Effective Maintenance Tips That Will Extend The Lifespan Of Your Swimming Pool

Swimming pools and hot tubs are hefty investments. The last thing you’d want is for your fancy pool or hot tub to become severely damaged before its estimated lifespan is up. Unfortunately, this is a much more common occurrence than you might expect. Failing to take good care of your swimming pool or making basic yet detrimental mistakes can severely shorten the duration in which you can enjoy the pool. To avoid such an unfortunate situation, here are a few effective maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your swimming pool.

Inspect the Swimming Pool

First and foremost, you’ll want to inspect the walls and water circulation of the swimming pool. As a general rule, the walls of the pool should always be smooth to the touch. There are many things that could affect this smoothness, such as the building up of contaminants, the development of algae, or damage to the materials. At first glance, the inspection should point out all the visible damage, which could interfere with the circulation of water or require additional treatment. Next, the inspection should focus on any debris accumulating over time from using the pool, which should be vacuumed regularly. In the case of seeing visible cracks in the pool, it’s best to consult a professional, so they can assess the severity of the damage and recommend proper solutions. One of these solutions may be to get rid of the current pool and start again. If the damage is quite bad, patching it up isn't going to do much as it can look un-sightly, so it may be wise to take it down to its base and build it back up. Whether you want an above ground pool or would quite enjoy a fiberglass inground pool, always do your research first and speak to those professionals about your next steps.

Test the Water’s Chemicals

Once you’ve made sure that the structure and features of the pool are intact, it’s time to test the balance of the water’s chemicals. The pool water itself should be adjusted to a certain balance, but you won’t be able to maintain the proper levels if you don’t have an idea of what the standard ratio is. As it happens, the source water itself will contain a degree of chemicals, and it’s not always standardized or well-regulated. That’s why it’s better to hire a professional to test the water or request a water report from your service provider. Once you get the report or test results, you should estimate the amount of water used in the pool to calculate the amount of chemicals you’ll need to add. On average, the pool water should have a chemical balance of 1 to 3 ppm chlorine levels, 7.4 to 7.6 pH levels, 3 to 5ppm bromine levels, and 90 to 110 alkalinity levels. You should test the pool water at least thrice weekly and adjust the chemical balance accordingly. 

Keep It Clean

Just because the water is clear doesn’t mean it’s clean. Even worse, you can’t leave the water as it is if you can visibly see certain pollutants or in case the water has turned turbid. Make it a point to keep the water clean, but also pay close attention to the walls of the pool. Like we’ve previously mentioned, accumulating stains and debris need to be removed right away. While the best scenario is to prevent them from building up, sometimes you’ll need to use a designated stain remover to minimize the damage. 

In countries like Australia where people like going for all-purpose stain removers, many pool owners become quickly disappointed with the results. The background of this reason is simple; as experts at The Pool Stain Removers suggest, you can’t expect an all-purpose detergent to clean all stains. Instead, it’s much more effective to consult a professional and have them give you an accurate report of the cause of these stains, as well as their expert recommendation for the best stain remover to use. 

Maintain the Filters

Just as is the case with all filters, the building up of debris is bound to limit the entry of the filtered substance. In this case, leaving the filters unmaintained will only serve in limiting the amount of water filtered, which, in turn, will put more pressure on the pumps. The pumps will work overtime to push more water to be filtered, ultimately reducing its lifespan. Something as simple as cleaning the water filters regularly and changing them when they’re done their job can prevent all of this hassle. 

Inspect and Repair

At the end of the day, regularly monitoring, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the pool is the key to extending its lifespan. That's why according to pool deck resurfacing contractors, it’s important to keep a regular inspection and maintenance schedule, so you can do repairs as soon as they’re needed. That way, you can prevent a small and simple problem from escalating into a hefty problem. 

Anyone who has invested in a swimming pool would want to enjoy it for as long as possible. For that reason, it’s crucial to regularly inspect the pool for any signs of damage and contact a reputable company like https://www.lazydaypools.com/services/in-ground_pool_liner_replacements/ to carry out any needed repairs as soon as possible. Keeping a good chemical balance, regularly cleaning the pool, and diligently maintaining are all necessary steps you must take to extend its lifespan.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Apartment

It takes one night of sleeping in a bed bug infested apartment to know how much discomfort they can cause. You’ll be consumed by thoughts on how to get rid of these tiny insects forever. Also, bed bugs multiply fast and the more you stall on getting rid of them, the more infested your apartment becomes. 

If you're wondering how to get rid of bed bugs in your apartment, you're in luck. This article has some great tips you need to keep your apartment free from these insects. 

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

A very common question when you suspect an infestation. What do bed bugs look like? Bed bugs are tiny wingless insects. You're most likely going to spot them crawling around surfaces like beds, beddings, sofas, and other furniture. Like most crawling insects, they are flat. The larger part of this insect is oval and reddish-brown. However, some species and younger bed bugs may be lighter in colour.

Bed bugs are not easy to spot because they are tiny and do not fly or jump. In fact,  you may only notice that you have bed bugs in your apartment when you see red bumps on your skin or spot blood stains on your bedding.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide

Bed bugs are about a quarter inch and can easily fit into most crevices in an apartment.  They stay  in tiny holes, furniture and beddings. They get comfy in mattresses, headboards, curtains, drapiers, wallpapers, luggages and clothes.They can stay anywhere as long as it’s cool and big enough for them to access.  You’ll probably never find one when you search for them. 

However, if you see rusty blood stains on your beddings,  pillows, pillowcases, duvets, comforter or bed cover, it is probably a sign that there are bed bugs in your apartment. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in an Apartment

Getting rid of bed bugs in your apartment can be challenging and it may difficult to make your apartment completely bed bug free. Thus, it is not a one off thing and you have to constantly eliminate the bugs to prevent an infestation.

You may need to engage licensed and trained professionals to do so. One popular method of inspection is the use of dogs that smell bed bugs. Well trained scent dogs can find bed bugs from almost anywhere in the house, offering early detection and peace of mind for homeowners. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, there are also some DIY ways to get rid of bed bugs. Here are some great tips for getting rid of these insects.

Declutter

If you have piles of clothes, toys, books, utensils or any or any other items that you barely use or move around, you may have created a comfortable nest for bed bugs in your apartment. Thus, you should declutter your apartment thoroughly and discard items that you will no longer use. 

You can arrange most items in organisers, closets  or wardrobes that have been disinfested. 

Use BedBug Proof Beddings

Beddings are the primary nest for bed bugs and you can minimise bed bug infestation in your home by making sure you use bed bug proof beddings. These beddings prevent bed bugs from breeding and nesting on them. To find out if a bedding is bed bug proof, check the description on the pack as It is usually specified on the pack. 

If you  constantly find bed bugs on your bed, you should change your bed cover and other beddings to bed bug proof ones. 

Fumigation

Over-the-counter pesticides are often a great way to treat bed bugs. It is usually specified on the instruction manual or container if a pesticide kills bed bugs. However, it is best to hire an expert if you want to use this method. Chemical substances are usually toxic and may affect other living organisms in your apartment. Thus, you need an expert to confirm that the pesticide is safe. Experts also comply with all safety guidelines and instructions.

Apart from hiring a professional, you also need to stay away from your apartment after fumigating for the prescribed hours on the instruction manual. Better still,  you should fumigate when you are going to work, going out for a long time or taking a short trip. Depending on how long it takes for the pesticide to wear off,  you may need to stay away from your apartment  for a couple of days. 

If you do not want to stay out of your apartment and the pesticide is not too toxic to keep you out, you can create a space in your room to stay. It could be an enclosed space or a room that you will not be fumigating. However, ensure that you comply with the safety guidelines and consult a professional where necessary.

Heat Treatment

Bed bugs have weaknesses too. One weakness is that they cannot cope when exposed to high temperature. Thus, heat treatment is an effective way to eliminate them from your apartment.  Bed bug heat treatment entails increasing the temperature of your apartment  to 52 degrees celsius to make the atmosphere uncomfortable for the bed bugs.  However, it’s advisable to hire an expert for this. 

You should also seal all open spaces like windows, door cracks and floor openings to seal the heat in. You should also ensure that the heat gets to the cold spots in your apartment. You can do this by placing a hot box close to the cold spots.

Deep Sleep’s Definition and Importance

Want to know the benefits deep sleep offers us? Then keep reading!

Deep sleep is a type of sleep that is also known as slow-wave sleep. It is a stage of non-rapid eye movement or NREM sleep that normally happens in the third stage of one’s sleep cycle. The whole body stays in the most relaxed stage during this type of sleep, and it is hard to wake up even from noisy sounds. The heart rate and also breathing rate are much lower during this sleep stage. Body muscles and eyes are also relaxed, and brain waves are slower too. 

This sleep happens for a longer time in the first half of your sleep, and the longest deep sleep will happen when you fall asleep. This step lasts from 45 to 90 minutes and will get smaller with every sleep cycle till it stops. 

Why Do We Need Deep Sleep?

All human beings require sleep to keep their body in a healthy state. Deep sleep is a sleep stage that helps us consolidate our memories and recharge our brain and whole body. Children grow up by building their body while sleeping. We also need to sleep well to lose weight.

Sleep works as an essential function that allows our body and mind to recharge. People feel refreshed after a good amount of sleep. Additionally, the body becomes healthy, which decreases the chances of diseases. If one does not get enough sleep, their brains will not work properly, damaging the ability to concentrate and think properly.  

The Benefits of Deep Sleep

Deep sleep is a good restorative sleep stage. Our bodies work to grow and repair throughout the period of deep sleep, which is very important for recovery. Also, our body restores energy during this stage of sleep. So when you feel like you are feeling tired in the morning, it means that you did not have enough deep sleep.

Hormones from the pituitary gland eject all over the body during this stage. These hormones have a bigger role in growing and developing the body. Additionally, deep sleep restores energy, regenerates cells, and repairs tissues. Blood is sent to your muscles to heal muscular issues and improve the nervous and immune system.

Importance of Deep Sleep

We process information in our brain during this sleep cycle, in addition to the physiological benefits of deep sleep. If we somehow lack this, it will result in no conversion of the pieces of information you have received in that day’s memory. This is why studying for the whole night before the exam is very bad and does not work very well. 

Deep sleep is extremely important for mental and physical health, and not getting it properly will cause health problems in one’s later life. A study by the Washington University School of Medicine found out that not getting enough sleep has a connection to Alzheimer’s disease because of the brain protein called tau. And regular bad sleep puts people at risk of serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Total Sleep Needed for Well-Being

Almost 13 to 23 percent of full sleep is deep sleep. The whole sleep is made of 75% of non-REM sleep and 25% REM sleep; deep sleep is a part of the non-REM sleep. Everyone needs to sleep in their cozy home for the good development of the body.

As mentioned above, deep sleep is responsible for the growth and repair of the body and brain. Young people need more deep sleep than adults. The children and babies only need 2 to 3 hours of deep sleep each night, where the adults only need 1 to 2 hours. Lastly, older people and pensioners only need less sleep overall. 

Track Your Deep Sleep

The easy and best way to precisely track how much deep sleep you get is using a sleep or fitness tracker. These trackers use your heart rate and its movements to count how long you spend in the sleep stage and show you the average sleep needed for you. 

If you feel very tired the next day, it indicates that you have not got enough sleep. So you have to get enough sleep to stay healthy for the next day and improve the overall quality of your sleep.

Get More Deep Sleep

Getting more shuteye in your sleep can increase the length of deep sleep you get. There are many online resources dedicated to sleep and associated issues. For instance, Rolling Paper has a variety of guides to help you learn more about how you can combat any issues relating to sleep naturally. To get more deep sleep, you can do these;

• Take a bath before bed; if possible, take a hot bath because it helps with slow-wave sleep.

• Have a regular bedtime schedule.

• You can eat a low carbohydrate diet.

• Ignore caffeine before going to bed.

• Avoid exercising at night time.

• Try to relax at your bedtime; for example, you can read a book or listen to soft music.

• Eject any bright lights from your bedroom along with devices.

• Get yourself comfier in bed.

Get Enough Sleep

At the end of the day, you have to get a night of good long sleep to stay healthy. And there are multiple signs that the body shows when it does not get enough sleep. Most noticeable of them are-

• Brain fog: Your brain will feel foggy and will not focus on what you will try to do. It will lead you to do messy things.

• Not being able to stay awake: Nodding often will indicate that you have not got good sleep, and your eyes will close by themselves most of the time.

• Gaining weight: A hormone called leptin is responsible for indicating if we are full after eating. But if we are tired, its levels will drop and make us hungry all the time. 

• Feeling irritated: This is mainly caused by the point when you do not feel energized or have the concentration to handle the things you usually can. 

Conclusion

Sleep is essential for us, especially if we do some tasks requiring heavy concentration and thinking. Getting the best deep sleep is vital for unlocking our full potential when doing those tasks. So get good long sleep to stay healthy and focus on your work.

Should you build a sports area in your house?

Sports have played a significant role in the development of humans because this activity contributes to building a person's personality and developing their individual characteristics. 

There are many different sports, and each sport can develop a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sports are also entertaining and inspiring to watch. Some athletes achieved their most incredible goals through sports, such as bringing pride and honor to their families and even to their country.

Sports also made it to the cyber world, and even there, sports are still linked to the people. Sports can be watched and advertised online. Sports enthusiasts and veteran athletes can share their advice and knowledge about their field of sport. Something that is beneficial for aspiring athletes who are planning to discover the world of sports. They can also give information and sell equipment, accessories, apparel, and related items about sports online. Many sports shop have also established their stores online like Anytime Sports Supply, Dick's Sporting Goods, Anthem Sports, and more. 

You can play certain sports in either outdoor or indoor areas. If you are participating in a competition, some sports must be played in their respective areas, such as soccer, swimming, baseball, ice hockey, and many more. 

But if you are not participating in any competition, you can play any sport that you like, whether on an outdoor or indoor court area. You can still play soccer indoors, swimming outdoors, play ice hockey on an open-ice field, and so on. You can even play sports in the comfort of your house. 

There are many available sports that you can easily create a court around your house if you want to build a sports area. You can even make a mini football court in your backyard. All you need to do is to look for open space and buy a metal goal bar. You can also build a mini badminton court in your garage. It will only take two poles, one net, badminton rackets, and a shuttlecock. If your family is into basketball, then a basketball court in your house can surely be made possible if you work on it yourself, or enlist the help of basketball court builders near me.

There are still various options that you can pick, and having a designated sports area comes with a lot of benefits. Building a sports area in your house is worth trying for many reasons. To give you a glimpse of that, here are 5 reasons why you should build a sports area in your house:

1. Family bonding

The first benefit that a sports area in your home can offer is the fact that it can strengthen your bond as a family. Choose one sport that the whole family can enjoy and participate in so that everyone will not feel left out. 

If you are already a player of a certain sport, you can introduce it to your family and have fun while teaching them. It would be great to have a common sport for the whole family. Without a doubt, you will be spending a lot of time with your family in that sports area. 

Either you will play 1 on 1 with your wife, let your children play, enhance their skills, develop their abilities, have a group match, rest assured that you will have a bond with your family, which will be strengthened later on. You can also invite your relatives or friends and let them play with you, maintaining your relationship with them as well. 

2. Physical and mental fitness

Having a sports area in your house will allow you and your family to stay physically and mentally fit. Playing different sports will develop your family's coordination and teach them how to properly take care of their bodies by doing the necessary stretching for warm-ups and cooldowns. 

The instilled physical fitness will become part of their habit, and your children can carry them into adulthood. Sports can also develop your children's personality and character through the different sets of skills that they must master for that specific sport. 

It will also enhance your family's mental fitness. When you play sports, your body will always be in motion, and because of that constant motion, your brain will release endorphins. When it does, those released endorphins will interact with your brain's receptors, which can reduce any pain that you will feel. Endorphins are also similar to morphine, which means that when endorphins are released, your body will feel that positive feeling. You will notice how your senses will sharpen, which is a must for survival.

3. Honing skills and potentials

When your children already have the potential for that specific sport you chose, having a sports area in your house will enhance their skills. You can teach them and develop the skills that enable them to grab their fullest potentials. They will wake up every single day excited, knowing that they can play their favorite sport and is within their reach. 

You can also help your children grow and develop into a mannered person because of the discipline, hard work, confidence, and self-reliance that you teach them when you train them with that said sport. Imagine teaching your daughter/son basketball from the day that they are born up to they grow up. You can raise a future NBA star with proper training and a sports area within their reach.

4. A functional decoration in your house

A sports area will also make your house more appealing and unique from other homes. It is like a signature of your family's bond. You can also choose a theme for your sports area that would match the look of your house, in that way you can let your family enjoy the sports area and embellish the look of your house—of course, still maintaining its functionality.

5. Practice safety 

When playing different kinds of sports, injuries and accidents are always a possibility. Having a sports area at home eliminates the need for your children to travel to public courts, keeping them closer to home and under your supervision. To ensure safety, consider working with experts like Semper Fi Striping to install proper court markings and surfaces. Clear striping and designated zones can reduce confusion during games, while non-slip materials and padding can help prevent accidents.

You can buy safety equipment to ensure their safety. You are also one call away, so you don't have to worry about critical injuries because you can guard your children while they play. Having a sports area in your house means that you need to teach safety practices within the area as well. Since your children or visitors know how to ensure safety when playing, they can apply it whenever they need to play in a different arena or gymnasium.

5 Amazing Things You Can Do In Iceland

Iceland is known for its stunning natural beauty and wondrous views of the night sky. But there is more to do than just watching breathtaking vistas - if that wasn't; enough. You’ll also need an affordable and cozy camper to take you to those exciting spots that promise adventures and lifelong memories. Iceland is packed with action, it’s a matter of knowing where to go and what to do in those places. Here are five amazing things you should consider doing when you take your trip to Iceland. 

Whale Spotting 

Húsavík is often referred to as the Whale watching capital of Europe because of its thriving aquatic ecosystem which makes it a prime location for humpback whales. Other varieties of the incredible creature, including sperm whales and orcas have been spotted in Icelandic waters. The whales can be seen there all year round, but the best time to spot them is in the warmer summer months. It is advisable to book a tour boat as the experts who captain these vessels will know the movement of the pods in the area and their daily feeding habits. 

Relax In The Blue Lagoon

In the center of Reykjanes, a UNESCO Geopark is the blue lagoon. The geothermal spa is one of twenty-five natural wonders of the world and is very popular all year round. You will need to book in advance to enjoy a dip in the pool and enjoy its regenerative properties. Trips should be planned because the slots can be filled months in advance, especially during busy tourist seasons. However, it is well worth the effort as the calming vivid blue water is kept at a perfect bathing temperature with plumes of steam rising from its surface. 

Cross-Country Skiing

There are plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes in the North of Iceland. There are slopes and lifts suitable for beginners and experts. However, if you want to take in more of the scenery, then you can take part in a cross-country ski trip. Cross-country skiing is popular with Icelanders, and it is the home to some of the most well-known routes in the world, with a long history of cross-country skiing marathon races. If you do venture out onto the snowy terrain, make sure you stay hydrated with Cross Country Skiing Hydration Packs and wear appropriate clothing too. 

Witness The Northern Lights

Iceland has a small population, and as such, there are many miles of night sky unspoiled by light pollution from dense city centers. Iceland is a prime location to spot the marvelous Northern Lights. The green phenomenon dances above your head and will keep you mesmerized for hours on a clear night - just remember to take your balaclava to stay warm as you stand around waiting! Speak to locals who can advise on the best location to see the wonder in the quiet rugged landscape. The lights are often described as magical, but their appearance in the night sky can be predicted by science, and there are even apps that can forecast your percentage chance of seeing the aurora on any given night. 

Explore An Ice Cave

Finally, if you are feeling adventurous then you could explore the crystal ice cave. The cave is known for its turquoise blue colors. Ice caves are formed in glaciers every year, and the constant melting of the glaciers means the caves change every year. There are ice caves across all of Iceland, and they are a spectacle of nature that is worth adventuring to see.

Popular Types of Green Tea That Might Interest You

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help fight cancer cells, prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and decrease inflammation. It helps enhance brain functions and keeps you alert, and lowers the risk of developing diseases like dementia that result from aging. Green tea is also known for its ability to boost metabolism and contribute to fat burning. Since we know the benefits of green tea, we are here to tell you about popular types of green tea that you might find interesting.

Sencha

Sencha is the most common variety of green tea. It is made from steamed small-leaf Camellia Sinensis (tea plant). The steaming process captures the green color and the refreshing flavor of the leaves while preventing oxidization. Afterward, the leaves are rolled, shaped, and then dried. Because the procession of sencha is completed with little oxidization, benefits like weight loss, and improved blood flow and brain function are augmented. 

Gyokuro

Gyokuro fine green tea is rare, even in Japan. Before harvesting, the tea leaves are shaded from sunlight for about 20 days, producing a sweeter taste with higher nutrient concentration. Only small tea leaves from the top of the plant are used to make Gyokuro, resulting in a crisp aroma and sweet, delicate taste. In addition to the known benefits, like cancer prevention, fat loss, and boosting cardiovascular health of green tea, Gyokuro is packed with vitamin c which promotes clear and youthful skin. It also enhances dental protection and prevents cavities and bad breath. 

Matcha

Recently, matcha has grown very popular in all its forms. Matcha desserts, lattes, teas, and shots, have taken the world up by a storm. Like Gyokuro, tea leaves are shaded for 20 to 30 days before harvesting, boosting chlorophyll production and amino acid content. Matcha is very high in caffeine and antioxidant content because it contains nutrients from the whole leaf. After harvest, the whole leaf, minus the stems and veins, is ground up. The tea contains a type of plant compound that acts as a natural antioxidant called catechins. Matcha typically contains up to 137 more catechins than other green tea types. The reviews at MatchaOutlet.com explain that  Matcha works on protecting the liver and the heart, helps prevent cancer, boosts brain function, and promotes weight loss.  

Kabusecha

Kabusecha green tea is shade-grown for 7 to 14 days. It is covered with a red screen or cloth for this period before picking, making it more powerful than Sencha but more subtle than Gyokuro in taste, aroma, and amino acid content. Kabusecha also promotes cardiovascular, oral, and digestive health, and improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Its production levels are relatively low and make up only less than 5% of tea produced in Japan. 

Tencha

Tencha is a type of green tea that is mostly used in the making of matcha. Tencha leaves are grown similarly to Gyokuro and are covered for the same time period, or even longer. However, after the steaming process, they are not rolled and are only dried. Leaf flecks become what is known as Tencha after the stalks and veins are removed. Looking for a delicious way to boost your wellness?

Genmaicha

Genmaicha is brown rice green tea. Brown rice is rice that contains the bran covering of rice grains. Genmaicha is Sencha or other green tea types, that is mixed with brown rice after it is soaked, steamed, roasted, and popped. Commonly, the ratio of green tea to brown rice in Genmaicha is 50:50. Genmaicha is low in caffeine content and is a better choice for children and seniors. Its taste is a unique blend between savory brown rice and refreshing green tea.

Hojicha

Like Genmaicha, Hojicha is a suitable drink for seniors and children. This is because of its low caffeine content resulting from its preparation process. Hojicha is made from roasted Sencha or other types of green tea, giving it a strong roasted aroma. At a temperature of around 200 degrees C, green tea is roasted in a roasting pan, causing the sublimation of caffeine. It is then immediately cooled right after. 

Green tea has amazing health benefits, which is why it is one of the most favorable drinks worldwide. It can be prepared and harvested in a variety of ways, resulting in several types of green tea. Each type has a distinctive taste and aroma and differs in the caffeine, nutrient, amino acid, and antioxidant levels. To help you choose the right tea for you, we gathered information on some popular types of green tea that might interest you.