Above Ground Swimming Pool Covers

One of the easiest things you can do to protect your pool and keep it looking great for many years, is to invest in a quality swimming pool cover. It is a relatively low cost item, that can save you money and a lot of pool maintenance in the long run.

If you own an above ground pool, you will probably want to invest in two different types of covers. The first type of cover will be used during the warm months, whenever you are actually swimming in your pool. This type of cover is commonly known as a solar cover. The way it looks is sometimes compared to an overgrown piece of bubble wrap. It works by not only keeping debris out of the pool, but also by trapping in the heat accumulated by the water during the warm daylight hours. It is usually placed on the swimming pool in the evening when everyone is finished swimming for the day. This type of cover floats freely on the top of the water and can easily be put on or taken off by two people. One person can complete the task with a little bit more effort, but they will most likely end up getting rather wet.

Ground Cover

The second type of cover you will want to own is a winter pool cover. As an owner of an above ground swimming pool, you'll find that this type of cover is absolutely necessary if you want to keep your pool free of debris. These large, heavy duty covers are generally made of some type of very durable synthetic material that can resist whipping winds and unforgiving winter weather. Most of these covers drape over the entire pool and are strapped down or weighted down along the outside wall of the pool.

Both types of pool covers mentioned here, cost no more than fifty or sixty dollars for most above ground pools. The time and hassle that they save pool owners is well worth the expense.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Covers

Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Zucchini

This zucchini stuffed with ground meat and rice is in our top ten list of our kitchen. As I wrote before, zucchini is not our favorite vegetable and we always look for some different recipes for it. However, this stuffed one is an exception. This is one of the most common traditional Turkish dishes and we adore it so much that I often make it. I should have put it here before, but we were so impatient to wait for taking a photo when I made it. I made it at night this time not to eat it before the photos as we take photos during day.

Ingredients (servings: 2)

Ground Cover

- 4 middle size zucchinis

- 1 tomato

- 2 onions, diced

- ¼ cup rice

- 150g ground meat

- 2 tbsp tomato paste (1 for filling, 1 for sauce)

- 1 lemon, squeezed

- A few leaves of dill, minced

- A few leaves of fresh mint, minced

- 5 tbsp olive oil

- Salt

- Black pepper

Wash the zucchinis and cut them into two. Then grab a small spoon and scoop out their pulp. The walls of zucchinis shouldn't be too thick or too thin (about ¼ inch). Sprinkle a pinch of salt inside each of them.

For the filling; Mix diced onions, rice, ground meat, 1 tbsp tomato paste, lemon juice, minced dill and fresh mint, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt and black pepper in a bowl.

Stuff the zucchinis with this mixture, but be careful, it shouldn't be too tight because when rice and ground meat cook, they'll get bigger. You can gently press on the filling while stuffing the zucchinis. Place each stuffed zucchini upright in a large pot.

Slice the tomato and put a slice on each stuffed zucchini to cover the filling mixture.

Dilute 1 tbsp tomato paste with water and pour it into the pot. Then pour some water (shouldn't cover the zucchini, leave it when the water reaches the middle of zucchinis). Cover the lid on the pot, put it over the lowest heat and cook it for about 1 and a half hour.

You can serve it with some yogurt and garnish with dill leaves.

Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Zucchini

Above Ground Swimming Pools - Easy to Set Up and Affordable to Maintain

When it comes to easy setup and affordable maintenance, nothing beats above ground pools. In recent years, above ground swimming pools have rapidly grown in popularity because they are relatively inexpensive compared to in ground pools. In addition, the flexibility of swimming pools above ground is unparalleled. They can be removed more easily and can even be moved. In the past, many home owners had reservations about above ground pools because they felt they were not as durable as in ground alternatives. However, recent developments in the construction of above ground pools mean that they can usually last between 15 and 20 years so long as you keep up proper maintenance and replace the liner every five to seven years. Intex above ground pools are an excellent example of a durable above ground pool that will provide your family with years of swimming entertainment.

Above Ground Pool Setup

Ground Cover

Generally speaking, installing an above ground pool will require a few similar steps. Keep in mind that whatever above ground swimming pool you ultimately purchase will vary some with regards to installation but these guidelines should provide you with a sense of the work involved. For example, smaller above ground pools can usually be inflated or installed directly on your lawn while larger pools may require sod removal and site leveling. Still, the basic steps involved with setting up your new above ground pool will be discussed.

First, choose a suitable place to put your pool. Although this seems obvious, there are some careful considerations you should make. Pick a place where the ground is level and void of large rocks and stones. Also, make sure you have access to an outdoor electrical outlet. Your pool should be in an area of your yard with sun exposure and away from trees and bushes which tend to lead to excess debris in your pool.

Next, it is recommended that you level an area that is larger than your pool size. For example, if you have chosen a 12 foot pool then your base should be closer to 15 feet in diameter. You can level the area using a straight 2x4, which can be purchased at your local building supply store, and a spirit level. Above ground pools with an inflatable ring can usually be set up on the grass but installing metal frame above ground pools would require that you remove the sod. Still, lay the 2x4 on the ground with the spirit level on top and ensure that the bubble is centered. Turn the board 90 degrees and check the level again. You should repeat this process over the entire area of the above ground swimming pool base. Should the area not be level, you can add soil to low regions.

Once you have created a level base for your above ground pool, you can start setting up the pool. Every above ground pool is not the same with regards to setup so you should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Generally speaking, you would assemble the side walls, insert the liner, and connect the top rails. This is an extremely simplified explanation of above ground swimming pool assembly because not all pools are the same. Still, once you have the structure of your above ground pool set up you can begin to fill the pool with water. Ensure that the water depth is equal around the pool, as uneven water levels can cause excess stress on the walls of your above ground pool. Finally, you'll be ready to install the filter system and other extras for your pool by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Maintenance

Although maintenance for above ground swimming pools tends to be more straightforward, it is still important that you take care of your pool. First of all, you should check the chlorine levels daily to ensure that your pool is safe for swimming. You can purchase chlorine floaters that regularly administer chlorine to your above ground pool. Also, you should keep your above ground swimming pool covered when not in use to prevent debris from building up. This day to day maintenance means that your above ground pool can be enjoyed without stress.

As far as closing your pool is concerned, it is recommended that you follow the manufacturers' instructions for proper winterization.

Above Ground Swimming Pools - Easy to Set Up and Affordable to Maintain

Vines and Ground Covers

Here are some good vines and ground covers for you to use in the NORTHWEST

BEARBERRY - A low dense mat like broad-leaved evergreen thrives in sun or shade and prefers a sandy soil. It is a native plant and may be collected from the wild; however, nursery-grown plants establish more easily. Its scientific name is Arctostaphylos Uvaursi.

Ground Cover

DWARF HOLLY-GRAPE - A native plant, known as Mahonia repens, creeps by underground roots and forms a good cover to 10 inches high. Its broad leaves are handsome, and it will live in any soil if it has sun or part-day shade.

CLEMATIS - There are many species and in the Northwest Clematis paniculata is a semi-evergreen and vigorous vine. If permitted, it will reach 30 feet. It likes an alkaline soil and full sun. It produces fragrant white flowers in fall.

COMMON PERIWINKLE - A popular ground cover with pale blue flowers in early spring, Vinca minor will thrive in sun or part shade. Because it will grow in an acid soil it is frequently used as a broad leaved cover between acid-loving rhododendrons and is useful beneath trees where a lawn is difficult to maintain. It grows 10 inches high.

ROSE DAPHNE - A plant with a preference for acid soil, it will trail over banks and walls and is effective in a rock garden. Known as Daphne Cneoram, its broad leaves are attractive throughout the year and its pale pink flowers are beautiful in spring. It forms a dense mat-like growth in sun or part shade.

WINTER JASMINE - A hardy shrub to 10 degrees below zero, it will make a ground cover 3 feet high or its trailing branches, which spread 15 feet, may be trained on a trellis to display its yellow flowers in early spring except West of the Cascades, where it blooms in winter. It likes an acid soil and full sun. You will find it listed as Jasminum nudiflorum.

ENGLISH IVY - A garden vine which clings to walls and tree trunks, often it goes as high as 90 feet, but creeping along the ground it rarely exceeds 8 inches in height. Known as Hedera Helix it is found in many nurseries and is easily propagated from cuttings. Its broad leaves are a good green all year and it will live in sun or shade. It is not particular as to soil type.

ST. JOHNS WORT - Known as Hypericum Mosericmum, this is a fine ground cover, 2 feet tall, for the coastal areas, Puget Sound, Snake River valley and protected valleys. It likes an acid soil and sun or part shade. It has attractive yellow flowers in summer.

WINTERCREEPER - Both Euonymus Fortunei vegetus and the species minimum are used as low ground covers and as climbing vines in all parts of the Northwest. They prefer an acid soil and do well in sun or shade.

Vines and Ground Covers

Inexpensive Ways to Make Trees and Ground Cover For Your Model Railroad Layout

One of the most exciting aspects of model railroading is creating the scenery to enhance the landscape of a layout. The scenery is what adds the personality and interest to a layout to make it truly unique.

There are all sorts of scenery accessories you can purchase from online model train stores, but many things can be made from everyday items around the home. You do not always need to spend money when there are things around you for free.

Ground Cover

Twigs from your back yard are a good example. They can be used for making small trees and shrubs, or be cut to resemble logs. There is no need to paint them, because they are already the right color. Small wooden meat skewers (from the supermarket) can also be used to make logs and they are very inexpensive to buy.

The same goes for adding grass to your layout. You can purchase some very good products such as "Static Grass Flock" to provide ground cover, or you can make your own. Some model railroaders use a mix of ready-to-use grasses from the hobby store, and combine this, with there own home made grass recipe.

Gather some fresh mulberry leaves and dry them in a microwave oven. After they are dried out, drop them in a kitchen blender and you have instant ground cover. The best thing is; it costs you virtually nothing to make. Store it in a plastic bag for when you need it.

The only disadvantage with making your own ground cover is you will not necessarily know how long it will last when compared to the bought stuff. Many of the ground cover products from a hobby store will have been treated to help them maintain their color and withstand temperature and humidity variances over time. Some of them are non-flammable and nontoxic, so you need to decide what is important to you.

A lot of model railroaders use dried kitchen herbs for leaves and ground cover. They mix different herbs (eg. thyme, oregano and parsley) for different effects. When doing this it is best to lay some newspaper underneath, as it can be a messy process. That way you can catch and reuse any herbs that do not stick the first time.

Sea Foam (also called "Forest in a Box") is a popular material for making small inexpensive trees. You can bend it to look like trees and then spray on some adhesive and sieve on some flock. It is usually best to mix a few little pieces together rather than use just one piece for an entire tree.

Fine brass wire can be used to strengthen the trunks and branches. Torn up pieces of masking tape can be wound around the tree trunk to add some width. This can then be sealed with a mixture of wall filler and PVA white glue.

You can even add sprinklings of kitchen herbs as mentioned earlier. You can then spray the trees all over with matt varnish, or spray them (upside down) with a mix of white glue and water. You then leave them to dry overnight.

Lichen is also ideal for making shrubs and trees. It is very versatile and looks good as mass foliage and undergrowth on a train layout. It is also inexpensive and easy to work with. You can purchase it in a range of colors that can be used separately or mixed together.

So, there are many, many ways to make ground cover and trees for your model railroad layout. It is a lot of fun and you might want to try some different options to see what works best for you. The point I am really making here; is that things on your train layout do not always need to be expensive. You just need to be a little creative in your approach. Have fun!

Inexpensive Ways to Make Trees and Ground Cover For Your Model Railroad Layout

Five Most Profitable Ground Covers For Your Backyard Plant Nursery

Ground covers are one of the best income producers for small plant nurseries. High in demand, easy to grow and can make you a nice profit. Sound pretty good?

Ground covers are plants that do just that. The start-up costs are fairly low, and it's one of the highest per-square-foot incomes for any plant nursery. They cut down on the threat of erosion and weeds, and reduce the need for watering by their ability to lock in moisture. There simply is a big demand for them, so if you can grow what people want, you could stand to make a lot of money.

Ground Cover

Here are five of the most profitable that you can grow in your backyard plant nursery:

1. Hedera (Ivy) - This is an evergreen ground cover that spreads rapidly. Plus, there are hundreds of cultivars to choose from. Two of the most popular varieties of English Ivy are "Thorndale" and "Baltic."

2. Euonymus - The most popular use is for flat areas. As it spreads, it sends out fast-growing stems that root. The two varieties that are particularly popular are Colorata and Radicans.

3. Hypericum (St John's Wort) - This is a highly-popular ground cover, and can provide erosion control on slopes. It's also used as a medicinal herb as well.

4. Chamaemelum Nobile (Chamomile) - In Europe, this is often used as a lawn substitute. The flowers can also make for a soothing tea, increasing the amount of uses for this popular herb.

5. Thymus Serpyllum - This can make for a nice fragrant ground cover. There are many low-growing varieties that are quite popular, such as lemon thyme and woolly thyme.

To find out what people in your area are looking for, do some research. Talk to landscapers. What plants do they often buy? These are the ones you should be growing.

Most ground covers can be propagated by layering, cuttings or division. Your original plants can be used as parent stocks for future plants to grow, keeping costs low.

When you're ready to sell your plants, you have many options:

Sell directly to landscapers - if you can give them what they want at a better price than they've paid before, you could see a lot of repeat business.

Mail-order sales - specialty ground covers can be hard to find at local retail nurseries, so many people are turning to mail-order sales to find what they're looking for. That's why you should consider placing ads in regional and national gardening magazines.

Retail sales - you can sell directly to the public if your town allows. This allows you to meet a lot of potential customers and get paid right away. Make sure your plants are labeled and get selling!

These are just some of the many ways you can sell your ground covers. Try the five recommended here and you could have some profitable plants in no time. Soon your backyard nursery will be the profit center of your dreams. To learn more, read How to Start a Profitable Backyard Plant Nursery, available at: http://extraincomebulletin.com

Five Most Profitable Ground Covers For Your Backyard Plant Nursery

How To Get Rid Of Ivy Ground Cover

Based on my research English Ivy is usually described as continuing vine and is active growth period is during spring and summer. In addition, the English ivy has a long life span relation to most other plant class and an enough growth rate.

Ivy can be an attractive addition to your garden, providing an exceptional decorative plant to your trees, fences, garden walls, or even to your home. But then, Ivy becomes an evergreen ground cover that produces limited and creates unwanted significances. Also, this plant is harmful because of the dust and the tough covering that can irritate allergies and can cause rashes on sensitive skin.

Ground Cover

Most common problems of communal people residing in North America is on how to get rid of ground cover Ivy. There is no easier way to get ivy out but spraying them with total herbicides such as Roundup can kill the said plant, it takes more than one application to complete the job. Even then, there's risk that I won't get it all, and it could keep reappears, so you have to dig them out; Because Ivy plant has a very thin root system. You should cut the foliage and remove 6 inch layer below that so you'll get the most of the roots, because there are chance that it will start producing a new plant, so let's not take chances. Here are some lists of herbicides that could help you, first would be the Triclopyr, this is a chemical used to control the growth of English Ivy and second is the Glyphosate can effectively kills English Ivy after it is absorbed by the plant through the leaves and stalks. Based on my research the strongest herbicide is sold by Crocus.

I have some tips on how to use the Herbicide correctly so it won't harm you and the plants you want to keep, the best way to apply herbicide is to paint it onto fresh cuts in the plant stems,always avoid application on windy days to prevent drifting of chemicals that can damage other plant. In some case it different mixes of herbicides and surfactant applied at different times of the year seems to have different levels of effectiveness.

Getting rid of ground cover Ivy is not effective when you're not using weed killer. The growth of English Ivy must be controlled with the use of Herbicides to prevent harm to other plant. It is difficult to kill the entire ivy plant yet you can do it when it will be done with hard work and persistence.

How To Get Rid Of Ivy Ground Cover

Purchasing an Above Ground Winter Pool Cover

Regardless of what anybody tells you, you need to cover your pool in the winter (except you year-round warm states). It's extremely important to the overall health of your pool. Also it will be less of a nightmare to open come spring time.

When looking for a winter cover keep a few things in mind. Winter covers get damaged over the winter, it happens. But there are several different strengths of pool covers to choose from. Mostly it's not the thickness but the stitching. You want a cover that has a tighter stitch. Look for cover that are more than 10x10 stitching if you can. Those tend to be the strongest covers and for some reason they are green in color or tan and black. Ask your local pool store for this kind of cover. Yes they are more expensive but you'll get more than one year out of it for sure.

Ground Cover

Every cover should also come with a cable and a winch. And each cover has what are called grommets which you lay the cover on the pool and over the sides of the rail. Then you thread the cable in and out of the grommets all the way around the pool. Then use the winch to tighten the cable securing the cover to your swimming pool. Make sure the cover isn't stretched across your swimming pool. Make sure it lays flat on top of the water and comes up the sides of the pool and over the rails. In the winter time keep a little bit of water on top of the cover to protect it from wind damage. This should help prolong the life of your winter cover.

Additional Note: Look for a winter cover that is 4 foot bigger than the size of your pool. If you don't have enough cover then the cover will be a tight fit and could ruin your cover and your pool during the winter.

Purchasing an Above Ground Winter Pool Cover

Above Ground Pools - Make an Informed Choice

Nothing is more fun and inviting than a backyard pool. Beating the summer heat with family and friends is one of summertime’s biggest pleasures. With the huge popularity of above ground swimming pools this major backyard water feature is not only fun but affordable.

Getting the right pool for your home and budget can be a daunting affair. So many choices and such odd terminology; hopper bottom, skimmer, return lines, cove etc. It’s not really that hard to cut through the noise and find the above ground pool that’s right for you.

Ground Cover

Above ground pools come in two shapes; round and oval. These shapes are available in a number of sizes that most manufacturers sell. The most popular size is the 24 ft. round pool but round pools are available in diameters from 12 ft. to 33 ft. Oval pools usually start in the 12 ft. by 20-24 ft. size and get as large as 21 ft. x 41 ft. The area for your pool and your budget will combine to suggest the size that will work best. The ideal pool location will get at least 6-8 hours of sun during the summer and should be as flat and unobstructed as possible. Trees in particular can be troublesome if too close to a pool. Power lines or telephone poles are right out! Keep in mind that many oval pools have side supports or buttresses that can jut out as much as 2-3 feet from the base of the pool. Some newer oval designs have done away with buttresses that allows oval pools to go where ovals have never gone before.

Above ground pools are nearly always made of either steel or resin/plastic. Steel pools have been around for more than 40 years. Resin pools are relative newcomers. Corrosion is always a problem with steel pools and resin pools definitely will not rust. Resin pools generally cost more but industry figures put the average life span of an above ground pool at between 4 and 5 years. Rust may not be a factor! The choice is yours. Pools have gotten deeper in recent years. The standard 48 inch high pool is now overtopped by 52 inch and even 54 inch tall models.

To hold water, your pool needs a vinyl liner. There is a large selection of patterns from simple blue to exotic looking tile motifs and even a liner that mimics a tropical reef complete with fish and coral! Most pool packages are sold with an overlap style liner. These liners wrap over the top of the pool wall and cling to the outside of the pool. The liner is held in place by the top rail. You will also see beaded liners. These snap into a thin receiving strip just under the top rail on the inside of the pool and eliminate the overlap. Beaded liners tend to be an upgrade and cost more but they are usually a heavier, 25 gauge vinyl rather than the 20 gauge common in overlap liners.

The most important purchase after the pool itself is the filtration system. If you make an informed choice your pool will run cleaner and be less work. Sand and cartridge filters are the usual choices available for above ground pools. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Filter sand is inexpensive but if neglected can turn nasty and sand filters are a chore to clean and re-fill. Cartridge filters require less maintenance but cartridges do wear out and can cost over 0.00 to replace.

The heart of any pool filtration system is the pump. A good pump, properly matched to the size of your pool will give many years of dependable service. Don’t buy too much power. Pools need to have clean filtered water not imitate Old Faithful. Most above and many in-ground pools work well with no more than a 1 hp. pump and motor combination. Small to mid-size above ground pools do well with ¾ hp units. Proper pump sizing will use less electricity and less wear on hoses and filters.

Rob Coxworth

WebfootLeisure.com [http://www.webfootleisure.com]

Above Ground Pools - Make an Informed Choice

If You Need a Good Ground Cover Or Plant to Cover a Bare Wall This is the Plant For the Job

Creeping Fig is a beautiful evergreen perennial vine with superior root clinging ability. It is a very popular landscape plant in many warm climate areas. This is one of the best vines for creating dense green coverings due to it's fine attractive foliage, shade tolerance and fast growth rate.

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) is a unique member of the ficus family. It has clasping stems covered by small, delicate green leaves. Creeping Fig is primarily used in topiaries, terrariums, wall covers, hanging baskets and as a ground cover.

Ground Cover

Creeping fig is an enthusiastic climber able to scramble up vertical surfaces 3 and 4 stories tall with the aid of a powerful adhesive. The vine coats surfaces with a tracery of fine stems that are densely covered with small heart shaped leaves that are 1 inch (2.5 cm) long by about .75 inch (2 cm) wide. They are held closely to the surface creating a mat of foliage that extends barely 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the surface. With Creeping Fig you can create cool green curtains of dense foliage on unattractive block, masonry, and concrete walls. Some cities use this vine to soften concrete freeway supports which helps to dampen traffic noise as well as provide visual relief.

As a houseplant, Creeping Fig is easily established in average to bright light. Its quick growth rate makes it an excellent choice for training on a topiary form. Creeping Fig is the basic dependable plant for covering any moss filled wired topiary form, taking the form of whatever it covers. Theme parks, hotels and resorts use creeping fig to create "instant" topiaries. Wire frameworks are created and lined with sphagnum moss and filled with growing medium. Creeping fig is planted in the frame which rapidly grows to cover the shape in a thin coat of fine-textured leaves.

This vine also makes a good ground cover for large plantings. It looks great scrambling over boulders and tree trunks as it endeavors to coat everything it encounters in a green blanket. Creeping fig is not particular about soil. It's less aggressive and easier to manage when its grown in less fertile, drier soil. This vine will grow at seaside if protected behind dunes or buildings.

Light: Shade to sun. Moisture: Water when dry when young. Once the vine matures you can let it fend for itself even during droughts. Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 11. Can tolerate freezing temperatures for short durations. Propagation: By cuttings, dust end with rooting hormone powder. Also by layers (the vine will form roots wherever it touches the ground).

If You Need a Good Ground Cover Or Plant to Cover a Bare Wall This is the Plant For the Job

The Basics of Landscaping For Above Ground Pools

If you're planning to install a pool, then an above ground pool is the best idea, and then you'll need some landscaping for above ground pools. Not only they're cheaper, but they are easy to install and give a lot of creative possibilities when it comes to landscaping. Not only can you add a deck, but you can put plants around it, you can deck the walls, and even add aquatic plants.

Decks

Ground Cover

You might think, why should I get a deck when all I need is a ladder to get in and out of the pool? Well, the only reason for it, is that it's not pleasant for the eye, and in fact, you wouldn't be using your above ground pool possibilities: a pool is not only for swimming, but also for hanging around! A nice deck will be useful to get cleaned up before getting in the house, is a great place to put some chairs and entertain visitors, you name it. Putting a deck will integrate your above ground pool into your landscaping design.

If you want something simple, a 10x10ft board will do, in case all you want is a couple of seats. Now, if you're thinking of using your deck for entertainment purposes, you can cover a wider area, surrounding the pool and going into your barbecue area. This depends on how much money you can spend and if you can or will do it by your own. If not, you can get someone else to do it for you.

In case your kids are very young or you usually have young kids at home, a fence will come in handy. This security feature can be decorated with vines or any similar plant and it will give more peace of mind. In fact, they add some nice decorative touch to above ground pools.

Plants

When choosing plants for landscaping around above ground pools, you must choose those that could resist chlorine water, since they will receive it from the pool. They also should be plants that don't grow too fast and don't drop leaves into the water. This is very dangerous since it can end up damaging the water filters.

If you plant shrubs, make sure they don't overgrow so to cover the pool machinery. The least maintenance the plants and flowers need, the better.

You can also plant some tropical flowers, such as Canna lilies and lantanas. These luscious flowers will give some tropical flavor into your landscaping for above ground pools.

The Basics of Landscaping For Above Ground Pools

5 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Choices For Difficult Locations

There are times when any gardener needs a quick growing type plant for fast covering of bare soil in beds or on a sloped bank. Perhaps you have just started a new perennial bed, and would like a way to fill in the bare spots until the perennials have reached their mature growth. Or you have planted trees and need a ground cover that can tolerate the shade below its branches.

Areas of bare ground can be transformed quite quickly with a carpet of low growing plants. Bare soil is a magnet for weeds, which if allowed, can become established and set seed very quickly. On banks, erosion is a more serious problem from both wind and rain. Planting these spots with fast growing cover plants not only solves these two potential problems, but makes areas more attractive.

Ground Cover

Variegated periwinkle (Vinca major) is one of the best choices for a large area that needs a fast growing and vigorous ground cover. With its white and green perennial leaves and its pretty blue-violet flowers, it does need to be sited with care since it will spread very quickly. Long shoots grow almost overnight, and will re-root where they touch the soil. These hardy plants flower best with some sun, but will also grow well in shade where the variegated foliage adds a light touch. One warning - this can become invasive quickly if not controlled.

Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) is another good choice where a fast growing ground cover is required. With clusters of lavender-blue star shaped flowers, it shows well. This plant spreads by underground runners, so should not be placed where it can overwhelm other less vigorous growing plants. You can easily chop off the outer sections of the clump with a spade.

Blue catmint (Nepeta faassenii) is the third choice for an fast growing easy-cover plant. It has aromatic foliage of small silvery gray leaves and sprays of pale lavender-blue flowers. It does prefer a sunny spot, but will tolerate some shade. This plant should be located where it can sprawl over the edges of a raised bed or edge a path where its scent can be released as it is brushed against.

Prostrate junipers such as Blue Carpet (Juniperus squamata) are another good choice for ground covers. With spreading ground-hugging branches covered with silvery-blue needle-like leaves, this one looks good all year. It will grow in almost any conditions, and is particularly suitable for planting on banks and slopes.

Spreading roses (Rosa sp.) are very useful and attractive ways to cover large areas of ground. With masses of flowers, they form a prostrate carpet that looks beautiful most of the summer. The long prickly stems rapidly spread so plant these where you want to control soil erosion. Many of the new varieties of blanketing roses are trouble free and very hardy. They look particularly good tumbling over a wall or trailing down a sloped spot. Many varieties are available, in colors ranging from white through pinks and peach to vivid reds.

Choose any of these five quick ground covers for soil stabilization, weed control or just for aesthetic appeal in a difficult spot.

5 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Choices For Difficult Locations

Review of Large Portable Above Ground Swimming Pools

Summer is almost here and it looks like it is going to be a hot one. So I am here to give you a review of large portable above ground swimming pools. There is a wide selection of popular pools so here they are.

One of the most liked and popular is Intex Ultra Frame Pools. These are large and feel like a regular pool and not a portable outdoor pool. These pools are very easy to set up. It does not require a lot of work to install them. They all come with the DVD set up manual so you can watch to see exactly how it is done. Also, make sure you get the package pool, with the pump, deluxe cleaning kit, cover and liner. All pools need to be cleaned. What is good about Intex pools is that they have full customer service available to you Monday through Friday.

Ground Cover

The second best pools is the Ellipse lap pool. These pools are oval shaped and also feel like regular pools. They come packaged together with all the supplies such as pump, cover and liner. Same as with the Intex Ultra Frame Pools, these come with installation DVD so they are easy to set up. These pools are large portable above ground swimming pools, but they need strong people to move them.

There are 2 more different models of the large portable above ground swimming pools. The easy set and Intex Frame. The easy set is rated 2-3 stars because some of those are very easy to push on the side, making the water leak. However, the Intex frame pools are the other good option because they are a lot more sturdy and very easy to put together.

Overall, any pool you decide to get, make sure you get the pump, cover and the liner for it. Make sure you measure the area very well. And since these are very large portable above ground swimming pools, make sure you have a help to be able to move them.

Review of Large Portable Above Ground Swimming Pools

Filipino Recipes - Giniling Recipe (Ground Beef) - Pinoy Food

Giniling or ground meat is a popular recipe for small eateries along the street sides as well as in cafeterias and small restaurants. There are many reasons why it is well-loved by many Filipinos, topmost is the satisfying blend of ingredients that would surely fill an empty stomach. It can be taken any time of the day especially lunch when Filipinos are known to eat to their hearts desire.

Ingredients:

Ground Cover

1 lb. lean ground beef 4 cloves of garlic (peeled and smashed) 1 small tomato (diced) 1 small onion (diced) ½ yellow bell pepper (diced) ½ red bell pepper (diced) ½  cup frozen green peas ½ cup carrots (diced) 1 cup of potatoes (diced) 2 tbsp Annatto seeds (atsuwete) 1 tbsp fish sauce (Rufina brand) Patis 2 tbsp soy sauce corn oil ½ tsp MSG (vetsin), optional ½ tsp black pepper (ground)

Cooking Procedure:

Place 2 tablespoons of corn oil in a small pot and add the Annatto seeds. Heat until the oil becomes dark red then take out from the heat. Avoid burning the seed. Cook the ground beef in a pan then drain. Sauté the garlic for 3 minutes then add the tomatoes, onions, black pepper, fish sauce and MSG. Cook on medium high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the green peas, carrots, potatoes and soy sauce. Stir to mix ingredients and cover while simmering for about a minute or two. Add the colored corn oil prepared earlier from the annatto seeds using a strainer and mix well. Cover again and cook over medium low heat for another 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and mix ingredients well. Add salt and pepper if you want to adjust the taste. Cover and go on cooking for 2 more minutes. Serve as toppings for plain white rice.

Filipino Recipes - Giniling Recipe (Ground Beef) - Pinoy Food

Ground Beef Hamburger Patty Recipe - Juicy Grilled Hamburger Patty

There's nothing worse than biting into a dry, unappetizing hamburger. You won't have that problem with this great grilled hamburger recipe. Hamburgers come hot off the grill with a delectable juicy texture that makes each bite really enjoyable.

2 pounds ground beef

Ground Cover

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup bread crumbs, dry

3 tablespoons evaporated milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

Preheat the grill on high setting.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper and the garlic; mix ingredients with your hands. Form into 8 individual patties.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill hamburger patties for 5 minutes on each side, until well done.

=> Ground Beef Hamburger Meat Recipe: Hamburger with Ketchup Gravy

If there's one thing that we know goes great together, it's hamburger and ketchup. Now here's a tasty twist on using ketchup on a hamburger patty. This ground beef hamburger recipe will become one of your favorites. The meat marinates in the gravy while it cooks and is oh, so delicious.

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning, or to taste

Salt and pepper

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, cut up into chunks

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup water, as needed

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 1/2 cup ketchup, bread crumbs, onion powder, steak sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Form hamburger into thick patties or meatballs.

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet on medium high heat. Cook patties until browned on both sides. Remove patties from skillet and place onto a paper towel lined plate. Drain grease from the skillet.

In the same skillet, slowly stir together the 1/2 cup ketchup and 1/2 cup water. You can add more water if the mixture is too thick, or, more ketchup if the mixture is too thin. Add in the onion and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low.

Add hamburger patties to the skillet and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, stir gravy. If the gravy is too thin, continue to simmer with the lid off until it thickens to the desired consistency.

=> Best Hamburger Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hamburger

This qualifies as a best hamburger recipe because it is packed with flavor. It features two kinds of cheeses, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and bacon. Wow. This recipe is a winner no matter how you serve it up.

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

1 small onion, chopped

1 egg

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 pound ground beef

6 slices bacon

6 hamburger buns, split

Directions

Preheat skillet or grill on high heat.

In a large bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Crumble the ground beef into the bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Shape mixture into 6 patties. Wrap one slice of bacon around the edge of each one. Secure bacon to patties with toothpicks.

Place patties into skillet or onto the hot grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side,
or until well done. Remove the toothpicks before putting hamburgers onto buns.

=> Gourmet Hamburger Recipe: Spicy Blue Cheese Hamburger

If you're a little adventurous, then you'll just love this gourmet blue cheese burger with a spicy twist. The hot wing sauce is that extra special secret ingredient that will have people trying to guess what it is. Maybe you'll tell them - maybe you won't, either way, these burgers are fabulous.

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup onion, minced

1/2 cup hot wing sauce (normally used for chicken hot wings)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

4 hamburger buns, split

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, blue cheese and the onion. Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper. Mix together well using your hands.

Make 6 patties and then place them on a plate. Cover patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat grill on high heat.

Take patties out of refrigerator. Pour hot wing sauce over patties until the tops (only) are well covered with sauce. Let patties sit there for 10 minutes.

Cook hamburgers for 5 minutes per side, until well done.

Ground Beef Hamburger Patty Recipe - Juicy Grilled Hamburger Patty

Ground Cover For Swing Sets and Playgrounds

If you have an existing swing set that does not have ground cover you should consider this option for safe play. There are many options available today and most are outlined in your owners manual that was part of your swing set package. Today, it is easy to enhance the beauty of your backyard and make your play area safer for your children. Rubber Mulch for playgrounds (residential backyards or commercial setting like a park) comes in a variety of colors and are made from 100% recycled rubber.

Recycled rubber mulch helps protect kids from the most common playground injuries resulting from falls. Most rubber mulch on the market today is 99.9% free of contaminants and may contain some nylon threads which is 99.9% steel free. If you are looking to purchase make sure it meets CPSC safety guidelines, and ASTM F-1292-99, and F-1951-99. This product is available in lots of colors so you can compliment your backyard landscape. Colors include but not limited to, cedar red, chocolate brown, cypress, turf green, ocean blue, granite gray and onyx black, pallets can be shipped directly to you via freight lines across the U.S. and Canada.

Ground Cover

Rubber Mulch is non-toxic, non staining, self cleaning and perfect for playground cover for residential backyards or commercial use on playgrounds. Kids love to play on rubber mulch because it soft to play on, parents will appreciate the non-abrasive rubber material and it will compliment your landscaping. It is recommended that you check periodically throughout the swing set season to ensure you maintain the correct depth of Rubber Mulch underneath your swing set or playground equipment. Rubber mulch provides safety over other loose fill materials that do not last.

The use of borders around the Swing Set will help to keep your rubber mulch surface contained. Installation depth depends on the fall height of the swing set. Recommend 4" depth for residential use and fall heights of 5-6ft or a maximum of six inches in depth, versus 12 inches for wood mulch. Follow the directions in your owners manual for correct depth and check with your local city for local codes and zoning requirements as this may vary. This product provides superior shock absorption well within the established ASTM 1292.99 guidelines for safety surfacing guidelines. It is readily available on the internet and is sold by the pallet or by the bag.

Features of this product include:

Durable and long lasting Easy to install Non-Toxic Self cleaning For playground and landscaping use 99.9% Steel free Expected color life 5 to 8 years

Loose fill rubber surfacing is rated for almost twice the fall height when compared to other loose fill materials. Almost all manufacturers comply with ASTM 1292.99 guidelines for safety surfacing guidelines. Rubber Mulch provides a cleaner area of play and splinter free. Rubber Mulch will hold its color for many years, expected to last 5-8 years of use.

Ground Cover For Swing Sets and Playgrounds

5 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Choices For Difficult Locations

There are times when any gardener needs a quick growing type plant for fast covering of bare soil in beds or on a sloped bank. Perhaps you have just started a new perennial bed, and would like a way to fill in the bare spots until the perennials have reached their mature growth. Or you have planted trees and need a ground cover that can tolerate the shade below its branches.

Areas of bare ground can be transformed quite quickly with a carpet of low growing plants. Bare soil is a magnet for weeds, which if allowed, can become established and set seed very quickly. On banks, erosion is a more serious problem from both wind and rain. Planting these spots with fast growing cover plants not only solves these two potential problems, but makes areas more attractive.

Groundcover

Variegated periwinkle (Vinca major) is one of the best choices for a large area that needs a fast growing and vigorous ground cover. With its white and green perennial leaves and its pretty blue-violet flowers, it does need to be sited with care since it will spread very quickly. Long shoots grow almost overnight, and will re-root where they touch the soil. These hardy plants flower best with some sun, but will also grow well in shade where the variegated foliage adds a light touch. One warning - this can become invasive quickly if not controlled.

5 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Choices For Difficult Locations

Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) is another good choice where a fast growing ground cover is required. With clusters of lavender-blue star shaped flowers, it shows well. This plant spreads by underground runners, so should not be placed where it can overwhelm other less vigorous growing plants. You can easily chop off the outer sections of the clump with a spade.

Blue catmint (Nepeta faassenii) is the third choice for an fast growing easy-cover plant. It has aromatic foliage of small silvery gray leaves and sprays of pale lavender-blue flowers. It does prefer a sunny spot, but will tolerate some shade. This plant should be located where it can sprawl over the edges of a raised bed or edge a path where its scent can be released as it is brushed against.

Prostrate junipers such as Blue Carpet (Juniperus squamata) are another good choice for ground covers. With spreading ground-hugging branches covered with silvery-blue needle-like leaves, this one looks good all year. It will grow in almost any conditions, and is particularly suitable for planting on banks and slopes.

Spreading roses (Rosa sp.) are very useful and attractive ways to cover large areas of ground. With masses of flowers, they form a prostrate carpet that looks beautiful most of the summer. The long prickly stems rapidly spread so plant these where you want to control soil erosion. Many of the new varieties of blanketing roses are trouble free and very hardy. They look particularly good tumbling over a wall or trailing down a sloped spot. Many varieties are available, in colors ranging from white through pinks and peach to vivid reds.

Choose any of these five quick ground covers for soil stabilization, weed control or just for aesthetic appeal in a difficult spot.

5 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Choices For Difficult Locations

Find Groundcover Relate Video

Hydro Seeding - Wild Flowers-Erosion control-Lawns/Grass Restoration long island Gappsi 631 543-1177 Video Clips. Duration : 5.38 Mins.

HYDRO SEEDING Hydroseeding is a fast, cost effective way to have a new lawn that will turn your neighbors green with envy. The cost to have your new lawn hydroseeded is less than 1/4 the cost of using sod, and in a few weeks you will have a better appearing lawn with no need to worry if the sod will take. Your lawn will be sprayed with a protective mulch covering that has an attractive green appearance. A special blend of seeds will be used that will be chosen for the conditions and requirements you have & depending on exactly what you want done with your grass. The factors that may go into the choice may be the amount of sun, shade, the terrain, the type of soil and if you have children or pets. Your lawn will be hydroseeded with a tested, high quality, certified turf mix. Germination time will depend on the weather, the time of year, the amount of water, the area you live in and other factors. Usually grass will be visible in 5-7 days. Here are some of the other benefits of Hydroseeding.. ■Quicker Germination ■Better moisture retention ■Better seed to soil contact ■Hydro seeding mulch contains no weed seed unlike straw or hay ■Areas such as hillsides and narrow areas that are difficult or impossible to dry seed can be done easily ■No straw or netting to remove ■One step and very uniform application ■Holds soil in place better than dry seeding ■Both hydro seeding and sod require watering but the watering requirements for hydro seeding are less ■Hydro seeding ...

Keywords: Hydro Seeding, hill erosion control, fast growing grass seeds, ground cover grasses, Rolando, Adamovicz, Giuseppe, Abbrancati

Shepherds Pie Recipe - Ground Beef Shepherds Pie Recipe

A hearty meal of shepherds pie will give you that warm glow during the colder months. This recipe features ground beef, potatoes, cheese and mushroom soup.

5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

Ground Cover

1 pound ground beef

6 slices American cheese

1 (10.75oz.) can condensed golden mushroom soup

3 teaspoons butter (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place the potatoes into a large saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash.

While the potatoes are cooking, crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Drain off the grease. Stir in the mushroom soup.

Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Layer the slices of cheese over the meat. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Dot with butter.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

=> Shepards Pie Recipe: Down Home Shepherds Pie

Another homemade version of shepards pie featuring ground beef, potatoes, corn, beans, cheese and gravy.

1 (7.6 oz.) package potato flakes

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 onion, finely diced

1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (15 oz.) can green beans, drained

4 (10.5 oz.) cans brown gravy

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 pound American cheese slices

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare potatoes according to directions on box. Set aside.

In a large skillet, sauté ground beef over medium heat for 1 minute. Add onion to skillet and continue to cook until beef is no longer pink and onion is beginning to brown. Drain off some of the grease.

Add corn, green beans and gravy to the skillet. Mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread potatoes over the top. Layer cheese slices over potatoes.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until cheese turns golden brown.

=> Sheppards Pie Recipe: Chicken Sheppards Pie

This sheppards pie recipe features chicken, potatoes, garlic, cheese and spices.

8 potatoes

1/4 cup butter

2/3 cup milk

1 medium head roasted garlic

1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1 cup corn

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the head of garlic in half and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap garlic in aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

Peel, chop and boil the potatoes until tender; drain. Mash potatoes. Add butter, milk and the roasted garlic; mix well. Set aside.

In the bottom of a casserole dish, arrange the chicken evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary. Layer on the peppers, corn and all but 1/4 cup of the cheese. Spread mashed potatoes on top.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until brown around the edges.

=> Shepherds Pie Recipe: Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe

If you like shepherds pie, but don't have time to fuss over a longer recipe, you can whip up this version in a short time. It's still homemade and will hit the spot perfectly.

1 pound roast beef, cooked and cubed

2 onions, sliced thinly

1/2 cup homemade beef gravy

4 cups mashed potatoes, cooked

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Layer the roast beef in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. Layer the sliced onions on top and pour on the gravy. Spread the mashed potatoes on top.

Bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are browned.

=> Shepherds Pie Recipe: Turkey Shepherds Pie

This version of shepherds pie will take a little bit more effort, but you'll be rewarded with a savory pie featuring turkey, red potatoes, zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, cheese, spices and a whole wheat crust.

5 large red potatoes, peeled

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup milk

2 (9-inch) whole wheat pie crusts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup diced onion

1 pound ground turkey

1 large carrot, julienned

1 zucchini, thickly sliced

1/4 cup canned green beans, halved

6 large fresh mushrooms, quartered

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons butter, diced

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Saute onion and carrots in olive oil until soft. Stir in the ground turkey, parsley, thyme and garlic. Once turkey is almost browned and broken up, add zucchini and mushrooms. Salt and pepper to taste; drain. Stir in the flour.

Divide meat mixture into two whole wheat pie crusts. Sprinkle cheese over meat, if desired. Spread green beans over the cheese. Spread mashed potatoes evenly
over mixture. Dot with butter.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are slightly browned.

=> Sheperds Pie Recipe: Savory Sausage Sheperds Pie

A real hearty sheperds pie meal for sausage lovers.

1 pound sausage, uncooked

1 (12 oz.) jar beef gravy

1 (10 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 (24 oz.) package prepared mashed potatoes

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a skillet, crumble and cook the sausage over medium high heat until brown. Drain on paper towels.

In a bowl, combine the sausage, gravy, vegetables and Worcestershire sauce.

Pour mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.

Shepherds Pie Recipe - Ground Beef Shepherds Pie Recipe

Ground Beef and Sausage Chili For the Crock Pot

There is nothing like some nice chili in the food. Chili goes great in any recipe. Chili is totally the best ingredient in the majority of the recipes. That's why the ground beef and sausage chili is America's favorite recipe. But when you have a great ingredient it's important to use it the right way. And here comes the crock pot.

The crock pot is the best way to cook chili recipes. Why? Because the chili infiltrates slowly and well into the meet. All the chili flavor gets preserved into the beef and in the sausage. The two tastes combine so they give one of the best recipes out there: the ground beef and sausage chili for the crock pot.

Ground Cover

Here are the ingredients for the great ground beef and sausage chili for the crock pot:

o 8 ounces of smoked sausage - such as apple chicken sausage
o 1 cup chopped onion
o 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
o 2 cloves garlic, minced
o 1 can (4 ounces) mild green chili peppers
o 2 to 3 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers, or to taste
o 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
o 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
o 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
o 1 teaspoon grill seasoning blend
o 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
o 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
o 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
o 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
o 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

And here is the easy way to prepare the ground beef and sausage chili for the crock pot.
First you will need a large skillet pan. You have to brown the ground beef and the sausage. For this you will use the onion. The browning has to take place until the pink color is completely gone. After this you will add the pepper and the garlic. You have to stir the entire mixture for about 3 minutes or longer.

The final step of the ground beef and sausage chili for the crock pot is to add all the remaining ingredients. Cover the crock pot and let it boil for about 6 to 8 hours. This is all! The dish is ready to be served! Enjoy!

Ground Beef and Sausage Chili For the Crock Pot

Above Ground Pools - Repair All Metal Side Wall Problems

This page will explain to you all kinds of steel side wall repairs, here are just a few: side wall rusted around the skimmer or return jet, rusted to the point of rupture, and actual rupture of wall.

OK, let's get started, we'll start with the most common of all side wall problems and that will be rusted around the skimmer and return jet. First thing to do is drain the pool to about six inches below the skimmer or return jet, while the pool is being drained, take off the top rails above and on both sides of the skimmer, you might have to take two sections off on either side of the skimmer or return jet. Once that is done, take off the coping (plastic piece holding the liner in place). By this time the pool should be drained enough to take the skimmer or return jet off the side wall. (All references to the skimmer, return jet and holes in the side wall, will be referred to as skimmer)

Ground Cover

Now, that's all done, gently pull the liner up and over the side wall and expose the rusted or damaged skimmer hole. Next you determine how much you have to cut out to get rid of the rust, example, let's say you determine that you are going to need to cut a hole 12 X 12 inches then you will need a piece of galvanized metal 24 X 24 inches to cover the 12 X 12 hole. The galvanized metal should be at least the same thickness or the next size up. If your not sure take a piece of the wall you cut out, for sizing.

OK! You got the galvanized metal and your ready to put it in place so all you have to do is cut the hole for the skimmer, you can use the skimmer as a template to cut the hole. Your next step is to position the replacement piece so that your skimmer hole is level, the easiest way to do this is measure from the top of the side wall to the replacement on both sides the measurement should be the same. Then use some duct tape to hold it in place. A little trick to keep all those metal filings from going between the wall and liner is to put an earth magnet on the drill bit while drilling and use a medium speed on your drill and the magnet will not fall off. Once in place you can get your drill and rivets ready, the size of rivets you should use is anything from 3/16 to 1/4 inch, get a big box because you will be spacing them 1 inch apart.

Let's get on with the drilling layout, with a tape measure make a line 1 inch in from all edges and a second line 3 inches in, now on the one inch line put a hole in each of the corners, next from each corner hole you measure 1 inch both horizontally and vertically. Now from here we measure three inches from each corner hole and drill another hole, but before we drill anymore holes we want to put in a couple rivets to hold the replacement in place solidly. As you noticed the holes are two inches apart continue from each corner until you reach the center.

Now for the three inch line we put a hole in the corner and one hole in each direction two inches from the corner hole if you have done it right it should be in between two rivets on the one inch line so that all the rivets are staggered. Once you have all the rivets in place you can drill the holes for the skimmer. The final step is to duct tape all the metal edges so their is nothing sharp to pierce the liner when put back in place. Now all that is left to do, is to put everything back together the way it came apart.

This concludes the instruction for repairing the rust around the pool skimmer and the return jet and any hole in the side wall, for instruction on how to replace a whole section please read on.

Heaven forbid, you actually have had a blow out, if your liner got ruined then it is an easy task to take it out and repair the section before putting in a new liner, if you were lucky and your liner just got stretched a bit then things get a bit trickier. If you were really lucky you probably noticed a soft spot in the wall and checked it out and realized it was going to need repair soon. If any of these scenarios fits your problem then the remedy is at hand. Read on.

First, you will have to take about half the pools top rails off. Of course if you are replacing the liner than they all have to come off. Next remove the coping and lift the liner over the side wall. Now depending on the size of the hole, you will need an extra two feet of galvanized metal the same size in height as the existing metal. Cut out the rusted piece and put in your new piece. Now from the end of the new sheet of metal measure in three inches and score a line from top to bottom on both ends, and a similar line nine inches in from the ends.

Also, make sure your lines don't line up with one of your upright supports, if they do slide your panel one way or the other so that they don't line up, OK, starting from the top measure down one inch on the three inch line and two inches down on the nine inch line and mark a drill hole, and you continue on both lines two inches apart till you reach the bottom. Drill three or four holes, then put in some rivets from the inside out, you want the flat part on the inside of the pool, and then continue drilling. When you have finished with the rivets put some duct tape on them and on the edge of the metal and put your Pool back together again. I hope these instructions helped you get more years of pleasure out of your pool.

If you have any questions please submit them at Above Ground Pools and Decks

Above Ground Pools - Repair All Metal Side Wall Problems