A chemical pool cover is a liquid that is lighter than water which floats on the surface of the pool. Particles within the liquid are attracted to each other to form a thin layer to create the cover. The liquid cover is approximately 80% efficient compared to conventional pool covers and unlike a conventional pool cover which has to be removed from the pool for swimming, the particles separate whenever the water is sufficiently disturbed, but the cover reforms whenever the water becomes calm again. Overall we have been very pleased with the product as it has allowed us to refine our design.

I have an old 70's style galley kitchen n utility, updating by changing, wall n floor tiles n keeping cupboards and ancient non Meile appliances - could really do with help with kitchen design as I need lots of storage space and having new appliances would be a dream as my dishwasher is on its last legs and no space currently for a fridge- this project has been going on since last Summer with builders letting us down we are still waiting for new builders to start -if I were to win a place to come to your appliance day it would be fab and if you need a kitchen to create your magic in , it would be a dream come true . I will be fasting throughout June as it will be Ramadan but I wanted to enter even though I wouldn't be able to eat anything because the experience is too good an opportunity for me to miss so any day would be ok as I am desperate to get help especially as my budget is so limited . Thank you for considering me . I believe in serendipity and feel fortunate to have come across this just in time as today is 16th! Have I said enough to get me a place I wonder ? Lol!

If you are planning to splash out on a new bathroom in 2017 you might be inspired by some of these emerging new bathroom trends. Whether you have a huge bathroom in a country house or a small bathroom space in a town centre apartment there will be an ideal bathroom design for you out there. From a s step back in time to traditional ‘heritage style’ bathrooms to uber-modern cutting edge new styles we have it covered. Here is our take on the top 5 bathroom trends for 2017. 1.Traditional Styles are back Period style bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular with large freestanding roll-top style baths taking centre stage and setting a grandiose theme. Carefully selected period fittings will add a glorious touch of heritage inspired luxury. With this exciting bathroom trend your bathroom will be endowed with a timeless elegance, creating the perfect space for relaxing body and mind. This style need not be confined to older period houses – it can work equally well in a newly built home. The trend for traditional styles has also been reflected in the fashion for traditional paint colours and Edwardian / Victorian tile styles. Muted greys, greens and soft blues are highly popular right now and can complement the bathroom furniture beautifully. Lighting is really important to get right. The right lighting can make a huge difference to the overall ‘look and feel’ of your bathroom. Many bathrooms often have a poor source of natural light so mirrored surfaces and shiny high gloss finishes can boost the available natural light and making smaller bathroom spaces seem larger and inviting. 2.Reflected Glory – Shine bright like a diamond Sparkling, high gloss finishes are growing fast in popularity. With the right lighting they can really give your bathroom a spacious, bright feel. Mirrored and coloured glass, reflective wall panels and tiles, and high-gloss furniture and bath panels are popular light-enhancing materials used in bathrooms. Tiles are a natural and traditional choice for bathroom walls and floors and they are available in a bewildering choice of sparkling, glossy finishes. For an ultra-modern style you should look at smooth, handle-free high-gloss fitted bathroom furniture . Keeping furniture off the floor and using wall-mounted cabinets makes the look even more contemporary. Large mirrors and chandelier style lighting can add drama and a touch of luxury to your bathroom creating a real “wow” factor. Feature a Feature Wall Feature walls have become ‘a thing’ in 2016 and they can be applied to the bathroom just as much as to a lounge or bedroom. Use a “statement piece” of furniture, or dramatic tiling or a large ornate mirror or some other piece of wall art to bring attention and interest to an otherwise bland wall space. Let there be Light – as long as it’s the right light. The right lighting scheme will maximise the impact of glossy reflective surfaces. Thoughtful use of downlighters can cast elegant pools of light over selected surfaces and recessed LEDs placed behind glass will deliver a diffused, gentle light just ideal for this long unwinding soaks in the bath. 3.Back To Nature There is a real interest in more natural materials such as wood and stone. There is a real trend for “bringing the outside inside”. Wood and stone can add real character to your bathroom. They can also complement the sleek lines of modern bathroom. Stone tiles are a natural choice and can be used on walls and floors. Basins and baths carved from stone can add to the natural theme. You can add natural characteristics to your bathroom with wood panelling and as a bonus it will help to retain heat in the bathroom as wood is an excellent insulator. Tongue and groove is ideal for enhancing the heritage theme. For modern themes consider large panels of wood-effect composite. If real wood and stone are pushing the budget too far there are excellent choices available in stone or wood effect materials and it’s becoming increasingly hard to distinguish the natural from the manufactured. Metals are also becoming trendy again with brass, copper and rose gold making being favourites for fittings and trims. 4.For Dramatic Effect Convention – what convention? Increasingly we are seeing free thinking in the bathroom space with the use of solid, intense colours and bold, uber-trendy patterns. Glitzing up plain white ceramics is becoming a popular thing. This year’s colours are elegant and rich – think rich aubergines, deep blues and powerful, impact greys. You need to be careful though – especially in a smaller bathroom as the colours can overwhelm the space so if you are going to incorporate a bold colour or two consider using them in single blocks. You can also introduce vibrant colour via high-gloss lacquered storage cabinets and coloured-glass or by selecting strikingly coloured wall tiles, you won’t be short of choices here. 5.Simply Showers Recreating the Spa- like theme has seen a rise in bathrooms without baths – just showers. This often frees up space in the bathroom for additional furniture and storage options – or it can be left simply as free space for an expansive open look. We are also seeing “invisible edged” shower screens growing in popularity. Unlike metal-edged alternatives “invisible edge” shower screens add an ultra-modern touch. Whatever the size and shape of yor bathroom and whatever your specific requirements we are certain that we will have a bathroom solution for you. Come down to our extensive Bathroom showrooms (we are in Abingdon in Oxfordshire and just 20 minutes from Oxford,) View the bathroom styles on offer from leading manufacturers like Roca, Novelinni and Laufen. Also take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that our friendly and experienced would be only too willing to share with you. If you are a looking for a new bathroom we would be delighted to help you. Our highly experienced consultants can give you as much guidance as advice as you require. We have a large range of exquisite bathroom suites on display in our extensive showroom in Abingdon – just 10 miles from Oxford – with a large free carpark alongside us. Click this link for our Bathroom Showroom map

Are you concerned about the effect high humidity in your wet room or swimming pool would have on window shutters? Did you realise that there are window shutters specially designed to cope with these challenging environments? We get asked a lot of questions here at the Scottish Shutter Company about the suitability of window shutters in high humidity situations, and so we’ve put together some guidelines which will help you choose the right shutters for your particular situation. There’s no doubt a room with high humidity causes challenges for a lot of the items installed in it. Of course, traditional timber window shutters struggle when water or moisture is present. Let’s be clear, though, there is a common misconception, even in our industry that regular window shutters should not be used in a bathroom. Unless your shower room is constantly steamy – day in day out then regular timber shutters are an excellent solution. We’ve had shutters fitted in our bathroom at home for over fifteen years that are still looking great and functioning well. The challenge comes when there is a constant level of humidity such as in a wet room or swimming pool. We have a product in our range which is made entirely from uPVC, which, on the face of it would appear to be ideal for high humidity situations. However, the big misunderstanding here, even amongst other shutters suppliers is that, while the vinyl material is, in itself inherently waterproof, the shutter panel assembly is not. Vinyl shutters are primarily made up of lots of hollow, extruded components, which are then capped to give the appearance of a solid item. The trouble is that when the component, let's take a louvre, for example, is exposed to moisture the vinyl repels moisture. But around the capping points there is the possibility that, by capillary action, the moisture is sucked inside the component and creates mould which you don’t notice until it starts to smell. Vinyl shutters are best in kitchens where their easy-wipe surface is beneficial. However, in domestic situations where high humidity is the greatest challenge, a shutter and frame assembly made entirely of ABS – a very sturdy, yet lightweight plastic, is the answer. We call this range Java. This range is manufactured from high-grade ABS and is the only type of window shutter guaranteed to be 100% water resistant. In fact, this product can be completely immersed in water for extended periods with no ill effects. ABS produces a superior and more robust shutter compared to vinyl shutters and can be easily moulded which means that, unlike vinyl shutters, the profiles of the frames are far more refined which gives a much higher quality look and finish to the shutter. Indeed, to the naked eye, it’s hard to tell the shutters are made of ABS due to the high-quality materials we use. Interestingly, due to the hard wearing nature of ABS, our Java range also finds itself in demand for high traffic and high impact areas in the home such as children’s playrooms. Of course, as with all interior shutters, our Java range is entirely child safe with no dangerous cords or chains so no ligature hazards. Interior shutters are the most child safe window covering product available. Java shutters are available in many panel and louvre sizes from the ever popular 47mm up to the largest 114mm louvre. The larger louvre sizes and panels are ideal and practical for covering large expanses such as swimming pools and home gyms and let more light into the room than smaller louvres and panels. It’s worth noting that just like all of our plantation shutters, our Java shutter panels can be hinged open to allow easy access to the glass and are great at providing privacy and ventilation at the same time. Because of its waterproof nature, ABS can be easily wiped clean and therefore is ideal for rooms where high levels of cleanliness are required. Our Java shutters are also perfect for dust allergy sufferers.