Best of the Backyard

What one word describes your ideal backyard?

My word is tranquil. This summer, I have been eating outdoors with friends and family at least a few times a week so it is important that my backyard provides a peaceful environment for my guests and me. Right now, hosting a Fourth of July party and summer backyard BBQs are top of mind. With limited time to spend on renovations, I’ve been looking for, and have discovered, a few backyard projects that will make a big impact to the look and function of my tranquil space. Best of all, these ideas take very little time - not more than 20 minutes or so. Here are some of my favorite quick and easy improvement ideas:

1). Update the Lighting. I recently purchased new porch lights online and was able to change them out myself. The updated hardware made a subtle but noticeable difference. Additional lighting ideas include:

• String twinkle lights or mini lanterns along a fence or awning to create a magical ambiance.
• Light candles for dinner and then move them closer to the hot tub for rejuvenation by candle light.
• Switch out standard light bulbs for ones with a softer glow.

2). Liven up with Plants. No need to re-landscape; add flowers or plants in new, creative ways:

• Hang flower baskets from an awning to bring new life and color.
• Add potted flowers or small trees around the yard. The pots with make a statement and the plants can flourish without needing to tend to a whole garden.
• Create a living picture by planting succulents in a framed box to deliver colorful texture or hang succulents in mason jars on a fence.

3). Add Water Features. Water has a calming effect on people, so including more water spaces in the yard can create a more comfortable environment to connect with friends, family, or yourself. A water feature doesn’t have to be big; these require little effort:

• Fill a metal pail or colorful basin with water, then add floating candles and low maintenance water plants for an outdoor water garden.
• Grow a pond in a pot with aquatic plants and fresh water.
• A bird bath or small fountain is a common water feature. Inexpensive options are available at home improvement centers. Be spontaneous and pick one up on the way home from work to kick off the July 4th weekend festivities!

If you are looking for a bigger backyard makeover that includes a deck and new hot tub – or dreaming about it – try our FREE deck design tool to start planning or take a peek at this inspirational “Backyard Oasis” Pinterest board we’ve created.

What backyard improvements have you added this summer? Share with us below!
 

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©2013 Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, 1280 Park Center Drive, Vista, CA 92081. All rights reserved.

- See more at: http://www.calderaspas.com/health-wellness/20-minute-renewal/three-ways-to-quickly-update-your-backyard?utm_source=social&utm_medium=fbook&utm_content=health-wellness&utm_campaign=three-ways-to-quickly-update-your-backyard#sthash.07dCNssL.dpuf

BEST OF THE CITY 2015

Capital Iron Hot Tubs Hat Tricks!!!   Thank you all for making Capital Iron Hot Department BEST IN THE CITY for the third year in a row!   Thanks to Matt, Miranda, Shannon, Rob, Paul, Kristi, Les, Jeff  for all your hard work, and again  all of you for your trust and support.

Health and Hot Tubs

Hot Tubs are more than just fun.

Muscle Recovery and Faster Healing

Medical professionals suggest warmth to increase circulation and assist healing. Time in a warm spa, especially those equipped with soothing jets, helps increase circulation so the blood can supply nutrients to help cells and tissues regenerate. According to the textbook Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy by Drs. Bruce Becker and Andrew Cole, “immersion in warm water can lead to a faster and longer-lasting recovery. An environment which is less prone to cause pain, and is even pleasurable, makes immersion in warm water a unique healing environment.”

Natural Pain Relief From Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, time in a hot tub creates a helpful environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. Heated water raises body temperature, increases blood circulation and water’s buoyancy relieves stress on joints and muscles to encourage better movement. When jets are used, the warm water massage relaxes muscles, ligaments and tendons and stimulates the release of endorphin--the body’s natural pain reliever.

An Arthritis Foundation publication related to spas, pools and arthritis states “Regular sessions in your hot tub keep joints moving. It restores and preserves strength and flexibility, and also protects your joints from further damage.”

-Notes courtesy of Watkins Mfg. makers of the Caldera and HotSpring Spas

What is Biofilm? 
Biofilm is a rapidly reproducing colony of microorganisms 
surrounded by their protective slime in an aqueous environment. 
They grow on surfaces where water doesn't flow and prefer environments 
where water is stagnant and void of sanitizer. In hot tubs, they are often found 
 in the pipes where the water flow has been stopped or dramatically reduced 
(i.e. diverter valves isolate certain therapy returns, waterfalls where flow has 
been shut off, etc.). Biofilm is noticeable after water flow is returned to isolated 
 pipes and is ‘blown’ back into the hot tub in the form of floating particulate that 
appears as tiny pieces of ‘skin’ or torn up pieces of tissue paper. 
For more information and remedy check out: Dazzle Water Care.

Hot Tubs and Phosphate

Almost all hot tub water care programs include some form of scale and stain control.  This protection is important for the protection of heaters and surfaces of a hot tub.  However evidence is accumulating that suggest this very protection can add to the risk of scale formation. The risk starts with scale and stain products that contain polyphosphonates (HEDP).  HEDP is found in a majority of these control liquids.
... Want to read more check out the whole article on "Pages" to the left.

Fantasy at the Inferno

Jodie WINS!! a Fantasy spa at Capital Iron's 3rd annual Fashion Inferno (unfortunately she had to give the Firefighter back)

Why a Hot Tub?

"I think it would be nice..." We hear this all the time when we ask "why do you want or need a hot tubs?"  Yes it would be and will be and is nice!  But there are so many better reasons to own a hot tub and it will help you pick the right tub if you take a moment to answer the question , for yourself.

So why a hot tub?
Maybe it is all about the moments you'll experience.  HotSpring Spas has some unique insight:

Be Together- When you spend time with loved ones, immersed in warm water, something magical happens. The hot tub becomes a private and safe place where people can relax, let their guard down, and truly open up. In this distraction-free zone, you’ll enjoy meaningful conversation and special moments with the people you care about most, and as a result relationships grow stronger.Be Yourself- Be at your very best every day by making your spa a part of your daily ritual. Experience physical benefits, like the relief of stress and tension from sore muscles, as well as emotional and mental benefits. When immersed in the warm water, you can disconnect, decompress and emerge renewed. For a few precious moments, you can feel like all is right in the world. With a hot tub, it’s easy to make wellness a priority.
Be Outside- Pause and appreciate…starry nights, golden sunrises, falling snow, changing leaves, and so much more. With a hot tub, you have a private retreat steps outside your door. Surrounded by nature, you can take in the beauty we often take for granted. In these quiet moments you’ll gain perspective and reconnect with what really matters.

MORE REASONS? For the full Article check out "Pages" on the left. "Why Buy a Hot Tub?"