Archive for the ‘Hot Tubs’ Category
The Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas, held this past November 2 through 4th was small but mighty. I can remember in days of old taking 2 full days to get through all of the exhibits, specially chatting with friends and vendors along the way. This show, after 5 hours we'd walked it through. Not that we'd done all of the business we came to do, but the entire exhibit area had been covered in an amazing initial swoop and we headed for a bar.
The attendees seemed actively engaged in negotiations with various vendors and everyone was looking for" the" new thing that they could bring home to their stores. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits were definitely present on the scene as well as a nice sprinkling of spas, saunas, chemicals, accessories, fiberglass pools, and perhaps a few of the elusive "it" products.
Leisure Concepts occupied the most real estate on the floor, showing off not only their popular Covermate spa cover lifters, steps, rails and umbrellas, but also , a new line of very sturdy steps for swim spas. The big product though, and their reason for the real estate purchase was their brand new Spa Cover Line The Smartop, a completely new product in the spa cover market. Made from foam sandwiched between PVC decking with a molded radius. it IS a pretty product. The Smartop is priced about double the cost of a vinyl "walk-on" type cover and is not completely customizable as a typical vinyl walk-on or vinyl/foam cover either. For the high end market of customers seeking a heavy duty durable cover, in the sizes it's available, it fits the bill.
For customers seeking new hot tub line, the hot tubs were there and in force. Bullfrog, Sunrise, Premium Leisure, Viking, Coast, Caldera, and more. Mona Lisa from China brought over an amazingly huge, impressive swim spa. Of all the hot tub lines, and it's hard to put this diplomatically, but once you saw the Coast Spas Cascade line, the others just seemed anticlimactic. Coast with their innovative and patented negative edge spas, with waterfalls that really seem luxurious, are just the slickest hot tubs out there folks! I've loved Coast Spa since the first time I layed eyes on them over 10 years ago. It's a beautiful product and it's a shame there are not more Florida Coast Spa dealers, but their factory is on the opposite end of the country so freight must be huge. Of the absent spa manufacturers, Jacuzzi was the most conspicuous. While Watkins was there with their Caldera line, there was not a Hot Spring spa on the floor. Cal Spas didn't make the trip either.
A busy booth was the Lava Heat booth.. They manufacture a spectacular patio heater with a shooting flame that can be dialed in 4 foot high. I"m sure it's a popular item for outdoor restaurants, and any commercial area that needs outdoor heat. For private patios and poolside when one want to make a warm blazing statement, consumers can't go wrong with this choice! Remote controlled with 3 different heights the shooting flame is safely behind a clear tube which also protects it from wind. It is an awesome spectacle and a great improvement on the gas patio heaters from even a couple of years ago. Retail on the Lava Heat patio heater is in the neighborhood of 1700 bucks. To see it in action, visit the LAVA HEAT website
Next year the Pool Spa Patio Expo will depart with it's recent tradition of holding all trade show events in Las Vegas and is bound for New Orleans, a good change.
Too see an exhibitor list from the recent Las Vegas show, Visit the Pool Spa Patio Expo Website
As hot tub pranks go.. this is a mean trick but will make you laugh!
Hot Tub Covers: The “Must Have” Hot Tub Accessory
Spa Covers are essential to maintain hot tub heat, keep out debris, and provide a safety layer to prevent children from unsupervised use. When buying a new hot tub cover, you want to choose a cover that will be insulating, custom fitted and have strong locking straps. Today buying a hot tub cover involves a few options you will want to know about and consider before placing your cover order.
In the past, the early hot tub covers were flat and 2 inches thick. The huge problem with a flat spa cover is that if it is outside, it will suffer the weight of rain and snow, eventually sagging in the middle. Once a hot tub cover is regularly in contact with the water on the inside of the hot tub the constant soaking is going to cause the styrofoam core to absorb water. Your cover becomes almost impossible to remove, even with a cover lifter. Heavy, falling apart spa covers are no fun. You may be replacing yours right now because that cover is waterlogged and weighs a ton. The good news is there have been many design improvements to try and solve the problem of water absorption and collapse. Plus improvements in marine vinyl and UV inhibitors, have increased the life span of the outer vinyl skin of your hot tub cover as well.
These improvements have created more options so ordering a hot tub cover online or even with a dealer will involve making decisions on the thickness and taper of the cover as well as the foam density. Before you order, you might want to get familiar with these options so you can make a good buying decision based on your needs. The following is some help in choosing from the available options for hot tub covers.
Choosing Thickness, Taper and Foam Density
Today, the best hot tub covers are tapered. In fact, you typically have more than one choice on your spa cover’s taper. In terms of cover price, usually the least expensive is the 4″ to 2″ taper. Even the 4 to 2 is a big improvement over flat! Other popular tapers are the 5″ to 3″ and a REAL tough guy the 6 to 4. The widest part of the hot tub cover’s taper is at the seam or hinge. This is always in the middle of the tub and gives the hinge something to lean against: it’s opposite on the other side. The outside taper works great for water runoff. Since the middle is essentially crowned, water runs off instead of puddling. The thicker tapers are great for outside hot tubs that may be subject to snow loads. The really good spa covers reinforce their high stress areas with a galvanized C channel for extra stability. Be sure the one you order has this important reinforcement.
Each of the spa cover tapers above have foam density options too. Foam density is selected by pound of density. The weight bearing aspects of the cover will change with higher foam densities. So does the R factor and does the weight of the spa cover. The most common foam density choices are 1lb, 1.5lb, and 1.75lb and 2lb. The 1lb options is often your standard choice. The 1.5 foam density will notch up your options and price. Price increases with foam density options. Is foam density worth the extra money when buying a spa cover? It depends on your family, your lifestyle and where you live. If you experience bitter winters? It is definitely worth the extra money for the extra strength and R factor. If you live in warmer climates, you can probably get by with the 1 lb density on a 5 to three inch taper. The 1.5 density is extra insurance.
Protecting the Styrofoam: How Much Do You Need?
The styrofoam insert in a hot tub cover is subject to much abuse. It is constantly bathed in steam laden with chemicals, varying pH levels and is very subject to absorbing water. Wrapping the core with plastic wrap has been the answer to this old problem. SpaCover manufacturers use clear plastic wraps to protect the styrofoam. This wrap should be heat sealed to be effective. Some manufacturers offer the option of a double wrapped core. This is double protection, and worth the extra bucks. Be sure that this wrap is at least 6 Mil thick!
Look for Quality Marine Vinyl and Colors
Most manufacturers do not allow a choice of the grade of marine vinyl. They choose their wares and colors and go from there. All marine vinyl is not created equal however and you should look for covers made with marine vinyl in the 30 oz category. UV inhibitors should also be a component of the vinyl from the cover maker you choose.
As far as spa cover colors go, there are at least 12 different colors available, enough choices for any designer pallet!
The “Flaps”
The part that hangs down from the cover over your hot tub flange is called a flap. These should fit to the bottom of your hot tub flange. Make sure you take note of measuring instructions for the flaps. Usually up to 6 inch is standard, over 6 inches will incur an additional charge.
Sewing and Stitching
Sewing and Stitching is not equal from cover maker to cover maker and most do not offer options. It’s important that you take note that not all companies sew the same way! Since the stitch is what keeps the hot tub cover together, you want to know that your hot tub cover is well sewn. Don’t buy a hot tub cover that is NOT triple stitched for strength in all of high stress areas: seam, handles, and locking straps.
Where Do You Want Your Locking Straps?
The locking straps should not be an “option” They should be standard equipment. Most manufacturers will have a standard location for them but can be flexible where they are located. It will probably be impossible to match up existing strap locations exactly. But hardware is always included with the cover, and the receivers for the straps are very easy to install.
Cover Lifters: Easy Help with Your Hot Tub Cover
You’ve got one right? If you don’t, and it’s because you didn’t want to spend the money know that the price has come down on basic cover lifters. You can get them for 99 bucks now. Some of the economy models however do not work with every shape hot tub. If you have a rectangular hot tub you’re probably safe with a 99 dollar one. If you want more bells and whistles they certainly exist. There are piston assisted cover lifters, sliders, folders, and cover lifters that can actually stow your cover. Popular brands include Covermate, Cover Valet, Cover Rockit, and the Cover Caddy. They definitely make life easier and protect the cover itself from the stress of dragging, flopping it open and dropping it.
Do You Have a Waterfall or Speakers?
If you have a raised waterfall or popup speakers on your hot tub, there will be additional charges to accommodate them, and they must be accommodated. If you don’t include them on your spa cover order, your cover will not fit, so it is essential they are noted on the spa cover order.
A Word About Shipping and Receiving Your Spa Cover
Listen up because this is IMPORTANT! Shipping you your spa cover is a very significant cost of your cover order. Even if freight is “FREE” It isn’t free to the manufacturer. They’ve merely covered the cost when pricing the cover, sometimes at a loss of actual shipping charges. What you need to keep in mind is that when the trucking company receives the spa cover and pick it up, they sign that there is no damage. This means that IF your cover has visible damage when it is received, the trucking company is the responsible party. If there is any damage to the box or the cover within you MUST refuse the shipment. It is the only way the manufacturer can get reimbursement for the damage. Because of this, it is very important you are available to receive your spa cover yourself and inspect it immediately for damage. Spa covers are delivered by common carrier. They are too big for UPS or FedEx. Don’t take a chance of having the trucking company deliver without your presence. The manufacturer cannot accept claims for damage for which they are not responsible!
Investment in a New Hot Tub Cover Will Pay Off
Getting a new hot tub cover will make your life a lot easier. You’ll save money on electricity and perhaps will use your hot tub even more. A heavy cover is no fun to deal with. Considering that many folks use their hot tubs for hydro therapy and rehabilitation, the last thing you want to have to do is wrestle with your hot tub cover. You’ll get a lot more benefits from your hot tub if you actually use it instead of thinking that you just don’t want to go out and take the cover off!
Yes, a good hot tub cover is an investment. You’ll be spending between 250 (bare bones) and perhaps 400.00 for your cover. But nothing rejuvenates a hot tub more than a new spa cover in one of 14 colors! With the changes in design and advance planning of available cover options, plus understanding and selecting the right options for your needs, you’ll find that the new advances in spa covers will pay off and last longer under the same conditions. Warranties for spa covers are now in the neighborhood of 5 years. That speaks loudly to the change in quality. As always, cover abuse, will reduce the life of your hot tub cover. They are not designed to bear the weight of humans, or dogs, or horses, or llamas and the warranty does not extend to problems created by overweight conditions of snow load. Remember, warranties are for defects in materials or workmanship, not for a German Shepard chasing a cat across your spa cover.
Where To Buy a Great Spa Cover?
There is really not any one place, there is not just one spa cover manufacturer that makes a quality hot tub cover. As you search, just keep in mind what you learned about the options and other aspects of ordering. There is a company, HydroPro Sales Inc, who specializes in Cover Brokering. They represent a number of manufacturers and make sure you get the best quality and the best shipping rate. Even though many online companies say “free shipping” the shipping cost is added into the price and is a considerable portion of the cover cost. They make sure you are A) getting a cover from a good quality company and B) that you are getting it with the best freight rate for your area. They mainly perform this service for hot tub dealers, but they will help individuals as well. You can check them out at HydroProSales.com.
Have an interesting day all!
Beclecto
Is Your Hot Tub in the Path of a Hurricane or Tropical Storm?
Your hot tub is probably the least of your worries if your area is threatened by a hurricane or tropical storm. But whether you are evacuating or staying put there are a few chores to add to your list if you own a hot tub. At the top of the list is electrical:
Hurricane Hot Tub Electrical Chores
If you are evacuating you are probably already shutting off your main breaker to the house. Be sure to include the hot tub breaker at the main panel as well. (In fact, a good practice is to turn all circuit breakers off.) When you return and your power is restored, you don’t want the hot tub to come on just because you’ve turned on the main breaker.
If you are not evacuating, always, turn off the breaker to your hot tub. If you loose power completely, when it is restored, you do not want your hot tub to come on without your observation. There are often intermittent power outages and surges during a storm. You really don’t want to put your hot tub through those electrical surges and voltage drops. Turning off the breaker is the thing to do.
Starting Your Hot Tub After the Hurricane
Before the hot tub is energized after a storm you will want to inspect it for damage, and signs of flooding before you energize. You also will want to observe it’s start up procedures. If you believe your hot tub equipment area has been flooded, Do not energize the hot tub circuit at all. You can usually tell this by the debris line or water line in the equipment area. If there are signs that pump motors or control systems have been underwater DO NOT ENERGIZE. The equipment is most likely ruined and will have to be replaced.
Don’t energize your hot tub If the area around the hot tub still has standing water. You want to be sure that the area is dry before attempting a start up. Electrical shock can occur if there are problems with the hot tub equipment. Again, check for water levels at the equipment area before attempting a start up.
Protecting Your Hot Tub BEFORE the storm.
First of all.. do not drain your hot tub! In fact, leave it full. You want the weight of it. It may overflow but that’s better than it blowing over. Cover it tightly with your hot tub cover. Don’t just rely on the the locking straps. Reinforce the locking straps on the spa cover with additional ratcheting straps to hold it in place. These straps should be placed length and width and possibly doubled up. You want to try and keep wind from getting under the spa cover. If you have a tarp or an over cover, be sure it is tightly strapped down around the outside edge. Hot tub covers easily become giant flying objects that can damage your home or your neighbors home. Tie it down tight! If for any reason you can not secure your hot tub cover, Your best bet would be to bring it inside so it does not become a hazard if it blows off.
Hot Tub Water Chemistry Before the storm
It can’t hurt to add a little chlorine bleach or granular sodium dichlor to the tub before you leave. This is not critical as the tub may need to be drained after the storm but it is a supply of water that you may be grateful to have as a fresh water source for flushing toilets etc. upon your return.
Protecting Your Hot Tub From Windblown Debris
The standard practice of picking up all objects from your yard is important when trying to protect your hot tub. Obviously, in the worst case scenarios there will be flying debris in the air no matter what you do at your own property. But even though a hurricane may threaten you, you never really know where exactly it’s going to come ashore. The Hurricane Flags can be flying for your area and you may fear a direct hit, but 10 miles can make huge difference in the severity of a hurricane over your house! You always want to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. There is nothing you can do about the 100 year old oak tree that succumbs to the hurricane forces and lands on your hot tub. But, you can keep your trash cans, lawn furniture potted plants etc from battering your house or hot tub in a more minor storm event.
Prayers and Best Wishes to all Readers!
I know you wouldn’t be here at all, if you weren’t being threatened by a hurricane. My best wishes to you. Please let me know your experiences of the storm.. As a Florida native, I’ve prepared for 12 storms in my life, and never experienced a direct hit. I’ve had power outages, wind and rain, trees down but never serious damage. I pray your experience is the same!
Beclecto
Sometimes We Forget About Safety!
Hot tubs and spas are a popular retreat for many and why not? There is nothing in the world like the sensations one receives while enjoying a hot tub: Soothing heat, hydrotherapy massage, that “melting away” sensation that allows one’s mind to relax no matter what kind of a day you’ve had.
For many, a hot tub can be a respite from the pain of arthritis or sports injuries. For others a social centerpiece for their home, and for still others, a private escape and maybe all of the above.
It’s sometimes hard to even think about the safety aspects of your hot tub because so many good feelings are enjoyed there. But sometimes it’s the good feelings that might let us forget about certain safety issues. If you own a hot tub now or are considering buying a hot tub, this list of hot tub safety items can help us all be aware and reminded that safety is important around hot tubs. Read the rest of this entry »
