Ways to STAY COOL now and AFTER the pools close down

It's August. Kids are heading back to school as the summer winds down. So we thought we would help you send the summer off with a splash by gathering up a few places that you can get wet around the city while it's still HOT! And when the outdoor pools close for the season, we've listed a few indoor aquatic centers that are open year-round.

Roswell Riverside Park "Sprayground"
A new "sprayground" just opened in mid July at the Roswell Riverside Park - near our Heatherton community. The park is located at 575 Riverside Road.

Click here to see a video of the new park and it's dedication!

Centennial Olympic Park's Fountain of Rings
The Fountain of Rings is the centerpiece of Centennial Olympic Park and is one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Georgia. The fountain received a complete overhaul in the winter of 2006 totaling over $3 million. The renovated fountain offers an even more spectacular performances, with added creative and intricate choreography, and remains the most popular aspect of Centennial Olympic Park. It’s free to view the Fountain of Rings show, which plays four times a day, 365 days a year, at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Bethesda Park Aquatic Center in Lawrenceville - Indoor Pool
This center features a leisure water park pool with zero entry, giant waterslide, lazy river water play structures and more. It's like a mini White Water without the sunburn! Summer schedule ends 8/10, but the fall schedule starts 9/14/09.
225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville 30044 | 678.924.6334

South Cobb Aquatic Center - Indoor Pool
This center features a 2-story spiral waterslide, zero entry pool and much more. While the address says Austell, this center is q short drive from Smyrna and West Village, Stonehaven and out other Smyrna communities. Fall schedule begins 9/14/09. Visit Cobb Parks & Rec website for full details.

Your own backyard!
Yes! Now with relaxed water restrictions, you can set up the sprinklers for the kids to run through while watering your lawn at the same time!

Take advantage of this leisurely time of year (Ha!) to complete your final summer projects and prepare for the busy fall season to come.

Inside Your Home
Clean Windows - If windows stick, clean the tracks in which the sash slides with a mild detergent. Lubricate with silicone spray if the window drags.
Ceiling Fans - Make sure ceiling fans are working. Check for a warped blade, loose blade screws, or a wobbling motor. Clean the blades regularly.
Keep allergens at bay - Damp-wipe window blinds and fan blades and vacuum your home thoroughly at least once a week. Be sure to change your HVAC filters regularly.
Refrigerator- Use a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to clean condenser coils on the back or underneath your refrigerator.
Faucets - Check faucets for leaks and replace washers or repair the faucet as necessary.
Range - Clean underneath range hood. Remove and clean or replace range hood filters. Replace light bulb if needed.

Outside
Grill - Clean the barbeque. Run a gas grill for 10 to 15 minutes on high to burn off residue, then turn off, and clean with a wire brush.
Tip: Turn off indoor lights when you're using your deck or porch at night to keep insects from finding their way inside.

Exterior Paint - Touch up exterior paint before fall sets in, as a sudden drop in temperature can compromise your paint job. Scrape, sand, and clean any blistered or peeling areas. Spot-prime and apply a finish coat with enough overlap to adhere to the existing paint surface.

Many homeowners dream of a lawn with a golf-course look, but few have a golf course’s budget and army of maintenance professionals at their beck and call. Instead, the best thing you can do to achieve a good-looking lawn is to mow frequently and high (three inches or more – or just set your mower blades as high as they’ll go). This discourages weeds and trains the grass to grow in thickly. High, frequent cutting encourages roots to grow deep and retain water, so you’ll need to water less frequently - which helps conserver water and your wallet!

If you’ve been taking advantage of the reduced watering restrictions this summer, keep it up: Water infrequently but deeply, giving it an inch to an inch and a half of water each time (measure by putting an empty tuna can on the lawn). Water early in the day to avoid evaporation — not at night, which invites disease. You’ll know it’s time to water when your footprints don’t spring back when you walk across the grass, when the grass gets a blue tinge or when you can’t easily push a screwdriver or steel rod into the soil.

If your lawn has turned brown, don’t try to rescue it by watering now. That’s hard on the grass plants and a waste of water and money. It’ll come back when the rains return, hopefully in the fall. (Here's a great article to check out called “10 secrets to a perfect lawn.”)

To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize - and When?
In Georgia, now is really NOT the right time. In general, it is best to avoid fertilizing during extremely hot weather or periods of drought. Do not use products with nitrogen when your lawn isn’t green – it can encourage weeds. Start thinking about fertilizing at the end of this month and consult professionals who sell lawn-care products or call your county's home-extension service to get advice on what to use and exactly when to use it.