How To Choose The Best Above Ground Pool For You

 

As spring morphs into summer, many people who live in warm climate begin to dread the hot summer days. Others look forward to it because it is an opportunity for them to break out the swimming costumes and go frolicking in the water. 

This body of water can either be natural or man-made. Some people might have the time and funds to take summer breaks while others may not. Similarly, there are those who are able to have an in-ground swimming pool in their homes. 

On the other hand, digging a hole in the ground for swimming is one luxury that not everyone can afford. But thankfully there are cheaper options; above-ground pools. 

What Is An Above Ground Pool 

This is a contraption that is constructed to hold water for the purpose of swimming just like its in-ground counterpart. The only difference is that it is a moveable contraption that can be installed and uninstalled at your behest. 

It is budget-friendly, easy to set up and also easy to use. Furthermore, you can even embellish it like a conventional pool with a deck and all the works. Since this is an affordable alternative, many folks opt for it. This brings us to the subject of how to choose the best above ground pool for you and your family.

In this article, we would share tips on factors to consider when making the choice of which one to buy. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying An Above Ground Pool

Local Zoning Laws

One of the foremost things to consider before buying an above ground pool is the zoning laws of your locality. Also ensure that you know where your homeowner’s association stand on the issue of installing such contraptions. 

Some neighborhoods insist on only in-ground pools that come with the house/property. When you confirm that you can bring it in, ensure you know every restriction and regulation that applies. 

One of such rules is about how close a pool can be to the house, safety features and materials that can and cannot be used. If you are ever in doubt of any of these regulations, be sure to ask an expert.

Placement

After you have settled the legal issues, the next thing to do is to check out the layout of your property. Where is the best place that you can put the pool? Is the ground level enough? Would you need to do some levelling? Would the pool be under trees or within reach of sunlight? 

All these and more questions are what you should consider and answer before you go ahead. It is recommended that you consider placing the pool where it would not be overshadowed by trees. You don’t want to spend unnecessary time filtering leaves from the pool. You also want it to receive some warmth from the sun to make the water comfortable. You can check out this site for more information: https://www.wikihow.com/Put-in-an-Above-Ground-Pool

Size

Next thing to consider would be the size of the pool. This may seem like a moot point but it is a very important point. You have to ensure that the one you choose would fit the space with room to spare for movement. 

Bear in mind that oval pools are usually larger than other shapes and take up more space. But on a positive note, they also have large capacity for up to 20,000 litres of water. If your space is small, you are better off with a round one. 

Design And Type

Above ground pools come in different styles and shape. The standard ones that come with reinforced PVC walls that are held up by frames of steel or even steel walls.  You also have the ones that can be inflated when you want to use it and deflated after use. 

You know for sure that the material that the pool is made of would determine its cost. The inflatable ones are usually more pocket friendly; they are also more portable. This may be a great feature for folks who love to travel for summer or even camp out in some holiday spot.

Additional Features

 Many of these products usually come in sets; that is with all that’s necessary for installation, use and maintenance. These would usually include a pool liner, cover, ground cloth and filter pump. There are also those that come with in-built chemical dispensers, ladders and dual suction outlets. 

The more extra features this product comes with, the more expensive it would be. But you can be sure that you would get value for your money. 

Conclusion 

Getting an above ground pool is a good investment especially for the hot summer months. But do yourself the favor of ensuring that you get one made with good quality material. Additionally, you should also get as much information as you can about pools. Visit this site to find what you need to know about managing your pool.

Finally, if you are not a hands-on person, you would do well to contract experts to help you carry out the project of purchasing and installing this contraption. 

5 Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Heating Oil Tank

Temperatures are rising, and the air is getting warm, signaling that delightful spring is happening once again. Buds and blooms appear, birds sing, and everything tells you to enjoy the fantastic weather. 

There's no need to be cooped up any longer, so go ahead and turn off your heater. But, before you put your thick jackets aside, take time to give your heating oil tank some love for keeping you warm throughout winter. It's done an excellent job these past months that it's best to include it in your annual spring cleaning routine. Doing so prolongs the life of your oil tank and lessens the need for costly repairs. Come to think of it, spring maintenance for your heating oil tank can spell the difference between a cozy winter and a frozen disaster. 

Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Step In, Step Out

The warm rays of spring sunshine are peeking through the windows, and it's probably bright enough to cast its light in your basement, where your heating oil tank is waiting for some recognition. It's done a great job of keeping you warm through winter that it deserves a pat on the back, er, tank. Annual maintenance checks on your heating system make sense as these can help you evaluate its condition and patch it up before things turn into costly and, most of the time, untimely repairs.

In case your heating oil tank is outdoors, the sunshine and ideal weather can keep you company when you assess its components. You've got long days ahead, so make the most out of them by getting ready to get down and dirty in case your tank needs work.

2. Check It Out

Spring is your heating tank’s resting state and the best time to give it a rundown. You can use the daylight saving time to your advantage by checking out the tank in and out, back and forth, top to bottom. 

You can start by checking the tank’s support legs for any signs of cracks, settling, or rust. Experts such as Haly Oil recommend that the heating oil tank should sit on an even concrete floor inside or outside your house to ensure it remains stable. If you notice any settling or cracks, you’ll need to do some repairs for the legs and the ground to support the tank’s weight. You'll also need to inspect the tank's components to ensure there aren't any leaking valves, vents, or fuel delivery lines. Furthermore, make sure the insulation, seal cap, and vent caps are tightly closed.

In case your heating oil tank is in your yard, you'll want to keep it looking superb and free from any oil puddles for the upcoming weekend barbecue. Make sure to include leak sealing putty and sorbent materials to remedy spills. You want to make sure the only thing you're roasting is food and nothing or no one else.   

3. Get Down And Dirty 

There’s no snow or heavy rains to bother you while you’re out and about checking your tank. Take a peek inside and see if there’s some sludge sitting at the bottom of the tank, and get ready as things can become messy from here on. You’ll need to drain the tank and scrub off the excess sludge with a cleaner.  You may need to contact your local disposal unit as this isn’t regular waste and needs proper disposal.  

While you're at it, check your tank's exterior up close. In case you notice it's getting rusty, then it's time to get dirty once again. Put on your work clothes and grab a paintbrush. Please give it a nice coat in whatever color you prefer so you can extend the life of your heating oil tank.  

4. Spring Refill 

It may sound weird to refuel your tank when you don't need it until later in the year, but filling your tank with heating oil makes sense if you realize that the humid spring weather can cause moisture to build inside your tank. A nearly empty tank has more room for moisture to settle, and it can cause the tank to corrode in time. It's best to keep the tank full during spring so you don't have to worry about moisture and corrosion. Besides, fuel prices are lower during spring, when there’s less demand. 

5. Bring In The Expert 

While checking out your heating oil tank can be pretty much a DIY spring project, there are instances when you'll need to have an HVAC professional perform inspections and repairs. They can check and secure pipe connections that you may have missed during your initial checkup. They may even assess your tank or the furnace, and recommend a replacement. Bringing experts early on ensures timely repairs and saves you the stress of doing them in the middle of a cold winter.

Conclusion  

Heating oil tanks are the unsung heroes of cozy homes during winter that deserve due attention during spring. The weather and everything excellent about the season make it practical to perform checkup and repairs as part of a spring cleaning to-do list or a professional's routine maintenance. Spring also serves as a suitable time for a refill as prices and demands are low. Regular cleaning and repair can help lengthen your heating equipment's lifespan and ensure the cold will never bother you in any way.