R&A Magazine: Ask the Experts » Outdoor : Landscaping/Lighting/Spas/Pools/Decks/Outdoor Kitchens

You are wise in your approach. Doing your homework and learning as much as you can will certainly help reduce your chances of doing something you'll end up regretting. Having been in the outdoor kitchen and patio business for many years now, here are some basic things to consider.

Outdoor Kitchens–Overview. In the past when we thought about cooking outdoors our thoughts usually went to a portable gas or charcoal grill. As we spend more time entertaining at home, with our friends, we look for ways to make it easier. If we spend a lot of time running from the grill to the house for grilling needs we find ourselves spending less time with our guests, not to mention a lot of running back and forth. When we want to cook outdoors, eat outdoors, and entertain outdoors we find an outdoor kitchen to be the perfect solution.

The Design Process. As you think of designing your outdoor kitchen, you will need to consider the existing space you have available, what type of cooking you wish to be doing and what type of appliances you need to make it the right setup for you. You will want to start with a decent grill—15–year warranty or better. Remember, this grill will be outdoors year round and you don't want to be replacing it every 5 years. Next consider what type of foods you will be cooking. Many people will have a gas grill and a Big Green Egg charcoal grill or a wood pellet grill for doing 8–12 hour slow cooked meats. You may also consider a Chicago wood burning brick oven for your breads, pizzas, and baking needs. To have your outdoor kitchen function the way it should, you will want to consider a refrigerator, a sink, a trash can, a warming drawer, cooler, doors and drawers for storage space. The options are many so you will want to visit a display room and get a good idea what is available to maximize your space.

Key To Good Design. Just like an indoor space, where guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, it's important to create conversation areas near the chef. The key to a good outdoor kitchen design is to have clean up space and storage spaces to avoid numerous trips back and forth from outdoor to indoor kitchens. It's all about functionality. A well-designed outdoor kitchen will function just as well as an indoor kitchen, with the added benefit of unlimited space to accommodate large crowds.

Custom Cabinets. Again, just like indoor kitchens, custom cabinetry can be designed to fit your space, whether it is an island or tucked in a corner of your deck or patio. Find a local company who designs and builds the cabinets themselves and you can have your own customized kitchen at about the same price that you would buy a standard manufactured one! A custom cabinet can be made to match the outside of your home or it can be a standalone masterpiece. Your countertop can be granite, marble, or real stone. In designing the outdoor kitchen/living space, called a Staycation, a homeowner should also think about exposure to the elements. "Do I need a pergola for shade, a fireplace or fire pit to extend the season in cooler months?" Plans should also consider the landscape; from the views guests see when they are dining to potential ingredients that could be planted close at hand for the chefs. Creating an outdoor living area Staycation helps homeowners make the most of the warmer months. For outdoor living, there's nothing like it.

Costs. Depending on whether you buy appliances and whether you build your kitchen or have an expert build it for you will have a large impact on the price. A modest kitchen may start in the $10,000 range if you are willing to do some of the work yourself. Remember, this is an investment that will increase the value of your home.

For more information, please give us a call at 717.442.8794 or better yet, come visit us in Gap and browse through our showroom for a first hand look at numerous (and beautiful) options. If you are free, we'd love to see you at our Open House on May 4th and 5th. As mentioned in our ad (below), visit www.pagrillcentral.com for details.

First of all, great question! Too many people rush into a possible solution to a problem area without considering all the options out there, and the advantages each solution offers. "It's hot and I want it solved instantly!" Each "possible solution" also can have a negative side, which often isn't discovered until the installed "solution" is completed. Then it is too late or too expensive to change. We like to look at as many options that are available and provide honest "green" solutions.

One of our favorite "green" solutions is a type of sun protection called an awning. The cover either rolls up or is removable for increased "over winter" solar gain. Some numbers that I have actually observed is a deck surface's temperature drop of over 50 degrees. That occurred on a deck where we were installing a stationary frame canvas cover over one half the total deck surface. It was an 87 degree (air temperature) day so I measured a hidden deck surface that hadn't been exposed to the summer sun. It measured 87 degrees. I then pointed my digital thermometer on a fully exposed deck area. It was about 11 AM and the temperature read 139 degrees. A 50+ degree difference. This is the same difference we experience when a canvas cover is installed over an exposed deck surface. The surface is now shaded and you are able to walk on it in bare feet. Try walking on a 139 degree surface.

An additional "cooling effect" is experienced on interior rooms that are connected to these covered deck areas. About 5 years ago IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST, we installed another canvas awning over a west facing deck. Our customer thought it was a "sales pitch" when I stated that the attached interior family room's temperature will drop 15 to 20 degrees. To her surprise it really did!!!! Our customer found their air conditioner was now running less while keeping the family room cool. Less run time, less electric, and less energy used, lowering their overall summer electric bill. In fact, a study done by the University of Minnesota found that air conditioning costs could be lowered up to 30% with a properly installed awning.

You have to remember that when the awning is removed over winter, the reverse effect happens. The greenhouse effect sets in and provides solar gain and heat to those areas previously cooled by a canvas awning. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. Awnings provide a tremendous green effect and energy savings. Proper installation of a correct type of awning, along with a good, durable fit is also important. A properly installed awning can be used for 12 to 14 years. We have had several last over 20 years. The synthetic fabric of choice is Sunbrella due to the fact that it now comes with a 10 year warranty. It is our preference due to its fade and "rot" resistance.

There are other green and energy efficient solutions, but we have found an awning to provide a great option to environmental concerns. A proper choice of style and construction details is very critical to a long lasting solution. We analyze your area. We then make a recommendation based on our 80+ years of combined awning experience. We also manufacture (some styles), install, and service your awning needs. Our goal is to provide you with a durable and great solution to your energy problem area. We don't create another problem with a hasty solution. We aim to please. Additionally we give free estimates and cover most of southeastern Pennsylvania, along with connecting parts of New Jersey and Delaware.

Give us a call at 717.656.7387 for our solution suggestions to your problem area. We don't pressure a sale. We like to discuss your options for an area and provide you with a great solution.

In the past when we thought about cooking outdoors our thoughts usually went to a portable gas or charcoal grill. As we spend more time at home, entertaining ourselves and our friends, we automatically look for ways to make it easier. If we spend a lot of time running from the grill to the house for grilling needs we find ourselves spending less time with our guests, not to mention a lot of running back and forth. When we want to cook outdoors, eat outdoors, entertain ourselves and our friends outdoors we find an outdoor kitchen to be the perfect solution.

To help you think things through with your outdoor kitchen, let's go through the typical questions I get from homeowners.

How do I start the designing process? As you think of designing your outdoor kitchen, you will need to consider the existing space you have available, what type of cooking you wish to be doing and what type of appliances do you need to make it the right setup for you. You will want to start with a decent grill such as one with a 15-year warranty or better. Remember, this grill will be outdoors year round and you don't want to be replacing it every 5 years.

Next consider what type of foods you will be cooking. Many people will have a gas grill and a Big Green Egg charcoal grill or a wood pellet grill for those meats that require slow cooking on low heat. You may also consider a Chicago wood burning brick oven for your breads, pizzas, and baking needs. To have your outdoor kitchen function the way it should, you will want to consider a refrigerator, a sink, a trash can, a warming drawer, cooler combination, doors and drawers for storage space.

What is the key to a good outdoor kitchen design? Just like an indoor space, where guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, it's important to create conversation areas near the chef. The key to a good outdoor kitchen design is to have clean-up space and storage spaces to avoid numerous trips back and forth from outdoor to indoor kitchens. It's all about functionality. A well designed outdoor kitchen will function just as well as an indoor kitchen, with the added benefit of unlimited space to accommodate large crowds.

Can I have my kitchen cabinets custom designed or are there certain sizes I’m stuck with? Absolutely, design it to fit your space, whether it is an island or tucked in a corner of your deck or patio. Find a local company who designs and builds the cabinets themselves and you can have your own customized kitchen at about the same price that you would buy a standard manufactured one! A custom cabinet can be made to match the outside of your home or it can be a stand-alone masterpiece. Your countertop can be granite, marble, or manufactured concrete which has the appearance of marble at about 30% less cost.

In designing the outdoor kitchen/ living space called a "Staycation" a homeowner should also think about exposure to the elements. "Do I need a pergola for shade, a fireplace or firepit to extend the season in cooler months".

Plans should also consider the landscape; from the views guests see when they are dining to potential ingredients that could be planted close at hand for the chefs. Creating an outdoor living area staycation helps home owners make the most out of the warmer months. For outdoor living, there's nothing like it.

What kind of cost am I looking at for an outdoor kitchen? Depending on whether you buy the appliances and build it yourself or have an expert build it for you will have a large impact on the price. I would say you could have a modest kitchen starting at $5,000.00 if you are willing to do some of the work yourself.

For more information, don't hesitate to call me. I also invite you to come visit us and our recently renovated showroom and outdoor patio—complete with a full line of top quality outdoor kitchen products.

Outdoor lighting brings an element of security, ambience and style to your home's exterior. With electricity costs on the rise, many home-owners are looking for ways to cut back on their energy consumption—indoors and out. Fortunately, today's ever-evolving lighting products and solutions allow you to maximize curb appeal AND energy savings.

You can create a zen-like ambience with contemporary Asian lanterns or pay homage to a beloved tree with in-ground landscape lighting. Since energy-savers like CFLs are now designed for nearly every lighting application, the hardest part of creating an energy-efficient lighting plan will be deciding on a style.

As for which provide the greatest payoff, for immediate savings with a minimal investment, swap your incandescent bulbs for fluorescent versions. Fluorescent and CFLs are four times more efficient than their incandescent counterparts and affordable for most homeowners.

Fluorescent lighting has come a long way from its roots as the blue-whitetoned overhead lighting source used in schools and industrial settings. It's now available in warm, inviting shades, so there's no need to choose between form and function. One limitation of the CFL is that they don't offer optimal performance in extremely cold weather. Look for CFLs with a cold weather ballast for the best possible performance from your lamp when the weather dips below freezing.

Another great and relatively easy way to cut back on your energy use is to install dimmers on your exterior lighting. By dimming a light source by 50%, you increase its life span 20 times and reduce energy consumption by 40%. Dimmers also provide an aesthetic advantage—allowing you to adjust your home's exterior lighting to your preference.

If maximum savings and minimal maintenance top your list, you can't beat LEDs. Once primarily used in single-source applications like pens and electronics, LEDs are now emerging on the exterior lighting market. They're not only the longest lasting light sources available, but they also reduce energy usage by 90%—a huge savings over incandescent bulbs.

LEDs are now available in path lights, accent lights, security lighting—you name it. They're more expensive than CFLs, but they offer an unsurpassed electricity savings and long life span. As LED technology advances, the cost for the consumer will decrease.

If you're not ready to invest in LEDs, at a minimum, we recommend them for water applications and hard-to reach lighting. In a pond, LEDs offer superior protection against corrosion. And, if you're installing lights high in a tree, you'll be glad you won't have to replace your LED any time soon.

For a huge selection of outdoor lighting fixtures, lamp-posts, landscape lighting and more, visit your local Yale Lighting Concepts & Design showroom, log onto www.yalelightingconcepts. com or simply call 1-877-336- 0342 today to speak with a lighting consultant. Please visit our web site for locations, driving directions, showroom hours and contact information.

There are many ways to dress up the exterior of your home without spending a lot of money! I routinely notice homes that with a few inexpensive exterior changes could easily go from ordinary to eye-catching. Beyond the personal enjoyment of feeling good about how your house looks, improving your home's appearance will most likely increase its value. The added curb appeal could more than pay for the cost of the improvement. With that in mind, I'd like to share a few of the more popular, low-cost ideas that we use to create better-looking homes all over central PA.

Replace a Bay/Bow Window. Old, worn out bay/bow windows can greatly detract from your home's overall appearance because they are usually a large part of the facade. They also tend to "date" a house. Aesthetics aside, you're probably losing a substantial amount of energy through that old glass as well! Today's bay/bow windows come with a tremendous amount of interior and exterior options including multiple colors, pre finished wood or laminate interiors, Corian seats, decorative art glass, etc. Also, a new bay/bow window provides a great opportunity for our next idea...

Add Specialty Roofing. Small sections like a bay/bow window, a porch roof, or a "pent" roof provide an ideal location for a specialty roofing product. Standing-seam copper or steel, synthetic slate shingles, or designer luxury shingles in a variety of colors can provide a beautiful accent to the front of your home.

Add Specialty Siding. A front porch and reverse gable in the front of your home are great places to add a specialty siding like cedar shakes, scalloped shakes, or board and batten siding. The definition and character that specialty siding provides will add a huge "wow" factor to your home's appearance.

Replace your Front Door and/or Storm Door. For most homes, the front door is the focal point of the house! New doors are surprisingly inexpensive and they can dramatically improve the aesthetics of your home! The styles and options are almost limitless. Also, many homes have an attractive front door that is covered up by an old, unattractive storm door. Adding a new "full-view" storm door in a color that matches or enhances your entry door can do wonders for your home's appearance. Again, for both of these options, you will most likely increase your energy efficiency as well.

Add or Replace Shutters. Shutters are a great way to add color and definition to a home. They are easily installed and come in a wide variety of refinished colors that will never need to be painted. Styles include louvered, raised-panel, board and batten and more. Arched or elliptical tops can be added to match similar windows. Decorative pieces such as "S" hooks and hinges can also be added to enhance an authentic, traditional look.

Add Window and Door Headers and Surrounds. Headers and surrounds can take an ordinary-looking window or door and give it character and class. These options are available in a large selection of pre-finished colors and styles. Surround profiles can be subtle with a basic flat option or molded profiles and keystones can be used to add more flair. Overhead garage doors, which often dominate the front of a home, can be greatly enhanced with the addition of a surround system such as a wide header with a keystone and fluted pilasters along the sides.

These are just a few of the possibilities that can be employed to increase your home's curb appeal without spending a lot of money. Most of them can also be done with minimal intrusion into your home and your lifestyle. At Eby Exteriors, Inc., we gain a lot of satisfaction from improving the appearance of the homes we are privileged to work on! We'd love the opportunity to meet with you and share some ideas as to how we can take YOUR HOME from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY. (717) 733-9142 ebyexteriors.com Route 272, Akron.

Here are some questions and answers that will help you gain a better understanding of landscape design and construction.

What is the difference between landscape architect, landscape designer and landscape contractor? Most states require a landscape architect to pass a rigorous licensing exam and be registered with their state's Board of Landscape Architects. They have either (or both) an undergraduate or graduate degree in landscape architecture and have apprenticed with a licensed professional. Those who have not taken and passed the licensure examination may not use the title "landscape architect." A landscape designer, as opposed to a landscape architect, does not have any requirements — anyone can call themselves a landscape designer. That is not to say there are not talented and professional landscape designers. A landscape contractor is someone who installs the landscape based on plans from the landscape architect or designer. Sometimes the word "landscaper" is used for a contractor or someone who maintains the landscape.

What types of services can landscape architects offer? This is a diverse and often misunderstood profession. Services range from concept sketches and hourly consults to master plans, construction drawings, bidding, tree tagging and supervision. Landscape architects help design all aspects of the built environment and are concerned with aesthetics as well as function — they lay out roads, buildings and parking lots, sidewalks, steps, water elements, planting and site furniture including lighting. Some landscape architects are involved solely in site engineering like storm water management.

Why is a Master Plan so important? It is the 'big picture', a 'roadmap', and will save you heartache and money in the long run. No matter what size your property is, starting with a plan — a visual, two-dimensional long-term strategy for getting from point A to point B — is essential. It need not be detailed... it doesn't necessarily need specific plantings, materials or construction methods, but it should show areas and relationships, for example house to street, driveway to path, patio to lawn, and planting areas that define outdoor spaces. Because most people do not implement the entire plan all at once, the details are figured out later, when a particular phase of the plan is ready to be started. Master plans should be done in combination with sectional drawings or photographs. This helps in understanding the third dimension and allows the mind to better grasp what views may need to be screened, enhanced or framed, as well as more complicated grading issues signaling the need for retaining walls and steps. Some homeowners may be able to do this on their own, but often require assistance from a landscape architect, who can think more artistically and pull all the programmatic elements together — sometimes just having an objective, independent party will bring some unique and inventive ideas to the table.

What will a Master Plan cost? The answer will depend on several things: the size of the property and time it will take for design and presentation, the involvement of the client and number of meetings required, and the ability of the client to visualize in plan view or their need for sketches and imagery to assist them. Some presentation techniques are quicker than others and may not need to be rendered in color, so that can reduce the time and ultimate cost of the plan. After the initial consultation and a better sense of what is required, a fee proposal can be developed.

What season is the best time to begin the planning process? The myth is that I am less busy during the winter months. Often I will begin in the late fall for a project hoping to be installed in the spring. Projects requiring Township approvals can take even longer, so it's best not to wait!

Hopefully this information is useful and puts you in a better position to proceed with your upcoming project. For more information, I encourage you to visit my web site at www.howardjaysupnik. com, or better yet, give me a call at 519.1554.

Stamped concrete is very durable. Concrete has been around for a long time because of its durability & strength. The next time you are on a main highway take note that it is probably made of concrete. In the south a lot of driveways are made of concrete since it is cooler and more durable than blacktop.

Stamped concrete has come a long way in duplicating the look of many hardscapes for considerable less cost than for example real flagstone or brick. There are many border and Patina staining options to give your patio your own personal fl air or character.

Stamped concrete is typically installed in about half the time of a deck or hardscapes so you can enjoy your patio investment sooner rather than later. As for maintenance there is the reseal every 2-3 years that needs done to protect and retain the original beauty. The sealer has other benefits as well. It keeps moss from growing on your patio, which can be an issue with real hardscapes, causing it to become slippery, because a sealer is not applied periodically. Plus the mortar in some hardscapes will deteriorate over time and pieces of stone or slate become loose and create a tripping hazard.

With regards to stamped concrete installation and product quality, we recommend a 4000 psiconcrete mix, a rebar mat, fibermesh, and 2 coats of sealer. Make sure there is a 4-6 inch compacted clean stone base put down prior to installing concrete. A solid base is as important to your patio as footers are to your house foundation. Also insist that your concrete contractor use an anti skid in both coats of sealer otherwise the concrete will be a slipping hazard when wet.

Another part of quality is integral color. We feel if the color is added to the concrete in the truck, instead of broadcasting it on the surface, it is a better job. Because if the concrete is ever chipped, it will expose white concrete. If the color is throughout you can apply sealer to the chip and it will blend in. Remember a quality job is not always the cheapest price. Quality does cost
a little more up front and only takes a little more time & care to produce a quality job. Poor workmanship with concrete can typically only be corrected by removal and starting over. Research your concrete contractor well before choosing one.

As with all types of businesses, there are a lot of “here today and gone tomorrow” concrete installers. Building a business with quality and relationships as the 1st priority will mean a happy customer and a growing company; this is what we strive for at Stampcrete of Lancaster.

Good old fashion ordinary table salt along with the new IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator is really all you need to maintain clear water both safely and effectively. Simply add salt to your pool water and let IntelliChlor work its magic. As the dissolved salt flows through the IntelliChlor generator cell it is converted to pure chlorine and is distributed throughout your pool. This process keeps your water fresh, clear, and safe. Unlike most conventional chlorine additives IntelliChlor continuously recycles the salt day after day.

In addition to sparkling, clear water IntelliChlor makes monitoring chlorine as simple as can be with its built-in control and display panel. Just push a button to choose one of the five sanitization levels and IntelliChlor tells you exactly how to set it for proper chlorine output. IntelliChlor also provides you the same sanitization performance as chlorine, without disadvantages like odor, stinging eyes, irritated skin, or bleached-out swimsuits.

IntelliChlor is not only simple, safe, and automatic, but a provider for perfect water and a worry-free environment. IntelliChlor can be used on pools up to 40,000 gallons with proper TDS. The cost of this stress-free device ranges roughly from $2,000 to $2,500 in cost. The payback is around 4 years. If an IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator interests you feel free to contact Integrity Pools and Arctic Spas at (717) 393-1600 or stop on by at 2106 Spring Valley Road Lancaster PA.

In the early days (which really weren't that long ago), you would’ve been right about your maintenance concerns. Fortunately, the spa technology and additives have evolved to such a degree that I’m happy to report that nothing could be further from the truth. Hot tubs today require very little time and, for that matter, very little money to maintain. Today's spas are equipped with superior sanitation systems that allow the user to be confident every time they enter their spa.

Among the sanitation system components that are used today are ozanators, which are highly effective bacteria killers. Ozanators produce ozone which produces oxygen 3 which kills bacteria. Unfortunately, ozanators alone will not completely sanitize your spa—assistance is needed from chlorine. Some manufacturers use a combination of sanitizing agents, which include the afore’ mentioned ozanator coupled with a product called Microban. Microban antimicrobial protection was developed to neutralize bacteria and fungal growth in products. Interestingly enough the product never wears out. Microban is used widely in the Johnson and Johnson company, Playskool, Farberware, Fruit of the Loom, just to name a few. Again when using with spas it would be aided by chlorine.

The next line of bacteria fighters is the system commonly referred to as mineral cartridges or mineral filters. These are 2 metals combined to be toxic to micro organisms (but NOT humans). This is a highly effective method of sanitation when combined with ozone, Microban and trace amounts of chlorine. The very last item in the maintenance section would be what is called a 24-hour circulation pump. This is simply a pump that runs very efficiently and filters the entire body of water well over 100 times a day, every day.

Now, back to your original question. In total, the amount of time you’ll need to commit to spa maintenance is somewhere between a measly 5 to 10 minutes a week. Clearly the maintenance myth is just that—a myth. Happy spa shopping!

Emphatically, yes. Mulch can be a help—particularly in new open beds—to control erosion, retain moisture, increase the organic matter in soil, and control weeds. On the other hand, if applied too deeply, mulch can threaten the well-being of any plant.

There are two main concerns to address when selecting and applying mulch. The first concern is that the stem, or trunk, of a plant is prone to rot and insect entry when in contact with mulch or soil. Before applying mulch, check to make sure that nothing is touching the stem of any plant, and keep your new mulch well away from the trunk. You can tell where the trunk begins by locating the root “collar”. This collar is the dividing line between the roots and the stem; in general, roots can tolerate soilor mulch contact, while trunks cannot. The root collar is usually found below the flared portion of the trunk to which the roots attach, and looks like a seam or wrinkle. It should always be dry and visible. No mulch should be applied above that point.

One easy way to tell when a plant is buried too deeply is that its trunk still looks straight when it disappears into the mulch or soil. The excess material needs to be removed (or sometimes the plant even needs to be dug and replanted at a higher level) to allow for the trunk to remain clean and dry.

A common problem that develops when trees or shrubs are mulched too deeply is the growth of girdling roots. These roots grow from the bark of the trunk above the buried root collar, and initially lack the directional information to grow away from the stem. Many of them follow the soft mulch around the tree, and then take hold, becoming growing roots. When this happens, it is just a matter of time before they swell, hardening into a noose that, like cancer, strangles the tree with its own growth. Make sure that anyone who plants or mulches your trees understands and cares enough to prevent soilor mulch contact above the root collar.

The second main concern is mulch porosity. The smaller roots that spread beyond the plant near the surface of the soil need to “breathe”. When mulch is too deep, the flow of water and air to and away from these roots is cut off. The finer the size of mulch particles, the thinner the application should be. Fine, soil-like mulch may be too thick if applied more than about 1” thick, while coarse mulch could be applied at a depth of up to 3”. When spreading new mulch over existing mulch, follow the same guidelines. Previous years’ mulch will be finer due to natural decay which, if not removed, can build up to a suffocating level.

Mulch is best used in the open spaces between plants, kept to a depth that promotes air exchange as it keeps down weeds and enriches the soil.

A growing number of landscapers are referring to their companies as design build. This means that the same company that designs the project will also install the project. Design build offers a customized approach that allows the project to receive continuous input from the designer while the project is being built. This allows the designer to effectively work through the building process in order to meet the client's expectations.

From the beginning of the design process through the completion of the punch list, the party installing the work is invested in the design, which affects decisions that take place during installation. The end result when properly executed is a beautiful and functional landscape and satisfied clients.

Good old fashion ordinary table salt along with the new IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator is really all you need to maintain clear water both safely and effectively. Simply add salt to your pool water and let IntelliChlor work its magic. As the dissolved salt flows through the IntelliChlor generator cell it is converted to pure chlorine and is distributed throughout your pool. This process keeps your water fresh, clear, and safe. Unlike most conventional chlorine additives IntelliChlor continuously recycles the salt day after day.

In addition to sparkling, clear water IntelliChlor makes monitoring chlorine as simple as can be with its built-in control and display panel. Just push a button to choose one of the five sanitization levels and IntelliChlor tells you exactly how to set it for proper chlorine output. IntelliChlor also provides you the same sanitization performance as chlorine, without disadvantages like odor, stinging eyes, irritated skin, or bleached-out swimsuits.

IntelliChlor is not only simple, safe, and automatic, but a provider for perfect water and a worry-free environment. IntelliChlor can be used on pools up to 40,000 gallons with proper TDS. The cost of this stress-free device ranges roughly from $2,000 to $2,500 in cost. The payback is around 4 years. If an IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator interests you feel free to contact Integrity Pools and Arctic Spas at (717) 393-1600 or stop on by at 2106 Spring Valley Road Lancaster PA.

There are many trends and new materials in today's decking market. Homeowners are seeking to expand their living space less expensively with the outdoor room concept. They demand high-performance materials that are also low-maintenance and they want style and beauty. This is a tall order compared to decades past, when decks were made of cheap wood, often in an uninspired square or rectangle and presenting a splintery, maintenance nightmare. Now, decks must be design-integrated, withstand active lifestyles and maintain their attractive looks without much la-b or or cost for years to come.

These trends have been met with a series of new man-made materials that overcome the problems of wood. All-plastic decking emerged in the early 1990s, but had heat retention and aesthetic issues. Around the same time, composite materials came on the market to battle the problems of rotting and splintering wood. But there were a host of new problems as expectations grew. These materials were a step above wood, but not completely low-maintenance as promised. They were found to hold on to stains and mildew, due to wood fillers. They were three times heavier than wood, prone to expansion and contraction and often needed pre-drilling. And, the surfaces of some prod-cuts scratched from furniture, tools or pets. It was better, but not ideal. Even though contractors achieved higher margins, they had to weigh whether it was worth the callbacks.

 

The next generation of decking eliminates not only the problems of wood, but of composites and everything in between. A new stain-resistant decking made with cellular pvc contains no wood fillers, so it provides resistance to even the greasiest food stains, red wine, mold/mildew, fading and scratch-in. AZEK Deck leads this category, but also defines a new echelon, with the addition of flax fiber in a special process owned by AZEK Building Products. Along with stain-resistance, this gives the decking added strength and reduced expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. These features make installation easier, with no pre-drilling required, a 40% lighter weight product and two code reports (ICC and CCRR) to satisfy building permit requirements. Always ask any dealer or manufacturer if their product has a code report to avoid future hassles (to date, ours is the only decking of its kind to have these). The decking works well with typical deck fasteners and many of the quality hid-den fastener systems. It also recently met San Diego County fire requirements. With a natural wood-grain look, it is available in five colors, with matching railings, including white.

 

In other new developments, the reduced expansion and contraction of this technology has allowed a brand new line extension: a tongue and groove porch product that can be installed in a covered or uncovered area. AZEK Porch features 1X4 planks that are very easy to install and have all the stain and scratch resistance necessary for an extremely high traffic entryway. For more information about the next generation of decking, visit www.azek.com.

To answer this question you need to understand the chemistry of algae and how it grows in a typical swimming pool.

Algae are plants that grow underwater and like all plants, it requires light, oxy-gen and nutrients. If you deprive algae of one key nutrient, phosphates, it will not grow. Furthermore, if phosphates are kept low, algae will grow much more slowly.

With this in mind, you want to control the phosphates in your pool. How do you do this? There are two accepted ways of preventing algae growth. The first is to make sure there are enough chemicals in your pool to kill off algae growth, or at least as fast as it is growing. This is usually done with a sanitizer like chlorine, and some type of algaecide or algistat (the chemical that kills algae).

The second method combines a level of sanitizer plus chemical to inhibit algae growth. This chemical is called the “minimum inhibitory concentration” or MIC for short. The higher the phosphate level in your pool, the higher the chemical level or MIC must be. The benefit to you is this: If you remove the phosphates from pool water, algae growth is slowed down significantly and as a result, the amount of chlorine need-ed to control it is also greatly reduced.

In both methods, the level of algae is being controlled by a sanitizer and some other agent that controls algae growth. But with the MIC method, you are actually removing the key nutrient that makes algae grow to begin with —phosphates. Some companies will tell you that it isn't necessary to remove the phosphates from your pool water, and they are correct—in a perfect world. However, as we all know, it's not a perfect world. Some-times it rains and sometimes the sanitizer or algistat is not added to the pool when needed. As a result the chemical level in the pool is not sufficient to pre-vent algae growth—and you get a green pool (usually on the hottest day in July!).

The benefit of keeping the phosphate level as close to zero as possible is that when the chemical level in the pool drops very low it's still sufficient to control algae growth. Both methods work, but the combination of phosphate removal and low sanitizer level is much more reliable at keeping the pool algae-free!

The benefit to you is that you can go away on vacation or watch it rain for a few days and know that when it is hazy, hot and humid again and you want a refreshing dip, you’ll still be able to enjoy an algae-free pool. To learn more about the choices you have in pool and spa maintenance, con-tact us at (717) 393-1600 or visit us at www.Integrity-Pools.com.

With the obvious bias (ha ha), I will give you some good guidelines to go by in making your selection for a painting contractor. There are three important questions that can ensure you receive a quality job that you will be happy with for years to come.
What prep will be done?
What will be the finish paint used?
What warranty is offered?

A quality long-lasting paint job begins with proper prep. In the painting world all paint jobs are not created equal. The actual painting is the easy part. Your project deserves a company that will pay attention to the dirty work on a job, like scraping, sanding and caulking. These are the elements vital to a long-lasting job. Look for a company that sells you on the prep.

Make sure that the contractor is offering you the best possible finish. Most paint companies have a top-of-the line paint. Quality paints are better and more expensive for a reason. They have a greater chemical make up and years of research to ensure their durability. Like all good purchases, a little internet or store research will be helpful in educating you. Generally, the more expensive the better in the painting world, especially when it comes to materials.

Lastly, make sure that your prospective contractor gives a warranty. As you know, a paint job can be a sizable investment and worthy of some security. A good rule of thumb for warranties is a year. This should cover all cracks, pops or blemishes in the finish. All top-of-the line paints carry a warranty. It is the labor end of things that you need to be concerned with.

Remember, a paint job is more than just adding color. When done right, it will be an investment in the beauty and value of your home.

Emphatically, yes. Mulch can be a help—particularly in new open beds—to control erosion, retain moisture, increase the organic matter in soil, and control weeds. On the other hand, if applied too deeply, mulch can threaten the well-being of any plant.

There are two main concerns to address when selecting and applying mulch. The first concern is that the stem, or trunk, of a plant is prone to rot and insect entry when in contact with mulch or soil. Before applying mulch, check to make sure that nothing is touching the stem of any plant, and keep your new mulch well away from the trunk. You can tell where the trunk begins by locating the root “collar”. This collar is the dividing line between the roots and the stem; in general, roots can tolerate soilor mulch contact, while trunks cannot. The root collar is usually found below the flared portion of the trunk to which the roots attach, and looks like a seam or wrinkle. It should always be dry and visible. No mulch should be applied above that point.

One easy way to tell when a plant is buried too deeply is that its trunk still looks straight when it disappears into the mulch or soil. The excess material needs to be removed (or sometimes the plant even needs to be dug and replanted at a higher level) to allow for the trunk to remain clean and dry.

A common problem that develops when trees or shrubs are mulched too deeply is the growth of girdling roots. These roots grow from the bark of the trunk above the buried root collar, and initially lack the directional information to grow away from the stem. Many of them follow the soft mulch around the tree, and then take hold, becoming growing roots. When this happens, it is just a matter of time before they swell, hardening into a noose that, like cancer, strangles the tree with its own growth. Make sure that anyone who plants or mulches your trees understands and cares enough to prevent soilor mulch contact above the root collar.

The second main concern is mulch porosity. The smaller roots that spread beyond the plant near the surface of the soil need to “breathe”. When mulch is too deep, the flow of water and air to and away from these roots is cut off. The finer the size of mulch particles, the thinner the application should be. Fine, soil-like mulch may be too thick if applied more than about 1” thick, while coarse mulch could be applied at a depth of up to 3”. When spreading new mulch over existing mulch, follow the same guidelines. Previous years’ mulch will be finer due to natural decay which, if not removed, can build up to a suffocating level.

Mulch is best used in the open spaces between plants, kept to a depth that promotes air exchange as it keeps down weeds and enriches the soil.

A growing number of landscapers are referring to their companies as design build. This means that the same company that designs the project will also install the project. Design build offers a customized approach that allows the project to receive continuous input from the designer while the project is being built. This allows the designer to effectively work through the building process in order to meet the client's expectations.

From the beginning of the design process through the completion of the punch list, the party installing the work is invested in the design, which affects decisions that take place during installation. The end result when properly executed is a beautiful and functional landscape and satisfied clients.