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There are not many ways you can change the look of your garden without having to do major landscaping. If you are happy with the look of your garden but feel that it needs that little bit extra, why not consider adding a water feature or garden fountain? If you have ever been to a house where there is a reflection pool with a water feature in it, you will realise how this will change the look of your garden. What you do need to consider is the size of your garden in comparison to the type of water feature or garden fountain that you want.

Make sure that the garden fountain or water feature that you choose for your garden compliments the size of the garden and does not over power it! The last thing you need is a garden fountain or water feature that will land up taking up more than 50% of your garden space. A garden fountain or water feature needs to be tasteful and it needs to almost blend in with your garden. Here are 5 ideas that you should consider if you want to make a design change to your outside areas:

1. Three tier outdoor fountain: this is a great addition to a smaller cosier patio which is surrounded by foliage. You can transport your home into an Italian countryside by simply adding this water feature. Choose rustic colours and marble to really give it a sophisticated edge.
2. A beautiful backdrop: if you already have an old classic fountain situated in your garden than it may need some TLC. You can achieve this by using mosaic and bright colours for its backdrop. It is the perfect addition to a small semi-circular fountain.
3. Asian influence: water features are influenced by a number of different cultures. If you need some Zen in your life than a concrete Asian inspired fountain is ideal for you. Use it in a stone lined area and let the soothing sounds of the water flow through you as you sit out on your patio at night.
4. Table top fountain: a new trend that is taking over is having smaller water features placed around the home. One of the most popular designs is that of the table top fountain that is full of character. These table top fountains are small and quaint and can fit perfectly onto any size table, indoors or out. It is a great conversation starter at the next party you host.
5. Classic statue: although it is a classic, this type of fountain is still extremely popular. Whether you are looking for a Greek or Victorian style statue it can certainly add that extra level of sophistication to your home. This fountain should be placed in an area that is highly visible. It will be the showstopper as people walk around your home, while providing you with beautiful sounds of the trickling water.

No matter what type of style you are going for you are bound to find a solution that works for you. It is important to take into consideration the area that you are working with. Once you know the dimensions as well as how close the water line is, you will be able to go shopping and find the perfect water feature or garden fountain for your garden.

If you are still not certain about your water feature choice, then you need to contact Pool Spa & Filtration. Pool Spa & Filtration can provide you with advice on what type of water features will be suitable for your outdoor space. From water features to pool accessories, Pool Spa & Filtration will have just what you need. To find out more about the products on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za.

During winter, pool owners tend to be a bit lax with the cleaning and maintenance of their swimming pools. Now with summer just around the corner, panic sets in – it is time to get the pool clean! One of the first steps is to make sure that you put the right chemicals in your pool to get it crystal clear again. Then you need to make sure that there is no algae build up on the sides of the pool, if so, you need to get this off the sides of your pool. What is also important is making sure that you have the correct pool filter for your pool. This is why you need to know the different types of pool filters that are available and which one to buy.

There are three different types of pool filters. Choosing the right one for your pool will be completely dependent on your needs. The first aspect that needs to be considered, is the fact that size does matter when it comes to pools. You will need to choose an appropriate filter that can handle the size and water level of your pool. If you get the wrong size filter, it will not be able to do its job properly, causing damage to itself and potentially your pool. The three pool filters that are available need to be looked at in further detail, to determine which one would be the appropriate size for you:

• DE pool filter: DE which stands for Diatomaceous Earth, is by far the most popular filter on the market. This is because it is the most efficient. The filter uses a powder to assist in the filtration process. This powder is made from the skeletons of Diatoms, an ancient sub-aquatic creature. This might sound bizarre but these skeletons are like tiny sponges. Which is why they are so efficient at being able to pick up the dirt that is filtered through. The powder gets dissolved as soon as it is added to the skimmer and floats down to the filter tank. Once it reaches the grid it sticks to the nylon fabric attached and coats the grid.

• Cartridge filter: this filter is normally used in small pools and even Jacuzzi’s. The filter, literally has a cartridge in side of it that is capable of picking up dirt that is 25-100 microns in size. It is simple to maintain and all you need to do is keep an eye on the pressure gage. As soon as it reaches 3.5kg-5kg over the clean mark you will need to take it out and clean it thoroughly with a hose at a high pressure, then put it back. Eventually you will need to replace the cartridge in its entirety.

• Sand filter: these filters offer the least amount of maintenance which is a major plus. The sand filter uses sand to catch the dirt and the more dirt that is captured the more efficient it becomes. Once it has reached about 5kg over the cleaning gage it will be necessary to do a back wash. In most cases you will only need to replace the sand every 5 years, which is why it is a popular choice if you want to have a low maintenance pool.

When it comes to pool care you need not look further than Pool Spa & Filtration. From pool filters to pool pumps, Pool Spa & Filtration will have just what you need. Pool Spa & Filtration will make sure that with the right equipment, your pool will be looked after all year round! To find out more about the services and products on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za.

Do you have a little bit of a green thumb? Then spending time in your garden is probably your favourite past time. Apart from the hours spent pruning your rose bushes, you need to discover other ways in which you can make your garden stand out. What about garden water features? There are so many to choose from that you can find one that complements your prize winning flowers.

Water features have been known to provide endless amounts of beauty to outdoor spaces. They can stand on their own or be added to other areas of your garden. If you already have a pool or pond, then you can do some research as to what type of water features can be added. They are traditionally more popular in ponds, but they can be put in pools as well. Most people who choose to get them in the pools tend to go for the cascading waterfall effect with a hidden cove underneath. This can look absolutely amazing but needs to be done with taste.

What type of designs are there to choose from? The world is your oyster when it comes to designs. You can pick from any of the following:

• The classic cherubs or mermaids
• Steel balls
• Cascading buckets
• Waterfalls
• Stone features
• “wall” fountain
• Vase
• Stones

There really is no limit as to the designs that you can choose. If you consider yourself to be more than just a green thumb and more of a landscaper, then why not design your own feature? That way it will definitely fit in nicely with everything else in your garden.

Can a water feature be added to an existing pond?

Water features can be added to an existing pond in your garden, if they are standalone designs. Anything that needs to be built into the pond, in general, cannot be done. Which is why you will need to find a design that works well with the pond that you already have. Remember that your pond is the home to your fish. If you are going to make any alterations to it, you need to make sure that you do not disrupt them. The best way to do this is to remove the fish from the pond during the installation of the feature. To keep them alive, you will need to take some of the pond water and put it into a holding tank. Fish are very susceptible to their environment, any changes can cause them to go into shock and die. You will need to keep them in the holding tank for a least 24 hours. When you move them back into their pond re-add the water from the holding tank so as to keep everything as stable as possible.

Let Pool Spa & Filtration help you turn your garden into a wonderland of beauty and tranquillity through water features. From pool pumps to water features, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. Any advice needed on how to keep your existing water feature or pool clean, then you need to get the expert advice of Pool Spa & Filtration. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Are you fed up and tired with the look of your garden? Are the flower beds not enough anymore? Then you need to look at adding an extra amount of depth and feel to your garden with water feature and garden fountain ideas that will add more character to your garden. Find out more about the different trends and looks to water features and garden fountains for your specific garden space.

Making sure that you choose a suitable water feature for your garden space is very important. After all, the last thing you want is a water feature or garden fountain that takes up over two thirds of your garden space! That is why it is important to understand which designs for both water features and garden fountains are best suited for your garden space. Here are 5 ideas that you should consider if you want to make a splash with your outside areas:

1. Three tier outdoor fountain: this is a great addition to a smaller cosier patio which is surrounded by foliage. You can transport your home into an Italian countryside by simply adding this water feature. Choose rustic colours and marble to really give it a sophisticated edge.
2. A beautiful backdrop: if you already have an old classic fountain situated in your garden than it may need some TLC. You can achieve this by using mosaic and bright colours for its backdrop. It is the perfect addition to a small semi-circular fountain.
3. Asian influence: water features are influenced by a number of different cultures. If you need some Zen in your life than a concrete Asian inspired fountain is ideal for you. Use it in a stone lined area and let the soothing sounds of the water flow through you as you sit out on your patio at night.
4. Table top fountain: a new trend that is taking over is having smaller water features placed around the home. One of the most popular designs is that of the table top fountain that is full of character. These table top fountains are small and quaint and can fit perfectly onto any size table, indoors or out. It is a great conversation starter at the next party you host.
5. Classic statue: although it is a classic, this type of fountain is still extremely popular. Whether you are looking for a Greek or Victorian style statue it can certainly add that extra level of sophistication to your home. This fountain should be placed in an area that is highly visible. It will be the showstopper as people walk around your home, while providing you with beautiful sounds of the trickling water.

Choose what works best in your garden

No matter what type of style you are going for you are bound to find a solution that works for you. It is important to take into consideration the area that you are working with. Once you know the dimensions as well as how close the water line is, you will be able to go shopping and find the perfect water feature for your garden.

If you are still unsure of the type of water feature you need, contact Pool Spa & Filtration. Pool Spa & Filtration will offer you the advice that you need and much more! From pool filters to garden fountains, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. To find out more about the products and services on offer by Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za.

Having a beautiful garden takes time and effort. Adding that extra something like water features can make your garden truly spectacular. Maintaining your water features is extremely important if you want them to stand the test of time, which is why you need to know how to go about it.

There are a number of different water features that you can add to your garden. Depending on the size of your garden will determine whether you decide to choose a pond or a lavish water fountain. Whichever one you decide to go for, you will need to know how to maintain them properly. It is not as simple as just putting a water feature in your garden, they require time and effort if you want them to be a good investment.

Firstly, it is important to discuss the correct maintenance of a pond. A Pond is slightly more difficult to look after than that of a water feature. This is mainly due to the fact that you will need to create the correct living environment for your fish. Depending on what type of fish you decide to get, will also determine how to approach the care of the water feature. The correct living environment for your fish will include:

• Mechanical and biological filters
• Pumps and plumbing
• Rocks and gravel
• Aquatic plants

Creating the environment is only the beginning, you will than need to clean the pond properly and keep it free of debris and algae. This process will require the careful care of the fish.

In order to clean the pond properly you will need to remove the fish. The safest way to do this is to take the water from the existing pond to fill up a holding tank, then transport the fish into that holding tank. If you decide to change the water in the pond, make sure to add the new water to the holding tank so that the fish can acclimatise.

With the correct equipment at hand you will be able to maintain your water feature all year round

The best way to maintain water features is to make sure that you have all of the correct equipment. With the correct equipment, like a pump and filter, water features should be able to keep clean with very little maintenance from your side. However, if you do start to see a build-up in algae than you may need to check that all of the elements are working correctly. Another helpful tip, is to keep an eye on the water level, if the water level gets too low it can cause the pump to burn out. If you have any stones in the water feature, clean them once a month with a scrubbing brush to rid them of any dirt that could cause other issues.

Having a crystal clear water feature is easy if you have the right equipment. Where can you get the right equipment? Well you need look no further than Pool Spa & Filtration. From clear water features to sparkling pools, Pool Spa & Filtration will make sure that your water is clean and clear at all times. Need to upgrade your pool with accessories, then contact Pool Spa & Filtration. To find out more about the products and accessories on offer by Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za.

Swimming pool accessories are not limited to pool noodles, blow up loungers and balls, they also include fitted items like swim jets. With summer just around the corner and after a long hard winter, you need to spoil your pool by having swimming pool accessories fitted that will work for the entire family. With swim jets you will be able to have fun while toning at the same time!

Getting to the gym to do a workout tends to become increasingly more difficult with the busy lifestyles that we lead. If you are struggling to find time to have a major work-out session than you need to discover what your backyard can offer you. If you are fortunate enough to own a swimming pool than you need to know about the latest swimming pool accessories; swim jets.

Swim jets can be found in some pool gyms. They are a fantastic way for you to learn how to swim in more difficult conditions. Swimming as it is, takes a lot of stamina, even when you are just doing normal laps. Swim jets will add on to this pressure by allowing the water to move. As the water moves it will creates currents for you to swim against. Basically the jets help to simulate what you would experience if you were swimming in a dam, river or sea. There are many sporting events that you might be interested in entering that do require you to swim in these conditions. Getting a swim jet will help you to prepare for such an event. Instead of having to go to the gym to experience this type of work out you can simply purchase a swim jet today for your very own pool at home.

What other benefits and advantages are there to using swim jets?

There are other advantages to owning this accessory. Apart from the added health benefits, it can offer the following:

• Cost effective: the installation fee is not much at all, and once it is installed it is yours for life with the correct maintenance.
• Completely safe: you can adjust the strength of the current to one that suits your needs. You do not need to worry about being forced to swim against a strong current until you decide that you are ready for it. As you get used to the currents you can increase the strength.
• Therapeutic: many people believe that swimming can help to ease muscle pain and help to recover from injuries. The jets will be able to help with the rehabilitation stage and offer you a chance to relax those tense muscles.

Swimming pool accessories like the swim jets are fast becoming popular all over the world. This unique idea is allowing people to have their very own gym in their backyard. Swimming is such a fantastic exercise as it is that you will soon find that you are getting your body into the shape that you want.

Pool Spa & Filtration is the company of choice for swimming pool accessories. From swim jets to water features, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. To find out more about how Pool Spa & Filtration can help you with your swimming pool, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za.