Blogs
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Posted: April 30, 2014Hot tub covers keep the heat in your spa when it's not in use. There are several choices in features when replacing your hot tub cover. The easiest option may be to decide if you're happy with your present model and just replace it. While that's the easiest, it might not be the best option. Here are 5 things to consider when looking at new hot tub covers. Foam Thickness and Density How well a hot tub cover works often revolves around the materials in it. The interior insulation is typically foam. How dense it is dictates how well it does its job. A density of one pound is typical. The higher the number, the heavier the density. Use a higher density if your hot tub is going to brave below-freezing temperatures with some regularity in wintertime. Denser foam also makes the cover itself heavier. Keep this in mind if you'll be moving the cover manually. Spa cover lifters, like the Covermate II for example, can make ..Read morePublished on
April 2014
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Posted: April 29, 2014An ozonator is an advanced cleaning system that attaches to your hot tub. It's used in concert with a sanitizer to help reduce the number of particles and growth of bacteria. Set up an ozonator to lessen the need for standard hot tub chemicals such as chlorine and bromine. Why Use an Ozonator? If your family uses a lot of lotions, oils, hair products or cosmetics, you probably have a fair amount of contaminants and your water isn't very clear. An ozonator creates an electric charge that results in a gas called ozone that is driven through your hot tub system through the jets. The ozone disintegrates the dirt and oils. It makes the water clear. It also eliminates the ring of film that develops on your basin at the waterline. Ozonators are also a good idea for those with sensitive skin or who have allergic reactions to hot tub chemicals. Where It Lives..Read morePublished on
April 2014
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Posted: April 21, 2014One of the advantages of having a spa in your back yard is that you can use it whenever you want. This is especially important if you use it for aquatherapy. You don't have to worry about going to the therapist or to the local community center to take a dip in the whirlpool. If you suffer from muscle aches or arthritis, hot water has great benefits. There are also exercises you can do while you're soaking to help improve your range of motion and increase your blood flow. Be sure to check with your physician or therapist before undertaking an exercise regimen. Getting Acclimated – One of the greatest benefits of soaking in the hot tub is relaxation. When you first climb in, take some time to acclimate to the hot water. Relax your body and just enjoy the experience. Do the easiest exercises first and last. Make sure that the muscles doing the movements are submerged in the hot water. Stop if you experience ..Read morePublished on
April 2014
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Posted: March 26, 2014After a winter full of snow, ice and even rain, it's time to check on your spa cover before ramping up for the spring hot tubbing season. Over time, hot tub covers made from fabric can become worn. Sunshine, hot and cold temperatures, snow, wind and rain can cause the fabric and stitching to dry out. It's important to check on your spa cover periodically and give it some TLC before you develop problems. Cleaning You may find algae or water stains on your hot tub cover's exterior, especially if it's made of vinyl. Use a cover cleaner and conditioner to revitalize it. A sponge with a mild cleaning solution will do the job. A soft brush can help to remove any stubborn build-up or stains. Take some time to check and clean the underside of the cover too. First dry it off using old towels, and then spray it with Lysol or disinfectant wipes to kill any mold, mildew or bacteria. Let it dry thoroughly before putting ..Read morePublished on
March 2014
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Posted: March 24, 2014Relaxing in your hot tub is a great way to relax. When your water temperature is running too hot or too cold, this is usually an indication of a hot tub heater problem. Learning how to spot and troubleshoot the rare problems with the electric heater in your spa can save you time, money and frustration. Here are a few telltale signs and solutions when your hot tub's water temperature issues could be linked to your hot tub heater. A common solution to problems with your spa heater is to turn it off, letting it sit for a while, then restarting the whole system. If the problem doesn't correct itself, try some of the hot tub heater troubleshooting tips below. Water Is Too Hot • If the water is too hot to the touch, the problem may be as simple as checking the temperature setting and adjusting the thermostat. The standard recommended water temperature is 104 degrees F. ..Read morePublished on
March 2014
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Posted: March 17, 2014Keeping your spa clean is kind of like keeping your bathtub clean. You don’t empty it out as often as your bathtub, but it's important to give it a clean and shine whenever you do. A good rule of thumb is to clean your basin every time you drain and refill the water. This prevents staining of the shell and can prolong its useful life. Knowing when and how to clean your spa makes it easier to maintain. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning your shell. Frequency How often you should drain and clean your hot tub depends on what type of hot tub chemicals and which water system you are using. For example, if you use the ACE Saltwater System, you should drain the water from your spa about every six to nine months. A standard hot tub chemical system that uses a chlorine and bromine regimen should be drained and refilled every four to six months, depending on how frequently you use your spa...Read morePublished on
March 2014
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Posted: February 28, 2014One of the biggest causes of power outages this time of year is the build-up of ice or snow in trees. The branches become heavy and can break, taking out power lines. You should have a plan in place for your hot tub if you lose power for more than a few hours. Weighing Your Options Pay attention to weather forecasts for ice and snow, then make any necessary preparations to lose power. One reason ice can be so detrimental to tree limbs is because, according to research by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Forestry, accumulation can raise the branch's weight by as much as 30 times. Weak limbs and small branches subjected to one-quarter or one-half inch of ice are likely to fall. When ice accumulates up to an inch, larger branches fall under the added weight. Power lines in the path of falling trees and branches snap, leaving areas without ..Read morePublished on
February 2014
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Posted: February 24, 2014Are there days when your hot tub smells funny and you don't feel as relaxed and refreshed as you want to after a long soak? That can happen with some water care systems; it's not your spa. There are many different types of water care systems you can choose. Most spa owners simply start with the one mentioned in their owner's manual or whatever they pick up when they buy their hot tub, which makes sense to some degree. In reality, your spa should make you feel fresh, and it doesn't have to smell like chemicals or be a burden to constantly fight with the pH balance. If the relaxation factor isn't enough for you anymore, you water system is probably the culprit and you can remedy your issues pretty quickly. Poor Water System Symptoms There are three signs that it's time to consider alternative water systems. 1. Your skin is dry and itchy after a soak, and you don't want to go hot tubbing two days in ..Read morePublished on
February 2014
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Posted: February 21, 2014Your hot tub's control panel is an important hub of activity for your unit. It helps to regulate the temperature so that it's constant. It can be a forum for troubleshooting your hot tub if it's not acting properly. Sometimes the problem is not with other parts of your unit, but with the control panel itself. Whether you have a Hot Spot, Hot Spring, Caldera or other brand spa, here's a brief guide to troubleshooting your control panel. It will help you determine which of your Hot Spring, Caldera or Hot Spot parts need to be replaced if you're having control panel problems. Non-Responsive If your spa's control panel has seized up, it may be either the control panel or your circuit board. First check the control panel to see if it's wet on the inside. If it's wet on the outside, this is a good indicator that interior may be wet also. Moisture on the panel interior is another clue. Carefully remove any moisture ..Read morePublished on
February 2014
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Posted: February 20, 2014Some people naturally gravitate indoors when it's cold outside. Talk of wintry mixes, snowstorms and the polar vortex can put you into winter hibernation mode if you let it. One of the reasons you probably bought your hot tub was that the idea of staying warm and toasty when it's snowing outside is a cozy thought. While some hot tub owners typically stop using them and winterize their spas, it's really not necessary to hibernate. This time of year is the best time to use your spa. You just need to take a few precautionary measures and make a few changes in your routine to get the most out of your hot tub in chilly weather. Water Level If you don't use your spa daily, be sure to check the water level every few days. A low water level in cold weather affects hut tub pumps, causing them to shut down and stop moving the water effectively. As a result, hot tub heaters can't run and the water in your basin and pipes ..Read morePublished on
February 2014
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Posted: February 17, 2014Every now and then, you may come out to your hot tub and discover a giant blanket of foamy suds piled on top of the water. It can be an alarming sight to see. While the bubble bath won't hurt you, most people find it unpleasant. The main issues are to correct the problem and to hopefully determine the cause to prevent a repeat episode. Causes The most common cause of hot tub foaming is a foreign substance in the water. This can range from excess laundry detergent in your swimwear to a chemical reaction with lotions and hair products or using too much algaecide. Another common issue is soft water or a high pH balance. Prevention To prevent a hot tub foam outbreak, follow these tips: • Don't apply lotions to the skin within five or six hours of going hot tubbing. • ..Read morePublished on
February 2014
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Posted: February 12, 2014Hot tubs provide a convenient place to relax, unwind and ease aching muscles at the end of a long day. Many people appreciate spas the most during the winter, when the warm bubbling water offers relief from cold, wet and even snowy weather. The sensation of soaking in a hot tub when there's a wintry nip in the air is hard to resist. Proper maintenance and a few enhancements can make the experience even more enjoyable. Maintaining Proper Temperature and Water Level It takes longer for the temperature in your hot tub to reach and maintain an ideal setting in cold weather. Many modern spas have a controls included in the hot tub equipment that lets you switch the operation to a "no-freeze" mode. This control automatically engages the heating element whenever water temperatures drop below default temperature settings. If your spa has a timer-only control, experts recommend setting the timer to operate for around ..Read morePublished on
February 2014