Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub experts at Backyard Living Center Answer FAQs! Part 2

6. Sep 2022 Admin Saskatoon Hot Tubs, Trusted Tips

Backyard Living Center is a locally owned and operated Saskatoon hot tub store. They offer an exclusive line of high-quality Canadian-built hot tubs that are perfectly suited to the Saskatchewan climate. With a variety of design choices, they have a spa that will suit every lifestyle! Service means everything to owners Sheryl and Matthew! Whether it's finding the perfect spa, hot tub servicing or repair, water testing, or helping find or deliver parts for your hot tub, they're here to help. In this Saskatoon hot tub tip, we continue the series of experts answering all your FAQs about hot tubs.

Backyard Living Center Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub Store!

FAQs About Hot Tubs Answered By Backyard Living Center - Part 2

Should I have one or two jet pumps?

The answer is based on the number and size of the jets in the spa. Each jet is designed to work with a maximum water flow and H2O engineers calculate the total water flow required for all the jets in the spa and size the jet pump accordingly by using the most efficient combination of pumps.

Is one pump enough to give me the therapy I want?

One pump can be enough to give you the therapeutic experience you want. Remember not all hot tubs are created equal; many manufacturers have very different interpretations of horsepower, numbers of jets, etc. All of these factors will impact or have some relationship to what experience you will achieve in your spa.

Does a motor marketed as 7HP really produce 7 times the water flow of a 1HP pump?

No. Horsepower ratings on motors are not proportional with water flow and are sometimes misleading as they are not the true working horsepower but the motors’ breakdown horse power that if achieved, would cause the motor to fail. The horsepower rating of a motor refers more to the energy consumption required to operate the motor. At H2O spas we strive to provide the optimum water flow using the least horsepower because we know this to be the most energy efficient and environmentally responsible solution.

How is the Spa water cleaned?

The spa water is sanitized using either Chlorine or Bromine but the clarity of the water relies on the water passing through the built-in filtration system. Depending on the manufacturer this can be achieved in two ways:

Timed Filtration – A system can be designed so that the large jet pump is programmed to run on its low-speed setting for a predetermined length of time, pulling water into the filter and removing particles. The limitations to a system such as this are that the jet pump has to run for a minimum period of 4 hours, twice a day, which can be noisy and not very energy efficient. Also, because the jet pump is filtering and pushing the water through the heater there are a number of restrictions to the water flow that slow the flow of water to the jets when high speed is engaged. This method is used mainly to save money because if you don’t have to install a circulation pump, you save money. But remember a spa without a circulation pump is a lesser product.
Continuous 24/7 Filtration – H2O spas recommend using a dedicated small circulation pump to perform water filtration. This small pump uses very little energy, is quiet, and ensures your spa water is always crystal clear. A bonus of this system is that the now dedicated 2-speed jet pump is available to be plumbed directly to the jets to give the maximum flow of water.

Does a larger filter result in a cleaner spa?

A filter's ability to clean a spa is dependent on the density of the filter material and the amount of water flowing through the filter. To optimize these parameters, filters are made from a 20-micron weave to trap the majority of particles without being too dense to restrict water flow. An H2O spa with the 24/7 circ master pump passes 30 GPM constantly through the filter to give optimum cleaning performance.

The overall surface area of a filter is how the filter is measured i.e. 25 sq ft. means that if all the pleats of the filter were flattened out the total material used to make the filter would cover an area of 25sq.ft. Having a larger filter means that there is more surface area to hold particles between filter cleanings.

Backyard Living Center is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub and Outdoor Furniture Store!

Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Experts at Western Millennium Collision Share 5 Tips for Safe Driving!

31. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service, Trusted Tips

At Western Millennium Collision, they focus on three things: quality, convenience, and service. Quality implies that they maintain state-of-the-art tools and equipment so that their highly experienced technicians have all the latest tools and technology to ensure that your vehicle receives the finest quality and extraordinary workmanship. Convenience is all about valuing your time and simplifying the process of having your car fixed from the moment you contact them. Their shop is large enough to accommodate any size of vehicle, so that you can drive into the estimator for a complete evaluation of the damages to determine how fast the repairs can be done and how much it will cost, in one easy step. Western Millennium Collision Is a Trusted Saskatoon Collision Repair & Auto Body Shop.

5 TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING

Owning a car is one of the biggest purchases most people will make. However, unlike owning a house, a car is not an appreciating investment. It is a depreciating asset which means it loses value over time. Here are 5 tips to drive safe.

1. KEEP A WELL-MAINTAINED CAR

Every day you take your vehicle on the road, you contribute to its wear and tear. You need to be a responsible car owner in order to extend the value of your vehicle. Maintaining a car is more than just keeping it clean. You have to make sure it is in fine, road-worthy condition, some key tips are:

Check water levels every 2 weeks.
Make sure the tires are inflated to the proper temperature.
Never let the gas run down to near-empty levels.
Check the levels of the following car fluids: engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid, radiator, transmission, and power steering.
Keep track of your car battery expiration date.
Make sure the power windows, rear, and side mirrors, and dashboard lights are working.

If you notice something wrong or unusual with your car, don’t take any chances. Bring it right away to your nearest mechanic or car repair shop.

2. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT

It seems odd that in this day when commercials and reminders of the importance of using the seat belt are on rotation on every type of media, some drivers and passengers still refuse to buckle up. Don’t be complacent because your car has air safety bags. Car accidents remain potentially deadly even with increased safety features.

This is especially important for passengers who stay in the back seat. If the car gets rear-ended by another vehicle that is travelling at a high speed, the passenger becomes a projectile who could either hit the driver or go through the windshield. Either proposition should be enough to make you put on your seat belt the moment you enter the car.

3. KEEP COOL ON THE ROAD

A car is a heavy machine often made of solid steel. It is a marvel of engineering and the latest technology. It can give one a sense of empowerment and invincibility. Behind all the computer processing and gadgetry that goes on inside your car, the human organism remains in complete control. Your car will function the way you want it to function. That is why incidents of road rage and physical altercations happen on a daily basis. Some drivers let the sense of empowerment get to their heads. When another driver does something that makes you feel disrespected, it is not worth your time and energy to find ways to respond in kind. Not all drivers are of sound mind. Don’t be one of them.

4. MASTER DEFENSIVE DRIVING

You should focus explicitly on what you can control from your end. There are drivers who are not well versed in proper driving etiquette or who have a clear understanding of the rules of the road. In some countries, when you signal that you want to move to the right lane, the car behind will suddenly accelerate to make sure you don’t get ahead of them. Then there are drivers who don’t understand right-of-way and just careen their vehicle through an intersection.

There could be other reasons why the driver handles their car that way. They could be a beginner; there could be an emergency or it’s just someone who is having a bad day. It is not your concern to find out why drivers drive the way they do. Your only focus is to make sure you practice safe, defensive driving.

5. DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE

There is a market for apps that prevent people from texting or answering phones while driving. Why? Because multi-tasking while driving is proven to be very dangerous; it takes your focus away from the road, others on the road, and from handling your car properly.

This is the reason why many countries have passed laws that prohibit using your mobile phone while driving. In some countries and provinces, the penalties can be very severe. They include indefinite suspension of driving privileges, a monetary penalty, and even jail time. Another example of irresponsible multi-tasking is grooming while driving. Women are often caught putting on makeup or fixing their hair while their cars are still in transit. Men are sometimes caught putting on their neckties or shaving while driving.

When you’re driving, you should focus only on the road that is in front of you and if you get in any collision or accident, contact Western Millennium Collision for all your vehicle repair needs.

Western Millennium Collision Is a Trusted Saskatoon Collision Repair & Auto Body Shop.

Made In the Shade Trusted Saskatoon Window & Blind Pro Compares Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds

27. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Window Coverings, Trusted Tips

Made in The Shade Saskatoon offer their clients an amazing selection at an outstanding value... it is no wonder they have such happy clients. Let them help you with all of your Saskatoon Window Covering needs!

Made In the Shade are your TRUSTED SASKATOON WINDOW COVERINGS EXPERTS.

Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds

One of the most commonly asked questions in our industry is: What is the difference between faux wood vs real wood blinds? The best answer we can offer involves educating our clients on the features and benefits of both selections.

Our horizontal faux wood blind collections give you the best of both worlds! They have the look of luxurious real wood blinds at a price of about 15 to 25% less. Because faux wood blinds are made from a synthetic material (usually PVC or a polymer), they also offer easy maintenance and care.

You won’t have to worry about warping, cracking, or splitting in environments of high moisture or high humidity, making this an ideal product for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, kid’s play areas, etc. Available in solid vinyl, or in a composition of vinyl and wood for added strength, faux wood blinds provide superior insulation.

Wood blinds, on the other hand, offer a warm and inviting look to any decor. Wood has long been associated with strength and aesthetic beauty.

Both faux wood and real wood blinds come with a decorative valance at the top as a standard feature. Both are aesthetically pleasing choices to dress up your windows! It really comes down to personal preference and/or budget. With either selection, you can’t go wrong. After all, 2″ horizontal blinds continue to be the #1 choice in window coverings across North America for more than a decade.

Richly stained or painted wood blinds offer a wider selection of colours than faux wood, as well as other upgraded options and features. We often recommend real wood blinds when our clients need to match a particular wood stain or a custom paint trim colour. Keep in mind that there is no comparison between faux stains and the rich beauty of a true wood stain, but we do carry wood grain-like options in our faux collections as well.

Wood blinds are also an ideal choice for wider windows. Because of the lighter weight of real wood blinds, we can generally accommodate a wider window opening with a single-blind. This is always a preferred choice over two blinds in one window opening!

You can order your wood blinds with the popular no-holes option to stop light from leaking into your rooms or opt for decorative fabric tapes. Some of their wood blind collections are available with a motorized or cordless option, for ease of operation and child safety.

Check out their listing here in Saskatoon Window Coverings to read what their happy clients had to say... Made In the Shade are your Trusted Saskatoon Window coverings experts.

Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Kari Calder Shares Simple Pre-Sale Fixes That Won't Break The Bank

24. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Real Estate, Trusted Tips

The decision to purchase your home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, and will also be one of your largest investments. Done right, it can also be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times in your life! Kari Calder, a Saskatoon Realtor with Century 21 Fusion, is there to help you through the process and provide you and your family with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have a realtor working with your best interests in mind.

Simple Pre-Sale Fixes That Won't Break The Bank

Selling your home? It’s hard to get motivated to spend money on fixing up your house just so someone else can enjoy it. I understand. It feels like a waste of time/energy/money however easy fixes may be the difference between a higher offer or even an offer at all. Here are a few simple fixes you can do all for under $500.

1. Making the buyer feel at home: $0

This one is easy and costs nothing! Create a clean palate for your potential buyers by decluttering the house, packing up pictures, and making the house shine.

2. Fresh coat of paint: $200

Paint and supplies will be the majority of your costs here and save by doing the work yourself. Paint is the quickest way to transform your space and make it neutral. Don’t forget to touch up the trim while you’re at it.

3. Curb appeal boost: $50

First impressions are crucial to getting potential buyers through the door. Save money by borrowing a pressure washer and freshening up the landscaping with free/inexpensive mulch. Simple additions like potted flowers in the entryway, a new welcome mat and a bold colour on the door will make a big difference without breaking the bank.

4. Comfort is key: $50

Making your buyers feel at home and ensuring the living room is cozy is key. Add brightly coloured and fun patterned pillows, a soft throw, and some baskets for storage to help achieve this.

5. Update the kitchen: $75

No, you don’t want to redo your kitchen to sell but updating the hardware will go a long way. Also think about adding a vase of fresh-cut flowers, a bowl of fruit, or bright kitchen towels to help dress up the space.

6. Bedroom retreat: $100

Everyone wants to have a place to relax at the end of the day, so why not show off your master bedroom? Go for comfy modern bedding, throw pillows, and new lamp shades to help show buyers just how relaxing the space can be.

7. Squeaky clean: $25

Scrub the bathrooms well and replace the towels and shower curtain liners. Buy pretty soaps and add a few candles to create an atmosphere.

If you need help figuring out where to spend your money on pre-sale renos, a professional like myself can help prioritize items and can keep you from spending money unnecessarily.

Kari Calder is one of Saskatoon's top Century 21 Fusion real estate agents. Kari can assist with all of your Saskatoon buying and selling real estate needs and she is a TRUSTED SASKATOON REALTOR.

Kitchen & Bath Classics, Your Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom Experts Share 5 Tips to Surviving a Renovation

5. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Bathrooms, Trusted Tips

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling a single room, Kitchen & Bath Classics Saskatoon a Trusted SASKATOON BATHROOM EXPERT offers you one of the largest selections of plumbing fixtures, faucets, and accessories from quality names, displaying the latest trends and cutting-edge styles. The showroom consultants offer the best expertise in the business as they understand the building process; working with you to ensure that your project stays within budget and that the right products are delivered on time.

Here They Share 5 Tips for Surviving a Renovation:

Living through a renovation can be stressful, but there are five tips you can consider that will help the process go smoothly.

1. Set a realistic budget.

The most common mistake homeowners make is operating at their maximum budget allowance and not saving extra for those unexpected costs or splurge items. A realistic budget should be 80% of what you can actually afford, leaving 10% for surprises (even the best contractors can’t know what hides behind walls), and 10% for decorating once the project is completed.

2. Determine your desired timeline for completion.

Keep in mind that delays often happen, regardless of how well you have planned. Materials get back-ordered, bad weather can delay exterior work, and tradespeople may get sick or require extra time to make sure the job is done properly.

3. Hire construction experts for anything you are unsure of.

It is always best to hire licensed professionals because they are bonded and insured. You want to hire someone who works with a formal contract and can provide references. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Select someone with who you can communicate clearly about all aspects of the project. Write down a list of questions as you think of them, such as, ‘What payments do I have to make and when? Am I coordinating the trades or will they be your responsibility?' Contact local associations for referrals if you do not know where to start.

4. Be realistic about living through a renovation.

Can you segregate yourself to another area and be comfortable? Do you need to move out for a little while? Keep in mind that most contractors and trades keep construction hours from 7 am to 3 or 4 pm. Will this be disruptive to you or your family members?

Also consider the levels of dust and how they affect those children, pets, and those afflicted with respiratory difficulties. Moving out during a renovation is often a good idea. It also means the job site can operate more efficiently if you and your family are not in the way.

5. The design aspects of your project.

Are you creating something that will look dated in five years or can it be easily adapted to current trends as they change? This is where hiring professional interior designers, decorators and architects is a good investment. Not only can they help you define your style, but they can also mediate between you and the contractor and trades which will alleviate a lot of the renovation stress. These professionals typically cost approximately 5% of your renovation budget and they make sure that your visions for your renovation become a reality.

Find Kitchen & Bath Classics online at http://www.kitchenandbathclassics.ca in the SASKATOON BATHROOMS category on the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of Excellence... they are your SASKATOON BATHROOM FIXTURES and FITTING Expert!