You’re Late! Keep Up on Spa Chemicals!
Pressed for Time?
Nobody enjoys being late, but for some of us it just comes along with being human… especially on Monday. Every morning in my house reminds me of a movie in fast-motion. One minute I am laying in bed snoozing my alarm, and an hour later I have gotten myself ready, the kids ready, packed lunches, taken the dogs out, made breakfast, drank 2 cups of coffee, dropped the kids at school, and am rushing to make it to work on time. Needless to say, it’s a miracle if I make it to work any earlier than 9:05am.
The Back Burner
Nobody likes to be rushed, but when we are we tend to put less noticeable things on the back burner. For example, I am sure there has been a time when you were planning to put spa chemicals in your hot tub, but were in a pinch and decided to use your time to cook for the family instead.
It’s vital to stay on top of the upkeep of your spa maintenance. There are agents and treatments that can be put into your hot tub with regular maintenance that can keep the water crystal clear. If you can add this chemical as a normal hot tub maintenance feature, you will enjoy crystal clear water and always be a step or two ahead of the hard water calcium build up that can turn even the cleanest water cloudy. If I have ever given good advice in my lifetime, here it is: always keep a backup supply. When you’re crunched for time like many of us are in this crazy world, a little extra stock won’t hurt anybody. I know you will be glad you did!
Unexpected Spa Leak Visitor
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An Unexpected Visitor Over the weekend, we were surprised with an unexpected visitor… not exactly the kind of visitor I wanted to deal with all weekend – a spa leak! No one likes a leak. Leaks cause stains, slippery surfaces and as it pertains to a hot tub, an unwanted commitment to cleaning up and consistently refilling the spa. However, there is no choice but to deal with it. |
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Deal With It Before going crazy trying to find a leak there are a few places to always check. In most cases, a leak can be easily identified and resolved. 1. Check the heater unions - These unions are usually only hand tightened and may come loose from vibration. Check for water and tighten as needed. 2. Check the spa pump unions - Again these are typically hand tightened. Check for water and tighten as needed. 3. Air Control Valves - These valves are knobs found on the flange of the spa that increase the pressure coming out of the jets. If you have turned too many spa jets off, the force of the water will need relief and will try to escape out through these valves. If you find water beneath an ACV, make sure all the spa jets are in the “open” position.
No Luck? Now its time to check the plumbing, but remember that water has a tendency to “run downhill”. Just because you see water at the front of the spa doesn’t mean thats where the water is coming from. It may be coming from the back of the spa and running to the front. Once you find the starting point, it will be important to find the source. Search the spa plumbing with a flashlight for any water on the plumbing itself. If that does not provide a clear direction, slowly run your hand over and around each spa jet and plumb line until your hand gets wet. Some leaks are very elusive. If after checking everything else, the leak has not been found, try looking under the spa cover. That’s right, under the spa cover! If after a complete inspection the leak has not been found, call SpaShopper at 866.829.3660! They live for this stuff and I’m sure you’ll be glad you did! |
Hot Tub Power
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Infinite Power Just wanted to spend a little time making a service announcement regarding hot tub use. We all know the benefits of using a hot tub, but were you aware of the risks associated with not using a hot tub? I thought not. Removing the hot tub from a person’s regimented therapeutic routine can have disastrous effects. Here are three things that can and will happen.
The Right Thing When looking for infinite power, look no further than your backyard. Find the time to recharge your batteries and keep your mind sharp. Soak daily and stay ahead of the pack. You might be glad you did! |
Compliment Your Hot Tub
Complement Your Hot Tub
Buying a hot tub is a great value for entertainment and health purposes. Why not complement your spa with additional accessories that can greatly enhance the enjoyment? Consider the following suggestions.
Hot Tub Cover
For safety, maintenance, and cleaning reasons, purchasing a hot tub cover can be considered more of a necessity. Covers keep out unwanted bugs, debris, and people (just like pools, having neighborhood kids “hot tub hop” can be a legality issue). In addition to a cover, consider purchasing a lock, which truly keeps all unwanted parties out.
A cover lifter can also facilitate hot tub security and use. Hot tub cover lifters can be attractive, efficient, and come with extras such as towel hooks.
Patio furniture
Many people purchase hot tubs to augment the ambiance of their yards, decks, or patios. Patio furniture such as gazebo bars, patio benches, and round tables with chairs can complement the aesthetic look and entertainment offered in an owner’s yard. You can even build your furniture around your hot tub which is the center piece.
Accessibility Help
Hot tub use is not limited to those with long and short-term injuries or mobility issues after implementing a hot tub lift. Pool and hot tub lifts enable all owners to enjoy their hot tub spa whenever they wish.
Aromatherapy
Many spa owners supplement the relaxation their hot tub grants them by implementing aromatherapy beads. Aromatherapy is championed by many in regards to facilitating well being and a calming experience.
Take advantage of the many accessories that are available on SpaShopper.com.
You know you’ll be glad you did!
What Does Valentine’s Day Mean to You?
Some hate it, some call it a Hallmark Holiday, and some love it (no pun intended!) So where did this holiday come from?
Did You Know..?
- Girls of medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine’s Day to make them dream of their future spouse.
- In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression “to wear your heart on your sleeve.”
What’s with Chocolate?
- Casanova, well known as “The World’s Greatest Lover,” ate chocolate to make him virile.
- More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine’s Day.
- Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day in the U.S.
Who Bought Your Flowers?
- 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.
Take a Soak!
If you are stumped on what to get your sweetie, Scrub the tub, fire up the spa jets, light some candles, adjust the water temperature, put some mood music on, add some aromatherapy scent, turn on the tub lights… You’ll be glad you did!
Keeping Hot Tub Water Clean
Are We Lovin’ It?
McDonald’s announced last week that it has stopped using ammonium hydroxide in the production of its hamburgers. This chemical, used in fertilizers, household cleaners and even homemade explosives, was also used to prepare McDonalds’ hamburger meat. While this announcement has been headlining all over the place, you may (or may not) want to know about some other disturbing additives being used in foods that you may eat daily.
It’s All About Better Ingredients
Everywhere we look: Restaurants, TV, billboards, product labels, grocery stores. Go Green, All Natural, Organic, 100% Real is the new way to go. This should not only apply to what you put into your body, but also what you put your body into! (Like your Spa water!)
So, How Often Should I Change the Spa Water?
Every person who enters your spa will leave behind sweat,dead skin and body oils (This could be referred to as the Hot Tub Industry’s “Pink Slime”) Aside from the gross factor, changing the spa water will keep this type of gunk from building up on vital spa parts. This is even more crucial if you have a large bather load.
Moral of the story, folks… Stay ahead of the game, drain your water regularly, and stay away from the Pink Slime. You will be glad you did!
5 Ways Your Hot Tub Can Hurt You
With the holidays just passing, there is always lots of family around. Often the hot tub will be used by others who may not know their way around a spa. Here are five ways a hot tub host can prepare for guests.
1. Keep your spa chemicals up – If you are expecting a heavy bather load (hot tub party!), its best to boost your spa sanitizer levels in preparation. There is nothing worse than an outbreak of hot tub rash (folliculitis) to ruin a holiday.
2. Keep the spa temperature below 100 degrees – This little regarded tip is extremely important for small children, pregnant women or anyone with heart problems or high blood pressure.
3. Check your slippery spots – Just because you are accustomed to navigating around your hot tub, doesn’t mean your guests are. A mat at the entry/exits points and runners in the walkways will help to avoid a nasty fall. A set of wide hot tub steps will give the boost needed to get over the edge and into the water.
4. Don’t overdo it! – Too much alcohol can ruin a nice get together. Remember the effects of alcohol are four times stronger while soaking in a spa.
5. Stay hydrated – Keep lots of hydrating beverages available to your guests. Children especially will need to be monitored for dehydration. Be sure they get lots of fluids.
The holidays are a great time to get together. Take time out to make sure your hot tub is a safe and fun part of your time together. You’ll be glad you did!
My Spa is Taking Too Long to Heat!
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Lifeguarding Your Spa
As Will Farrell and Jim Carey display here [www.funnyordie.com], the idea of lifeguard keeping a diligent watch over your hot tub is pretty silly. However, the need for safety cannot be ignored. Those who own a multi-person hot tub need to follow safety precautions just as much as those who own small-sized hot tubs. Here are some “lifeguarding” tips:
Hot Tub Safety Tip 1 – Keep Watch
Regardless of a user’s profile (they can be a ten-year-old music prodigy or your thirty-year-old son that still lives in the basement!), make sure those using the hot tub are supervised. Most people think of children in regards to water safety; ‘Adults’ are not immune to accidents – they need supervision too.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 2 – Limit or Ban Drinking
We want our hot tub customers to enjoy themselves in their own fashion, but encourage them to drink responsibly when using their tubs. Being in a hot tub for some time can make a person feel dizzy or become lightheaded. Those symptoms, in conjunction with drinking, may not mix well with safety.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 3 – Be Aware of the Tub’s Structure
All hot tubs are not created equally. Shapes, sizes, depth of water are all things that vary among different hot tubs. Make users aware of the location of drains, jets, filters, and other elements of your hot tub.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 4 – Respect Mother Nature
The chances of getting hit by lightning are slim- but it does happen! We would rather see you win the lottery, so we encourage you to please stay out of the hot tub before, during, and immediately after a storm.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 5 – Be Prepared
Keep a first-aid kit somewhere close to your hot tub. In addition, knowing CPR would not be a bad thing. It is best to seek certification!
Don’t drink the…?
