Here is a neat idea to raise the temperature of an average sized pool by 3-4F per week.  You only need to cover 70% of the pool's surface to achieve this rise in temperature using these energy-efficient floating rings that gather and amplify sunlight.

You don't need to use electrical heaters or a traditional tarp cover. These solar powered pool heating rings are rated at 21,000 BTUs, each ring also acts as a partial barrier, helping to slow evaporation of water and chemicals, in addition to reducing heat loss at night.

They require less effort to maneuver than everyday covers, and are connected by low-strength magnets that quickly and easily separate, which eliminates tangling that can occur with traditional covers should anything fall in. The inner chamber of each ring inflates with two breaths and the outer chamber should be inflated until firm.
Solar-Powered Pool Heating Rings

Okay so the evenings are starting to get a little cooler, maybe its time to wheel the patio heater out of the garage onto the entertainment area on the patio.

Here is a handy device that will help you move the heater easily.

Patio Heater Wheel Kit "Works For All Patio Heaters Use this wheel kit to safely and easily move your patio heater where you need it the most. Fits deluxe and commercial outdoor patio heaters Makes moving and storage easier Quick Assembly Dimensions 2.5"" H x 4.75"" W x 7.75"" D In Stock-Ships Fast"

Yardiac.com -Patio Heaters at Wholesale Prices

Now that the evenings are becoming cooler it's time for you to start thinking seriously about installing that patio heater so that you can still enjoy your outdoor entertaining area.

During the warm summer months its easy to forget that winter is just around the corner and so the thoughts of preparing for the winter chills are often pushed aside.

Here is just one example of the great range available. The heater has wheels so that you can move it easily to where you want the warmth. 

Stainless Steel W/ Table Patio Heater

This heater has and 18' circle of warmth that raises the outdoor temperarure 10F -25F generating more than enough warmth for you to enjoy sitting outdoors for longer periods of time.

If you enjoy the sight, sound and smell of a crackling wood fire anytime - at home, at the beach or even tailgaiting with your friends, then thats just what you can do with a Whalen Fire Pit.

This range of portable outdoor fireplaces are American - made. This one is a 28" black firepit with a stainless steel screen. It has a sturdy steel construction for durability, special design for easy transportation and complete flame containment to ensure your safe enjoyment of the fire.

A perfect addition to your outdoor entertainment area, the fire pit comes with a 5 year limited warranty

This popular South West icon has been given a new look in the form of a solid cast iron construction and a beautiful high temperature finish.

There is a large front hinged screen door that provides easy fire access. And this great looking chiminea comes with a wood grate and rain cap.

The Aztec design reflects the origins of the chiminea.

Checking back to your your history lessons, when Westerners first arrived in Mexico, they found a highly developed culture conversant in Math, astronomy and accurate calendars.  But for now, close those text books, light a fire and transport yourself back 600 years.

Some ideas are so perfect they can't be improved. Today you will find chimineas are again a common feature of many homes and gardens.

When looking for a outdoor patio fireplace, you can't go wrong with a concept that has been in use for hundreds of years.

Chiminea Fire Sense Aztec Motif Cast Iron Chiminea with rain cap

Keep your family warm and cosy out on the patio with the Solaira quartz electric heaters are an innovation in heating solutions that utilize the latest in Philips quartz infrared technology, providing instant and directional radiant heat. Within seconds of being turned on, heat radiates at maximum power, so there is no warm up time.

Ideal for the garden, patio, balcony, terrace, gazebo, garage, solarium, this heating system is maintenance free, odorless and weather proof making it just right for outdoor use.

Heats a 10ft x10ft area, has an adjustable wall mounting bracket and 15 ft of cable. UL/CSA approved

The cooler months are fast approaching so now is the time to prepare your outdoor area for fall if you wish to continue to entertain outdoors. As the air gets cooler your time spent outdoors becomes less and less. However you can extend your outdoor entertaining by purchasing an outdoor heater.

The outdoor heater that you eventually decide on really depends on your specific requirements as each type of outdoor heating is different to the rest.

Some options that you might like to consider include a:

• tabletop fire pit
• tabletop patio heater
• outdoor fireplace
• fire pit
• chiminea

Consider the following when deciding on an outdoor heating appliance:

• the area that you will be heating - enough heat needs to be generated to heat the space
• the size of your are outdoor area - there is no point purchasing a giant firepit if you don't have the room for your guests
• how you going to power your heating appliance - gas, electric, wood etc

If you already own an outdoor heater then now is the time to give it a check to ensure that it is in working order. Give it a once over and clean out the cobwebs and you will be ready for fall entertaining.

posted by September 05, 2007 2:41 | permalink | comments (0) | General