Business News Network

How to keep your hot tub shinny: To keep detergent and soap residue out of your spa water, shower without soap before soaking in your spa, and instead of washing your bathing suit use the rinse cycle.

Here are several tips on how to maintain your hot tub and also a recommandation if you live in Colorado. People with open sores or any type of infection should not use a spa. The hot water is the perfect environment for spreading infections, especially if sanitizer levels are not properly maintained. The same goes for rashes and other injuries. Consult a doctor to get the green light before stepping back into a hot tub. Newer spas have factory-set temperature maximums of 104 F. Most bathers find that 100 F to 102 F degrees is a comfortable and therapeutic level. Higher temperatures can place undue strain on the cardiovascular system. Be sure to accurately monitor the temperature. If you or your guests feel “funny”, lightheaded, or get overheated, step out of the tub. Check the temperature before returning and make sure you cool off and drink plenty of water.

Tips for buying a hot tub : Get a better perspective for how your spa will fit by using rope or garden hose. Make an outline the size of the hot tub you want. Leave room for access to the equipment, steps and a cover lifter.

Sometimes, hot tub care is about hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. With proper care, your spa filters can have a long and healthy lifespan. But nothing lasts forever, and Murphy’s Law is always hiding in the tall grass. Always keep an extra filter cartridge on hand, just in case. If your filter flakes, you can swap in your spare and keep the hot tub fun rolling without missing a beat.

Speaking of regular spa care, a full cleaning of the waterline and surfaces can be done when the spa is drained, which should happen every 2-4 months. Just be sure not to use any old household cleaner or soap. If you are going to use any chemical on your spa surfaces, use something like our Spa Cleaner to keep out phosphates, nitrates and who knows what else. Read more information at Hot Tub Services and Repairs in Colorado.

But first let’s view the hot tub choice of the month : The Essential Newport is a basic yet sturdy hot tub that is great for year round use. Equipped with 14 powerful jets and a high quality heater this hot tub offers a relaxing and comfortable hydrotherapy experience at a fraction of the cost when compared to other premium models. The Essential Newport is the ideal hot tub for small families and couples or for someone who is working with limited space. It’s extremely easy to set up and its space-saving design allows it to fit in even in the tightest of spaces. Fast shipping and long-lasting durable construction make this hot tub a great addition to any home.

Your daily maintenance tasks are all about ensuring good water quality. In a hot tub that means checking two things: PH and sanitizer levels. This is easy stuff, and can generally be accomplished by dipping a single, color-coded test strip into the water to check that everything is as it should be. If you’re diligent about maintaining your tub, most days this won’t mean doing anything more than walking out to your tub, dipping the test stick in the water, and heading back inside. If your PH or sanitizer levels need adjusting, however, you’ll need take an extra few minutes to dump the proper additive into your water to get things back their proper levels. Doing so will prevent a host of problems, including scaling, mineral buildup, corrosion, skin irritation, and cloudy and stinky water. One of the most important things you can do to increase the longevity of your spa cover is to remove it at least twice per week. Use a spa cover lifter to completely remove it, or if you don’t have a spa cover lift, gently place it off the spa. Give your cover a few hours to breathe and shake off some of the constant heat and moisture. This is also a good time to add chemicals or shock the spa if you aren’t using it at the time.

Stump removal guides: Do you want to keep your trees in good shape? First we will suggest some advices on tree care and after that we will introduce Tree Artisans, a tree services company in Colorado Springs. Proper tree care begins with selecting the right tree and planting it in the right place. Make sure your tree will thrive – especially once fully grown – where you want to plant it. Things to consider include: The tree’s purpose. Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or as a street tree? Your end goal will determine the suitability of different trees. Planting site limitations. What is your hardiness zone? What is the maximum height and spread for a tree in the space? What are the sun exposure and soil conditions? This information is available for more than 200 trees and woody shrubs in our Tree Guide.

Proper tree care begins with selecting the right tree and planting it in the right place. Make sure your tree will thrive — especially once fully grown — where you want to plant it. Things to consider include: The tree’s purpose. Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or as a street tree? Your end goal will determine the suitability of different trees. Planting site limitations. What is your hardiness zone? What is the maximum height and spread for a tree in the space? What are the sun exposure and soil conditions? This information is available for more than 200 trees and woody shrubs in our Tree Guide.

Trees are an important element to your backyard landscape. Not only do trees provide much-needed shade in our increasingly urban suburbia, but their lush, green foliage adds amazing aesthetics. But sometimes our common backyard trees can fall victim to unforeseeable natural threats, which can weaken and eventually kill them. Here, we’ll review the most common threats to trees and how you can protect your trees from damage. There are hundreds of different kinds of common diseases, pests and other natural threats that can affect your trees. Here are the most common.

Mulching is the most beneficial thing a home owner can do for the health of a young tree. Mulches are materials placed on the soil surface to improve soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature and moisture availability. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Ideally, growing trees should be fertilized throughout the year. The greatest amounts should be applied during the early spring and summer months. Several light applications a year are preferred as the tree gets older. On the other hand, there are also a few species that are not recommended to be planted in Colorado, for various reasons: their susceptibility to diseases, their tendency to spread and out-compete native species etc. We are talking about Silver maple, Russian-olive or White-Barked Birches, among others. Before planting any trees in your yard, call professional Colorado utility locate technicians to ensure buried cables are undisturbed and functional throughout your landscaping project. Discover additional details on Tree pruning and removal service in Colorado Springs.

The highest tree loss rates occur within the first three years after planting while the root system grows from the root ball into your soil. Many such losses are preventable with the right care. Watering trees at the right time and in the right way is the first step. Apply water to the original root ball and the surrounding soil once or twice per week during dry periods – depending on the weather and soil moisture levels.Proper mulch application conserves soil moisture and provides a better environment for roots to grow. Mulch should never be in contact with the trunk of the tree. Pest management is also important because young trees can’t afford to lose leaves or branches to pests. Fertilization helps to establish healthy growth and is a cost-effective way to help turn small plants into larger ones.

Searching for the best choices if you want to cut down the tree maintenance costs? Start with picking the right trees for Colorado! The smallest tree on the list is a Japanese Tree Lilac. These are true lilacs, but their globe shape is much taller than the flowering shrubs we all know and love. They grow to be 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, and are remarkably trouble-free. Tree lilacs put on a beautiful display of creamy white flowers in late June. Their fragrance is intoxicating! Plant them near a deck or patio and breathe it in! Once the flowers fade, the dense foliage continues to add a welcoming pool of shade through the summer. Japanese Tree Lilacs are drought-tolerant once they’re “established.” In other words, give them two or three seasons of normal watering, and then enjoy these trouble-free plants as their water-wise habits kick in!

Denver gutter replacement professional: First important step is to maintain your roof properly. Inadequate ventilation can cause mold, ice damming, and a host of other issues with your roof. As the moisture in your home rises to your attic, if it can get out, it’ll start to build up and condense, causing problems throughout your home. The Federal Housing Administration recommends at least 1 square-foot of ventilation per 300 square-feet of attic space to properly ventilate your home — a standard most homes don’t actually reach. When you have your roof inspection this year, have the inside of your attic and your vents looked at to guarantee that your house is moving air as it should. Check your exhaust and intake vents to make sure they’re free and clear of all leaves, sticks, and seeds.

Your roofer may use roofing cement and nails to replace metal flashing around chimneys, roof vents or other installations if the flashing has become loose or rotten. If installing the flashing against brick, it’s advised to use copper or galvanized steel, because the lime in brick mortar may corrode aluminum. Your roofer may use gutter caulking, a gutter patching kit or roofing cement and patches to repair leaky or corroded sections of the eavestroughs or downspouts. If they are sagging, he will use a level to determine proper pitch and rehang them so they drain properly.

True Nature Roofing specializes in making the roofing process as simple as possible. In return, our customers are faced with the least amount of time, money, and heartache necessary. We are a leader in customer service and we focus on what matters most… you! With every job we commence, there is a secure feeling of knowledge, experience, and integrity that is embedded in our work. We provide FREE roof estimates in our Colorado Springs service area upon request. We can also work on roof pricing directly with insurance companies to help reduce out of pocket cost. True Nature Roofing has the necessary resources to handle residential and commercial roof replacements whether it is a small project or a large project with high-end designer shingles. Our specialized installers can handle tile & slate repairs, custom metal roofing replacements, and flat, rubber, or TPO roofing projects. The True Nature Team has also had extensive experience working with T-Lock shingle roofing replacements. Colorado Springs has a large number of homes that were built with the interlocking, T-Lock style shingle due to a large backstock of these materials having been made available to home builders after they were discontinued by manufacturers. Many property owners are finding that their property insurance policy has an exclusion of coverage or an extremely high deductible for homes with T-locks. Find out more here on the hidden COST of T-Lock Shingle Roofs.

Lets discuss about Professional roofers for all repairs. Every year, millions of homeowners replace their roof, either because it has reached the end of its lifespan or the last storm really did a number on it. But even though everyone eventually needs to replace their roof, there are several maintenance tips for shingle roofs you can use to avoid tearing it off sooner rather than later.

Leaves are easy to remove and there’s no excuse to have them on your roof. Leaves collecting in roof valleys or near the chimney will collect and retain moisture, something you don’t want for your roof’s lifespan—not to mention your house beneath it. Clear the leaves off with a leaf rake or leaf blower, and again, make sure a friend is spotting you from the ground below. There are some jobs that are best left to the professionals, and in this case, it’s an annual roof inspection. While there are definitely things you can do on your own to maintain your roof, like check for obvious physical damage, clean your gutters and keep debris off of your roof, there are other aspects of a roof that to an untrained eye can go amiss. A professional roof inspector will be certified in certain tests and examinations of your roof that can detect underlying damages. You can hire an inspector by calling your trusted, local roofing company, searching online for certified inspectors, or even asking your friends and family who they use. Discover even more details at Professional Roofers for all Repairs Big or Small.

Maintain Your Chimney: If you notice cracked or missing mortar on/in your chimney, ensure you replace this as soon as possible. This is critical since the mortar holds the chimney bricks in place, and if any brick falls out, it could cause damage to your roof. Prevent Ice Dam Formation: Ice dams may be pretty to look at, but they spell doom for your roof as they build-up, and repairing roof damage from ice dams is costly and intensive. Ensure you take steps to insulate your house and roof to keep your roof cool and at the same temperature as the external environment. This will keep snow closest to the roof from melting into water, and freezing onto the colder parts of your roof.

Windshield auto glass rock chip repair provider in Colorado Springs, CO: To schedule windshield repair or replacement, please contact the auto glass specialists. The faster you get your car to us, the better chance there is of a successful repair. Of course, if a repair isn’t possible, we can replace your windshield. Tape removal: Leave retention tape on for 24 hours after windshield replacement. Future rock chip care: If your windshield is chipped or cracked within 12 months of the replacement, we will repair it for free. We will even replace it if the glass is damaged beyond repair.

You’re casually driving down the road one day behind a gravel truck, and… thwack! A good-sized rock smacks your windshield, instantly causing an ugly crack. Outside of car accidents, flying rocks and metal debris are the main culprits when it comes to windshield cracks. What should you do? If you choose to ignore the windshield crack, oftentimes seasonal temperature changes will make it worse. Moisture and dirt invading the cracked glass can also cause it to spread. Windshield cracks become dangerous once they’re large enough to interfere with your field-of-vision, and in many states, you can be ticketed if a cop deems your cracked windshield to be unsafe. Additionally, there are several hidden reasons why driving around with a cracked windshield simply isn’t wise.

Auto Glass Replacement: No matter your vehicle’s age, we can help you with a complete windshield replacement. Fix Rock Chips: We can fix your rock chip repair within hours and deliver best output possible for better customer satisfaction. Free Mobile Service: We can dispatch a mobile unit or you can visit our main facility and have your repairs done while you wait. Our standards of excellence in customer service, products, and commitment to safety. Explore additional info at Auto Glass Repair Colorado Springs.

Concerned about the cost of fixing a chipped windshield? Fret not, for standard car window repair products are extremely affordable and can be easily ordered online or at your nearest San Antonio auto parts center. Repairing your own windshield chip is the most cost-effective solution—at least for a majority of situations. Repairing a chipped windshield yourself is also relatively easy, even for amateurs. Typical chip repair kits come with everything you’ll need to patch that dent with precision, such as UV-activated epoxy and resin, curing strips, suction plungers, and a simple scraping tool. Following the instructions should result in a windshield that looks almost as good as new.

In the Los Angeles area, the rates for windshield repairs are higher — in the range of $65. Windshield repair kits are available at automotive stores for the do-it-yourselfer, but they don’t do the job as well as the professionals can do it. The pros have better equipment and much more experience. The Auto Glass Safety Council’s Levy says studies show that windshield rock chips or cracks that are in your field of vision can actually slow your response to emergency traffic situations. She also says that old windshields that are pitted or hazed should be replaced — even if they are not broken — since they can magnify the glare of the headlights from oncoming cars at night.

Ledgestone retaining wall building in Colorado: Block retaining walls are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to build. They come in a wider range of styles and colours and are more versatile than concrete sleepers, creating curves and tiered walls can be achieved with ease. Block retaining walls have a wide footprint so if your access is tight or room on your property is at a premium then blocks would not be for you.

Retaining wall drainage is an incredibly important part of building a stone wall. Once a few rows have been stacked, backfill the wall with rock so it matches the grade height in front of the wall, and then lay down perforated drain tile on top of the rock. Install drain tee fittings and a drain grate every 25 feet to 50 feet, depending on how much rainwater is expected to run down to the wall. Cut one block down to accommodate the drain grate. Screw the drain tile parts together so they won’t come apart when they get covered with more rock. Also, drain the tile to daylight at the ends of the walls whenever possible.

Shorter retaining walls, however, can be constructed by enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers equipped with some basic construction knowledge. Does that sound like you? If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and enhance your landscape with a retaining wall, these guidelines for building a retaining wall will help you get off to a good start. A retaining wall’s effect on the natural flow of water could impact your neighbors, so some communities require homeowners to obtain a permit before construction commences. You may have to submit plans for your wall and schedule a property inspection to ensure that building a retaining wall won’t create drainage problems.

The latest technology in retaining walls can be seen in the variety of segmental systems featuring blocks that interlock, with no need for mortar. These systems enable you to finish a project that will look complicated and professional. The simplest DIY systems are ideal for short walls (approximately 3 feet high) and feature blocks with a lip on the lower, rear edge that locks them together for a stepped effect. When the cavity behind the wall is filled with earth, the pressure pushes the blocks forward, strengthening the joints between the lips and the blocks beneath. Read extra details at Best Retaining Walls Colorado.

Colorado Retaining Wall specializes in the building and repair of retaining walls. Whether the wall is for a backyard or driveway of a residence or a commercial Shopping Center, we design and build large block walls for all Earth retention requirements. We have the ability to fortify the wall with shotcrete or soil nails which would include helical tie-backs or micropiles. Nearly every wall we build requires engineering and we have deep relationships with engineers that work hand-in-hand with our foremen regardless of the size of project. Please read our reviews and look and our photo gallery.

Some tips for automotive hail repair needs: Hailstorm damage is a car owner’s worst nightmare and can easily be avoided with a few cautionary steps: try to park your car in a shaded or covered area, especially during seasons when hailstorms are prevalent. If you’re going to be going out of town for an extended amount of time, make sure that your car is parked in an enclosed area and, if possible, have someone check on it once in a while. Open spaces will leave your car helpless against the wrath of this natural phenomenon.

In the first place let’s start with some car paint care recommendations: For small dents on your car hood, a car dent repair kit may be a simple and inexpensive solution. You can easily find these kits at any local auto supply store and they are very user-friendly. Each kit often includes a knockdown tool, a glue gun and many stems for different sized dents. You may be surprised at the way the kit works and the professional result it makes. But we do recommend this kid for small dents only. For deep, large dents, it is better if you take your car to garage as the repair kit can not fix them and even cause more damage.

Don’t underestimate the necessary step of decontamination prior to application of your chosen wax. If you fail to do this step, you will get disappointing results regardless of the type of wax you have chosen. And yes…even that brand new car straight off the dealer lot will in have some form of pollutants already on the car paint from its travel from the factory to the car dealership. Clear coat is the top layer of your cars paint. It acts as a protective layer to filter out UV rays. But your clear coat is what you are trying to take care of with the above requirements. People get confused about clear coat vs. car paint. Virtually every car today is finished with a clear coat as the top layer. Think of it as car paint with no color added to it.

Another popular method for removing car dents out of plastic material involves using two popular household products: a hair dryer and compressed air. Start off by heating the car dent with the hair dryer at its highest temperature, which will expand the plastic of the car. As soon as it’s hot enough, grab the can of compressed air, turn it upside down, and begin spraying that same area. Since the cold air will cause the plastic to contract, the dent will pop out.

Clean the Car. One of the most important things you can do to maintain the exteriors of your car is to wash and shampoo the vehicle regularly. Commercial power washes are also beneficial if you use them every few months. Make sure you keep a good distance between the surface of the car and the pressure jet, so you don’t damage the paint. If you’re unsure you could get it done professionally. See additional information on Automotive Repair & Customization in Colorado Springs.

Throughout the 1990s, automotive paints and vehicle body materials were high quality and much more resilient to bending. Since both the paint and the body could be bent without significant damage to the paint or permanent damage to the body materials, an entire industry formed based around the concept and technology of repairing dents.

First, you have to pick a proper tool kit. And that’s not easy for a user who has little clue what’s going on. Some of them are cheap — low prices should raise red flags. Others are so expensive (three-figures or more) that they’re probably right up there with the cost of a decent professional repair (although, to be fair, if you buy the kit you can perform multiple repairs). Many of the high-end, expensive tools are intended to be used along the inside of the panel, much like a pro would do. (Gaining access to the inside of body panels can be a chore, though, and often involves careful removal of multiple interior trim pieces.) Alternatives (which tend to be the less expensive kits) flaunt the conventional wisdom that small dents should be massaged back out from behind the painted surface. These options instruct the user to glue a tool to the dented surface and then twist or pull on the tool to pop it out. True, you can go buy the same tools as a pro, but it takes a lot of skill and experience to use them properly.