How To Choose the Right Pool Fencing in Brisbane.

In 2010, the Queensland Government introduced pool safety regulations which dictate the requirements necessary in order to ensure that your pool is safe. Pool fencing is one of those requirements that help keep your pool in compliance. But not just any type of pool fencing will suffice. Depending on a variety of factors, you’ll need to ensure that your pool fencing meets the regulatory laws, while also ensuring that the fence fits into your home’s decor and ambiance. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right pool fencing for your Brisbane pool.

Vinyl pool fencing.

1. Research Materials.
The materials from which your fence will be made will dictate what your home looks like for decades. What fence is ideal for you? You’ll have to factor in both economics as well as appearance for this. Most pool fencings are made from aluminum, wooden paling or good neighbour. Envision each of these styles in your home, and in your neighborhood. Which one fits best? That should be the material you focus on.

2. Work With a Design Expert.
Your design expert will help you to envision each of these fences in your home. In fact, he or she may be able to bring samples, so that you can truly picture what your pool fencing will look like. But design experts also offer other advantages. These designers have close ties to manufacturers and installers, which in turn can help save you a considerable amount of money on your total project.

3. Get Feedback From Those Who Know the Law. 
While your designer may claim he or she has an expertise in the laws regulating pool fencing, don’t take the chance that they’re wrong. Work directly with experts in the laws, so that you can rest easy knowing your pool fencing meets all the laws. Best yet, find a company that has designers and law experts in-house.

Your safe pool fencing in Brisbane has as much to do about the look, as it has to do with functionality. It can be a challenge to find a fence that matches your vision, but also meets compliancy. That’s why so many pool owners in Brisbane turn to The Big Tick.

The Big Tick not only has a specialized expertise in the laws governing your pool, but they’re experts in fencing, installation, maintenance, repair work and more. Learn more by visiting http://thebigtick.com.au/.

Swimming with the Royal Dolphins.

With school out and long days to fill, summer is the perfect time to engage kids in fun, educational activities. And because I don't want my son to spend the entire school break playing video games and watching the telly, I signed him up to several workshops that will keep him busy and active all summer long.

First on the agenda is the Learn to Swim program. Facilitated by the Lake City Swimming Club (also known as the Royal Dolphins), this 10-day program is divided into three classes - Toddler, for kids age 6 and under; Basic for kids age 7 and above; and Advance for kids age 7 and above. The fee for all three classes cost Php 1,700 each.

Warming up before the swim.

Eager beaver!

Take the plunge, and see more of our swim class photos! :)

A Weekend in Paradise.

Whenever Mum comes home for her annual vacation, we make it a point to spend a day or two at the beach. You see, we're a family of beach bums, and my Mum, who spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Subic, practically grew up by the sea.

For this particular beach trip (which happened about two weeks ago), we decided to go somewhere close by since my grandmother will be travelling with us. That means Subic, Bataan, and most definitely Pagudpud were out of the picture. And so we ended up choosing Sariaya, which is about an hour and a half away from where we live. My sister, who acts as the family's travel planner, chose Paraiso Beach Resort for our weekend getaway.

Welcome to Paradise!

'Paraiso', by the way, is the Filipino word for 'paradise'. And I guess there's no better word to describe a scenery such as this.

Ahhh, the beach! :)

More of Paraiso after the jump! :)

5 Fun Swimming Pool Games for your Kids.

Beat the heat by spending the day splashing away in your very own swimming pool. Because kids can become bored quite easily and may not enjoy simply wading in the water, it's a fantastic idea to introduce them to some new, fun swimming pool games that will keep them amused and active for hours. With some simple supplies and a little bit of imagination, your kids and their friends will remember these games for years to come.

The Noodle Race
What kid doesn't know what a noodle is? These flotation devices made out of foam are long, skinny and are the perfect thing to ride around on in the pool. Collect enough noodles for all of your kids to each have one and instruct them to mount the noodle as though that are riding a horse. This should easily allow them to float in the water while their legs dangle on each side of the noodle. Without using your arms, bob, sway and kick your legs to make yourself and your noodle ride around the pool. Whoever completes their designated number of laps first is the new noodle race winner. Switch up the game by blindfolding players, only allowing them to use certain motions and more.

Bumper Boats with Floats
As long as you have a few different tubes, it's easy and tons of fun to play bumper boats in the swimming pool. If you are familiar with the Bumper Cars ride that you find at most amusement parks, you may have an idea of how this game will be played. Each kid should sit in their tube without falling through the hole. Using their feet to kick off around the pool, players will bump into each other, trying to knock the other players off of their "boat". The last player left on their tube wins the game. Be sure to include important rules such as no hitting or pushing.

Treasure Hunt
Kids love to be able to use their imagination and that's just what they'll do in the game of Treasure Hunt. Gather up lots of coins and toss them into the pool. Be sure to spread them out evenly. Send all kids into the swimming pool and tell them that they're on a hunt for buried treasure. Children must then dive down into the pool and retrieve coins. Allow the kids to keep their winnings and see who collects the most.

Water Basketball
With just a tube and a ball, kids will love playing water basketball. Set up teams and swim, jump and paddle around the pool to get the ball and throw it into the tube to score points. Players can pass the ball to other members of their team or simply practice free throws from across the pool.

Bottle Toss
Using a clear water bottle with the label removed, fill the bottle with water and allow it to sink to the bottom of the pool without the kids watching. Send the kids out into the water to find the bottle. Whoever finds it first wins. Swimming pools can provide many hours of fun for kids throughout the Summer months – However be sure to maintain a safe swimming environment. Never let your kids swim unsupervised, be sure to install a pool fence with a locking gate and make sure your pool cleaning schedule is actioned regularly.

Summer | More Fun in the Philippines.

It's summer once again here in the Philippines, and much as I love beach trips and swimming parties, this is actually the season that I detest the most. The heat has been unforgiving lately, and the temperature outside has even peaked to 36 degrees Celsius as of late.

And as if 36 degrees isn't hot enough for us to handle, the social weather station tells us that the temperature is expected to rise even higher in the coming days. This kind of weather is not a joke, and definitely not for the faint of heart. I bathe thrice a day just to relieve the heat, and chug down at least fifteen glasses a day, lest I die of dehydration or heat stroke. This summer is crazy, I tell you. Crazy!

Which is why my siblings and I are planning to go swimming again this weekend. Not the beach this time, though. We're currently looking into private resorts equipped with proper pool supply. We're bringing the kids along (my three-year old son and my seven-month old niece), and we're not taking any risks when it comes to the safety of our little ones.

Yue loves the water!

Swimming parties are only more fun when you are free of worries, and rest assured that the pool and its surroundings are tragedy-free.