by: Raynor James

Enter the home inspector.

A home inspector is trained to be a detective in regard to the construction and working parts of homes.
It is not an exact science.

The home inspector cannot tear...

Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

Ladders > Buying a Home - What is a Home Inspection?

Use of Ladders and Safety

Use of Ladders and Safety

by: Sam Kerry

Every year when carrying out home

improvements people are killed and many more

injured through the incorrect use of ladders

There are a few simple things to think about to prevent this happening to you.

First pick the right type of ladder for the job you are doing. There are different types of

ladders which complement the job you are undertaking, e.g. is a stepladder the right piece

of equipment or would a combination ladder be better.

Next check the ladder, and make sure the ladder itself is safe. Are all the screws and any

side rails it might have in place. Using a ladder that isn't secure, is not a good start and

could result in an accident before you have even started the job.

A little bit of forethought can be very helpful.

For example can you do the job yourself or will you need someone to hold the ladder for

you. If you are by yourself can...

Use of Ladders and Safety

Ladders > Use of Ladders and Safety