[Im thinking of giving up the gites.]

Just like to say we thought, then thought again, and gave up in favour of long term rental.

That way we only have to "muck out" once in a while.

Brilliant!

Best one for us was some Parisiens, who rented our "Gite Rurale" with an advertised emphasis on nature and wildlife, who took off after one night when they found a small bat, all of 1" long on a curtain.

Finished it for us.

[Winter Pool Covers]

Probably a bit late on this one but Hydro-Sud Direct for me. Mines tough and done 4 winters now with no sign of wear n tear, and didn't cost the earth. My mate who opens and closes lots of pools for ex-pats reckons its among best he's seen.

[Pool perimeter alarm]

If you haven't sorted it yet may I suggest a cheap laser level as a starting point to get all four pillars aligned prior to internal adjustment. Use washers under or over screws to re-level if necessary. If you have the lights working internally then it should be emitting beam, and mine has lights which come on or go off once correct alignment is found or lost. If you still have problems, I'm over in April opening up, be happy to help for some petrol money?

[Pool perimeter alarm]

Yep we had one of these. really p****d the neighbours off. We also had a fence, with lockable gate, and extra padlock.

Went down unanounced and found alarm disconnected,battery too, gate open, padlock hanging on fence.

Simplest solution. Lock it up, finish renting weekly as a gite with pool, rent house long term and use the grenier when we want to visit (with pool). Pure piece of mind - priceless.

Having said that, I used to be able to re - set beams annually pre-season, but I had waterproofed and insect proofed all entry points on initial installation.

[Legal Demand for Payment for Unfinished Overcharged Shoddy Plumbing]

I happen to know that (being in a former life Luvarmagnac the OP?) the matter. is in limbo.

The last shot fired was reminding the company acting for Monsieur Plombier, that the original devis does in fact state pipework hidden ( encastre), and that the work was done by an unqualified family member with no Siret. An offer was also made to settle in full all outstanding money on the facture once the work was completed by a qualified plumber (even the plumber himself), taking into account removal of unsatisfactory work, replacement to originally agreed and devi'd standard, repair, re-plastering and repainting of affected walls/ceilings etc, together with any loss of rental monies from the now "gite". Oh the building inspector was less than impressed.

Pays to play hardball. We get job done he gets money.