Poolsupplies.com business review

When we here at Product Dudz have a good or bad experience with a business, especially online businesses, we feel we have to share our findings with our readers. It is extremely difficult to find online businesses that we can trust, get a fair price and a great product. When Product Dudz locates one, we make sure you know about it.
Poolsupplies.com as it's name suggests, is just such a business.

Business background snippet:

As a family business for over 50 years, we pledge to provide you with a quality pool and pool products that will fulfill all your needs. Our objectives are to give you continuing support and services after your pool purchase. We are only a phone call away!
The current Leisure Living was originally established by Richard Gerspach in 1958 as a swimming pool installation, service and repair company and continues today as a 2nd generation family owned and operated business.
Originally named Island Pools, this nationwide distribution facility has expanded into a warehouse and office complex of over 245,000 sq ft.
The focus of the company has changed over the years to include becoming the largest independent source of parts to fit Kayak Pools®, manufacturer of parts for the solar deck heated Fanta-Sea pools, a widely distributed 60 page color catalog along with a prominent position on numerous web sites.(www.poolsupplies.com).

Recently a Product Dudz reviewer purchased an above ground swimming pool from this online company and here's what their experience was..

Product Description of the item we bought:

• Pool Size: 27 ft Round
• Pool Style: Esprit Harvest
• Protection: Resin
• Top Ledge: 6 Inch Steel
• Uprights: 5¼ Inch Steel
• Wall Height: 52 Inches
• Warranty: 30 Years

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Rooms To Go: Daelan Blue Full Daybed with Twin Storage Trundle Product review

 

Product description:

This is bed is the ideal solution for a guest bed, or in a space that has to pull double duty. The twin size version of this product is ideal in  small apartments where it can double as a sofa, and bed while still offering second sleeping area for a guest. The trundle is structured to also offer a good deal of storage for blankets, pillows, etc. 

The full size version makes it ideal in a guest room where you may have a couple with a child as an overnight guest. 

As of this post, this bed is on sale at Rooms To Go for the price of  $677.00 and this does not include mattresses which will need to be purchased separately.

Pros: 

Price:

 $ 677.00 👈💬

Compared to sofa beds, wall beds, and Murphy beds, this is a better buy for your money, as it costs significantly less. Most sofa beds are not comfortable, and although they are space friendly, rarely offer storage, or can accommodate more than two people, in reference to the Full size version.

Storage: 👍

Offers far more storage than sofa beds, and Murphy beds. The twin sized trundle is deep and can serve as a dressers offering room for guests clothes, spare bedding etc. 

Color choices: 👍

You are offered two choices, gray and blue. The shade of blue is close to Teal so bare that in mind.

Attractive: 👍

Once assembled the bed is attractive and the fabric is soft to the touch.

Online chat for help:😩

Rooms to Go offers assistance online on their website. While this was nice to see, unfortunately they offered no help for assembly issues because it was past the cut off time when we made the call. So this is potentially a nice feature, but only if you contact the chat tech during regular business hours. 

Cons:  👎

Poor assembly instructions:

You basically get two sheets of paper with drawings and few actual words, especially for the main bed assembly.  Now this may seem like it would be easier, but it is far from the truth. The instructions, did not include how to attach side arms, nor did our product include the specific bolts required to do so. This lost us valuable time as we had to go to the hardware store to get this the next day. We advise getting this item put together for you, if your finances allow. Some of the construction was easy to figure out based on the pictures, but most of the instructions were about putting together the trundle, not the main part of the daybed you will sleep on. This may have been a fluke.

Missing parts: 👎

As mentioned above this bed was missing key bolts needed to put the main part of the daybed together. Six specific bolts are required to do this and 6 specific bolts needed were missing. This made this whole process slow going and a hassle. If you need this bed right away, please check asap to make sure you have these bolts because they aren't even listed on the instruction sheets. 

   The Bottom Line:🤷

 

While this bed is reasonably priced, and offers storage, it was not the easiest to put together due to the aforementioned "cons." We would love to give this a 10 out of 10, but unfortunately, we just can't overlook the big instruction deficiencies and missing parts. This lost us time and caused us a lot of frustration, and this is coming from people that have done full home renovations for 20 plus years.

Our Score:  4/10 

Sorry Rooms to Go, do better.🤷

CONNOISSEURS Premium Edition Jewelry Cleaner Solution Delicate Dip Product Review

 This product  was purchased to clean my silver jewelry that contained various gemstones.

What the product description says:

Connoisseurs® Delicate Jewelry Cleaner gently revives brilliance to all your delicate jewelry.  Our delicate liquid formula is safe to use on all your semi-precious stones such as pearls, onyx, turquoise and opals.  The ammonia-free formula is also perfect for costume and crystal jewelry. Our exclusive polymer formula helps reduce the appearance of fine scratches in gold and platinum settings. 30 seconds is all it takes to clean jewelry. The included jewelry brush helps to clean between prongs and in crevices for a thorough cleaning.   With regular use our delicate jewelry cleaner can help improve the appearance of your jewelry and make your jewelry sparkle.

• Gentle on delicate jewelry
• Safely cleans pearls, opals, onyx, turquoise, crystals and costume jewelry
• Ammonia free
• Includes dip/rinsing tray and brush  

Here is the factors I will use to assign a rating:

Price

Effectiveness

Ease of use

Availability

Price $ 5.88  

This was for 9.6 ounces of fluid, the container does contain a lift out dipping tray that allows for you to place 1 piece of jewelry inside and easily drain and lift out. The product recommends that you only do one piece at a time. 

Effectiveness

This product as mentioned in my introduction worked adequately.  I cleaned several pieces of tarnished silver jewelry, some real, some were possibly silver or gold plated. If you have any plated jewelry it does appear to take some of that off.  It did not cause harm to any of my gemstones. 

Ease of use

This product is easy to use and you can begin cleaning your jewelry right away.  It does not ship well as the lid was loose upon opening the shipping package so take heed. All you have to do is place your item in the dipping basket and the product says you only need it to soak for 30 seconds. Some of my pieces took longer for better results. It seemed to work better on costume jewelry. This product does come with a small brush, but its not as effective at cleaning cracks and crevices as an old toothbrush might.

Availability

CONNOISSEURS Premium Edition Jewelry Cleaner Solution  Delicate Jewelry Cleaner can be found on Amazon, Walmart, and Kohls.

Bottom line: 5/10

CONNOISSEURS Premium Edition Jewelry Cleaner Solution  Delicate Jewelry Cleaner

This jewelry clean will clean your delicate jewelry and does not appear to harm any stones, but does not offer much better results than many home remedies. 

It is very inexpensive and smells pleasant.

Flexitol Heel Balm Product review

Have you ever had feet so rough you thought you could sand wood with them? Does your foot snag hose, scrap and scratch your partner in bed? Are your heels dry, hard, calloused, cracked and painful? Well Flexitol Heel Balm claims it can help, and claims you'll see noticeable improvement in 3 days. Yep, it says it right on the tube! So does it work ? Well lets find out.
First things first,

The Flexitol brand

The Flexitol brand is the result of in depth product development. Each product that carries the Flexitol name has been specifically developed to deliver utmost efficacy through an innovative and exhaustive research process. Lacorium Health, the creator of the Flexitol brand is renowned for its innovative approach and global knowledge with over 20 years of experience. Manufacturing of Flexitol products takes place in state of the art facilities with particular emphasis on extremely high levels of quality. All ingredients used are of pharmaceutical grade quality wherever possible and rigorous testing of raw materials and finished products are ongoing.

Key ingredients :

1. Urea- Which promotes hydration by increasing skin's water binding capacity and decrease water loss from skin's surface. It also helps to dissolve rough and dry skin through keratolytic action.  
What is Urea?
Urea (u-re'ah) the chief nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism, formed in the liver from amino acids and from ammonia compounds; found in urine, blood, and lymph.

Now, before you get all panicked thinking you're rubbing body fluid by products on your feet, let me  just say urea found in lotions and topical applications are synthetically produced and are not animal related, from the four legged or two legged variety.

2. Centipeda Cunninghamii is a unique Australian herb clinically proven to have skin nourishing properties that aids in the softening of hard thickened skin.

3. Skin Emollients such as a Lanolin, Petrolatum, Sodium PCA, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera contain skin nourishing properties that restore and maintain the hydration of the skin.

Reader Q&A

???

Where can I buy Flexitol Heel Balm and how much does it cost?

 Flexitol is readily available at many department stores, drug and pharmaceutical stores throughout the United States. The 2.66 ounce tube we tested came from Amazon.com link you can find at the bottom of this post. The price varies from $4.98 and up depending on what quantity of product you want.
 
Does it have a smell? 

There is a slight smell to the product, it is mildly medicinal but fresh. Testing of this product indicated no strong order of any kind once dry.

Is it safe for Diabetics? 

Yes. According to the label directly on the tube, it is suitable for general and diabetic foot care.

Is the product greasy feeling?
No, this product is absorbed rather quickly, and our observations found it  leaves no greasy residue.

Does it work in 3 days?
Ok, this is the thing, this product is great for your feet. If you are looking for something that will definitely soothe and smooth dry feet this product works well. That being said, if you are looking for a miracle, that is, something that will make your thick calluses disappear, well, you'll no doubt find this product doesn't quite do that. It is not a callus remover, it's primary function is to soften and lessen the roughness of your feet. If you want chief optimal results, we suggest a good heel scraper that is safe to use like the one that is offered below by Amazon. If used together regularly you will see significant improvement. If you don't, you may want to consider using a  thick skin callus remover first with a regular follow up of the Flexitol Heel Balm to maintain your soft feet. This product is great for using on feet to extend the benefits of a pedicure as well.

***The Bottom Line***

Product Dudz reviewers liked this product! It softens heels and with regular use provides moisture and relief to dry feet. We think it's a winner and highly recommend if you take into consideration the above listed limitations of this product.
 

Related articles

• Sally Hansen Salon Intensive Callus Remover review
• Goop Hand Cleaner Product Review

Sally Hansen Salon Intensive Callus Remover review

Sally Hansen has a long line of personal products to choose from and this review is covering the 4.7 ounce Sally Hansen Intensive Callus Remover. The product touts the ability to gently remove thick calluses and thick dry skin.
Sally Hansen Salon Intensive Callus remover states that it has a unique formula that blends plant and marine extracts with dead sea minerals which deeply penetrate and soften tough, stubborn calluses and thick, dry skin. It smooths roughness as it refreshes and renews. Instantly, feet feel softer, more supple and comfortable.

Pros
This product feels great and does offer cooling relief to rough feet
This product does seem to make rough feet smoother
Cost: this product is inexpensive  ranging in price from $3.50 to $4.00 per 4.7 ounce tube
Availability: This product was found at many stores including Walmart and Amazon.com

Cons
There was no noticeable difference in the thickness of any callused skin. Cracks were still present as well. Does not appear to remove any callus, especially thick calluses.


The bottom line:
This product is one of the better products on the market for soothing dry feet and offering comfort and relief to scaly thick callused feet. If you are looking for callus removal this product will do very little.  We can not give it a "Dudz" stamp, since it is very soothing to the feet, however we can not give it a "Winner" stamp either since it does not appear to remove calluses. To buy Sally Hansen Salon Intensive Callus Remover click on the image to this review.

Goop Hand Cleaner Product Review

 

What is Goop?
Goop hand cleaner has been around since the 40's and it a white cream/paste that can be used to remove dirt, grease and grime from hands. It is touted as a "waterless" cleaner and can be used with or without water. Those that work in the automotive industry, garages and engines can easily and safely remove dirt and grime from their hands.

What is in Goop?
Contents: Isoparafins, Water, Oleic Acid, Surfactants, Triethanolamine, Glycerine, Fragrance, BHT.


Where can I buy it and how much is it?
This item is offered in many automotive stores and retail stores like Walmart. A 14 oz. canister of it sells for about $5.00. Amazon.com also offers Goop, see the link below.


What it says on the canister:

"Goop contains an exclusive SPOT OUT FORMULA not found in any other hand cleaner, detergent, spot remover or pre-soak. Try it for difficult and stubborn stains on: SHIRT COLLARS/BLOUSES, SKIRTS/SLACKS, VINYL CANVAS, WOOD WORK AND RUGS.

What Product Dudz says:

We tried Goop on several items of clothing and gave it one test that many other pre soaks and spot cleaners fail at, an oil/grease stain that had already gone through the wash and the dryer. Most cleaners can not remove these oil stains and in many cases if you don't act fast right away once it is dried it is set in. 

We applied Goop to the set in oil stain, and as the canister instructions suggest, let it set overnight. We ran it through a regular wash cycle and dry cycle and found that Goop in fact did lift the oil stain. We tried this with several articles of clothing and even those with older set in oil stains. Goop effectively worked on all of the stains. 

The Bottom Line:

It is the opinion of those of us at Product Dudz that have tested Goop Hand Cleaner that it is superior at removing many difficult hard to treat oil/grease based stains that have already been subject to the high heat conditions of a dryer.  Product Dudz considers Goop Multi Purpose hand cleaner a winner!

Unique Father's Day Gift ideas

If you have a father that is hard to shop for, this list may help you in finding something that will suit even the hardest to shop for person. This list includes some unique ideas for the dad who already has everything.

1. Amazon Father's Day gift card
Amazon.com makes buying a gift for dad, even if it is last minute extremely easy with their Amazon Father's Day online gift cards. You simply choose a gift card you like, personalize it with either a preselected design or a photo of your own. These gift cards can be printed, emailed and even posted to dad's facebook. Check it out here: Amazon Father's Day gift cards

2. Amazon's Kindle Fire
If your dad loves to read, you can not go wrong with an Amazon Kindle Fire. Amazon Kindle brings the world's library to your dad's fingertips and allows him to easily view over 20 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, and books. Not to mention Kindle Fire allows dad to check his email, and browse the internet. It's truly like having a small computer in the palm of your hands. With almost 10,000 five star customer ratings on Amazon.com this may be the one gift dad will love and use every day for years.

3. Roto Zip Saw Kit
This handy tool can cut through a wide variety of surfaces, is easy to use in tight spaces and does straight cuts, curvy cuts and everything in between. If you have a dad that is a great handy man, this tool will be a go to item in his workshop over and over again because it is small enough to take almost anywhere and can be used in place of other larger bulkier saws. Check it out here: Roto Zip Saw Kit

4.  The Bear Grylls Survival pack
If your dad loves camping and roughing it in the wild like Man vs. Wild's Bear Grylls did, he'll love this kit. Here's what dad will get: a 12 component multi tool with partially serrated blade and wood saw, needle nose and standard pliers, wire cutters, file, standard pliers, small and medium Flathead drivers, cross head driver, scissors, bottle opener, piercer, textured plastic sheath attaches to belt or backpack strap, a fire starter rod and survival pocket guide along with a limited lifetime warranty. Check it out here: Bear Grylls Survival pack

Bullet Express Machine Product Review

You may have seen "Mick and Mimi" many times on television through the years demonstrating the Silver Bullet. The Silver Bullet has been around for a while and is still being sold so that is a good sign that the product has some longevity and value to it. When the infomercial for the Bullet Express emerged on the scene I was completely entranced by the ease and efficiency by which this product produced such great meals. I just had to buy it and see whether it was the "8 minute meal maker."

First things first, this is what you get and how much it will cost you.
The Bullet Express costs anywhere from $115.00 used on Amazon, to $199.99 new.

WHAT YOU GET:

Item 1
The motor base. This will of course motorize all the different components to the Bullet Express. Constructed mostly of plastic.

Item 2
The Meal Maker Express attachment, is is basically the food processor part of the machine.

Item 3
The free juicer. This was fun to use, and works fairly well.

Item 4
User manual. This is pretty good but nothing out of what you would expect.

Item 5
The Bullet express cook book. This is pretty useful whether you have the Bullet express or not. Great easy recipes.

WHAT IT DOES:

This machine does pretty much what it says it will do. That being said, it is more important to realize what it does that it doesn't tell you about. 8 minute meals is stretching the truth a bit. The preparation time they claim in the infomercial doesn't take into account that potatoes, apples etc. have to be paired down to fit through the somewhat small chute. By the time you are done coring apples for slicing, or cutting fruit down to size to juice you have invested quite a lot of time.

What I found while using this product:
Pros: 
Good basic idea  
The basic idea of this machine is a good one, but they need to go back to the drawing board and iron out all the kinks and those are big kinks.

Cons: 


Cheap plastic components
The Bullet Express may look heavy duty, but is primarily plastic. One of my attachments arrived cracked right from the git go.  It is clumsy to work with and can crack and break with out a lot of effort. The side "arms" that connect to all the different attachments are flimsy and can snap. Once these snap the whole thing is practically useless so a lot is riding on two flimsy plastic latches.

Engine easily overheats
Now I know many blenders will overheat but this item was new and wasn't being tasked to do anything it did not claim to be able to handle as per the infomercial.

Takes up too much space
The Bullet Express takes up a great deal of space with all components included. You will have to clear a good deal of space out from your cabinets just to house all the parts. The infomercial may say no more space than a coffee maker, but they aren't adding in all of the components.

Extremely messy to use
If you watch the infomercial, pay attention closely to the mess it makes all over the counter top. It is cleverly hidden, but take note while it is being demonstrated. You will see a lot of excess shredded pieces and slices flying all over.

The Juicer isn't convenient to use
The bullet express juicer needs to be raised in order to fill a glass with the juice. Notice also this in the infomercial. When the juicer is being demonstrated, look down at what it is sitting on. You will see they have put a thick cutting block under it. If you do not raise the Bullet Express up for the juicer, you will not be able to fit much more than a mug under the spout. Unfortunately, if you put in too much veggies and fruit it will continue spewing out even if your cup is full. Be prepared to wipe the counter many times using this feature.

Dangerous blade removal
The blades in this machine are difficult to remove and switch out and could easily result in an injury.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
Overall, this machine is much like the Rainbow vacuum cleaner that used to be sold door to door. It has a lot of fancy gizmos and gadgets. The Rainbow Vacuum could do a lot of things, for a hefty price. In the end you have spent $1000.00 on something that you use to suck dirt. Will you use any of the accessories? Probably not. Oh sure in the beginning you'll try them out to try and justify the huge expense of the purchase, but at some point you lose interest when you see how much time and energy has to be given to cleaning up the mess it makes.
The Bottom line

Is Bullet Express worth the price? No, a lot of plastic easy to break, messy to work with and not any easier or faster than doing it by hand. Would I recommend it? No. Alternative suggestion? Try the Ninja, which you will find my review for on this site by visiting this link: Ninja Master Prep Blender

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• Low carb stuffed bell peppers
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• Getting your family slimmer on a low carb plan
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• Great low carb products
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• Detoxing naturally for the recovering alcoholic
• Create a "Memory garden" for Mother's Day
• Product Dudz: Keurig Elite Single Serve Coffeemaker Product review 

Esprit Harvest 27' Above Ground Pool Product Review

Product Dudz recently reviewed the Esprit Harvest 27' Above Ground Pool. Our review will cover our experience with the company that the pool is offered and sold by, price, delivery, and installation.

The Company
The Esprit Harvest series was found on Pool Supplies.com online. This company also is known as Leisure Living. The current Leisure Living was originally established by Richard Gerspach in 1958 as a swimming pool installation, service and repair company and continues today as a 2nd generation family owned and operated business.

Originally named Island Pools, this nationwide distribution facility has expanded into a warehouse and office complex of over 245,000 sq ft. The focus of the company has changed over the years to include becoming the largest independent source of parts to fit Kayak Pools®, manufacturer of parts for the solar deck heated Fanta-Sea pools, a widely distributed 60 page color catalog along with a prominent position on numerous web sites.

 

Pool description:

Esprit Harvest

• Pool Size: 27 ft Round
• Pool Style: Esprit Harvest
• Protection: Resin
• Top Ledge: 6 Inch Steel
• Uprights: 5¼ Inch Steel
• Wall Height: 52 Inches
• Warranty: 30 Years

Total Price:
$ 1209.94  

What we ordered:
There are varying packages available depending on what your specific needs are. We did not need a pool pump which saved us a lot of money in the purchase of this pool. We purchase the kit that offered 52"  walls, 6 " ledges, 5 1/4 " uprights, plain blue liner, and skimmer. Accessory kits that include a pump, ladder etc are available and start at price of $ 369.99

Size availability:
You can order this particular model in 12' X 52", all the way up to 27' X 52 ". Prices range from : $ 649.99 to $1199.99 for kits that just include pool, skimmer and liner. As mentioned before, you will need to add $ 369.99 if you need a pump, ladder, etc. There are upgraded accessory packages but this is where the price starts at.

Shipping:
Free. We searched high and low to make sure that the pool we selected was the best deal all around including free shipping. We also looked for a company that offered "lift gate service" which is a service that places the pool on a lift gate and lowers it to the ground for you.

Lift gate Service:
Yes. Cost $50.00. Note: if you absolutely must have this service be sure when ordering to specify that they send  a truck with a lift gate. Although we paid for lift gate service, the truck that delivered our pool did not come equipped with this device. We were refunded by Leisure Living.

Delivery:
Ordered pool on 4/01 received pool on 04/10. Your pool arrives by a large freight truck. Ours came via an 18 Wheeler. You must have someone home to accept the pool otherwise they will return it to the warehouse.

Installation:

This pool comes with a dvd detailing how to install. This helped tremendously. We suggest you view it well ahead of installing your pool. As with all above ground pools, you will need at least 4 people for installation. The ground must be prepared a head of time. I have yet to see an above ground pool that is easy to install aside from the cheap metal frame pools. However, a permanent pool like this one reviewed will last a much longer time.




Pros:

Price:
We simply could not find one company that offered a better pool package for the money. An extensive 2 month search of both local, and online companies resulted in our visiting this particular company. $1199.99 for a 27' round above ground pool with liner and skimmer with the same sized uprights, ledge and at a 52" wall depth is a great price.


Installation video:
Easy to understand and simple to follow.


Attractive design and quality:
For the money, the quality of this pool is very good. There were no rough edges, packages were complete and wrapped well, metal components and screws were sufficient and there were no missing parts. While not overly visible in the pictures, the pools design is quite attractive with a vine pattern that goes around the bottom border of the pool wall.


Customer Service:
This company was great. Before purchasing any pool online, emails were sent to the top contenders to see what sort of communication efforts each company made. Many wanted to "talk" to you on the phone, only to upsell you a more expensive model, while others simply took a long time getting back to you. Others did not want to be bothered answering any questions via email and continually sent a phone number instead of answering even the simplest of questions. In our opinion, if I am fixing to spend that kind of money on your product you should be able to answer and respond to emails, and phone calls. Leisure Living answered a barrage of questions through email, and were easy to get a hold of via phone, even on the weekend. That's worth a lot to the consumer.


Warranty:
This pool comes with a 30 year warranty. It was hard for us to find many companies that were willing to offer any warranty beyond 15 to 25 years.

Cons:

Muted design
The only cons was the design on the pool is not quite as detailed and prominent in person as it appeared online. The design is more muted. Some may prefer this look so it can go either way.

Lift gate service
Although we were refunded a month later, which seems too long to wait for $50.00, it still bears reporting to our readers. While the company offers this, we unfortunately did not get it with the truck sent to our home for delivery. Keep in mind this was one experience, and may have been an isolated occurrence.

The Bottom Line:

It is the opinion of the reviewers at Product Dudz that this company is a winner and you can buy from them with confidence. We received adequate correspondence and communication. Our questions and concerns were addressed in a professional and timely manner and the price and quality of the pool we reviewed was as described and met and/or exceeded our expectations.
We will provide an update review at a later date to inform our readers of any changes with this product.



Interested in a Salt water filter system? Then you've got to read our Intex Saltwater Filter System Product Review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for buying an above ground swimming pool online

If you're like many that are feeling the crunch from the economy, you may be resolved to skip going on vacation this year and invest in entertainment at home. If you're interested in cooling off this year with a new pool there are some key things you need to know in advance. Here's a few good tips to consider before buying from any company online.

• Do your research. Above ground pools are for sale all over the internet and even may be available from retailers in your area. Prices can vary a great deal and you want to make sure you're getting the best deal for your money. Start at least a month ahead before you plan on making your purchase. Be sure to factor in shipping and handling costs, installation costs etc. into your budget before deciding which pool to purchase.
  
• Make sure you aren't required to have a permit. Some areas require a permit, and some also require that you have a fenced in yard or an enclosure to your pool. If you haven't factored that into your budget, do so. Pools are considered to be “an attractive nuisance” and you can be liable for damages or injuries.
  
• Always purchase from a trusted dealer especially if you're buying online. Make sure the company is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. Search online for customer complaints and reviews of the business you're considering purchasing from.
  
• Before purchasing any pool from any company online, it is important to establish a means of communication with them ahead of purchase. Be sure to contact via their customer service telephone number or email. Their professionalism, timely response, and willingness to take time and answer any and all of your questions is a good indication of what sort of experience you'll have with them. Always write down the name of the customer service representative you speak with and ask for their personal extension.
  
• You'll need to be home when your pool arrives. If you can't be home, have a neighbor or family member present. Otherwise your pool will get shipped back to the warehouse. Shippers aren't specific with regards to the exact time they will show up so if you can't be home for the day, you may want to look into picking the pool up yourself at the nearest shipping depot. Call and make arrangements.
  
• Check your shipment for all the parts against the list supplied with your purchase ahead of time. Preferably during the delivery. If any parts are missing, make sure to inform the shipper and contact the pool company you purchased from immediately. Many times they will overnight your missing part. Don't wait until the day you install your pool to discover missing pieces.
  
• Be wary of companies that practice the “old bait and switch” routine. There's always a few companies out there that get your attention by advertising what seems like a really cheap price to come and install a pool, but once you inquire further, try to up sell to you a model that is far beyond what intended on spending. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  
• Look for pools that have a warranty and get it in writing. Some online sites may not post the warranty on the website. Contact the company directly and have them send you a copy of the warranty of the pool you are interested in.
  
• Make sure that you read the pool descriptions carefully. Some pool kits may not include things like a sand filter, pump, or liner. If you are buying a pool for the first time you'll need a ladder, pump, liner, skimmer, a sand filter. Ideally buying a salt filter in advance is a good measure as it is far easier to maintain a pool with a salt filter than with chemicals. Most online sites either include these things in the price or allow the buyer to choose which items they need. However a first time buyer will need most of these items. Be leery of any company that is reluctant to communicate with you online. If they press you to call and are reluctant to answer questions via email, it could be a red flag that they don't want to put anything into writing.
  
• Never buy or attempt to install a pool that does not come with complete instructions. If you're not sure, contact the company and verify that instructions are included. Most provide a DVD, and a written manual. Do not assume if you have installed a pool in the past that you'll be able to do so with a new pool. Some pools have design features that are specific to that brand and model. Look for sites that offer online instructions, and a hotline for any help you may need. Check out my review here on the Intex Saltwater Pool Filter.
  

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Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender Product Review

You've seen the commercials, night and day, you've heard the claims,
The Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender is a whiz in the kitchen and can do it all. Can it? Well Product Dudz gave this item a thorough review and lets take a look.

Price:

Available all over the internet, and average price was  $ 59.19

What you get:

Food and drink maker
2 16-oz bowls
40-oz processor bowl
48-oz pitcher
Interchangeable 450W motor head
Various blades
Dishwasher-safe parts
ETL listed; 1-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
Lids that can be fitted over the different sized containers to allow for handy storage in the refrigerator




What we tested:
This item was tested for several things, ease of use, ability to crush ice into snow like consistency, chopping and pureeing ability, ease of cleaning


What we found:

1. Ability to crush ice:
This item was first tested for the ability to crush regular refrigerator icecubes into snow like consistency. The Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender was able to do this task in a matter of a few pulses. Depending on the consistency desired, you can have crushed ice in a matter of a few pulses, or slushie/snow like ice after about 30 seconds or so. We used anywhere from one cup of ice cubes to two cups and experienced no difficulties and there were minimal "chunks" of ice in the results. The Master Prep Professional Blender did not overheat, and did not appear to have any problems. You should always use liquid to help the blender process and crush any ice in the system for best results.

2. Ease of use:
The Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender was extremely easy to use, and we were able to begin testing it right out of the box. The blades easily remove and insert and the lids etc.

3. Chopping, pureeing, processing ability:
As you can imagine, anything that can easily convert ice cubes to snow can easily puree anything. No issues found.

4. Ease of cleaning:
Product is dishwasher safe, was washed in a standard dishwasher on a heated, sanitized cycle and no problems resulted. Items were placed on top and bottom racks, and there were no issues as a result.

Cons:
Almost too powerful
You must be careful when using The Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender for chopping small foods like onions. It's speed and power will turn almost anything into a puree if you over process it. Use limited short pulses only.


The pitcher
The pitcher has a shallow and wide pour spout. This makes pouring things like smoothies and slushies into normal sized glasses difficult as too much comes out too soon. A deeper, smaller spout would work better for any liquids and drinks.

No recipe book included
It would have been great to get a recipe book with The Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender. However, many recipes can be found online, including from the The Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender website.


The Bottom Line:
This is a dieters dream machine. It really does what it says it can do and it beats traditional blenders in price and power hands down. It's easy to clean, handy to use and not expensive for what it can do. It's great for slushies, smoothies, pureeing cooked veggies for soups, and sauces as well. It is therefore the opinion of Product Dudz that this product is well worth the price and an asset to those who are looking for a quality blender.
Products gives this item : Two thumbs up!! For great recipes to use your Ninja with, check out: Recipes from a Southern Kitchen.

Mother's Day Gift Suggestions hand picked by Product Dudz

Mother's Day gift options
Mother's Day is May 13^th and we're all busy thinking of what we can give to mom that she will enjoy and cherish. The gift ideas listed here will appeal to mom's everywhere. Whether your mom is into hobbies, gardening, or cherishing memories, she'll love these gifts even more because you put the extra thought behind it. Take a look at the suggestions listed here:

FYI- If you're interested in any of these gifts, just click the picture to go to the Amazon page.


Scrapbook making kit



Mom's love looking at photographs and usually she has a story to tell with every photograph she has. One great gift for mom may be this scrapbook making kit offered from Amazon.com. K&Company Ancestry 12-by-12-Inch Scrapbook Kit includes 1 12-Inch by 12-Inch designer scrapbook, 10 designer papers, 8 stickers, 12 die-cut stickers and 24 adhesive chipboard pieces. If you have a mom that is into genealogy she'll love this kit that is specifically suited for keeping records and photos of the family tree. It currently sells for $28.43. Click the picture to go to the page to order yours.

Socks



These aren't just every day ordinary socks. Far from it. These are called Moisturizing Natural Cotton Foot Socks with Reviving Mint 100% Shea Butter. Mom will feel pampered and so will here feet . It's easy to care for those tired dogs when you follow the easy instructions. Simply warm shea butter (included) in your palms then apply. Slip on moisturizing cotton socks to keep sheets clean during overnight use. For only $ 8.99 on Amazon.com, these socks make a great addition to a personalized gift basket. Click the picture to purchase.



Garden Folding Chair with Tools



This is a nifty gift for any mom that loves to garden. Offered by Amazon.com, the Picnic Time Gardener Folding Chair with Tools makes a practical gift mom can appreciate. The chair makes it easy for mom to tend to weeds and pruning because it has handy pockets to keep her special tools in built right into the chair. Better still, it comes in two different designs, one is tan canvas, the other design is a flower motif. It has the tools included and the storage canvas becomes a detachable tote. This gift is perfect for moms that have small gardens and who love to putter here and there out doors. Click on the picture to purchase.

A new digital camera



We all know mom loves pictures, but digital cameras today can be confusing to use and they don't always take great pictures to capture family memories. The GE Power Pro X500-BK 16 MP with 15 x Optical Zoom Digital Camera is the exception to the rule. This camera is an upgrade to many of those digital cameras you see in the cute little neon colors. Easy to use, beautiful quality photographs, and oh so simple to upload to mom's computer, just plug it in and your beautiful photographs can be stored, burned to DVD to last a lifetime. If you want more details check out this product review: GE Power Pro X500 product review. This great camera is offered from Amazon.com to purchase yours, click the picture.

Intex metal frame above ground swimming pool product review: Update

Product Dudz likes to update product reviews given to see if the product still lives up to its review, in the case of Intex Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool, an update was needed. If you are looking for a long term swimming pool please take note of the following photographs, the pool in the photographs is 5 years old and was filtered with a salt filter during the summer months.

This is an Intex Metal above ground pool, it is 24' by 52 ". Product Dudz does not know if the latest pools in the Intex above ground pool line have these same issues but our job is to forewarn you of what you may be able to expect if you do not drain this pool and store it away every year. Many older homeowners, or those without storage means may encounter these problems after 5 years or so. Depending on where you live, you may experience rust problems sooner.

Before:

This is the pool after 5 years:

Intex metal frame above ground pool 5 years old

After five years of use, you may encounter these types of rust issues which have resulted in a complete breakdown in the pole supports on this pool. While these parts can be replaced, the process in replacing each of these pieces are tenuous and pricey:

This post has completely come away from the pool the homeowner should have drained the pool over winter to help keep this from happening. However, if you have no way to store these pool parts, or are unable to take the pool apart every year this is what will result from natural exposure to the elements.

These t-joints have completely eroded away due to continuous exposure to the outside

The poles are also beginning to show damage from rust

Product Dudz suggests those wishing to buy this pool or one similar to it, be able to store the pool every year after use to lessen these effects. If you do not have adequate storage or are physically unable to disassemble this product you may want to consider a different type of pool to purchase. 

*Interested in buying a salt water filter system for your new pool? See our product review on Intex Saltwater Filter System Product Review.





Other reviews:

• My Review of 600-TC Cotton Blend Sheet Set
• Review of Cecilia 6-Pc. Embroidered Comforter Set
• Lightening up a dark room

• Tips for buying an above ground swimming pool online

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Product Review for GE Power Pro X500-BK 16MP with 15X Optical Zoom Digital Camera

This digital camera has a lot of unique bells and whistles compared to your everyday point and shoot digital cameras.

Here is what the manufacturer has to say about this item:




"If you want it all, you'll want one of the GE Pro series of bridge cameras. The new X500 is as powerful as it is easy to use. All the latest digital camera technology is seamlessly built in to reflect your own powerful sense of style and capture those priceless memories that define our lives. Get closer to the action and take photos like a pro with the X500 from GE's Pro line of digital cameras."

Now the big question is, does this camera do all it claims to do? Let's find out.


This is the list of features associated with this camera in detail:


16 Megapixels with 15x Optical Zoom

The X500's 16 MP lens means your images will be alive with detail, capturing every nuance. A 15x optical zoom (combined with a 6x digital zoom) lets you get close to the action without needing to get right in the middle of it. A vivid 2.7-inch LCD screen with Auto Adjust Brightness lets you frame every shot with ease, letting you see exactly what you're getting with each click.


As powerful as it is easy to use


All the latest digital camera technology is seamlessly built in
Electronic View Finder

In addition to the 2.7-inch LCD screen, the X500 has an electronic view finder for more accurate shots in real time and better scene composition.

Shoot Video with Ease


Capture all of your videos with ease. The X500 takes MPEG-4 videos in .MOV format with G.711 monaural audio for simple, one-touch recording of those special moments. And they're easy to share using a USB connection or SD card reader.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Adjustment

An in-camera HDR feature adjusts exposure for more detail in light and dark scenes. Get the right balance of detail no matter the lighting conditions. A 3200 ISO improves pictures in low lighting condition for optimal exposure.

Optical Image Stabilization with Auto Scene

Correct unintentional camera movements with automatic image stabilization, giving you crisp, clear photos. The Auto Scene feature automatically selects and sets the correct scene type for the sharpest, most vibrant pictures possible.

Face Auto Exposure and Smile Detection


Face Auto Exposure enhances facial features detected by the camera for true subject highlighting, making your friends and family jump out of your photos. Smile Detection lets you capture the right moment by allowing the shutter to automatically release when the subject’s smile appears.

Automatic Brightness Adjustment

An in-camera auto-brightness feature adjusts the camera's LCD viewing screen for more detail in light and dark scenes. Get the right balance of detail no matter the lighting conditions.

AA Batteries

Convenient, easy and no-hassle AA batteries keep you on the go. Get 300 shots from regular AA alkaline batteries, or up to 500 shots from AA NiMH batteries.

What you get for your $$:


GE X500 digital camera, 4xAA alkaline batteries, USB cable, shoulder strap, CD-ROM, manual, Quick Start Guide, Feature Guides, warranty card.

Price:
Currently offered on Amazon.com for:
$140.39 


The pros:
This camera is user friendly, easy to figure out and takes a lot of the guess work out of taking a picture.

Easy for first time users to use

Picture quality is very good once you learn the settings

Large view finder 2.7 inches

Shoots video with sound

The cons:


Camera is hefty

Batteries that come with the unit don't last very long

Requires 4 AA batteries

SD card not included but no biggee

What Product Dudz says:


The Bottom Line:
This camera does everything it says it does and has a lot to offer the novice photographer that needs a great camera to capture video and photographic memories. It is ideal for those with experience as well and has very few negatives in its functional features. This camera has a solid 4 out of 5 star rating based upon 170 owners on Amazon.com. It is the opinion of Product Dudz that this camera is a good value for the consumer based on the above findings. For more information, visit here:

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