We’ve reached that time of year when we take our last dip in the pool at home before closing it for the winter. In addition to saying goodbye to the nice weather of the summer, we must now put the cover on our pools and clean up the area so that we have to do as little work as possible when we open it up when the spring comes around.

You need to take several steps to prepare your pool for the winter. Here’s a guide to winterizing your pool without a hitch.

Collect Your Equipment

Having your winterizing equipment ready before you start the process will help you avoid forgetting important tools, as well as having to pause operation and start over. First, you need the pool cover, which will keep leaves and other debris from getting into the water. You also need  the skimmers, rubber plugs for return valves, leaf nets, water tubes and a winter chemical kit. Other tools include a bucket or two for carrying chemicals, a ruler, loops wrenches and screwdrivers, both flat and Phillips-head.

Make Measurements

Use the ruler to determine how big of a cover your pool requires. Taking length and width measurements will be easier if you have the standard rectangular pool. However, if your pool has a more unique shape, contact an expert such as a swimming pool contractor in New Jersey. They will have the knowledge needed for covering different shapes and sizes of pools. Determining the length and width of your pool will also help you figure out how big of a leaf net you’ll need.

Backwashing, Draining and Item Removal

The state of certain parts of your pool can determine how many issues it experiences in the winter. Leaving your filter dirty can lead to bigger messes to clean up down the road, and the drain plugs in the pump can get lost easily. Clean your filter with abackwash and completely drain the pump of water and keep its drain plugs in the bucket to save for the spring. Getting rid of all of the water will save your pump from cracking and breaking because of frozen water. All of the pool’s jet fittings should also be removed, and the bucket and skimmer baskets will keep them safe.

Clear the Area

A safe working area will allow you to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This includes getting all toys and floats out of the pool, giving your pool a couple extra skims, and dumping leaves and dirt out of the skimmers and dump baskets. It also helps to remove ladders, railings and diving boards, which debris can get caught in and use to find its way into your pool when you’re not paying attention. Debris can also get into your pool from the roof on a windy day, so it helps to have the number of a professional such as thisnorthern new jersey roofing contractor.

Chemical Winterization

Once the pool is filled with only water, apply thechemicals needed to keep the pool in good condition during the colder parts of the year. Your winterizing chemicals need to be completely dissolved before dumping them into the water, so mix them in a bucket beforehand to avoid stains on the inner walls or floor. Algicide and scale remover can be added without mixing them.

Cover the Pool

You’re going to need a few people for this part. Have a person hold each end of the cover and walk it over the pool’s surface. Make sure that no water is on the cover first so that it doesn’t sink. Water tubes will help the hooks keep the cover still. Make sure that the tubes are filled just enough to apply necessary weight, but light enough so that they don’t rip open and let the cover slip out from underneath.

Installing the Leaf Net

A leaf net will come in handy if your pool is in an area with a large number of trees. This tool will keep debris from landing on your cover and staying long enough to deteriorate and reduce the protective qualities of the cover’s material. Applying the leaf net will also be a multi-person job, and you’ll need to ensure that it guards the same spots as the cover. You can tie an extra knot in the hoops of the net to make up for any leftover space.

Inspection

Review the area to make sure that all spots are accounted for. This includes checking any gaps between the cover and the edges of the pool, inspecting the amount of water in the water tubes, and looking at how tight the knots are at each end. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, even if it requires extra work.

Keep this step-by-step guide on hand when you have to winterize your pool so that the uncovering process in the spring is simpler.

Buying or selling a home is an inspiring time, no matter how many times you have been through the process before. If you are looking to put your home on the market or have decided that you would like to start visiting homes to see which one is for you, then it’s a good idea to call a local real estate agent for help. There are many benefits to buying and selling property with the help of agents, and they can make this time in your life as stress-free as possible. It’s crucial that you take your time finding an agent and making sure that he or she is the best for you and your particular situation.

Look at Current Listings

If you are going to be selling your home and need an estate agent to help you, then your first step is to go online and look at various listings from local agents. All agents will use online listings differently and will focus on different aspects of the properties that they are trying to sell. Most buyers go online when looking for a home to tour, so you want to be sure that the agent you are considering uses online listings appropriately. See if he or she has other properties listed that are similar to yours in size, price, and location.

When looking online, you’ll also want to make sure that the agent you are considering has excellent pictures and uses descriptive language to entice potential buyers to want to view the property in person. Dark images and short, stilted sentences will not make a buyer very interested in your home.

Check Their Licensing and Accolades

When looking for both buyer’s and seller’s estate agents in Liverpool, you will want to make sure that they are qualified to help you. Always make sure that the agents you are thinking about hiring have the necessary credentials to do a good job on your listing or in negotiating. The information about their license and any complaints or disciplinary actions against each agent should be available online.

If you are at a loss about which agent to hire, then it’s smart to find out who has won awards recently. From “realtor of the year” to “most communicative”, you will be able to find out a lot about individual realtors by their accolades. Also, asking local friends and family members who they have used to buy or sell a home will give you insider information about realtors. You may find out that someone you were considering was challenging to get in touch with or that another lesser-known realtor is the up and coming talent of the year.

Don’t rush to choose a realtor when you are going to buy or sell a property. This is usually the most significant purchase that you will make and you want to be sure that you have a skilled negotiator and someone who understands local laws and regulations on your side. If you don’t get along with the realtor you hire, you are more likely to be stressed during this time in your life, while one who you get along with can make this process a breeze.

If you have any type of warehouse, you know the importance of taking safety precautions for workers. Of course, not all injuries can be avoided, but there are things you can do to make your warehouse a safer place to work. Look at three examples of ways to keep your warehouse environment safe for your staff.

A Durable, Non-Slip Floor

A durable floor with a non-slip surface is an essential for any warehouse environment. Things such as foods, drinks, oil and more are inevitably spilled on the floor of a warehouse. Having a non-slip floor makes it less likely that employees will injure themselves if they happen to walk through these spilled substances before they are cleaned up. A durable floor is also easier to clean than standard flooring in a warehouse. These precautions can help employees avoid injuries.

The Right Casters and Wheels on Equipment

Many things are transported by cart around a warehouse. Also, many pieces of warehouse equipment have wheels and casters. It’s important to have heavy duty plate casters on pieces of equipment that need the proper amount of support. Having the appropriate casters on a piece of equipment can keep it from tipping or even falling over causing injury to employees and/or damage to the warehouse.

Machines with Safety Guards

Machines in warehouses should have different types of safety guards to protect both employees and equipment. For instance, many items in the warehouse may enter and leave the facility through an automatic door. This door should have the safety guard of reversing direction when it detects an object beneath it as it is closing. This is just one example of a safety guard that can help a warehouse run smoothly every day.

Lastly, the best way the owner of a warehouse can make his or her warehouse safe is to walk the facility with a professional to find out what needs to be done. Then, the owner can go about making the necessary changes that can improve the level of safety in the facility.

Painting your home can be an arduous job. Whether you are renting out your home after your old tenants have left, or selling your property. This is a perfect time to get your home painted by a professional. Many property management Auckland wide agencies hold the view that a good paintwork is essential. A good paintwork can maximise your property value or attract good tenants for that matter. Oaks Property, an established Property Service Auckland wide, maintains the same opinion. “Owing to our experience in management of investment properties, family homes, and apartments, we clearly acknowledge a good paintwork before proceedings.” adds one of Oaks Property team member.

So what are the 10 big questions that should be asked yourself or your painter whom you have chosen? These questions identify and address key requirements before a property is getting a paintwork. These questions encompass the right approach towards a successful paintwork that will last for long. And often recommended by various property management Auckland wide agencies.

• How do I know who will do the job best?

            There are few things you should look in a painter before hiring them for work. See if they show up on time for a meeting, check their profile and reviews, and lastly look closely through their quote for all the detail mentioned. Make sure there are no hidden costs and everything is clear from the beginning. Your local Property Service Auckland can give you a good idea as well.

• WIll I be charged for a deposit?

            If it’s a large property or the paintwork is of large scale then definitely. But if it’s just small touch-ups or small tasks then no need for a deposit. Most landlords get in touch with their local property management Auckland agency for an expert advise.

• Are all paints the same?

            No, depending on vendors they differ from each other. Even a single vendor has different types of paint available in the market.

• What color should I choose for the Paint?

            It depends solely on the interior of your house, the artwork, and the furniture them you have. In short, it’s all up to you, but it’s best to choose a color that compliments the house furniture and artwork or interior of the house.

• Should I opt for regular paint maintenance?

            Most painters would suggest your home needs a regular paint maintenance and they will offer you a good price. Oaks Property, a leading agency for property service Auckland suggest landlords that it’s a good practice. Especially if you want to maintain cleanliness of your property and keep the paintwork safe for a long time.

• Should I do the painting myself?

            You can, if its small touchup or a single room, but the level of finish may still differ.

• Usually how many coats of paint are done?

            It’s a 3 tier coat, the primer and the two supplementary top coats.

• Why are some paints expensive than the others?

            Depending on the finish, some have flat others semi-gloss and some have a high gloss finish.

• Can I get a Free Quote?

            Most painters provide a free quote after they visit the site. Again consult your property management Auckland agency to get a list of recommended painters for you.

• Should I worry about my furniture and other belongings, because of the paint work?

            Absolutely not, they can handle the content of the house quite well. They will just need few covers from you so they can cover the furniture from the paint and dirt.

The Washington, D.C., metro area is booming. DC Inno highlighted a report last year indicating that the city was experiencing some unprecedented population growth. “The report says that D.C.’s population has grown by 76,000 since 2010,” the article’s authors say. “That’s a 13 percent increase, bringing the total population to over 681,000 residents.” The influx of people is having a serious impact on the local dynamics, too. Limited housing supply coupled with surplus demand has forced the cost of living to skyrocket.

The good news for possible newcomers to Washington is that career salaries usually compensate for the higher cost of living. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains key figures outlining how promising the career prospects are in the region. Clear trends suggest the disproportionate expansion of sectors serving the federal government. That makes sense considering Washington is America’s capital city.

What about the living arrangements? Typical of most major cities, people can anticipate higher premiums for real estate close to downtown. Fortunately, urban living isn’t the only viable option, especially for younger professionals trying to balance income with expenses. Natalie Grigson at Movoto promoted the 10 best places to live near Washington. Readers might be surprised to see that two of the top three are somewhere in Northern Virginia, more colloquially known as “NoVa” by regional residents.

Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, have extremely rich features to offer to its denizens. The proximity to downtown Washington makes them ideal for anyone looking for a more tranquil homestead. Prospective residents will find plenty of guidance published when it comes to renting in NoVa. More challenges come with buying or building a home in those areas.

Forbes contributor Reagan Greer shared seven factors that novices should consider when building a first home. He covers everything from the importance of location and appropriate budgeting to managing realistic expectations and selecting the right builder. Countless moving parts are involved, which can sometimes surprise those with no previous experience. Homeowners could also entertain the idea of future renovations. A simple Google search of home additions Northern Virginia would reveal a host of possible contractors qualified to take existing homes and upgrade them.

Another sound strategy is relying on more formal resources. Staff writers at the National Association of Home Builders detailed how to choose a home builder. They recommend starting by figuring out the type of home you want and then shortlisting possible builders who work locally. Word of mouth, newspapers, and real estate agents can prove helpful, too. Most people underestimate the need to prepare questions ahead of time, but the authors emphasize it heavily. The piece concludes by suggesting that people shop for value and quality.

Anyone who successfully moves to the Washington area has a lot to learn about the culture. Multiple editors at The Washingtonian published everything people need to know about D.C. Common myths are debunked and obscure nuances revealed. Neighborhoods were detailed with crucial detail and the cultural cuisines were showcased. At the end of the day, the city offers a variety of things to locals who take the time to appreciate them.

Washington and its surrounding towns and cities have an abundance of opportunities and adventures for ambitious souls. Northern Virginia is a clear contender when it comes to suburban living, but the best entertainment is likely to be found in downtown Arlington or Alexandria. The biggest decision to make is whether renting an apartment or buying/building a home would be the right long-term choice.