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\ Page 10 McHENRY PLAINDEALER Section A Friday, August 16,1985 • •• Garden pools brighten yard By Popular Mechancis A garden pool makes a very appealing addi­ tion to your landscap­ ing. Planted with color­ ful flowers and stocked with fish, it takes on a vitality of its own. Wa­ terfalls and fountains add to the visual inter­ est and introduce a pleasing sound. The first step in water gardening is to select the type, shape and size of the pool you want. A simple tub pool re­ quires no construction and is the easiest water garden to tend. Other options are a pool lined with flexible PVC sheet plastic that can have any freeform shape that appeals to you; a rigid fiberglass pool that can fit easily into a shallow, hand-dug excavation; or a masonry pool, whether made of con­ crete or concrete topped with brick, that gives a look of perma­ nence as well as ele­ gance to your yard. When planning a pool, first select a sunny site where water flowers can thrive. Keep the pool away from shrubs and trees that will shed their leaves into the wa­ ter, requiring constant clean-up. If you want fish or water plants, the mini­ mum depth is lVfe to 2 feet. A reflecting pool or one for strictly shal­ low-water pJants re­ quires less depth. No matter what type you choose, remember that local building ordi­ nances may require that pools of a certain depth be fenced. Also, pumps or light­ ing in the pool will re­ quire electric power and grounding. Use three-prong grounded circuits and plan the source before building the pool. Tub gardens, whether made from half a wine barrel, an old claw-foot bath tub or a simple plastic pan, can be your introduction to water gardening. The same techniques you'll learn to keep the water clear or chemically balanced in them will work with larger pools as well. Water lilies partly cover the water surface to help minimize oxy­ gen loss and keep the water cooler. Snails eat algae and consume the decaying matter on which algae feed. Fish eat algae and other pests. In addition to being good for modeling any size or shape pool, PVC liners can also repair leaky pools of any type. Determine liner size by adding twice the depth of the pool to total width and twice the depth to total length. For a freeform shape, make an outline on the ground using a garden hose or rope before starting to dig. If you plan edging, remove the turf to make room for it. Leaving 9-inch-wide planting shelves 9 inch­ es below the planned water level accomo­ dates shallow-water plants. Level the edges of the pool so the liner won't show by using a spirit level on a flat board bridging the pool. Pivot the board from one point at the edge of the pool so all sides will be the same height around its perimeter. Remove any sharp stones or roots that might punc­ ture the liner. Lay a Vfe- inch cushion of damp sand along the bottom to cushion the PVC lin­ er. On rough ground, add an underlayment of b u i l d i n g - g r a d e polyethylene. Place the PVC liner in the prepared pool opening with plenty of overhang around the edges. Weight the liner with stones and fill it slowly with water, mak­ ing adjustments as it settles. Let the liner set­ tle for a week or more before trimming the edges to create a 6-inch lip. Peg the liner to the ground with 20d nails. Edge the pool with stones or brick laid in a mortar bed of 3 parts sand to 1 part cement. Take care to keep the mortar out of the pool, because the lime in it will kill your fish and plants. For a rigid fiberglass pool, prepare the exca­ vation just as you would for a PVC-liner pool without the planting shelves. Dig the hole 6 inches wider than the outline of the pool on all sides. You can backfill later. Set the pool in the hole on the 1-inch layer of damp sand and level Owning home is investment Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of five articles provided by the Cooperative Ex­ tension Service of Mc- Henry County about property insurance. WOODSTOCK - No matter what kind of structure you call "home" - whether it is a single-family dwelling, a manufactured/mobile home, an apartment or a condominium - your home probably ac­ counts for the largest single expenditure in your family's budget. If you own the home, it's the largest single in­ vestment you'll proba­ bly make in your life- w it by eye. Then pour in about l gallon of water as a primary level. Use' the same technique em­ ploying a spirit level and bridging board as before. Concrete or brick and concrete pools can be major construction pro­ jects. When digging out the pool area as planned, allow for 4 inches of crushed stone fill in the bottom. Lay 6x6-inch, 6-gauge steel concrete reinforcing mesh over the bottom of the pool, propping it up on the crushed stone so it will be about 3 inches above the bottom. Use ready-mix con­ crete for the bottom slab. Spread the con­ crete with a spade and level it with a screed. Keep the slab wet by sprinkling it with water, then covering it with polyethylene sheet. After 8 to 10 hours, wet down the plywood forms for the walls and brace them in place. In­ stall reinforcing mesh, then pour concrete to the top of the forms. Let the walls dry for 10 hours before removing the forms, and for 5 days before backing the hole. For a brick-edged concrete pool, build the walls up to the ground level and then lay the brick work on top of the walls after the concrete sets. Since concrete re­ leases lime which is toxic to fish and plants, cure the pool with 1 gal­ lon of household vine­ gar for every 200 gal­ lons of water. Let it set for 5 days. Drain the pool, scrub with deter­ gent, rinse thoroughly, drain, and fill immedi­ ately with clean water. WATERFRONT Your dream home on Pistakee Lake has over 3,000 sq. ft. of well executed floor plan & also comfortable living space. All located on an acre of land w/127' on the lake. Gazebo for balmy summer eves. 3 car garage. Energy effecient. IUSTUSTED Beautifully landscaped large lot is the setting for this clean & neat 2 bdrm ranch with full basement, plus central air for muggy days. Oversize 1.5 car garage Nice retirement or starter home. Asking (54,900 Northern Illinois Realty 3815 W. ELM ST. (RTES. 120 and 31) McHENRY % < ) R 1 I I I H \ I I I I N O I s REALTY SFRVKI r815-385-2340 cy Moore, McHenry County Extension home economist. "It is a good idea to have an annual review of the adequacy of your insurance coverage. Your insurance agent or broker will be glad to periodically review your policy with you a n d r e c o m m e n d changed," she said. Some insurance com­ panies offer an auto­ matic endorsement that annually increases the level of insurance by a specified amount, usu­ ally 4 percent. This is often called an inflation guard. If you make major home improvements - Buying Insurance time. The loss of all or even part of the house and its belongings from fire, wind, fail or explo­ sion would present seri­ ous financial problems. Moreover, a lawsuit could seriously jeopar­ dize your financial future. Today the rising costs of living mean most consumers have more costly property to pro­ tect. It is estimated that replacement costs for rebuilding homes in many communities now stands at $40 to $50 per square foot or event higher. Using this fig­ ure, it is safe to say that most homeowners are underinsured, said Nan- remodel a kitchen or bathroom or add a room, for example - be sure to increase your in­ surance coverage to re­ flect the improvements, Moore advised. "You don't want to wait for a catastrophe to strike to discover you were underinsured." The Illinois Coopera­ tive Extension Service provides equal opportu­ nities in programs and employment regardless of race, religion jr sex. For additional informa­ tion, contact the Mc­ Henry County office at 789 McHenry Ave., Box 431, Woodstock IL 60098 or 815/338-3737. REALTY WORLD REALTY WORLD DURBIN-STOVALL 4213 W. Elm Street-McHenry (815)385-8060 $51,200 PURR FECT STARTER! Mainte­ nance free and well insulated aluminum sided 2 bedroom ranch. Enclosed sun porch overlooking well landscaped yard. Full base­ ment, partially finished and attached garage. See it now! $84,900 THE GOLDEN KEY TO BETTER UV1NG...can be yours when you become a proud owner of this immaculate, tastefully decorated, 3 bdrm., 2% bath, maintenance free home with Vh car garage, large deck and c/a. Many upgrades. $64,900 CONVENIENCE PLUS this 4 bed room 2 bath home is located close to shop­ ping, park and lake. Enjoy the deck off the kitchen and the oversize 2^ car garage. You'll love this one! $119,900 WOW! SPUSH SPLASH in the pri­ vacy of your own in-ground pool or spread out your hobbies in one of the many garages. LARGE brick and cedar home located on ap- prox. 1 acre with 4 bdrm., dining room, eat in kitchen, 3 full baths, family room w/fire- place, etc., etc. $79,900 PRICED FOR QUICK SALE IN FOX RIDGE. Immaculate Cambridge model on large lot. Nicely landscaped and to­ tally fenced backyard. Fireplace, 2 car gar­ age. all kitchen appliances and many more extras. Super family area. $143,900 ALL BRICK WATENFRONTI! This all brick ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2% baths, a full basement, 2 fireplaces, c/a and a large deck. You'll love this spacious home in Dutch Creek Woodlands. CALL FOR FREE MARKET EVALUATION (815)385-8060 (41 REALTY WORLD WATERSEDGECONDO 3 bedroom home with'2 full baths. Just 4 years old. Ex­ ceptional move-in condition. Spacious rooms. Scenic view of the Bull Valley area. Great Price! $81,900 FOUR BEDROOMS Attractive aluminum-sided ranch set on .1 large wooded lots. Second lot buildable. Huge eat-in kitchen. 2Vi car garage plus garden house. Nice private area! $89,000 ENERGY--EFFICIENT Beautiful 3 to 4 bedroom aluminum-sided hillside ranch. Two baths, big family room with woodburning stove. Mo­ dern . eat-in kitchen, cathedral ceilings. All appliances. Loads of space! $71,800 WHY PAY RENT? Very affordable 3 bedroom home. Vinyl siding. Fenced yard with beautiful landscaping. Large master bedroom, extra insulation throughout. Great starter home. Just $29,900 ' * • - « * * -> ' COUNTRY CLUB CHANNEL FRONT Super quality-built ranch in one on McHenry's most scenic areas. Solid cedar construction. Formal living room with brick fireplace. Lovely deck, hardwoood floors. Many items included! $99,900 385-6990 411)4 W. Rte. ,120 Mt henr LAKELAND PARK Pwfect starter home is exceptionally clean. Good sized bedrooms with attractive hardwood floors. Spacious coun try kitchen with lots of cabinets, appliances, large utility room. Priced to sell! $54,900 653-2061 7313 Hancock Dr. Wonder Lake' | • McHENRY COUNTY REALTY INC American Red Cross Qnlute "rn-,r SERVING THE GREATER McHENRY AREA FROM TWO OFFICE LOCATIONS 815-344-1033 3717 W. ELM STREET, McHENRY, IL (Rtfc 31A Rte. 120-ElmStrwt) 385-8821 2313 Johmburi Road, McHenry, IL MAIN OFFICE BRANCH OFFICE 1 CAM RIAL 1ST ATI MEMBERS OF BOTH McHENRY A LAKE COUNTY MULTIPLE LISTING SFRVICES! HANDYMAN SKOAL % block to beach in a beautiful area. 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Great for the man who lilies to work around the house. $27,000 NEW LISTING Beauty, privacy, Security in charming Whispering Oaks subdivision. 3 beds, 2 baths, 2% car fin­ ished attached garage, oaks & pines off private patio $79,900 WATERFRONT Totally remodeled. Has everything; piers, hoist, brick F/P, 3 bedrooms and what a view. This one is a must to see today, don't wait!! $99,800 PRICED RMHT Beautiful double wooded lot high on a hill. 3 bedrooms. Lower level ceilings & walls finished. LARGE FAMILY HOME Super heme. 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 kitchens, F/P, above ground pool. In town location. NEWLY LISTED Newly remodeled cozy starter or retirement home. New garage, lake rights, on quiet street. $42,800 5^2 ACRES! Two story home w/4 bdrms. 2 baths, formal dining, fam­ ily room, F/P, eat-in kitchen, partial bsmnl, barn, shod, horses wielcome. $97,800 AN ACRE OF PRIVACY Beautiful ranch w/full finished basement and first floor family room. 3 bedrooms, .1 bath arid wood burning fireplace $72,900 NEW ON THE MARKET Super Newer Hillside Ranch, giant family room, walk-out basement, 3 bedrms., 2 baths and much more $79,900 A MUST TO SEE This lovely 3 bedroom ranch with family room is located on a double landscaped lot in a super area. Appliances included $89,900 A BIT OF CHARM Large 4 bdrm. home across from waterfront shady lot. 2.5 baths. Fireplace. Lovely updated home. <PUTT EXECUTIVE CUSTOM HOME 4 bdrm., 3% bath, 2 story on 2.5 wooded acres. In law or maids quarters. Barn, horses al lowed, 3 car garage. Many Amenities. Call for $248,000 CLASSIC VICTORIAN MAHCIflH ••WwIWH This Richmond Vintage Beauty is perhaps the largest Victorian in town. 6 bed­ rooms, 4 car garage, wrap around porch. $87300 SUPER STARTER All brick 2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch, eat-in kitchen, F/P, family room or 3rd bedroom. $89,900 CLEAN N' SHARP 3 bedroom, 2 bath, full basement shed. Mo tivated sellers. Walk to beach, Woodstock .Schools. 984,900 1980 Century 21 Real Estate Corporation® Registered Trademark of Century 2) Real Estate Corporation Printed in USA (ht.Miill Each office is independently owned and operated Equal Housing Opportunity