How to Install a Swimming Pool Liner

Above ground pool owners know a lot about the time and expense associated with maintaining their backyard oasis, more commonly referred to as the swimming pool. In order to get the maximum life expectancy out of the pool liner itself, great care must be taken to maintain the chemical levels and prevent the build-up of debris and minerals in the pool. But what happens when the pool liner has outlived its usefulness and it is time to replace it before a leak or tear threatens your property? Swimming pool removal Sydney typically involves draining the pool, drilling holes in the bottom, demolishing the top, and filling the pool with the rubble and additional dirt soil.

There are several options available for the homeowner to address this situation. One could pay a professional to install a new liner, but that expense may be prohibitive considering the cost of the liner itself. You could hire the neighbor’s kid to do the job, but then a poor installation could damage the liner and cost you more. If you were able to do it yourself and save the money and headaches, would you? The job is not as difficult as it may seem, and I can tell you how!

As always, the first step is preparing the pool for the new installation. This involves draining the water out of the pool, removing the old liner, and making arrangements for the purchase of a new liner. Draining the water will depend on the particular situation of the pool. It may require renting a submersible pump and discharging the water to the nearest storm drain. Be sure to check the local codes for this procedure. Removal of the old liner involves disassembly of the top cap of the pool wall which secures the liner in place. Once this is accomplished, discard the liner in an appropriate manner. Inspect the pool walls for damage or rust which may in turn damage the new liner. Make repairs as necessary to ensure a successful installation. When procuring a new liner, take note of the pool diameter (or length and width as the case may be) and the depth. These figures will determine the correct size of liner to request. Do not assume that the cheapest liner is the best value. The thickness of material ( mil thickness) will correlate to the expected life of the liner as well as the warranty provided. Liners may be available in 20 mil or more. Thicker liners will provide longer service, but will cost more initially. Be wary of a liner that is less than 20 mil, as they are less resistant to tears and chemical damage.

Once you have the pool prepared for the installation, unpack the new liner being careful to remove staples from the box or any other hazards that might damage the vinyl. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for liner positioning inside the pool itself. Be sure that the liner seams meet where the walls and floor (ground) intersect. Do not be too concerned about minor wrinkles in the liner as these will be smoothed out when the pool is filled.

Once the liner is positioned properly, it is time to prepare for filling. This is accomplished by evenly pulling the liner over the pool walls until just a small area in the center of the liner remains touching the ground. The liner will be draped over the side walls for now. Replace the top cap of the pool wall over the liner but do not fasten it in place. This will support the liner during the filling process. Begin adding water. At regular intervals (when the water level begins to pull on the liner) remove portions of the top cap and allow more of the liner to come in contact with the ground. Do this evenly around the entire circumference of the pool. This will remove any wrinkles in the liner and assure a smooth pool floor. Reposition the top cap for support. Repeat this process until the entire floor of the pool contains water. Check the seams again to be sure they meet at the walls, and make any necessary adjustments. Once the entire pool contains 6″ of water, and the liner is satisfactorily positioned, the top cap of the pool wall may be fastened permanently to hold the liner in position. Continue filling the pool to the specified level.

As a side note, before starting the pump, it may need to be primed. Avoid running the pump without adequate water as damage could result.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You now have your oasis restored and can begin to enjoy the benefits of your pool.

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Ferrel Kenda is an Internet author and webmaster specializing in Internet marketing and promotion and has 10 years experience in swimming pool care and maintenance.

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Who Needs a Commercial Electrician?

A commercial building is a different animal than your typical house or bungalow and therefore requires the skills of an emergency electrician Brisbane. When electrical wiring work needs to be performed upon a public building, it is a governmental mandate to employ a licensed commercial electrician. How is this type of contractor different from a home electrician? Here are a few differences as well as examples of their typical duties and expertise.

– A industrial building is considered to be a municipal structure and therefore has an entirely separate set of codes, rules and regulations to adhere to. A home is a private space for a family or individual and doesn’t need to meet the safety and durability standards of a municipal space.
– Some of the different aspects of a public structure include hallways, doorways and bathrooms. Hallways, doorways and bathrooms must be accessible to handicapped persons by way of size, grade, pathway slope and maneuverability. When a construction is to be utilized by the public, it must be accessible to everyone regardless of his or her physical limitations.
– Fire safety is an important component of an industrial edifice. Fire alarms and wiring must meet strict codes and regulations in order to protect the public. Industrial electricians must be knowledgeable about all of these safety components.
– Emergency back up lighting is required in a commercial building and must be installed by a tradesperson who is knowledgeable and skilled in these requirements.
– The type of wiring, circuit panels and breakers in a business building must adhere to a more stringent code of regulations. All equipment is more durable as well as costly.
– If zoning allows a building which was formerly a personal residence to be converted into a public structure, such as an office space, day care center, dentist suites or storefront, the areas must be brought up to code by instituting the appropriate standards of its new use. Electrical wiring must be converted to the more stringent codes, fire safety systems installed, hallways and bathrooms brought up to standards which conform to ADA (American Disability Act), parking and external walkways and setbacks must comply with these industrial and ADA standards, as well.

A structure may look like a private space and may have formerly been a private area, but when it becomes a structure that is zoned to serve the public, it enters a whole new world of safety, rules, codes and regulations. Know more a commercial electrician will be the contractor to hire in order to comply with government regulations.

Basic Kitchen Layout Shapes

What’s determines your kitchen layout? You’ve heard of the phrase “form follows function”. This is true when it comes to the layout of a kitchen. There are, however, some basic kitchen layout shapes i.e. Straight, Galley, L, U, and G that are based on the work triangle. At Nouvelle.com.au we model and plan luxury kitchens Sydney to match our client’s vision, enhancing their desired kitchen lifestyle experience and reinforcing the property’s overall interior design.

The work triangle is formed by tracing an invisible line between the sink, range, and refrigerator. No leg of the triangle is shorter than 4 feet nor longer than 9 feet. With the total of all legs not being greater than 26 feet.

No obstructions in the triangle.

STRAIGHT | ONE WALL

The one wall kitchen layout is the smallest of all kitchen design layouts. There really is not work triangle as such for obvious reasons. This kitchen layout is ideal for smaller homes or as a secondary kitchen in a larger homes. This type of kitchen plan is best suited for an efficiency style of apartment and is often incorporated into loft style or open floor plans.

Because its small stature the one-wall kitchen design often lends itself to the use of combination appliances. Hood/microwave works well here as does a range for cooking rather than a cooktop and separate oven. Try not to crowd appliances too closely together. Leaving ample space for cabinetry between appliances will make the kitchen much more functional.

Pros:

The single wall design totally eliminates outside traffic flow in this kitchen.
This is the perfect choice for an open floor plan or basic kitchen layout.
Likely to be the lease expensive kitchen to remodel.

Cons:

The lack of a traditional work triangle in the one-wall kitchen design makes it a less efficient kitchen layout.
Lack of size can lead to limited storage space.
Storage can be very limited in a smaller kitchen such as this.

GALLEY | CORRIDOR

The galley or corridor style kitchen design layout gets its name from the galley of a ship. This kitchen is also referred to as a corridor kitchen layout or plan. With this kitchen plan all cabinets and appliances are in a straight line on opposite walls. This can be one of the most highly efficient kitchens to cook in due to its small size. Everything the cook needs is not far from hand and a lot of the back and forth movement by the cook can be eliminated here.

The main draw back to this kitchen layout is that it is designed as a pass through kitchen. This invites traffic into the kitchen and as a result things can get crowded. Shoot for a minimum of 4 feet between countertops to allow ample room.

Try to keep guests from passing through if possible. If carefully thought out this kitchen can offer ample cabinet storage and adequate counter space. Space saving appliances such as smaller refrigerators and under cabinet appliances are ideal in this kitchen design.

Pros:

Due to the smaller work area and basic kitchen layout this is one of the more efficient kitchens to use.
Easy to keep clean and clutter free.
The limited space means remodeling this kitchen should be less expensive.

Cons:

Traffic can be a concern if the galley kitchen is open on both ends.
Cooks are typically not engaged with the rest of the guests and can feel a bit isolated in a galley kitchen.
Typically not designed for eat in use. If planned properly a snack bar can be added.

L-SHAPED

Perhaps the most common kitchen shape is the L-Shape kitchen plan. In this kitchen layout the problem of pass through traffic is eliminated. The possibility of corner storage also comes into play with the wall and base cabinetry at the inside of the L shape. It is important to take advantage of this space and use it wisely. Blank or dead corners should be avoided here.

Take care not to make each leg of the L too long to avoid unnecessary amounts of travel while working in the kitchen. A maximum leg length of 12 to 15 feet is ideal. If you have a large enough room to work with you can explore the idea of adding an island to this kitchen plan.

Pros:

Excellent choice for a typical medium sized kitchen.
If laid out properly this is an extremely efficient kitchen to cook in.
If space permits an island or peninsula can add additional storage and function.

Cons:

Household traffic can interfere with work triangle.
Reduce traffic by placing the refrigerator at the end of one leg of the L shape.
Microwave/hood combo is most efficient use of space but not great for maximum ventilation.

U-SHAPED

The U shape kitchen is a close cousin to the L shape but offers more storage and counter space. In the U shape, however, you will have two inside corner situations to address. Lazy susan cabinets, blind corner cabinets and magic corner cabinets are all possibilities here.

This kitchen layout is suitable for larger kitchens and can be enhanced by adding a kitchen island. Should you decide to use an island try to have no less than 42″ of clear walking space around the island.

The addition of an island will likely break up the flow of a traditional work triangle so you may wish to consider the idea of incorporating another work zone to add functionality to this plan.

Pros:

Good for larger kitchen plans. Lots of counter space and storage.
Ideal for adding an island to your kitchen layout.
Traffic through the work triangle is eliminated.

Cons:

Unless there is a dedicated work station at the island his is usually a single cook kitchen.
Try to have a minimum of 12 feet along the back wall of the U to avoid a crowded feeling in the kitchen.
Keep appliances a minimum of 3 feet from the corners.

G-SHAPED

The G shape kitchen is really a modified version of the U shape. Many times the G shape is completed by adding a peninsula area to create the G shape. The addition of a peninsula is an excellent way to make your kitchen more inviting especially if it incorporates seating for guests.

The downside to the G shape kitchen plan is that it does limit access to the main kitchen area so care must be taken so the kitchen doesn’t feel cramped. Make certain there is plenty of room between the leg of the G and cabinetry on the opposite wall. Try to keep an entry access distance of no less than 48″ here.

Pros:

Can offer more storage and counter space than small kitchens.
Can offer seating space for a few guests.
Ideal way to limit access to the busy work triangle area of the kitchen.

Cons:

Can make the kitchen feel closed in or smaller than it actually is.
Care must be taken to leave adequate ingress and egress to main kitchen work center.

This is just a sampling of the many configurations that are available. No two kitchens are exactly alike.

The kitchen layout will be uniquely YOURS.

As you plan your kitchen, keep in mind how you’ll use the space now and in the future and remember the special needs of every member of your family. With thoughtful planning, you’re well on your way to a perfect custom kitchen.

Architectural Interiors is a Kitchen and Bath design firm specializing in the design-supply-install of cabinetry. Owner and Chief designer Marvin W. Towler has more than 25 yrs experience in residential design. Architectural Interiors is well known for custom kitchens and cabinetry and customer satisfaction in all areas of custom kitchen design and installation. Architectural Interiors is an exclusive resource for the design and purchase of custom cabinetry by housing developers, builders, architects, interior designers and homeowners. Specializing in the design of custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths, libraries, closets and more. Homeowners get in touch with our custom kitchen design and installation guy.

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