Freeflow Spas Blog

Hot Tub Covers

If you are like me, you probably don’t think much about your hot tub cover unless it isn’t working properly or, it’s time for it to be replaced.  My cover is in direct sunlight for most of the day & therefore needs to be replaced about every three to four years since the sun tends to deteriorate the vinyl.  Until recently, there were not very many solutions for a long term durable hot tub cover.
 
One unique product is called “The Covana”.  This cover is a hard lid that looks like a roof which mechanically rises up above the hot tub when in use and acts as a gazebo.  Although this is not the cheapest solution, it’s designed to last for many years longer than a traditional vinyl hot tub cover.
 
Another interesting product is The EZ Top.  This is an automated hard cover that retracts into a cabinet located off to the side of your hot tub.   This option is also significantly more expensive than a traditional cover but will likely last much longer.
 
A new cover that has just been developed for Freeflow Spas is a combination of the internal components of a standard cover which give you great heat retention, with the addition of a tough, UV resistant exterior polyethylene shell which protects the cover from sun damage.  Additionally this hard shell cover can support more weight than standard covers & includes an integrated cover lifter.  Although the Freeflow hard cover and integrated cover lifter costs more than a traditional cover, you can expect to save money over the lifetime of your hot tub by not having to replace your standard cover every two to three years which can cost you $200-$400 a pop.  It is also the least expensive hard cover option on the market.  This design seems like such a sensible solution & I suspect you will find it available for other hot tub brands in the future.

Hot Tubs and Child Safety

Hot Tubs are designed to be fun, providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience.  Unfortunately, people forget about the danger hot tubs create when children have access to them without supervision.   

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2006, the last year for which data was available, 458 children ages 1 to 4 died in accidental drownings in the U.S., compared to 471 who died in cars.  Most of these drownings are in pools and inground hot tubs but above ground hot tubs can be just as dangerous when not properly secured.

Your first line of defense to guard against curious neighborhood children is the fencing around your yard.  Many building codes require high fencing around the yard that contains a hot tub.

Fencing is a good deterrence to keeping kids away from your hot tub but a crucial additional safety feature is a locking ASTM 1346-91 rated safety cover. Most hot tub retailers will not sell you a hot tub without one of these covers.  The locking safety cover will usually have latches that screw into the cabinet of your hot tub keeping your cover locked until a tool or key is used to remove it.  Additionally, make sure the cover is in compliance with the standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), this will ensure it can hold the weight of a child who might climb on top of the cover.

Children should never be left unattended in hot tubs, spas, pools or any body of water.  Even shallow pools of water can pose a hazard to small children and it only takes the amount of water in a drinking glass to drown them.  If the children are small, you obviously need to keep a sharp eye on them.  Older kids may just need someone present acting as a lifeguard.

Most above ground or portable hot tubs manufactured by reputable companies are very safe to operate and enjoy.  The hot tub industry is regulated by various safety standards designed among other things, to prevent accidental drownings caused by entrapment from the water intakes or suctions located within the hot tub.  Be sure to ask your hot tub dealer if the hot tub you intend to purchase has VGB compliant suction fittings and can show you the hot tub is ETL or UL approved. (Europe and Canada have other certifications)   

The Importance of Cleaning Your Hot Tub Filter

 Owning a hot tub is one of the nicest 'perks' you can give yourself. Relaxing alone at the end of a long day or inviting your friends over to share the fun are both benefits to hot tub ownership. As most spa owners know, it is very important the water in your hot tub is free from dirt or debris, so you need a reliable water filter. This is the vital part of any spa or hot tub for trapping the contaminants in the water and making it clean and fresh.

 

Remember that oil, soap of any kind, lotion, skin cream and hair are the worst enemies of filters, so avoid using these to maintain the clarity of your spa and to keep your filter working well for a long time.

Nothing is more important for your hot tubs water quality than the filtering system.  A dirty and clogged or worn-out filter will fail its job of trapping contaminants, and put strain on your spa's pump. Clean your filters with every water change and replace them annually.

 

Spa filter cartridges should be rinsed every two weeks (more often when the bather load is heavy). Use a garden hose, and apply the water stream at a 45-degree angle, making sure to dislodge all foreign matter by spraying between each pleat.  There are some nifty devices that attach to your garden hose that can make cleaning the filter super easy such as the Grime Blaster and Water Wand.  These devices also allow for deep removal of dirt and grime from the filter pleats, without damaging them.

At least every 3 to 4 months, and with EVERY water change, your cartridge should first be pre-rinsed with the garden hose, then soaked overnight (or according to package instructions) in a non-foaming filter cleaning compound such as Leisure Time's Filter Clean.  Then rinsed again and allowed to dry out.

Tips:

• Check the filter pleats for tears or holes - these allow dirt and debris to go past the filter - it's time for a new filter.
• Avoid laundry detergents and household cleaners-- you may have a major foaming problem with your hot tub if you use them.
• Use a product designed for cleaning pleated filter cartridges.
• Rotate your spa filters.  When cleaning, always rotate out your filters with a clean, dry spare.  With this system you'll never have to wait to use your spa, and your filters will last longer. Allowing filters to dry completely after cleaning will help destroy any resident microorganisms.
• We recommend filters be replaced every six to twelve months.
• Never use a power-washer or dishwasher to clean filter cartridges. The high water pressure will damage the media. Be gentle if you use a brush.
• Always follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions for removing and reinstalling filter cartridges.
• Ensure that you always have the freshest, clearest and cleanest water possible at all times by taking care of your filter and replacing it when necessary.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Hot Tub

I think we can agree that while we all like to soak in hot water, we don't want to get into hot water with high utility bills!  Here are some tips on how to save energy and energy costs:

Your Spa Cover

You wouldn't buy a house with no insulation in your attic would you?  Of course not!  Although the outside walls are insulated, up to 80% of heat loss is through the roof ~ heat rises, so that insulation in your roof is important in keeping utility costs down.  The same principle applies to your hot tub.  Even though most hot tubs today have insulated shells (full foam insulation or thermal panels), most of the heat loss will still be through the "roof" of your spa - the spa cover!

If your cover is in good condition, make sure the tie straps are snug and latched when the spa is not in use.  This will reduce heat leakage.
 
If your cover has deteriorated, heat leaks will occur at the hinge-fold and also on the spa shell rim due to improper seating of the cover edges.  A good cover will provide a "vacuum heat seal" keeping more heat in your hot tub.

If your old cover has become very heavy, this indicates water-logging of the foam-core insulation. A waterlogged cover will have almost no R-value, wasting your heating dollars.  A  high quality replacement spa cover will not only save energy, it will also last longer, be more resistant to water absorption, and improve the beauty of your spa.
 

Creating Windbreaks

Creating a windbreak around your spa is not just an attractive privacy solution.  Cutting wind exposure can also significantly reduce heat loss.  Shrubs, privacy panels, or fencing, as well as spa enclosures can all be effective windbreaks.

Vacation Mode

Turn down the thermostat when you are on vacation.  If you will be gone for a week or more during warmer months, you can set it at its lowest level or turn off the heater.  In freezing weather, some heating must be maintained to prevent freeze damage to the pipes and plumbing, unless the spa is winterized and water removed from the plumbing system.

Air Jets, Lights and Blowers
 
Turn hot tub jets off, when not in use     Air induction jets are wonderful features which provide soothing massage to the home spa experience.  But as they induce air into the spa water, they also lower the water temperature.  This heat will have to be replaced by the spa heater.

The energy impact will be minimal during bathing sessions,  but remember to shut-off air and water lights when the spa is not in use.

Powered Air Blowers used to be popular, but recently have been not been offered by as many manufacturers as in the past..  Not only are they loud (sounding like a vacuum cleaner!) air blowers consume a lot of energy, and will actually lower the water temperature rapidly by injecting cool air into the water, cooling down the water and wasting even more energy to heat it back up.

Filter Cartridges and Plumbing System
 
Clogged or worn-out spa filters will reduce the circulation of your spa water. This causes pump motor strain, and your heater element to perform less efficiently. Rinse off your filter at least every 2 weeks and soak your filters with every water change, every 6 to 8 weeks with non-foaming filter cleaning compound.   Replace annually to maintain your spa's peak performance.  The result is both energy savings and cleaner water.

When changing your spa's water, its also a good idea to flush the plumbing system and heater element with a cleaner such as Spa System Flush from SeaKlear. This will help maintain unimpeded water flow and help keep your heater element working efficiently by removing calcium build up on the heater element.

Conserve Water

Avoid wasting water, which would have to be replaced and reheated.  Repair any leaks and adjust jets so that you're not sending streams of hot water on to your deck.

Shopping for a New Spa

Sometimes the best approach is to replace an obsolete, energy wasting spa with a new one which can save 50% or more in heating costs, if you shop wisely.  There are several things to look for in a new spa with regard to efficiency. Don't overbuy horsepower. Some manufacturers play the jet and horsepower numbers game. They offer more and more jets, which require higher and higher horsepower (or multiple pumps) to feed the jets.

The design and engineering of a spa is much more important than the number of jets. A well engineered spa does not need a huge number of jets to provide soothing and vigorous hydro-massage. Remember, very large pump motors consume large amounts of power to run, and can result in huge power bills.

A federal standard for hot tub energy efficiency is in the process of being written but in the meantime, you can access the California Energy Commission website to see if the brand of hot tub you are interested in is listed and therefore conforms to their strict standards.  You can search by manufacturer, brand or model.  http://www.appliances.energy.ca.gov/QuickSearch.aspx 

Health Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub

The healing benefits of hydrotherapy have been known to many of the world's great cultures, with a history that dates back thousands of years.

Ancient Egyptians bathed in heated waters treated with flowers and herbs, while the Greeks believed that water therapy was essential to optimal health. In India, hydrotherapy was an essential ingredient to well-being, with treatments that included inhaling steam to optimize the respiratory system.

The Romans were famous for their hot spring baths, and developed architecturally magnificent healing centers built around the use of water for wellness. Much like today's spas, the Roman baths included heated pools used in conjunction with steam treatments. Japan and Germany have historically used natural hot springs for hydrotherapy in an attempt to treat medical conditions, enhance beauty, and promote healthy aging.

In its modern form, hot tub hydrotherapy has been found to be effective in treating muscle pains and stiffness, inflammatory disease, and the symptoms of daily stress. Particularly effective are spa hydrotherapy treatments that combine the components of heated water, water massage, and reduction of pressure on sore joints by decreasing body weight through buoyancy.

Massage works to relax muscles and relieve pressure on nerves. It also boosts circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process. It’s used to promote relaxation, release accumulated stress, and gently stretch connective tissues.

Some of the areas that hydrotherapy can really help are:

Arthritis

Approximately 43 million people in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis pain. The good news for these victims is that there are safe and effective ways to both minimize the discomfort and prevent further damage.

According to The Arthritis Foundation, “Regular sessions in your hot tub help keep joints moving. It restores and preserves strength and flexibility, and also protects your joints from further damage. A hot tub fulfills the need perfectly . . . providing the warmth, massage, and buoyancy that is so necessary to the well-being of arthritis sufferers. The buoyancy of the water supports and lessens stress on the joints and encourages freer movement.”  Source:  Arthritis Foundation

Better Sleep

Sleepless nights keeping you awake?  A soak in a hot tub can do wonders to helping you achieve a peaceful night’s sleep since the body’s core internal thermostat drops after leaving the water, which signals the body that it’s time to sleep.

Sleep improvement is promoted by the hot water’s relaxing properties – the buoyancy of water reduces body weight by approximately 90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles, creating the sensation of weightlessness. The hot, swirling water leaves you feeling both mentally and emotionally relaxed.

Back Pain/Muscle Injuries

Ask anyone who owns one and they will tell you that they feel better after using their hot tub. And there’s always been anecdotal evidence that the hot water and jets of a spa relieve back pain.

In 1995, a study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology offered evidence that hot tub therapy has both short– and long–term benefits for people with lower back pain. A later study, published in the Journal of Rheumatology by a group of researchers in France, showed that after three weeks of consistent hot tub therapy, examinations showed more improvement in the health status (as measured in pain duration and intensity and back flexibility) of the spa treatment group than of the medication-only group. After six months, significant improvement continued in the spa therapy group. In addition, their use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs had decreased.

The preceding research information was featured in the March–April 1996 issue of Arthritis Today.

Stress

The link between stress and illness should be of interest to anyone concerned with their health. We all have stress in our daily lives relating to work, family and society. Mental tensions, frustrations and insecurity are among the most damaging types of stress.

Affected by stress, the heart works harder, breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, and digestion slows. Nearly every process of the body is degraded. Since we usually can't avoid it, the key to dealing with stress is relieving it!

A soothing and relaxing soak in a hot tub can help counteract stress and its effects on the human body. It is the perfect antidote to a hectic and stressful lifestyle.

Heat, buoyancy, and massage are three key elements in your hot tub that combine to create a therapeutic, stress-relieving environment.

Family Time

These days, we are all running in different directions, and sometimes we’re lucky if we see our spouse or kids for ½ hour before bedtime. Many families don’t even have time to eat together. However, families that have hot tubs find that it brings everyone together like nothing else can. You’d be surprised how much your kids suddenly love hanging out with you when there’s a hot tub involved!

Romance

And what about when the kids go to bed? Wouldn’t you rather soak in a hot tub with your spouse than to sit on the couch and watch TV? Remember – no couple ever had an argument in a hot tub!

Relaxation

Then there are those times where you just want to shut the entire world off and empty out your brain. Imagine escaping to your backyard at night, by yourself, and just soaking the stress away, while you stare up at the stars?

 

* Heat dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to sore or damaged tissue.

* Buoyancy reduces body weight by 90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles.

* Massage works to relax muscles and relieve pressure on nerves.

Numerous independent studies have proven that a warm water massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural “feel good” chemical. Your hot tub will enhance your sense of well being, and leave you feeling fresh, clean, and ready to tackle life’s daily challenges.

Hot Tub Sanitation Without The Chemical Smell

 

  One of the realities of owning a hot tub is keeping the water clean and sanitary.  Along with a good filtration system, keeping your water in a usable and safe condition is rather easy.  There are an unbelievable amount of products for you to choose from but many of those containing bromine and or chlorine as the primary sanitizer will give your water a slight odor that some people find objectionable.  Below I have categorized some of the options available to you that will reduce if not eliminate the chlorine smell all together.

Ozonators

 Ozone systems are one of the most common types of sanitation equipment found in hot tubs today.  Ozonators produce, you guessed it, Ozone, which is a gas that when in contact with water, neutralizes biological contaminants reducing the amount of chemicals needed to treat your hot tub.  This will not eliminate the need for chemicals, just reduce the amount required.

Mineral Sanitizers

  Mineral sanitizers contain commonly found substances such as copper and silver which have properties that are effective at destroying bio contaminates in water.  In conjunction with a chemical sanitizer, these products will keep the quantity of chemicals needed to keep your hot tub clean.  Nature2 and Spa Frog are examples of Mineral Sanitizers

Natural Moss Filtration

 A relatively new product introduced within the last couple of years is a type of moss which grows naturally in lakes and rivers which is one of nature’s way of filtering water.  This moss has been harvested and shaped into a form that can be used to treat the water in your hot tub.  Although a small amount of sanitizer is still required, the quantity required is much less than if you did not use the moss at all.  This product is sold under the brand name SpaNaturally.

Other Chemical Additives

  There are other types of chemical treatment systems on the market that use proprietary blends of ingredients that reduce the need to add sanitizers such as chlorine and bromine.

 

SilkBalance is a great product that simplifies the chemical maintenance of your hot tub, eliminates the objectionable chemical smell and gives the water a perceivable improvement in its texture and feel.

Salt Water Sanitation Systems

  Salt systems are offered by some manufacturers as an option and others can be installed as a retrofit.  These systems require the hot tub owner to keep a minimal salt content in the water which these devices then turn into natural sanitizers that keep your water clean.  These systems are mostly automated and only require the addition salt which some systems regulate for you.  Two such systems are Nexa Spa and ACE.

  This is by no means a comprehensive list of all treatment systems but it will give you a feel for what is out there.  I recommend you speak to your local hot tub dealer about what they have available and you can weigh the pros and cons for yourself.  If you would like to find a Freeflow Spas dealer near you please go to our dealer locator

Hot Tub Water For Use In An Emergency or Disaster Situation

Most people don’t think of hot tubs as anything more than a luxury used for fun or relaxation but did you know your hot tub could be a life saving tool in an emergency or natural disaster?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA suggests every household keep 3 days of provisions on hand in case of a disaster.  This is the amount of time they estimate it would take to get food and water to just about anywhere should a disaster event occur.  Personally, after seeing how the government reacted to the Katrina disaster, I think you might want to consider having supplies for up to a week or more.

One of your most important concerns during a disaster is where you are going to get water.  The average person should consume at least a half gallon of drinking water per day so if you are going to store water for a family of four, I would recommend you keep at least 10 gallons on hand for 5 days.  But what about all that water that is being kept in your hot tub?

Generally speaking, the water in your hot tub should only be used for drinking water as a last resort.  A hot water heater will contain potable water as will the storage tanks on your toilet should you not have any bottled water in reserve.  Additionally if you have some advanced warning, you can fill up your bath tubs to retain extra water but, by treating your hot tub water or by using a purification device, a hot tub can give you hundreds of gallons of water for drinking, cleaning or bathing.

There are many purification devices on the market that will adequately filter hot tub water that have been designed for backpackers.  As long as the device can filter out microbial contaminants such as bacteria, cysts and viruses and the water in your hot tub has not been over treated with chemicals, you should have no problems drinking your hot tub water after filtering it.  Another product that is inexpensive, easy to store and does not require expensive filter replacements is an additive that purifies the water through a process known as flocculation.

Flocculation is a chemical process whereby the dissolved contaminants in the water come out of suspension and form together into large clumps that can be filtered out with a simple cloth filter and a bucket.  The best product I have found is a product called PUR by Proctor & Gamble which is currently being used to convert contaminated water into drinking water in Africa and elsewhere.  Here is a video demonstrating how the product works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgwjrvxErKc

PUR can be purchased at http://www.relianceproducts.com/

Winterizing Your Above Ground Electric Hot Tub

 Many people choose not to use their hot tub during the winter months for reasons ranging from the tub being too far from the house, utility costs or perhaps it being located at a vacation home that isn’t used.  Whatever the reason, if you do not want your hot tub operating this time of year & you live in a cold climate, you will need to winterize it or else the water will freeze and the expansion of the water as it turns into ice will destroy your tub.  The most important thing to remember when winterizing your hot tub is that all the water needs to be removed.  To do this, first turn off all power to your hot tub at the breaker or, if it is a gfci plug in hot tub, unplug it from the outlet, coil up the power cord and wrap the gfci plug in plastic then place it inside the equipment compartment.  Next its time to drain your hot tub so open up any adjustable jets and venturi air valves to allow for better drainage.  

 If your hot tub has a drain spigot (all Freeflows do) simply open it up and drain all the water out of the spa.  If not, use a submersible sump pump or siphon.  Make sure you lower the drain hose at or below the lowest level of water in the hot tub to be sure it all drains out.  This is especially important if you attach a hose to the drain spout. If you have a blower, this would be a good time to temporarily reconnect the power and turn it on for 20-30 seconds to blow out any water. When you are done draining your hot tub, leave the drain spout open.  If you have some water left in the foot well, recessed seating areas, filter cavity or anywhere else, make sure you bail it out with a bucket and or sop it up with towels or a large sponge.

 Inside your equipment compartment it is important to loosen and release the water from your heating element and pump housing.  The large plastic white unions that attach your heater and pump(s) to the rest of the hot tub should be loosened until some water spills out.  If your pump housing has drain plugs on them, open them up. Next, close or turn off any air venturi valves.  Since your system will still have some residual water in it, it is a good idea to use the blowing end of a shop vacuum and blow air into all of the jets in your hot tub for a few seconds at each jet and also the opening to the filter (filter should be removed).

 Most of the water should now be out of your system.  Place your cover back on the hot tub and secure it so that it will not blow off in high winds.  Close your equipment compartment at re-attach any screws or latches.  Lastly, make sure the power to the tub is turned off at the house breaker.

 Following these steps will ensure that your hot tub is fully winterized and will be in working condition when you are ready to use it in the spring.  Just make sure to re-attach all the unions, drain plugs and close the drain spigot before refilling your hot tub when you are ready to use it again.

Plug in Hot tubs make great Holiday gifts

The holidays can be a stressful event for many shoppers but your purchase of the perfect hot tub should not be.  Most hot tubs require a lot of pre-planning decisions such as where the tub is going to go and how you are going to get electrical power to it.  This may necessitate pouring a concrete slab and hiring an electrician to install new wiring and a gfci breaker.  Not only does this take a lot of time, but it also takes a lot of money.  This is where 110v plug in hot tubs can make your purchase of a new spa quick and painless.

 

Plug in hot tubs are generally smaller, lighter and more portable than most hard wired tubs.  In some cases they can be moved by only one or two people.  This portability makes your purchase that much easier because if you later decide that the location you had designated for your hot tub is not working out, you can easily relocate it.  This can be a real bonus if you are renting your home or condo and want to take the hot tub with you. Additionally, because the tub is powered with an 110v plug in cord, you will not incur the expense of having to move the power as long as the location you decide to move it to has a standard 110v plug.  If you should decide to move the tub somewhere where there is not 110v power, the cost to have power brought to the hot tub is much less than when wiring for 220v spas.  Keep in mind that if you want to convert your 110v plug in hot tub into a 220v later on, many 110v units have this feature built in. 

Whether you live in sunny California or somewhere where your winters are harsher, the warm therapeutic water and the convenience of an 110v plug in hot tub can make a great stress relieving gift for both the giver and the recipient.