On Mon, 06 May 2013 07:41:10 -0700, wrote:

Also, some of the problems with the pole, ie the cracked plastic nut,
may be lessened by storing it out of the sun....

I must agree the sun does a LOT of damage!

For example, thermometers only seem to last a single year!
http://www2.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12866280.jpg

And, the strings on the floating dispensers always crumbles!
http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12866303.jpg

Even the vacuum hoses start falling apart in just two years!
http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12866318.jpg

Lest anyone say they can't make plastic last outside, witness
the recycling cans, which NEVER fall apart (even outdoors every
day and subject to tremendous forces when being dumped):
http://www2.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12866335.jpg

QUESTIONS for the problem solvers:

Q1: Do they make a thermometer that will last in the sun?
Q2: What strings do you use for your floaters anyway?