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PVCBendit: An Awesome Tool for Bending PVC Pipe
Every now and then, a product comes a long that has been needed for so long that people have forgotten that they need it. What i mean is, PVC is straight and mostly inflexible. PVC Fittings were invented to do the work of go left, go right, go down, go up. PVC fittings can be expensive, however. Maybe not so much for smaller diameter pipe, but when you get up into the 2 inch and above pipe, PVC elbows, and 45s start increasing in price. What if you could almost eliminate them? You can with the PVCBendit tool.
Sometimes there are plumbing situations where bending pipe is almost a necessity. You could have an odd angle that just isn’t covered by the standard PVC 90′s, 45′s etc, or you may not have space to use them. If you have a PVCBendit on your truck, you can literally create any type of bend right there on the job.
Bending PVC on the job has been done before. Some contractors, electricians and plumbers resort to using torches to heat the PVC on the outside to render it pliable. The problem with torches is that you can easily burn the pipe if you are not extremely careful. It is also a pretty bulky apparatus to carry around in your truck. There are warming blankets and heater boxes as well, but they are not cost effective and can only bend 3′ of pipe.
The PVCBendit works differently than any other tool created for bending pipe. It heats the pipe from the INSIDE. This allows a more even heat transfer, and makes the pipe so flexible and easy to form into the shape you need. The PVCBendit coils up like and extension cord when you aren’t using it,
If you use a particular shape regularly, you can use a jig to create and duplicate common shapes that you may run in to on the job. Creating jigs for projects allows easy duplication of a particular arc, or complex bend you may need to use for a project.
The PVCBendit can revolutionize PVC projects. Many people create things using PVC pipe. Its a cheap and available building material for construction. The changes afforded by the PVCBendit are limited only to your imagination!
The PVCBendit is available in 2 types. The type “A” PVCBendit will bend from 1/2 inch to 1.25 inch pipe diameters. It is available in 3′, 6′, 9′, and 18′ lengths.
The type “B” PVC Bendit will bend from 1.25 inch pipe up the 3 inch pipe with the addition of a metal sleeve, that helps maintain the pipe integrity. The Type B is also available in 3′, 6′, 9′, and 18′ lengths.
Rumor has it there is a type C coming soon that will bend even larger diameter pipe!
For more information, visit PVCBendit.com. If you are in Florida, or even if you are not, check out HydroProSales.com. They rep the product and are more than willing to answer questions. They have the PVCBendit packaged for particular uses. They have an Electricians Pack, which includes a 3′ Type A Bender, with a “Benders Friend.” The Benders Friend allows you to create sweep 90s easy for 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch PVC Conduit.
For Pool Contractors, they package a 6′ Type B PVCBendit with a 2 inch sleeve, useful for creating bends in larger diameter pipe.
The story was big.. Dog Rescued From Freezing Waters… First the video of the heroic rescue.
So it was natural for NBC Local Affiliate KUSA Colorado, and news anchor Kyle Dyer to want to interview the owner and fawn over the dog, a huge Dogo Argentine. Sure it was. But no matter how much you “love dogs” Its pretty darn stupid to think that a huge nervous dog that doesn’t even know you, is going to want you to kiss it in front of the camera. I mean really! Get down on the floor and put your face right up there? That’s a dog attack in the making! Totally senseless stupid act.
Dogs bite in fear. Dogs even bite their owners in fear. So…here is this huge strong “protection type” dog brought into a tv studio, a totally strange environment to him, with lights and wires and cameras, lots of people, and a crazy woman fawning all over his face. Then she tries to kiss him? Incredible! And it happens just that fast folks. You don’t know a dog? And perhaps even if you do….don’t put your face anywhere near his mouth. It’s totally stupid and asking for trouble.
If you own a dog, even a docile one, don’t allow people to put their face near his! People will do the most idiotic things around your own dog. Does he bite? Is a frequent question I get when walking my Border Collie. I always say.. you never know! Because I don’t know. He always has strange behavior around children, and children want to do things like HUG your totally strange dog. It’s an accident waiting to happen and as a dog owner, you have the responsibility to protect people from your dog, and to protect your dog from people he doesn’t know.
The fact that someone may “love dogs” is the best reason in the world to be cautious around animals they don’t know and who don’t know them! Even that might not save you. It didn’t save the custodian at a school close by, who’s face was ripped off by his own pet pit-bull while he slept (he was snoring.)
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
