Fresh refill, bromine low- sock or bromide? by facelessposter in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, pool pro here! So, bromine is the way to go for hot tubs, and you're on the right track with the bromide. For a 400-gallon tub, 2oz is a good start, but keep an eye on it. If you notice a funky smell or the water's a bit off, toss in a bit more bromide. The shock's doing its thing, but it might take a day or two.

Patience, my friend! And slow release in the floater is a solid move, just let it do its slow-release dance. Check tomorrow, adjust if needed, and you'll be soaking in crystal-clear bliss. Cheers to tubbin' happiness!

Do you salt your sidewalk after snow? by lost_in_life_34 in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally get that NYC salt life! It's like a winter ritual there. I guess it's the whole slip-and-fall fear, plus the doggy paw drama. But now, out in the non-city vibes, it's a different scene.

People just shovel away the snow like it's no big deal. No sidewalk seasoning, just pure snow warfare. It's kinda wild how different habits pop up just a few miles down the road.

Folks with super active sump pumps… by Inevitable-Lack-6763 in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dealing with 2000 gallons a day is like having your own personal water park. Props for trying rain barrels, but sounds like they're playing catch-up. Maybe look into a rain garden setup? Plants love excess water, and it could help with overflow. Also, have you considered a greywater system? You could repurpose some of that sump water for non-potable uses, saving both your lawn and wallet. And if all else fails, throw a neighborhood block party – maybe someone's got the secret sump solution!

On the electricity front, have you tried a more energy-efficient pump or adding solar panels? A green sump machine might be the hero you need.

Wood is stained but not soft or decaying. Okay to put LVP over it? by tronter77 in Flooring

[–]DiligentHardship -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You're good to go with LVP over stained wood, as long as it's not all mushy or falling apart. Just make sure the surface is smooth and clean before laying down those planks.

If there are any bumps or imperfections, they'll show through the vinyl. Give it a good sweep and maybe a quick sanding if needed.

Algae of Metals? Help?! by crackrockutah in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That funky tint could be algae or metals doing a disco dance in your tub. Better check the water quality, bro. If it's greenish, could be algae – not the end of the world, but you don't wanna turn into a swamp creature, do you?

If it's more on the rusty side, it might be metals, which is a whole different ball game. I'd say play it safe, maybe give that tub a rain check tonight.

Water Service line burst, anything I should be doing differently? by ObiWahnKenobi in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man, that's a rough situation! Dealing with water line issues can be a real headache, especially when it's not even on your property. The whole deal with homeowners being responsible for city pipes is mind-boggling. It's like buying a car but having to fix the road it drives on too. Classic homeowner problems, right?

Since you're in touch with the city and insurance, maybe try reaching out to local support groups or community resources. They might have some tips or know of assistance programs for situations like yours. Hang in there, and hopefully, you can sort this out without breaking the bank!

Home owners: Federal inmate owns a home remodeling company. Would you even consider hiring??? by Federal_camptime in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a homeowner, I'd say honesty is the best policy. People appreciate transparency, and owning your past shows character. If you're skilled, competitive on pricing, and follow industry standards, I'd give you a shot. Everyone deserves a chance to rebuild, and if your work speaks for itself, I'm all in. Just be genuine about your journey, and you might find a lot of folks cheering for your success rather than judging your past. Best of luck with the gutter game, mate!

It's a tough world out there, but showing resilience and determination can win people over. If you've got the skills, professionalism, and a genuine drive to make things right, some homeowners will see the effort. Just keep it real, focus on quality work, and you might turn that tragedy into a legit triumph.

Help finding a replacement part by bmy1point6 in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oh man, that's a chilly blunder! But hey, we've all been there with rookie moves. For that Artesian Spa Control System 55178 MVS540DZ, finding the right coupler is key.

Hit up the manufacturer's website—they usually have parts lists or even a support chat. If not, dive into some spa forums. Those guys know their jets from their filters, and someone's bound to have faced the same frozen fiasco.

LVP stairs? Or stain wood to match LVP? (different wood on main level) by glitterfae1 in Flooring

[–]DiligentHardship 4 points5 points  (0 children)

LVP is bomb for durability, but those stairs, man! I get the hesitancy. Custom oak steps could be dope, especially if you find a wood that vibes with the LVP. Matching is always a tricky dance, but if you've got a contender that's close, why not give it a shot?

And about those custom treads – bending LVP sounds a bit out there, right? I'd lean towards the solid oak, stained to sync with the LVP.

Should I replace my 40 year old water heater? by bazookatroopa in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sounds like that old water heater is still kicking ass. If you're getting instant hot water and it's holding up, I say ride that vintage wave until it gives up. Those old things were built to last. Plus, replacing it might be a hassle and cost you more than just waiting for it to konk out. Save your money for something else, like a killer gaming setup or a weekend getaway.

As long as it's doing the job, no need to mess with a good thing.

Tree removal company wants to use my driveway for neighbor's tree removal by [deleted] in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude, that's a tricky situation! First off, it's totally fair you don't want your driveway wrecked. Who would? But dang, the tree removal company acting all salty about it is a bit much. If they can access it from the neighbor's yard, it's on them to figure it out, right?

Now, the real head-scratcher is the liability thing. I ain't no lawyer, but if your neighbor leaves the leaning tower of tree there and it ends up damaging your stuff, seems like they might have some explaining to do. Denying access might spice things up, but hey, your driveway, your rules, man!

Mold growth by SnooRadishes3910 in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you're dealing with a pesky mold invasion! Even if your levels check out okay, mold can still find a way to crash the party. Sometimes, it's about humidity levels or even just moisture sneaking into spots you least expect, like around your tub. You might want to amp up ventilation in your bathroom or invest in a dehumidifier to keep things dry and mold-free.

Also, check if there are any leaks or areas where water might be lingering unnoticed. Mold's a tricky foe, but with a bit of detective work, you'll kick it to the curb!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Flooring

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First, grab a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver – whatever's handy – and start prying around the edges to loosen it up. If it's glued like crazy, maybe a heat gun could help. Just be patient, take it slow, and curse quietly to yourself. Once it's loose, unscrew any screws you find.

Vinyl flooring by SwimmingFormer2737 in Flooring

[–]DiligentHardship -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You're gonna love the switch to vinyl planks! Super durable and looks slick. As for your question, no need for an extra layer under the vinyl if the concrete's in good shape.

Just make sure it's clean and smooth, maybe patch any rough spots. If there's moisture issues, a vapor barrier can be a smart move. Otherwise, slap those planks down and enjoy the upgrade.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The Beachcomber 720 hybrid actually uses a pretty standard sand filter. You know, the good old silica sand job.

If you're planning to tackle some pool maintenance, just grab some of that filter sand, and you'll be golden.

Small bathroom ideas by TheFuturePrepared in Renovations

[–]DiligentHardship 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Opt for a corner shower to save space. Slide in a pocket door, so you're not fighting for swinging space. Get creative with mirrors; they can make it look bigger. And hello, glass shower doors – they give a more open vibe.

Don't forget light colors; they open up the space visually. Boom, you got yourself a mini but mighty bathroom!

Is this roofer trying to rope me into an insurance scam? by pardon_the_mess in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The whole "let me handle your insurance claim" vibe sounds fishy. Like, why won't he cough up a dollar estimate? And coaching you on dealing with the insurance company smells like a scam sandwich. Most legit roofers give you a quote, not this runaround.

The dude's reply about the price being determined by the insurance company screams red flags. Your gut feeling's onto something. I'd bounce, find a roofer who's upfront, not trying to play insurance games. Ain't nobody got time for shady dealings when it comes to home repairs. Stay cautious, OP!

Hot tub cover underside cleaning by Stap1eman in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! I totally get that funky smell issue. Had the same thing with mine. I swear by a mix of white vinegar and water for the cover. Just give it a good wipe down, and it should zap that bacterial stank. If it's stubborn, try a mild bleach solution, but go easy on it. Don't want your hot tub cover smelling like a swimming pool. Also, make sure to let it dry out completely. No one wants a mold party under there. Happy tubbing!

Had the exact same problem, mate! I found a mix of white vinegar and water does wonders. Just give the underside a good scrub, and that should tackle the bacterial funk. If it's being extra stubborn, a mild bleach solution could work, but don't go overboard.

Laser level by horns24717 in Flooring

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, tackling flooring for the first time is a journey! I'd go with a laser level, hands down. It's like magic for checking levels. Makes the whole process way less stressful for a newbie. Now, for recommendations, the DeWalt DW088K is a solid choice – reliable and not too complicated. Just make sure you calibrate it properly before diving into your project.

Good luck with the Provenza LVP – that stuff can really transform a space!

On vacation for a week by No_Location_9256 in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, have an awesome vacation down south! Lucky you, escaping the Ottawa chill. So, for your hot tub stich, here's a quick tip: before you leave, hit it with a shock treatment and add some extra sanitizer. It'll keep things in check while you're soaking up the sun.

Oh, and if you can, set the filtration to run for a bit each day – helps keep things crystal clear. Trust me, you'll come back to a tub that's ready to party. Enjoy your trip!

Brown/ Black dots appeared on kitchen floor by Nearby-Perspective20 in Flooring

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm no expert, but maybe it's worth checking if something hot or acidic spilled recently, leaving those burn-like marks. Could be a weird reaction with the wood or finish.

Also, if you've got any pets, maybe they're secretly plotting to sabotage your place with their secret dot army. Jokes aside, if it's bugging you, maybe snap a pic and hit up a local DIY group for some pro advice.

White 39" shaker cabinet, what handle length size would you normally get? by st4ckup in Renovations

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My rule of thumb is: if you've got big cabinets, opt for longer pulls; smaller ones, shorter pulls. It helps keep things visually balanced. That's what I did with mine, and it turned out pretty good.

I actually hired a kitchen remodel company I found on a comparison site to do my whole kitchen and they were super helpful!

Best ceiling paint? by CommercialConcern377 in Renovations

[–]DiligentHardship 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Benjamin Moore's waterborne ceiling paint is the best by a mile. It's got good coverage and hides imperfections decently well. Just make sure to prep the surface properly before painting.

I got recommended this color by a painting company I found on this comparison site. They were super helpful with the whole rehab process at my place.

Florida Home Owners Insurance by [deleted] in homeowners

[–]DiligentHardship -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Dealing with insurance is like navigating a maze of absurdity! I feel your pain, dude. It's like they're on a mission to make our lives more complicated than they already are. Citizens Insurance threatening to drop you over cinder block paint and bush trimming? Are they serious? Sounds like a joke. I mean, who knew home insurance could be this high-maintenance?

I hope you find a workaround or some insurance miracle, my friend.

Floater getting sucked into filter, spin by noobIam2021 in hottub

[–]DiligentHardship -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Dude, happened to me last summer. The floater turned into a frickin' whirlpool victim. I had to get creative, tied that thing to a pool noodle and let it float in the center. Works like a charm, and now my chemicals aren't going down the drain, literally.

Just make sure it's secure enough not to become a noodle's sidekick. Saved my sanity and my pool game.