The Dog Days of Summer: Tips about Pool Safety for Dogs Let’s face it. Summer in Florida is hot. Luckily, all it takes is one dip in the sparkling blue water of a swimming pool to drive away the heat. But what about our furry friends? Can our canine companions escape the dog days of summer by jumping in the pool? The answer may surprise
When it comes to above-ground and in-ground pools, there are a lot of frequently asked questions about pool health and upkeep. But did you know that one of the most common questions about pools is, “Why are pools blue?” There are many myths regarding what turns pool water blue. Let’s look at a few of these myths and get to the bottom of the pool
The start of a new school year is upon us. With much to do in preparation for this momentous occasion — shopping, meal planning, scheduling overdue lunch dates with girlfriends! — you may not have given much thought about transitioning your child to a more structured schedule. Oops! Don’t worry, you can make up for lost time. For younger children, experts recommend easing into a
Planning nutritious lunches is only half the battle. Getting your child to eat them is the bigger challenge. Young palates don’t always crave what adults know is good for them. So consider these tips and your child might actually prefer a bag lunch to cafeteria fare. Presentation is Everything The lunchbox has to be awesome. The PlanetBox — part bento box, part TV dinner tray — is
El Niño 2016: Bad News for Florida? In October, 2015, forecasters warned that this year’s El Niño event has the potential to spawn a higher than average amount of tornadoes from November – April. While central and south Florida is not a stranger to severe weather events, winter storms of this nature are not normal. In light of the tornado-spawning storms of the past few weeks,
By the end of October, Floridians usually start to accept the fact that summer is over and fall is coming. The mosquitoes are slowing, the pool toys are put away, and the rainy season is usually getting replaced by blue skies and drier weather. It’s during this time that a popular joke starts floating around on the autumn wind. To paraphrase, the joke goes something
Every pool owner knows that a green pool is a symptom of an unhealthy pool. Proper upkeep of pool chemical levels can usually prevent this, but one common cause is often overlooked. What you don’t know… In Florida, pools are often part of a beautiful landscape design and a perfectly manicured lawn. Despite the state’s optimal growing conditions, many homeowners rely on fertilizers to keep plants looking lush
Pool safety for your pets is just as important as pool safety for children. With many factors, and many specific concerns, the basics are usually the best place to start. Many common concerns regarding pool safety and pets have to do with pool chemicals and animal behavior around pools. This brief overview of pool safety for your pets will cover these two main areas and
Spring cleaning is more than a tradition; it is an essential part of transitioning between the seasons. While we typically think of spring cleaning as something that happens inside the house, those of us with pools, patios, and outdoor gardens know that it’s time to break out the gloves and sunscreen. In Florida, it also means that we’re racing to stay ahead of the pollen.
Are you looking for a new, alternative fitness exercise program in the Tampa Bay Area? Do you want to get fit or lose a few pounds? Are you, like many, not a big fan of the gym? Well, there’s good news. Fitness doesn’t always happen inside a gym. While the Tampa Bay area and many other parts of Florida are teeming with “big box” gym options, the
