Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2025-05-22T16:15:00

(BPT) – As wildfire threats grow more severe across the western and southern U.S., Mercury Insurance continues to provide tips to help homeowners proactively reduce their risk. With decades of experience insuring homes in high-risk wildfire zones, Mercury is committed to empowering communities through education, action and accessible insurance solutions.

From smart landscaping choices to policy readiness, the steps you take today can help protect your home — and your peace of mind — tomorrow.

“Homeowners play a critical role in defending their properties before wildfires even begin,” said Kelly Butler, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Mercury Insurance. “By acting quickly and decisively now, you could significantly reduce the risk of loss and give firefighters a better chance to protect your home.”

Wildfire protection checklist for homeowners

1. Create defensible space around your home:
Clear dry vegetation, dead plants and flammable debris from around your home — especially within the first five feet. Trim overhanging branches and maintain a buffer zone of at least 30 feet.

2. Use fire-resistant landscaping:
Choose gravel paths and native fire-resistant plants, and avoid flammable materials like mulch or wood chips near the foundation.

3. Harden your home’s exterior:
Upgrade to fire-resistant siding and roofing, seal gaps in eaves and vents, and install ember-resistant vent screens. Replace wood fences or decks with ignition-resistant materials.

4. Clean gutters and rooflines:
Regularly clear gutters, roof valleys, and decks of leaves and debris that can easily ignite from embers.

5. Store flammable materials away from your home:
Move firewood, propane tanks, patio cushions and outdoor tools at least 30 feet away during fire season.

6. Utilize smart fire technology:
Consider outdoor sensors, sprinkler systems and Wi-Fi-connected cameras for real-time monitoring and early alerts — especially if you’re away from home.

7. Check your insurance coverage regularly:
Wildfire risk evolves, and so should your policy. Make it a habit to review your homeowners insurance coverage annually to ensure it reflects your home’s value, renovations and contents.

8. Build a relationship with your insurance agent:
A local independent Mercury agent can help you understand coverage options, recommend safety upgrades that may qualify for discounts, and guide you in preparing for wildfire season.

“An experienced agent isn’t just helpful — they’re essential,” added Butler. “They can walk you through coverage updates, recommend smart upgrades, and be your go-to when the unexpected happens. Having that trusted partner can make all the difference.”

Mercury Insurance is here to help

Mercury offers homeowners insurance that may include wildfire coverage, depending on your location and eligibility — along with tools and guidance to help you prepare and protect what matters most. Through tips like these and other helpful content available online at the Mercury blog, the company continues to help families take proactive steps toward preparedness — because safety starts with being informed.

To learn more about how Mercury Insurance can help protect your home, visit www.mercuryinsurance.com.

2025-05-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – People are often searching for ways to feel good and overlook one of the simplest emotional sparks … the feeling of clean. With Clorox, clean is joy, pride, an oasis, a jolt of energy, unrivaled confidence — it’s a feeling. Clean feels good.

In fact, according to an online survey from Clorox, one in five Americans (21%) said they clean all the time to improve their mood*. But can clean feel as good as other popular ways to treat yourself, like playing with puppies or indulging in a latte? Clorox put cleaning to the test through groundbreaking neurotechnology research and a national survey to uncover whether cleaning can feel as good as other mood-boosting activities.

2025-05-19T02:01:00

(BPT) – Spring and summer aren’t just for outdoor sports, picnics and hikes. The warmer seasons are also a great time to entertain friends and family in your outdoor living spaces.

Whether you already have an outdoor entertaining space you want to upgrade or are starting from scratch, check out these five key features to add to your outdoor living spaces.

1. Shade and privacy

During warmer weather and sunny days, creating shade is a must for outdoor entertaining. Consider adding billowing shade sails, using patio umbrellas, building a pergola, raising a popup canopy or adding curtains. You could even use a combination of these options!

Besides creating a retreat from the sun, shade structures also provide privacy. Even outdoors, you can host more intimate gatherings without worrying about nosy neighbors.

2. Add a touch of rustic charm

Work with your outdoor setting and embrace a rustic look with stained wood or wood-like features. For example, stained-wood trim and moulding is a perfect solution for enhancing outdoor living spaces, porch ceilings and soffits.

Choose architectural trim and moulding like those in the Grove Collection by Westlake Royal. These architectural features combine the timeless charm and rich look of stained wood with the performance benefits of low maintenance, durable cellular PVC. Choose from six elegant colors: American Walnut, Oak Ridge, Natural Cedar, Smoke Grey, Weathered Oak and Charred Timber.

Another simple way to upgrade your outdoor spaces is with stained wood-like PVC column wraps. Embossed woodgrain wraps like those in the Grove Collection easily slip over existing columns, instantly adding a natural touch to your porch or patio. However, if you’re looking for a clean, modern look, Westlake Royal also offers easy-to-install white PVC column wraps.

3. Edible garden bed

Add a homegrown source of food options with an edible garden bed. Whether you need some mint to garnish a drink, basil for homemade pesto, tomatoes for a fresh spring salad, or strawberries for a refreshing snack, you’ll have easy access to everything you need right in your own backyard. Best of all, they add more greenery and visual interest to your outdoor living space!

Edible gardens are infinitely customizable depending on your geographical location, outdoor space and personal culinary preference. To create your own edible garden bed, pick a suitable place near your outdoor entertaining space. You can choose to grow your edible garden on an in-ground plot, but if you don’t have enough space, raised garden beds and containers work just as well.

Next, carefully choose the vegetables, fruits and herbs you’d like to grow. Remember to choose varieties that are easy to grow in your climate for best results.

4. Embrace the beauty of stone

Stone is a classic building material because of its robust nature and versatility. There are many ways to add stone to your outdoor space but consider trading in your current siding for a stone option.

For example, Versetta Stone siding provides the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry in a panelized format. Unlike traditional stone, the panels only require screws to install — no mortar or metal lath required — meaning that you can install stone quicker and simpler. Also, the stone panels are engineered to withstand diverse weather conditions without the need for additional footings.

The Versetta Stone siding line offers a range of bold and neutral tones to complement various design styles. Choose a sophisticated dark gray like Granite Peak for a contemporary aesthetic, a white stone like Lunar Drift for a clean and modern elegance or a warm earthy tone like Glen Canyon to evoke a sense of comfort and natural beauty. Other colors in the line include taupe, stone grey, and charcoal.

5. Enjoy warm evenings by adding lighting

Exterior lighting ensures that your gatherings can carry on long after the sun has set. Lighting also adds ambiance to your outdoor entertaining events and can create a cozy environment that is inviting and comfortable for host and guests alike.

Consider wrapping string or fairy lights around tree trunks, low branches and columns or draping them above the seating area, creating a canopy effect. You can also add lighting to a fence or trellis.

Pro tip: Don’t settle for just one type of lighting. Consider hanging a pendant light, placing lanterns on tables or adding garden stake lights to illuminate your path.

Get ready for warm-weather gatherings

Are you ready to enjoy time with loved ones in the comfort of your own property? Using these five tips, you can create an outdoor entertaining area your guests will be begging to use all spring and summer long.

2025-05-09T10:41:00

(BPT) – When was the last time you gave your garage door some TLC? Garage doors can weigh over 400 pounds, depending on the material, thickness, door size, and added windows, so keeping yours well-maintained is key to keeping yourself safe and ensuring it works properly.

May is Garage Safety Month, the ideal time to care for your garage door to prolong its life span, improve functionality, and prevent accidents. Don’t know where to start? Precision Garage Door Service^®, a Neighborly^® company, shares six expert tips to help you keep your garage door in working order and improve your safety.

1. Declutter and organize

Before you can work on your garage door, you’ll need to declutter and organize your garage. Doing so will give you a clearer view of the door, and in the end, you’ll have a clean garage!

Take stock of the outdoor power equipment, tools, bikes, boxes, and other items you may have stored in your garage. Determine what you can keep, toss, or donate.

Once you’ve downsized and decluttered, organize your remaining tools and equipment. Your goal should be to ensure easy access while minimizing tripping hazards.

2. Inspect the garage door

Next, inspect your garage door. Precision Garage Door Service^® recommends performing an annual inspection. It’s the best way to reduce the cost of unnecessary repairs to your garage door system.

During your inspection, pay close attention to the auto-reverse mechanism, springs and cables. Listen for unusual noises and vibrations, look for slow or uneven movements and sagging sections and take note of remote-control malfunctions. These are possible indicators of potential problems and may require professional services by a reputable garage door professional.

3. Lubricate your door

Lubrication is key to smooth garage door operation. This May, make sure to lubricate your door’s moving parts with either a spray lubricant or spray grease product. Do not use a penetrating fluid, a primary use of water displacement. This can cause long-term damage to garage door parts. Precision Garage Door Service recommends using a silicone-based lubricant.

What parts should you lubricate? According to Precision Garage Door^® Service^®, pay attention to the hinges, rollers, spring and bearing plates, lock, and top of the rail and armbar.

As you lubricate your door, you may notice that the counterbalance springs need adjustment. While there are a few garage door maintenance tasks you can do on your own, this one is best left to the professionals due to the risk of injury.

4. Upgrade to a smart garage door opener

If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your garage door with a smart opener. Smart garage door openers offer enhanced security and convenience, allowing you to ditch your regular garage door remote.

Instead, you’ll be able to use your smartphone to operate your garage door. This means that you’ll never have to worry about losing your remote. Also, a smart garage door opener means you can securely receive packages in your garage and allow friends and family to safely enter the garage, whether or not you’re home.

5. Schedule a repair or replacement

If your garage door is damaged, don’t take a chance. Contact a professional to repair or replace it. Find your local Precision Garage Door Service^® location and schedule an on-site visit. During the visit, a skilled service professional will examine your garage door and provide options that best meet your needs.

This May, check another home improvement task off your list and give yourself peace of mind. To learn more about garage door safety tips and how to care for your door, visit PrecisionDoor.net/GarageDoorSafetyMonth.

2025-05-09T14:49:00

(BPT) – As the world starts to wake up after a cold winter, it’s the perfect time to perform routine home maintenance tasks. Simple spring to-dos are the easiest way to find and fix existing problems before they turn into a massive headache.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing^®, a Neighborly^® company, knows how important spring maintenance is to prolong the life and value of your home. Doing these four home plumbing maintenance tasks this spring can help keep your home in tip-top shape this season and beyond.

1. Perform a visual plumbing fixtures check

A visual plumbing check is a quick and easy way to keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape. No matter the age of your home, regular plumbing checks can help prevent unexpected issues. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends checking the bathroom, kitchen and outdoor faucets for drips to ensure sinks and bathtubs drain properly, ensuring sinks and bathtubs drain properly.

Check under the sinks for leaks. Operate and check the emergency shut-off valves under the sinks, toilets and at the washer connection to ensure they are working properly. These are your first line of defense in the event of an emergency fixture problem. Be sure to examine the base of toilets for water damage and confirm that toilets flush smoothly without strange noises.

2. Have the water heater flushed

Regular water heater maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Over time, sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and lead to costly repairs. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends having your water heater professionally serviced and flushed at least once a year to remove sediment and ensure optimal performance.

Checking for leaks, rust, or unusual noises can also help catch potential issues early. By keeping up with routine maintenance, homeowners can improve energy efficiency, maintain consistent hot water, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

3. Take a look at your pipes

Fluctuating temperatures cause pipes to shrink and expand, which may cause cracks and leaks. Left unchecked, you could be risking a burst pipe that could flood your home. As the warmer weather sets in, check exposed pipes in basements and under cabinets for rust, cracks, or leaks.

After a visual review, check for hidden leaks. You can easily do this by turning off all the taps and appliances that use water and then checking your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you may be dealing with a leak.

If you find any problems, don’t wait. Hire a professional to fix any issues, big or small, so you can avoid bigger problems down the road.

4. Address clogged drains

Have you noticed that the water drains slower than usual after a shower or bath? This may be a sign that your drains are clogged.

If simple fixes, like removing hair from the shower drain, don’t work, you may be dealing with something more serious, like tree root intrusion.

As trees and plants awaken in the spring, their roots become more active, and that can spell trouble for underground pipes. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, making small cracks or joints in sewer lines the perfect entry point. Left unchecked, these roots can cause major clogs, pipe damage, or even a full collapse, leading to costly repairs.

If you suspect a tree root intrusion, calling a professional plumber for a sewer camera inspection can help catch problems early and prevent bigger headaches down the line. To learn about tree root intrusion and find a professional to take care of the problem, visit MrRooter.com/RootDamage.

Don’t wait

If you identify any problems when performing spring maintenance tasks, don’t wait. Proactive maintenance and repairs around your home are the best ways to protect your investment and peace of mind. Call a professional like Mr. Rooter so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the warmer weather and sunnier days ahead.

2025-05-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – Local heroes do so much for their communities. Teachers, nurses, first responders, veterans and so many more community heroes put everyone else’s needs before their own.

While you can’t pay them back for everything they do, you can honor their work and help these heroes feel the love this year. How? By nominating them for the 16th annual Feel The Love program.

Changing lives one HVAC at a time

HVAC systems are critical for maintaining a comfortable home. When these heating and cooling systems bite the dust, replacing them can be expensive. Without the resources to purchase and install a new HVAC, many families go without and suffer through extreme heat and cold.

Many local heroes find themselves in just this position. Financial challenges, unexpected injury or illness or other difficult circumstances can make it tough for these community members to live comfortably in their own homes.

Lennox — a leading provider of innovative home comfort solutions — believes that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their home, especially community heroes. That’s why the LII Lennox Foundation (the company’s charitable arm) has sponsored the Feel The Love program.

The program provides much-needed relief to deserving local heroes who are struggling with uncomfortable living conditions, while also bringing communities together, encouraging a spirit of generosity and support. During the annual Feel The Love Week, local heroes nominated by their communities receive new, high-efficiency Lennox heating and cooling units at no cost.

The HVAC units are installed by local dealers who donate their time and resources to support their community heroes. Since 2009, Feel the Love dealers have installed over 2,700 heating and cooling systems for homeowners in need, including 436 installs in 2024.

Not only are HVAC systems expensive, but energy bills can be high during the increasingly extreme winter and summer seasons. To help keep recipients’ energy bills down and make good on Lennox’s dedication to continuing investments in the community, the donated units are the most efficient and modern designs.

These HVAC units heat and cool homes using less energy and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, providing a long-term, sustainable solution for homeowners. Also, each installation comes with comprehensive protection through Lennox’s extended Warranty Your Way coverage.

Show your hometown heroes some love this fall

You can help your local hero receive the gift of comfort by nominating them for the Feel The Love program. Your nomination can honor these unsung heroes facing difficult times, selfless neighbors who put others first, community champions making a difference every day, essential workers and front-line heroes who’ve given so much to keep your community safe and functioning.

The program nomination period runs May 1 to Aug. 31. Once all the nominations are received, The LII Foundation carefully selects deserving recipients to receive brand-new heating or cooling systems completely free of charge. The list of chosen recipients will be finalized in September, and the whole program culminates in Installation Week Oct. 3-12.

Are you ready to provide comfort to your neighbors? Visit FeelTheLove.com to read the program’s nomination guidelines to help identify the perfect candidate in your community.

Watch the 2024 Lennox Feel The Love video to see how the program has impacted past recipients and get inspired to nominate someone special in your community today.

2025-04-30T09:15:00

(BPT) – Spring has sprung! Are you ready to start some spring projects? If you’re a DIY hobbyist, it’s time to give your workspace a spring cleaning.

During the winter, your garage workshop accumulates extra items, dust and debris that can make it impossible to do your best work. So, take advantage of the warmer weather and give your workshop a spring refresh with these four simple tips.

1. Clear out the garage

Dedicate the first warm weekend in spring to emptying your garage. That means removing everything that isn’t attached to the walls. This may require a lot of muscle and energy, but it will create a solid foundation for your garage spring cleaning.

Once you have everything out, take stock of your items. Sort them into piles like gardening tools, power tools, lawn care appliances, etc. Review each pile and identify what you want to keep, toss or donate.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to keep, think about how often you use an item. If you use them regularly or annually, put these tools aside so you can find space for them. Anything you don’t use or that’s broken should be donated or tossed.

2. Dust and clean surfaces, items and floors

Now that you have everything out of the garage, take time to dust surfaces and items and clean the floors. Start high and work downward so the dust you remove from the shelves doesn’t land on a freshly cleaned countertop. Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces and equipment and follow up with a vacuum to get into corners.

Next, tackle the floors with a broom and mop. Sweep away dirt, debris and trash that may have accumulated during the winter. Once that’s done, lightly wet the floor with the hose and mop the excess water.

3. Organize your tools and equipment

Take in your cleaned garage and designate areas to store your various tools and equipment by category. This can help you think about creative storage solutions and optimal organization so you have more room for your woodworking projects.

Think about installing overhead, ceiling-mounted storage racks for camping gear, decorations and other bulky items. Consider adding or replacing cabinets for more storage and organization.

A great storage solution for organizing your tools and equipment is a storage cabinet like the Gladiator Premier Pre-Assembled 84″ Tall Cabinet. Each cabinet features one fixed and three adjustable full-width shelves that can hold up to 400 pounds each, so you have plenty of room to store even your heaviest tools.

Another organizational feature to consider is a garage storage wall. Systems like the Gladiator^®All-in-One Wall Kits help you create the perfect organizational space to get gear off the floor, maximize space and make it easier for you to quickly find any item you need. The kits are customizable, so you can choose from a variety of hooks, baskets and bins that fit your storage needs.

4. Optimize lighting and power sources

Whether you’re working on big or small projects, it’s critical to have proper lighting and multiple power sources so you can work with your power tools safely and efficiently. Consider adding in wall accessories like a light bar or power strips.

Choose a light bar with adjustable lighting options so you can see every detail of your project. Light bars are great for providing under-cabinet lighting and lighting inside cabinets as well.

Don’t forget to keep multiple power strips on hand so you have the freedom to plug in several tools anywhere you need them. The ideal power strip will have a long, tangle-resistant cord and surge protection. Modern power strips may even offer USB-A and USB-C utility outlets.

Does it seem like you never have enough working surfaces for your projects? You can easily increase workspace by getting tools off your counters. Install a wall-mounted magnet bar or two (or three!) that are strong enough to hold up all the tools you use regularly.

If you clear your counters and still don’t have enough room for your projects, think about purchasing a mobile workstation. A model like the Gladiator three-foot-wide mobile workstation combines the strength of hardwood and heavy-duty steel with the total mobility of four 360° swivel casters. Designed for easy maneuverability on uneven surfaces, each caster also locks fully in place to hold the workstation steady for projects requiring precision.

Tackle your spring projects with ease and confidence. These four tips will help you create a clean and well-organized garage that you’ll look forward to working in.

2025-05-01T11:31:00

(BPT) – Spring has officially sprung, but just as April showers bring May flowers, these warmer months also herald the start of peak allergy season. If you are someone who has asthma or suffers from allergies, you know firsthand how important it is to keep your home dust- and pollen-free. However, if you aren’t selective enough with your cleaning products, your good intentions of regular home cleanings may unintentionally introduce allergens and chemicals back into your space, potentially making asthma and allergy symptoms worse.

In honor of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month this May, Amy Cadora, Chief Brand and Mission Officer and home cleaning expert at Norwex, is offering three expert tips for reducing allergens in your home without the use of harmful and irritating chemicals. Known for banning over 2,700 harmful chemicals from their product lines, Norwex offers a plethora of better-for-you products with cleaner formulations to help you tackle your deep clean this spring.

1. Dust, Dust, We Must!

No one loves to dust, but it’s important to remove it from your living spaces. Besides being unsightly, dust can actually contain up to 45 harmful chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants that can potentially trigger asthma symptoms.

Instead of reaching for a traditional cleaning spray, Cadora suggests opting for a dust-grabbing microfiber tool like the Norwex Dusting Mitt. This handy microfiber dusting mitt makes quick work of cleaning and keeps surfaces dust-free longer than typical chemical-laden dusting sprays, all without harmful or irritating chemicals. The mitt is also machine-washable, offering a more sustainable alternative to disposable cleaning wipes.

For harder-to-reach areas like fan blades and elevated air vents, use a microfiber wand like the EnviroWand. The tool features extra-fine, statically charged microfiber on one side to grab dust, pet hair and other small particles, and a layer of plush microfiber on the other side to pick up dust and keep it from resettling.

Pro tip: Attach the wand to a Norwex mop handle for extra length, making it easier to regularly clean those hard-to-reach areas.

2. Keeping Laundry Clean and Allergy Free

When you wash your laundry, you’re not just removing dirt and odors from clothing. You’re also washing out pollutants and pollen that easily attach to fabrics and can trigger allergies and asthma.

Because of this, it’s important to be selective when choosing a detergent. To thoroughly remove grime and allergens without adding skin irritants and other potential triggers, make sure to use a safe and effective laundry detergent free of harsh chemicals.

Cadora advises choosing a formulation like Norwex’s PowerZyme Laundry Detergent. This highly concentrated, enzyme-based powder eliminates stains and odors and dissolves grease and grime to get laundry super clean and fresh smelling. Like other Norwex laundry detergents, it’s powerful and free from potential irritants like chlorine bleach, phthalates, parabens, ammonia and more.

Pro tip: It’s not just the detergent that matters in reducing irritants on your skin but also the way you dry clothes. Dryer sheets may seem like a safe choice, but they can also contain skin-irritating chemicals and fragrances, so Cadora would suggest switching to natural wool laundry balls like these Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls. Dryer balls deliver static- and wrinkle-free laundry without introducing irritants and softening agents to clothes. They can also reduce drying time by separating and creating space between your clothes to allow for better air flow while naturally softening the fabric.

3. Creating a Better, Cleaner Sleep Space

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary — a space for rest, recovery and relaxation. But for many, it can also be a hidden hot spot for allergens that disrupt sleep and affect overall well-being. From pet dander to pollen, understanding the common allergens that can be found in your bedroom is the first step toward creating a healthier, better sleep routine.

If your furry friends share your bed, you’re likely sharing more than snuggles. Pet dander can easily settle into bedding and mattresses, meaning you need to regularly clean these soft fabrics. Cadora recommends grabbing Norwex’s Mattress Cleaner, which uses a unique, enzyme-powered formula designed to help remove organic material and allergens like body oils, pet dander, dust mite feces and other contaminants from pillows, comforters, pet bedding, fluffy toys and fabric furniture.

What you use to clean your space can and should help you breathe easier. By implementing Cadora’s three tips this allergy season, you can reduce allergens invading your space, promoting a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. To learn more about these safer cleaning products and others, visit Norwex.com.

2025-04-30T14:01:00

(BPT) – Hear the lively sounds of splashing water and good times? Summer is right around the corner, making it time to dive into prepping your pool — and keeping it fresh and swim-worthy, all season long.

Maintaining your pool can be a hassle, so here are helpful tips from the experts at Aiper, pioneers of innovative cordless pool cleaning technology, to help save time, money and energy to get your pool summer-ready.

1. Banish debris

To help your pool stay crystal clear, take steps to ensure less debris finds its way in. Trim nearby trees, bushes and other foliage to reduce the number of twigs, leaves and petals that can make a mess in your pool. Keep handy trash containers and recycling bins with secure lids near your patio or pool deck so kids and guests will be more likely to toss their stuff in the right place.

2. Be storm ready

When heavy rain or high winds are in the forecast, sweep your pool deck and secure loose items, patio furniture and anything else that could take an unscheduled dip in your pool. Consider a temporary cover to help protect your pool until the storm passes.

3. Dive into top-notch pool-cleaning tech

Battling pool debris is no party, especially when you’re gearing up for a new season. Aiper’s Scuba X1 is equipped with 4+1 cleaning modes (floor, wall, waterline, a combo of all three and an exclusive app-based cycle mode), making it a reliable cleaning buddy for pools up to 2,150 square feet. This pool cleaning robot boasts unstoppable suction power — 6600 GPH suction and dual jets — to effortlessly clean fine sand, pebbles and algae. Its powerful suction outperforms single-jet competitors, making pool cleaning a breeze.

What’s more, with Aiper’s OmniSense™ technology, the Scuba X1 uses underwater sensors to predict obstacles, prevent collisions and safeguard your pool. To ensure no debris is left behind, the X1 includes upgraded WaveLine™ technology for advanced, continuous horizontal waterline cleaning.

For larger pools and irregular pool shapes, opt for the Scuba X1 Pro Max, an all-in-one cleaning powerhouse with multiple cleaning modes to expertly clean your pool’s surface, walls, floor and waterline, delivering professional-grade results with ease. Tackling pools up to 3,230 square feet on a single charge, the Scuba X1 Pro Max effectively removes leaves, dirt and even ultra-fine particles from every corner of your pool. Harnessing 40 sensors and Aiper’s OmniSense+™ 2.0 and FlexiPath™ 2.0 adaptive path planning technology, this cleaner precisely maps complex pool features, selecting the optimal cleaning path for a comprehensive clean.

4. Start cleanliness on the surface

Tired of skimming the surface to remove leaves, bugs, twigs and other small debris? It’s essential to ensure your pool not only looks inviting, but also prevent debris from sinking to the bottom and making your entire pool less clean.

To breeze through this task, check out Aiper’s Surfer S2, the ultimate hassle-free DebrisGuard™ robotic pool skimmer, which comes with a leak-proof baffle to ensure that once captured, no debris can escape. This powerful skimmer also features a filter to help remove algae, fine hair and other tiny debris.

Even better, it’s cordless, with a battery life of over 35 hours that’s powered by an advanced charging system and solar panel technology, even if it’s cloudy. When the battery is low, the Surfer S2 automatically activates Aiper’s patented SolarSeeker™ technology to help supply energy to the depleted battery. After 15 minutes of solar charging, the surface robot returns to cleaning mode.

Need help keeping your pool at the right chlorine levels? The Surfer S2 also features an adjustable chlorine dispenser for water sterilization, ensuring your pool stays in tip-top condition.

5. Optimize your pool-cleaning efforts

To keep your whole system working smarter, not harder, check out the HydroComm Series pool care product line. These products establish a seamless connection between your underwater pool robots and the Aiper App, while delivering real-time, accurate water quality data. The system includes three different products, each designed to meet your specific needs:

• HydroComm for water quality monitoring
• HydroComm Pure provides underwater communication
• HydroComm Pro offers both underwater communication and water quality monitoring

Quality monitoring keeps track of your pool’s pH, ORP, EC, TDS and temperature, simplifying water quality management and offering care solutions to keep your pool safe, healthy and beautiful all season long. Underwater communication tracks battery life, cleaning status and more, with the ability to switch cleaning modes underwater for uninterrupted cleaning, plus smart waterline parking for surface retrieval.

Make this summer your best-ever pool season, hassle free! Spend less time cleaning and a lot more time enjoying your pool with these products, available on Aiper.com and Amazon.

2025-04-29T09:15:00

(BPT) – Longing to finally embrace that springtime feeling? If so, you’re probably ready to refresh your outdoor space in time for the warmer weather, whether for at-home entertaining or relaxing under the sun. Combining different style preferences outdoors to please everyone in your home can be tricky. A recent Lowe’s study, conducted by The Harris Poll, shows 67% of U.S. homeowners have sacrificed their home design preferences for someone in their household*. If you’re facing the same challenge when it comes to the backyard, balcony or patio, you’re not alone.

For those experiencing differing design aesthetics or decision fatigue, meet the new Spring Style Catalog designed by Lowe’s trend experts, including Director of Trend & Style Monica Reese, for millennial homeowners, partners and roommates to help blend different styles and tastes for spring backyard refreshes.

“Outdoor spaces are one of the easiest ways to expand livable square footage, making them a valuable extension of the home,” Reese said. “By incorporating comfortable, stylish and functional elements, any outdoor area can become a place for relaxation and entertainment.”

Reese shares advice for combining aesthetics to balance varying preferences:

Outdoor space extends your indoor space

Unsure what style is best when refreshing your outdoor areas? Let your indoor choices guide you. “A well-designed outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of the interior,” Reese explained. “A farmhouse-style interior paired with a stark, minimalist backyard could feel disjointed.”

Reese also advises homeowners on ways to indulge the tastes of different people in your household. “The easiest way to merge styles is finding distinct pieces from each of your differing styles that can come together visually,” Reese added.

Even if different areas are furnished in contrasting styles, you can still use color, texture and thoughtful layering to connect the spaces. Outdoor rugs, coordinating pillows and planters can help unify different aesthetics. Mixing materials, like this patio bench made of wood and bricks, can also create balance while allowing each style to shine.

Combine aesthetics to create a unique look

Another tactic to satisfy differing design styles is merging them into something new. For example, you may be into Classic Coastal, which brings effortless elegance to outdoor living with soft taupes, denim blues and sage greens, along with seaside icons and crisp stripes for a relaxed yet refined modern nautical feel. But what if your partner wants a serene Zen Garden?

Create “Coastal meets Zen Garden” through peaceful, organic pieces in ocean hues to please both of you. Decorative touches like the allen + roth Floral Island Time Square Throw Pillow offer an ocean feel, while a calming Style Selections Resin Water Tiered Outdoor Fountain inspires mindful meditation. For the perfect project to create your oasis together, this raised garden bed can enhance your Coastal Zen retreat.

Identify your style (or styles)

If you’re having trouble pinpointing your preferences, or feel like your style is changing, browsing through Lowe’s Spring Style Catalog and spring picks can help you determine the look you want.

“Exploring our curated collections online is a great starting point for discovering your outdoor style,” said Reese. “If you’re drawn to sleek lines and neutral palettes, the Modern Sanctuary or Bold Minimalist collections may be your perfect fit. Do you appreciate timeless elegance, organic materials and classic styling? Our Resort Retreat and Classic Coastal aesthetics offer a refined yet inviting feel.”

Don’t forget, each style can be seamlessly combined with other aesthetics for a subtle design shift that will make the space your own. For example, if you love the casual, contemporary West Coast vibe of Modern Sanctuary, but also desire the coziness of the “cottagecore” aesthetic, try merging Modern Sanctuary and Cottage for a cozy, airy refuge with warm hues and lush greenery. Accents like a colorful allen + roth Hooked Polypropylene Indigo Floral/Botanical Area Rug or welcoming Pointer Ridge Conversation Chair Set create this look perfectly, along with Altman Plants Pink True Bloom True Inspiration Roses for added charm and color.

If you’re looking to capture the essence of an upscale getaway, consider the Resort Retreat style. Include natural materials like teak, wicker and jute — plus warm corals and lush greens, jungle-inspired icons and bold botanical patterns. To incorporate a whimsical touch for your most playful family member, create a safe haven for their inner child through fun, vibrant colors and charm at the same time. Consider options like an adorable Naturae Décor Green Dog Garden Statue, an inviting allen + roth Warm-Linen Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug or the cozy Style Selections Clifton 4-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set. Then turn your lively resort retreat into a fun entertainment center with this outdoor projection screen you can make together.

“Pairing two aesthetics may seem intimidating, but you’ll be surprised how well contrasting looks can actually complement each other,” said Reese.

The important thing to keep in mind is finding a vibe — or combination of vibes — that truly resonate with everyone, to create an outdoor space that’s visually cohesive, highly functional and a delightful place to spend time together.

Ready to get started? Lowe’s has great prices on these design styles. Now’s the perfect time to check out all the season’s deals at your local Lowe’s or on Lowes.com.

Fulfillment options such as buy online, pick-up in store and same-day delivery for eligible in-stock items when you order by 2pm options are available through Lowes.com and the Lowe’s mobile app°.

*Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Lowe’s from March 25-27, 2025, among 1,278 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are homeowners. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 3.4 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

°Delivery by 8pm; subject to availability. Fees vary based on purchase. Weight surcharge applies to orders over 600 lbs. More terms apply. Details at Lowes.com/SameDayDelivery.