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Swimming Pools for Beginners

More and more families are considering investing in a swimming pool today. Less expensive than a vacation for the whole family, a home swimming pool is starting to look like a worthwhile investment for many people. With a wide variety of swimming pool options out there, many people can find a way to fit at least a very basic swimming pool into their budget.

Public pools are popular because they are usually quite large, have added on items like sliding boards and wading pools, and seem to cost less than installing your own pool. The cost of paying for public pools can become considerable over a couple of seasons though. Still, public pools can be a nice choice for people with limited space or other considerations that prevent them from putting in their own pool.

If you do decide to get your own pool, in ground designs are much more expensive than going with an above ground swimming pool. For above ground options, inflatable pool kits are available which are probably the least expensive option of all. These are made to be installed with as little muss and fuss as possible and most can be taken down at the end of the season without much problem.

More permanent above ground pools can become quite elaborate. These pools are not meant to be moved on a regular basis and are “winterized” rather than taken down when the seasons change. This option is considerably more expensive than the inflatable pools available, but still much less expensive than having an in ground pool installed.

It should be noted that there are additional costs involved when putting up an above ground swimming pool. Things to consider include getting electricity to the area for the filter, landscaping, leveling the ground and possibly decking. If you have the need for labor, that must also be considered.

Getting an in ground pool is a serious commitment of money for a homeowner and should be looked at as an investment. Having an in ground pool is definitely a selling point. Whether you gain from this investment in the long term will depend on the pool itself and the prevailing economic factors when you decide to sell your home.

If you just want an in ground pool or you have no other pool options available where you live, just accept that it is going to be expensive and hope that you get your value back. Before installing the pool, get all of your documentation handled. All permits and such should be obtained before you ever break ground on the project.

It’s great having a pool during the long, hot days of summer. They can be a great choice for some families. Make sure that you take all costs into account and then look at your budget before proceeding. Take care of your pool properly, and it can bring you, your friends and family many fun relaxing times over the next several years.

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April 30 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »

A Raised Bed Vegetable Garden – Ideal For Cooler Climates

A raised bed vegetable garden is the best option for vegetable gardening in cooler climate zones. Regular gardens can often be soaked and freeze overnight if they are not drained properly.

Building a raised bed vegetable garden allows extra water to drain out faster and the soil will become warmer quicker. With appropriate protection it also allows you to grow vegetables that you would not normally be able to grow due to the cold climate.

A raised bed vegetable garden is ideally suited for many vegetables as it affords extra room for plants to grow deep, sturdy roots. The extra depth allows the plant roots more room to grow and become stronger. This has the benefit of producing sturdier plants which will yield better harvests.

To construct a raised bed vegetable garden you need to pile in the soil with a shovel or rake. The width of the raised bed depends on how large you desire the garden to be. A common dimension is 21 inches. The dirt that is used for the beds has to be a superior quality soil. It is acceptable to use common garden dirt that has been mixed with amendments such as compost, peat moss, and manure. Also, you can buy superior quality soil.

For small gardens with limited space it is a good idea to use wooden frames to assist with containing the soil. This will give you a way to space out the rows of vegetables between each one of the plants. The wood used are usually 2 x 10s or 2 x 12s and should be processed to hold up against the rain and bugs.

You can try using old tires as containers for your vegetable plants. The tire material will keep plants warm – as the early morning sun heats the rubber, giving your plants warmth all day and night long. Similar to a raised bed vegetable garden, the tires will also shed water more quickly, preventing your plants from sitting in water all day.

Soil preparation involves raking. This is important for several reasons but an important one is to see to it that the soil is level. This prevents low spots or places where the water can pool around the plant and thus hold excessive moisture. One way to make sure it is level is to water the soil after raking and check for low spots. If there are any add some additional soil to build up the surface prior to planting.

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April 14 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »