Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-05-04T12:55:00

(BPT) – The YORK^® brand of Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has compiled six proven tips to help homeowners reduce cooling bills this spring and summer as energy costs nationwide remain above pre-pandemic rates.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that home cooling accounts for 12% of the average household’s monthly electric bills. As many homeowners experience higher-than-average utility costs, simple HVAC upgrades and routine maintenance can help reduce cooling expenditures by improving system efficiency. Before setting the thermostat to cool, homeowners should try these cost-saving tips:

1. Replace filters and clean vents: HVAC filters help keep dust and debris from being recirculated throughout a home. However, when these filters become too full, they can limit airflow and cause the blower to work harder. Maintaining a filter replacement routine can help improve efficiency and extend the life of the HVAC system. For most systems, the recommendation is to replace the filter every one to three months, but homeowners should follow the frequency indicated by the HVAC system manufacturer. Routinely cleaning the grates of the air vents will also help to maintain efficient airflow.
2. Schedule preventative maintenance: The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) estimates that routine HVAC maintenance can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%. Routine maintenance involves cleaning and inspecting the evaporator coil, examining the drain pan and condensation line, evaluating blowers and fans, testing system controls and checking refrigerant levels. Establishing a routine of scheduled service prior to the hottest and coldest times of the year — when HVAC systems are used most — will ensure equipment is in peak working condition and can even help to reduce costly repairs over time.
3. Cover windows: The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that as much as 76% of the sunlight that hits a standard, double-pane window will transfer as heat into the home. Window coverings of nearly any nature will help to reduce solar heat gains, especially when installed in south-facing rooms or homes with little to no exterior shade. But for the greatest energy reduction, homeowners should opt for insulated cellular shades certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC). These specially designed shades incorporate an interior layer of insulation and can reduce solar heat that enters through the windows by as much as 60%.
4. Inspect and seal ductwork: EnergyStar estimates that as much as 20% of HVAC efficiency is lost to poorly connected or damaged ductwork. An HVAC technician can inspect the ductwork throughout a home and evaluate the system’s air supply and return balance. Airflow imbalances could be a sign of damage, loose seals or even that the ductwork isn’t sized correctly. Ductwork located within basements, attics or crawl spaces can also be a point of efficiency loss if the ductwork isn’t properly insulated.
5. Update the thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the average homeowner could reduce their annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 10% by using a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC demands overnight or while away from the home. Some smart thermostats incorporate geo-fencing features to further reduce energy use by detecting homeowners’ proximity to the house and adjusting the temperature based on home and away settings. Some thermostats can even alert homeowners to potential system issues and provide the option to grant their HVAC contractor with remote service access.
6. Utilize Inflation Reduction Act savings: With higher-efficiency HVAC equipment from YORK, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 50% compared to low-efficiency systems, helping homeowners see a reduction in their energy bills while lowering their environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made the transition to high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps, even more affordable by offering tax rebates up to $2,000 dependent on household income. IRA incentives can also be combined with local and manufacturers rebates to further increase cost-savings. Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, heat pumps can reduce site energy use by as much as two-thirds when compared to a conventional, fuel-powered heating systems.

For more information on rebates, visit YORK.com.

2023-05-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Believe it or not, mowing season is now upon us. And depending on where you live, you may have less time to prepare than you think. Making sure your lawn stays healthy, green and beautiful all season long is a great goal — and with the right approach, it’s not hard to achieve.

Here are tips from the lawn pros at John Deere to help you grow a healthy, attractive lawn, so you can enjoy it with your family all summer long.

1. Prep your mower

Whether your first mow is days or weeks away, now’s the time to get your mower ready. The most important things are to make sure your mower blade is sharp, clean and above all, properly installed. A dull blade won’t provide a clean cut, which can make your grass look ragged. Even worse, it injures the grass, causing vulnerability to insects and disease. Your blade must also be correctly installed, as an upside-down blade won’t cut.

A yearly tune-up is recommended that would include an oil change and replacing spark plugs and filters. John Deere offers both a Home Maintenance Kit that includes all you need to perform this tune-up or, if you want to save time, call your John Deere Dealer — they offer spring maintenance specials on all types of turf equipment.

2. Set a proper mowing height

Cutting too short can cause problems down the road, as the lower canopy of a shorter lawn allows more light to reach the soil, which can allow weeds to prosper. On the other hand, if you let grass grow too long and then cut it down dramatically, that can stress the turf. This may cause grass to pull nutrients from its root system, causing a thinning, unhealthy lawn.

The rule of thumb is to cut no more than one-third of the leaf — so to maintain a two-inch lawn, cut down by one inch when it reaches three inches. Some grasses flourish with longer or shorter cuts, so it can help to find out what species your lawn has and ask advice about ideal length from your local county extension.

3. Mow according to need

To help nurture a thriving lawn, mowing should occur when grass needs a trim, not just when it’s convenient (like on weekends). If your lawn is heavily fertilized and irrigated, or during active growing, you may need to mow twice a week. But if your grass has entered a dormant season or is suffering from drought, it may not need to be mowed at all. In early spring, your grass might not need cutting yet, but winter annual weeds that pop up before grass starts growing can be somewhat controlled by mowing until the weather warms up. Keep an eye on your lawn and watch the weather in your area to set a proper schedule for mowing, ensuring you trim only when needed.

4. Maximize clippings

Your lawn clippings are full of nitrogen-rich nutrients that help feed the soil, so it’s best to deposit them right back onto the lawn. If you mow regularly, you shouldn’t have big clumps of clippings, but just enough to provide good nutrients — reducing how much fertilizer you’ll need. Even leaves can be mulched, as long as there aren’t so many that the grass is smothered with them. Mulch mowing allows clippings to be cut finely enough so they can’t be seen when redistributed into the lawn. Using the John Deere MulchControl™ Kit with One-Touch Technology is an easy way to mulch while you mow.

5. Mow grass when dry

If it’s rained recently, or early in the morning when there’s still dew on the lawn, resist the temptation to mow until the grass is thoroughly dry. Wet conditions can cause grass clumping and excessive buildup on the mower deck underside, leaving you with a poor-quality cut. Cutting when your grass is dry will allow you to get the sharpest trim on your lawn to ensure it looks beautiful all summer long.

6. Plan your mowing paths

Wherever possible, be sure to mow your lawn in a straight line. It’s also recommended to overlap your mowing paths by about 2-4 inches, to avoid leaving unsightly strips of uncut grass. Altering your mowing path prevents compaction that occurs from mowing on the same path. This also can create a beautiful-looking mowing pattern, adding curb appeal.

7. Water in the morning

The experts all agree it’s best to water your grass in the morning. If you water in the evening, droplets can cling to the grass and promote fungus growth overnight. Watering in the morning allows for moisture to reach the roots of the grass, improving overall lawn health.

Following these tips, you can ensure that your lawn will stay as healthy as possible for you and your family to enjoy, all season long. Visit YourBackyardTips.Deere.com for more tips on how to keep your grass looking great this summer.

2023-04-20T10:15:00

2023-04-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever wished homeownership came with a user’s manual? There’s only so much you can prepare for, whether you’re buying your starter home, forever home — or something in between. It’s all too common to face unexpected expenses, including ongoing maintenance of your property with hidden added costs. In a new survey conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, TruGreen found that nearly half of homeowners (44%) invested more money in their home during the first year of homeownership than they expected.

To equip homeowners with more realistic expectations before purchasing a new home, TruGreen^®, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, shares the top three lessons homeowners have learned.

1. Home maintenance is crucial — and will cost you

No matter what type of home you buy — from fixer-uppers to move-in ready — you should expect some repairs and replacements, plus routine maintenance. While this will vary depending on your home’s age, size and condition, rest assured that most homes require regular care to help prevent long-term (and potentially expensive) damage.

So, how much maintenance is required when you purchase a home? In the survey, homeowners’ top expenses during their first year as a homeowner were appliance replacements (56%), exterior repairs such as windows (53%) and major repairs like roofing (52%). Furthermore, when prioritizing maintenance, homeowners mainly focused on their home’s exterior, such as patios (42%) and their yard or lawn (39%).

Ensuring you have the means to handle unanticipated repairs and routine maintenance before you buy will help prevent financial stress down the road.

2. Investing in your property to create a home

When you first move into your new house, don’t get discouraged if you don’t initially feel like you’re really “home.” The homeowners surveyed spent an average of two and a half years upgrading their homes before they were pleased with it. Despite the time and money they invested in the property — or perhaps because of it — nearly 71% of homeowners said they now feel like they’ve found their forever home.

Your house is more than just a place to call home, it’s also an investment. And if it’s managed properly, your home can also provide a great return on investment.

3. There will always be surprises — so don’t be afraid to call a pro

Even the most prepared homebuyer will encounter surprise expenses after signing on the dotted line. According to the survey, the average homeowner has encountered about four surprises or unexpected costs within their first year of homeownership.

Beyond the surprise of unpredicted expenses, some of these tasks may be new and create challenges for homeowners to handle on their own. In fact, 62% would call a professional for a home improvement project, and nearly one-third of homeowners would hire a pro for home maintenance.

Handing maintenance or improvement projects to the pros can be a smart move to ensure the job will be done well. It can prevent future problems and save time you’d rather spend enjoying your home. For example, hiring a professional service to handle your lawn care can allow for more free time to actually enjoy your outdoor space, while giving you a sense of pride in how great it looks.

“Buying a new home is a tremendous milestone that brings much to celebrate, but the new responsibilities of homeownership can also be stressful,” said Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at TruGreen. “As a new homeowner, there’s no need to waste time figuring out the best ways to maintain your home. To help tackle what can seem like an ongoing to-do list, you should consider partnering with the professionals.”

If you’re like the 75% of homeowners surveyed who believe it’s important that their yard or home’s exterior looks impeccable, consider partnering with an outdoor expert such as TruGreen to make your lawn look great.

2023-04-18T14:19:00

(BPT) – Consumers today are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of every single one of their purchasing decisions, causing more people to seek out products that better fit a green lifestyle. If you’re one of the many Americans who are actively choosing more eco-friendly options for your home these days, there could be one household essential you’re overlooking: your toilet seats.

In honor of Earth Day 2023’s theme, “Be a part of the green revolution,” now is the perfect opportunity to make better choices for many of your household furnishings, starting in your bathroom.

How can toilet seats be made more sustainably?

You may not have spent much time thinking about how toilet seats are made, but Bemis Manufacturing Company has given it a lot of thought. They start by sourcing wood scrap from Wisconsin manufacturers, then they blend that with scrap and dust from their own molding operations. The result? Using repurposed materials to make new products leaves a forest of trees standing.

From there, each toilet seat is painted with water-based paint to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, and is then packaged in recycled and recyclable cartons.

The respect for the environment doesn’t stop just at manufacturing and packaging. Bemis has streamlined their shipping methods to protect its products while also maximizing cube (storage space) and minimizing disposable waste, creating a full-circle process that is designed to be more environmentally friendly.

How much difference could this make?

Can you guess how much repurposed material is used to make their toilet seats? Each year, the company sources 70 million pounds of scrap wood from Wisconsin window and door manufacturers. They also collect 3 million pounds of scrap and 1.5 million pounds of airborne dust from their own molding operations. The scrap and dust is then ground and blended into the wood flour which is the main ingredient in their beautiful, enameled wood seats.

The benefits of using repurposed wood

Beyond the obvious environmental impact of making toilet seats more sustainably, these materials also add strength to each product, while enhancing the performance and appearance of the seats. Wood lends itself to a variety of cover designs that let you be creative with your decor.

Even better, they look great

You can choose from styles including Benton, Kendall and Weston, which all feature a variety of colors that can complement your bathroom decor. Decorative hinge options include the newest, on-trend materials to complete the room’s look: brushed gold and matte black, along with brushed nickel, chrome and plastic.

All of their toilet seats are designed with the innovative features Bemis is known for, including STAY-TITE for easy installation and a seat that will never loosen, precision fit adjustability during installation for a perfect fit, hinges that let you remove the seat for easy cleaning, plus a quiet close feature that eliminates slamming.

In the market for new toilet seats for your home? Consider a selection created with a process that respects the environment. Visit ToiletSeats.com to view all the available options to enhance your bathroom design.

2023-04-17T17:05:00

(BPT) – ‘Wishcycling’ is a buzzword for the act of putting items into a recycling bin and hoping they will be recycled. We’ve all done it. And while our intentions may be good, more often than not, we have no idea where our materials end up or whether our efforts are even worth it. But with a better understanding of how to properly recycle different types of items, we can all do our part to combat the mounting stress on our landfills and planet. Following are a few tips and tricks for making your recycling wishes come true.

Separate stretchy films from other plastics

You might be thinking plastic is plastic but, when it comes to recycling, there are actually six categories of plastics. To distinguish between these different types of plastic, look for the number within the recycling symbol on the product or packaging.

• #1: PET or PETE is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages, mouthwash bottles, salad dressing and peanut butter containers.
• #2: HDPE (high density polyethylene) is used in many packing items, including milk jugs, juice bottles, some trash and shopping bags and cereal box liners.
• #3: PVC or V plastic can be found in blister packaging, wire jacketing, siding, windows and piping.
• #4: LDPE (low density polyethylene) is a flexible plastic found in items like bread bags, packaging for frozen foods, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaning bags and grocery/retail shopping bags.
• #5: PP plastic is found in yogurt containers, syrup and medicine bottles, caps and straws.
• #6: PS includes items like disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers and aspirin bottles.

Generally, the higher the number, the less recyclable the material is. Most recycling centers will accept #1 plastics without a problem, but other rigid plastics (#3, #5 and #7) can be tricky. Double-check what’s acceptable in your local area before contaminating collection bins.

Plastics marked as #2 or #4 are considered flexible plastics or films and must be handled differently from other types of plastic. Due to their stretchy nature, they cannot be recycled through standard curbside or single-stream recycling programs because they can jam machinery during the sorting process, causing mechanical issues, delays and contamination. These plastics need to be separated from other recyclables and processed through recycling programs dedicated specifically to HDPE and LDPE materials.

Know where your recyclables go

The best way to stop wishcycling is to focus on upcycling. This means knowing exactly where your recyclables are going and how they will be used. For instance, Trex^® composite decking is sustainably made from 95% reclaimed materials, including a mix of industrial wood scrap and recycled polyethylene plastic film, nearly all of which comes from post-consumer sources. Through its nationwide NexTrex^® recycling program, the company partners with more than 32,000 grocery store chains and major retailers along with thousands of schools and community groups to make it easy and convenient for eco-minded consumers to responsibly dispose of #2 and #4 flexible plastics and give them new life as beautiful, durable and eco-friendly composite decking. One of the largest recyclers of plastic film in North America, Trex has saved more than 5 billion pounds of HDPE and LDPE plastics from winding up in landfills over the past 30 years. A complete list of items that can be recycled by Trex along with a list of plastic film drop-off locations by state is available on the company’s website.

Make recycling part of your routine

Recycling doesn’t have to be a chore. It can easily be done as part of your daily routine. Most grocery stores have collection bins conveniently positioned at the front of the store. Many schools, churches and community centers also participate in recycling programs and serve as drop-off points for local residents. Check your municipality’s website to learn more about the programs your community has in place for recycling, or visit NexTrex.com to find a plastic film drop-off location near you.

2023-04-14T05:01:00

(BPT) – When spring arrives, it’s time to start thinking about summer fun. If you have a swimming pool, and you closed it for the winter, it’s important to plan ahead so you’re ready to open it back up for the season. Do you have all the supplies you need? Do you know what to do to get the water in top condition? When temperatures are consistently above 65ºF and there’s no longer a risk of freezing weather, you can consider opening your pool.

Here’s how to open your pool correctly, with tips from In The Swim to help you every step of the way.

1. Remove your pool cover

A cover that’s bogged down with water and debris will be difficult to remove. Use a submersible cover pump to remove as much water as possible from the top of your solid cover. Then use a pool brush or leaf net to remove leaves and large debris. This will help keep the pool a little cleaner as you peel back the cover. After uncovering your pool, clean and dry your pool cover so you can store it for use next fall.

2. Prep your pool equipment

First, you’ll have to reconnect the pump and filter if you disconnected them at closing time. Then you can reattach any other equipment to your pool plumbing, such as a tablet feeder or saltwater chlorine generator. Don’t forget to reinstall all the drain plugs in your equipment.

3. Remove winterizing plugs and accessories from the skimmer and return lines

Now it’s time to take out any remaining winterizing accessories, like pool plugs or a skimmer guard. Remember to reinstall any return fittings you removed at closing time. If you used pool antifreeze for the suction lines when you closed the pool, be sure to discharge it to waste/backwash once you start up the pump, or use a wet-dry vacuum to remove it from the plumbing.

4. Add water to the pool

A normal operating level for pool water is usually about halfway up the mouth of the skimmer.

5. Run the pump

Prime the filter pump, then set it to run continuously until the pool opening process is complete. This helps circulate the water, filter out debris and distribute your pool chemicals. Doing this ensures that your pool is well on its way to being safe for swimming once again.

6. Manually clean the pool

To get your pool clean and sparkling before you take the plunge, skim, brush and vacuum the entire pool. This will also help your chlorine work most efficiently. Enlist your whole family to help with the cleanup!

7. Treat the water

Rather than gathering a bunch of pool opening products individually, investing in an In The Swim Pool Start-Up Kit can help the process go a lot more smoothly. Start-Up Kits include a stain and scale preventative, pool shock, algaecide, clarifier, test strips and an oil-absorbing sponge to help keep your pool clean.

• Add your stain prevention product first, then wait at least 4 hours.
• Test the water and balance total alkalinity (80–120 ppm) and pH (7.4–7.6).
• Add your pool shock to get free chlorine levels up to at least 1–4 ppm.
• The next day, add the correct dose of algaecide, and wait for at least 2–4 more hours.
• Using clarifier will help your filter clear up the water faster. Let the pump run for at least 4 more hours after application.
• If needed, vacuum the pool again.

Check the filter pressure often throughout the process, and clean or backwash the filter as needed during startup. Let your filter pump continue to run until the water is clear.

8. Set up your regular pool maintenance routine

Test the water as you normally would, and balance any aspects that are out of range. It’s important to make any final water balance adjustments before swimmers get to jump in and enjoy the pool.

9. BONUS: Swim sooner with warmer water

Whether or not you have a heater or heat pump, solar pool covers are great for keeping heat in the pool. They greatly reduce heat loss to evaporation, and can even increase water temps up to 15ºF on their own, depending on the thickness of the cover.

In The Swim has all the supplies you need for opening and maintaining your pool, including algaecide, chlorine shock, water balancers and more. Once your pool is up and running, don’t forget to pick out a few cool, new pool floats and backyard games to maximize your outdoor fun this season. For more tips on the right way to get your pool ready for a summer full of swimming, check out the In The Swim Blog.

2023-04-13T08:05:00

(BPT) – You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and break ground on a new above-ground pool. Congratulations! Chances are, you’ll want to surround your latest backyard addition with a beautiful new deck. However, the process of designing and building a deck for an above-ground pool is quite different than a traditional deck that attaches to your home. So, before you cannonball into the deep end, consider the following tips from the experts at Decks.com:

1) Go Pro or DIY?

Your first decision is whether you want to build the pool deck yourself or hire a contractor. Consider your skill level, the amount of time you have available, and your budget. No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of helpful resources online, such as the Decks.com DIY Deck Building Guide.

2) Crack the Codes

Be sure to review local building codes related to decks around pools. Slip resistance, gaps between deck boards, gapping between the deck and pool, and the slope of the deck may be regulated. Installing a self-closing gate with a lock on your pool deck may also be required to prevent access by unsupervised children.

3) Pool First, Then Deck

First things first. It’s essential to install your pool before building the deck. While above-ground pools have standard wall heights, every pool will be slightly different. Don’t take a chance on building a deck that may not align with the new centerpiece of your backyard.

4) Self-sufficient Support

Decks constructed around above-ground pools should not be attached to the pool. The structure should be freestanding and sufficiently stable on its own. Ideally, the deck should be built directly under the lip of the pool edge and laterally braced from the joists to the bottom of the posts. Check with your local municipality for approved lateral bracing.

5) Protect Your Investment

Decks built around pools are especially susceptible to moisture, which contributes to mold growth and rotting. If you plan to build with wood, it is a good practice to install waterproofing tape, such as Trex^® Protect™, over joists and beams to protect the decking substructure from standing water.

6) Factor in Fencing

Most jurisdictions mandate that any yard with a pool must also have a fence as a safety precaution. If you don’t already have a fence, be sure to earmark part of your budget to cover the construction or installation of one, and make sure your fence complies with local building codes.

Having a gorgeous deck to accompany your new pool will elevate the look and functionality of your outdoor space while giving you plenty of room to make the most of your aquatic amenity. For more ideas, inspiration, and access to free pool deck plans, visit Decks.com.

2023-04-10T18:03:00

(BPT) – When the days get longer and the weather starts warming up, it’s time to start thinking about opening your pool again. Once the temperatures where you live are consistently above 65–70º Fahrenheit and there’s no longer any risk of freezing temperatures, you can consider opening the pool and getting ready for swim season.

Many people open their pools on National Pool Opening Day, which falls on the last Saturday in April. Leslie’s, the nation’s leading supplier of pool and spa supplies, started the holiday eight years ago to help pool owners get their water ready in time for summer festivities.

The experts from Leslie’s recommend the following steps to help you open your pool the right way. A proper pool opening ensures your water will be clean, safe, and beautiful this season!

1. Remove the pool cover

If you have a solid cover, first remove water from the top with a submersible cover pump. Try to remove as much debris as possible to keep it from falling into the pool and making the water dirtier. Then clean and dry the cover to prepare it for storage.

2. Reconnect your pool equipment

Next, get your equipment ready to run. Reconnect any equipment (if needed), and reinstall the drain plugs.

3. Remove the winterizing plugs

Take out the skimmer guard and return line winterizing plugs, and reinstall any return fittings you removed when closing the pool. If you used pool antifreeze to winterize the suction lines, discharge it to waste/backwash or use a wet-dry vac to remove it from the plumbing.

4. Refill the pool

Keep filling water till the pool is up to its normal operating level. This is often about halfway up the skimmer.

5. Prime the pump and get it running

Once the filter pump is primed, set it to run continuously until you’re done opening the pool. Not only will this help circulate and filter the water, but it will also help distribute your chemicals throughout the pool.

6. Thoroughly clean the pool

To make sure your pool looks beautiful and is also healthy and safe for swimming, thoroughly skim, brush, and vacuum all pool surfaces.

7. Balance the water and ensure cleanliness

Investing in a Leslie’s Opening Kit can help your pool opening process go more smoothly. Opening Kits include a stain and scale preventative, pool shock, algaecide, and clarifier. Deluxe and Premium kits also include enzymes to help keep the pool cleaner and prolong the lifespan of your chlorine, as well as a phosphate remover to help prevent algae.

• Add the stain prevention product first, then wait at least 4 hours.
• Test the water and balance total alkalinity (80–120 ppm) and pH (7.4–7.6).
• Add your pool shock to get free chlorine levels up to at least 1–4 ppm, then let the pump continue to run overnight.
• The next day, add algaecide, then wait for at least 2–4 more hours.
• A clarifier will help your filter clean up the water faster.

Let the pump continue to run for at least four more hours after adding a clarifier. Then, if needed, vacuum the pool again. While the pump is running, check the filter pressure often. Make sure to clean or backwash the filter as needed during the start-up process. If you have enzymes, add them to the pool once chlorine levels are back under 5 ppm, then let your filter pump continue to run for another 48 hours.

8. Begin regular pool maintenance

Once you’ve followed all the above steps, bring a water sample to your local Leslie’s for a free in-store AccuBlue^® water test and customized treatment plan so you can manage the water chemistry after you open your pool. This will help you make any final adjustments before allowing swimmers to jump in and enjoy the pool!

9. Consider your pool’s water temperature after opening

Whether you have a heater, a heat pump, or neither, solar pool covers can help keep heat in the pool. In fact, depending on the thickness of the cover, they can increase the water temperature up to 15ºF on their own.

10. Don’t forget the fun!

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for — it’s time to dive in and enjoy the pool! A freshly opened pool is the perfect excuse to bring home a fun new inflatable float, cozy pool lounger, or some exciting backyard games.

Need help opening your pool? The experts at Leslie’s can help with pool opening services and supplies. Leslie’s Opening Kits contain all the chemicals necessary for getting your pool back up and running. They’re packaged according to pool size for simple application.

For more tips, information, and products to help keep your pool in top operating condition all season long, visit LesliesPool.com.

2023-04-05T16:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to refresh and recharge, and that goes for your home as well. With National Laundry Day falling on April 15, it’s a great time to revise and update your laundry space and routine. Washing and drying your clothing may seem simple, but just a few changes to your routine can keep your clothing cleaner and help it last longer. Take your laundry game to the next level using these five time-saving tips.

1. Have the right accessories on hand

Doing laundry the right way takes more than just using a detergent, washer and dryer. You’ll need the right accessories to properly wash and dry your clothing, especially delicates.

Try putting your delicate clothing in mesh laundry bags before throwing it in the wash. Mesh bags keep delicates from tangling or snagging during washing, preventing damage and premature stretching.

Wool dryer balls are also good to have on hand. They’re an eco-friendly replacement for dryer sheets that create air pockets between clothing while bouncing around the dryer. Not only do they speed up drying and reduce static, but they can also help reduce wrinkles and odors. You can even place some drops of essential oils on the wool balls for a fresh smell.

2. Upgrade your washer and dryer

An efficient washer and dryer can make doing laundry easier and help your clothing last longer and stay cleaner. If it’s time to replace your washer and dryer, look for a durable top-load washer with cutting-edge technology and a complementary dryer.

A reliable and powerful washer and dryer combo to consider is the LG Smart Top Load Washer and Smart Dryer. The washer’s TurboWash3D technology allows you to finish large loads in just 29 minutes, while the 4-Way agitator and TurboDrum technology provide a thorough, gentle clean.

To make things even easier, the LG Smart Pairing feature sends information to the dryer so when you’re ready to move things over, the dryer automatically recommends the best drying settings, saving you time and guesswork.

Both the washer and dryer can be controlled using the ThinQ app. Whether at home or out running errands, you can use the app to manage and monitor your laundry progress remotely. If any appliance issues pop up, Smart Diagnosis will alert you and provide solutions to solve problems on the spot.

3. Sort your laundry with hampers and bins

Before you start the wash, pre-sort your laundry into hampers or bins. You can separate by color, fabric type and care label instructions. This will simplify and speed up the washing process while preventing laundry accidents.

For example, washing darks and lights separately helps prevent darker colors from bleeding into lighter-colored fabrics. Washing delicates on their own on a gentle, cold cycle will extend their life. You can then wash another load of towels and blankets on a hot cycle to thoroughly clean them without damaging other items.

After a round in the dryer, you can use the same bins to separate clothing by type, such as tops, bottoms, socks, etc. or by who it belongs to.

4. Invest in a steam closet

Caring for hard-to-clean items can be time-consuming and tedious to get the results you want. However, investing in a steam closet can make clothing care easier and keep your clothing in better condition.

A steam closet like the LG Styler sanitizes, deodorizes and freshens clothing using chemical-free TrueSteam technology. This means you can easily care for delicates and dry-clean-only items without taking them to the cleaners, saving money and time.

If you have clothing that you’ve worn and plan to wear again in the week, just toss it in the Styler. The steam closet’s unique moving hanger system releases light wrinkles while freshening and removing odors. The Styler also makes it simple to sanitize awkwardly shaped items like throw pillows, jackets, toys and backpacks.

Like the smart washer and dryer, the Styler features ThinQ technology, so you can start and monitor cycles from your phone, troubleshoot problems, and even use voice commands with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to control the steam closet.

5. Use less detergent

A common misconception about laundry is that using more detergent will make your clothing cleaner. However, using more detergent than necessary can leave a soapy residue, leaving clothing looking dull and stiff and can even fade your clothing. Also, if you have sensitive skin, the soap residue may cause irritation. Plus, using less detergent will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to restock as often.

A few changes can make a big difference. Using these five tips, you can improve your laundry routine for a cleaner, fresher wardrobe on National Laundry Day and beyond.