Pumps 2.0

Water Fountains – Top Reasons for Buying One

How to Accessorize a Deck

Furnishing and accessorizing a deck can easily be a pleasant experience. A wide variety of different products are vailable to a homeowner. It is very important to avoid going to the extreme by placing too much on the deck.

This can easily turn the outdoor living space into an obstacle rather than a structure that enhances its aesthetic and functional qualities in relation to the home and yard.

In situations where the deck is to be used year round or during the evening, outdoor lights, fire pits and patio heaters merit consideration. Plan extra space around grills and fire pits. Take the steps required to ensure that passageways that are frequently used are a minimum of 4 feet wide and are clear of any kinds of obstruction.

Hot tubs and water features should only be considered if there is sufficient space available. Features such as these demand careful planning, substantial amounts of space, weight supports and their own electrical circuits.

Decorative lighting is a great way to establish the mood on a deck. The possibilities are almost limitless. Low voltage commercial light strings can be woven along railing systems or in nearby overhanging branches. Low voltage light fixtures can also be hidden in hanging planters to create a feeling of ambiance.

The addition of lights to the surrounding yard greatly enhances the view from the deck at night creating drama as well as a sense of security. Utilize spotlights or floodlights to accent trees, shrubs and sculpture. Add spread lights to throw light horizontally across a garden or flower bed. In addition, position wash lights to reveal texture on a surface such as a chimney or masonry wall.

Decorative lighting fixtures for the outdoors are available in both line and low voltage types. Often they are available with a choice of lamps that include halogen, incandescent and compact flourescent. The latter lamp type is energy efficient and lasts the longest.

Avoid solar powered lights because the light output they generate is quite low. LED lighting fixtures are the wave of the future for low voltage deck and landscape lighting. These lights work well on stairs, in railing systems and when mounted on railing posts.

LED bulbs have an incredible lifespan and virtually never need changing. Although LED light fixtures cost more initially than their traditional counterparts, they are cheaper in the long run. They also conserve energy and are cooler thus reducing any danger related to finger burns.

A hot tub can be a great deck addition for relaxation but it requires a good deal of planning. Details must be worked out well in advance for its size, the number and placement of water jets, the location on the deck and support. All this must be done before any concrete is poured and any framework is built.

Hot tubs come in a variety of materials that include acrylic, stainless steel and ceramic tile. They also vary greatly in size with capacities up to 8 people.

The hot tub should be located in a space that maintains privacy. A separate open air or screened gazebo can work extremely well while providing a handy place to store towels, robes, shoes and even books.

Where the hot tub is part of the main deck structure, consider the installation of built-in seating around it. Think about placing planters in such a way as to separate the hot tub from other activity areas. Hot tubs can be installed flush with the deck surface or they can sit on the deck’s surface.

Flush type hot tubs need a concrete slab for support. Hot tubs on the deck surface require extra footings and additional framing.

Any hot tub will need a water source, an electrical source, housing for the pump, valves and filter. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a must to prevent possible electrocution. A wise decision would be to involve a licensed electrician and plumber in the addition process of a hot tub to the deck.

Ornamental water features, either freestanding or wall mounted, can buffer unwanted noise and provide a measure of relaxation. They require a power source to operate the pump motor. Water can be added occasionally to replenish the system and help to keep the pump functioning efficiently.

In cases where the foutain has a large water basin, a direct water source and a float valve can be used to maintain the water level automatically.

Reflecting pools and small ponds are wonderful possible deck accessories. Most often they are permanent structures with poured concrete or brick bases. A pump is a necessity to keep the water aerated and prevent the growth of algae. Again, a GFCI is an absolute necessity.

The pond or pool can be lined with either a rigid or flexible liner to keep water from draining away. Stones can be place around the edges to keep the liner in place and add a natural look. A wide array of aquatic plants such as water lilies can provide many decorative opportunities for the home gardener.

The number one activity on a deck is the burning of meat. Portable grills include larger grilling areas, side tables for resting serving plates, wheels so that the grill can be moved out of the way when necessary, rotisseries and side burners.

Built-in grills are a recent popular option. The advantages of these include permanent gas hookups, large grilling areas and roasting capactitiy, optional burners and rotisseries as well as durable weatherproof construction.

Portable or permanent food preparation and staging counters are becoming more popular. The space below the counter can become a cabinet for the storage of basic cooking and serving supplies. Cabinets on locking casters can add a great deal of portability to the food preparation and serving area.

Construction of such items will require the use of exterior grade plywood, water resistant finishes and polished stone, stainless steel or pocelain tile countertop materials.

The choice of whether or not to have a fire pit on a deck hinges upon how often it will be used and whether or not local bylaws allow it. In addition fire pits take up much space, pose safety issues and can be an eyesore at times. An alternative to a fire pit might be a chimnea or a portable fireplace.

The second choice, often called a fire bowl, is generally ringed with a stone ledge which can double as a place to set down a drink or plate.

More and more homeowners are opting to extend the outdoor entertaining season on the deck by using parasol shaped patio heaters. They are movable and burn kerosene, butane, propane or natural gas. Patio heaters come in many styles, sizes and price ranges.

Safety features can include emergency cutoff valves, flame controls, electronic ignition and infrared heating technology. The best placement is in a wind sheltered area.

The final option would be a built-in masonry fireplace located near the perimeter of the deck. It can be constructed with stone or brick which can complement materials already in existence around the house and yard.

Successful deck planning should take into account furnishing and accessorizing a deck so that homeowners, family members and guests will have every opportunity to enjoy their time on this new outdoor living space.

Richard Vande Sompel
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-to-accessorize-a-deck-237334.html

Solar system for a pond 8′ x 8′ and fountain.?

Hello,
II have an 8 ft x 8 ft pond which is 23 inches deep. It has an 12 inch stream from 1 end that connects to a 66 inches round holes which is 23 inches deep. This latter part is the fountain. There is an underground system that circulates the water between the pond and the fountain via the stream and underground. The filter and pump are above ground.

I have 2 Koi fishes and some Goldfishes in there during the summer and fall. I would like to keep the fishes out there in the pond throughout the 4 seasons we have in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. What kind od solar system can I make to heat the pond during the cold freezing winters of ours as well as throughout the year? Would it be too hot in the summer for the fishes? I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Corner property facing North_South
Currently have to bring the fishes in and am not able to do that for too long.

I would appreciate any suggetions anyone may have.
Many thanks
whyisthisthere@yahoo.ca
Mumtaz

I don’t know of any dedicated solar pond heaters but you can go online to get solar panels/kits etc…however given the small volume of your pond( volume/water=thermal mass) and the cold temps it will take several panels in series(where will you put them?) and will be cheaper to replace the fish each year.

Pond Pump?????????????

We are considering adding a garden to our backyard, and we understand we need a pump. The place where we want the pond is too far away from the house to be grid powered. We considered solar and wind powered pumps, but we don’t have enough sun or wind. I was wondering if there is a working perpetual machine, such as a perpetual water wheel. If so, can u send me a picture/video. THANKS!!!

Sorry, no such thing exists. You could always put in a gas powered generator but in the end you might just be better off finding a way to run AC power out to the area where the pond is to be located.

Solar panel digital voltage / current meter - PIC16F872

DC Digital voltmeter / ammeter

This homemade project displays output voltage and current from 2 solar panels which are used to charge batterys for a fish pond pump/filter system.

The displays appears dim on the video due to the bright background conditions, displaying 6.8V / 2.5A

Duration : 0:0:18

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Technorati Tags: ammeter, digital, display, LED, Panel, pic16f872, picbasic, solar, voltmeter

30W Solar Panel Solarmodul Panneau Solaire + 25W Fountain Pump Teichpumpe Pompe d´étang 1500 l/h

EN: Our Fountain pump has many extensive accessories and noozzles as well as hose adapters for the stream.

DE: Unsere Teichpumpe hat viel umfangreiches Zubehör und Düsen sowie Schlauchadapter für den Bachlauf.

FR: Notre Pompe détang les accessoires sont inclus et lentretien du filtre est facile.

Koekraf Alternative Energy
Krotzenburger Str. 28
D-63796 Kahl am Main - Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 6188 445 439
Fax: +49 (0) 6188 445 573
Website: www.koekraf.com
Email: info@koekraf.com

Duration : 0:2:32

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Technorati Tags: convertisseur, détang, Fountain, Kolektorów, Painel, Panel, panelis, Panell, panely, panneau, pannello, Panou, plošča, Pompe, pump, Saules, słonecznych, solaire, solar, solare, Solarmodul, Solární, Solarzelle, Solpaneler, Sončna, surya, Teichpumpe, Ηλιακό, συλλέκτη, панел, плоча, Слънчеви, Соларна, סולארי, פאנל, الشمسية, الفريق, للطاقة, ソーラーパネル

Does anyone have a solar powerered pond pump?

I am looking to purchase one for a ~100 gallon pond and I would like it to be strong enough to make a small waterfall. Does anyone have any reccomendations on a brand?

How high is the waterfall and how many gallons per minute (gpm) do you need? If either of those answers are large, it will require an expensive pump and lots of solar panels to meet your head and flow requirements.

If you are trying to lift under 12′, and about 3gpm, the Shurflo pump might do it for you. It’s just over $100 for the pump, but then you’d need to buy the solar panel for around $500.

http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Water-Pumps/Surface-Pumps/Shurflo-Surface-Pumps/Shurflo-2088-443-144-12V-Std-Surface-Pump/p1088/

Some of the less expensive options you may find elsewhere may not have enough power to pump the water up for the waterfall, they may only have about 1′ or 2′ of head capability .

25W Fountain Pump Teichpumpe Pompe d’étang 1500 l/h 24V

EN: Reliable and economical Solar Pond Pump with waterplay, which is also suitable as filter pump.

DE: Eine zuverlässige und sparsame Solar-Teichpumpe mit Wasserspiel, die auch als Filterpumpe geeignet ist.

FR: Fiable et économique, nos pompes fontaines solaires rendent vos bassins plus vivants.

Koekraf Alternative Energy
Krotzenburger Str. 28
D-63796 Kahl am Main - Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 6188 445 439
Fax: +49 (0) 6188 445 573
Website: www.koekraf.com
Email: info@koekraf.com

Duration : 0:2:29

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Technorati Tags: 12V, 24V, Ampoule, batteries, camping, Cell, Charge, Controller, convertisseur, détang, energi, energia, energie, eolienne, Flexible, Fountain, Inverter, LCD, Le, Panel, panneau, panneaux, pannello, photovoltaic, Pompe, Programmateur, pump, Réflecteur, Reflector, Regulateur, sac, solaire, solaires, solar, solare, Solarmodul, Solarzelle, Teichpumpe, Turbine, Wind

Low energy external water pump for pond waterfall?

I am based in Thailand and therefore availability of pump types may affect this: I am building a fish pond next to the house and am thinking of using a nearby small stream to recycle the water 24/7 to remove ‘waste’ rather than put in a filtration system; the water in the stream is PH7. The stream is about 25 metres away and the head from stream to waterfall discharge point about 5 metres. My understanding is that an external pump pushing the water would be best with the overflow return by gravity. Research on the net suggests that a ’solar’ pump would be a costly option, taking years to recover the cost, and might struggle to do the job 24/7 anyway. Any suggestions on pump type and capacity would be appreciated, balancing initial outlay with running costs and longevity at 24/7.

You are correct in your assumption about solar. The technology is not yet there for solar pumps. For the external pump you would have to place it in the stream.or get a self priming pump. There are many low wattage pumps available but I am not sure if they are available in Thailand. Below are the links to help you and make sure to look at the self priming pumps.

Could someone please check my essay for grammatical errors and punctuation ?

Global warming threatens the whole world. Though it has had little noticeable impact on the world so far, its potential impact could be disastrous which is why global warming has become an issue ever present in the media and for governments. One of the biggest problems facing the Bahamas today is global warming. Future predictions do not look good for the Bahamas. There are many causes, such as the greenhouse effect through the burning of fossil fuels, the rise in sea level which will not be good for the Bahamas and, pollution which poses many problems for this country. You have heard that “for every cause, there is an effect”. Agricultural would be greatly impacted by global warming, Climate change could have a severe effect on the Bahamas; the economic consequences could lead to instability for this country. There are many solutions. First stop making CO2 and switch from oil, coal and gas to renewable energy, secondly the Bahamas have plenty of sunshine; they can create a solar farm, thirdly use less energy and recycle more product.
The more Bahamians recycle the less they contribute to the greenhouse effect. There are many causes of the greenhouse effect. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. They are released by the burning of fossil fuels which are a major leading cause of concern for the Bahamas. These emissions can be seen when a car is started on a cold early morning. The muffler will emit visible vapor. The more cars run idle for a long period of time, the more carbon dioxide is emitted into the air. It can be seen in the form of smoke in heavy populated cities like New Providence and Grand Bahama. Many things contribute to global warming such as factories (e.g. BORCO in Grand Bahama), transportation, waste products and agriculture. The greenhouse effect is crucial to our being. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would not be warm enough for the human race to live. If the Bahamas continues to contribute to the greenhouse effects by continuing to burn fossil fuel and sending more pollution in the atmosphere this can cause a great deal of health problems for its citizens of the Bahamas.
First of all air pollution causes a great deal of health problems; such as, aggravated asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lung and heart diseases, and respiratory allergies. Wanting clean air is an important factor to consider because air that is polluted can result in s death. However, our health is not the only thing to be threatened, our environment is threatened too. Indeed, air pollution causes some disorders on the environment, meaning the increase in sea temperatures and the destruction of coral reefs. The Bahamas has another source of pollution cruise ships. They produce an enormous amount of unwanted gases and fumes. This makes it a major contributor of pollution. For instance, while in port at Nassau harbour or at other islands, cruise ship that sails to the Bahamas spends one day in New Providence or a small amount of time at some other island. Cruise liners use about three hundred thousand tons of fuel on a daily basis and a considerable amount while docked. If there are three ships in Bahamian waters that are tied up at the Prince Gorge dock for example, whatever they use can lead up to three hundred thousand tons of fuel per year. {English 119 booklet Par.7 pg 26} “This generates about on million tonnes of greenhouse gases” which can contribute to the rise in see level

Most of our islands are in five feet or more above sea level. The Bahamas being a low-lying area as it is, fresh water ponds can be severely affected as a result. There are many well fields in some of the islands, which can become contaminated due to the rise in sea levels. This spells disaster for those islands in which water is pumped from places like Andros and Grand Bahama. {Climate Change in the Caribbean by Larry Smith} states “Indications are that some fresh water marshes in the Bahamas have already become brackish, which may be attributed to rising sea levels. It is known that well fields on Andros and Grand Bahama have been badly affected by storm surges in the past five years”. Bahamapundit.com. Scientists are ardently trying to find ways to counteract the effects that the rising waters are causing, which includes island and beach erosion. Evidence of the public’s ignorance of the inevitable impact of the rising sea levels is shown in the millions of people that are flocking to the coast. The Bahamas is mainly a low-lying country; a rising sea levels will negatively affect coastal areas; eroding beaches, mangroves, coral reefs and tourism; and eventually cause some islands to disperse because of the costal erosion.

The Bahamas is basically a low- lying country; the highest point being two hundred and six feet above sea level; thus, this make the Bahamas vulnerable to the effect of climate change and higher temperature increase flooding due to heavier rains. This can result in mal

I won’t read your paper for you but I will tell you something my 12th grade English teacher told me. First, use spell check. Then read the paper backwards. When you have written something and then read it repeatedly you start to see what you expect to see, not what is truly there so you miss mistakes. Read the paper backwards and you will be less likely to miss mistakes. Oh, and spell check has a feature that looks for grammatical errors as well!

Good Luck!