Portable Spa

Archive for September, 2011

• This 4-person rectangular spa plugs into any 120V/15-amp outlet so no electrician is needed
• Includes a 15’ GFCI protected cord and an insulated, lockable flex cover, and automatic filtration system and a blue denim acrylic shell
• Features an energy-saver system, a multi-speed 1.5HP pump and a 1500-watt heating element that’s convertible to 4,000 watts with 240V conversion
• Has 10 jets with an airflow control system
• Features: Portable, High-Performance Adjustable Jets
• Recommended Capacity: 4 People
• Capacity (volume): 240.0 Cu. In.
• Water Depth: 29.0 “
• Number of Jets: 10
• Cover Type: Flex Cover
• Frame Material: Wood
• Cover Material: Vinyl
• Required Foundation Material: Concrete Slab or Wood Deck
• Care and Cleaning: Wipe Clean
• Dimensions: 80.5 ” L x 56.5 ” W x 30.0 ” H
• Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty

Product Description
Model 1 4 Person Plug N Play 10 Jet, 1.5 HP Pump. Spa with Heater, Lucite Acrylic Blue DenimShell & Maintenance Free Synthetic Redwood Cabinet Features: -Includes Flex Cover. -Acrylic. -Plugs into any 120 Volt/ 15 amp wall outlet with the built in 15 Ft. GFCI protected cord included. -1.5 HP hi flow water pump with 12 two tone graphite jets and and an air flow control system. -Maintenance-Free Cabinet (Redwood Color). -All spas are delivered curbside by commom carrier. The driver will unload your spa and place it on a hard surface next to a public street or highway. Inspect your spa carefully and note any damage on bill of lading. The driver is not authorized to move your spa to the backyard or place it inside your home. It is your responsiblity to move the spa to it’s final location. -Most spa orders ship in 21 business days. Allow an additional 10 business days for standard ground delivery. -One Year Warranty on spa shell, plumbing, pumps and spa electrical equpment. See Warranty Perfomance Guide for complete warranty details.

St. Lucia 4 Person 10 Jet Spa

Add style and spice to your life with hot tubs. The traditional way of taking bath is gone and is replaced by the sensational varieties of hot tubs available in the market. If you still don’t own one, than you are missing funs for sure. Just pamper yourself in the midst of soothing bubbles that will massage your body throughout the mesmerizing bathing experience. Also, the hot tub provides healing effect to many of the diseases such as heart problems, blood pressure and many others.

It is not only the matter of taking bath; hot tub makes your bathroom beautiful and gives you a reason to feel proud. The hot tubs are available in various models and dimensions to provide an ultimate look to your bathroom. Moreover, you can also order custom made hot tubs with colours that will complement your bathroom. Along with the bath tubs you can also order for the “>hot tubs accessories that will make your hot tub experience even more enchanting like the hot tub gazebos.

If you want to gift something to your loved ones, gifting a “>hot tub could be an ideal way to show how much you care. You don’t have to buy and take the hot tub along with you. Just order it and it would be delivered right at the door step. The best thing about the hot tub is its portability. It can be placed in any area that you feel is feasible.

The Arctic Spas Edmonton provides the exclusive range of Hot Tub at competitive prices. The website provides quality products and is dedicated to its valued clients. We always move an extra mile to provide the excellent customer service and satisfaction. We also provide other hot tub and spa accessories. The website is crammed with as much information possible on Hot Tub.

Considering investing in property? What are some pertinent things to consider before taking this leap? Of all the investment possibilities, investment in land generally produces the most positive results. It is vital, however, to carefully investigate the pros and cons, benefits and deficits of real estate investment. Most people look at investment real estate as risky and feel woefully inadequate to tackle this form of investing. They feel lost, not knowing where to even begin! A multitude of information is available and knowing how to search can seem daunting. A web site search will produce boatloads of information, some valuable and some not. Some key words to search are real estate investment, investment property, and investing in real estate. This will begin the process for you. Not all available information is worth your time, however. Beware when the site promises high return for little down. Also beware of sites whose main goal is to solicit your money. Web searching is one form of research. Another is talking to a reputable real estate broker or real estate lawyer. One of the best sources of information is a friend you trust who has done real estate investing. A trustworthy friend who started as a novice and progressed to real investing is probably your best source of reliable information. Their voice of experience rings the loudest since they are a layman like you who had to discover for themselves each step of the way how to make successful investments.

Investment Real Estate, Rental Units

Let’s look at some sound reasons for investing in real estate. Real estate generally appreciates at a greater rate than the rate of inflation and offers great tax benefits. Selecting real estate in a desirable location will prove to be profitable especially in burgeoning areas, usually in suburbs which are a reasonable commute to city jobs. Of course the old adage, location, location, location is a very pertinent piece of advice to take to heart. Think of the most expensive housing markets today. If you have lived in an expensive housing market, or have visited there, you will notice that along with exquisite homes offered for sale at exorbitant rates, small, older homes you would never consider buying in another market are being offered for huge dollars. Why? Location, of course. When a housing area becomes desirable, even those small dumpy homes will sell for a considerable amount of money. Let’s stop for a moment and look at the advantages of investing in rental units as opposed to purchasing property for resale. One of the largest factors to consider in purchasing property for resale is finding properties that will resell at a higher rate than purchase, of course. Finding these properties is not as easy today as it may have been in the past. It used to be that fixer-uppers and foreclosures were avoided by homeowners and investors alike. Not so today, those same homes are being feverishly snatched up in the current booming housing markets.

Florida Investment Real Estate – Why Florida Is a Good Choice

Finding homes to purchase and turn over quickly for cash is becoming more and more difficult, leading many to consider purchasing property for the purpose of renting. What are some advantages to renting and what locations would be most desirable for purchase with a rental goal in mind? Owning rental property provides some unique advantages. If you have the time as well as the finances to invest, rental property could end up paying for itself in the long term. In order for this to be true, the most important thing to search for is property in a great location for renters. You don’t want to be searching for renters for months on end while you are being drained of capital. Those mortgage payments never stop, even when the list of renters has been exhausted. Buying rental investment property in a college town is a good bet for the possibility of continual renters and also buying in transient areas and tourist areas. Of all the above, tourist areas tend to be your surest source of consistent renters. Numerous high density tourist areas exist across the nation, but one of your best bets for purchase and consistent renters would be a sun-drenched spot with a year-round temperate climate. California and Texas would fit the bill, but as we all know, the most desirable locations in California may be out of reach due to the high cost. Texas may be considered a good choice, but only one state ranks as the premier tourist destination in the world and that would be Florida, the sunshine state.

Florida Investment Real Estate – The Orlando Area

With Florida’s burgeoning population, Florida investment real estate is a great option. Florida ranks 4th in population behind California, Texas and New York. Florida has one of the fastest rates of growth in the nation, making Florida investment real estate a very attractive option for investors. In the 1990’s, Florida grew by 23.5 percent with five counties increasing by more than 60 percent. Projected state growth would bring the population to over 19 million by 2010. An increasingly higher population obviously increases the need for housing. The increasing resident population being a great reason to pursue Florida investment real estate; let’s not neglect another face of increasing housing need. Florida has a tourism rate of almost 77 million visitors in 2004, making it the top travel destination in the world and producing $57 billion of income. Tourists flock to all parts of Florida, the beaches being one of the most attractive destinations. However, Orlando pulls in the most visitors, with 2.6 million international travelers, not including the steady stream of domestic tourists. This alone would offer sufficient reason to purchase rental property. But considering that the grand total of tourists visiting Orlando in 2004 was 48 million people, what great housing investment potential for investors! The biggest drawing card in the Orlando area is, of course, Walt Disney World. The area surrounding Disney has a hotel rate occupancy of about 80 percent. It’s obvious why the Orlando area is considered one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.

Florida Investment Real Estate – What are Reasons Tourists Come to the Orlando Area

Owning Florida investment real estate will give vacationers who visit the Orlando area a place to stay while you collect the rent. Theme park attractions are one of the biggest reasons Orlando has become a #1 tourist destination. The three most popular are Disney, which includes Disney World, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios, Sea World and Universal. Each attraction holds an appeal for people of all ages with families and singles alike enjoying each. Kissimmee is the town closest to Disney where families especially enjoy a few of the more laid back sights including Green Meadows Farm. Green Meadows is in an idyllic country setting with tours of the farm and more than 300 farm animals to touch and see. Also in the Kissimmee area is Horse World Riding Stables. The 750 acres of open pasture beckons horse lovers to enjoy a ride beneath the open sky. The Orlando Science Center beckons science buffs both young and old. Learning happens as a by-product here through the realistic, interactive and just plain fun exhibits. Fabulous night life is to be found both in Kissimmee which boasts two very popular dinner attractions, Medieval Times and Arabian Nights. Both serve delectable large portions of food with fabulous jousting and medieval type entertainment. For the shopper, Shopping and dining abound in the Orlando area also as do all sorts of natural environmental experiences.

Real Estate Investment in Florida – Bimini Bay Resort Florida

A well-kept secret but one located just 5 miles from Disney, in the center of Florida is Davenport, a treasure of a town close to the major attractions, yet a world away. On 80 acres of land in the Davenport area, you will find Bimini Bay Resort, Florida. A grand investment opportunity awaits you at Bimini Bay Resort, Florida where the investor participates in property appreciation but is not affected by negative cash flow during the off season. At Bimini Bay Resort, Florida you will find a planned community of luxurious town homes, offering 3 bedroom two baths that are fully furnished and equipped. Bimini Bay Resort, Florida is unique in that the investor can stay in the purchased unit while on vacation for a minimum fee while renting the unit the rest of the year. Management staff at Bimini Bay Resort finds the renters while you enjoy a guaranteed rental income each month. Planned amenities at Bimini Bay Resort include two major restaurants, a grocery, deli and food court and a sports bar restaurant. Bimini Bay Resort will also include a spa and exercise facility. A large business conference center and twin theaters are also planned at Bimini Bay Resort. Peace of mind will be yours at Bimini Bay Resort with its gated access with security cards. A fantastic real estate investment in Florida at Bimini Bay Resort awaits the investor who desires a consistent income without the headaches of day-to-day management. Bimini Bay Resort is worth investigating.

Our Featured Orlando Properties: You have an opportunity to join one of the fastest growing trends in the United States and the world. Orlando is one of the most explosive markets in the country and the Disney resort area has an average hotel occupancy of around 80%. Orlando is known as the vacation capital of the world and the top rated short term rental market, one that shows tremendous potential for real investors.
Tourism – with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida’s economy. Click here for additional tourism facts and statistics.

City Population Rank (2000):
(Rounded to the Nearest Thousand)
1.Jacksonville – 736,000
2.Miami – 362,000
3.Tampa – 303,000
4.St. Petersburg – 248,000
5.Hialeah – 226,000
6.Orlando – 186,000
7.Ft. Lauderdale – 152,000
8.Tallahassee – 151,000
9.Hollywood – 139,000
10.Pembroke Pines – 137,000
11.Coral Springs – 118,000
12.Clearwater – 109,000
13.Cape Coral – 102,000
14.Gainesville – 95,000
15.Port St. Lucie – 89,000
16.Miami Beach – 88,000
17.Sunrise – 86,000
18.Plantation – 83,000
19.West Palm Beach – 82,000
20.Palm Bay – 79,000
21.Lakeland – 78,000

Most Populous Metro Areas (2000):
(Rounded to the Nearest Thousand)
1.Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater – 2,396,000
2.Miami – 2,253,000
3.Orlando – 1,645,000
4.Ft. Lauderdale – 1,623,000
5.Jacksonville – 1,100,000
6.West Palm Beach/Boca Raton – 1,131,000
7.Sarasota/Bradenton – 590,000
8.Daytona Beach – 493,000
9.Lakeland/Winter Haven – 484,000
10.Melbourne/Titusville/Palm Bay – 476,000
11.Fort Myers/Cape Coral – 441,000

Home to 11 of the country’s 100 fastest-growing counties, a Florida investment property has high potential as a profit-maker, unlike most other areas. Port St. Lucie, Miramar and Cape Coral are the fastest growing cities in Florida. It’s unlikely you will make a mistake investing in Florida real estate considering the vast number of tourists and new residents flocking to the land of sun and surf. The most difficult decision to make will be which location in Florida to to the bureau’s figures, the number of South American visitors have dropped substantially in recent years, from 659,000 in 2000 to fewer than 300,000 last year.

Other signs point to a recent upswing in international traffic, however. Orlando International Airport officials said in June that the airport recorded a 20 percent increase in international passengers compared with the same month last year.

On International Drive, a tourism corridor that benefits heavily from overseas travelers, merchants are noticing the difference.

“It’s maybe picked up,” said Zach Marino, manager of Texas de Brazil restaurant on International Drive. “In this area it’s hard to tell because this is the spot to be. We have a strong international clientele.”

Asian visitors increased by nearly 40,000 in 2004, and about 100,000 more Canadians traveled to Orlando last year than in 2003.

The visitors bureau noted that it has stepped up its national and international marketing of Orlando, having pulled back on such advertisements after 9-11.

“Our plan is more back-to-normal in terms of marketing thrust,” Peeper said.

New York remained the No. 1 source of domestic out-of-state vacationers to Orlando last year. Experts are predicting that 2005 will exceed last year in terms of both international and domestic visitors.

Earlier this month, Walt Disney World reported percentage growth in the low double digits among international tourists, while the number of domestic customers remained relatively flat during one of the rainiest Junes on record.

Welcome to Dakmart.COM. You are looking at the Sony NV-U83T Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator – NVU83T Some details on this item include: – This unit comes with pre-loaded map content covering the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico with full street level detail – This model is thinner than a nickel is wide at 4.8-inches, weighs less than a half-pound and can be easily mounted in almost any vehicle. – Real-time traffic information radio reception a – It also comes with a Super Suction Cup Mount It comes with all accessories and documentation from the manufacturer. It ships DIRECTLY from OUR warehouse. To order it, visit us at Dakmart.COM, or call us at 1-877-325-6278.

• Essential travel laundry kit contains five liquid Woolite detergent sachets, a sink stopper for sinks without a plug, and a laundry line to hang dry your laundry in the bathroom overnight.
• Sink stopper is over sized to tightly seal even larger drains.
• The laundry clothes line stretches to over 5 feet and comes with suction cups.

Product Description
Essential travel laundry kit contains five liquid Woolite detergent sachets, a sink stopper for sinks without a plug, and a laundry line to hang dry your laundry in the bathroom overnight.

Laundry Pack w/ Sink Stopper

What is the best way to maintain the cleanliness of a portable spa? Bromine, chlorine, baking soda etc.? My spa guy say just bromine and baking soda however; the bromine tablets take forever to break down…oh yeah, the spa contains about 400 gallons.

Hydrotherapy is good for you…

Hydrotherapy refers to the medicinal use of water, including hot tubs, saunas, cold- water treatments; mineral springs, hot springs, water exercises, and water massage (Jacuzzi).  It has been around for centuries and was part of the daily lives of ancient Greeks and Romans. 

Even though it was the Romans who introduced spas across the Roman Empire, hydrotherapy is generally attributed to Father Sebastian Kneipp (1821-97), a Bavarian priest and one of the founders of the Naturopathic medicine movement who believed that water would “… dissolve matter-containing disease, remove diseased matter from the body and strengthen the body by restoring cleansed blood to the tissues and maximizing circulation…”.  The Romans however, considered the “waters” more as a vital social, political and group activity. Roman spa bathing included physical and mental exercises, as well as aesthetic activities, theatre activities and leisure events. The taking of the waters also became a very fashionable part of Victorian life, and a book was published in 1843 entitled‘Five Minutes Advice on the Bath Waters’, discussing the restorative effects of bathing in mineral waters.  It claimed that if the right products were purchased, people could experience the benefits of “taking the waters” in the comfort of their own home.  Unfortunately for the Victorians portable spas had not yet been invented.

More recently, studies have shown that hydrotherapy benefits stroke patients, relieves headaches, joint and muscle problems, arthritis, headaches, acne and many other conditions.  Colonic hydrotherapy commonly known as colonic irrigation has become a popular practice, claiming many conditions such as allergies, multiple sclerosis, ME, indigestion, headaches, constipation, lethargy, skin problems and many others, can benefit from a few of sessions.  However, one of the most common conditions which can be relieved by hydrotherapy is STRESS. 

Long-term exposure to stress can lead to health problems; it can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the ageing process.

So, what can we do to help relieve the stress most of us experience on a daily basis?

Unfortunately, we don’t have as much free time on our hands as the ancient Greeks or Romans had but we all know how a long hot bath, a quick cool shower or both in succession can do more than keep you clean. It has been found that warm baths – optimum temperature 37.8- 38.9°C – not only relax the muscles but help provide some quiet time as well, and a soak in a warm bath with Epsom salt is apparently a great stress buster.

Of course, there are times when we don’t want to be laying in a bath of Epsom salts, there are times when would rather not go to the gym and although we wouldn’t mind going for a swim, we’d also like to spend some time chatting with family and friends enjoying a glass of wine or just a cup of tea or coffee and love the idea of having a home spa. If only we had the space to install one or the money to purchase one!

Now we can have the best of both worlds.  The Lay-Z-Spa is a great alternative to a fixed hot tub or spa and allows us to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy either by ourselves or with friends and family.  With no need for a large garden or a huge bank account, the compact and surprisingly affordable Lay-Z-Spa is a great hot tub which can used indoors and outdoors.  It features a pump system which will heat the water temperature to 40°C allowing us to fully enjoy the hydrotherapy benefits of the Lay-Z-Massage system.  Every home should have one!

http:// www.gardenessentials.co.uk – Your Online Garden Centre

by Helen Fogarassy

The 2008 US presidential election comes at the end of an eight-year Republican administration in which the median household annual income in the country dropped from $50,557 to $50,233, according to the Census Bureau as reported in November in Business Week.  During that same time, the country’s Gross Domestic Product increased by 22 percent, which should have translated into a rise of the annual income for middle class families to $64,000.

Corporate profits in that time jumped an average of 10.8 percent per year while the consumer price index rose by 25 percent and core inflation jumped 18 percent, not including food and energy.  The price of gasoline went from $1.47 a gallon in 2001 to $2.78 in 2008 after peaking at $4.11 earlier in the year.  The rise in food prices has been equally acute, with the cost of a dozen eggs going up 97 percent, from about $1 to $2.

The Republican candidate married to an heiress and the owner of so many houses he can’t keep count, would be holding his election party at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, a semi-secluded spot that according to the New York Times is to Arizona what the Waldorf is to New York.  The Democratic candidate would be holding his celebration in Chicago’s Grant Park, with 70,000 expected to attend, thousands more on a waiting list and with possibly up to a million expected to crowd into the nearby downtown area.

Both candidates have promised change if elected.  Based on that scenario, one of two Americas will emerge with the election.

In the event the Republican candidate wins, there will be a new body in the Oval Office and a new one in the associated vice-president’s office.  Advisors can be expected to remain much the same, especially with the current vice president emerging days before the election to throw his support behind the man who strove throughout the campaign to distance himself from the current president and to claim repeatedly, “I’m not Bush”.

In the Oval Office itself, an erratic “maverick” can be expected to exchange frequent displays of temper with the new vice-presidential “maverick,” who early on made the mistake of calling the campaign the Palin/McCain ticket instead of the other way around.  Given her refusal to mind her Republican handlers as the election neared, she would butt heads with the president over every issue, including the liberality of the conservative judges being packed onto the Supreme Court and the amount of drilling to be done in the Alaskan wildlife preserve.

Domestically, for Americans, the picture would remain much the same, as it would on the international level.  The big difference could be an increase in entanglements with the emerging global giants of Russia and China as the quixotic warrior president lent the country’s weight to “America’s friends” in the former Soviet countries and their numerous breakaway republics.  The war on terror would also remain basically unchanged as militant recruitment caught its second wind from an America increasingly loathed throughout the world.

By contrast, the new body in the Oval Office in the event the Democratic candidate was the winner would have a steady hand.  He’d work with the globally and domestically astute vice president with a clean slate of intelligent advisors.  New programs aimed at retooling and retraining America for a global world would be implemented as the country’s badly damaged support network around the world was repaired.

Jobs would also be created by improvements to the country’s infrastructure, including by the rebuilding of aging roads and bridges.  Those are a necessity for America’s middle class in a sprawling country.  They are badly in need of repair and they have not received attention for eight years.

The big change for America in the event of a Democratic victory with the 2008 election would be in the war on terror and America’s need to fear.  A friendly America cooperating with the world would be counterproductive to zealots.  The development would leave them bereft of the paramount target.

Check out more such articles by Helen Fogarassy at www.ezinearticles.com.

Furnishing and accessorizing a deck can easily be a pleasant experience. A wide variety of different products are vailable to a homeowner. It is very important to avoid going to the extreme by placing too much on the deck.

This can easily turn the outdoor living space into an obstacle rather than a structure that enhances its aesthetic and functional qualities in relation to the home and yard.

In situations where the deck is to be used year round or during the evening, outdoor lights, fire pits and patio heaters merit consideration. Plan extra space around grills and fire pits. Take the steps required to ensure that passageways that are frequently used are a minimum of 4 feet wide and are clear of any kinds of obstruction.

Hot tubs and water features should only be considered if there is sufficient space available. Features such as these demand careful planning, substantial amounts of space, weight supports and their own electrical circuits.

Decorative lighting is a great way to establish the mood on a deck. The possibilities are almost limitless. Low voltage commercial light strings can be woven along railing systems or in nearby overhanging branches. Low voltage light fixtures can also be hidden in hanging planters to create a feeling of ambiance.

The addition of lights to the surrounding yard greatly enhances the view from the deck at night creating drama as well as a sense of security. Utilize spotlights or floodlights to accent trees, shrubs and sculpture. Add spread lights to throw light horizontally across a garden or flower bed. In addition, position wash lights to reveal texture on a surface such as a chimney or masonry wall.

Decorative lighting fixtures for the outdoors are available in both line and low voltage types. Often they are available with a choice of lamps that include halogen, incandescent and compact flourescent. The latter lamp type is energy efficient and lasts the longest.

Avoid solar powered lights because the light output they generate is quite low. LED lighting fixtures are the wave of the future for low voltage deck and landscape lighting. These lights work well on stairs, in railing systems and when mounted on railing posts.

LED bulbs have an incredible lifespan and virtually never need changing. Although LED light fixtures cost more initially than their traditional counterparts, they are cheaper in the long run. They also conserve energy and are cooler thus reducing any danger related to finger burns.

A hot tub can be a great deck addition for relaxation but it requires a good deal of planning. Details must be worked out well in advance for its size, the number and placement of water jets, the location on the deck and support. All this must be done before any concrete is poured and any framework is built.

Hot tubs come in a variety of materials that include acrylic, stainless steel and ceramic tile. They also vary greatly in size with capacities up to 8 people.

The hot tub should be located in a space that maintains privacy. A separate open air or screened gazebo can work extremely well while providing a handy place to store towels, robes, shoes and even books.

Where the hot tub is part of the main deck structure, consider the installation of built-in seating around it. Think about placing planters in such a way as to separate the hot tub from other activity areas. Hot tubs can be installed flush with the deck surface or they can sit on the deck’s surface.

Flush type hot tubs need a concrete slab for support. Hot tubs on the deck surface require extra footings and additional framing.

Any hot tub will need a water source, an electrical source, housing for the pump, valves and filter. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a must to prevent possible electrocution. A wise decision would be to involve a licensed electrician and plumber in the addition process of a hot tub to the deck.

Ornamental water features, either freestanding or wall mounted, can buffer unwanted noise and provide a measure of relaxation. They require a power source to operate the pump motor. Water can be added occasionally to replenish the system and help to keep the pump functioning efficiently.

In cases where the foutain has a large water basin, a direct water source and a float valve can be used to maintain the water level automatically.

Reflecting pools and small ponds are wonderful possible deck accessories. Most often they are permanent structures with poured concrete or brick bases. A pump is a necessity to keep the water aerated and prevent the growth of algae. Again, a GFCI is an absolute necessity.

The pond or pool can be lined with either a rigid or flexible liner to keep water from draining away. Stones can be place around the edges to keep the liner in place and add a natural look. A wide array of aquatic plants such as water lilies can provide many decorative opportunities for the home gardener.

The number one activity on a deck is the burning of meat. Portable grills include larger grilling areas, side tables for resting serving plates, wheels so that the grill can be moved out of the way when necessary, rotisseries and side burners.

Built-in grills are a recent popular option. The advantages of these include permanent gas hookups, large grilling areas and roasting capactitiy, optional burners and rotisseries as well as durable weatherproof construction.

Portable or permanent food preparation and staging counters are becoming more popular. The space below the counter can become a cabinet for the storage of basic cooking and serving supplies. Cabinets on locking casters can add a great deal of portability to the food preparation and serving area.

Construction of such items will require the use of exterior grade plywood, water resistant finishes and polished stone, stainless steel or pocelain tile countertop materials.

The choice of whether or not to have a fire pit on a deck hinges upon how often it will be used and whether or not local bylaws allow it. In addition fire pits take up much space, pose safety issues and can be an eyesore at times. An alternative to a fire pit might be a chimnea or a portable fireplace.

The second choice, often called a fire bowl, is generally ringed with a stone ledge which can double as a place to set down a drink or plate.

More and more homeowners are opting to extend the outdoor entertaining season on the deck by using parasol shaped patio heaters. They are movable and burn kerosene, butane, propane or natural gas. Patio heaters come in many styles, sizes and price ranges.

Safety features can include emergency cutoff valves, flame controls, electronic ignition and infrared heating technology. The best placement is in a wind sheltered area.

The final option would be a built-in masonry fireplace located near the perimeter of the deck. It can be constructed with stone or brick which can complement materials already in existence around the house and yard.

Successful deck planning should take into account furnishing and accessorizing a deck so that homeowners, family members and guests will have every opportunity to enjoy their time on this new outdoor living space.

A cheap portable spa floods a bathroom with suds. Fun!