Beyond Know How

What’s the worst tradegy that can befall above ground swimming pools? Not having their owners care enough about them to keep up on the weekly task of pool cleaning. This is a terrible tragedy since the whole point of having a pool is to be able to enjoy them when the weather and your mood allow.

Remember that cleaning is not a difficult thing. It just takes time. And the importance of it is that a clean pool will keep you healthy. So remember to test the pool chemical levels regularly. Use your filter system to keep your filter clean, whatever type of filter you have. And be sure to shock your pool on a regular basis.

If you keep up with these few things, you should be able to swim whenever your mood strikes!

Having a gazebo canopy can be a great way to provide you with the extra shading that you need. It’s not always that case that every time you go somewhere outdoors that there will be a shady area for you to be under. When you get your canopy, you will want to make sure you make it last. The main cause for the top to wear out is the weather. Simple things like heat, rain, and wind can really cause it to become damaged. What you will want to do is to make sure you take the canopy down if you aren’t going to use it for long periods of time such as during the cold season. Also, when replacing the top, which you will have to do eventually, you will want to make sure you go for something that is a bit more high quality. It will cost you a bit more but it will be worth it in the end.

If you have ever been camping you know how important it can be to bring your own camping chairs. Not only do they provide a place to rest that isn’t dirty, wet or otherwise unpleasant, but they are also portable and can greatly improve your overall trip. Make sure you think about the kind of chair that will be most suitable before you buy it. If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking the last thing you want to do is haul a 15 pound chair with you so plan ahead. There are a lot of lightweight camping chairs on the market that also are inexpensive. Folding camping chairs are always a smart idea. Do a little research and you’re sure to find the right camping chair for you.

If you have sat around an outdoor fireplace at a friend, neighbor or relative’s house you may now want one yourself. But what is involved in building outdoor fireplaces? Depending on what you want this answer can vary drastically. Getting a raised fire pit isn’t that difficult, but if you want a real fireplace outside it can get quite a bit more involved.

But luckily there are a few companies that sell outdoor fireplace kits. These kits make building this structure pretty easy. If you are a do it yourself kind of person you should easily be able to put this together yourself. But even if you hire someone to do it and outdoor fire place kit will make the project cheaper because there won’t be as much labor involved.

Trailer tents are a very good way to enjoy your holidays. They are comfortable and spacious, and can be used all year round. Another benefit is that they are very easy to set up, in fact most manufacturers spend a lot of time in creating them to be erected in under 10 minutes. Most of the time it is simply a case of turning a few levers and you are up and running. Because trailer tents are also light, they are easier to tow than a bulky caravan.

This lighter weight also means lower fuel costs and wear on your vehicle. The low profile also makes it a lot easier to see out of the back and avoid any accidents. Most trailers will come with a fitted kitchen and ample sleeping quarters for up to 8 people.

photo credit: galateadia

Geo cashing is a high tech GPS assisted treasure hunt. I hadn’t heard about until recently, thankfully a friend introduced me. I absolutely love geo cashing. I enjoy looking for a treasure, but heck who wouldn’t, you get to do it outside, there isn’t a scheduled date that you have to do it or it is over. It is just ultimate in fun!

In fact this weekend is almost fall and I am looking forward to going on a geo cashing hunt while the trees are in the midst of change and the air is cool and crisp. First, we decided what area of our state we wanted to hike. Then we went online and located a cache (a fancy name for a treasure). Next, we printed the coordinates and we were off.

We located a cache which always contain a log, sign it and put it back. Hopefully the cache will contain geocaching coins. These are way cool! Be sure to put the cache back exactly where you found it, so the next treasure seekers will be able to locate it.

Next, plan your upcoming geocaching adventure!

Horseneck Beach State Reservation is just one of the many places where you can swim in Buzzards Bay. Being New England many ocean beaches offer some bracing waters. Buzzards Bay is not unusual other than it is a bit warmer than someplace like Revere Beach or Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. A bit is a relatively term though as the water is still pretty darn cold.

I have been swimming off of southern Massachusetts beaches for many years and I do like it. The water is cold but that is a big part of the point as to why I am swimming. The middle of the summer, hot and humid, is just the time when you really want to cool off. I could not imagine falling into the water if it was winter but in the summer I will keep right on enjoying my cool swims from Horseneck Beach.

photo credit: kevindooley

More and more anglers are picking up light fishing because of the sheer thrill involved in pulling up massive trophy fish using line that is more accompanied to the type of species they are targeting. What fun is pulling up 2lb bass using 30lb test braided line? You don’t have to do anything but simply winch the small fish from his home and then ski him across the top of the water, throw him in your livewell, and call him a trophy fish at the next beer gathering. If you want a real thrill, try taking up light tackle fishing in order to really give the fish a fighting chance at getting away, and not just getting his face pulled back to the boat. You call that fishing?

Considering the constant risk from natural disasters, more families are deciding to either create or buy 72 hour survival kit. Doing so is a smart decision to ensure your family’s safety. During the hours prior to a natural disaster, it is very easy to overlook and forget vital essentials, such as dry food, water, and first aid supplies. Furthermore, finding these items after a disaster can be near impossible.

Having pre-assembled survival kits and emergency survival backpacks ensure that your family will have all the essentials needed. Additionally, these kit include some rather difficult to find items. These survival kits are created by experts following disaster preparedness guidelines, intending to give you and your family the best survival chance during those initial 72 hours. 

There is no region in the world that does not have some risk from natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, landslides, or blizzards.

photo credit: ketrin1407

Have you ever heard the expression that it is important to make a good first impression? I’m sure you have but have you ever considered that this applies to a lot of things and not just your own personal appearance?

If you are a homeowner this applies to your home as well. When you have people come by for a visit they will look at your home and your garden and within the first 2 minutes they will make up their mind about what kind of person you are.

Besides keeping everything clean there is one thing that will instantly improve people’s perception of you and your home and that is garden statues. If you pick the right ones you can make your home look almost majestic and that look will reflect on the way visitors will perceive you as a person.