1/what you want to use the pool for.. swimming laps, cooling off, helping the children learn to swim..do you need large seating areas, how deep do you want the pool.. are you going to play ball games …

2/ have you chosen the most energy efficient equipment or just the cheapest

Here are some tips you should consider.. by no means all.. just some that come to front of mind when making your choice of contractor for your next pool project.

Tip 1.  to compare when you are building a pool… Ask does your pool coping include sikaflex marine grade expansion joints…

Tip. 2 when building a pool…. Is the standard paving sealer include Dry treat 10 year warranty… Applied by qualified applicators… Our pools do …

Tip 3.  when comparing your selection of pool builder…does the pump include the super efficient zodiac e pump Standard with your new pool ?

Tip 4 : when using a concrete finish around your pool does you pool builder included a thickening beam, dowell certs into the slab and the pool shell, ableflex joints and sikaflex to complete the process.. ask the question maybe its the hidden features that come standard in our pools that aren’t even thought of by other builders

Tip no 5. when selecting your pool builder… take a look at the paver or tile that provides the access around your pool, it is called a coping paver.. many builders choose to use one and a half old style brick pavers only 300 wide… when you choose a lifestyle solutions pool you will receive as standard, premium quality 400 x 400 bullnose pavers for over 33 % wide area to access to your pool… also this mean you be have a stronger pool as the concrete that supports the paver or tile is also wider with more steel and concrete.. the wider paver also makes the pool look bigger… narrow pavers or tiles available at reduced cost… setting the standard our clients expect at Lifestyle solutions centre

Tip 6.  when selecting your pool builder .. ask the question why we won’t build a pool with pebble rollover.. ie no pavers on the coping of the pool… that’s because time has proven, while it’s a cheaper method, the surface usually starts cracking in 3-5 years and can never be repaired to look the same.. so at “Lifestyle solutions centre” we wont build a pool with pebble rollover.. sorry better do it right from the start we believe !

Tip 7. Some pool builders claim to be experts in building a pool yet they show little concern for what you require in the pool, what you intend to do with the pool, whether it’s just cooling off, swimming laps, or you have young children, aging friends who require easier access.. that’s before even thinking about where you require space around the pool inside or outside the fence, thought about a different angle , where is best location for the fencing, how can you incorporate a water feature, what is the best height for the pool relative to the adjoining areas… there is so much to consider when designing a pool area, not just the pool so at Lifestyle solutions centre this is all part of the design process to give you the best solution for your needs… don’t put up with mass production.custom design your pool to get the most from your pool and entertaining area, yes it will cost a little extra but you will benefit every time you use the area and realise the extra investment was well worth it.. come and explore the alternatives.

To assist you in making the right decisions in building your new pool its worth considering some of the points raised in this blog.. for certain this is only the start and there is much more to consider.  Very rarely do you find the best solution is the cheapest so take your time and consider the options and come out and discuss your next project with the team at Lifestyle Solutions centre, 78 Mt Perry road North Bundaberg.. and check out some of the photos of our previous work on http://www.lifestylesolutions.com.au

woodfire pizza oven on display at Lifestyle Solutions Centre Bundaberg

Joel will be on hand to answer any of your questions and  even show you some of the tricks of the trade in cooking with a Woodfired oven.

I’m not  the greatest cook going around and even I have mastered the ovens and the flavour.. not sure where it comes from, maybe the wood… anyway the food has been great. Do know there will also be hand crafted furniture, Slab furniture, bar, seats, tables etc to help you make a complete setting…. and for those who want a spa they will be there also…

Landscaping display with synthetic turf

Check out the Water features, artificial rock waterfalls, Stone pitched Rock walls, A synthetic Putting tee for you to hone your skills, Planet shades 5.5m radius giant Umbrellas that rotate 360 degrees, Slab furniture, impressive indoor outdoor furniture.. and first for Bundaberg “Lifestyle Spas” brings a whole new range of spas, with heat pumps, audio systems remote controls and LED lighting and so much more. And ask about the Opening Specials from Lifestyle Spas…you’ll be impressed with the Quality & finish  of these spas.

Lifestyle Spas Bundaberg

“Hitz FM” 93.9 will broadcast on site at 9 am to 12 noon with interviews from professional support staff to answer all your questions… drop by to See the guys from “Barefoot Floors” and check the Glass Crystal and Epoxy Resin finishes for just about any concrete surface, over tired old concrete, tiled areas out of date. Great range of Colours and various slip resistance. Sunvest Energy have all your power grid solutions so take advantage of the special pricing to help you save big $ savings on your power bills for years to come..

Thinking of building a custom designed pool or creating an impressive landscape to your home, come out to see all the great ideas and speak with the consultants on site, check out the samples of various stones and finishes you can use to bring that social look and style to your project.

At the lifestyle Solutions centre the ideas are endless so take the time and see what the noise is all about…nothing like this in Bundaberg. http://www.lifestylesolutions.com.au    or http://www.lifestylesolutionscentre.com  look forward to seeing you there or call to arrange an appointment if you can’t make it on the day. If you have a business that would be right at home at the Lifestyle Solutions Centre, then you can ask about how you can become a partner and display your business with other successful businesses.. written by Peter Moller

Synthetic turf is fast becoming popular with residents in Bundaberg. Often choosing to use synthetic turf in shady areas, areas where normal turf just wont handle the traffic, or tired of mowing the lawn every week or two. Then your have to consider how much water you can save, and where weed seed germinates in the surface you can roundup the lot with no fear of killing your lawn.

Synthetic turf comes in rolls 20 m long and 3.6m wide. when looking at an area you must run turf in the same direction or it can be easy to see where it joins. Joining synthetic turf is relatively simple but there is a knack to it. Where possible minimise the waste just as you would with carpet, deciding which way is the most efficient way to run the turf for best results.

hand shaping the subgrade for synthetic turf

Base preparation can include drainage, stabilising and thoroughly compacting the subgrade before a final screed over a fine sand bed for best results. All external edges need to be retained, with say a concrete edge, paver mowing edge or even CCA treated timber will also work. With all surfaces base preparation is critical to the result you acheive.

cutting synthetic turf to shape

Once laid and cut in places you need a fine kiln dried sand to broom into the thatch to help the turf stand up and hold the turf in place. You will need to be careful to spread evenly over the entire area as its easy to create humps and hollows. When its professionally installed the guys use a spreader to achieve the best results.

If you live in Bundaberg come out to the Lifestyle Solutions Centre in Bundaberg and touch, feel and walk on the display so that you can see how realistic the turf is these days. Of course you can always buy some of the cheaper imported products, however we only use the Qld made synthetic turf which is supplied with up to a full 8 year warranty.

The display I mentioned is actually a putty tee, some and try your hand at sinking a few.. I did the other day and could get close. There must be an art to this game for which I have little talent… better stick to what I know best.

Look forward to any questions you may have about your particular situation to help you make the right choice. We’ve actually laid complete yards with synthetic turf and looks so realistic you can’t tell the different. You can also check the website for more details.. http://www.lifestylesolutions.com.au

This week we’ve been working on a Pool renovation where the pool was around 15-20 years old. Still very solid, just a little tired and dated. The client had the option of Pebble or Quatrzon interior and after some deliberation choose 2-3 mm pebble in Champagne which give a soft turquoise water appearance.

In preparing the pool for its new finish the existing coping papers were removed and relevelled which some slight imperfections required removing. Same for the tile band which was removed completely then squared up and a new tile band was installed prior to finishing the coping tile. This tile match the pool surrounds and had the front edge nosed to soften the look and feel. Using vitreous tiles makes this possible as the biscuit of the tile is the same from top to bottom of the tile.

The interior required jack hammering under the waterline to allow a smooth transition up the wall, then all other areas required to be sparrow pecked to give a good bond to the entire finish. Then the floor was sanded and pressure cleaning before applying a bonding coat prior to the final pool finish.

Day has come and the pool interior is to be applied.. quick slurry over the base and pebble is applied just like new… then the pool is filled, water tested and its all complete.. looks far more like a modern new pool… pics of finished pool still to come as its still filling as we speak.. keep and eye out for that.

by Peter Moller.. Lifestyle solutions centre, 78 Mt Perry Road North Bundaberg.. http//:www.lifestylesolutions.com.au

pizza oven ready to fire

Joel will show you how to get the best results, tips and hints on how to get the best results, the best tasting and best looking food from you Woodfire Oven… often called a Pizza Oven. They are so much more than just a pizza oven as you can cook so many different foods with the flavour being retained in the food.

The oven Joel will be using is on caster so you can move them around to the best spot.. if its windy out of the wind, out of the rain, and in this case we have a huge 5.5m radius umbrella from “Planet Shades” installed right near the oven. You can rotate the umbrella 360 degrees so you’ll never be there burning in the sun.

Keep your eyes open in the coming weeks as we give you more details on whats happening at the Demonstration on 26th November 2011. Let us know if you are coming by registering on www.facebook.com/lifestylecentre or call 4155 5500 for up to date info.

We look forward to seeing you there.

by Peter Moller, Lifestyle Solutions Centre, Bundaberg

Building a pool is a large investment, so you must consider 6 key factors to ensure you maximise your investment while enhancing the appeal and usability of the area surrounding your new pool.

1/   When you are serious about including a Pool in your entertaining area to your home you should seek professional advise to produce the best design based on your needs and expectations all in keeping with the style and feel of your home. It’s not only to design the pool, but to encompass the complete design with pool and landscaping design as without the complete design your project will often  fail to deliver the enjoyment, entertainment and satisfaction you desire. The company you choose to design and Build your pool must be a good listener, and have a wide range of experience to collate your ideas then provide solutions enriched by their experience. Look at the complete solution and how the design will flow through from the home and enhance your investment. Rarely is the cheapest design the best solution, so look past the initial investment to the  long term effects on the useability and sale-ability etc …

2/  Identify how you will use the pool & who will use the pool… is it for entertainment, fitness & health, family enjoyment, learning to swim, or just cooling off on hot summer days. Every style requires different consideration in the design. Think carefully and remember not to focus on how the pool is used right now for say “young children” as they will grow up and often shallow areas can be a waste of space as their needs change… for instance a seat 500mm deep is a better option than a large wading area to learn confidence in water etc..

3/  Locate the pool fencing so as not to distract from the usability of the pool… consider visual appeal by using Glass, use dark colours for less visual intrusion, and locate the fence so as not to divide the area into unusable areas… consider where you need the space and place the fence accordingly.

4/  when you have settled on a design for the entire project have it drawn up to scale to be certain the Design will work… better to do this now than strike problems when you start constructions.

5/  Running costs for you pool must be included in the design…choose new Variable flow pumps to cut your running costs.. eg.. Zodiac E pumps and remember OFF peak power, Pool blanket to prevent chemical & water evaporation, while also including storm water diverter to direct water to your pool.

6/  consider options to heat your pool with either Solar Pool heating or a Heat pump. Solar heating often extends your swimming season by 2-4 months and heat pumps allow year round swimming. When you enjoy swimming and entertaining around the pool, heating is well worth the investment.

Call the team at Lifestyle Solutions Centre 78 Mt Perry Road, Nth Bundaberg or check the website for ideas at http://www.lifestylesolutions.net.au …. better to discuss now and iron out any unforseen issues than arrive at construction with challanges that can be difficult to resolve.

by Peter Moller, Lifestyle Solutions, Bundaberg.

Zane Solar collector near Solar Hot water system

1/   Check the lint filter which will be installed in line near the pool pump as this will effect to flow to the Solar Collectors on the roof. Just unscrew the end and pull out the stainless steel gauze filter , then wash off with a hose. Without this filter your solar collector will block and cause further problems.

2/  Check the top out temperature which determines the targeted temperature for the system…if this is set too low the system will not achieve the maximum heat transfer. Raise this temperature to 28 degrees and your heating system will operate until you reach the higher temp.

3/  Check the collector on the roof to see how dusty it is… grab a soft broom and a hose and give it a clean down so you get the most from the available heat.

4/  Install a pool blanket and go for the better quality ones to both retain most heat and absorb extra heat.. often up to 3-4 degrees, with some manufacturers claiming more this is on the conservative side.

5/  Check for overhanging branches both on the pool and over the roof where the collector is installed to remove potential shade and there fore heat transfer…in short trim them up out of the way.. more sunlight, more heat. Sometimes when this is not possible and the system becomes less efficient adding a small heat pump may be the only solution when you want to extend your swimming season.

6/   When you are serious about extending you swimming season look at installing more collector to get the most form the system… using  the existing circulation system then adding collector will be FREE heating as its cost no more than you are already paying.

These are some of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your existing Solar Pool heating system. When you want more heat in your pool consider adding a heatpump which are becoming far more affordable. Use the FREE heat you get from the Solar then adding a heat pump will allow you to swim 365 days a year especially when there is no sunlight.  This will minimise the normal costs that would be involved with Heat Pump only installations.

Zane Solar Centre Bundaberg is Located at Lifestyle Solutions Centre 78 Mt Perry Road, Nth Bundaberg. When you have some questions about how you can heat your pool, call us or drop by to discuss your particular situation.

written by Peter Moller from Zane Solar Centre Bundaberg, located at Lifestyle Solutions Centre 78 Mt Perry Road Nth Bundaberg.

You are welcome to call the admin team to arrange an appointment in the relaxed environment at Lifestyle Solutions centre 78 Mt Perry road nth bundaberg… check out the ever increasing range of products to choose from to make your project unique… that special touch thats all your own. After dark at the centre with a private viewing of the LED lighting and gentle sound of water bubbling through the waterfalls.

I believe night time is the best time to see everything in action… now we are planning a fully functional outdoor kitchen… and we are looking for innovative ideas you would like included. Check us on facebook.com/lifestylecentre or search lifestyle solutions on facebook and leave a comment or email your ideas… look forward to hearing from you… Goodbye from Peter and the team at LSC…

Already a number of entrepreneurial local businesses had grasped the opportunity to be the leaders in delivering the cutting edge of products and design solutions all under the one roof  already on Display at LSC.. here are just a few that might interest you..

•   Synthetic turf , no mowing, no watering ever !

•   Huge 5.5m umbrella to rotate 360 degrees

•    the only Composite timber display in bundaberg

•   Wood fire ovens to make your pizzas look like you are a master Chef,

•    Slatted aluminium paneling &  Artificial rock waterfalls

•    Toro automatic irrigation Pop up or drip, with remote controls

•   Impressive LED lighting, controllers and remotes

•  Power saving Pool pumps , remote controls and actuator valves.

Just this week Steve Rathbourne moved into the display centre with his business “Barefoot Flooring” who I believe are the very first to provide Exopy flooring solutions for almost any type of floor right here in Bundy. You must check out the website http//:www.barefootflooring.com.au or call out and see Steve and discuss what expoxy flooring can do for you.. you will be impressed.

If you are looking to expand your business and take the next step and display your products at the LSC call the team on 4155 5500 and arrange an appointment.  LSC is not for every building trade, you must offer unique solutions and be complimentry to the existing businesses and not duplicate the trades that already exist.

Combined marketing on the web, social networks and TV radio and publications will all be included in the rental agreement for spaces varying from banner advertising to a few metres of display to office space, to demonstration or training areas & with almost 300m2 of space available you can talk with us about your requirements… So much to discover…Call for an information brochure to help you choose the right solution for your business displays.

After hours appointments and night time demonstrations are an integral part of the display to showcase products which are at their best after dark.

Look forward to seeing you at the Lifestyle Solutions Centre real soon.

Peter Moller, designer and consultant at Lifestyle Solutions centre, 78 Mt Perry Road north Bundaberg…

find us on facebook at     facebook.com/lifestylecentre