Mathematical formulas about behavior can never be precise, but they can be a useful guide as you work through the confusion inherent in conflicting emotions. This is especially true in relationships that have suffered chronic resentment or anger and betrayal of any kind, including emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and infidelity. Recovery from these kinds of hardships often follows a roller coaster ride of enhanced hope collapsing into jagged despair.

The Recovery Formula can lessen the roller coaster ride by providing a longer-term view of the process and by highlighting areas for repair work.

Two pairs of factors, drastically opposed to each other, determine the success or failure of the recovery process. The first is value (how much you value your relationship with your partner) and compassion – your ability to see your partner as a human being who has made mistakes but is motivated to repair them and not repeat them. With low compassion, you are more likely to see your partner as selfish, untrustworthy, or evil, which makes recovery impossible.

The opposing pair of factors are resentment – which carries an impulse to retaliate – and ego, which includes a sense of superiority. Pursuit of either will cause you to violate your deepest values and make recovery impossible.

The Recovery Formula is: Value times Compassion, divided by Resentment times Ego.

Value ( ) x Compassion ( )

________________________________

Resentment ( ) x Ego ( )

To discover your Recovery score, take the:

o Marriage Help: Value Test and record your score within the value parenthesis above

o Compassion Test and record your score within the value parenthesis above

o Resentment Test and record your score within the value parenthesis above

o Marriage Problems: Ego Test and record your score within the value parenthesis above.

Multiply the top (Value and Compassion) scores.

Multiply the bottom (Resentment and Ego) scores.

Divide the two.

The higher the remainder of the division, the better your chance of sustaining recovery.

The secret to improving your Recovery score is to work on building your core value and capacity for compassion, which will decrease the need for resentment and a large ego to protect you.

Ice Thermal Energy Storage (TES) has the advantage of universal availability, low cost and transport ability through other system components. However, a conventional ice TES system for air conditioning application requires low temperature chillers and therefore standard water chillers must be replaced with low temperature glycol chillers which operate with a lower evaporation temperature and consume more power.

If we can offer designers an ice which freezes and melts above or below 0°C (32 °F) these new products will open new horizons for environmentally friendly and economical systems for both New and Retrofit type process cooling / heating load shifting applications.

Phase Change Material (PCM) Eutectic solutions are  mixtures of two or more chemicals which, when mixed in a particular ratio, have a freezing / melting point below or above water freezing temperature of 0 °C (32 °F) and they offer a thermal energy storage facility between -114 °C (-173 °F) and +164 °C (327 °F).

Eutectics are well-known and in fact early applications date back to the late 18th century however the separation and the life expectancy of these mixtures were unpredictable and therefore their wide spread usage was limited.

The disadvantages of a conventional HVAC chiller and ice (water ice) storage system can be overcome by utilising the latent heat capacity of various “Eutectic” mixtures without the need for minus circulation temperatures. 

Phase Change Material (PCM) thermal energy storage not only enables the designer to utilise existing chiller technology but also enables charging by means of free cooling, i.e. without running the chillers

Although the term “Eutectic” is widely used to describe the materials we are interested in, a better description would be “Phase Change Materials” (“PCMs”). Unfortunately, very few of the documented PCM solutions are true Eutectics and so many have to be modified to obtain a material suitable for long term use.

PCMs can be broadly grouped into two categories; “Organic Compounds” and “Salt-based Products”. The fundamental requirement for a modified Eutectic (PCM) Solution can be classified in three categories, namely stable solution (no separation or degrading), minimum supercooling / heating and finally close freezing and melting temperatures.

There are three fundamental additives commonly used to modify hydrated salt based Eutectic PCM solutions. These three components are firstly Nucleating Agent which encourages Crystal formation and therefore minimizes super cooling and the secondly additive is Freeze Depressant to achieve a lower phase change temperature and thirdly Gelling / Thickening Agent in order to overcome separation and degrading problems.

Once the above components have been carefully applied, a satisfactory Eutectic PCM Solution can be produced from the physical and thermodynamic point of views and commercially available solutions offer a range of  -114 °C (-173 °F) and +164 °C (327 °F).

However, majority of suitable PCM solutions for HVAC and refrigeration systems are corrosive to commonly used pipe and line components and therefore suitable encapsulation techniques must be applied to overcome this problem while providing the best thermal performance. Various encapsulation techniques such as tube, flat container or alternatively ball concepts have been developed whereby the PCM solutions are encapsulated in plastic and / or metal shell.

The heat transfer between the surrounding media, which flows around or inside the unit and the surrounding PCM solutions, takes place from the outer or inner or the combination of both surfaces of the encapsulated PCM unit. These techniques are generally eliminates the contamination risk and offers an efficient, cost effective, practical and flexible new type of TES designs.

Modern society’s reliance on refrigeration and air conditioning indicates that refrigeration and the associated environmental issues will be with us for a considerable time and therefore one has to utilize existing and available alternative technologies with minimum usage of energy.

A Positive Temperature Eutectic Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Energy Storage (TES) not only provides the end user with an Environmentally Friendly design but also the following additional benefits can be obtained:

o Reduced Equipment Size

o Capital Cost Saving

o Energy Cost Saving

o Environmentally Friendly Installation

o Improved System Operation

o Flexibility for the Future Capacities

The temperature ranges offered by the proposed PCM solutions utilize conventional chilled water temperature ranges for both the charging and discharging sides of the system. Hence, they can be applied to any new or retrofit application with minimal technical and economical impacts.

Furthermore, the possibility of Free Cooling Cycle, Absorption Chillers, Co-Generation, Solar, Hot Water and Heat Recovery TES system combinations offer new horizons for designers to control the energy balance to match the load and electricity demand / consumption of the system as a whole.

The task for designers is to explore all available technologies towards achieving improved efficiency regardless of which refrigerant is used, and apply where and when possible diversification technologies in order to minimize the overall CO2 emission related to energy usage. A carefully balanced Eutectic, Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Energy Storage (TES) may be the answer for some of the cooling applications for an Environmentally Friendly and Economical alternative.

Just off the Pacific coast and above the charming, and refined community of Carmel, California is the Tehama private golf community. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Tehama is above the fog and boasts a warm and sunny climate.

The invitation-only Tehama Golf Club is an elite private golf club, owned by Clint Eastwood, and offers a masterful playing experience amid a peaceful and serene setting. The Tehama Golf Club features a walk-on course, with no tee time reservations necessary for its 300 members. Club members do not need to worry about locker or cart fees and there are no monthly minimums.

Quality of the Course

The course at the Tehama in Carmel, California was designed by noted golf architect Jay Morrish. The landscaping of the Tehama Golf Club is natural, wild, and real. It is uncontrived and aligns with Eastwood’s intent to leave the land as untouched and natural as possible.

The Tehama Golf Club features a large and varied course that will keep a member’s interest year after year. There is no manufactured water on the course. Instead, you will find retention ponds that feel like part of the natural landscaping. The pristine fairways and greens feature varying elevations all of which provide unique and spectacular views of Point Lobos and Monterey Bay. Members will use every club in their bag; with mastery of irons critical.

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse at the Tehama private Golf Club in Carmel, California is of quintessential central California design. It sits high on the property at about 850 feet above the coastline and boasts clear views of Point Lobos and Monterey Bay. The Clubhouse has been designed for member enjoyment and the staff is impeccable. The Clubhouse at the Tehama private golf community offers the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.

In the west wing of the Clubhouse, there are four generously appointed hospitality suites where members or their guests may stay. The Clubhouse parking lot is located underground, as is the Golf Club’s maintenance facility, enabling the developers of this prestigious golf community to preserve views and open space.

Privacy

This private golf community in Carmel, California makes the privacy of its residents and members a priority. Tehama is a gated community with 24 hour a day monitoring.

Featured in Several News Articles and Golf Magazines

The Monterey Peninsula is considered a golfer’s Mecca. In a recent survey by Golf Digest magazine, the Monterey Peninsula was named the #1 destination for golfers. Tehama is an exclusive community that has been featured in such magazines as Elite Traveler, California Home + Design, Estates West, and Luxury Living. The exclusive Tehama Golf Club has been featured in Golf Living as well as Golf Digest.

If you’re looking for an exclusive golfing experience in a highly private and serene setting, look no further than the Tehama private Golf Club in Carmel, California. Tehama offers privacy, luxury, a commitment to and excellent golfing without being far removed from the chic charm and lifestyle of Carmel.

DISCLAIMER

Obtain the property report or its equivalent and review it before signing anything. Tehama Golf Club membership is by invitation only and not included in the purchase of Tehama property. A Tehama Social Fitness Membership is offered to all lot purchasers in Tehama, subject to dues, fees and applicable rules and regulations. The Tehama Golf Course, Clubhouse, and Fitness Center are privately owned facilities, which are subject to use by others who may not be lot owners. Purchasers of Tehama property will not acquire a proprietary interest in the Tehama Golf Course, Clubhouse, or Fitness Center, which facilities are subject to membership dues, fees, rules and regulations. Use of the Tehama Golf Course, Clubhouse, and Social Fitness Center is at the pleasure of the owner of the facilities.

There are some key things to follow when standing at home plate ready to swing away. However, before you start swinging at the very first pitch, its important to understand the following. Your mindset, proper footing, body stance, arm positioning, bat positioning, hip placement, neck and head and swing follow through. This may sound like a lot of batting practice steps to follow and for youngsters to understand, but you’d be surprised at how much they will pay attention, if you can almost guarantee them, they’ll hit the ball.

Your batter’s mindset is important and further instilled during your prior week’s baseball hitting training drills. Unlike practice, they will face some stink-eye from the pitcher and usually a big-mouth degrading comments from the catcher, in hopes to try to confuse your batter. Your batter will need to have a solid understanding of the steps mentioned above (we’ll go through each one in more detail), so that their confidence is high, both from the confidence from your voice and encouragement and more importantly from the repetition of successful ball contact during prior batting practice.

When your batter stands up to the home plate, you want to have them initially obtain proper footing and spread their legs, the rear leg behind the plate, and the other covering two-thirds covering home plate. This stance should be about shoulder width and comfortable to your batter, with both feet pointing forward and not towards the pitcher or catcher. This isn’t their end stance as will be mentioned in a minute, but for now when they first walk up to the plate to bat, have them stand with their feet spread about shoulder width apart.

Standing at the plate during batting practice, you’ll want your batter to bend their knees a few 3-5 times, to make sure they are not stiff, and feel a bit flexible. Bending their knees a few times will also add to helping them feel comfortable and in charge. Their body above the torso should be mostly straight up and down, with an ever-so-slight curve forward over the plate.

If they are right-handed, their left side should be facing the pitcher, with their right grip above the left grip when holding the bat. Likewise, if they are left-handed, they should have their right shoulder facing the pitcher and their left grip above the right, again when holding the bat. As a side note, but extremely important, make sure they follow these steps during both batting practice as well as during each game.

As a right hand batter, their right elbow should be placed almost level with their right shoulder, in other words, as they lift up the bat, their right fist should be level with their right elbow which should be level with their right shoulder. By focusing on forming a level horizontal “V” shape, this will help ensure their elbow is held high and does not droop down.

With the proper elbow placement, the bat (for a right-hand batter) should be angled forward at about a 10:00 o-clock position. Don’t let your batter start off batting practice with the bat drooping down or even at a 9:00 angle, rather 10:00 – 10:30 bat positioning is best for the soon to be swing and follow through.

To recap thus far, the feet should be spread apart, toes pointing perpendicular to the pitcher and catcher line-up. Bring the bat back to about ten o’clock with the elbow up and level with their fist and shoulder. Now have them twist back, or “cock” or wind up their hips back away from the pitcher.

Make sure during batting practice that they bring back the forward foot so that it’s just a couple of inches from the rear foot, still remaining parallel to each other. And don’t let them deviate during game day.

Now have your batter look that pitcher into the eye and be ready to follow their pitching arm letting go of the ball and do not let them take their eye off the ball. And as they stare down the ball coming towards them, have them step out with their forward foot, un-wind their hips and swing their bat as hard as they can and point their forward foot towards the direction they want to hit the ball.

Following these above mentioned steps during your weekly or daily batting practice, will help ensure a less timid and more confident team on game day.

While straight and diagonal stitches cover most needlepoint stitches, there are three other stitch and pattern directions that are quite powerful because they don’t have a strong direction. I often turn to these types of stitches when I need something that is unusual but doesn’t have strong lines. In fact, most of my go to stitches fall into these categories.

Oblique Stitches are those stitches with a slant off the true diagonal. Many of them, like Oblong Cross, top of article, are rectangular. Some patterns can also create oblique lines. Some of my favorite of these are pictured above. Bath, top, is an offset version of Milanese. Victorian Step, middle, creates oblique lines of longer stitches. Diagonal Cashmere, bottom, is oblique because of the rectangular Cashmere units.

Use Oblique Stitches when you want to create a difference in horizontal and vertical lines, but not have it too obvious. Combining vertical and horizontal versions of oblique stitch patterns reinforces the direction of both without making the change too abrupt.

Encroached Stitches are those where the stitches in one row intrude upon, or encroach, stitches in another row. The most familiar of these is Encroached Gobelin, above, where one row of stitches starts before the other row of stitches ends. But stitch patterns can also encroach. These patterns do not have strong lines in themselves and have stitches which but up against other stitches, making the lines mesh together. Triple Diagonal Parisian, below, is one such stitch.

Encroached Stitches are a great choice when you want no stitch direction but want more texture than Tent Stitch.

Criss-cross Stitches are those stitches where each individual unit changes direction and overlaps other units. While there are straight stitches with this pattern like Double Linen, above, most of the time “criss-cross” is used for diagonal stitches.

Criss-cross Stitches form highly textured but non-directional patterns. Often they have a woven appearance. They are nice to use when an object is round, a ring (broken or unbroken) or when two sections need to reflect each other. I’m currently using Sertendipity, below, for the horseshoe on my Charley Harper canvas, where the shape defeated all my other ideas.

If you can’t figure out what kind of stitch direction you need in an area, try a criss-cross stitch, they often work perfectly.

My apologies for the lateness of the post, I got home late last night and had errands this morning.

The so-called “green” harvesting of roof-shed rainwater with above-ground rain barrels or catch tanks reduces the watershed that currently overloads some of our municipal sewer and storm-water drainage systems. Still, could we do the same thing by installing underground cisterns similar to those used during the 1800’s and early 1900’s?

Description of the earlier cisterns

Many older homes and estates today still have the remnants of their early underground rainwater cisterns. These fairly large round, water-tight, root-free, 500-to-5000-gallon cisterns were made from brick, stone, rock, plaster, concrete, or combinations of these materials. They were each capped with an above-ground manhole-type of opening large enough to take a big bucket. This opening allowed the cistern to be periodically cleaned-out and repaired by the owner or by a third-party service.

The tin or zinc-plated guttering used on the house eaves then, which carried the rainwater down to the cisterns, were open and not covered. So, quite a bit of wind-blown tree leaves and seeds, and other debris could make their into the cisterns. For that reason, the suction end of the iron plumbing was located above the cistern floor, where the debris would eventually settle.

This relatively clean, soft, outside water supply was plumbed directly to the long-handle hand-pumps installed at the kitchen and bathroom sinks and the bathtub in the main house. It was also plumbed to the hand-pump in a small building behind the house that served as a summer kitchen and a place to wash laundry, to can garden produce, and to butcher chickens and hogs. This water supply remained relatively cool and unfrozen the year around. Generally, it was used for cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, canning, butchering, and bathing. But it could be drunk, too, after boiling it.

Modern cisterns

Modern cisterns operate much like the ones described above. However, instead of being built into the ground from scratch, they are buried prefabricated ones instead. That is, these cisterns could be prefabricated concrete receptacles, or they could be large prefabricated heavy-duty plastic tanks capped with fairly large screw-on tops, similar to the ones seen on certain lawn-treatment trucks.

Also, today’s aluminum, steel, plastic, or copper eave gutters will have porous or solid coverings. Thus, the amount of debris entering the cisterns from the rooftops will be minimal. Yet, the fine sand-like material shed by asphalt or composite shingles will need to be filtered out early during the harvesting process; else, it will eventually have to be removed from the buried cistern. The plumbing for the modern cistern will be heavy plastic pipe. Of course, the pump itself will probably be an electric one, its size and accessories will depend on how the harvested water is used.

More-than-likely, because most of us already have reliable purified municipal indoor drinking and bathing water supplies, this cistern water will be used for outdoor purposes, like, for the sprinkling of lawns and gardens, for filling fish ponds and small treated swimming pools, for watering trees and animals, and for washing vehicles, driveways, patios, decks, and houses. The following three advantages of the modern buried cistern system suggest this technology will work well today: 1) they are hidden from view and out-of-the-way by being underground, 2) they do not foster the production of algae or mosquitoes in the summer time, and 3) they help conserve the municipal storm-drainage systems and drinking water supplies.

Like any other file, MDF file (MS SQL database file) can also be corrupted at any point in time. Few symptoms that help you to identify that the database file is corrupted are when you are unable to view all the records saved in database components, the database file does not open, or the database mounts in a suspected state. In most cases of MDF file corruption, the database administrator encounters an error message, which s/he tries to solve by executing DBCC CHECKDB command or by restoring file from an upgraded backup. DBCC CHECKDB command helps to repair MDF file in case of any logical corruption, and if the command fails then the administrator restores the data from an updated backup. However, the main problem arises only when there is no database backup availability. For such cases, the database administrator is only left with one option – a third party MDF recovery software.

To practically explain the above discussion, here is an error message that appears after corruption of MDF file:

“error 5101: Device activation error. The physical file name ‘C:\%path to db%\db_log.LDF ‘ may be incorrect. Then I get db Attach failed.”

The above error message appears when the administrator tries to open the MDF file and access the database objects. To resolve the above error message and repair the database file, when the database administrator executes DBCC CHECKDB (‘dbname’, REPAIR_REBUILD), s/he encounters another error message, shown below:

“Server: Msg 945, Level 14, State 2, Line 1

Database ‘dbname’ cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space. See the SQL Server error log for details.”

The above error message appears because DBCC CHECKDB is unable to resolve the corruption. In such circumstances, if the above file’s backup is unavailable or corrupted, then the administrator is not left with any alternative, but to use a commercial MDF recovery application.

More Information

An MDF recovery software ensures complete recovery of all inaccessible database components from a corrupted MDF file. Such MDF recovery tools provide a complete preview of all the recoverable MS SQL database components before restoration. Most of these database repair applications come with a demo version that provides a complete understanding about the software.

Applied For

MS SQL 2000, MS SQL 2005, and MS SQL 2008

I have begun by showing the first 4 layers of Pascal’s tetrahedron below:

Layer 0:

1

Layer 1:

1

1 1

Layer 2:

1

2 2

1 2 1

Layer 3:

1

3 3

3 6 3

1 3 3 1

Layer 4:

1

4 4

6 12 6

4 12 12 4

1 4 6 4 1

In layer 3, the final row of the layer is 1,3,3,1, row three of Pascal’s triangle, the final row of layer 4 the 4th, and so on for all the layers listed above. In fact, if you write out each of the layers shown above in a centered equilateral triangle, you will notice that every edge of each triangular layer is that layer’s corresponding row in Pascal’s triangle.

This pattern does, in fact, always continue. Without delving too deeply into rigorous mathematical proofs, you should if you think about it be able to see that on the edges of layers, you only ever add together two numbers from the layer above, and so really it’s just like Pascal’s triangle (where you add two numbers from the row above) repeated three times at various angles.

However, the links run even deeper than this (in more ways than one). Its not just about the edges of the pyramid, there are links deep down inside the very core of the tetraheron.

To understand this, we are going to use layer 4 as an example, but this time, we will not look at an edge but as some of the rows running through the middle of the layer. For example, is there anything interesting about the second to last row, which goes 4,12,12,4? In fact there is (otherwise I wouldn’t be asking). For the moment, let’s just forget about the numbers themselves, and think only about the ratio between them. This gives a 1:3:3:1 ratio, as the middle two numbers are thrice the outside two numbers. This ratio happens to be the third row of Pascal’s triangle. Is that just a coincidence?

Next, let’s investigate the third last row in layer 4, which goes 6,12,6. This time, the ratio is 1:2:1, the second row. Something is definitely going on here. Below is the whole of layer 4, split into rows, with their ratios and where they can be found in Pascal’s triangle:

Layer 4:

1

4 4 – ratio 1:1 (row 1)

6 12 6 – ratio 1:2:1 (row 2)

4 12 12 4 – ratio 1:3:3:1 (row 3)

1 4 6 4 1 – ratio 1:4:6:4:1 (row 4)

So, amazingly, every single row in layer 4 is in the ratio of the row in Pascal’s triangle which has the same number of numbers in it! However, just when you thought it couldn’t get any more exciting, look at what we have to multiply the ratios by to get the actual numbers in Pascal’s tetrahedron again:

1 (1) x 1

4 4 – (1,1) x 4

6 12 6 – (1,2,1) x 6

4 12 12 4 – (1,3,3,1) x 4

1 4 6 4 1 – (1,4,6,4,1) x 1

They are the 4th row of Pascal’s triangle! Only now do we truly see the extent of the links between these two patterns of numbers. Every single number in the pyramid is simply two numbers from Pascal’s triangle multiplied together. Not only is this in my opinion a beautiful discovery which is an excellent demonstration of the interconnected nature of mathematics, it makes what seemed like the much more complex Pascal’s tetrahedron easy to work with. In fact, it is these links that have helped mathematicians to modify the formula for Pascal’s triangle to one which applies to Pascal’s tetrahedron and even to suit higher dimensions, so it is certainly a very powerful discovery!

Of all the questions I am asked as a Feng Shui consultant the most common relate to the bedroom. Of all the rooms in the home this is the one that people seem to find the most challenging when trying to get the energy just right. In this article I explore the ten most common problems I see when assessing people’s bedrooms and offer some simple but effective cures that you can use to overcome them.

Bookshelves in the bedroom

Books in the bedroom have the effect of stimulating the mind preventing the occupants from getting a restful night’s sleep. The best cure is to remove the bookshelves but if this is not practical in your home then it is just as effective to cover the bookshelves with cupboard doors or fabric to hide the books while you sleep.

A sleigh bed

I have to say that a wooden sleigh bed makes a beautiful and stylish addition to a bedroom but it does unfortunately come with it’s own problems. In a sleigh bed the head and the foot of the bed curve inwards pressing energy down on you while you sleep. To overcome this you need to look for a way of raising the energy upwards again an effect that can easily be achieved by placing a small crystal or a stylish light fitting above the bed.

A bed that is too low to the ground.

If your bed is too low to the ground then energy cannot flow underneath. Beds ideally should have plenty of space between the mattress and the floor. If you don’t want to buy a new bed then place a red square of material the size of the mattress underneath the bed to stimulate energy.

Beams above the bed

Beams above the bed have the effect of pressing energy downwards while you sleep. Many people find that where a beam crosses their body when the sleep they often experience problems in that area of their body. The best cure is to hide the beams with a false ceiling but if you are unable to do this then place two bamboo flutes above the bed so that they cross over the beam. Like crystals bamboo flutes have the effect of raising energy upwards.

Sloping Ceilings

In France where I live many old houses were originally one storey with large attic spaces. As these have been renovated the attic spaces have been converted in to bedrooms with large sloping ceilings. Sleeping under a sloping ceiling can cause worries and a feeling of oppression while the occupant sleeps. To overcome this hang a crystal above the bed to lighten the energy around the bed.

Clutter under the bed

Clutter underneath the bed whether it is boxes, packing cases or drawers has the effect of blocking energy from flowing beneath. There is really only one cure for this, take them out and place them somewhere else

Mirrored wardrobes

Too many mirrors in the bedroom speed up the flow of energy, disrupting natural sleeping patterns. The best cure is to replace these with wooden wardrobe doors but if you prefer not to do this find a way of covering them with fabric while you sleep. Voile can be bought very cheaply and, draped over wardrobe doors during the night, can look very stylish creating a sensual and romantic feel to the room.

A metal bed

Metal beds are very popular but metal bed frames, or even just a metal headboard, can disrupt the natural flow of energy. To calm the flow of energy down cover the metal frame or headboard with a soft fabric.

An en-suite bathroom

It is so difficult to get the balance right in modern homes as people today expect an en-suite bathroom. In our own home in France we created all of our guest bedrooms with en-suites as we felt that it was what people would expect when they came to stay. En-suite bathrooms however can cause a disrupted night’s sleep unless you adhere to good bathroom management. This means that you keep the bathroom clean, tidy and in good repair and you keep the bathroom door closed at night.

A TV or computer in the room

The most common problem of all, a TV or computer in the bedroom disrupts the natural flow of energy around the bedroom. The best cure is of course to remove them and place them elsewhere but rooms today have multiple uses and this not always possible. If you need to keep a TV or computer in the bedroom then place them in wooden units that can be closed at night or cover them with a cloth or blanket before you go to sleep.

Without wasting any time, let’s just get down to business.

Mistake #1: Not Setting the Side Braces Correctly

There are so many different styles of oval pools it is hard to be specific here, but in most cases, following the instructions every step of the way will give good results.

Your most important objectives are to lay out all the braces and square them before you start digging. Dig out what you need to, without a lot of over digging. The less back fill the better.

Your oval pool side braces should be perfectly level, front and back. They should all be square side to side and on one side they should all be touching a string line. Only then should the dirt be packed back in around them.

An oval pool starts to look real funny when the braces on one side are not square with the braces on the opposite side. It starts looking even funnier when one side is not straight, as in resting flush with a string line. That would mean the other side is not straight either. If they go up and down a little, and in and out a little, things start getting really weird looking.

The proper use of a laser level, a string line and a tape measure will take care of this common mistake.

Mistake #2: Not Properly Covering the Pressure Plates and Straps

I’ve been answering pool questions online for many years and it always amazes me how often I get asked about indentations in the liner around the brace assemblies just inside the pool. This can be a major problem, meaning the pool is not safe and needs to be drained so repairs can be made. The liner cannot sit on the bare metal of anything, there must be a cushion.

The problem is usually ground settling around the brace channels or pressure plates. The weight of the water when the pool is full is tremendous, what you put under it needs to be solid. This means not just back filling around the brace assemblies, but packing it solid. If needed, water, wait and pack some more.

The other mistake is not covering the pressure plates with enough sand. Some of these things are big, and all of them have sharp edges. They are very important to the integrity of a pool, and cannot be left out, but they must be well covered. Remember, the weight of the water increases as the pool fills, whatever is over those plates will compress. Not only will sand compress it will also shift into large openings, like those created at the ends of pressure plates.

Be sure your side brace assemblies are well packed and well covered.

Mistake #3: Not Properly Blocking the Side Braces

Have I already mentioned the weight of the water? Yes I have, and it pushes out on the pool walls just like it pushes down on the floor. That’s why using a concrete block under the back of each brace is important. Just as important, these blocks need to be set perfectly level and on firm ground.

I also mentioned the side braces going in and out as you look down the side of the pool. While the braces may look OK before adding water, if the blocks are not solid and level, the braces will push out as the pool fills, and they never push out the same. This leaves the side of your pool going in and out. This is not a good professional look.

If you are attempting an oval above ground pool installation on your own, be sure to spend the time required to properly set the side braces. The posts that line the sides of your pool will make or break the final results.