Problem: Article: The pH of the water is essentially a measure of the level of acidity in the water. Total alkalinity is a measure of the water's ability to buffer and resist changes to the pH. More precisely, pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. Fewer hydrogen ions will cause the pH to spike. Total alkalinity's ability to measure the water's resistance is more accurately described as a measurement of "buffering capacity." When the alkalinity of the water becomes high or low, the pH will follow shortly after. Since the two are so closely connected, you will often need to correct both at the same time. You can usually tell when the pH and alkalinity of your hot tub are high based on the way it runs. When the alkalinity and pH get too high, chlorine-based disinfectants are less effective. As a result, the water quality deteriorates, causing build-up and other problems in the hot tub. Signs of high alkalinity include the formation of scales along the sides and bottom of the tub, cloudy water, skin irritation, eye irritation, and poor sanitary conditions. Similarly, signs of high pH also include poor sanitary conditions, cloudy water, the formation of scales, skin irritation, and eye irritation. The lifespan of the hot tub's filter will also decrease. Note that if you see corrosion, etched plaster, or stained plaster, the pH and alkalinity are probably too low. Rapid changes in he pH are often symptomatic of low alkalinity, as well. Even if you suspect that the alkalinity of your hot tub water is high, you should confirm your suspicions by testing the water with an alkalinity testing strip or kit. An ideal range for alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Total alkalinity should be tested before the pH. Similarly, even if you suspect that the pH of the water is high, you should take a precise measurement of the actual pH by testing the water with a pH testing kit or testing strips. The ideal pH range for hot tub water is between 7.4 and 7.6, but the acceptable range is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the water pH is higher than this ideal range, the water is too basic or alkaline.
Summary: Understand the relationship between pH and total alkalinity. Know the signs of high alkalinity and high pH. Test the total alkalinity of the hot tub. Test the pH of the hot tub.

Problem: Article: However you normally sleep, that's what you want to establish with your odd schedule pattern. If you usually sleep when it's dark outside, find a dark room. If you like to sleep with the TV on, make sure there's a TV where you sleep. Try to create a place that effectively mimics your normal sleeping place. Find an alarm clock that has alarms for different days and multiple times. If you are on an odd schedule, you may need more than one alarm clock to wake you up. Some alarm clocks have different settings for each day. Some alarm clocks (especially those on a cell phone) can be set to go off multiple times a morning--even if you turn an alarm off, the next one will come on. If you have a cell phone you may be able to find very sophisticated alarm clocks in your app store. Some cell phone alarm clocks make you answer math problems or scan a bar code in your bathroom before it turns off. Waking up on an odd schedule robs you of establishing a daily circadian rhythm. If you can't get up at the same time everyday your body may resist an alarm clock more readily. Set your alarm clock based on your needs. Try to wake up at as close to the same time everyday as possible unless your needs vary greatly. For example, if you can establish a regular sleep schedule--even if that means waking up hours before you need to be somewhere--you should do try to go to bed and wake up at the same time. This usually takes the form of another person. You may ask your partner to wake you up. Maybe a parent or child could call you on the phone to make sure you wake up. If you know you need to be up and in the car for a long trip you may simply sleep in the car. You may still be asleep halfway through the trip. Getting up and moving will make a big difference. Turning lights on or moving into rooms with already-awake people. You may think about taking a shower to wake yourself up a little more. Don't stay in bed though. It's too comfortable and sleep will draw you back. Get out of bed and get moving so your body will force itself to wake up so you don't hurt yourself walking around. Be careful of ideas like "If I don't turn the alarm off I won't fall back to sleep." If you are tired enough you might fall asleep with the alarm blaring. Do this enough and your alarm may not wake you up at all.
Summary: Establish a proper sleeping environment. Find an alarm clock with multiple alarms. Set up your alarm clock to meet your needs. Have a backup plan in place. Get out of bed as soon as you wake.

Problem: Article: Once you become licensed, you should decide where in Michigan you want to settle. If you like the hustle of urban life, you may be interested in helping businesses find a home in revitalized Detroit. If luxury and the outdoors are more your speed, you might be more interested in helping ski buffs find their perfect winter lodge in the Upper Peninsula. Commercial real estate will give you a lot of opportunities to visit different parts of the state, helping business owners find the perfect spot for their operation. You might help a Michelin-star chef find a spot for a new restaurant in Ann Arbor one day and settle a nonprofit into a warehouse space in Detroit the next! Residential real estate agents tend to focus on one area, becoming intimately familiar with the different neighborhoods, school districts, and other local amenities. By studying an area, you'll be able to recommend the perfect suburban starter home for a young family or a chic downtown loft for a busy professional. When you're first getting started, you can start building your portfolio by asking the people closest to you if they know anyone who is looking to buy a home. Your broker will also help you come into contact with potential clients. You may come across some buyers from out of the area who are thinking of relocating to Michigan but who are hesitant to take on lake effect snow. If this is the case, show them brochures of idyllic snow-covered landscapes, describe cozy white Christmases, and let them know that they'll adapt to the weather more easily than they think. Although Detroit was hit hard in the last recession, there's a reason it's now being called America's Great Comeback City. If you have a potential buyer who is wary about settling in Motor City, show them the new businesses that are helping the local economy to grow, especially around Midtown.
Summary:
Study the real estate market in different areas of Michigan. Choose to work in commercial real estate if you love to travel. Focus on residential real estate if you want to focus on one location. Build your portfolio by reaching out to your friends and family. Encourage buyers to embrace Michigan winters. Show clients the revitalization in Detroit if they are wary about its past.