Hot Tub in Winter

With winter coming, people wonder how to get the same use out of the backyard features they love, like their hot tub. Today, we’re going to discuss how to you can fully enjoy your hot tub in winter.

1. Have an exit plan that keeps you warm and dry.

In spring and summer, getting out of your spa or hot tub does not usually present a temperature shock to your body. That’s not the case when it’s chilly out.

If the ground outside is cold or damp, place the robe or towel on a chair, stand, or and/or wrap it in plastic or another cover to keep it from getting cold or wet. The same goes for bath slippers or plastic shoes that will protect your warm, wet feet from any outdoor elements.

2. Maintain proper spa or hot tub water temperature.

Anytime you use a spa or hot tub, water temperature is vital. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, water should never exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. While immersed in warm water, your body can’t properly regulate its temperature through perspiration.

If the water temperature is too high, or, if you remain in it for too long, the dangers are real: You could suffer a heat stroke, become light-headed and faint, or can become drowsy, which may lead to unconsciousness, resulting in drowning.

Another tip about temperature: Wear a winter hat. A knitted beanie or cold-weather cap may seem like odd gear for a hot soak. However, a hat will actually help you regulate body temperature.

A final reminder: Be sure to observe the same kind of spa and hot tub use safety guidelines that you would the rest of the year.

3. Uncover your spa or hot tub in winter using extra caution.

First, if your hot tub or spa has a lid or cover, carefully remove it: Depending on the lid or cover condition—such as ice or snow piled on it—you may want to take this initial step only after donning winter gloves.

Be absolutely sure that you completely sweep off any ice or snow before removing the lid or cover. Otherwise, ice or snow could have an unhappy meeting with some water—falling into the spa or hot tub or getting just wet enough to freeze up on the cover or lid (or around your hands).

Have any questions about your hot tub or any other backyard feature? Don’t hesitate to contact us here!

Spas and Hot Tubs

Spa owners already know this: when summer ends, hot tub usage heats up. The weather gets cooler, kids start new sports activities, and in general, everyone spends more time at home. It’s a prime season for spas and hot tubs, so make sure yours is ready for action.

Consider these tips:

1. Filter

Start of a new season is a good time to check the filters – replace them if needed for maximum operating efficiency.

Clean your filter regularly on the recommended manufacturer’s basis. Dirty filters are often the cause of bacteria build-up and other water issues, which can cause health problems in spa-users.

2. Ozone Generator

To maintain water quality, check the levels of pH, total alkalinity, hardness, and chlorine or bromine in your water before each use. Adjust as needed if you don’t use an ozone generator. An ozone generator is a water purifier that sprays ozone gas into the water – significantly reducing, but not totally eliminating, the need for chemicals.

3. Shell, Cabinet, and Cover

Clean your cabinet, hot tub surface, and cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If snow is an issue in your area: A plastic tarp over the cover can prevent snow shovel damage.

Is your cover in good shape or is it time for a replacement? Your spa cover prevents leaves and dirt from getting into the water, and it keeps the heat inside to conserve energy.

4. Change It Up

Depending upon the use of your spa, plan to change the water completely about every 60 to 90 days. Chemicals can’t protect you properly in water that is old and used often.

 

Have any questions about your hot tub? Contact us here!

 

The warm days of summer are coming to an end and the nights are getting steadily cooler. As the weather shifts into an autumn chill, most people find themselves enjoying their hot tubs on a more frequent basis. Now is a great time to prepare your spa for fall use. Following the simple steps below will ensure you get the most out of your hot tub this season!

Hot Tub Cover Care

Early fall is the perfect time to clean and treat your spa cover for the coming cold season!

To properly clean your cover:

Hose down the vinyl to loosen dirt and grime.
Apply the gentle non-abrasive oil-free cleaner on a rag or soft sponge.
Wipe off dirt and grime, regularly hosting off rag or sponge to prevent smearing.
After the cover is dry, apply alcohol and oil-free protectant.

Cleaning/Replacing Your Filter Cartridge

It’s good practice to clean your filters every time you drain and refill your spa. Not only because a clean filter promotes cleaner water and reduces cloudiness, but also because it increases the longevity of the filter itself. With regular cleaning, your filter should be replaced about once every 6 months. So, if you replaced your filter in the spring, it’s time for a new one.

Spa System Flushing

Flushing your spa plumbing system prior to draining will save you time in the long run by eliminating scum build-up in the pipes which often cause water balancing problems if left unchecked. We recommend Spa System Flush for its unsurpassed cleaning performance and economical price.

Draining

Always start your hot tub draining procedure by shutting off the heater and powering off the spa, then switching off the power service at the breaker panel or disconnect box for safety. Once the power is shut off to your tub, you can resume your normal training routine.

Refilling

Before refilling your spa, take time to wipe down the shell with a rag and gentle non-foaming cleanser. This will remove the remaining contaminants and help you to start your hot tub with cleaner clearer water. If you have well water or live in an area with hard water, consider using a hose-end pre-filter to filter out excess minerals and other small particles before they enter the spa. A pre-filter can also prevent hard-to-remove waterline stains and scale build-up on the equipment.

Have questions about hot tub maintenance? Contact us here!

Your Hot-Tub in the Summer

In the middle of the summer heat, the last thing that you want to do is sit in warm hot-tub water. But, if you want to get the most out of your hot tub, you should not restrict yourself to only using it during the colder months.

Your hot tub doesn’t have to be hot. Full stop. Yes, you read that correctly. You can actually use your hot-tub to cool off in the summer.

This might seem odd at first, but you’ll find that dip in your hot-tub during summer can be a relaxing experience.

Here are some easy tips on how to enjoy your hot tub in the middle of summer:

Lower the temperature of your spa

This might seem like a simple tip that goes without saying but many people don’t realize that their hot-tub can be made cool just by changing the temperature.

If you set the water temperature to somewhere between 82-85 degree Fahrenheit, the water will feel cool to the touch.

Be conscientious of when you cover your spa

On sunny days, you should keep your spa covered when you’re not using it. While covered, the insulation will keep the water cool and won’t allow it to absorb the heat around it.

At night, when it’s cool, run the spa with the cover off. Natural evaporation will lower the temperature of the water and make it the perfect temperature to relax in.

Turn the heater off

If where you live gets too hot or humid, you can turn off the heater of your spa completely. This will ensure that your spa stays cool enough for you to enjoy.

Summertime mode

Check to see if your spa has a summertime mode setting. This setting will reduce the filter time in your spa. Too much circulation will increase the temperature of your spa.

Need help finding the perfect spa for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Care Tips For Your Spa

Spas are some of the most luxurious additions you can add to your home. Not only do they help you physically relax, but they provide great entertainment for guests of all ages. Naturally, you want to keep the benefits of your spa flowing for as long as you can. The following routines will help you maintain your spa in peak condition for years.

1. Check And Adjust Chemicals

Once a week, check the various chemical levels of your spa water. You will have to check alkalinity, water hardness, chlorine or bromine levels, and calcium. There are test strips in any pool store that you can use. The chlorine and bromine are for keeping the water sanitized and preventing algae. You can use either chemical. The chlorine level should be 1.5-3 PPM. Bromine should be 3-5 PPM.

The other tests are for keeping scales from forming in your tub from minerals in the water. Add one chemical at a time while the water is running for maximum effectiveness.

2. Change Filter Regularly

Twice a week, take the filter out of its home and rinse the pleats out with cool water. You want to remove the debris, and then let them dry out completely.

Every 3-4 months, you can give your filter a more thorough going over by soaking it in a granular filter cleaner. Rinse it and then let it soak overnight in the solution. Let it dry thoroughly before putting.

3. Change Water Regularly

How often you should change the water depends on the amount of use the spa gets. Anywhere from 2-4 times a year should work. The important thing is to add a flush product to the water for a thorough cleaning once a year. Generally, these flushes should be added at least 20 minutes before you drain the water and when the temperature will be above freezing. Remove the filter for a thorough draining.

4. Leave It Running

The pump in your spa keeps water circulating to discourage algae and move debris into the filter. Run the spa at least 12 hours out of the day for peak performance.

If you follow these routines, your spa will work at maximum efficiency for years, which will reduce wear on the inner workings. If you have any questions about how to care for your spa, feel free to contact us. We are leaders in the spa making business, and we are only too glad to lend our expertise.

Installing a Hot Tub

Have you ever considered installing a hot tub for your home? A hot can be a fun and relaxing way for you to spend your time. There are many benefits to owning a hot tub. Here are a few reasons why you should install a hot tub for your home this summer.

Relax After a Swim

If you’ve been playing hard and spending a lot of time swimming around your pool, a hot tub can be a relaxing way to unwind and soothe your muscles after you’re done. Not to mention, sometimes you need a way to warm up after you get out of that cold pool!

Hot Tubs Are Great for Socializing

Looking for a fun new way to hang out and relax with a cold drink and a few friends? Hot tubs are a great way to bring a social dimension to your pool time. They can also be a nice little bonus to any pool party.

Hot Tubs Can Add Value to Your Home

When it comes time to sell your home, it’s nice to have a little added value to make it easier to sell. Hot tubs can add to the desirability of your home and increase its value.

If you are looking for a way to spruce things up around your pool this summer, consider getting a hot tub installed. Cincinnati Pool & Patio has a knowledgeable staff that can help you with all your hot tub needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to making your hot tub dreams a reality.