Livingston Reporting - page 272

Fall Yard Maintenance and Lawn Care

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With summer coming to an end and autumn beginning homeowners will need to switch up their approach to lawn care and maintenance.  The cooler temperatures that fall shares with us make it the perfect time of year to get out in the yard and start preparing the lawn for spring.  Don’t assume because the grass is growing slower that your lawn needs less care in the fall then in the summer.  In fact the opposite is true.   Your lawn is busy in the fall absorbing nutrients to with stand the long, cold winter season.  The attention you spend caring for your lawn in the fall will show in the spring.  Here are six things to think about as we begin the descending into fall.

Mowing the Lawn

You will need to keep mowing and watering your lawn throughout the fall season.  As you come to an end of the fall season, once all of the leaves have dropped, take the mower blade down to the lowest setting possible.  Cut the lawn twice on this setting a few weeks apart.  The short grass will allow for more sun to reach the crown of grass thus there will be less of the blade to brown over the winter.

When cutting the lawn it is as important to in the fall as it is in the spring and summer to only cut about a third of the grass blade at any given time mowing.  It is better to cut the lawn once completely and lower the blade setting to mow the lawn a second time for a shorter cut to get the grass short enough for the fall season.

Soil Aeration

It is crucial to aerate your lawn during the fall season.  This will allow for water, fertilizer and oxygen to reach deep into the root system of the lawn.  Aeration can be done with special shoes designed to punch holes in the grass or by renting a walk behind aerator.  If this seems like an all too daunting task hire a lawn care maintenance company to aerate the lawn.

Leaf Care

Raking leaves has to be one of the most daunting tasks to accomplish throughout the fall season.  It is also one of the most important.  Don’t wait until ever last leaf has fallen to begin raking.  The leaves underneath will start to get wet and stick together making a barrier that will suffocate your grass and create a large amount of fungal growth.

If raking isn’t your thing you can mow your lawn with a bagging mower and dispose of the leaves.  Another option is to blow the leaves with a leaf blower.  This may be the most effective way to remove leaves from your lawn.  Some counties allow for leaf burning during certain periods of time.  This option makes disposing of fall leaves a lot easier over the rubbish collection bags.

Lawn Fertilization

If you are only going to fertilize your lawn only once a year plan to do it during the fall season.  Grass blades grow slower in the fall but the same is not true for the root system.  Grass roots continue to grow quickly throughout the fall season and therefore suck in a variety of essential nutrients that they can only get through fall fertilization.  This will give your lawn a healthy start in the spring.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties.  For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Common Computer Repair Services

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to computers and technology in general there are a number of problems that can occur.  Computer repair issues can be handled in a number of different ways including on site, remote log in or in shop.  Companies working with both residential and corporate I.T. professionals often can diagnosis an issue within your computer or network by simply logging into your computer remotely. This helps to save both time and money.  Although the issue with your server, personal computer or network could be a myriad of things there are three issues we see that cause computer failure more often than any others.

Three Common Computer Repair Issues

  • Virus/Malware Removal:  This is the most common issue seen with computers.  What occurs when a virus has infected your computer is that a piece of harmful software has been downloaded on to your computer.  When this occurs the virus spreads throughout your computer deeply embedding itself.  Viruses, spyware, trojan horses, rootkits, adware and other harmful software can affect the way your computer runs as well as allow access to personal information stored or accessed on the system.  It is crucial the minute you suspect you have been infected that you turn your computer off and have a computer repair expert run scans on your computer to remove the infection.  
  • Computer Running Slow: A computer will begin to run slowly when you have used up the allotted storage space.  You may not even realize it is happening but each new program you download or document you save takes up valuable space on your hard drive.  When this occurs it is easy to overload your system creating a slow running computer.  To repair this issue a computer technician will run a tune up on your machine.  During this process scans will run that pin point downloads and software that is not used by the system.  From there this information can be deleted from the hard drive, freeing up space and allowing the computer to run more efficiently. 
  • Connecting to the Network/Internet:  This could be one of the most frustrating issues computer users face on a daily basis.  Without access to the internet most business activity comes to a halt.  I.T. professionals go onsite to diagnosis an issue with your network or internet after they have tried troubleshooting obvious issues such as the rebooting the computer or resetting the router.  Many times nothing has changed from the previous day yet the connection is not available.  Often computer network and internet connection issues are as simple as resetting a router or installing new network cables.  Other times the issue is deeper rooted and requires the I.T. professionals to contact your internet service provider for assist in diagnostics.

 Other common issues seen with computer repair services include hard drive failure, dead power supplies and improperly installed drivers.  Contact your local computer repair store if you find you are having issues with your computer.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

 

Creative Programs and Systems

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Saving Money On Shipping Services For Your Business

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Keeping an eye on expenditures is an important aspect in every business venture.  One crucial expense that needs to be considered is the cost of shipping.  When it comes to shipping rates cheaper is not necessarily better in all circumstances.  It is best that your company, no matter how big or small creates an entire plan of action when it comes to shipping.  Your shipping strategy should combine a plan that offers comparable rates along with exceptional service in turn saving the company money and increasing client morale.

Creating an overall shipping strategy is difficult for some companies.  Smaller companies often have inexperienced staff member handling the transportation and logistics matters for the entire operation.  This happens a lot in companies where members of the work force are forced to handle a variety of job duties.  If this describes your company it may be time to start following the strategies below.

  • Make use of LTL shipping:  When your shipments are consistently less than ten thousand pounds and time is not of the essence you can save money by shipping less than a full truckload.  Less than truckload shipping is less expensive than waiting to have a full truck.  LTL shippers combine freight from a variety of shippers and consolidate the shipments. 
  • Combine shipments into one full truckload: This is the opposite of what is proposed above.  If you find that too many shipments are being sent you may decide that it is in your company’s best interest to combine shipments into one full truckload. 
  • Use a combination of shipping methods: Intermodal shipping is when companies use two different methods for your company.  You may decide to combine common shipping methods such as air and rail.   If time doesn’t matter this way to ship often saves a great deal of money for your company. 
  • Understand your geography: It is possible that you are paying for shipping services you don’t need.  For instance, if you are shipping within the same state there is no need to pay for three day service.  Ground service, in the same state, will get your package where it needs to go at the same time as paying extra for the three day service.
  • Outsource shipping company freight:  Outsourcing freight is one of the easiest ways to help save your company money on shipping freight. Freight shippers can leverage rates with other carriers and shippers to get the best price for shipping.   Combining shipments with other shippers allows carriers to move your products quickly while providing shipping services at affordable prices. 

 Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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Improving Care With Age In Place Remodeling and Universal Design

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People in today’s society are living longer.  They are in better health and can remain independent longer than even the people of our grandparent’s generation.  Even in better health, growing older means that special arrangements need to be made around the house to assure safety and to meet the needs of our changing abilities.  If you have decided that you are going to downsize and move into a smaller home look for a home built under universal design guidelines.   However, if you are hoping to remain in your current home there are many age in place renovations that can be done to maintain independence while increasing safety.

Homes that are built with the universal design philosophy are produced in and environment with products that are created especially for older people or people with disabilities.  Barrier free layout concepts are applied throughout the home while maintaining the aesthetics of the home.  Examples of universal design applied to the home include:

  • Entrance and exits on the ground level are smooth and easy to access.
  • Flooring surfaces are created with texture to remain slip resistant.
  • Throughout the home handles are levered instead of knobs.
  • Bright lighting is present in abundance in every room of the home.

Many people choose to stay within their own homes instead of moving to a home that explores the universal design concept.  When this is the case there are several age in place modification that can be put into place that will make the environment safer while keeping the aesthetic beauty of the original home. Here are some simple age in place modifications that can be done to create a safe and secure environment for aging adults.

  • Reduce the temperature on the water heater to avoid scalding.
  • Knobs on doors, faucets and cabinets should be replaced by levers.
  • In the entrance and exits of the home additional lighting, with motion sensors should be installed.
  • All flooring should be inspected.  Remove all scatter rugs and add texture strips to any flooring that is slick such as bathroom and kitchen tiles.
  • If the home has steps make sure that handrails are secure.  If the stairs are used on a regular basis consider adding an additional handrail to the opposite side of the stairway as well.
  • Special care is needed throughout the bathroom area.  Install easy to use levers handles on the sink, shower and bathtub.  Add grab bars and install non-stick strips to the slick tub surface and bathroom flooring.  Lighting with a motion sensor is a nice addition to the bathroom of aging adults as well.
  • Add additional lighting to the kitchen.  Cabinetry should be installed with sliding shelves to allow for easier access. Tools that are used frequently should be moved to locations that are easy to reach and that don’t require bending or reaching.
  • Furniture should be arranged throughout the house to allow for minimal obstructions.
  • Telephones should be installed in easy to reach locations throughout the house.  This can easily be done by installing a central phone base with additional charging ports in every room in the home.

Changes to your home should be done over the course of time.  As you are remodeling your home consider using age in place remodeling products and techniques.  This allows for a gradual transition transforming your home into a safe place to age.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Enhance All Aspects Of Your Home With An Electric Entry Gate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are looking for a sure way to provide safety and security to your home or business one of the easiest ways to do this is by installing and electronic entry gate.   Driveways, private communities, parking garages and private roads all lead to a private home or business.  In order to provide a sense of well being and extra protection the installation of a driveway gate is essential.

Electronic entry gates are a unique way to update your landscaping while adding extra protection to your private environment.  Gates can be personalized to your home and business.  With the variety of driveway gates, gate operators and entry systems any home or business can have the automated gate system that would best suit their needs.  Custom gates installed with aluminum fencing enclose your property; keeping pets and children in and intruders and unwanted pests out.

Added Privacy

There are times that private driveways are mistaken for public accesses. This is especially true when the driveway is long and a home cannot be seen from the road.  This type of environment, more than any other, attracts Sunday drivers.  The installation of a gate at the end of your private drive eliminates the possibility of your house becoming a tourist attraction.

Enhances Beauty

Homeowners can give their homes and landscaping extra curb appeal with the addition of an impressive, picturesque, up to date driveway gate.  Your driveways entrance really can enhance how people see the rest of your home.  A custom entry way to the drive, using an entry gate is a perfect way to do this.

Home Security

Even homes with garages can benefit from the extra security and privacy a gate provides homeowners.  It is not always convenient to pull vehicles into the garage.  With a driveway gate you don’t have to worry about that.  You can leave the car in the driveway knowing that the vehicle is safe within the boundaries provided by the driveway gate.

Privacy is added, security is gained and beauty is enhanced with the installation of an electronic driveway gate.  The variety of options in gate choices varies greatly.  To find an option that works perfectly with your home and landscape contact a local fencing and gate installation company.  They will not only help you with the look of the fence but also will come out to help establish what type of fence, a swing or slide gate is the best option for your driveway.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Purchasing An Engagement Ring Online

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Buying an engagement ring is something most of us will only do once in a lifetime.  An investment such as an engagement ring is not something that should be taken lightly, it is a large investment both financially and emotionally.  Purchasing jewelry is something most of us lack experience in.  This makes the process of finding a perfect ring for your bride to be trickier than most purchases.  How do you find the perfect engagement ring while ensuring you are making a wise purchase that she will love?  Follow the steps below to help you find the perfect ring for the love of your life.

  • Decide upon a budget: This is the most important step of the entire process and should not be taken lightly.  Without a budget in mind you can be talked into anything. It is important to remember that the cost of the stone and setting is not what matters most.  There are many tales being shared that an engagement ring should cost at least two months’ salary.  This is no longer acknowledged as truth.  Your budget should consider what you can afford as well as what your bride to be will adore.
  • Plan ahead: Whatever you do never purchase an engagement ring without the money in the bank.  Buying an engagement ring on credit is never a good idea.  When it comes to buying on credit a ring that originally costs two thousand dollars costs thirty five hundred on credit.  That just doesn’t make sense.  If she is the love of your life she will wait until you have saved enough money to purchase the perfect ring.  Start saving the minute you think she could be the one.
  • Take notice: Check out the jewelry she wears on a daily basis over a period time.  You will want to buy something that she is comfortable wearing and that goes with the pieces she wears on a regular basis.  If she wears super plain jewelry and you buy a large splashy diamond it will most likely make her feel a bit self-conscious wearing it.  Buy something that reflects her.  She will appreciate that you took notice of her style when choosing a ring she will wear for eternity.
  • Bring in reinforcements: If you feel uncomfortable making a decision on your own ask the people closest to her for their help.  Her best friend is a perfect inside source into what she really wants.  Most likely this is a topic that they have discussed time and time again especially the longer you have dated.
  • Find a quality jeweler: A jeweler can come from anywhere. Find someone you are comfortable talking with and that is patient when you ask questions.  Consider online retailers as well.  Many online jeweler retailers are able to offer higher quality diamonds at lower prices due to the low overhead costs of running an online jewelry store verse a major chain.
  • Purchase the ideal stone: When it comes to purchasing a stone be sure to fully understand the four c’s of diamonds.  Based in the four c’s: cut, color, clarity and carat. Out of the four of these, in my opinion, the most important is the cut and clarity.  You want the diamond shape to be what your bride to be desires and clarity has everything to do with how sparkly the diamond is.  Trust me a three quarter carat diamond that is super clear is way better than a full carat that is dull.  The sparkle of her diamond will be what everyone notices before how big it is.
  • Buy the perfect setting:  The perfect setting will be based on her style.  If you are in question talk to the reinforcements.  Some women prefer settings with side diamonds while other prefer the simplicity of a single diamond.
  • Propose:  This is all up to.  Find a way to propose that will be memorable to the two of you.  Enjoy your happily ever after!

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel. You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

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Must Have Accessories For Your Jewelry Box

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

I need help when it comes to accessories.  If you look up plain Jane in the dictionary you will see my picture.  Recently I sat down with a friend of mine who is a jeweler and talked about what pieces of jewelry were must have pieces for my jewelry box. I am honestly a novice.  I don’t fully understand why some women can be draped in jewelry and look amazing but others look like clowns.  There are other women who wear a pair of earrings and look dressed to the nines.  I wanted to know the secret to pulling it all together.

I am told the most important piece of jewelry in any women’s collection is a pair of elegant stud earrings.  Diamond stud earrings are classic, elegant and versatile.  The same is true of pair of pearl earrings.  Studs are an everyday go to earring that are classy and polished for the office when worn alone but jazzy and ready for the party at night when paired with other accessories.

Another piece that is essential in your jewelry wardrobe is a pair of hoop earrings.  Hoop earrings are casual when paired with a pair of blue jeans and dressy when warn with something more elegant.  Be careful to choose a pair of hoop earrings that fit you.  If you are a loud character bigger hoops can be pulled off however if you are subdued in character a smaller pair of hoops maybe the perfect piece for you.

When it comes to rings every women needs an outstanding cocktail ring in their jewelry collection.  It is important to note that a cocktail ring does not have to be oversized, big or loud.  What is important is that the piece has color and stands out.  A cocktail ring can be the center piece of your outfit.

Another piece that is essential is a long necklace.  A long necklace can easily be transitioned.  In order to make a necklace work for both day and night you can double the necklace or add pieces to layer it.  Longer necklaces using pendants are super elegant and add to the allure of a long necklace.  Don’t be afraid to mix metals and stones.  Pearls looks elegant with a variety of metals and stones.

A bracelet is another piece that every women should have in their jewelry collection.  From diamond tennis bracelets to solid gold chain bracelets your signature pieces should include a bracelet.  If you need access to a watch daily consider a watch that resembles bracelet.  Bangle watches are the perfect way to combine necessity with fashion.

Jewelry is so personal but following the suggestions above while combining your personal style will help you to achieve the best look.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Things To Acknowledge Before A Kitchen Renovation

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Remodeling a kitchen is a huge undertaking whether you are completely gutting the whole space or just updating a few key elements.  No matter where you are at on the spectrum in remodeling your kitchen space you will be investing time and money so you want to start with a solid plan of action. Before you tear out the cupboards or bash the walls you will want to negotiate a budget that takes into consideration your priorities as well as the must have desired renovations.  The most common mistake that is made, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, is running over budget.

Budgeting 101

When it comes to determining a budget for your kitchen remodel you need to determine how much you have to spend and if it is enough to cover what you want.  Look online there are a variety of budget worksheets to help determine if you have enough money to move forward with the remodeling process.  If you have not saved enough money you will need to consider if a loan is in your best interest.

Some questions to ask: How long do I plan on living in this home after we remodel? What are my current outstanding debts?  Do I have enough monthly income to cover the additional loan payment?  All of these questions will lead to answers that will help you determine a finite budget for your kitchen remodel.  Once a budget is set in stone you will know exactly how much you have to spend on the remodel and can delegate funds accordingly.

Delegating The Budget

Once you know how much money you have to spend on your remodel you can delegate money accordingly.  If you find that your budget doesn’t cover the cost associated with a full kitchen remodel you may consider minor upgrades to the kitchen instead.  It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint, some cabinet resurfacing and a new countertop can do to update the look of your kitchen.  When you are on a set budget you will need to work diligently at delegating money out to ensure that the top priority renovations within your kitchen are covered before non-essentials.

When you are working with an unlimited budget, the sky can be your limit.  It is important, even when you are on an unlimited budget, that you take into consideration the price that homes in the area are currently selling for.  The worst possible situation you can get into is over valuing your home when in comparison to others in the area.  This is a sure way to lose money when it comes to selling your home.

The Basics

When you are planning your kitchen remodeling keep in mind the following:

  • Decide the budget for your kitchen remodel.
  • Choose where to spend the bulk of the budget.  What is most important to you and what upgrades are secondary?
  • Are you going to hire a home remodeling contractor or are you considering doing the renovations on your own?
  • Add a cushion to your budget as something unexpected always happens when you least expect it to.
  • Remember that a solid plan of action, along with a complete budget will help for a smooth kitchen remodel.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Planning Before Starting Home Improvements

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many variables to take into account when beginning any remodeling project within your home.  Whether you are going it on your own or hiring a contractor there are some things that will help your remodel or hurt it.  Read on to discover the do’s and don’ts with your next home improvement projects.

Be decisive with your decisions from the start. There will be a million decisions to make when remodeling a room in your home.  The best thing to do is to make every decision before you begin any home improvement project no matter how large or small the renovation is.

Hiring a general contractor can help with this process.  They are able to lay out a plan and keep you on a schedule.  Small things like ordering a faucet can derail the schedule of a kitchen or bathroom remodel.  When your faucet is late being delivered then the plumber needs to be rescheduled.  Then if the plumber later installs the faucet only to find that the medicine cabinet door hits the faucet you have a new issue.   It is simple to see how one mishap can lead to a lengthy and unexpected delay in any remodeling process.

Try not to change your mind.  It is inevitable that something is going to happen and you are going to want to change your mind.  The most important thing to remember is that each time this occurs it will result in your order needing to be changed.  This might not seem like a big deal however it usually adds to the cost of your project, increases time spent on the project and can lead to major schedule changes.  Make sure of your choices before placing orders or settling on design renovations.

Don’t buy materials on your own. Many people believe that purchasing materials on their own is the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that builders get a decent discount on building supplies that many pass on to their customers.  Even with their markup the materials still tend to cost less than they would at a home improvement store.

Don’t wait to make necessary upgrades.  There are times when you want to make cosmetic upgrades to your home but it is not always the right time.  Adding fancy cabinets to a home with a saggy foundation or leaky roof is just not smart.  Before making any upgrades or renovations to the home make sure the house is sound structurally.  Adding central air to a home with little insulation is another renovation that just doesn’t make sense. Make sure all necessary updates are made to the home before choosing cosmetic renovations.

Updating your home is always an adventure.  You can keep the surprises to a minimum by following the tips above.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Maintaining Your In-Ground Swimming Pool

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There are many reasons people decided to install an in-ground swimming pool.  One of the most frequently given reasons for having a pool installed is for the pure and simple reason that they offer relaxation in your own backyard.  Homeowners can choose to install jets and massage elements to help facilitate relaxation and to help ease muscle tension.  Customizing your pool to fit the needs and wants of your family will make it a continuous flow of enjoyment throughout the summer.

Once the custom pool is installed homeowners must maintain it.  It takes commitment to sustain an in-ground pool.  Depending on where the pool is located also depends on the type of maintenance that is required.  In the winter special care should be taken if you live in an environment where the water freezes.  Pool tiles can stain; the surface of the tiles can become rough.  Maintaining a pool is not necessarily easy but is required.  Over time pool plaster can become cracked and need repairs.  It is important if the maintenance becomes overwhelming for homeowners that they hire professionals to care for the pool.

Having your pool resurfaced is complicated and is not a maintenance issue that should be taken on by the homeowner.  It is a difficult and tricky repair that needs to be done by a professional pool plastering company.  The first step in plastering a pool is to drain the pool water.  The first step in doing this is to determine where the water can be drained.  Often times the water can be drained directly into the sewer system.  Before the water is drained it is important that the electrical components are shut off.  When draining the water out of the pool it is also crucial to drain the water out of filters and other pieces of equipment that hold pool water.

The resurfacing of the pool should be done by professional pool plasterers.  It is a skill that is perfected over time and should not be experimented with.  This is especially true because pools are extremely expensive and not a backyard experiment.  When you are re-surfacing the pool the old plaster needs to be chipped off and separated from the gunite swimming pool.  Once the pool plaster is removed it should be cleaned with an acidic solution and then the new plaster can be put in place.

Once the plaster is in place and dried it is time to refill the pool.  This is not a free for all.  Water needs to be refilled slowly and with care.  Try tying a sock onto the hose or source of water to prevent stones or large materials from scratching the new surface.  It is important to ensure that the pool corners are filled before the flat surface in order to evenly fill the pool and prevent damage to the new plaster.

Maintaining a pool is worth the effort for the peace and relaxation it offers to homeowners.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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