The needs will vary depending upon the type of pool you own. Therefore, this article will talk about it in general. You should always refer to your pool and pump instructions for additional information. Things you will likely need are liquid or powder shock, bromine, chlorine powder or tablets, sanitizing cartridge for the cartridge filters, pH increase or decrease and a test kit to test the chemical levels.

Do not take off just yet and run to the local pool supply store for chemicals. Stop and take a few minutes to check out all of your hoses, skimmer baskets, clamps, gaskets and o-rings. If any of the parts look like they might need replaced, take them with you to the pool supply store. It is a lot easier to match replacement parts if you have the old part with you.

Now that you have the easy part finished, it is time to begin the fun. The first thing required taking the cover off. You will want to enlist help for this, because you want to avoid getting any top water into the pool water. In an above ground pool, you should siphon the water off with a hose.

To get a good siphon started, hook up the hose to the spigot and put the other end of the hose into the top water. Turn the hose on for a minute to fill it. Next crimp the hose a foot or two away from the faucet, and with your other hand, disconnect the hose from the spigot. Position the hose at a downspout drain to discharge then let go of the crimp. The water will reverse and start to drain.

Once you have the water cleared, use a leaf rake to remove as many leaves and twigs as possible. Next, remove your cover weights or springs. At this time a few people positioned around the pool will help to keep the cover out of the water. Try to fold your cover like a blanket keeping the crud in the middle then remove the cover. You need to scrub the cover thoroughly so it is dry for summer storage.

Now it is time to attach all the pump hoses. Remember to lube plugs, fittings, valves, and o-rings with petroleum jelly. Also, be sure to remove any freeze plugs that were used to cover the hose openings. You will most likely need to add water to the pool. It needs to be filled to the skimmer halfway point.

At this point you should start re-circulating the water and check for any leaks around the pump and hoses. Once your pool is leak and drip free, skim off as much floating debris as you can with your skimmer net. Open all your valves to flood the hoses and prime the pool pump. Most manufacturers recommend constant recirculation of the pool water for at least three days. Any crud and debris on the sides and bottom of the pool will need to be scrubbed off. Use the broom attachment of your pool vacuum for this.

After all debris has been removed and the pool has been scrubbed, check your filter for cleaning. Some pumps have removable filters; others are back-flushed, so clean as directed. Once the filter is cleaned, you can now super shock the water as per your manufacturer’s instructions. If you start with green water, you will need a lot more shock. It may take a few days of recirculation to clear the water. Once the water has cleared, test your water or take a sample to your pool supply store and have it analyzed. Adjust the water as required and keep the recirculation going. All that is now left to do now is to wait for the water to warm up so you can start enjoying your pool.

Author , Atlas Green Homes  713 545 2429

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As we look around our homes, we may realize that they could be a bit brighter and more modern if we made some simple changes. An excellent way to update your kitchen is to install beautiful new granite countertops. Perhaps your laminate countertop was the hottest trend in its day. But now you can see a scratch here or a stain there, and you’re thinking that it’s time to bring it more in line with current styles.

Granite is gorgeous and durable and comes in a wide variety of style and color choices. Not only is its versatility an asset to your kitchen, but you can depend on it to look magnificent for many years to come. And a soft cloth and mild cleanser are all you’ll need to keep it that way. Among home builders and remodelers, granite is the most popular natural stone chosen for countertops. It resists scratches, stains, and heat. And its polished surface makes a bold dramatic statement as it highlights your cabinets, faucets, and appliances.

Granite is cut from large slabs of stone and may come with polished, textured, or matte surface. As you consider colors and styles, understand that some may be more porous and may require a sealant to protect the finish. There are cleaning and sealing products on the market which are designed specifically for granite countertops. Whether you choose a light, airy color or something dark and bold, you may want to ask the vendor if you can view the slabs themselves so that you can get a better idea of which one will work best with your decor. The dealer may even allow you to take small samples home for comparison.

Cost estimates are contingent upon several things. A complex job featuring corners and various levels may cost extra. It is wise to secure bids from several different contractors so you can shop for the price which best fits within your budget. In addition to the granite itself, you must account for peripheral expenses like the sink cutouts, mounting of fixtures, and edge fabrication. Granite edges include the very simple eased edge, the more contemporary bullnose edge, the intricate ogee edge, and several others. You can research these specifics online so that you’ll know the costs and benefits of each.

While factors such as geographical area and local availability of the granite will affect costs, you must also consider materials and labor. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional fabricator and installation team, conscientiously weighing the costs is a wise decision on your part. You may consult the websites of home improvement stores, walk through your kitchen with a contractor, or read online reviews written by homeowners who have also chosen granite to upgrade their kitchens. You also benefit from living in our advanced technological age because you can log on to the internet, choose a website, key in the specifics of the project like square footage and complexity

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You don’t have to do a total down-to-the-studs bathroom renovation in order to update your stuck-in-the-80s bathroom. Homeowners may have a more extensive number of options when it comes to updating a bathroom, but even if you are a renter, there are numerous, affordable ways you can transform an outdated bath into a modernized space.

1. Paint

You can always rely on a fresh coat of paint to revitalize everything from a small side table to an entire room. Choosing a trendy color can wake up a tired bathroom. Painting the ceiling a complementary color that is a little lighter than your walls will make a small bathroom appear more spacious. It has become increasingly popular to choose something more interesting than white for the color of your ceilings.

2. Wall decor

After you paint your walls, you don’t want to put back the same boring, outdated wall decor that you had. One of the most eye-catching pieces of wall art in your bathroom can be a mirror. Splurge a little and get a modern style mirror or a spectacular vintage mirror that will complement a modern decor. As for any other wall art that you hang, make sure it exemplifies the simplicity and sophistication of modern design. Keep in mind that glass shelves can be a functional form of wall art in an updated bathroom design.

3. Lighting

With all of the modern and contemporary bathroom lighting styles that are available, you can easily find some that will fit your budget and your decorating theme. Replace your current, unattractive lights with modern style lighting. You might even find new areas in the room where a wall sconce or mini pendant light can draw attention to a previously unnoticed area of the room.

4. Clear the clutter

An incredibly inexpensive way to modernize a bathroom is to remove the clutter from your counter top and all other areas of the room. If you browse through photos of modern bathroom designs, you’ll see that there are few items on the countertops and what is there, is neatly organized in some type of storage container. You can add some freestanding or wall-hung shelves to your bathroom as part of your updating plan. When you add open shelving, it’s imperative that you keep those shelves organized, not cluttered.

5. Details matter

Removing old towel racks and replacing them with more modern style options is a quick and easy project. You’ll also want to replace worn out, unattractive towels with more luxurious, trendy towels to further improve the appearance of your bathroom. Removing outdated hardware on your cabinets and replacing it with a more modern option can instantly modernize “Atlas Green Homes”your bathroom. By directing your attention to small details such as vent covers and switchplate covers, you can add visual updates that will have a significant impact in the overall appearance of the bathroom.

6. Floors

If you have the option to do so, updating the floor in your bathroom is a project you should move forward with. This could mean replacing the floor with bathroom tile “Atlas Green Homes”or painting an unsightly wood floor a color that is compatible with your updated decor. If you rent and can’t alter the flooring, you can rely on a rug to hide an ugly, outdated floor covering.

7. Special features

Modern bathrooms are all about personal style and comfort. Waterfall faucets and rain-style shower heads can enhance the elegance of you bathroom. Heated towel bars can elevate the luxuriousness of your bathroom. It is currently trendy to take steps to bring elements from the outdoors into your modern home design. Adding a few lush green plants to your bathroom decor is a great way to celebrate nature and beautify the room.

The post 7 Simple Ways to Modernize an Outdated Bathroom Atlas Homes appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

A bathroom remodel is a solid investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report. A $16,600 bath remodel will recoup about 64% of those costs when it’s time to sell your home, and a more extensive $53,800 job returns about 57%. In addition, you can maximize the value of your investment by using these smart strategies, which will create a stylish yet budget-friendly bathroom.

1. Stick to a plan

A bathroom remodel is no place for improvisation. Before ripping out the first tile, think hard about how you will use the space, what materials and fixtures you want, and how much you’re willing to spend.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending up to six months evaluating and planning before beginning work. That way, you have a roadmap that will guide decisions, even the ones made under remodeling stress. Once work has begun—a process that averages 2 to 3 months—resist changing your mind. Work stoppages and alterations add costs. Some contractors include clauses in their contracts that specify premium prices for changing original plans.

If planning isn’t your strong suit, hire a designer. In addition to adding style and efficiency, a professional designer makes sure contractors and installers are scheduled in an orderly fashion. A pro charges $100 to $200 per hour, and spends 10 to 30 hours on a bathroom project.

2. Keep the same footprint

You can afford that Italian tile you love if you can live with the total square footage you already have.

Keeping the same footprint, and locating new plumbing fixtures near existing plumbing pipes, saves demolition and reconstruction dollars. You’ll also cut down on the dust and debris that make remodeling so hard to live with.

Make the most of the space you have. Glass doors on showers and tubs open up the area. A pedestal sink takes up less room than a vanity. If you miss the storage, replace a mirror with a deep medicine cabinet.

3. Make lighting a priority

Multiple shower heads and radiant heat floors are fabulous adds to a bathroom remodel. But few items make a bathroom more satisfying than lighting designed for everyday grooming. You can install lighting for a fraction of the cost of pricier amenities.

Well-designed bathroom task lighting surrounds vanity mirrors and eliminates shadows on faces: You look better already. The scheme includes two ceiling- or soffit-mounted fixtures with 60 to 75 watts each, and side fixtures or sconces providing at least 150 watts each, distributed vertically across 24 inches (to account for people of various heights). Four-bulb lighting fixtures work well for side lighting.

4. Clear the air

Bathroom ventilation systems may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind during a bathroom remodel.

Bathroom ventilation is essential for removing excess humidity that fogs mirrors, makes bathroom floors slippery, and contributes to the growth of mildew and mold. Controlling mold and humidity is especially important for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and protecting the value of your home—mold remediation is expensive, and excess humidity can damage cabinets and painted finishes.

A bathroom vent and water closet fan should exhaust air to the outside—not simply to the space between ceiling joists. Better models have whisper-quiet exhaust fans and humidity-controlled switches that activate when a sensor detects excess moisture in the air.

5. Think storage

Bathroom storage is a challenge: By the time you’ve installed the toilet, shower, and sink, there’s often little space left to store towels, toilet paper, and hair and body products. Here are some ways to find storage in hidden places.

• Think vertically: Upper wall space in a bathroom is often underused. Freestanding, multi-tiered shelf units designed to fit over toilet tanks turn unused wall area into found storage. Spaces between wall studs create attractive and useful niches for holding soaps and toiletries. Install shelves over towel bars to use blank wall space.

• Think moveable: Inexpensive woven baskets set on the floor are stylish towel holders. A floor-stand coat rack holds wet towels, bath robes, and clothes.

• Think utility: Adding a slide-out tray to vanity cabinet compartments provides full access to stored items and prevents lesser-used items from being lost or forgotten.

6. Contribute sweat equity

Shave labor costs by doing some work yourself. Tell your contractor which projects you’ll handle, so there are no misunderstandings later.

Some easy DIY projects:

• Install window and baseboard trim; save $250.

• Paint walls and trim, 200 sq.ft.; save $200.

• Install toilet; save $150.

• Install towel bars and shelves; save $20 each.

7. Choose low-cost design for high visual impact

A “soft scheme” adds visual zest to your bathroom, but doesn’t create a one-of-a-kind look that might scare away future buyers.

Soft schemes employ neutral colors for permanent fixtures and surfaces, then add pizzazz with items that are easily changed, such as shower curtains, window treatments, towels, throw rugs, and wall colors. These relatively low-cost decorative touches provide tons of personality but are easy to redo whenever you want.

The post 7 Smart Strategies for Bathroom Remodeling by Atlas Homes, Houston. Austin. San Antonio TX appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite
A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for it’s classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials. granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble
Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate
Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble.

Concrete
This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen countertops are expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

Corian
A solid surface material that first became popular in the 1990’s It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts. It is a totally manmade product and is not porous. As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel
Advantages include very hygienic, easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile
Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

Author Bio
James Mahoney is the owner of Kitchen Designers Idea.com. Learn about today’s kitchen design ideas by visiting his site at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. If you liked this article and would want to subscribe to his information packed newletter visit: Kitchen Designers Ideas.com

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