Dazadi.com Blog

With summer fast approaching, everybody is looking for a way to beat the heat. There are few activities more enjoyable in the summertime than a refreshing dip, an exhilarating swim or a relaxing float. In fact, the swimming pool has existed as a means of leisure and recreation since ancient times. Ancient Greeks and Romans built swimming pools for athletic and military training as well as games and entertainment. The first heated swimming pool was built by the wealthy noble Gaius Maecenas of Rome in the first century BC. A swimming pool creates an outdoor oasis that you and your family can enjoy together and for many years. However, with the excessive costs of in-ground swimming pool installation and upkeep, many consumers are investing in above-ground pools. The above-ground swimming pool- with a myriad of shapes, liner designs, wall patterns and other exceptional features- offers the same fun and entertainment of in-ground pools. If you’re interested in swimming, splashing, playing and spending more quality family time without the landscape modification and dizzying cost of pool installation, look into an above-ground swimming pool!

Above-ground swimming pools comes in different shapes, sizes, colors etc. Most are either 48” or 52” in height (though some are built as tall as 54”!) and are usually either round or oval in shape. Depth is based upon personal preference, the availability of space in your yard, and whether you want to eventually build a deck. Some pools can even be made deeper once they’re installed. Round pools do not need the external bracing that many oval pools require. Oval pools, in general, include side bracing that adds an additional 5 to 6 feet to the total width of the pool. While round pool are self-supporting and easier to install, they do not offer the space for laps, games and other water sports that oval pools provide. Dazadi offers exceptional options in both shapes and lots of sizes. Our Atlantis economy pools offer outstanding strength and durability at a lower price. The Atlantis is a great starter pool and comes in 48” and 52” heights. The Aegean Above Ground Pool also offers good quality at a manageable price.

Most above-ground pools are composed of steel, aluminum, resin or a steel-resin hybrid.

• Steel pools are heavier, tougher and more solid than other pools. Steel pools offer fine strength and durability but are more prone to rust. However, thanks to advanced protective coatings and sophisticated design features, many steel pools are far more rust-resistant and can have a 20+ year lifespan. The Atlantis and Aegean Above Ground Pools are composed of steel materials and feature efficient protective coatings.
• Resin pools do not oxidize, are high-impact, and extremely durable. All-resin pools are 100% rust-resistant and often have exceptionally long lifespans. The Aruba Above Ground Pool is constructed of resin and comes with 54” of wall height! The resin-steel hybrid usually includes structural components like caps, uprights and top rails that have been fabricated from resin and attached to a steel wall. The Tahitian Above-Ground Pool provides many of the same great advantages of an all-resin without the higher expense.
• The aluminum pool is lighter than others and thus easier to move. Aluminum is able to flex and can even allow for semi-in ground installation! The Bermuda is a top-of-the-line aluminum pool that can be installed semi-in ground and comes backed by a lifetime warranty.

Once you’ve invested in your summer sanctuary, you’ll want to purchase the necessary equipment. Your pool will need liners, a filter and pump system, a basic chemical package and ladder.

There are two types of standard liners.

• Overlap liners, the less expensive and more basic of the two, require that the vinyl liner be draped over the pool wall and held in place by the top rails.
• Beaded liner, on the other hand, features a thickened, preformed fold along the edge of the liner that is pressed into place on the pool wall.

Liners also vary by thickness, style and color. The thicker, more ornate liners are more expensive than standard blue. However, this enhanced detail adds a drop of energy, style and elegance for a pool that fits your taste and surroundings.

Every above ground pool requires a system to heat, filter and evenly distribute chemicals. A pump and filter system does just that. There are three types of filter systems.

• Sand Filters: These low-maintenance filters circulate pool water through a precisely sized sand bed that traps dirt throughout its depth to retain filth and keep your pool particle-free. Dazadi offers several sand filter packages that include a perfectly sized filter and pump as well as a pool maintenance kit. Sand filters are the most common type sold in above-ground pool packages.
• Cartridge Filters: More powerful than sand filters. A cartridge filter circulates pool water through extra large filter elements for better water quality than sand filters. Dazadi’s Standard Cartridge Filter System and Equipment Package includes a rugged filter tank constructed of tough, water-resistant, corrosion-proof polymer and requires a minimum of cleaning.
• Diatomaceous Earth or D.E. Filters: The most powerful and efficient filter system. The D.E. filter hydraulically applies filter aid (a precoat layer of diatomaceous earth) to filter elements, ultimately screening out small particles for clear, sparkling water.

Dazadi carries the Mod Media Filter and Pump system- a method that combines the filtering capabilities of a cartridge filter with the low-maintenance of a sand filter. This premium filter can be purchased with a ladder and maintenance kit in the Ultra Equipment Package.

Chemicals are crucial to maintaining the purity and clarity of your above-ground pool. Our site offers pool chemical start-up kits that are sold individually, as an option with the purchase of a pool or as part of a comprehensive equipment package. Generally, you want chemicals for pool water balance (including maintenance of alkalinity, calcium hardness and PH), sanitization (usually achieved through chlorinating products) and shock (to break down and destroy damaging chloramines).

Dazadi’s inclusive equipment packages contain filters, pumps, and useful pool care accessories for a beautiful backyard sanctuary and years of good clean fun!

As the weather warms up, more and more of us are moving outside to enjoy the sun and recreational possibilities that were otherwise out of the question during the cold months. As camping, tailgate parties, backyard BBQ’s and more become staple weekend activities, people are searching for fun and exciting activities. As a result, lawn games such as Bocce Ball and Croquet become popular amongst players of all ages.

Not only are lawn games a great way to get your family outdoors, they are perfect for P.E. and recreational clubs. Games like horseshoes, ring toss,  Bocce ball, and croquet test your aim and accuracy and help develop hand-eye coordination. While these classic games bring back fond memories of outdoor summer fun, new popular games are transforming backyards, campsites, and tailgate parties everywhere.

One example is BlongoBall. Very much like ladder ball and bolo toss, BlongoBall requires 2 BlonGoals, 2 BlongoBalls, and is made for 2 players or teams. The BlonGoals are PVC ladder-like frames that feature 3 rungs.   Simply stand 25 feet away from the BlonGoals and toss the BlongoBalls, which are 2 smaller balls attached to by a string, towards the BlonGoals. Each rung of the BlonGoal is worth a different value. The first is worth 1 point, the second is worth 2 points, and the third is worth 3 points. Bounce the ball off the ground onto the ladder for a whopping 5 points! The first player to reach 21 first without going over is the winner! But be careful! Other players can knock off your BlongoBalls causing you to lose points.

Blongo Washers is very similar to a bean bag toss game. It requires 2 game boards and 2 sets of 3 washers. The Blongo Washer boards stand in a slanted position and contain 3 holes. Place the 2 boards 6 feet apart so that they are facing each other. Stand behind one box and try to toss your washers into the 3 holes on the opposite game board. Each hole is worth a different value. The closest hole is worth 1 point, the middle is worth 2, and the farthest hole is worth 3 points. The first player to reach 21 without going over is the winner! When you’re done, the boards latch together and feature carrying handles for maximum portability!

Lawn games are fun for all ages and are usually portable, so you can take them to any party or outdoor activity. Guests will crowd around and be entertained for hours as they toss their way into a good time. So, put down the game controller, turn off the TV, put on some sunblock and have some outdoor fun this summer with a quick and easy-to-learn lawn game!

Physical education, P.E., Gym Class, whatever you like to call it is an experience we all share in the American school system. Loved by some and dreaded by many, physical education has been a part of public curriculum since the early 1800’s as schools and universities began to offer activity courses. In 1866, California became the first state to mandate physical education in the public school system. Since then, several states followed as they saw the need for fit and healthy students.

Over the years, several P.E. activities have become popular that fit every child’s desires. Some can jump rope while others play flag football or cage ball. Students can roll around the gym or playground on their scooters and play scooter hockey or have parachutes fling parachute popcorn. Playground Balls are a blur as 4-square tournaments and dodgeball are played. The possibilities are truly endless.

The P.E. Equipment category has taken on a life of its own and includes even odd products such as juggling scarves and feathers. Rubber animals can be flung in a parachute, passed around as a relay baton, used to organize your students, placed as field markers, or used for just about any thing else you can dream up. Dazadi includes a varied P.E. Equipment category with both normal and unconventional products, so the imagination of you and your students can run wild. With so much variety in your gym class, every student will be excited to exercise, run around and stay in shape!

When most people think of building and toning muscles, weightlifting is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While this is an effective method, some may become bored with the limited number of exercises you can do with a free weight. Resistance bands and tubes are an interesting exercise tool that provide many of the same benefits of weight training with endless exercise possibilities.

Resistance bands and tubes come in a variety of lengths, resistance levels, and styles. Resistance bands such as the JFit Resistance Bands refer to flat rubber bands while resistance tubes like the FitBALL Resistance Tubing refer to round, rubber tubes typically with handles on either end. Besides the traditional straight form, tubes are available in several different styles such as a figure-8 or cuff formation. Bands and tubes are also available in different resistance levels such as light, medium, or heavy. Owning a few bands with different resistance levels is suggested for use with each individual body part. Resistance bands and tubes give you a great total body workout and can be used to target your arms, legs, abs, thighs, shoulders, and back. There are tons of exercises you can do, but a simple one requires you to stand on the middle of the tube or band while lifting either tube end towards your face for a bicep curl. To work your legs, sit on the floor, loop a band around the bottom of your feet and push your legs forward.

They are also great for working out at home or on the go. The lightweight and simple design makes resistance tools perfect for stashing in your luggage the next time you are on a vacation or business trip. For a great at-home workout, they can be combined with the FitBALL Pro Tubing Attachment to transform your door into an effective and dynamic exercise tool. The FitBALL Deluxe Balance Board allows you to run resistance tubes and bands through small notches around the edge of the board so you can work on toning your arms while developing balance, coordination, and core muscles.

Dazadi has a great variety of bands and tubes for you to choose from. Looking for a great tube to use at home? Try the FitBALL Resistance Tubing, or the SPRI Deluxe Xertube. Looking to buy resistance bands in bulk for a gym or fitness center? Try the latex-free REP Bands 6-yard roll or the FitBALL Bulk Bands 50-yard roll. These and all resistance tools open up endless exercise possibilities so you can get creative and enjoy your workout. So, stretch, tone, and strengthen your way into a fit, strong body with this great form of resistance training!

Since it’s widely-contested beginnings, Beer Pong or Beirut, has become a favorite pastime among college students, tailgaters and partygoers all across North America. Beer Pong began with the use of paddles and developed into a game of pitching skill. A drinking game inspired loosely by ping pong and played as early as the 1950’s, Beer Pong has evolved over the decades, prompting various sets of rules, racking formations and “shooting” techniques. House rules usually vary according to geographical region or institution but the basic concept is always the same:

• Players throw ping pong balls across a table toward 6-12 specially arranged or “racked” cups of beer. Cups are usually racked in a triangle formation on each side of the table.
• If a player “sinks” his ball in a cup, the defending team must consume all the beer in that cup. The cup is then removed from the playing field. Beer is often substituted for another type of alcohol or on some occasions, water.
• Each player on a team usually gets one turn per round to sink an opposing team’s cups. The first team to remove all of their cups loses.

Of course, accuracy and precision become more challenging as a player consumes more alcohol. The option of “redemption”, “sudden death rounds” and interference techniques such as “swatting” and “blowing” are dictated by the house (party host, fraternity, tournament etc.).

Arguably America’s favorite drinking game, Beer Pong is so popular and so widely played that there now exist Beer Pong Tournaments such as the World Series of Beer Pong. The World Series tournament is held in Las Vegas, Nevada and offers a grand prize of $50,000! Smaller local leagues hold tournaments with their own prizes and rankings. Official tournament size beer pong tables are now a must-have for tournaments, parties and bars! Dazadi.com is proud to offer a variety of beer pong tables with assorted features so you can enjoy this beloved pastime at your next party!

ProPong manufactures tables for true lovers of the sport. Their tables are strong and built to last. These tables feature a protective coating that is conveniently scratch and spill-resistant! The tough surface makes for easy clean up of liquid (and chunkier liquid) spills! ProPong offers cool design themes and features to fit different interests, personalities and decors. The Classic Beer Pong Table features a simple and clean white design for those who are looking for some serious good clean fun. The Big Bang Table includes an interesting galactic design that is sure to take your party to a whole new dimension. Create your own fun design with the Blank Table, or use it to capture quotes, silly drawings, or signatures from each of your parties. Of course there is a table for the ladies as well. The Pink Table features a pretty floral design that appeals to the feminine side in all of us.

ProPong tables are also collapsible for ultimate portability. Carry them from party to party or store them when not in use. These durable tables will stand up to your most intense games…and wildest parties! So spice up your hang outs, partake in a national pastime and pay tribute to the trusty, time-honored cultural emblem of unabashed good times- the red plastic cup.

Exercise balls are called by many names such as Swiss balls, stability balls, fitness balls, workout balls, therapy balls and even birthing balls. The Gymnastik exercise ball was created in the 1960’s by an Italian manufacturer.  Originally, exercise balls were used for physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. Eventually, exercise balls were used for fitness purposes and in the early 1990’s, Ball Dynamics created the FitBALL, which features a burst resistant material specifically for heavy fitness and rehabilitation needs.

The exercise ball is a beneficial tool and can be used for a variety of applications including the improvement of cardiovascular health, posture, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, muscle tone, and core strength.

Choosing the right sized exercise ball is important and depends on your individual height and weight. A great way to test if an exercise ball is right for you is to sit on top of an inflated ball. If your feet touch the ground, and your knees are in line with your hips at a 90 degree angle, you have the correct ball. This method is purely an approximate guess and often you may need a larger ball based on weight. If you are unsure, go for the larger ball since you can always add less air depending on the appropriate size. Below is a helpful guide to follow when purchasing an exercise ball:

• Under 4′8″ - 45 cm ball
• 4′8″ to 5′3″ - 55 cm ball
• 5′3″ to 6′0″ - 65 cm ball
• 6′0″ to 6′7″ - 75 cm ball

The Physioball Exercise Ball is a larger ball that was created specifically for physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. This line of balls is available in 85 cm, 95 cm, 105 cm, and 120 cm sizes.

Exercise balls also make great office chairs and have began popping up in offices everywhere. When sitting on top of the exercise ball, the instability requires you to sit up straighter and engage your core muscles to stay balanced. This allows you not only to improve your core, but also your balance, posture, and coordination. Items such as the FitBALL Holder and the FitBALL Stand transform any exercise ball into an office chair. The FitBALL with Feet, and the SitSolution Maxafe line of exercise balls feature small stabilizers that make the ball great for sitting.

Most exercise balls come packaged in a box or bag and require proper inflation before use. Products such as the FitBALL Pump inflate your ball to the desired level. More inflation makes the ball more unstable creating a greater balance challenge. For an easier balance ball experience, slightly under-inflate the ball.

For help with your exercise ball routine, check out Dazadi’s line of fitness DVDs and Books.

After carefully choosing the right ball, you can join this great fitness craze. The exercise ball is ideal for a variety of uses and allows you to be creative with your exercise routine. So, get on the ball and roll your way into a more fit and toned body!

As the summer approaches, children across the country are getting ready for their annual season of little league. Considered to be the national pastime, little league baseball began in the 1930’s and has since gained national and international popularity. Many children even grow up to play ball in high school, college, and beyond. With a growing amount of competition, many coaches and athletes are searching out ways to improve their hitting and fielding skills. Many turn to pitching machines.

Invented in 1987 by Charles Hinton, the pitching machine has become a staple at many parks, universities, and baseball training facilities across the country. Hinton’s original machine was powered by gunpowder and is now available in different styles, power sources, prices and difficulty ranges. At Dazadi, we understand how important it can be to find just the right pitching machine at just the right price. Fortunately, we offer a wide range of machines to choose from.

Some children begin playing baseball or tee-ball at a young age. Pitching machines that include a soft-toss feature are perfect for these rookie players. Machines such as the Heater Starting Pitcher Pitching Machine deliver pitches at slow speeds to help build confidence with flying pitches. Machines that toss lite-balls, which are made of lightweight material are also great. The Heater Slider Pitching Machine and the Crusher Curve Pitching Machine toss lite and mini lite-balls that are usually sting free and capable of home use.

In little league, coaches can look to machines that deliver a wide variety of pitches to grow with the players who use them. Heater features a great line of machines that are fairly inexpensive, portable, and easy to use. The BaseHit and the Heater Baseball feature a variable speed control so you can adjust the speed as necessary.

In high school and beyond, the ATEC line of pitching machines are more advanced and offer a wide range of pitches at high speeds. The Casey Pro Baseball Pitching Machine and the Power Hummer Baseball Pitching Machine are versatile and can deliver pitches up to 100 miles per hour!

Of course, we didn’t forget about the girls. Softball pitching machines such as the Heater Softball Pitching Machine and the Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine are portable, easy to use, feature a variable speed control, and ball feeder to deliver consistent pitches.

Whether you are seeking to improve your own batting skills, or you are helping your little leaguer develop a love for the American game, pitching machines can be a great tool both at home and on the field. So, choose the right machine, pick your favorite practice spot, and play ball!

Yoga, as it is commonly understood today, refers to Hatha Yoga, a branch that uses postures or “asanas”, to clear the mind and strengthen the body in preparation for mediation. Hatha Yoga seeks a balance between the mental and the physical. In theory, it pursues a harmony between opposing forces such as fire and water, female and male, darkness and light. Hatha Yoga’s holistic approach to enlightenment is sought via physical postures (”asanas”), purification procedures (”shatkriyas”), poses (”mudras”) yogic breathing (”pranayamas”), and mediation. Hatha Yoga presents an excellent way, in today’s hectic and stressful environment, to relax your mind, lessen your anxiety, improve your balance and achieve a healthier perspective.

Although Yoga itself refers to traditional meditative practices from both Buddhism and Hinduism, Hatha Yoga is by far the most popular branch or system of study. Because Yoga seeks to control the senses and clear the mind, Yoga classes help shift your focus from your worries to your breath, from everyday distraction to one single pose, from disordered to directed energy flow. This concern for overall wellness has been known to lessen stress, reduce chronic pain and even regenerate healthy tissue. Yoga provides superb exercise and can be practiced at home with Yoga DVD’s or in classes led by a credentialed instructor. Poses are performed using Yoga Mats, and are often coupled with Yoga balls, Yoga blocks and Yoga bolsters for greater accuracy and therapeutic benefit. We at Dazadi.com, in our endeavor to help you enjoy life to the fullest, offer a great variety of yoga equipment. Our JFit Skidless Yoga Mats provide exceptional stability for even the most challenging poses and come in fun, soothing colors. For example the JFit Skidless Elements Mats, and the JFit Premium Skidless Floral Printed Mats feature attractive, original designs. JFit’s Eco-Friendly Mats are lightweight, durable and biodegradable! Yoga teaches an awareness of and concern for the world and one’s place in it. JFit’s environmentally-conscious products contribute to that overarching interest.

Foam Rollers are also a great way to strengthen and condition your body. Foam rollers are used especially for physical therapy, as they improve balance, flexibility and muscle rehabilitation. JFit manufactures several good quality foam rollers such as the JFit Basic Round 36’’ Foam Roller and the super-comfortable JFit Premium Textured High Density Foam Roller 36” Round . This durable high density roller is also great for Pilates training, as it helps you exercise and strengthen your core muscles. TKO also produces tough, long-lasting foam rollers to enhance core flexibility and improve muscle stabilization.

Yoga exercises can help you attain a sense of peace and control outside of the classroom or home gym. Use meditation and breathing exercises to reduce tension while at work, school or on the go. Develop your balance and flexibility to improve day-to-day endurance. Set aside personal time at least one day a week for a fitness style that builds both body and mind!

Home workouts are an attractive option for an increasing number of people these days for various reasons including the cost of health clubs and the lack of privacy in a public gym. People also enjoy the ability to workout whenever they choose in the comfort of their own home.

When setting up a home gym, the most important thing is to choose the right equipment for your needs. The main feature of your home gym is probably going to be a cardio fitness machine, which can help you build strength and endurance. This is also is a great way to warm up before lifting weights or engaging in any other exercise activities.

This article gives a brief review of some high quality exercise equipment you may desire to purchase including exercise bikes, elliptical machines (also called elliptical trainers) treadmills, rowing machines, and other home gym equipment. Read the rest of this entry »

Investing in your own pool table is a purchase that can provide the enjoyment of billiards for generations to come. Knowing what you want in a table and the kind of space it will occupy will help you hone in on the perfect pool table for you. Here are a few aspects to consider when making your decision. Read the rest of this entry »