Why, when we have so many choices for enhancing our homes, do we choose running water?
As a species, we recreate miniature fountains, waterfalls, rivers, and brooks in our gardens to mimic the spectacular examples found in the natural world.
You may be interested to know that this is no accident.
Water has always had an almost hypnotic draw for us humans; whether it is the sound of waves crashing on the beach, or the sound of raindrops on our roof.
While science has yet to tell us exactly why our brains respond positively to the sound of water, the evidence is clear that we do. One article commented that “water makes us feel calmer and more creative…and people who live near water report feeling less stress and better health.”
What do gardeners, vegetable farmers, retail outlets, and great hosts all have in common?
If you said misting systems, you’d be right on the money!
Yes, the humble misting system is a cost-effective, enjoyable, and healthy way to cool and humidify a space, and has multiple uses.
What is a misting system?
A misting system is a high-pressure water system in which water is atomised into tiny droplets, without generating heat or affecting water chemistry. A ceramic disc vibrates at ultrasonic speed to create a fine, cooling mist. This mist evaporates as it absorbs the warmth of the atmosphere, thereby reducing the ambient temperature. Where can a misting system be used?Heat reduction
On a hot summer day, a misting system in your outdoor living area, around your pool, or on your patio cools your space with a gentle, ultrafine spray. This highly efficient evaporation method can reduce temperatures dramatically, allowing you to enjoy the warm afternoon with friends and family.Pest control
Did you know that installing a misting system on your patio naturally repels flying insects, discourages dust mites, and reduces smoke and pollen in the air? The mist acts as an air scrub, creating fresher, cooler air for you and your guests.Humidifier
In a closed environment, such as a greenhouse, a misting system cools and waters your plants. Green grocers also make use of these to keep farm produce, such as leafy greens and herbs, fresh and crunchy. We love that water can be used in so many clever ways to make our lives more comfortable. Along with swimming pools, fountains, and ponds, Pool Spa offers a range of misting systems for all your cooling requirements. Visit our website at www.poolspa.co.za or call us on 011 7931381.While the new year is likely to bring many new and exciting challenges, there is one which we can guarantee you will enjoy, and see immediate gains.
Your swimming pool is likely a key part of your garden, and as such needs more than a little TLC to keep it in tip top shape.
However, it’s not just the actual swimming pool which creates the magic. No, there are many other factors that you can improve to really highlight the beauty of your pool.
Landscaping
Landscape artists are just that – artists. And they have a unique ability to draw the eye down predetermined paths, and to create little havens of magic in your garden. Take a critical look at your swimming pool area. Can it do with a face lift? Choosing pavers and plants to complement your outside living space can be a challenge, but is enormously satisfying when you get it right. Choose plants which won’t litter your pool, such as leafy deciduous trees or shrubs, or tall needle-bearing trees which are equally messy. Rather, focus on bushy plants which can fill a space, provide a screen, and add their own blend of beauty and calm. Hard landscaping in the form of retaining walls, paved paths, water features, wooden fencing, and rockeries add their own special effect to your swimming pool area.Swimming pool bling
Underwater lights are a fabulous way to make your pool – well – fabulous. This gentle coupling of light and water adds a new dimension of charm and tranquillity to your pool. But don’t stop there. Some well-placed garden lights serve to highlight your clever planting and welcome late night visitors to the pool.Decking
Without a doubt, decking is one of the quickest ways of transforming a dull swimming pool area. The clean lines and open space beckon you outdoors, and offer an excellent entertainment space for you and your guests. We at Pool Spa have been creating swimming pool magic for decades, and we know that a pool is never just a pool. Why not chat to one of our talented team members and find out how we can help you to transform your pool? Visit us at www.poolspa.co.zaWhen we refer to “plastic”, many people turn their noses up. Plastic usually refers to something substandard or cheap. But is that always the case?
What about plastic ponds?
For those of us who want a beautiful oasis in our garden, awash with healthy fish and perhaps a fountain or water feature, we envision something big, deep, and gorgeous. A plastic pond may not be ideal in this setting.
However, if we are looking for a small focal point in our garden, with some pretty water plants and almost no maintenance, then a plastic preformed pond will be ideal.
What are the advantages of a preformed plastic pond?
Easy to install
For the DIY enthusiast, they are so easy to install. Simply choose the shape you prefer, and pop in in the ground. While this may be a simplistic explanation, it does highlight the difference between this option, and the digging, cementing and waterproofing that goes into a bespoke pond.Variety
Plastic ponds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose the one you love, and voila.Cost effective
Not only do they cost less than creating a cement pond from scratch, but they are far cheaper to maintain. A good one will last you for decades without cracking, and many of them are small enough so as not to need a pump. If you want to keep fish (especially Koi), however, then you may need to consider another option. Their relatively small size allows a plastic pond to warm up quickly, which can affect sensitive fish and promote excessive algae growth. However, a few oxygenating plants in a small size plastic pond can easily maintain a healthy ecological balance and allow the water to stay clean. This pretty mini oasis will add personality and charm to any garden and is a quick and easy option. Why not chat to one of our team to help you choose a pond that best suits your garden – and your budget. Visit us at poolspa.co.za today.Have you ever wondered why your morning shower feels so good? It’s not just because it washes the sleep out of your eyes. Falling water – from waterfalls, fountains and yes, even your morning shower – releases negative ions into the air. And this is one time when something negative is actually something really positive!
When there are more negative ions than positive ions in our immediate environment, it has a significantly positive effect on our physical and mental well-being. Our blood pressure lowers, blood flow and oxygen to our cells increases and breathing slows, making us feel relaxed and calm. Having more oxygen in our blood means all our metabolic functions are performed more efficiently, and this directly effects our mood.
Studies show that hospital patients whose wards look out over natural landscapes – especially those featuring some kind of falling water – recover faster from surgery and need less pain medication. And after a stressful experience, looking at a natural landscape helps your blood pressure return to normal faster than if you look at an urban vista.
This is why so many people are choosing to add a water feature or fountain to their gardens or courtyards. Experts agree they’re wonderful for reducing stress and improving your overall health.
And it’s not just looking at a water feature that’s beneficial. Even just the sound of falling water has the ability to calm our minds, heal and inspire us.
Another aspect of water features that guarantees happiness is the fact that they are extremely low maintenance. They don’t have to be cleaned out, as the continually circulating water means bacteria and algae don’t get a chance to grow.
Water features take up very little space, and there are so many different shapes, sizes and designs available that there is definitely one to suit your garden, no matter how little space you have.
They’re also great for attracting birds to your garden, and you’ll soon have new, feathered friends coming daily to drink and bathe.
Why not come and talk to the experts at Pool Spa & Filtration Supplies about what you need to get your water feature up and running, and start feeling happier today!
Although we live in a country blessed with long summers and relatively mild winters, there are still many months in the year where the water in our swimming pools is just too cold for swimming. When you consider that an average sized pool in South Africa costs upwards of R80 000, you really want to use it as much as possible!
Heat pumps are an eco-conscious and energy efficient way to extend the swimming season beyond the traditional months of October to February. There are many different options available, and your choice will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your pool, whether or not you have a pool cover, how warm you want the water to be, and how many months of the year you want to swim. If you want to swim all year round, you will need a bigger, more expensive pump, but if you simply want to extend your swimming season by a couple of months either side, a smaller, entry level pump should be just fine.