(NC)—The summer is often a time for celebration—whether it be a wedding, pool party, or family reunion, many homeowners find themselves playing host during the summer months.
Inviting guests to your home adds more responsibility than just entertaining your visitors. Hosting friends and family also means you’re liable for any accidents that may happen to guests during their stay on your property.
“Summer get-togethers can be great ways to reconnect with family and friends and create lasting memories,” says Wayne Ross, an insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “It’s important however, that you take accountability as the host to look out for your guests’ safety to ensure accidents are prevented both on and off your property.”
To better prepare for being a savvy summer host, Ross offers these tips:
• Serve smart: If you provide alcohol to someone who injures themselves or someone else, either at your house or on their way home, you could be liable. Arrange for a safe ride home, sufficient overnight parking, and don’t make alcohol the focus of the event.
• Swim safely: If your guests come especially to beat the heat in your pool, take safety precautions. Ensure children are wearing life jackets, keep lifesaving equipment handy, and never allow anyone to enter the pool after consuming alcohol.
With these tips in mind, you should be all set to send out the invites for any celebration. More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.
www.newscanada.com
(NC)—Now that summer is at its boiling point, everyone can’t wait to get the covers off their underground swimming pools in preparation for the summer. Experts tell us that proper maintenance will ensure your pool delivers maximum enjoyment without much effort. Get the most out of your pool this swimming season with tips from Comfort Inn and Quality hotels who maintain their own top-quality indoor and outdoor swimming pools from coast to coast.
The big reveal: Remove the pool cover and prepare it for storage by cleaning and drying it thoroughly.
Get connected: Reconnect the pump and filter and raise the water levels.
Kick the tires: Inspect ladders, diving boards, stair rails and other parts for damage.
Fun with science: Blast away contaminants that have built up over the winter when chlorine levels were reduced by adding three to five times the normal dose of chlorine to your water.
On the level: Frequently test your pool’s water to ensure that chlorine and pH levels meet the minimum requirements to keep equipment working smoothly and pool waters friendly to sensitive skin.
Say goodnight: Tuck your underground pool in at night with a thermal blanket to retain heat and keep water clean when it’s not in use.
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www.newscanada.com
(NC)—With summer just around the corner, Canadians are ready for outdoor barbecues, sunbathing and quick dips in the pool. Whether it’s a hot tub, pond or underground pool, adding a touch of aqua to your backyard is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors at home.
But don’t forget that owning a pool or water feature comes with important responsibilities. According to the Lifesaving Society’s 2011 Drowning Report, nearly 500 Canadians die in water-related accidents annually. And with statistics showing teenagers and young adults at highest risk, it’s more important than ever to keep your water zones danger-free.
“Homeowners need to use precautionary methods in the backyard to avoid accidents,” says Wayne Ross, an insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “Even a simple action like installing a physical barrier to your pond or pool can be life saving.”
Ross recommends these tips for better tranquility in the backyard:
1. Install a fence: Children are naturally curious and will be drawn to a pool or pond so installing a fence can help you breathe an extra sigh of relief. Additionally, using a gate lock or a hot tub safety cover as a precautionary barrier is an inexpensive way to avoid accidents.
2. Check your insurance policy: Contact your insurance broker prior to installing a water zone. You need to advise your insurer of any increased risk to ensure you have protection against liability.
3. Contact your municipality: Municipalities have different safety regulations, so stay updated on the newest codes and standards.
More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.
www.newscanada.com
(NC)—Swimming and boating are great family activities. But did you know drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for children under the age of 14? Statistics reveal an estimated 44 kids drown every year in Canada, while another 130 are hospitalized as a result of near-drowning incidents. A personal flotation device (PFD) can mean the difference between life and death. A brand to consider is Stearns, a leading manufacturer that meets all Canadian PFD standards.
Here, Pamela Fuselli, executive director, Safe Kids Canada, answers commonly posed questions about how to stay safe while on the water this summer:
Does everyone on a boat have to wear a PFD?
Canadian laws require that recreational boats have one correctly fitted PFD for every person on board. However, nine out of 10 people who drown in boating incidents are not wearing one. While PFDs are designed to keep you afloat in water, they only work if you wear them.
What should I look for when selecting a PFD?
Not all PFDs are the same. Make sure to look for a brightly coloured one that meets all Canadian PFD standards and has been approved by the Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Canada or Transport Canada.
What is the proper way to fit a PFD?
They should fit snuggly and not ride up over the ears when the user is in the water. If there is more than 7.6 cm of space between the tops of the shoulders and the PFD – it is too big. Children should also have head support and have a safety strap between the legs.
What are other tips to keep in mind?
• The devices are not a replacement for safe water supervision. Adults should lead by example and wear a PFD, always ensuring little ones are within arm’s reach when near the water
• Swimming lessons at any age are important for swimming basics, but also teach you how to make safe and smart choices when playing near water.
More information about swimming in underground poolsThe system could not access your FTP server. Make sure that the correct FTP logins are correct under the Website SettingThe system could not access your FTP server. Make sure that the correct FTP logins are correct under the Website Setting
is available online at www.stearnsflotation.com or www.safekidscanada.ca.
www.newscanada.com
(NC)—With summer just around the corner, Canadians are ready for outdoor barbecues, sunbathing and quick dips in the pool. Whether it’s a hot tub, pond or swimming pool, adding a touch of aqua to your backyard is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors at home.
But don’t forget that owning a pool or water feature comes with important responsibilities. According to the Lifesaving Society’s 2011 Drowning Report, nearly 500 Canadians die in water-related accidents annually. And with statistics showing teenagers and young adults at highest risk, it’s more important than ever to keep your water zones danger-free.
“Homeowners need to use precautionary methods in the backyard to avoid accidents,” says Wayne Ross, an insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “Even a simple action like installing a physical barrier to your pond or pool can be life saving.”
Ross recommends these tips for better tranquility in the backyard:
1. Install a fence: Children are naturally curious and will be drawn to a pool or pond so installing a fence can help you breathe an extra sigh of relief. Additionally, using a gate lock or a hot tub safety cover as a precautionary barrier is an inexpensive way to avoid accidents.
2. Check your insurance policy: Contact your insurance broker prior to installing a water zone. You need to advise your insurer of any increased risk to ensure you have protection against liability.
3. Contact your municipality: Municipalities have different safety regulations, so stay updated on the newest codes and standards.
More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.
www.newscanada.com
(NC)—People aren’t the only ones drawn to pools of water when it gets hot outside. Mosquitoes are too, thriving wherever it’s moist and especially as the temperature climbs. And unfortunately, it’s often the idyllic conditions of your underground pool that make it a perfect spot for mosquitoes to breed. .
So beware, experts say. Not only are these pests and their itchy bites a nuisance to humans, they can also cause allergic reactions and spread deadly diseases like West Nile virus.
“Even though the best way to limit your exposure to mosquitoes is to stay inside, there are a lot of steps you can take to protect yourself and your yard,” says pest control expert Bill Melville, quality assurance director at Orkin Canada. “By knowing the steps to prevent mosquito activity, you can make sure these pests don’t make too much of a splash in your yard.”
For easy recall, Melville spells out his advice:
S—Spray insect repellant on any exposed skin when outside, and keep as much skin as possible covered with clothing.
P—Place yellow bulbs in any outdoor lights, as they are less attractive to mosquitoes.
L—Leave food and drinks uncovered only for short periods of time, as mosquitoes are attracted to these sources and can enter containers unnoticed.
A—Always be sure to trim any vegetation surrounding your home to limit potential nesting places.
S—Standing water creates an ideal breeding source for mosquitoes. Keep plant pots, bird baths and other stagnant water sources cleaned and fresh. Remove standing water from your gutters.
H—Hot weather means mosquitoes will try to make their way into your home, so safeguard against them by applying weather stripping under doors and sealing off holes in window screens.
If these pesky pests have invaded your yard, contact your local pest control provider for additional tips or to discuss additional treatment options.
www.newscanada.com
(NC)—With summer just around the corner, Canadians are ready for outdoor barbecues, sunbathing and quick dips in the underground pool. Whether it’s a hot tub, pond or swimming pool, adding a touch of aqua to your backyard is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors at home.
But don’t forget that owning a pool or water feature comes with important responsibilities. According to the Lifesaving Society’s 2011 Drowning Report, nearly 500 Canadians die in water-related accidents annually. And with statistics showing teenagers and young adults at highest risk, it’s more important than ever to keep your water zones danger-free.
“Homeowners need to use precautionary methods in the backyard to avoid accidents,” says Wayne Ross, an insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “Even a simple action like installing a physical barrier to your pond or pool can be life saving.”
Ross recommends these tips for better tranquility in the backyard:
1. Install a fence: Children are naturally curious and will be drawn to a pool or pond so installing a fence can help you breathe an extra sigh of relief. Additionally, using a gate lock or a hot tub safety cover as a precautionary barrier is an inexpensive way to avoid accidents.
2. Check your insurance policy: Contact your insurance broker prior to installing a water zone. You need to advise your insurer of any increased risk to ensure you have protection against liability.
3. Contact your municipality: Municipalities have different safety regulations, so stay updated on the newest codes and standards regarding your underground pool.
www.newscanada.com
Posted in Uncategorized by .
(NC)—The summer is often a time for celebration—whether it be a pool party at an underground pool or family reunion, many homeowners find themselves playing host during the summer months.
Inviting guests to your home adds more responsibility than just entertaining your visitors. Hosting friends and family also means you’re liable for any accidents that may happen to guests during their stay on your property.
“Summer get-togethers can be great ways to reconnect with family and friends and create lasting memories,” says Wayne Ross, an insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “It’s important however, that you take accountability as the host to look out for your guests’ safety to ensure accidents are prevented both on and off your property.”
To better prepare for being a savvy summer host, Ross offers these tips:
• Serve smart: If you provide alcohol to someone who injures themselves or someone else, either at your house or on their way home, you could be liable. Arrange for a safe ride home, sufficient overnight parking, and don’t make alcohol the focus of the event.
• Swim safely: If your guests come especially to beat the heat in your pool, take safety precautions. Ensure children are wearing life jackets, keep lifesaving equipment handy, and never allow anyone to enter the pool after consuming alcohol.
With these tips in mind, you should be all set to send out the invites for any celebration. More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.
www.newscanada.com
May 12
17
Underground Pool Cleaning and Guide
Pool Cleaning
(NC)—For those fortunate enough to have a pool in their backyard, regular maintenance can be a hassle. But people using a swimming pool or spa can get sick if the water isn’t properly sanitized. Good cleaning reduces the number of microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses) to safe levels and prevents algae growth. Even inflatable and kiddie pools need to be kept clean.
Pool Guide
Health Canada regulates the pool and spa products used to control microorganisms and algae – and from the website, you can download the guide called “Your Swimming Pool and Spa”. Go to www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra for tips on handling and storing pool and spa chemicals.
You can also request a copy by calling the Health Canada’s Pest Management Information Service at 1-800-267-6315.
www.newscanada.com
Underground pools can be a major expense for many people, so
they should pay attention some things that should be considered before making
the plunge into underground pool ownership. Several things should be
considered before you decide whether an underground pool is right for you.
High Cost
Not only is the cost of an underground pool too much for
many people to bear, it can also be a difficult decision about the style in
which you want to have your yard. And, once you install an underground pool, it
can be difficult to return your yard into the condition it was in prior to
having the pool. If you are going to pay for a swimming pool, then you should
be willing to fork over a considerable amount of cash. Expect to spend at least
$10,000 on a solid underground pool that you won’t regret.
Home Value
You might also want to consider what type of an impact
owning an underground pool will have on the value of your home. It is the best
idea to only install a pool in a yard that has a lot of area. You don’t want
you pool and deck to take up more than half of your yard. Any more than this
could actually decrease the value of your house. The value could depend on the
climate in which you live. A home with a pool in a northern climate won’t be as
attractive as a pool in a hotter climate.
Commitment
Consider how long you want to live in your home. It may not
be worth installing a pool at a home where you will only live for several more
years, unless you are absolutely sure the value of the home will increase with
the installation of the new pool.
Lots of Cleaning
Remember that pools require a lot of cleaning. Almost every
day prior to opening the pool for a swim, you, or someone you hire, will need
to clean it. This can be a major task for many people, particularly the elderly
and others who might be out of shape. Pools need to also be skimmed, as bugs and
tree debris can fall onto the surface of the water each day and overnight. You
will also need to take of the cover and then replace it after each use.
Chemical Treatment
You, or a pool person, will need to make sure the chemicals
in the water are properly maintained. Chemicals such as chlorine are needed to
make the water safe for swimming, stopping the spread of germs in the water.
Carefully Select the Contractor
Choose carefully the person for whom you intend to hire for
installation. Ask around and see if anyone has advice about who you should choose.
You can also do an Internet search to find out which contractor is best at
installing underground pools.
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