In this article we set out the right way to close your pool for the winter months. Your goals are to protect the pool from damage caused by freezing water, save on pool maintenance costs and ensure a quick opening in the Spring. Here are the six steps:

Step 1 – Give the pool a thorough clean. Scrub down the walls, skim the surface of the water and run your pool vacuum cleaner. Remove all floats, skimmer baskets, ladders, ropes and other pool accessories.

Step 2 – Test the pH and alkalinity of the water to ensure these fall within recommended levels. For most pools you want to keep pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8 and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. If the pool chemistry is unbalanced it will reduce the effectiveness of your “winterizing chemicals.” (see step 3)

Step 3 – Add the following “winterizing chemicals” to the pool: A non-chlorine shock treatment (with chlorine shock you run the risk of bleaching the pool surfaces), a slow release floating winter oxidizer and a winter algaecide. These three chemicals are often sold together as a “winter pool kit.” Some kits also contain a stain prevention product. Circulate the water for a few hours after adding the chemicals to ensure an even distribution with no dead spots.

Step 4 – Drain the pool until the water level is below the return hose of your pump and skimmers. This step may not be necessary if you blow out the pipes (see step 5) and add plugs to the skimmers and return jets.

Step 5 – Close down and drain the pump and filter system ensuring you follow the manufactures instructions closely. If you are in a very cold location you will need to blow the water out of the plumbing lines using a compressor or shop vacuum and plug the returns. If you are not able to remove the water from the pipes you may have to add pool grade antifreeze.

Step 6 – Place a good quality, tight fitting cover over the pool and secure it well. Ideally you want a cover that not only protects the pool from harsh weather but also does allow any debris to enter the pool. Pool covers will last longer if you do not have to drain the pool (see step 4). Some pool experts recommend placing an air pillow on the water to take up the slack if the pool water freezes.

Have you ever sat in your backyard or a nearby park and watched all of the different types of birds native to your area? Now is a great time to start because February is National Bird Feeding Month, which was established in 1994 to encourage people to provide the food (and also water and shelter) that wild birds need to survive during the winter months.

There is more to bird feeding than you would think. There are many different types of wild bird seed available for different birds, different types of wild bird feeders, and some basic tips that should be followed while feeding birds. By doing our part and taking care of our wild birds we can ensure a happy environment and can help wild bird hunger. Furthermore, what do birds eat? Before choosing the type of wild bird food you first want to decide on which type of birds you will want to attract to your backyard.

Most people use black-oil sunflower seeds because they will attract the largest variety of birds to your backyard. These seeds are great because they attract many birds and it is also an easy seed for smaller birds to crack open. Hulled sunflower seeds are similar to the ones mentioned above except the shell has been removed which makes them a little more expensive. If your wanting to attract finches Nyjer thistle seed is what they like the best, however you will need a special feeder for this type of food. Cracked or whole kernel corn will attract many blue jays and other game birds; this feed can also attract other types of animals. You can also buy premium mixes from a store that will attract various types of birds. There are many different types of bird seeds out there so make sure you choose wisely by following those guidelines.

Moving on, after choosing which feed suits you best you next want to choose the best bird feeders to ensure that your wild birds can get to the food that you are offering them. You want to offer a variety of different feeders throughout the yard to ensure that your birds will not be fighting over the food and there will be plenty of other feeding spots throughout the yard. When choosing bird feeders there are many factors that you want to keep in mind such as the type of bird that you are trying to attract, does the feeder meet the needs of the birds feeding preferences, you don’t want to choose a feeder that has to be refilled more frequently, is the feeder okay for the climate that you live in, is the feeder easy to clean, and the price of the feeder and what you are going to have to pay to fill the feeder. Also, while choosing a feeder you want to choose one that squirrels can’t get into because they will eat all of the feed. Buying the correct feeder is a very important step in the bird feeding process.

To make sure that you are attracting the wild birds that you want and keeping them happy and coming to your backyard more often there are a few tips and guidelines to follow. When the time comes to refill your bird feeders make sure you clean them first by removing all old or moldy bird seed and refilling it with clean and fresh feed. You wouldn’t eat off of dirty dishes and neither do the birds. While purchasing a feeder keep in mind what location the feeder will be places because you want to choose a style that is nice to look at from all viewing angles and also you want to keep size of the feeder in mind. By keeping your hummingbird feeders filled for up to two weeks after their migrating season starts you will provide hummingbirds that are still migrating south plenty of nourishment.

Last but not least if you are going to offer only one type of feeder make sure it is a tube feeder with sunflower seeds and to hang it at least five feet from the ground. Keeping these tips in mind will keep you birds happy and nourished.

Celebrating National Bird Feeding month in February can be fun for people of all ages if you know all of the right things to do when feeding wild birds. Choosing the correct type of food for the certain types of birds you will want to attract will give you the best results. Bird feeders come in all types and varieties so choosing the best bird feeders wisely will ensure that your birds will be able to eat the food and continue happily. Many tips and guidelines should be kept in mind while purchasing food, feeding the wild birds, and cleaning the feeders to make sure that you get the best results from your food and feeders.

Wild birds are an amazing thing to watch so we can do our part to help them stay nourished so that they can continue to give us something to watch out the window or sit in the backyard and enjoy.

Winter sports for kids are becoming more popular and more popular these days. Not only does it give them something to do in the winter, it’s a lot of fun and great exercise. Some kids are learning to snowboard or ski, while others are sticking to the traditional sledding or snow tubing. Either way it gets them out of the house and having fun.

There are somethings to keep in mind when going out in the cold weather though. First is clothing. Unlike summer, shorts, a tank top and flip flops won’t do. To insure they stay warm, have them wear some kind of under garment like long johns or thermal underwear. This will help them enjoy their outside activities just a little longer. Next, they should have snow clothing such as snow pants, a heavy jacket, snow boots, gloves, a hat or ear muffs. For some they may even want to wear snow goggles.

Take note of overall safety issues.  Are they visible to adults? They should always make sure they go in pairs because at least if something happens there will be someone to help them or to go for help. They should always make sure an adult or a friend knows where they will be and if they change locations they should make that same person aware. If it is night time some things you might want to consider is putting on reflective wear, carry a flash light, and try to stay clear of roads.

If you are someone who is interested in learning how to snowboard or ski your local mountain or ski resort can provide you with beginner classes. Most of the time these classes are free with snowboard gear rental. You can also purchase kids snowboards, especially if they’re going to go regularly. It might be a good idea so they get used to one board. Here’s some of our recommendations, available from amazon.com.

Paricon Sceptor Snowboard

Pelican Ice Wave Snowboard

Pelican Space Scooter Snowboard

Please make sure that you and your child read the rules of the mountain and the safety instructions provided at the time of rental. Once completing the lessons they will be able to test out the bunny slops and show you what they have learned. Remember moms they probably will fall a couple times! They are kids, they will bounce back and this is very normal when leaning something new. Do not panic – give them a chance to get the hang of it.

Your kids should remember that while they are there to have fun and enjoy themselves, they they should also be careful and follow the rules and regulations. Always instruct them to make sure their skis are on the right way, their boots are locked in tight to their boards and that they are wearing the proper gear.

Winter is a fun time of the year for kids, but the weather is harsh and it can become dangerous at times. Let them enjoy themselves and just be a kid, but talk to them about how important safety is. They are out of the house and doing something physical this is a good thing. Encourage them to try new things and not give up even if it is hard at first. Maybe even suggest they invite a friend along. So bundle up, be safe enjoys yourself and your kids and have a nice warm glass of cocoa when you’re finished.

Thinking of going camping in winter? Don’t be put off by naysayers; it can be done. Especially if you live in a region where it doesn’t completely freeze or snow over, it is possible to take kids and go on a fun an adventurous camping trip at any time of the year round.

When camping with kids, several things need always to be kept in mind. Safety as always is paramount. Children are powerhouses of energy but they don’t have much sense and wisdom since they haven’t been around as long as we have! They need to be protected, so take steps to ensure they are kept warm, dry and fed – they probably won’t be able to think of these things for themselves, and the last thing you want is a child who is sick or so miserable that he or she gives up and refuses to move – kids, especially sick kids, tend to be very heavy to carry in your arms!

One of the tricks to bear in mind is to keep them in thermal underwear as their base layer. Kids tend to hate coats and will often shrug them off at the slightest feeling of warmth or bulkiness. They like to be able to move around freely so get them some wool thermal underwear which will keep them both warm and dry. Get a blend of wool and a modern man-made fibre to get the smooth feel fabric which kids always prefer to slightly scratchy feel underclothes. Then make sure they wear them and it’s one less thing to worry about if they insist on taking off their coats.

Another trick is to take food which is munchable and is easy for them to eat, appealing and high-energy. Sorry kids (and parents who would like their lives made easy!), but chocolate is not a very sustaining food, and kids who eat chocolate routinely will only go wild and then crash, go wild and then crash, etc. It’s better to get steady energy release foods into them, so go for things like beef or turkey jerky (tastes like bacon and most kids love to gnaw on it), dehydrated fruit and vegetable snacks, hard boiled eggs, wholewheat crackers with some firm cheese, and wholegrain muesli bars with no sugar added (the ones sweetened with fruits and a little honey are the best). These foods will keep your kids’ energy levels steadily up and will prevent the psycho effect that munching on chocolate all day will bring! They will also provide good nutrients even if you have to forego your ideal healthy meal plans for a few days while your routine is broken up by the holiday.

Of course, after your kids are kept warm, dry and fed, they still need other things like comfort and security, so let them take along a toy each that they can cuddle up to in their sleeping bag, and don’t be surprised if they want to come and snuggle with you at night, especially if they are little. Finally, if you are planning on going hiking during your camping trip, then take along a toddler carrier in case little legs tire out, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast, overestimate travelling and walking times, and always tell someone where you are going or sign in and out of log books.

Have fun camping with your children during the wintertime – it can be done!

Winter can be hard work for families. Children get bored stuck inside, unable to let off steam. They will likely take out their frustrations on each other and the parents. After a few days, let alone weeks, of the Christmas holidays, nerves and tempers can become very strained. It is also hard to find activities for you and your children to exercise, and stay fit and healthy.

If you know where to look though, there are loads of great solutions out there to alleviate the boredom, get some fantastic exercise, and have lots of fun at the same time.

It’s brilliant if the parents and children can do these activities together; bonding as a family unit is important of course, but statistics have shown that parents participating in exercise and sport make it much more likely that the children will continue in this vein in later life.

To get things going, get outside as soon as there is some decent snowfall and go tobogganing together. It’s incredibly good exercise and a real laugh too. More than likely, you’ll combine it with a snowball fight, building igloos and snowmen too. And don’t forget making a snow angel; lie on the snow on your back and wave your arms up and down to make the wings.

For the more adventurous, there are lots of online resources to explain how to make an ice-rink in your backyard for ice hockey and skating.

In the snow, or on a wet day, find a muddy park or field, and find as many animal tracks as you can and try to identify them. You can also track each other in a game of hide-and-seek. Even simpler, get your young ones out after rain and just splash around in puddles. As soon as your child has learned to walk, they’ll love it.

There is also a large range of actual fitness equipment suitable for children so you can exercise whatever the weather, perhaps alongside you in your home gym. Everything from kid’s electric treadmills to junior cross trainers to mini exercise bike options.

On a more traditional note, a trampoline for indoors if you have space will keep your children occupied for hours. For something a little different, pick up a dance pad or mat; this is linked to a video game, you stand on the mat and follow the game directions, jumping from panel to panel on the mat in time with the music.

Games you classically associate with the summer are just as fun in the winter, and keep you warm too. Football, soccer, catch ball, Frisbee and kite flying all work brilliantly.

If the weather is just too awful to venture out, why not set up a play-zone indoors. Get rid of breakables, put lots of cushions and blankets and duvets down, and let the children, and parents, go for it. Climbing, jumping, wrestling, pillow fights, making dens and destroying them, whatever takes your fancy.

From classic outdoor fun to the latest exercise based video games, there is plenty to keep you going right through the winter months.

Click here for some fabulous Valentine craft ideas!

Wow!! This is so cool – they did such a great job on it! It has an ice slide, built-in stairs and an upstairs level. They said it lasted two months!

Don’t let the winter go by without building a snow fort! Don’t forget to build two so you can battle.

Grab some medium-large sized containers and pack them with snow. Use the larger ones for the foundation, getting smaller as you go up. Turn then upside down side by side to start your first row. You can use loose snow to fill in the gaps.  When you’re done with the bottom, first row, start another one on top of it and keep building up until you can safely crouch down behind it and not be seen by the “other side”. Have fun!

Making a snow angel is a classic winter activity. Here’s some tips:

Choose a area where the snow has not been walked on.
Carefully lie down on your back with your arms and legs outstretched.
Make an imprint with all parts of your body, especially your head.
Move your arms and legs back and forth across the snow, keeping them straight.
Carefully get up…maybe someone can help you so you don’t mess it up.

Make a family of snow angels and don’t forget to take a picture of it!

More winter fun – Check out some cute poems about winter for children!