Photo Beach Towels make a great personalized gift for the beach or pool.

Our 30" x 60" photo towel has a soft cotton terry back.  Your photo is dye sublimated on the micro polyester front surface.  Made in USA.

Solar power systems exist in two kinds. The first kind is ‘Solar thermal collector’ panels, which focus solar energy into a liquid medium, usually water, heating the liquid that is then utilized as and where it is required. The other kind is the photovoltaic module. They convert the sun’s energy into electricity, which can then be distributed immediately or stored within a battery to be used later.

Solar panels have built-in electric fields that, when combined with the current described above, will give us what we call a wattage. We use this to describe the power of each panel.
There are many very good reasons for installing solar panels. Top of the list is the huge savings you will make on your utility bills. Many people feel good that they are reducing their carbon footprint. Solar panels give out next to no carbon dioxide. Thereby, they reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.2 million tonnes per annum.

Solar panels are most frequently fitted to the roof or along an external wall of the home. Be sure to check with the local council before doing this. The local authorities in most countries agree that it is acceptable to install solar roof panels. However, certain locations do require detailed listed criteria.

Solar power is one of the most bountiful of the possible energy supplies that we have here on Planet Earth. As the technology behind solar panels improves in terms of their efficiency, so the cost of installing them is falling. When added to a range of governmental subsidies, tax credits, rebates and grants, the widespread installation of solar panels onto the average householder’s roof is becoming more and more realistic. As the prices are falling further thanks to local competition in the marketplace, so, it would seem that the future of solar panels is very bright indeed.

If you are interested to learn more on how to build solar panels, check out our website at:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com
http://www.earthenergyguide.com
New Release: PRLog (Press Release) June 13, 2009

There is NO substitute for adequate supervision. The "buddy system" of two children, is no substitute. Even people that can swim, very well, can drown when they bump their head, become entrapped, or have medical emergencies like seizures or black outs. DON’T LET THEM OUT OF YOUR SIGHT!

Pools and spas are attractive to children; what the court calls an "attractive nuisance". There must be a permanent barrier to entry. Local ordinances will specify a 3-sided or a 4-sided, non-climbable fence with self-closing, self-latching mechanisms on the gate. The gate should be locked when the pool is not in use. Do not place chairs or tables near a fence which would allow a child to climb over. Portable, above ground spas should have a hard top that locks on, preventing its use.

In addition to a barrier around the pool, NSPI promotes an idea called Layers of Protection, and has produced a pamphlet under the same name. This is the combination of many safety features working together to form several "layers" of safety protection around a swimming pool or spa. A simple fence just won’t do to protect the pool when it is not under supervision. Door exit alarms, infrared detectors or security cameras. Pool alarms, child alarms, or pool safety covers will all help to prevent accidents.

Having rescue equipment on hand can help prevent a drowning person from drowning someone else. Ring buoys & reaching poles with life hooks should be at the ready. First aid kits should be nearby also.

If you use a pool or spa cover, follow all instructions for their safe installation, use and maintenance. Always remove a cover completely before using the pool, and do not let standing water remain on top; pump it off.

Do not allow children to play near a pool. Games and bike riding can result in someone going in, perhaps bumping their head on the way.

Learn CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).

Have your children take swimming lessons at an early age.

Ponce de Leon spent his life searching for the “fountain of youth.” Fortunately for us, we only have to search a local garden store to find that special fountain which will transform our own backyard into a private oasis.

Today when we relax in our gardens, the soothing sounds of flowing water from a fountain can calm our soul. We, too, are drawn to the spiritual qualities as the gentle sounds of flowing water wash stress from our busy days, restoring and relaxing us.

This universal appeal is making fountains more popular with homeowners, especially as the effort to create personal outdoor spaces continues. Retailers are fueling this demand by offering a wider range of fountain designs, which run the gamut from traditional to more modern Zen-inspired pieces.

He recommends self-contained and easy-to-install fountains like the ones from Campania. They come complete with pump, tubing and all the necessary accessories. Here are some simple guidelines from the experts that will help you choose the perfect fountain for your garden space.

What’s Your Style?

The most important consideration to keep in mind when choosing the right fountain is the overall style of your home and garden.

“People who love a beautiful garden are becoming more experienced and comfortable with their own styles and tastes outside,” says Cilio. “Whether you have an urban, contemporary or country garden, the fountain should be compatible with your personal style and the aesthetics of your house and garden.”  

With fountains ranging from traditional European designs to more modern Zen-inspired pieces, today’s selection of fountains appeal to the broadest of palates.

Carloftis reminds us to keep proportion in mind. “It is everything in the garden. Choose a fountain that will fit and feel good,” he says.  “And if you go big, be sure to keep it simple.”

For a burst of bold color in the garden, new contemporary glazed fountains are the perfect solution. These fountains are available in a wide range of colors from vibrant reds and blues to earthy browns and greens. Glazed jar and sphere fountains from Campania can be paired with a round or square lightweight basin for below- or above-ground use.

Consider Your Space

Whether on a patio or in the landscape, a free-standing fountain can be a mesmerizing focal point.

The size of the fountain that you choose will depend on the size of your garden space.
"You could have a 4-by-6-foot pocket garden and put a small beautiful fountain at the end, and you’ve really made an incredible statement,” says Carloftis.

Although fountains can take center stage in the landscape, you might also consider nestling your fountain in a secluded corner of your garden. Tucked away among the plantings, the fountain will not distract from the overall composition. Discovering such pieces, as one strolls in the garden, brings a delightful element of surprise and magic.

What’s Your Desired Outcome? Dramatic or Zen?

If creating a highly dramatic effect is your desire, the classic choice is a larger two- or three-tiered fountain as a focal point for your landscape. Carloftis suggests Campania’s elegant Newport Fountain, which is a beautiful tiered composition made of cast stone with a lightweight basin for better maneuverability.

If you want something Zen, look for a more soothing effect in water gently cascading over a cast stone ball. Discover the allure of dancing water from a fountain lit at night, while you entertain on the patio or deck. Look for freestanding wall fountains, which include lighting components for dramatic night-time illumination.

Low or High Maintenance

Keeping your fountain clean and free of debris to prevent algae growth and clogging is something to consider when purchasing a fountain. Smaller fountains don’t require as much maintenance as larger fountains. And remember to protect your fountain in winter with a water-resistant fountain cover to prolong the life of your fountain.

Whether simple or ornate, you can create your own private oasis by introducing your own fountain of youth into your landscape or garden.
To view Campania’s wide selection of cast stone, terra cotta, glazed and light-weight fountains, visit www.campaniainternational.com.
New Release: PRLog (Press Release) June 10, 2009