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Saltwater is the fastest growing trend in swimming pools

(BPT) - Pools are great fun for kids and adults and when it is hot in the summer time or you're on vacation, there is no better way to cool off. Most pools do require a lot of work to keep clean however and there is always that chlorine smell and the burning sensation that affects the eyes and skin. For many people it is the memory of the chlorine that is inescapably associated with all pools.



But for kids today this memory is quickly becoming a non-event thanks to the increasing popularity of saltwater pools.



Saltwater pools work by converting salt to chlorine using an electrolytic converter. This produces the same type of bacteria-killing chlorine found in a traditional pool, but in a radically different fashion. Since the salt generator is adding chlorine to the water at a constant rate, it is capable of displacing the bad smell and burning irritation we normally associate with chlorine and maintaining the right amount at all times.



As the water exits the converter and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine eventually reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced. However new salt does need to be added occasionally as salt levels can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing. Pool owners still should test weekly for pH and chlorine and monthly for other water balance factors.



Saltwater pools require far less maintenance than traditional pools and are much less expensive to maintain as pool salt is far cheaper than traditional chlorine. This is a big reason why so many hotels and water parks in the United State have already made the switch. Plus when it comes to initial construction and installation, the additional cost of an electrolytic converter is very small and easily made up in maintenance savings. Even converting an existing chlorine pool to saltwater can be paid off quickly.



Saltwater pools are certainly not new. The technology started in Australia and over 80 percent of all pools there use this system. In the United States, saltwater pools have grown exponentially in popularity. According to data published in Pool & Spa News, there are more than 1.4 million saltwater pools in operation nationwide and an estimated 75 percent of all new in-ground pools are salt water.



Some may be concerned about the effect of salt on pool equipment, construction materials, decks and surrounding structures. However the actual amount of salt used is very low, less than .01 as salty as sea water. You may be able to taste the salt in the pool, but much less so than you can taste and feel the chlorine in a standard pool. When pools are properly constructed and normal maintenance is followed, salt water has no effect on pool finishes, equipment and decks.



Since the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, Mich., converted its 65,000-gallon pool to salt water, members have been pleased with the results. "The minute you walk into the pool area you notice a big difference," says Jodi Owczarski, the center's community relations director. "There is no longer that chemical smell. People also tell us that the water is much softer. In the old pool, people said they sometimes had to wash twice to get all those chemicals off, but in this pool, they only have to wash once. All in all, people have been thrilled with this new system."



To learn more about salt water pools and other uses for salt, visit saltinstitute.org.



Courtesy of BPT

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Enhance your wedding with memorable aromas

Weddings are a feast for the senses. Anyone who's been part of planning a wedding knows that every detail of the sights, sounds and tastes of the event are given attention. But what about the aromas? You can make your special day even more memorable by using the clean, natural scents of pure essential oils to create the perfect atmosphere for your celebration.

The ceremony. The fragrance we inhale during any important event often becomes inextricably linked with our memories of that event. In fact, the scents that your guests encounter when they first enter the wedding venue are no less important than the decorations they see. So pick a scent that you want the wedding to be remembered by. Take cues from the style of your gown, the time of year and the setting. Here are some examples of how you might match essential oils to your event:

* Elegant little white dress during the warm season (especially outdoors) is the perfect stage for fresh aromas such as citrus (bergamot, sweet orange, grapefruit) and orange flower (neroli).

* Traditional lace dress with tulle and train in a church setting trends toward timeless rose and jasmine underpinned with the balsamic, resinous scents of frankincense and sandalwood.

* Bold color dress choice in an autumn or wintertime setting equals luscious aromas of spice and fruit, coriander, cardamom, tangerine and Mandarin orange.

The reception. You'll want to stay very low key here. Since aroma and taste are so intricately intertwined, you don't want to introduce outside aromas that might clash with the flavors and aromas produced by any food you're serving. There may be opportunities for subtle citrus or spice scents - perhaps at an isolated drink or snack table - but for the most part, let the aromas of the food prevail.

The dance. When the tables are cleared, and it's time to kick up your heels, reinforce the change by introducing a distinct party aroma. Take a cue from the kind of music you're offering:

* String quartet and elegant classical music: sophisticated cedarwood, balsamic myrrh, and earthy vetiver, sweetened with a generous dose of sweet orange.

* Lively dance band: tangy-sweet lime, bergamot, sweet orange, and spicy, candy-like fennel, anise and coriander seed.

* DJ spinning contemporary tunes: invigorating peppermint, spearmint, and uplifting citrus (lemon, sweet orange).

Diffusion is the key to designing an aromatic ambience at your wedding. This can be accomplished using a variety of apparatus that feature a fan and/or heat to propel the evaporation of the essential plant oils into the air. Simply place the oils in the device according to the instructions and add more as needed. Visit www.auracacia.com for more tips on using essential oils as well as a wide selection of plug in diffusers, vaporizers, candle lamps and essential oils.

By considering aroma - along with color, sound and flavor - during the planning stages of your celebration, you can create a complete and memorable impression on your big day.

Courtesy of BPT

Early holiday shopping can help you budget better

This holiday season is busy, so it might be a good idea to holiday shop early, which can help you spread out expenses and find the best deals.



The holiday decorations have been up in stores since Labor Day. Retailers seem interested in helping you tackle your gift list, even if the bluebird is still flitting around your bird feeders and the only white stuff you've seen was in the snow cone you had at the Labor Day picnic.



Here are some reasons why you should start your holiday shopping early:



* Avoid crowds, lines and the general holiday craziness. You also can avoid the picked-over shelves, ensuring you have good-quality gifts to present to friends and family this year.



* Spread your payments out over several months, instead of receiving one large - and potentially unmanageable - bill in December or January.



* You'll have plenty of time to make sure the gifts are wrapped and shipped to arrive before the party.



* Be the first to purchase the "hot" gift of the season for any children on the list. Make sure you let everyone know that the item is off the table so they don't try to also purchase it.



Now that you've started putting together your idea list, here are some tips to help you find the best deals on those ideas:



* Get online and take advantage of websites dedicated to shopping. Try Fatwallet.com and its shopper forums to research the best deals. Use Ebates.com and its cash back shopping program to earn cash back on everything you buy over the holidays. The check will arrive just in time to help pay your bills. If you want, you can designate all or part of your cash back to a favorite charity to help get your holiday spirit started early. In addition you can go to AnyCoupons.com to find coupons on nearly anything you'll buy.



* Check out brand and product websites for upcoming news and promotions for specific items on your list. Since you've planned ahead, you can take advantage of these special promotions.



* Take the time to find unique stores that might not be available in your community. Use Ebates to find specialty stores and boutiques all across the country that may offer an item at a cheaper price than if you were to shop at a retail store that has to pay middleman prices.



When you have your shopping wrapped up early, you'll be sure to thank yourself as you settle into the holiday season and enjoy the celebrations and activities, rather than stressing over making it to the mall for some last-minute gifts.



Courtesy of BPT