How do I, as a home owner, prevent repairs to my spa or hot tub heater? What can I do to minimize the risk of repair to my spa or hot tub heater? These are two very common questions that we hear from home owners.

Here are a few tips that have helped many customers

Spa water chemistry.

The number one killer of spa heaters is low pH. If you leave your spa water, for an extended period of time, with low pH (under 7.0) you will have problem with your spa heater, guaranteed. When the pH in the water becomes to acid, the acid starts to eat away on the metal heating element, eventually resulting in heater failure.

The spa or hot tub water chemistry has to be maintained for a spa to work properly. There is no shortcut here. And, there is no maintenance “free” spa. They do not exist.

Heating terminals

Another reason for heating element failure is the heating terminals. This is the point on the heating element that attaches to the wires from the control system. As the spa is vibrating mechanical device, the nut that tightens the heating wires to the control system can come loose after a few years. That manifests typically as burn back on either the control system connections or the heater connections. With time, the additional heat that is created by these connections are getting worse. The heat then travels along the wires to the printed circuit board. This results in burn backs on the circuit board traces and the failure of control relays and/or contactors

The way to prevent this is to tighten the heater connections at least once per year and to monitor these connections once per month.

Cracked Heating Terminals

Still another problem that could have been prevented it the cracked heating terminal resin. Frequently during the installation of the heating element the resin surrounding the heating terminals are cracked. This results in that over a long period of time, moisture from the inside of the heater starts to sip up onto the heating terminals, causing the GFCI to trip. The only remedy in this scenario is to replace the heating element.

Preventative Maintenance Program.

A preventative maintenance program monitors these situations and greatly reduces the chance of costly spa heater repairs. Contact us for further details.

Matts Elmstrom is a senior technician with Precision Spa in Los Angeles. He has extensive experience in helping homeowners minimize the cost of spa heater repair Preventative maintenance programs are designed to minimize the cost of spa heater repairs

We must emphasize that, in modern parlance, the most significant difference between a small hot tub and a small spa is in the main material used. While a spa uses molded fiberglass or thermoplastic shell, a hot tub most commonly refer to the wooden barrels that became popular in the 1960s.

Other differences might be in the mechanisms for filling and draining water as well as in the maintenance of water temperature but with advances in technology, even the wooden hot tubs can be modernized like the fiberglass spas. In fact, such is the interchangeability of the hot tub and the spa for home use that the term “hot tubbing” refers to soaking in either of this piece of equipment for rest and relaxation.

With that being said, many aficionados of spa treatments appreciate the benefits of a small hot tub than its large counterparts often found in commercial establishments. For one thing, you have the benefit of portability so much so that transferring it from an indoor setting during winter to an outdoor setting in spring is as easy as carrying it with your mate. Since the tub has built-in electrical systems and pumps, set-up anywhere is easy, fast and convenient.

For another thing, you will enjoy its affordable price. You can enjoy a good soak in warm water without worrying too much about your water and electricity bills skyrocketing to high heavens since it is a small tub with a small motor in the first place. Even its purchase cost is easy on the pocket, more so its installation expenses.

Besides, even when the tub is small, you can still enjoy the benefits of a home spa therapy treatment. You can de-stress your mind and body from the pressures of living a modern lifestyle especially as the warm water encourages relaxation and meditation. Your body will benefit from the detoxification of the accumulated toxins, which can lead to an improved immune, respiratory and excretory systems as well as better skin. Indeed, the small spa may be, well, small but its benefits are definitely big.

When looking at small hot tubs, we recommend looking at various brands and manufacturers. Often, the first spa that you fall in love with on first sight because of its cute appearance is not exactly the best for your needs, budget and space. You have to inspect the shell, cabinetry, electrical system, heater and pump systems, and other aspects that make a hot tub of good quality.

If you are shopping online, the best way possible to determine if a spa is for you is to read the product description, read the consumer reviews and ask questions of the seller regarding warranty and after-sales services. As much as possible, you want to cover all the necessary grounds to protect yourself against spa lemons.

Now, when you have chosen the right small spa for your home, the next step is to know to safely use it. You have to read the instructions manual on its set-up, its care and even on its minor repairs that can be done on a DIY basis, thus, saving money on labor costs. And naturally, you must use it as often as possible since the health benefits are ones that your family will actually enjoy.

Your next stop should be looking for the best 2 person hot tub or 2 person spa.

Swimming pools have become common features of most large homes. Indoor and outdoor pools are great for exercise, leisure and therapy. If you are the proud owner of a swimming pool in your terrace or backyard, then you should pay proper attention to its maintenance. Pool safety and maintenance go hand in hand. Just as you install a high fence around your outdoor pool to prevent kids from entering the pool area under unsupervised conditions, it is important to ensure that the pool water is hygienic and safe to use. A combination of filtration and chemical treatment programs will do the trick. Here are some tips on good swimming pool maintenance.

Maintain optimum chemical levels

Maintain the chlorine content of your pool to optimum levels to ensure adequate protection against bacteria. You can buy sticks or tablets of chlorine and mix them gradually into the pool with chlorine feeder or just let them float in the water. Avoid mixing the chlorine too fast as it will leave lumps of unmixed chlorine in your pool which can corrode the inlet and outlet pipes. You should also check the calcium content of the water. Its level should ideally be between 175 and 225 ppm. An improper balance can cause corrosion and cloudiness in water.

Use algaecides

Swimming pools are breeding grounds for algae. Use an algae inhibitor to prevent more than 15,000 varieties of algae from raiding your pool. An inhibitor is a liquid which you can pour in the water with the pump system distributing it evenly in the pool. Copper-based algaecides are ideal for your swimming pool. They maintain the color of the water and keep it sparkling by arresting the growth of green algae.

Check the pH level of your pool

Check the pH level of the pool water regularly. The level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. A low pH level indicates high acidic water levels while a low pH level suggests alkalinity. Water with high acid content is extremely corrosive and increased alkalinity makes the water incapable of sanitization.

Use shocks

Dry skin cells, body oil, sweat, cosmetics and urine can pollute your pool water. You can shock your pool at regular intervals to get rid of all these impurities. Shocking is the process of oxidizing the water, which removes the ‘bather waste’ from your pool, keeping it clean and sanitized.

Maintenance of pump set

For ideal maintenance of water in your pool, replace the pump every 7 or 8 years. The new models are great for moving large volumes of water and consume less energy. If your pump makes excessive noise, it is an indication of improper machine functioning. Modern pumps are easy to maintain but the rubber or composition pump seals can cause malfunctions and result in short circuits. You should maintain optimum pressure levels in your pool by checking the pressure gauge on a frequent basis.

Safety tips

There are a few safety norms that you should follow while sanitising your pool. Keep hazardous chemicals out of the reach of children. If you are using granular chlorine, dissolve it in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool. Adding water to chlorine can cause explosion. It is always better to add chlorine gradually to the water. It is advisable to use sodium bisulfate or granular pH decreasing agents as opposed to Muratic acid for swimming pools at homes as the latter creates dangerous fumes and is highly corrosive.

For more information on swim spas in Toronto or swimming pools in Toronto, contact a swimming pool specialist at Bonavista Pools.

You can usually tell when something is good for you, and it is common knowledge that a hot bath is a gift you give yourself. Many more homes than ever are being installed with whirlpool baths and tubs with spa jets, and there has been an increase in portable spa sales in recent years, as the design quality and variety of options have increased greatly over the years.

Hot tubbing is really a combination of things: a, soaking in a tub of hot water, and b, massage. The history of the hot water experience goes back all the way to the hot spring, and the practice of immersing oneself into heated water has always been more or less ubiquitous (except maybe for that one period in Europe known as the Dark Ages, when many people believed in fairies and thought getting into a tub of hot water would make you sick). The history of massage goes back to at least 500 BC, and there are references in the Bible regarding the use of olive oil and myrrh for massage therapy. The Japanese have been strong proponents of both massage and soaking in hot water for soaking for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.

The most relevant word when describing what it is one does when one soaks in a hot tub is hydrotherapy. And it has been shown that the benefits of hydrotherapy are not to be understated. People who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, sleep disorders, hypertension, anxiety, muscular and bone injuries, nerve-related disorders, and other problems can all be helped with the regular use of hot tubs. But the benefits are not just a response to physical illness or injury: spas can also help to prevent symptoms from occurring at all, either by helping the problematic parts of the body to relax or by way of stress reduction, since stress is known to lead to various health problems.

Therefore, under renewed scrutiny, relaxation becomes much more than a luxury; it becomes an essential health regime. And there is simply no equal for the purpose of relaxation than a hot tub spa, which, as alluded to earlier, combines massage therapy with hydrotherapy and relaxation therapy for a complete and well-rounded approach physical and mental rejuvenation.

Derek Hardly is an expert in spa therapy and portable spas.

As winter turns into spring and spring turns into summer, there is a good chance that depending on where you live, it is going to get very hot. This year, you have a few kids that are eager to get outside and you are thinking about providing them with an inflatable pool.

Inflatable pools are great for kids of all ages. They provide kids with a place where they can go and have fun while still staying cool. Depending on how old your kids are and what type of kids they are, will depend on what type of pool you will need.

First, you can find decent inflatable pools for very cheap at a number of different places around the internet. Most of them come with a warranty just in case your kids get a little out of hand and pop the pool. Some pools are big enough to fit you and your kids in, while others are made just for the kids.

Some things you should think about is how long you are going to have the pool outside and how big you want it. For instance, you can get a big pool that is deep or you can get a small pool that only holds a few gallons. Also, if you are going to be leaving it outside, you want to make sure that you find one that is going to withstand the head.

Now that you have some information about pools, it is time to start searching for the pool of your choice.

Come check out our new Inflatable Pools site for the kids.

Bathing in a hot tub will provide you with wonderful relaxation, high energy and much needed recreation in these busy times. With this fact in mind, people all over the world have been purchasing quality brand new tubs in different designs and prices for use within their home. Compared to other relaxation products, hot bath tubs can be a lot more expensive and that is why you will need to choose carefully. But, thanks to high-end competition amongst hundreds of manufactures, if you are spending some time to compare different aspects of hot tubs in the consumer market, you can buy a good quality tub from a reputable tub retailer.

Here are some tips to reach a reputable hot tub retailer.

Quality retailer

Like any other products, you should go to a retailer selling quality hot tubs. Due to the expense and installation involved this is truly one of the most important aspects. So, before you part with your money, make sure you are only paying money for the best tub you can find that also is affordable to your budget.

If you are purchasing a tub that is made up of cheap materials, the understructure and shell of the tub may deteriorate over time. This is dangerous for you and your family’s health. Toxic agents used to paste hot tubs shells may harm you. Above all, such a low quality hot tub will not long last and you will lose your money. So give high priority to the quality tubs and buy from sellers, who you know, sell good hot tubs.

Branded sellers

You may purchase tubs from a branded hot tub retailer if you are conscious about the brand image of materials you are using. There are hundreds of companies selling high quality products. They can give you an assurance about the quality of their products and you will get all the benefits of their purchase added on, such as guarantee and warranties. Branded tubs are made with the help of modern technologies and efficient designers. But they are expensive compared to an ordinary one.

Purpose sellers

Many are buying tubs for recreation in their own home. Allowing regular householders rejuvenation and pleasure or great socialising experiences in their tubs with family and friends. You can even have lights and a music system installed.

Hence, when you approach retailers, make sure that they are selling quality hot tubs that suit your purposes. Focused manufacturers and sellers can offer you the best product to suit your needs.

Online sellers

Online retailers are a good option, however many are wary as they cannot physically touch the tubs they are interested in. If you want to purchase online, you will have a great experience if you are prepared to do proper research on various manufacturers and their product qualities. You can discover their reputation through reading their products and service reviews. Post your doubts to their customers and make sure you are on right path.

Discounted sales

Shopping for a hot tub online could mean you are able to take advantage of extra specials and discounts that many not be offered elsewhere, so take this into consideration as well.

Finding a Spa in a Box to help you improve your garden or home can be hard to find but thankfully SunSpas are here to help. For more information on this Kent based company please visit the website at http://www.sun-spas.co.uk/

About February time each year, parents is many countries start researching for outdoor toys such as aqua pools, paddling pools or small swimming pools for the back garden. Being able to play in a paddling pool for any children during the summer months is an exhilarating experience, full of fun and laughter in the fresh air to. As the water is only a few inches deep, the safety side is much better than letting kids run around a large pool where more adult supervision would be required. Even still, a few safety rules should be enforced with the children before allowing them to continue their fun.

Time flies like no other when playing outdoors and this is the case with an outdoor pool to. Add in a few water orientated toys and they can play to their hearts content at hours a time. There is one main factor to bear in mind and that’s the sun, in that it can still be easy to become sun burnt even if it’s a cloudy day. This can be less of an issue with the correct sun cream as well as taking breaks throughout the day and not spending the total time out of the shade.

There are a range of small toys available for paddling pools such as the dancing mermaid which is more suited to girls of an age of 4 years of older or diving toys for boys. These can dive through the water with some not even requiring batteries to run. Examples of these include submarines, fish or action figures such as divers.

There are a great range of pools to choose from, from a parents perspective which will suit both different sized gardens as well as the number of children likely to use the pool. Most gardens have grass as we know but many homes can have limited areas so a patio maybe the best place for the pool. An example of a good sized pool for 2-4 children is an Easy Set Intex Pools which are available in many countries worldwide. These inflate easy and can take a relative short time to inflate as well as fill up with water.

Whichever pool you decide on buying for the children, make sure the area it will sit on is flat and not on a slope as well as away from shape or odd shape objects such as bushes, stones, twigs or surrounding buildings. It can be easy for someone to slip when getting in or out of a pool so to have an area around the pool with no obstructions is always a good idea.

Fun wise though, a pool in the back garden will provide hours of fun as well as provide a good amount of aerobic activity with the antics children get up to in and out of the pool such as running around the garden. Any outdoor toy which provides movement of some kind is always going to be much more beneficial than sitting infront of a games console throughout the summer months

Rob Stone writes many articles on toys for children both indoor and out such as Climbing Frames, Trampolines and Playhouses.

If you are putting in a salt water pool or thinking about changing your existing pool to salt, there are a number of things you must consider. Among these things is your pool pump. Like a traditional pool, you need to have a pump in your pool. Pump options vary, and sometimes you don’t even have to replace your it if you are converting to a salt system. However, before you purchase a salt water pool pump, take a moment to learn about your options.

In most cases, you can use your traditional pump. There may be a few problems with calcium build up if you do not keep you chemical levels in check, but in general, a typical pump works just fine. This is good news for people wishing to convert to a salt system. There may be a few problems with salt conversion if you have a stainless steel pump, however, as the salt can work against the stainless steel and cause a number of problems. Some stainless steel systems can work well, depending on the way they operate. If you’ve converting an old chlorine pool to a salt system, check with the pump’s manufacturer to see if your pump can be used as a salt pump.

A salt water pool pump works quite simply, just like other pumps. Water from your pool is sucked into the pump through an intake port. The water is filtered through the pump basket, which you’ll have to clean regularly. It is then pushed through the pump and back into the pool through the discharge pump. The only difference is that you also have a salt cell attached to the system. This cell uses electricity to produce chlorination, keeping your pool clean. This should keep your water blue and clean, just like it would be in a typical pool.

When choosing one, if yours needs to be replaced of if you do not currently have a pool, look for one that works well in your price range. Yes, pumps can be expensive, but a new one should last for many seasons if you maintain your pool. With a new equipment, make sure that the manufacturer has noted that the it can be used with a salt system. In addition, check out the warranties given with the device, as well as the colors and styles if the salt water pool pump will be in the open where everyone can see it.

Is a salt swimming pool the right choice for you? That’s not a question you can answer by discussing pump options alone. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this system so it is important that you learn about both the benefits and the downfalls before installing this kind of pool system.

If you have a salt water pool, caring for it is extremely important. Most commercial pool items and products are not made for pool care, so taking some time to learn what to buy and how to go about taking care of your pool is important. They can be a joy, but only if you learn proper maintenance techniques. Here are five important care tips that every owner should know:

1. Check salt levels regularly. In these, it is important to understand what your salt levels should be and how you can remedy it if there is a problem. Most companies recommend that salt concentration should be at 2,500 to 3,000 parts per million. This is where the chlorination comes from, so if you levels dip too low, the pool water will be unhealthy.

2. Never use more chlorine as needed. Occasionally, you may have to add a bit of granular chlorine to the pool. This is only necessary in your daily salt water pool care routine if you have excessive rain or a large number of swimmers. Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t use chlorine at all.

3. Read salt instructions carefully. These products are all meant to be used a bit differently. In a normal one, you have to use salt regularly. Most manufacturers recommend that you dump this salt directly into the deep end of the pool. However, this is not how every product is used. Read the back label of the salt water pool care product before just dumping it into the pool.

4. Use products to remove salt from the bottom of the pool. As the salt settles to the bottom, it can create a brownish or yellowish look to your pool. Commercial pool care products can be used to remove these stains.

5. Seal your pool steps to prevent rusting. The salt in the water can cause rusting, especially in pools that are converted from typical water to salt. First, use commercial care product to remove the rust. Then, you can use protective and restorative products to seal off the steps so that this doesn’t happen year after year. This salt water pool care tip is best done at the end of the swimming season, when you can partially drain your pool in order to apply the sealant.

Care is extremely important if you want to ensure that your pool continues to run optimally. While there is tons of information regarding typical pool care, it can sometimes be a bit more difficult to learn about pool care. Many of the products available for pool care are not made for a salt water pool. Before using products and certain care methods on your pool, make sure you take some time to learn proper care tips like those listed above.

It is a smart homeowner who invests in a backyard swimming pool. Not only have they increased the value of their home, but also they have saved thousands of dollars in backyard tropical vacations. They are also smart enough to have a place to cool off when the rest of the population is stuck in beach traffic. They are able to step right outside their home and enjoy the crystal clear cool waters of swimming pool bliss.

All that’s really needed now is some of the swimming pool accessories to make the picture complete. When a vacation paradise is shown in travel posters what is usually depicted is a bathing beauty propped up on a luxurious pool lounger chair with an umbrella drink in one hand, floating serenely across the top of a Caribbean blue swimming pool. All that a backyard swimming pool is missing is the pool lounger chair.

It is certainly worth the investment to outfit the pool with really quality pool lounger chairs and some high quality pool floats and rafts for the kids. The swimming pool is a place for the whole family to get together and enjoy some good quality time playing together. The pool rafts and floats just add to the enjoyment.

The variety of pool floats and lounger chairs is quite a bit different from years ago. Today’s pool lounger chairs are fully adjustable for sitting, reclining or stretching out completely. They are the Lazyboy of the swimming pool. They also come in a great selection of colors so that every member of the household can choose their very own.

The pool floats of today are also able to fold up and store away for the months that they are not in use. No longer is it necessary to spend hours pumping air into the pool rafts just to get them to a usable condition. Simply unfold them when it’s time and they are instantly ready for use. Also equipped with durable steel frames they are stable and sturdy. They are made to last a very long time.

For children there are soft folding chairs that are made with the same steel frame as the larger reclining pool lounger chairs. These will provide instant stability for those that might have a little difficulty getting on and off them. Most pool floats and chairs come equipped with cup holders for some relaxing time floating along the top of the pool with a refreshing beverage right by the side.

Honestly, what is the point of owning a pool if you can’t stretch out and relax in it? It would be well within pool owners best interests to spend some time checking out the best quality pool rafts available. Now that all the energy and money has been invested in the swimming pool it would silly to skimp now on the pool floats. Whether it is family time or party time the addition of some great pool floats and rafts will make all the summertime events enjoyable at the family backyard swimming pool.