I find Mike's link to be useful, about epsom is ONLY best used in high-crop production, such as tomatoes on old soil: Here's a paragraph from Mike's link: "Excessive levels of potassium contribute to a mineral imbalance that causes magnesium deficiency in a variety of species, even when soil levels of Mg are adequate. High levels of soil potassium apparently interfere with root uptake of recommended to overcome this indirect magnesium deficiency; trees high in nitrogen were found to be less susceptible to magnesium deficiency than those with reduced nitrogen levels." My clay soil tested very high in potassium, next is phosphorus, and least is nitrogen. Plants short on potassium are more prone to fungal diseases. I have zero blackspots on roses, but have problems with magnesium deficiency esp. in my tomatoes, grown in the same bed for 12 years. Fifteen years ago my other garden had a different soil: no clay, just good black dirt high in nitrogen. We never had to fertilize the lawn, everything was green, but I had the worse blackspot on my roses. I have never used epsom salt on my tomato, but last year when I mixed bagged cow manure in, we had a bumper crop of tomato. This year I didn't do that, and we have the worse crop of tomato and very small fruits. I'll do an experiment next year growing tomatoes in 2 different pots, water one with epsom salt, and let's see if the fruits get bigger.

quote" Kelly, did you see the pictures she linked? "quote Yes, my heart breaks for this quality of workmanship. It still, unfortunately, doesn't change a thing. The concrete coping is poured and the builder made a sincere attempt to remedy the situation. Note to all readers, Although it may appear I'm taking sides, I'm not. I'm fullfilling a promise I've made to every member of every pool forum I've ever participated in, which in my introduction to the board's membership is always as follows: """ I promise you guys I'm not here to spam for work, if you feel my replies are spamming bring it up immediately to the moderators and if work comes from my interaction on the board that's a great reward for my membership. And equally I'll never sugarcoat the truth, I promise to call the situation exactly as I, and I alone, see it based on a lifetime in the pool construction industry. It may or may not be the answer you wanted to hear but it's my take based on similar situations over the course of my career. """ I've ran plenty of leads just like this member's and had to break the news to them in the same manner, i.e. presenting facts. Some listen and some don't, they simply look for another pool builder to side with them. I've seen plenty of other pool builders sued and have yet to see one in a position as her pool builder lose. The Contract did not state that "job completion" was dictated at the time she said the work is satisfactory to her liking. The man did come back and attempt to resolve the situation by slightly reworking the new coping's blemishes. I'm sorry but the job is complete, and if it goes down a legal highway I doubt if the answer will be any different when the gavel swings to hit the bench with a ruling. quote" My suggestion, work with the man in any manner possible while staying polite yet firm. You might even consider offering him a reduced price to redo the work. "quote I'll stand behind this quote and offer it once again. See ya, Kelly

Hi, coolkat97 and/or anyone else who has input, I've been researching what type of concrete to use on our new patio. Though I like the look of stamped concrete, I'm interested in finding something more cost effective for this large space. I came across this forum and see that you live in Texas and chose the salt finish. We also live in Texas and the hot concrete is certainly a concern. We have a 2 small children and I am also concerned about them slipping. You say your concrete is not slippery at all, is that true even when it's wet? How would it be to play basketball on? Or for rollerblades? You mentioned adding color later. Have y'all added color as of this date or has it remained the usual concrete gray? Also, do you recall what size salt you used? Your patio and pool areas are beautiful. Considering the weather lately, it's only a matter of weeks, and perhaps even days until you'll be enjoying them for another long, hot summer. Thanks for your help and insight!

Just intalled a salt system with that unit. So far so good. The user's guide has a procedure for manual cleaning of IECG blades and I would recommend trying that to get rid of build up. Are you sure your stone is natural and not manufactured stone? I use to sell stone products on the side and though nobody ever told me, I KNEW not to use manufactured stone around a pool. It is a lightweight concrete and is essentially decorative in nature. Salt and chlorine is going to eat it up eventually. Natural stone is MUCH denser and should last longer, but no doubt different types of stone have diffferent chemical makeups, some which will react with NaCL (salt)