When summer arrives, your pool calls! Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and spend time with friends and loved ones. Have you ever stopped and thought about what’s left in the pool water after getting out? Some of the things left behind include sweat, hair, dead skin cells, fecal matter and sometimes even urine. Let’s talk about when to change your pool water!

Even with a filtration system, pools need to be drained and refilled to ensure it works. Drain your pool completely only if it’s necessary. Hire a professional to do this to make sure your pool stays in top shape.

How Often Should I Change My Pool Water?

This answer greatly varies between pools. The amount of time can range from two months to as long as five to seven years. Some of the following factors come into play:

• Number of daily swimmers
• Climate
• Type of water (hard or soft)
• Pool maintenance

The more often that you use your pool, the more you will have to change the water. When people go swimming, water comes out of the pool with them. Splashing and carrying water out on your bodies are some examples of how we take water out of the pool after swimming.

The climate makes a difference as well. For example, rain washes bacteria, dirt, algae spores and other debris into your pool. In turn, it can reduce the effects of chlorine which can throw off the water’s pH balance. On hot days, UV rays reduce the amount of chlorine. Chlorine is essential to killing reducing germs that can make swimmers sick. Algae growth becomes more frequent as well because the spores need sunlight and water to grow.

There are two types of pool water. There’s hard water that has more calcium and magnesium ions. Soft water contains few minerals in comparison. Hard water can stop the pool structure from corrosion, but the water that’s too hard can break down fixtures. Soft water makes for a cleaner pool. However, pools need calcium and soft water will take it from the concrete or tiles of an in-ground pool.

Make sure to create a routine when it comes to your pool. This includes cleaning it as well as ensuring the correct pH level. Having a filter will help maintain such levels. You can check them using a water testing kit. Unbalanced pH levels make the water too acidic which causes skin irritation. The appropriate level should be around 7.4.

When Do I Change and Drain My Pool’s Water?

Deciding when to change your pool water is important. Most in-ground pools should be drained and have the water replaced every five to seven years. How often you drain your pool depends on a couple of things:

• Maintenance and upkeep
• Usage
• Environment

Drain your pool during the mild season when it’s not too hot and not too cold. Spring and autumn are ideal times of the year. This will prevent pool surfaces and filtration systems from being damaged by sun, heat or moisture. You should avoid draining the pool for cleaning as this is done underwater most of the time.

How Should I Drain Pool Water?

Determine whether your pool needs to be drained by speaking to a professional. Pool maintenance can be done when the pool is partially full. Hire a professional pool maintenance contractor or company to drain your pool if you determine your pool needs to be drained. Hiring a professional to drain your pool costs less than fixing a bad draining.

If you choose to take on draining your own pool, it’s best to use a submersible pump. Using the filter pump is the less appealing option because it’s expensive to replace. Drain your water into a sewer line on your property and make sure to not drain more than 12 gallons per minute. The process takes at least a couple of days. If you are not experienced, always hire a professional to drain your pool!

How Do I Keep Water in my Pool Longer?

Maintaining the appropriate level of chlorine makes all the difference. It kills bacteria and germs, controls organic debris perspiration and body oils and deters algae. Shower before hopping into the pool. Chlorine reacts to:

• Sweat
• Makeup
• Sunscreen
• Perfume
• Lotion
• Urine and fecal matter

All of these are things that can be found on swimmers entering the pool. This can react to chlorine and is the reason that some pools end up with a strong odour. A scent coming from the pool can be a sign that there are multiple compounds in the pool reacting with chlorine.

To maintain water quality and pool infrastructure, chlorinate the water daily. It prevents algae and microorganisms from growing. Clean the pool using suction sweepers and brushes on alternating days. Maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 to avoid irritating your skin. It’s recommended to have 1 ppm (part per million) of chlorine to kill algae or bacteria effectively.

Having an effective water filtration system recirculates water and returns it to the pool. Quickly removing filterable contaminants reduces the impact on the disinfection system.

Backwashing removes organic materials from your pool and keeps the water clean. This removes built-up contaminants from the pool by reversing the flow of water through the filter.  This sends them to waste or out through the hose connected to the pump. Backwash your pool filter before adding any chemicals to the water.

In Conclusion

Making sure that your pool is drained at the right time is as important. Knowing when to change your pool water is a key part of your pool lasting longer. It’s also makes swimming safer for you, your family and friends!

Via Aqua Mobile Swim (no copyright intended). All rights and credits reserved to the respective owner (s).

The project “Establishment of the Historical – Documentation Center of the City of Paphos and configuration of the surrounding area” is on track to be implemented and Z&X Mechanical Installations is proud to be part of this project.

The contract was signed on December 14th, between the Municipality of Paphos and the contracting company N. Gavriel and Sons Ltd for the execution of the Historical Documentation Center of the City of Paphos and shaping of the surrounding area. 

Z&X Mechanical Installations will provide the following mechanical services and systems:

• Cooling/heating of space
• Exhaust ventilation of the space
• Sewage and planning services
• Fountains in the garden
• Irrigation system

The project, with a total value of €9,636,362.00 plus VAT, will start immediately and the works are expected to be completed within 14 months. The project includes the maintenance – restoration and conversion of the existing listed building, the former central police station of the city into a museum and the renovation of the exterior spaces.

With the design of the project, an attempt is made to connect the urban space, the natural elements and the history of the city. Through a walking route which starts from the north of the site with the Armenian Genocide Park and a relaxed route, with above-ground and ground-level crossings in areas with rich vegetation, the visitor reaches the urban square north of the building which includes urban equipment , sitting areas and sanitary areas. From there, the visitor can enter the museum through a modern building and, following an internal route, learn about the historical course of the city from 332 BC to the most recent years, following it through digital media and other exhibits that will be in the building. After completing the route to the building, the visitor ends up in the square again to relax, rest, reflect and perhaps continue his tour of the rest of our city.

Speaking at the signing, the Mayor of Paphos Phaidonas Phaidonos said that the Municipality of Paphos aims to highlight the centuries-old historical heritage of Paphos in a modern and demonstrative way, while at the same time it will increase the number of visitors to the traditional center of the city.

The Mayor of Paphos referred to the regeneration projects that have taken place in the surrounding area in recent years, such as Kennedy Square, the Commercial Traditional Centre, the regeneration of the Governor’s Office and the surrounding streets and the regeneration of the Town Hall Square. Continuing, he referred to the projects such as the restoration of the Attikon Polychorus, the Municipal Theater Markideio, the central bus station and the reconstruction of Hani Ibrahim. It was also mentioned that the project of renovating the southern area of ​​the traditional commercial center and the Anavargos district is in progress, while the project of the Ivi Maliotou park has been completed. He also added that the projects are completed with the implementation of the project from the Public Garden to the Exo Vrysi. The contract signing ceremony took place in the outdoor area of ​​the former central Police Station of the city.

Via Pafos Press (no copyright intended). All rights and credits reserved to the respective owner (s).

Choosing the right heating system for your property can make a world of difference for both people and pets. Modern ducted heating systems tend to be the best option overall due to being both extremely cost-effective and highly customizable. Here are the 5 main benefits central heating systems provide:

No one likes to come home to a cold home, let alone spend time in one. Even if you have a great electric heater or air conditioner, you will still have to wait ages for them to fully warm up your living space.

Central HVAC eliminates this problem by enabling you to set consistent temperatures throughout the day. Smart thermostats and other modern features even enable you to set specific temperatures for each room, automatically lower the temperatures while you are asleep or outside, and so on. What’s more, floor heating keeps you and your loved ones comfy in a way that other heating systems simply can’t match.

Central heating systems maintain even temperatures throughout a home. This helps prevent various health issues such as asthma, hypothermia, bronchitis, strokes, and heart attacks. It also reduces condensation in your property, which reduces the risk of mold and mildew.

Today’s central HVAC systems produce a lot less carbon dioxide and use up less energy than electric heaters and other types of heating. This is especially true of geothermal heating systems, which use the natural heat in the earth to warm up your home during the cold winter months.

Modern central heating systems are far more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. This provides significant savings in the form of reduced utility bills all year round (and especially during winter) and enables you to recoup part of or most of the cost of your heating system installation after only a few years.

Properties that are equipped with central HVAC systems are highly sought after on the real estate market. If the heating system in your house is still under warranty and/or relatively new, your home will be far more likely to attract the right kind of buyer.

For a full Central Heating System installation or service, leave us your contact details below and we will contact you.

Via Allied Experts

The municipality of Paphos is investing another €14 million for the construction of 203-room student residences and Z&X Mechanical Installations is proud to be part of this project which will be completed within less than a year from now (by 25/09/2024).

Paphos municipality signed a contract on Friday for the construction of the new student accommodation rooms, as the mayor vowed that major changes are on the way.

Paphos mayor Mr. Phedonas Phedonos said he is very proud that about 90 contracts have been signed in recent years that have “transformed Paphos”. The latest is the student accommodation project, which includes the municipality having paid €1.2 million for about 5,000 square meters of land. The accommodation will provide 203 rooms of 24 square meters each. The third phase of the project is centered on building tennis and basketball courts, parking spots, and green spaces, that will cover 32 plots, the mayor said. He said the accommodation should be ready within 11 months, with the works being carried out by A. N. Ioannou Construction Ltd.

The mayor thanked the church committee for agreeing to join the plots of land on which the Cyprus University of Technology Paphos (Tepak) is located with land on which a church is located, along with the land of the student accommodation.

Mr. Phedonas also explained that the state has provided a significant amount of land for Tepak’s agricultural institute in Acheleia. He emphasized that the municipality is determined to continue upgrading the area as it works alongside private property owners, including businesses and shop owners. The mayor praised Tepak’s presence in Paphos as “increasing the critical mass of the city, [it’s] a step towards creating a new pillar in the district’s economy”. The recent projects, he said, have transformed the city’s identity and broadened its horizons.

Other positive changes have been a significant upgrade of the tourism product and sector, the creation of new jobs, and the enrichment of society and the district’s culture. It was reported in September that classes got underway at the Paphos branch of the Cyprus University of Technology with 300 students enrolled. Mr. Phedonos hailed the modern higher education facilities, with final costs estimated at €20m, as he said the university expects a future enrolment of 1,000 students in total.

The Tepak School of Tourism Management, Hospitality, and Entrepreneurship is joined in Paphos by a branch of the American University of Beirut.

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Via Cyprus Mail

Exciting news for all homeowners!

“Photovoltaics for All” is a program, making it simpler and more affordable to have rooftop solar panels.

This new program is part of the government’s efforts to help people in need. It’s aimed at giving everyone access to the benefits of solar power, without the big upfront costs.

In a bold move to expedite the transition to green energy, the Ministry of Energy is gearing up to unveil a groundbreaking solar energy production initiative that promises to reshape the balance between conventional and green energy sources.

Under the banner of “Photovoltaics for All,” the government’s ambitious plan seeks to lower electricity tariffs while boosting the adoption of renewable energy sources (RES).

Notably, this project distinguishes itself from past endeavors by eliminating restrictions on the number of beneficiaries. This means that any interested individual can apply for the installation of photovoltaic panels on their roof for self-consumption without the need for an initial capital investment. Moreover, users can anticipate a 50% reduction in their electricity bills once the system is operational.

You won’t need to get a bank loan to make this happen. The money for the project comes from the Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Conservation Fund. They will cover the cost of buying and installing the solar panels.

Once the solar panels are up and running, you will start paying for them through your electricity bill from the AHK or another electricity company. This payment is about €150 every two months. But don’t worry, you will save more on your electricity bill, thanks to the solar panels.

The “Photovoltaics for All” project aims to streamline the installation process, with bureaucratic procedures and system setup estimated to be completed within three months of application. Here are the five essential steps to install a photovoltaic system in your home:

-Application (anticipated start date: January 1, 2024).
-Installation approval.
-Sponsorship payment (options of €1000 or €1500).
-Photovoltaic panel installation.
-Connection to the grid.

Notably, recent data suggests a significant reduction in delays for RES generation connections, with the number of pending requests dropping from 1000 to below 100.

The “Photovoltaics for All” plan is designed to cater to a wide audience, particularly targeting small and medium-sized homes. Prospective beneficiaries can choose between two grant options: €1000 and €1500. Under the €1000 grant, applicants are not required to make an initial capital investment for the photovoltaic installation, and the maximum solar energy production is capped at 4.5 kW.

Repayment will occur through installments (€150 on each electricity bill) over three years. On the other hand, the €1500 grant mandates a one-time installation payment, while there is no restriction on solar energy production.

Funding for this initiative will come from the RES and Energy Saving Fund (RES – ex.(E)), which is bolstered by European funds dedicated to green initiatives. Additionally, resources from the emissions fund may also be utilized, creating a continuous cycle of funds flowing to consumers for green energy production and repaid in installments to the fund.

The advantages of this project will become evident as soon as the photovoltaic system goes live. Those opting for the €1000 sponsorship option can expect their electricity bills to be halved. For instance, with an average consumption of €370, consumers will pay only €30 every two months for fixed charges, in addition to the €150 repayment installment for the photovoltaic system—amounting to a total of €180.

Overall, it’s estimated that the investment in a residential photovoltaic system in Cyprus will be amortized in approximately five years, taking into account the RES and ex Fund.E sponsorship (or six years without sponsorship). It’s worth noting that the lifespan of a photovoltaic system exceeds 20 years.

The “Photovoltaics for All” plan is poised to drive the modernization and enhancement of the electricity transmission and distribution network. Recognizing that the existing infrastructure is outdated and in need of an upgrade, the Energy Minister has initiated a redesign process aimed at transforming it into a “smart” grid, increasing electricity capacity.

Additionally, the grid will be equipped with battery meters to facilitate energy storage, primarily for nighttime use. Consultations regarding the bolstering of the network with batteries have concluded, and installation is set to commence within the next two years. However, it’s acknowledged that the full upgrade will coincide with the launch of solar energy production under the “Photovoltaics for All” project.

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Via Home Cy

Via K News

According to WHO, the indoor temperature should be between 18 C – 23 C during winter. If you have children, the elderly, or people with health issues, the minimum temperature should be above 20 C degrees. If your indoor temperature falls below this range, it may be time to turn the heat on!

Personal Preference

The WHO recommended temperature value above may not cater to everyone. You may have a different comfort threshold. If you are someone who doesn’t feel that cold, even if it’s below 18 degrees, you don’t have to turn on the heat. You can continue saving energy! On the other hand, if you feel chilly and uncomfortable when it’s 25 C indoors, you can definitely use your heating unit. Your personal comfort should be your top priority.

Sleep Temperature

The ideal sleeping temperature is accepted to be around 18 C. For a comfortable sleep, it is recommended to keep your thermostat set between 15 – 19 C degrees.

In case your bedroom temperature goes below 18 C at night, you can turn on the heating system for a few hours. To save on energy, try turning the thermostat back 7 – 10 degrees from your daytime settings. For instance, if your thermostat is set to 20 C during the day, you can lower it to 17 C at night. You can also use warm bedding and a blanket to keep yourself comfortable without cranking up the heat.

What Is The Best Thermostat Setting For Winter?

The ideal thermostat settings for winter are between 20 – 22 C when you are at home. This range is a perfect balance of comfort and energy savings. You can save even more when you are away or sleeping by turning the thermostat back 7 – 10 degrees from your usual temperature settings.

Tip: Manually adjusting the thermostat for separate daytime and nighttime settings can be a hassle. A smart thermostat or a smart AC controller that works with a mini – split, window, or portable heat pump can help automate your home climate. With these smart devices, you can easily set schedules, and your temperature settings will be applied automatically at your set timings.

What To Do Before Switching On Your Heating System

Before turning on the heat, you need to take a few important steps, like checking the heating system and making sure your house insulation is at par. With the proper preparations, you can easily stay warm and cozy in the winter season.

•  Upgrade Your Thermostat

•  Find & Fix Air Leaks

You might not pay attention to small air leaks, but they can significantly affect your home comfort and energy bills in the longer run. Cold air can infiltrate your home through cracks and gaps, while hot air from your HVAC unit can easily leak out. Finding and fixing air leaks in your home can help lower your energy costs by an average of 15%.

Drafts are commonly found around doors, windows, pipes, floorboards, chimneys, ductwork, and wiring holes. You can use caulk to seal small gaps around your home. To fill in the leaks in doors and windows, apply weatherstripping. Silicone – based filler can be used to fill the cracks in your floorboards. Also, check for leaks around your air ducts. You can use foil tape or apply duct mastic to cover the duct holes and prevent heat from seeping through.

•  Perform Tune – ups

One of the best ways to ensure your unit is running at its best is by performing regular HVAC tune – ups. This means cleaning AC filters and checking for any signs of damage, leaks, or wear and tear. If necessary, schedule a maintenance check with a professional technician. This helps detect any issues, such as unusual HVAC smells or sounds.

•  Test Run Your Heating System

After you have performed the tune-ups, do a practice run before it gets cold. This helps to detect any issues early on and prevents you from suffering in the cold due to a faulty HVAC system.

•  Increase Your Home’s Humidity Levels

As the temperature drops, the humidity levels also plummet. And when you are going to turn the heating unit on, it is going to further strip the moisture from the air. Dry winter air can cause various health issues like an increase in allergies, dry skin, respiratory problems, and nose bleeds. Moreover, it can also pose damage to your wooden floor, furniture, and walls. To increase humidity in your home, you can bring in houseplants, air dry your clothes or invest in a humidifier.

•  Check Safety Alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in your home. In case if anything goes wrong when heating, you need your smoke alarm to work. In order for them to perform their job, they require routine maintenance. Not regularly checking your smoke alarms increases the possibility of their failure, and that can put you in harm’s way. So, it’s best to test your smoke alarms before the heating season starts to ensure they are working fine. If your alarm or the detector uses a battery, check if it needs replacement.

How To Delay Putting The Heat On?

Due to increasing power prices, you may be reluctant to turn on your heater until you really need it in a bid to save on bills. However, you don’t have to feel uncomfortable in your own home. Here are some steps you can take to keep yourself warm without any compromises. You can also apply these tips to make your home more energy efficient when the heating is on.

•  Let the Warmth In

To improve warmth in your home, consider opening your drapes or blinds in the morning to let the sunshine in. This will help accumulate heat during the day, and you can close them at night to retain warmth.

•  Invest in a Room Heating Unit

Running your central HVAC system in the fall may lead to energy wastage as your whole house may not require heating. A better way to keep warm without driving up the bills is to perhaps invest in a small space heating, portable heat pump, or consider HVAC zoning. The best part about portable heat pumps is that you can move them from one room to another when needed. It works like any other heat pump by drawing in heat from the outside air, then circulating it inside.

• Get Thermal Curtains

Thermal curtains can trap the air between the different layers of fabric, providing an insulating effect. This means that the temperature outside will not affect your indoor environment.

•  Layer Your Clothes

Putting on some extra layers is an obvious way to regulate your body temperature and stay warm without a heater. A sweater or a cardigan can definitely keep you comfortable on chilly fall evenings, allowing you to save the big switch for a later date.

•  Use Floor Rugs

Floor rugs have long been valued as an aesthetic element, but beyond their decorative function, they serve a practical purpose, helping to minimize heat loss. Floor rugs work by trapping tiny pockets of air between the rug fibers, slowing down the flow of heat from one side of the rug to the other. So, invest in a thick rug with a high stitch count; your feet will surely thank you.

•  Make Use of Draft Stoppers

Using a draft stopper at the bottom of the doors and windows is one of the simplest ways to keep your home warm. This prevents cold air from seeping into your home.

What if Your Heating Unit Doesn’t Turn On?

Sometimes, when you turn on your heating unit after a long summer, it doesn’t function properly. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you deal with heating problems:

Check Your Thermostat – One common issue why your thermostat isn’t working is lack of power. If your thermostat is battery-powered, try replacing the batteries. For hardwired systems, check the circuit breaker and reset it if it has tripped. Also, check for blown fuses and call an HVAC technician for replacement if that’s the case. If that doesn’t solve the issue, try resetting your thermostat.

Clean Your AC Filters – The AC filters need regular cleaning for efficient performance. If you haven’t inspected them before turning the heater on, your unit may have trouble functioning properly.

Check Your Outdoor Unit – When your heating unit isn’t used during the summer, dirt and debris can get stuck in the outdoor unit and cause issues. Clean the outdoor unit before turning the on unit. Also, trim vegetation around it to prevent leaves or twigs from getting inside.

Remove Obstructions – Move furniture pieces that are blocking the vents so there is no airflow issue and warm air can easily circulate around. Also, ensure your thermostat is not behind a curtain or a furniture piece, as this blocks airflow, leading to incorrect temperature measurements.

Deciding To Turn On The Heater

If you are wondering when it’s time to start warming up in the fall, just keep in mind that there is no hard – and – fast rule for when to turn on the heater. Whether you choose to leave it off until temperatures drop significantly or turn it on as soon as fall hits is a personal decision that depends on your specific situation. If you are looking to save some bucks before the freezing weather, you can delay turning on the heat by letting the sun in, weatherizing your home, or sliding into a cozy blanket. And once you have decided that it’s time to crank up the heat, be sure to invest in smart climate control devices to keep your heating bills in check without compromising on your comfort.

Via: Cielo Wigle

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The start of submitting applications to the “Sponsorship project for the installation of a photovoltaic system for charging an electric or plug – in hybrid vehicle ” is announced . The amount of the sponsorship for the installation or expansion of an existing photovoltaic system amounts to €750 per kW, with a maximum sponsorship amount of €1,500 per vehicle.

The Plan was announced on 20/04/2022 in order to give the opportunity to the interested parties to proceed with the implementation of the corresponding investment. The Plan’s budget amounts to €1.5 million and is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the Government in general to promote electrification and sustainable transport.

In addition to the installation of the photovoltaic system, the Plan provides the beneficiaries with the opportunity to purchase and install a charger, convert the electrical installation of the house from single-phase to three-phase and purchase a battery to store the energy produced by the photovoltaic system. Beneficiaries of the plan are natural persons who live in a house and are owners of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

The Scheme has retroactive effect from 01/02/2022 (date of connection of the photovoltaic system) and will remain open until 20/12/2023 or until the available budget is exhausted.

The amount of the sponsorship for the installation or expansion of an existing photovoltaic system amounts to €750 per kW, with a maximum sponsorship amount of €1,500 per vehicle.

Discretionary costs are financed as follows:

‒ Purchase and installation of a charger, €600.

‒ Conversion of electrical installation of the house from single-phase to three-phase, €450.

‒ Battery purchase/installation, €750 per kWh, with a maximum sponsorship amount per application of €2,000.

The Grant Scheme is included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan “Cyprus to avrio” for the period 2021–2026, and is funded by the EU.

All information about the Plan and access to the application process are posted on the website of the RES and EXE Fund: www.resecfund.org.cy/ev_charging_2022

Source: Ministry of Energy Commerce and Industry

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