What To Know About Electrical Transformer Boxes In Your Yard

You know those ubiquitous green, square metal boxes? You probably pass a dozen a day and barely even notice them. Maybe you have one in your front yard, or there’s one down the street next to your neighbor’s driveway. Those are electrical transformer boxes.

But what are they? What do they do?

You probably have a vague idea that they’re involved in bringing electricity to your house, but how? Are they safe? We’ve got the details right here.

What Is an Electrical Transformer Box?

As the name implies, an electrical transformer box is a metal unit that contains a piece of electrical equipment called a transformer.

When electrical utilities produce electricity and send it out over power lines to our towns and neighborhoods, it’s too powerful for us to just use as-is. It must be converted into a useable voltage before we can plug in our computers, televisions and kitchen appliances.

That’s where the transformer in the green box comes in. It reduces, or “steps down,” higher-voltage power to lower-voltage power that can be safely used in homes and businesses. Why do utility companies use transformer boxes? Because it’s not efficient to transmit electricity to all their customers individually in low-voltage form.

Transformer boxes are also called “pad-mounted transformers” because they sit on a concrete pad for stability. Underground conductors (wires) bring electricity to the box, and the transformer uses a process called induction to convert it down to something we can use. For households, that’s generally 120/240 volts. Then underground conductors carry the power to our electrical service panels.

If you have overhead power lines, you have a transformer, but it’s up on the electrical pole instead of inside a transformer box.

Why Are Transformer Boxes Located in Residential Yards?

The box in your yard is the second-to-last step in a long line of electrical transmission from the utility to your house.

After power plants generate electricity, whether from fossil fuels, renewables or other means, they use a transformer to “step up” the electricity into really high voltages (hundreds of thousands of volts) so it can be efficiently sent via transmission lines to substations.

At the substations, the electricity is stepped back down (to thousands of volts) and sent to other substations or out to your neighborhood transformers, where it’s stepped down one more time and sent into our homes.

Safety Tips for Electrical Transformer Boxes

Electrical transformer boxes contain dangerous voltage levels. If you leave them alone, you shouldn’t be worried. But it’s important not to press your luck. Here are some safety tips to make sure you stay safe:

• Warn children not to play on or around them. The green metal box secures the transformer’s live electrical parts from the curious or careless, but it’s always possible something could go wrong. Never try to open a transformer box or climb on it.
• Don’t try to disguise a transformer box by planting trees or plants in front or around the sides. Leave a 10-foot clearing in the front, and a three-foot perimeter on the other sides so technicians can open the box and work on it.
• Call or visit 811.com before digging near a transformer box.
• If you see a box that’s open or in disrepair, avoid it and contact the appropriate authority (see below).

Who To Contact About Electrical Transformer Box Problems

If you see a problem with an electrical transformer, contact your local utility. The phone number to call should be on the front of the transformer box. If it’s worn off or otherwise damaged, look on your bill or online for reporting options.

Write down the transformer identification number that’s on a sticker on the box, and give the utility your address and detailed information about what’s wrong. If retrieving this information is unsafe, or you see sparks, fire or any other emergency, call 911.

Article source here: What To Know About Electrical Transformer Boxes In Your Yard

What Is Electrical Shock and How Can I Prevent It?

Getting an electrical shock can be startling to terrifying. Startling, like a zap from a light switch. Or terrifying, like when I stood inside of large piece of electrical distribution equipment when the power suddenly came on.

Yes, this actually happened to me. I was an electrical apprentice, and my crew had taken precautions to lockout/tagout. That means removing the power source, and clearly locking and labeling the equipment so others won’t turn it on.

Unfortunately, something went wrong, and the jolt I received landed me in the ER in the middle of the night. Thankfully, I was fine. But that’s how fast electricity can turn on you, and why you must take electrical safety seriously.

Homeowners understandably want to save money and flex their DIY muscles by doing their own electrical work. But it’s important to recognize the risks and do everything you can to mitigate them.

What Is Electrical Shock?

Electrical shock (or just electric shock) is your body’s physiological reaction to an electrical current passing through it.

Currents as low as one milliamp (mA) — 0.001-amp — can be felt as a tingling sensation, while 10- to 20-mA causes muscle contractions so severe you can’t let go of the electrical wire or other source of the current. Higher than 100-mA can cause ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening irregular heartbeat.

You may have heard people say “I’ve electrocuted myself!” when they get shocked. Luckily, if they can tell you that story, they haven’t been electrocuted. Electrocution only refers to fatal electrical shocks.

How Dangerous Is Electrical Shock?

Very.

Remember, it only takes a fraction of an amp to cause shock, injury and even death. It’s not just the number of amps, though. The length of time you’re exposed and the path the current takes through the body both also matter.

Current always wants to travel back to the source — your electrical panel, and the utility before that. If you get in the way of that current, it may use your body as that path if the resistance is low enough.

Hands are the most common entry point for electrical current through the body, a foot the most common exit — a path that takes the current through your chest, and potentially your heart.

About 30,000 people suffer electrical shock injuries every year, and approximately 1,000 die. The majority of injuries and deaths are from low-voltage sources (your home’s 120-volt wiring is considered low voltage), with 20% in children. High-voltage injuries from lightning and power lines are less common but still account for 400 deaths per year.

Burns are the most common non-fatal injury, and sometimes the extent of damage cannot be seen externally. What appears to be a superficial burn may have caused internal injuries to tissues and internal organs. It’s important to get checked by a doctor if you suffer from any electrical shock.

How To Treat Electrical Shock

Before you can treat electrical shock, you have to have someone there to help. It’s important never to do electrical work alone.

If you’re with someone who has suffered a shock, take these steps:

• Turn off the breaker if you know where it is.
• Use a non-conductive object, like a 2×4 or wooden broom handle, to physically separate someone from the electrified object if they can’t let go. That protects you from becoming a victim yourself. Never attempt to pull someone away with your bare hands or body.
• Call 911.
• Check for a pulse and perform CPR if you know how.
• Check for burns or open wounds and apply a sterile dressing from a first aid kit, if available.
• Keep the victim warm.
• Wait for medical personnel and be prepared to perform CPR if breathing stops.

Best Ways To Prevent Electrical Shock

Prevention is always better than reacting to dangerous electrical shock events. Here’s what to do:

• Turn off the power before doing any electrical work, and test circuits with a non-contact voltage tester to make sure they’re off.
• Keep appliances like hair dryers away from water, and never touch them with wet hands.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in bathrooms and kitchens where code requires.
• Repair or replace frayed appliance and extension cords.
• Never run extension cords through doors, windows or under carpeting.
• Install tamper-resistant receptacles in homes with young children.
• Don’t overload electrical receptacles and replace non-grounded receptacles. Never use adapters to bypass ungrounded receptacles.
• Stay far away from downed power lines and warn children of the risks.

Article source here: What Is Electrical Shock and How Can I Prevent It?

Yeti Just Launched New Colors: Cosmic Lilac and Camp Green

Our Favorite Yeti Products

Tundra Hard Cooler

Nothing wears the new Yeti colors better than the best-selling Tundra hard cooler. This large and in-charge chest comes in an assortment of measurements that fit everything from deep-water catches to game, catered lunches and a whole lot of beverages. We’re not talking a few dozen drinks, either—the biggest size fits 549 cans and up to 353 pounds of ice!

Rotomolded construction makes this cooler virtually indestructible, and T-Rex lid latches ensure there’s never a broken seal. Even better, a freezer-quality gasket locks out the cold, keeping its contents chilly through several days on the trail. It’s the best way to keep food cold while camping, period.

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Article source here: Yeti Just Launched New Colors: Cosmic Lilac and Camp Green

Yeti’s $400 Cast Iron Skillet Sold Out in Less Than 24 Hours—But It’s Back in Stock

Yeti is a brand synonymous with quality. Between a generous warranty and stylish shades, it’s no mystery why they’re one of Family Handyman’s favorite gear brands. Outdoor enthusiasts are no strangers to their huge selection of customizable coolers and outdoor dining essentials. From hard coolers that offer protection from bears to durable tumblers and waterproof duffles, Yeti’s gear is popular with hunters, campers, hikers and everyone in between.

In fact, the rugged retailer’s fanbase went wild upon the release of the Yeti cast iron skillet back in June. Despite ringing up at $400, it sold out in just 12 hours. Now, the skillet is back in stock—and we’re anxious to get our hands on one. But what makes this camp cookware so popular?

What is the Yeti cast iron skillet?

The Yeti cast iron skillet is a collaboration with Butter Pat Industries, and they’ve been hand-casting similar skillets for decades. At 12 inches, the skillet has enough room to fit enough burgers or steaks for a small family. The skillet is lighter than traditional cast iron pans. It boasts an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to flip and transfer meals from fire to table. Two pour spouts sit on either side, making it easy to eschew extra grease and eliminate extra water while cleaning the pan.

Folks online are quick to point out that this pan is pricey—and it is at $400. However, there are a few reasons why. As TikTokers like @cast_iron_chris point out, the Yeti pan isn’t your average “off the shelf” cast iron pan. Instead, Yeti’s high-quality craftsmanship—found in other items like the Rambler beverage bucket—makes it a premium purchase for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers and travelers.

Each pan is hand-cast in a process that takes 21 days. Top-quality materials, USA manufacturing and a lifetime of performance make the Yeti skillet the Rolls Royce of cast iron cookware. That’s a far cry from cheaper pans that rust quickly and are vulnerable to scratches and dings. Think of it as an investment rather than a splurge. For hikers who prefer luxury gear like the best coolers, it’s well worth the cost when quality, weight and durability are taken into account.

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@cast_iron_chris

Not an ad. I was not asked or paid to make this video. There seems to be a lot of confusion/misinformation out there about the @YETI cast iron skillet made by @Butter Pat Industries. I understand that not everyone can afford/are willing to pay $400 for a pan but that doesn’t make it not worth $400. These are not cheap because they are not cheap to make. There’s nothing wrong if you want to buy a pan from Walmart- my point is that Yeti (and Butter Pat) is not trying to sell a $5 for hundreds.

♬ original sound – Cast_Iron_Chris

Why We Love It

Yeti’s site describes the skillet as “the last skillet you’ll ever need.” We can’t think of a better endorsement. Each hand-cast skillet is both smoother and thinner than other brands. This lighter weight supports even heating, so everything from steak to potatoes develops a fabulous crispy crust. Plus, at only six pounds, it’s easy to haul around on a hiking trip.

Sure, budget cast iron skillets are available on Amazon for half the price. But given Yeti’s quality and reputation as a trusted outdoors brand, rest assured that when you settle on the Yeti skillet, you’ll only need to buy it once in your life. That’s the difference between springing for a top-tier Yeti product vs. the average skillet off a store shelf.

The 12-inch skillet arrives with a metal ring rag and scraper card for cleaning, plus a cotton cast iron storage bag to keep it looking like new.

How To Use the Yeti Cast Iron Skillet

Unlike other cast iron cooking pans (like our coveted Solo Stove grill top), the skillet arrives polished and pre-seasoned. That means delicious campfire-cooked meals are possible right out of the box. Give it a proper cast iron cleaning first! Home cooks can use it on the stove, in the oven, on the grill or over a campfire. The meal possibilities are endless!

Where to Buy

The Yeti cast iron skillet is available on the Yeti website, and it retails for $400. While it’s not yet available on their Amazon store, there’s tons of other high-quality camping gear to browse ahead of your summer camping trips. Yeti sometimes offers coupons and markdowns during big shopping holidays, so check out the Amazon page for any hidden sales.

Don’t settle for skillets that need to be replaced every few years when the Yeti cast iron skillet lasts a lifetime.

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Article source here: Yeti’s $400 Cast Iron Skillet Sold Out in Less Than 24 Hours—But It’s Back in Stock

How to Clean Up Blood Spills

Manage the spill

• Inform others of the situation if necessary.
• Put on personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, a smock, eye/face coverings and shoe covers.
• Overlap the smock with the gloves, then wrap duct tape around the top of the gloves, securing them to the smock to prevent your wrists/skin from exposure.
• Block off the area to keep others from tracking the spill to other locations.

Article source here: How to Clean Up Blood Spills

7 Best Rabbit Repellents to Save Your Garden From the Adorable Creatures

Best Overall Rabbit Repellent

Daliyrepal Deer and Rabbit Repellent

A rabbit repellent should be effective, long-lasting, easy to use and affordable, and Daliyrepal’s deer and rabbit repellent gets our vote for hitting all of those points. This formula is made from 100% natural ingredients, including peppermint essential oil, and delivers a scent that lasts from 30 to 90 days to keep rabbits out of your yard. Simply distribute the 12 packs of repellent around your vegetable plants, flowers, bulbs and fruit trees. It comes in a pack of 12. Bonus: It’ll also keep deer away.

Pros

• No-mess, easy-to-use application
• Comes in a pack of 12
• Safe to use around pets, people and plants
• Made from natural ingredients

Cons

• May need multiple packs for large spaces

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Article source here: 7 Best Rabbit Repellents to Save Your Garden From the Adorable Creatures

What Are Forever Chemicals?

Did you know that even after some harmful chemicals are phased out, they can linger in the environment and even in our bodies?

Forever chemicals, aka PFAS, are a category of more than 9,000 chemicals that do not easily break down. They end up staying around “forever,” causing a whole host of health and environmental problems.

While forever chemicals have existed for decades in numerous products, they’re now making headlines. Today nearly all Americans, including newborns, have PFAS in their blood, and a recent study shows more than 200 million people may be drinking PFAS-tainted water.

Some chemical companies have been accused of withholding information about PFAS’ health hazards, but details are now coming out. The chemical and manufacturing giant 3M recently reached a $10.3 billion settlement with U.S. cities and towns to settle lawsuits over contaminated drinking water. The money will be used to clean up public water supplies.

Understanding what forever chemicals are, where they’re found and how to avoid them can help you stay safe and keep the environment clean.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These include a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer, commercial and industrial products.

According to Megan Liu, a science and policy manager at Toxic Free Future, “All PFAS have a carbon fluorine bond that is the strongest bond in organic chemistry. That’s why they are super persistent and can easily move through groundwater and soil. It’s also what makes them toxic.”

PFAS were developed in the 1940s and widely used because of their resistance to water, stains and grease. Probably the most well-known example of a product with PFAS is DuPont’s nonstick cookware coated with Teflon, which was manufactured by 3M.

Teflon with PFAS was banned in 2014 because of its harmful health effects. Teflon Reimagined, which is supposed to be more sustainable, is now being produced by Chemours, a spinoff of DuPont.

Where Are PFAS Found?

PFAS are also sometimes called “everywhere” chemicals because they are so prevalent. “Today they are still used in consumer products, firefighting foam, packaging and building products,” Liu says.

Here are some specific product categories that may contain PFAS:

• Clothing: PFAS have been found in athletic and yoga clothes, stain-resistant fabrics and water-repellent items like Gore-Tex jackets.
• Home goods: Stain-resistant carpets and fabrics in items like linens, upholstery and bedding are treated with Scotchgard, Stainmaster and similar chemicals.
• Cookware: Non-stick cookware may still contain PFAS, so check the box and manufacturer’s website.
• Food packaging: Takeout containers, wrappers, pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags may be coated with PFAS.
• Cosmetics: Testing of foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, lip balm, blush and nail polish found high levels of organic fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The chemicals make cosmetics last longer and spread easily.
• Personal care: PFAS have also been found in some types of dental floss, helping it glide more easily between teeth.

How Could You Be Exposed to PFAS?

Besides coming directly in contact with a product containing PFAS, you can be exposed to this class of chemicals in a number of ways that are out of your control.

• Drinking contaminated municipal water or private well water;
• Consuming food grown or raised near places that used or made PFAS;
• Eating fish caught in water contaminated by PFAS;
• Eating food packaged in material containing PFAS;
• Living near sites where a PFAS release occurred;
• Working around or with PFAS, such as chemical manufacturing or fire-fighting foam;
• Breathing in dust tainted with PFAS from stain- and water-repellent used on home products.

Dangers of Forever Chemicals

Some PFAS bioaccumulate, or build up, over time. This means that the chemicals can end up in fish and other food sources that we consume, causing health concerns. They are also endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with our hormone system.

“There is a whole suite of harmful health effects including higher cholesterol, liver disease, reproductive harm like reduced birth rate and pregnancy hypertension,” Liu says. “Cancer is another big concern.”

Other dangers, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), include:

• Lessens the ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
• Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney and testicular.
• Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations or behavioral changes.
• Increased risk of obesity.

How To Avoid Forever Chemicals

PFAS are practically impossible to avoid. They’re found in our houses and public buildings, and in the air, water and soil.

Julia Goldstein, Ph.D., founder of JLFG Communications and award-winning author of Material Value: More Sustainable, Less Wasteful Manufacturing of Everything from Cell Phones to Cleaning Products, says the onus is on the consumer.

“There are thousands of different chemicals used in hundreds of products,” she says. “There are no labels that tell customers whether a product is safe. Many companies that make consumer products are still trying to figure out whether their own products contain these chemicals. Until the consumer-facing companies know, they can’t disclose it even if they want to.”

Fortunately, there are some ways to keep PFAS at bay. Liu recommends “cleaning your home since chemicals can get into dust, leaving shoes at the door and washing hands often.”

Here are more steps you can take:

• Avoid clothing, furniture, bedding and other household items labeled stain- or water-resistant.
• Evaluate clothing brands on the Natural Resources Defense Council’s PFAS in the Apparel Industry Scorecard and PFAS Central.
• Check manufacturer websites for ingredient information. Sustainability pages are particularly helpful.
• Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, glass or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick options.
• Steer clear of food packaged in grease-proof bags and containers. Instead, use your own glass containers or encourage restaurants to switch to PFAS-free BPI-certified packaging.
• Watch out for chemical names like “perfluor-,” “polyfluor-,” and “PTFE” in personal care products and cosmetics.
• Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Consumer Ombudsman with questions or concerns about specific products.
• Find out if your water source has been tested for PFAS by contacting your local water utility.
• Keep an eye out for companies banning PFAS. Currently, 32 retail chains with more than 150,000 stores have committed to eliminating or reducing PFAS in their products. Check Toxic Free Future for an up-to-date list.

Article source here: What Are Forever Chemicals?

10 Shed Shelving Ideas

Wall of Shelves

This picturesque studio shed from @lysannepepin features a wall of shelves in various sizes and shapes. The layout utilizes every inch of wall space and creates a stylish and organized system.

Painting the shelves the same light color as the wall also helps the space feel bigger and less cluttered, even when the shelves are eventually full of stuff. The differing heights and widths allow you to organize even oddly-shaped items.

Article source here: 10 Shed Shelving Ideas

Easy Garage Storage Solutions

Garage Ceiling Shelves

Tuck medium and lightweight stuff onto these DIY garage ceiling storage shelves. The shelves are designed to fit into that unused space above the garage doors (you need 16 inches of clearance to fit a shelf and standard 12-1/2 inch high plastic bins). However, you can adjust the shelf height and put them anywhere. The only limitation is weight. We designed this 4 x 6-foot shelf to hold about 160 lbs., a load that typical ceiling framing can safely support. It’s best to save the shelf for “deep storage,” using labeled bins with lids, because you’ll need a stepladder to reach stuff.

First, find which way the joists run, then plan to hang one shelf support from three adjacent joists. Our joists are 24-inches apart; if yours are spaced at 16-inches, skip one intermediate joist. We built ours to hold plastic bins, but if you put loose stuff up there, add 1×4 sides to keep things from falling off. Assemble the 2x4s as shown , using five-inch corner braces and 1/4-inch x 1-inch hex head lag screws (drill pilot holes first).

Now attach the corner braces on both ends of a shelf support to the center of a joist/truss by drilling pilot holes and using 1/4-inch x 2-inch hex head lag screws. The only challenge is finding the center of joists through a drywall ceiling (if your ceiling is finished) to attach the shelf supports. Tap a small nail through the drywall until you locate both edges of the joist. Measure to find the center of the adjacent joists, and measure to keep the three supports in alignment with one another. Finish the shelf unit by attaching a 3/8-inch x 4-foot x 6-foot plywood floor.

Article source here: Easy Garage Storage Solutions

How To Clean a Flat Top Grill

Scrape the surface

• Scrape the entire cooking surface of your flat top grill. This will pull up any loose food bits, along with the remaining oil or grease.
• Scrape and move the debris into the grease collection bin for easy disposal.

Article source here: How To Clean a Flat Top Grill

24 Products You Only Need to Buy Once—Ultra-Reliable Brands with Lifetime Warranties

The Best Lifetime Warranty Products

Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Crew Socks

After testing Darn Tough socks, our editors are obsessed with the cozy fit, durable materials and attractive look of this footwear. But did you know that Darn Tough socks are also one of our favorite lifetime warranty products? If any socks—including their bestselling men’s merino wool crew socks—develop holes or rips, they’ll send a replacement, no questions asked.

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Article source here: 24 Products You Only Need to Buy Once—Ultra-Reliable Brands with Lifetime Warranties

It’s So Hot That Mulch Is Catching On Fire

It’s common knowledge that heat waves can create dangerously dry conditions. We’ve all seen hazard signs warning of the spread of camp- or wildfires and many of us have experienced the devastating effects of “fire season” first-hand. However, few people expect a fire to break out in their own yard, even during record-breaking heat.

Unfortunately, this was the case last week for the Wise family in El Dorado Hills, CA when their backyard mulch spontaneously combusted. Here is exactly what happened in the Wise family’s backyard, as well as information on why the mulch combusted and how to prevent mulch fires in your own yard.

How the Mulch Caught on Fire

Surveillance video footage shared with CBS News Sacramento shows the fire suddenly breaking out in the Wise’s backyard. The flames grow rapidly to torch the ground and surrounding trees, waking Mike Wise up in the middle of the night.

He describes his immediate reaction: “I was kind of stunned at first. I couldn’t imagine why my yard would be on fire.” He continues, “This is new to me. I’ve never heard of bark literally catching itself on fire.”

Fortunately, Wise was able to extinguish the fire using his garden hose. Afterward, the mulch was charred and, in the words of 7-year-old Grant Wise, “the board that lines [the mulch] from the grass and the little sprinkler have almost melted completely.”

Why Mulch Can Catch on Fire

According to Homes and Gardens, mulch can spontaneously catch fire when it is laid too thickly. In the video, the reporter explains that he Mike had just had the mulch put in just that day. Presumably, it was extra dry from the new installation and had yet to be watered. Additionally, as Grant Wise mentions, the record-breaking heat played a major role in igniting the mulch. “Well, it was like 108 yesterday, so that could’ve probably cooked the bark pretty good.”

How to Prevent Mulch Fires

The first step to preventing mulch fires is laying the mulch in an appropriate thickness: 2 to 3 inches. From there, avoid any substantial piles of mulch, especially around other flammable plants like dry trees. Keep the mulch irrigated as you would a lawn and surround it with fire-resistant materials. In Weiss’s case, the properly watered grass helped stop the spread of the fire, but you could also use a gravel yard cover.

How to Stay Safe in Fire Conditions

It’s important to create fire safety plans before you need them. Read up on how to prevent home fires as well as which household items can spontaneously combust. Finally, keep wildfire preparation products on hand and, whenever possible, avoid working outside in poor air quality. Stay safe out there!

Article source here: It’s So Hot That Mulch Is Catching On Fire

Here’s How to Convert Your Regular Mattress Into a Smart Bed

Sleep may come easy to some. For others, bedtime is a never-ending nightmare of tossing, turning and flinging off covers. Finding a product that cools down hot sleepers isn’t an easy task. The market is filled with cooling blankets, sheets and pajamas that dissipate and absorb moisture, but few products focus on eliminating heat at the source.

Sure, shoppers can spring for a cooling mattress like the Helix Midnight Luxe, one of our favorite editor-tested mattresses. However, splurging on a whole new mattress when your current model is perfectly comfortable is a hard sell, especially when new mattresses cost upwards of $5,000. That’s why we’re smitten with our newest sleep-related discovery, the Eight Sleep Pod Pro cover.

What is the Eight Sleep Pod Pro cover?

The Eight Sleep mattress cover isn’t just a bed cooling system. It goes beyond the use of cooling materials and well-ventilated construction, making it more effective at eliminating severe night sweats than cooling comforters. Instead, the Pod Pro cover focuses on all aspects of snoozing, from sleep patterns to snoring.

Use the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover with any existing mattress to instantly convert it into a bonafide smart bed. It delivers cooling properties via a clever network of water channels and provides sleep metrics—all without the use of a watch or phone. The Sleep Pod is the smart home gadget you never knew you needed!

Apart from sleep data and temperature regulation, the Pod cover also includes both vibration and thermal alarms. Easily-accessible health reports include information on your heart rate, making it a good choice for those with health conditions or concerns.

A one-inch foam sheet and built-in active grid sit on top of the cover to monitor sleep patterns and transfer the data to Eight Sleep’s app. The active grid and interior water channels are what absorb and remove heat consistently throughout the night. As a bonus, this cozy topper provides an additional layer of comfort to firm mattresses.

Artificial intelligence operates on both sides of the bed individually, providing ongoing temperature adjustments throughout the night. Couples who prefer different sleep temperatures are free to select their ideal sleep conditions—no compromise is required.

The AI uses sleep schedule, sleep phases, comfort preferences and environmental conditions to keep the temperature comfortable. Or, simply select your preferred temperature and the Eight Sleep Pod 3 will keep it regulated all night long.

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How To Use the Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover

The wealth of cool features included with the Eight Sleep Pod 3 may seem intimidating at first glance. However, it’s relatively simple to set up. Just zip the Pod cover onto any mattress, then hook it up to the included Eight Pod hub and download Eight Sleep’s app. The hub resembles a computer tower and sits next to the bed, delivering a rush of water during heat spikes or cold dips.

In terms of maintenance, the Eight Sleep Pod Pro cover just requires an occasional change of water. Eight Sleep recommends using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water in the Sleep Pod 3. Peroxide keeps bacteria at bay, which helps this sleep investment operate and remain clean for weeks at a time.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Eight Sleep has a “Wall of Love” that’s brimming with high-praise tweets from fans of the smart cover. On the page, shoppers detail their happiness with the innovative mattress cover, noting the ways it helped improve their overall health.

Peter – you will love the analytics and data that @m_franceschetti and his team have built into the technology. The sleep data is vast wealth of riches for what could help diagnosis ongoing health issues. My wife and can’t live without it.

— Fareed Adib (@FareedAdib) January 12, 2023

Where To Buy the Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover

The Eight Sleep Pod Pro cover is available on Eight Sleep’s website. I won’t sugarcoat it—the cover is relatively pricey at $2,295. However, reviewers rave about the performance and versatility, noting that their sleep improvement is well worth the upfront cost. If you’re someone who suffers from disrupted, inconsistent sleep, ask yourself this: how much do you want to invest in a good night’s sleep?

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Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gear and money-saving deals on can’t miss DIY and home products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.

Article source here: Here’s How to Convert Your Regular Mattress Into a Smart Bed

5 Best Pool Shock Treatments to Clean Your Pool

Best Overall Pool Shock Treatment

In The Swim Pool Shock

We like this highly-rated and easy-to-use pool shock for several reasons. One, In The Swim Pool Shock is composed of calcium-hypochlorite (cal-hypo in industry lingo), so it’s a great start-up shock if you’re just opening your pool for the season. Two, it contains a high percentage of active chlorine that will zap bacteria and algae and quickly clear up pool water. And three, it’s sold in multi-packs of 1-pound doses, and a single pack is enough for 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Amazon purchaser Olga Salnikova calls it a miracle product. “I was skeptical because nothing seems to work in our above ground pool due to pump possibly been a little smaller than needed. I used tons of pool bleach and still pool would turn green,” they say. “Decided to give this a try and it’s crystal clear! I use it at night and leave the pump running. From green to clean!”

Pros

• Pre-measured doses for easy use
• Great for quick chlorine boost when fast-action cleaning is needed
• Granular formula pours directly into pool water
• Good price to quality ratio

Cons

• Not suitable for vinyl pool liners
• Not ideal for areas with hard water

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Article source here: 5 Best Pool Shock Treatments to Clean Your Pool

Elevate Your Lake House with Customizable Floating Docks

It’s July, which means you’ve likely pulled your boat out from its winter storage and prepared it for summer.  Whether on a pontoon or motorboat, getting out on the water is something summer-loving families look forward to all year. But some summer homes and lakes don’t have a dock, which makes boarding and dismounting boats a treacherous activity.

Luckily, there’s a solution that keeps folks safe and enhances warm-weather activities on the lake or at the pool. Let us introduce you to our newest summertime obsession: customizable floating docks.

What is a floating dock?

Floating docks are an easy, portable way to ensure that boats have an easy access point. This floating “home base” isn’t just an easy way to board a boat, though. Isle floating docks lock together using a connection system, so it’s possible to create a custom dock system or waterpark right on the lake—no wood boards or DIYing required.

They’re not just useful for fun, though. Floating docks help boat owners perform boat maintenance and remove water weeds since they allow access to deeper parts of the lake. No more pulling the boat to shore in order to perform a wax job—simply access it using the floating dock for a fast touchup.

Floating docks are modular, simple to assemble and offer almost unlimited configurations, much like a sectional couch. They come in two different sizes, including the 16-foot Runaway Dock and the wider, 10-foot Base Camp Dock. Both versions arrive with a hand pump, carrying system and float connect straps that help attach add-ons like a mini trampoline and dog access ramp.

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How To Use It

Setting up the docks is a lot like inflating lake toys. Just use the included pump to fill the dock up with air, then connect it to the shore or boat using the float connect straps. We love that the straps can be cut to a different length if desired—just use a lighter to seal the webbing end after cutting.

Once the dock is ready, unhook the boat from its trailer or pump up your inflatable kayak (if you need help connecting the trailer to a vehicle, read our trailer guide). If it’s the first time you’re using the boat for the season, now is the time you’ll want to perform routine maintenance. This includes checking and fixing any wiring, double-checking your boat insurance and organizing the interior for the season.

At the end of the season when it’s time to winterize the boat and trailer, simply deflate the dock and stash it in the garage for next year. Or, pop it into the boat itself for easy springtime retrieval. It folds away into a small bundle, so it fits easily into a cabinet next to the boat’s cleat towel storage rack. Because it’s completely packable, there’s no need to focus on winterizing the dock—that saves tons of time when it comes to end-of-season organizing!

Docking boats isn’t the only way to use floating docks, though. Set them up as a backyard slip-n-slide or pool floats that convert into a double lounger. Or, repurpose them into a campsite platform for added comfort and cleanliness. The possibilities are endless!

Where to Buy a Floating Dock

Both the 16-foot and 10-foot Base Camp floating docks can be found on Isle USA’s website, along with add-ons like the dog access ramp and trampoline. Create your own water playground by mixing and matching the docks and accessories for an adventure that’s unique to your family.

Runway Dock

A whopping 16 feet long and able to hold up to 600 pounds at once, the Runaway Dock is the longest of all the floating docks on Isle’s website. Because of the narrow width and extra-long length, use it as a double water lounger that fits two. It also works well as a slip ‘n slide when not on the water. Durable construction ensures that this dock will stay afloat summer after summer.

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Base Camp Dock

At 10 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, the Base Camp Dock fits more people with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds. It also functions well as a side-by-side pool lounger. Use the Isle Link connection system to attach it to the Runaway Dock for a custom, modular setup. Or, pop it down at a campsite as a handy camping platform that keeps tents and gear clear of dirt.

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Dog Catcher

The aptly named Dog Catcher functions as a handy add-on for furry friends. Use the simple Isle Link connections to hook it up to the Base Camp or Runaway Dock. A sturdy net system sits in the water, making it easy for Fido to board the dock. It also works for paddle boards, kayaks, and boats—perfect for those who take their pooch on vacation!

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Tube-O-Line

Chill or seek thrills when you set up a Tub-O-Line—or a system of them! Attach a few together with Isle’s modular docks for an at-home water jungle gym, or snag one on its own for smaller pools or yards. The best part? This trampoline doubles as a lazy donut lounger, too!

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Article source here: Elevate Your Lake House with Customizable Floating Docks