Most people with a backyard pool tend to have at least half their summer plans involving pool parties, lounging by the pool, late-night swimming, and so on. However, swimming pools can get filthy and algae-infested if not taken care of, and your friends and family will need to give any pool parties at your place a miss. To avoid that from happening, here are some costly mistakes to avoid when maintaining a swimming pool. 4 basic pool care mistakes that can prove costly Not cleaning the pool after pet use While pets are a part of the family, they also run the risk of carrying a high level of contaminants. In most cases, an average-sized dog carries three times more contaminants than humans. Furthermore, leaving pet hair or dander inside the pool can cause changes in the chemical level of the pool and even clog the filters. Hence, experts suggest treating the pool with water clarifiers after pet use. This can help break down the oils and pollutants in the water and ensure a clean pool. Not brushing the pool regularly In addition to vacuuming the pool regularly to avoid gunk and scum build-up, one must also brush it clean.

Installing a gas line at home is a detailed process that needs to be executed correctly. Therefore, there are a couple of things that one needs to get right from the beginning to prevent any mishaps. For example, using the wrong pipe can hamper the entire process and result in an installation without functionality. So here are certain steps one can keep in mind to ensure that the quality of installation is met. Turn off the gas supply Before starting a new pipe installation, it is essential to turn off the existing supply. This needs to be done at the gas meter. Furthermore, ensure it is turned off completely by turning the valve a quarter turn. Double-check to see that the meter isn’t moving. Get the right pipes and fittings When purchasing a gas pipe, it isn’t about buying from a reputable brand but also picking the ideal size. Most domestic gas lines use 1.27 cm to 3.81 cm pipes. However, various cities have different pipeline installation materials, sizes, and specifications. Therefore, consult a standard company to where the building belongs before purchasing. Extend the existing line and make the connection The next step involves extending the existing gas line with the new fittings, including valves and pipe lengths, to ensure the pipeline reaches the new appliance.

Decorating your home can be one of the most satisfying tasks to take up in your free time. You might want to spruce up the space for a special occasion or just a change. But decorating may require careful consideration to choose the right items. Missing key steps or not taking utility into consideration could lead to an unfulfilling end result. So, avoid the following home decor mistakes people usually make: Not considering available space One of the first home decor mistakes people usually make when buying any type of household item is overlooking the space in the room. Regardless of how good the item looks, you might have to send it back or resell it if it does not fit into the desired area. So, measure the area beforehand and then look for items that will work with the space you have. Inadequate lighting When decorating your home, you should find lighting solutions to create layers. So, a combination of fixtures at varying heights, such as pendant lights on the ceiling, under-cabinet lighting, and floor lamps, can create a well-illuminated space. Additionally, although lights can transform the look of any room, installing them in the wrong places could highlight undesirable features of the room.

The front door of a house creates a first impression for outsiders as well as acts as a welcoming portal to the residents’ personalities. Having the right front door enhances many aspects of a house, including aesthetics, safety, and privacy. So, it is important for homeowners to choose the right front door. Making certain mistakes when choosing a front door can have bad consequences for homeowners and dampen their mood. Not choosing the right material Having the right material for a door is as important as the overall choice of door. Certain factors determine how good or bad a particular material would hold up for specific homes. For example, if a home is located in a rainfall-prone area, then choosing wooden front doors may not be the best idea . Similarly, one must consider climatic conditions such as sunlight, snow, and humidity before selecting the front door for their home. If a door with an unfavorable material is installed, the overall durability and reliability factor of the front door will be greatly impacted. Ignoring energy efficiency Energy-efficient doors are useful to reduce the overall power consumption of a house and, in that way, reduce the electricity and other utility bills for the homeowner .

Home upgrades are a rewarding investment. They can enhance functionality, elevate aesthetics, improve utility, and provide a refreshing change. Some remodeling projects also offer higher returns while house flipping. One can tweak a few things here and there and demand a higher price for the property. But to increase the home’s value, one must make the right upgrades. Some remodeling projects help homeowners earn good returns without spending too much. Renovating the bathroom Before purchasing a home, people look at the bathroom’s overall utility and aesthetics. That’s why one should consider adding enhancements like extra storage, better ventilation, LED lights that save energy, and water-saving features like showerheads or low-flow toilets. Replacing outdated pipes and fixing rust or plumbing problems can also increase home value. Remodeling the basement People often consider the basement an added space for their needs. To increase the home’s appeal, one can turn the basement into a recreational zone, game room, or guest room. It’s also best to ensure safety, ventilation, and lighting here. Adding a deck or patio A deck or patio is an inviting area that enhances one’s outdoor living space. For these add-ons, it’s best to go for durable and sturdy materials like hardwoods or premium softwoods, pressure-treated wood, or PVC since they may require minimal maintenance.