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In my original request for info I neglected to mention that the original paint is only six months old. The pool has been filled with chlorinated water all this time. The only problems are where the rust stain is and the small areas of no more than two inches long where my man brushed far too hard and wore a place out down to the concrete. So do you really think I should sand the whole pool? Surely a cleaning with some type of detergent and a double coat over those place and single coat all over should be enough.
I’m not making a statement here. I’m asking your expert advice. I really appreciate the long and full answer you gave earlier and I will save that valuable information for later.
If a detergent is indicated, what should that be?
Thanks
I have a pool that needs partial repainting. Two problems.
Someone dropped a piece of iron rod into the pool and there is a long rust spot. Can I sand just that area and then apply a coat or two coats without sanding the entuire pool?
My caretaker has been dilegently cleaning the pool – too diligently – and taken some paint off the bottom with a heavy handed broom swipe. Can I sand just this area and cover with one coat.
I’ve looked at EPA and found protecto pool paint. The paint department says I need two coats. Since most of the paint is still intact can I sand and repaint over the bad spots and then give the whole thing an additional coat?
Thanks for all the above info.
Russ seems to be trying to defend the dealer. At no time did I complain about the dealer. I can’t believe that Herbert made any money on this transaction and he has actually promised to pay for the car rentals which no American dealer would do. So he is really blameless. The only complaint I have with the dealer is that he took two months to do what should have been done in less than a week. But I don’t think I ever mentioned a problem with the dealer did I?
My problem was with Kattia and Russ’s lack of concern. Kattia may have contacted the dealer but neither Russ not Kattia has ever expressed any concern for me and they ignored my phone calls. Yes, I did not count the two calls Russ mentions. But in each of those calls Kattia promised to call me back in a few minutes and failed to do so. In my opinion then, they did not constitute phone calls. They were just promises to make a phone call. They even ignored Scott’s request for them to call me. WHY?
Perhaps legally they didn’t have to do anything more for me. I don’t know. But wouldn’t you think they would have been concerned and at least called to ask if they could help – or something?
I don’t want this thing to be blown out of proportion but I did think that people should know my experience.
I picked up one of those portables at EPA a month ago and find it great for my needs. I had my builder put a vent in each room with a cover that closes it off when not in use. I just move the thing (on wheels) to the room I want to cool and plug it in. I paid $700 for it and I’ll by a second one soon.
In my next house I will have central air, but this really works well.
Harvycarp is confused. What he is talking about is not an air conditioner. It’s a water vapor cooler. An air conditioner is an appliance that does not put more water into the room but takes it out. Therefore – yes – it does require an exhaust vent. When I built my house in Turrialba (see Scott’s listing), I told the builder to put 5 inch vents in the walls of each room. These are covered unless nmeeded. If I need A/C I can just connect the exhaust vent to the wall outlet. It works like a window A/C except that you can easily move it from room to room as needed. I don’t think we’ll need A/C but I’m prpared in advance if we do.
I have looked around for generators. Last time I was there EPA had three or four models. You’ll find two EPA stores one in San Pedro (the east end of San Jose) near the University. The second is in Santa Ana / Escazu. Each store is well advertised as you get near it. They’re just like a Home Depot with most of the same products at maybe 20% or 30% more than US.
GringoTico, you say “I can understand GPS applications for real estate valuation & assessments, utility lines placement, and other such uses, but if a tourist is using it to find their may out of a jungle, well, they already made a big mistake…
Well, I asked them specifically about using it for real estate purposes, boundaries, elevation of hills, etc and they were stumped. They had no answer. So, if it is no good for addresses and no good for real estate, what is it good for? Can it direct us to the bathroom at the airport?
I don’t like to pour cold water on anyone’s idea for a new business and, if it worked I would tell everyone about it. But I’m afraid this is going to be an expensive toy that just doesn’t work in Costa Rica.
I also tried to get information from them. They told me by Email that the whole country is set up for their system but when I asked for a specific place the Emails suddenly stopped coming. I had previously tried to talk to them on the phone but nobody answered. It’s my guess that you can rent their equipment but if it doesn’t work it’s your problem and, of course, no refinds. Yet another rip-off to steer clear of.
Ditto David C.
I’m a member and have found it well worth the money.No one organization can do everything No one organization is perfect. But in many areas they do a great job.I did try their real estate department however and I would highly recommend you to stay away from that one.Anyway Scott’s real estate connections are great. Try him first.Hi Scott: That’s where my money is and I didn’t know there was an English Speaking part of their website. I applied your link and still didn’t find it. I think it would be very helpful to a lot of us if we could indeed find it.
Thanks
DavidThanks Russ:
Must have been a computer malfunction. Anyway I’m glad to be in touch. I’ve sent a separate Email and hope to see you next week.
David
Anyone who has been in and out of Costa Rica for a year or two, or who has lived there for six months must have run into the propblem of ticos wanting to “tap into the Gringo wallet.” But my worst problems came from Americans. Thank God I was a little faster than them each time and I have so far not lost a cent. But you have to be on your toes all the time. May I also point out that I have been ripped off countless times in the United States.the only difference is that some Ticos feel we owe them something because we have more money than they.
On the other hand I would like to tell you about two Ticos who have proved to be absolutely the opposite. When I first bought property in Turrialba I eeded a translator to help deal with the builder. I found a young man in business in the town and he quoted a fairly high price for two days of work. Since then he and his partner have helped me build the first house by meeting with the builder and the architect and also with city officials and so much more. They took pictures on a regular basis as the building was going on and sent them to me in the States by Email. After the first two days they never asked for any money. I have transfered what i thought was reasonable from my Bank account to ther’s very few weeks and they have always been grateful and more than willing to help me.
My advice to any “Gringo” is, if it looks like they are starting to take advantage cut it off immediatley. Please don’t wait for things to spiral out of control.
I have offered a small cassita on my property to a family from the nearby village. The old man will be our gardener and our guard (with an electronic alarm in his house to let him know if anyone comes in the gate). But I’ll have a contract with him on a monthly basis. So he knows he has to keep his side of the bargain.
And, Scott, I’m glad you said that you have met a lot of good Jews since your one bad experience because I was starting to get a little worried at first. Real Jews are a blessing to the whole world. The others are not Jews at all, even if they do have a Jewish last name.
Rosseta Stone is quite good but difficult to move around and find what you want. Also it drives you crazy with repetition of things you really don’t want to see again.How many times do you want to see a picture of a kid bouncing a ball and have go over and over again saying the sentence with different color balls? Also, it is VERY EXPENSIVE
Rocket Spanish keeps sending me Emails but I’m not interested It seems to have too many non-usable phrases.
So many of these courses insist on giving useless phrases to learn. Who on earth needs to speak Spanish toa Customs agent at San Jose Airport. “I have nothing to declare.” Look at the signs. Go through the “Nothing to Declare Lane.” That’s all you need to know.
BUT There are two video courses that are absolutely fabulous.
One Step to Spanish is the best language course I have ever seen and I have learned several languages. It uses humor and a cast of lively, intelligent young people engaged in skits and situations that allow them to bring in numbers, greetings, grammar and vocalbulary. The grammar gets more involved as you go through the sets. It is absolutely the best. The only problem is that it comes only on Video Cassettes. I borrowed mine from the local library but you can also find the company on the web.
The second best is Spanish – “The Basics” and “Beyond the Basics” by “The Standard Deviants. Yes – a strange name for a group of very intelligent University people – again with a great sense of humor. This was also available at the library and is to be found on the web. Again, the only problem is that it comes only on Video Cassettes which many of us no longer use. On the other hand I think most people know someone who can copy those cassettes onto DVD, don’t we!
I have been a member for about a year and will be moving to CR in Feb/March. The membership is very well worth it. In addition to a lot of very useful information they recommend lawyers, accountants, etc. and if those people do not perform to standard the ARCR will knock on their door and demand an explanation. They also hold monthly seminars on a variety of usefull topics and an annual dinner dance, combined with another organization, which is where we met most of our San Jose friends. And those friends are a marvellous resource also.
I couldn’t do without this site and the wonderful knowledge of Scott, Dave McMurray, GringoTico, and many others. I equally would not want to do without ARCR. What a combination! What a wonderful country. Can’t wait to get out of the sad remains of the once great United States and start life over.
