Swimming Pool Safety

Summer is here and warm weather always brings an increase in outdoor activities, especially among pool owners. Pools are very common in Florida, Arizona and California, but an increasing number of homeowners in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC are enjoying the recreational opportunities a pool offers. However, pool owners must be aware of the potentially hazardous properties of a pool, especially for young children.

The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission did an extensive study of swimming pool accidents and concluded that the best way to reduce child drownings in residential pools was for pool owners to construct and maintain a barrier or fence that would prevent young children from gaining access to pools. However, there are no substitutions for diligent supervision.

A successful pool fence prevents a child from getting over, under or through and keeps the child from gaining access to the pool except when supervising adults are present. The CPSC has recommended the following guidelines for pool fencing. However, local building codes will determine the exact type and height of fencing necessary for your pool. All LONG® FENCE sales associates are well-versed in the building codes required in all counties of Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia and Pennsylvania and will happily assist you in making an informed choice for your pool.

To Prevent a Child from Getting Over a Pool Fence

• The top of a pool fence should be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the fence that faces away from the pool.

• If the fence is solid no indentations or protrusions should be present.

• The distance between the tops of the horizontal runners should be more than 45 inches to prevent a child from climbing over the fence.

• For a chain link fence, the mesh size should not exceed 1-1/4 inches square, unless slats, fastened at top and bottom, are used to reduce the openings to no more that 1-3/4 inches.

To Prevent a Child from Getting Under a Pool Fence

• The maximum clearance at the bottom should not exceed 4 inches above grade, when the measurement is done on the side of the fence facing away from the pool.

To Prevent a Child from Getting Through a Pool Fence

• Spacing between vertical pickets should not exceed 4 inches. This size is based on the head breadth and chest depth of a young child and is intended to prevent a child from passing through an opening.

• Use self-closing and self-latching gates.

• Position the release mechanism of the self-latching device at least 54 inches from the bottom of the gate or at least 3 inches below the top of the gate on the side facing the pool to prevent a child from reaching over the top of the gate and releasing the latch.

• Gates should open out from the pool.

LONG® FENCE offers  pool fencing in vinyl, iron, chain link and wood, however not all types may meet code in your jurisdiction. A free estimate with one of our knowledgeable associates will give you the best idea of your options to keep your family safe and able to enjoy a fun-filled summer. Contact us for more information.

Patio Furniture

Fabric Care and Maintenance Suggestions

An attractive outdoor furniture set is always a great complement to your new LONG® DECK or LONG® PAVER patio.  After all, you need a comfortable place to sit while you relax or entertain. But how do you keep your furniture looking its best? Casual furniture fabrics are usually made to withstand the elements, but a little extra care will keep them looking good longer.

Mildew grows in dirt, a good reason to tackle stains when they occur and keep the furniture clean. Rinsing is very important. If soap is left in the fabric, it becomes sticky and attracts more dirt. If bleach is left in the fabric, it tends to breakdown fibers and weaken the fabric. When not using your cushions, take them indoors. In the winter, store cushions out of the elements or at least cover them up, preventing a major cleaning in the spring.

For cleaning, check the hangtag for the manufacturer’s recommendations. If not available, consider the following guidelines: For fabrics of acrylic, olefin or a blend of both, brush off any loose dirt. Wash with a sponge and a solution of lukewarm water and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly. For vinyl coated polyester fabrics, wash with a solution of soap or mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly. Stains and mildew can be removed with a mixture of one gallon water, one cup bleach and two capfuls of mild dish detergent. Sponge on gently and always rinse thoroughly and never use bleach or harsh detergents on acrylic or polyester prints.

With a little extra care, you’ll have a comfortable spot from which to enjoy your deck or patio for years to come. If you’re looking for a completely maintenance-free lifestyle, consider a vinyl  LONG® SUNROOM.You can enjoy the outdoors year round and your casual furniture stays out of the elements. Invest in a LONG® SUNROOM before July 12, 2006 and receive a coupon for up to $400.00 off a casual furniture grouping from Patio Place. Contact us for more details.

Carpenter bees, which resemble yellow and black bumble bees, exist throughout the eastern half of the United States. Carpenter bees bore holes in wood and make long tunnels in which to store pollen and lay eggs. They prefer to enter unpainted wood and often tunnel in deck and fence boards. Carpenter bees drill into the end grain or the face of structural wood, then turn and tunnel with the grain.

Structural damage is rarely serious and carpenter bees are more a nuisance than a threat to homeowners. Treat active nests by applying a dust or injecting pressurized liquid pesticide into the tunnels. Always follow the manufacturer’s label directions and apply at night when the bees are less active. Insert a dusted plug of steel wool in the tunnel; fill the opening with caulk, wood putty or glue a piece of wooden dowel rod in place. Paint over the dowel rod to help prevent re-infestation.

Homeowners faced with a choice may want to consider a vinyl or iron fence in order to help avoid this situation altogether.