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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-05-06, Page 14Calculating the costs The location and temperature preference of a pool will drastically alter the cost of maintenance and heating. • Garden Centre • Pet Supplies • Pond Supplies • Livestock Feeds • Bird Supplies • Farm Supplies • jir U.8 Pu ri na. Q inasterfeeds Formerley HOWSON HOWSON Ltd. 3 ?op _• Nth RENT IT AND SAVE! Everything for the do-it-yourselfer and the professional contractor - Cellular Phones - Paging - Horse Tack and Supplies Honda Engines - Industrial and Farm Supplies - - Safety Supplies OPEN: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. SATURDAYS 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. CENTRAL RENTAL & SUPPLY LTD. 26 Isaac St. Manager Clinton Bill Crawford (519) 482-7930 "We're always adding new equipment - phone for your needs" require that builders and dealers are licensed and insured. 6. Make sure your builder follows a nationally recognized standard such as the ANSI/NSPI standards. 7. Review contracts carefully before signing. A clearly written contract protects both you and the builder. 8. To save money, check several sources of financing. The interest on home improvement loans may be tax deductible. 9. Ask for a warranty for your pool and its support equipment. 10. If you decide to use a pool maintenance company for service, look for a company with personnel who are well trained. Many NSPI members participate in the Association's certification program. 11. Deal with an NSPI of Canada member. It will save you time and money! Let us help you compliment your water garden with our completely stocked Garden Centre PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1998. 4ir Hartle cckz -Civr'den 1 98 Become well-informed before buying pool (NC) — A pool is a lasting investment in your family life and in your health, so you should select a builder or dealer as carefully as you would an architect or builder for your home. Here are some simple steps to follow: 1. Read all about pools. NSPI of Canada has a complete range of consumer publications to help you learn about pool planning, maintenance and safety. 2. Call NSPI of Canada for a list of member builders and dealers in your area. The telephone number is (905) 676-1591 or 1-800-879-7066. (NC) — Thinking of buying a swimming pool? Well, some consumers are concerned that owning a swimming pool is a lot of work. This used to be the case, but now, a few minutes a week is all it takes if you spend a few extra dollars on equipment. The automatic pool cleaners will do 95 per cent of the cleaning. Chemicals can be fed from a feeder which is set to dispense the required amount and only has to be filled once or twice a week depending on the size of your pool and feeder. There are even automatic monitors to continuously read the chemical residual and they will feed accordingly. These are usually used on commercial pools, but can be put on residential ones as well. On older pools without any automation, you should plan on about one hour a week to maintain your pool. 3. Verify references. Most builders and dealers will be happy to supply you with the names of previous customers. An important guide is the logo of NSPI, the official national association of more than 4,500 leaders in the swimming pool and spa industry in Canada and the United States. 4. Ask for two or three written bids to get an idea of the market in your area_ 5. Call NSPI of Canada and the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce in your area to check on deiler reputation. Some areas With spas, all that is required is a few minutes to fill the dispenser and test and balance the water. If your spa gets heavy usage or after a party, this could be twice a week. Most spas are well-insulated and with a good cover, should not cost more than $25 - $50 a month to heat in the winter, depending on what part of the country you live in, and much less in the summer. The cost to operate a pool can vary by the amount it is used, where it is located and what temperature you like to keep it at. As an example, you will use twice as much chemical at 90 degrees than you will at 80 degrees. Your heat loss will be greater as well, so the operating cost will change dramatically. The average cost of the average sized pool for heat, power and chemical should be around five to seven hundred dollars per year. Cleaning equipment lets you relax and enjoy Bring the beauty of 6pring to Your Home We can provide you with every- thing you need to get started, including... • Aquatic Plants • Pumps • Pond liners • Pond Fish • Fountain Heads • Fish Food the knowledge and expertise you maintain your wonder of beauty. iiYour FREE Water Garden Catalogue! Proud Supplier of: Surround Yourself with the Essence of Nature with an Outdoor Water Garden Utteit 444 4 1494044 Pry • Seeds • Peat Moss* Bulbs • Evergreens • Flowering Shrubs , • Specimen Trees • Annuals • Perennials • Super Grow Rabbit Manure Open Mon. - Sat. 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. 185 Josephine St., Wingham • 357-2700 We're Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Easy care Automated monitors and pool cleaners have dramatically decreased the time required to keep pools sparkling clean.