Child with colorful inflatable ring in swimming pool

Summer Time is Pool Time

There are many reasons people decide to get a pool in their yard. They are a terrific place to gather family and friends, they can add value to a home, and they are so refreshing on hot and humid days. It’s no wonder that, as of 2013, nineteen percent of homes in the United States have a pool.

When choosing a pool, homeowners will discover how many different options there are when it comes to pool specifications. Size, shape, location, depth, and building material are all things that must be taken into consideration. The choices on these options will depend heavily on personal preference. Quite simply, there is no one size fits all solution for a personal pool. However, by understanding the different considerations that go into choosing a pool, homeowners can make the best decision for their needs.

Size
The size of a pool is one of the most important things to consider, especially when it comes to budgeting. The size of a pool will also be one of the main deciding factors if how a pool will be used.

For those who are planning to have a lot of parties with many people, a larger pool would be ideal. This allows everyone to have room in the pool to float, swim, and play games all at the same time.

If the pool will mainly be used by only a few people at a time, a smaller pool should suffice. Smaller pools will also require less yard space and, in most cases, cost less to build and maintain. This makes them a great option for people who have a limited amount of room in their backyard and their budget.

The size of a pool doesn’t have to dictate how nice it is. There are plenty of smaller pools that have exciting features, great dry spaces, and are multipurpose. Remember, bigger doesn’t always mean better so it is best for each person to choose an appropriate size for them, not just get the biggest pool possible with their budget.

Shape
When people think of the shape of pools, they often think of rectangular or round. While these are the most common shapes, the options are nearly limitless.
Traditional rectangular pools will give homeowners the most square footage for their pool. They are also easily complimented by decks and patios.

Specially shaped pools can really enhance the look of the area and make the pool look luxurious and expensive. Some people may choose to shape the pool to fit in with existing landscaping or change the landscape to fit the pool. Either way, a unique shape to a pool is sure to be a big hit.

Whether it’s round, square, or has multiple curves, every pool is best when it’s designed to fit the space it will be in and how it will be used. Every family will have a different idea of what their pool should look like. No matter the shape, homeowners should be sure to communicate the exact shape so that their pool will be the oasis of their dreams.

Location
A pool’s location is another big thing to consider. Some may want their pool very close to their house, perhaps connected by a walk-out deck. Others may want to make their pool a little further from the house, allowing it to have its own separate area. The options are only limited by the size of the yard and the imagination of the homeowner.

A pool connected to a house by a patio or deck is a great option, but it does come with some things to consider. One thing to consider is having easy access to the home directly from the pool means swimmers will likely bring in lots of water throughout the day. It’s important for homeowners to prepare for this so their floors do not sustain any water damage. Another thing to consider is that having easy access to the pool means children can easily make their way to the water. Homes with children, even those who are decent swimmers, should have a gate or other sturdy barricade to prevent serious accidents. Once these two main issues are addressed, a pool connected to a home is a great idea.

Having a pool separate from the home will take some consideration, as well. Since the pool is further from the home and therefore harder to monitor, homeowners will want to have a gate around their pool area to prevent other people and animals from getting in. They will also want to add a paved space around the pool so that users can get out and relax in the sun. Also, a pool house or other small building would be useful to hold towels, rafts, and other pool essentials.

Photo by Roger LeJeune

No matter where the pool is located, if it’s in the right place for the family it will be a great addition to the outdoor space.

Depth
The depth of a pool is one of the main things that is decided solely on how a pool will be used. The difference between having a very deep pool, like a diving pool, or a shallower pool is immense. This is one of the most important things to consider because, if the wrong depth is chosen, it will be very hard for a family to be happy with their pool.

A deep pool is best for families of strong swimmers that will be using the pool more for play and exercise than for relaxing and having people come over. A deeper pool, like a diving pool, can be more difficult to heat and maintain, so that is an important thing to consider when choosing the depth of a pool.

A shallower pool, which is more common, has more options for what it can be used for. Pools with shallow and deep ends, usually from three to six feet deep, are great for getting people together, swimming, and playing. The deep end is generally deep enough for jumping and shallow dives while the shallow end is great for playing water games or relaxing.

Generally, unless a family is set on a deep diving pool, a bigger shallow pool is a great option. Those who are on the fence and just can’t decide between the two would probably be happiest with a shallow pool in the long run. Once the depth of a pool is chosen, homeowners are well on their way to getting the perfect pool.

Material
There are many different material options available for building a pool. The three main choices for materials are vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so this is a very important aspect of pool buying to consider.

A vinyl liner pool is a very common option, and for good reason. Vinyl liners are the least expensive type of pool to have installed. They are highly customizable, so there are few limitations to the type of pool that can be created. The one drawback with a vinyl liner pool is that the liner usually needs to be replaced every ten years or so. This can get expensive in the long run, but it’s also like getting a new pool each time it’s replaced.

A fiberglass pool is a slightly more expensive option. They are great in that they are highly customizable, can have benches and ledges added to the design at no extra cost, and are very attractive. They also don’t have a liner that will need to be replaced and are relatively low maintenance. The main concern with a fiberglass pool is the fact that they cannot be extremely large and as they get bigger they get incredibly expensive.

The last, and most expensive, option is a concrete pool. These are great for customization since they can be any shape and have as many features as desired. However, the major downside to a concrete pool is their cost. They are not only expensive to install, but are also expensive to maintain. However, for those willing to deal with the cost, concrete pools are a unique and gorgeous addition to any yard.
A big factor in choosing a material may be the budget, but homeowners should also try to get the pool they really want, made with the material they want, to avoid being unsatisfied with the result. Sometimes, it is better to save up a while for a dream pool than to hurriedly choose the material that can be afforded at the time.

The Perfect Pool is Waiting
The perfect pool for each individual homeowner’s needs is just waiting to be constructed. Whether they prefer a wading pool, a massive pool with slides and water features, or a simple round pool to cool off in, everyone can find the perfect pool for them.

By considering all the different options available when creating a new pool, homeowners can be sure to get exactly what they want. A pool is a big commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so analyzing pool options to find the best choice and then deciding is a great way to ensure genuine poolside bliss.

Happy Birthday Derek

Happy Birthday Derek! Hoping you have a wonderful birthday from all of us at Creative Excavating. Derek has worked for us for 4 1/2 years and is  great asset to our company and we appreciate all his hard work and time.

 

 

Happy New Year 2017

Laser Surveying Technology and Techniques

“Laser” is an acronym that stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” Ever since its invention, the laser has found literally thousands of industrial, medical, scientific, and construction uses. Whether it is as a simple laser pointer used in classrooms and business presentations, bar code scanners, a surgical tool, or powerful lasers used as weapons of war or to cut through metal, the laser has become a very versatile tool. One of its most useful applications is in the field of surveying and construction as a range finder and level. Most dramatically, lasers can be used to measure the distance from the Earth to the Moon. But it is as a tool for distance measurement and level guidance on the construction site where lasers have become indispensable in the earthwork engineering.

On the job, laser levels operate by the simple action of a self leveling, spinning floating mirror set in a protective housing that send rapidly rotating beams of laser light extending up to 300 yards. The rapid rotation, in effect, turns the one-dimension beam into a two-dimensional flat plane of laser light set at a given elevation. This plane of light intercepts a sensor mounted on a surveyors rod or piece of equipment which emits an audible beep or flashes a signal light when it is at the exact elevation as the laser beam. In addition to GPS locational systems, laser guidance allows for fine grading with small changes in grade. It allows for raising and lowering of construction equipment as it advances along the roadway. Overall accuracy is approximately 1 millimeter.

Credit for Article: Foremaster Magazine

Is There Dangers To Having Trees In Your Yard?

The sight of lush greeneries in your yard can surely make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Most owners would either put a hammock or a nice patio table and chair where they can just relax. Whether it is at home or in any other establishment it is always nice to have trees.

Backyard
Photo Credit: Ric Simenson on flickr

But there are also concerns that you have to take into consideration. Trees without a doubt can add natural beauty to any property aside from the fact that it gives you cooler breeze especially during summer season. However trees can also damage your sewer system.

The roots of trees naturally crawl around in search for food and water in order for the tree to live and to be healthy. This can take quite a long time which will surprise you. The root system of a tree is quite complex. The problem now lies with the fact that the crawling of trees will result to its roots reaching your sewer lines. These sewer lines are located and buried into the ground. Sewer systems contain materials that you want to get rid of.

When the roots of a tree finds its way to the sewer lines the tendency is that it will continuously grow and expand until it burst out of your pipes. What happens next is that it results to a big mess.

The good news is that there are lots of ways to prevent the roots from reaching your sewer lines. For instance if you happen to have various trees that are planted in your yard, it is very essential that you have a yearly inspection of your sewer system. This is to ensure that the roots are not getting anywhere near your sewer lines. You can hire a professional plumber who can conduct the inspection to see if there is something to worry about and to assess the present condition.

In addition to having an annual inspection, you may also want to contact your arborist since they know various ways to reduce the girth of the roots. They can provide you with the tips and other solutions that will not damage your trees but can effectively limit the tree root’s girth.

There is nothing wrong in having trees in your backyard. In fact, it adds natural appeal and beauty to your home. It is also very important for the environment. But homeowners should also be aware of the danger of having various trees in the yard. When the roots reach as far as your sewer lines, it can cause a huge mess which can result to more costs. To avoid this, it is better to have annual inspection and if there is a problem diagnosed then the professional plumber should be able to handle it.

Happy Birthday Bundle

Wow, this is our 6th year we get to celebrate Bundles birthday here at Creative.  Speechless!  What an amazing, worker, dad, friend, helper and an all around genuine guy that would do anything for anyone.  Bundle loves being with his wife and his four kids, being in the outdoors, hunting and just relaxing.  Most relaxed gentleman you will ever meet.  We hope you have a Wonderful birthday…  Happy Birthday.
From the Creative Crew

Adding a Play Structure in Your Yard

Setting Up a Play Structure

When installing a play structure in your yard, especially if you have a structure set in wood chips, pea gravel or mulch, you have to be cautious since it can seriously interrupt the air and the bacteria in your drain pipes. As much as it is a good idea to have a play structure set up in your yard, there are also reasons why doing so is bad idea.

If you really want to make the structure safe, you need to dig about 1 ft. off the ground and put plastic sheeting. Pour enough wood chips, pea gravel or mulch. Doing this enables the footings of the structure to be properly hidden so that no one would play on them. On top of that, it also adds stability to your play structure. The downside is that it can cut-off the bacteria in the pipes which is crucial. If the bacteria in your drain field fails to survive, the breakdown process is affected and as a result it can cause a flood of waste.

If there are problems with your septic system, it is important that you hire professionals who can do the job and they should have access to the drain field as well as the other parts of the system. Having a play structure makes it difficult especially when you have to move it not to mention that it takes a lot of time to do it. A play structure can be quite heavy.

Although there are downsides in having a play structure, there are ways for you to still install it even if you have a septic system in your yard. Make your own research and talk to professionals for advice. For sure, they can find a way to help you prior to installing a play structure.

Mustang  #MU36
Photo Credit: Backyard Fun Factory on flickr

Kids love to play and if you are planning to have a play structure in your yard, you do not just consider what your kids like. Keep in mind that these structures may also reach the septic system. If you have one in your yard, it is essential that you are aware as to how sensitive a septic system is. Septic systems are very important as they put chemicals and waste into your home’s drains. There are cases where septic tanks can be clogged and the drain pipes can be cracked or clogged.

In the septic tank, it has certain bacteria that are responsible in breaking down the waste. This is basically the first breakdown phase and to ensure that the colony of bacteria survives, the tank should be airtight. What happens when the tank cracks is that air comes in. Bacteria would start to die and the first breakdown process will be affected.

In the drain field, it contains pipes and inside these pipes there you find groups of bacteria. This is where the second phase of breakdown comes in and it makes the water usable for plants and sod. In order for these bacteria to live and to effectively break down waste they need some air. Without air, bacteria will die and the process will be interrupted. This can result to serious health as well as environmental risk.

Four Most Common Construction & Excavation Accidents

There are many things that can go wrong and cause sever accidents and even death during construction and excavation. These accidents usually occur with carelessness and when workers do not take the proper safety precautions. These are the four main causes for accidents and deaths on a job site.

Photo Credit: Ryan Adams on flickr

1. Falls

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction. They account for approximately 1/3 of all deaths in the construction industry. These usually occur from not having proper safety nets for holes, unguarded protruding rebar where impalement happens, not stabilizing portable ladders, poor scaffold construction.

2. Struck By

Another leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry are struck-by accidents. This happens most when heavy equipment is involved, such as cranes or trucks. In fact, 75% of struck-by accidents are caused by heavy equipment use. Struck-by accidents can also be caused by power tools that are being used where someone is struck by flying particles or nails, falling or flying objects, and forklifts.

3. Trenching

This is probably one of the most dangerous jobs out there for excavation workers. Trenching and excavation work accounts for 112% more fatalities than that of just general construction work. Trenching involves working in deep dig outs, deaths usually happen when soil is piled to closely to the edge and it collapses onto workers causing asphyxiation or drowning.

4. Electrical

This may be one of the most common accidents, coming in contact with power lines – resulting in electrocution. Electrical wires are not the only hazard when it comes to electrical accidents. Tools or equipment that has exposed wires, or poor insulation are another cause of electrical accidents. Misuse of electrical equipment is yet another cause as well.

Every worker is entitled to a safe and hazard free work environment, and when a business is ran correctly that is usually the case. Unfortunately, construction and excavation are dangerous jobs by nature as is and any amount of safety regulations or precautions cannot always prevent accidents from happening. So be careful out there and make sure to practice safety regulations as well as possible to avoid these and many other accidents from happening.

Jerry’s Birthday

Jerry, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  Love this picture of Jerry, because this shows off Jerry to a “T”.  Jerry is very chill, quite and laid back.  You will never no what he is thinking and what he likes because he is so to himself.  He always has your back and does whatever you need.  THANKS!!!
Jerry enjoys being in the outdoors and spending time with his girlfriend as well as his dogs.  He likes to work a lot, play a lot and hang out.  We hope you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY…