Water Test Center Under New Management
For those of you who don’t know yet, Chet the water test manager here has decided to retire and has since moved out of the area. Rest easy however as we are still doing professional water tests and will be more than happy to give our expert diagnostic help. With the vast amount of experience we have here we are still fully equipped to meet your every water test need. Remember to stop in during the spring and get your water chemistry balanced early in the year to allow for a hassle free pool season.
Hot Tubs! Hot Deals! Hot Times!
One of my responsibilities here at Eastgate Pools & Spas is the ‘Spas’ part of the name. I simply love hot tubs and over the last twenty-four years I’ve owned three. As such, I know them pretty well and I know what makes them tick. We currently have 22 models on display. That’s a lot to choose from. I also know that for many, there isn’t quite as much liquidity as there was a few years ago and that’s one reason I have brought in quite a few models that are designed to sell for under $4000. With our Winter Clearance sale in progress, I actually have 10 models that go for $3999 OR LESS!
Feel The Heat!
I don’t know what my problem is, but I can’t seem to ever get warm in the wintertime. Long johns, three pairs of socks, gloves, scarves, fleece jackets, coats…you name it, I probably wear it…and I’m probably still cold. I really with that we had a policy here at work that allowed me to use some of our products while I’m working. I’m surrounded by things that could warm me up during the cold winter months…or chilly fall and spring days…or cool summer nights. What can I say, I must have poor circulation. Our spas always look so enticing. Not only would the warm water keep the chill off, but the various jets would give me a nice therapeutic massage. Man, that sounds perfect right about now. Or if I didn’t want to get wet, I could warm up and detoxify in one of our infrared saunas. A nice gentle warming would give me a lot more energy. Maybe I want to warm up and look a little better too. I could lay in one of our tanning beds for a few minutes to warm up AND get a little summer glow. I’m already sick of having pasty white legs. Those all sound great to me. Sometimes, though, I want to stay bundled up, but also have some extra heat in the room I’m in. That is when our Eden Pure Quartz room heater comes into play. I can actually use this one while I’m working too! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood by it to get some warmth after or front door slides open and introduces a new puff of cold air. This heater is great on your energy bill, and the thermostat does a great job regulating the heat in the room. Just ask the guys in the service department here. Their office in the warehouse stays nice and toasty because of this heater (and the boss man doesn’t mind what it does to the electric bill…if he even notices at all).
Come to think of it…maybe I’ll buy some of these products for my own home. Okay, time to go do some jumping jacks to get my blood moving!
It Almost Here
Don’t look at the thermometer, or the weather forecast, but check out the calender. The Groundhog says that spring 6 weeks away, and now is the time to plan for spring projects. One question that we hear quite a bit referring to spas is questions about the deck, and how strong it has to be to support a spa. Standard 2″x8″ joists set at 16″ on center is generally acceptable for most spas. Make sure to check with the salesperson that the spa you are looking at is a fully framed system. With a fully framed spa the weight is distributed evenly throughout the entire footprint of the spa, much like a waterbed frame. If however this is not the case and the spa is not fully framed there will need to be special accommodations made to carry the weight of the spa, as the bulk of the weight will be located in the footwell area of the spa. Make sure to check with a spa salesperson prior to construction of a deck, or running electric as different manufacturers have different wiring requirements. It is much better, and less expensive, to have the information in front of you prior to construction as opposed to having to undo and redo what has been done.
UGH Get Off Of Me!
This is what your spa cover is saying after the last round of snow and ice. The beauty of a spa cover is that it is a great insulator, and like the failed McDLT sandwich it keeps the hot side hot and the cold side cold. The problem with this is that it allows snow to build up on the cover, and by the snow building the weight also builds. At my house I only got about 4 inches of snow, but also a 1/4″ of ice first. The weight of the ice and wet snow puts a tremendous strain on the spa cover, and can cause serious damage. I wish that I didn’t have to write this, but we do live in Cincinnati and volatile weather is a fact of life. Long and short is this any snowfall, especially wet snow, puts weight on a cover and can cause damage and there is only one way to prevent damage-Remove the snow as soon as you are able.
I’m Soaking In WHAT?!
Just obtain a spa from a friend? Just find a killer deal on a used spa in a local listing? Here’s a friendly tip – clear out the lines before you soak in the tub for the first time! Even if the surface of the spa is spotless, oftentimes things can remain in the lines in the various bends and twists. If your
spa is used, it is very likely that remnants off of the previous owners are lurking in the lines. The second you fill up the spa and turn it on, the waste from the previous owners will be introduced into your “fresh” spa water. Sounds gross right? Right. Fortunately, there is hope! There is a product we sell called Swirl Away. Fill up the tub, add the proper amount of Swirl Away and let it run. This chemical will get rid of all the unwanted waste and buildup in your lines without hurting the spa. Drain the spa, scrub down the surface, and you’re set! You can now rest assured that the next time you fill your spa and soak in the nice, relaxing, warm water, you won’t be bathing in someone else’s gunk! – Stacey
Winter Hot Tub Check
I like using my hot tub when it is cold. The colder the better! I also know that there are those out there that don’t use it when it gets real cold. If you are one of these people and you’re awaiting a warm-up before you jump back in, keep an eye on your tub. The ‘out of sight – out of mind’ philosophy is a bad practice. Every day or so, lift the cover and make sure there hasn’t been a malfunction. You don’t want a big ice cube inside. And assuming it will warm back up, keep your chemistry in line. This way you can jump back in on short notice. –Max
A Frog You Want In YOur Spa
For users of the Nature 2 system, we now carry the Frog Stick. The Frog Stick is similar to Nature 2 in that they are both mineral disinfectant systems, yet the Frog is compatible with Bromine, Chlorine and Oxidizer while the Nature 2 system is not compatible with Bromine. If you are currently using the Nature 2 system you will be happy to know that the Frog Stick works in a very similar manner as Nature 2, you simply insert the Frog Stick into the filter cartridge core (or into the skimmer well of some spas) and allow it to go to work for the next four months. The Frog Stick works together with lower levels of bromine or chlorine for a much more enjoyable spa experience.
The Battle Of The Scum Line
A constant complaint we hear from our spa customers is the issue of the never-ending battle against scum lines on their tub. The dirty truth is that YOU are creating that scum. Oils off your body, makeup, lotions…you name it, they all contribute to that beautiful scum line. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can prevent it. First of all, shower off before you soak in the spa. By washing away many of the days dirt and grime, along with a lot of the oils on your skin, you can help reduce the amount of “scum” introduced in your spa. Second, check your weekly chemical routine for a clarifier. Oftentimes, clarifiers can actually make that scum line worse because of their oily consistency. If those two tips still don’t work then we have a couple products on our shelves that can help you out. The first thing is our SunSorb. This is a foam cutout of a sun that you can float in your spa. It will do a great job absorbing a lot of the oils in the water that create the scum. You can simply set it on the side when your tub is in use so it does not get in your way. The best thing about this particular item is that you can actually reuse it! Rinse it out really well with running water and throw it back in the spa for another use. Our other product you can use is called Spa Pizazz. This is a natural enzyme that, when added weekly, will do wonders for your spa water. Not only will it cut back on the scum line, it will actually keep your water clearer. A small amount added once a week will work miracles. Just remember not to add too much! A little will go a long way, and in this instance, too much can have the opposite effect that you want. Any of these tips should greatly help you win the frustrating battle against your scum line. -Stacey
Re-filling Your Hottub
Procrastinators rejoice, for those that are just like me and try to put things off until the absolute last minute, that time may be approaching. We still are getting a few days, here and there of warm weather. With that being said is it time to drain and re-fill your spa? At Eastgate Pools we recommend that this be done every 3-4 months depending on usage. If you are within or approaching this window now would be a good time to take care of this before the harsh portion of the winter. Just remember if you are draining it make sure to re-fill and re-start it immediately as to not run the risk of running into adverse weather and having to deal with frozen pipe problems.
Santa’s Helpers
Our Service Department is the perfect helpers for Santa. From Pool Tables to Spas, we are your installation experts. Not sure how to put that Bar together you purchased from us? Why not spend the extra install charge, for a professional installation by Santa’s Helper?? Stop in today to get the delivery date you want!!
Spa (Hot Tub) Winterization Tip
Don’t do it! Winter is a GREAT time for a spa. I love it when it snows and my already graying hair turns totally white. With that said, some will still close it up for the winter.
REAL IMPORTANT: If you are going to drain your spa for the winter, you must also get the ‘invisible’ water out of the tub. This is the water trapped in the plumbing lines. If you only drain the shell you will have major freeze damage to the lines and pump/motor. Call us—we can help. Don’t want to call? Then make sure you take the drain plugs out of the pump(s), disconnect all unions, and use a shop vac to suck the water from the jets AND the plumbing lines. Leave the cover on, lock it, and occasionally check and make sure water isn’t seeping into the shell. Then cross your fingers.
Use Your Hot Tub Wisely
There is almost nobody that won’t reap the benefits a hot tub can offer, but there are several safety things to consider. Small children can use a hot tub but their bodies are smaller and they can heat up faster than adults. I recommend you keep the temperature a little lower and don’t let them stay in for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. If you have health issues, always consult your family physician before buying a hot tub, even though studies have shown that hot tubs are generally very good for you. It’s like anything, use it responsibly. — Debbie
Hot Pools And Bacteria
I just returned from a wonderful vacation at Yellowstone National Park. While there we visited the geysers, mud pots and other thermal features. (Plus saw many buffalo and elk.) It is truely amazing watching these natural features with their colorful pools. The hot temperatures of the water reminded me of the spas we sell here at Eastgate Pools. There are warnings posted throughout these areas in Yellowstone because in addition to the high temperatures the water in some cases is very acidic or contains harmful bacteria. So, I thought I would remind all of you the get your spa water checked for correct chemical balance. (Don’t want bacteria growing in your spa at home!) We at Eastgate offer free water testing – just bring in 8 oz. from your spa and we’ll help you! And if you ever have the opportunity – visit Yellowstone. It is unbelievable!
I Just Refilled My Spa And It Won’t Work!
There’s no water moving but the motors are running! Don’t worry, it’s not broken. You are experiencing one of the most common occurrences a spa owner has. You have a simple air lock and it’s pretty easy to get rid of. First, don’t let the motor keep running without water going through it. Shut it off at the breaker. First, try taking the filter(s) out and turning it back on. Give it a few seconds and see if it primes. If it doesn’t, shut it off again and find a large set of channel locks or a pipe wrench. Don’t panic – this is easy. Remove the spa’s side panel where the motor is located. Locate the union leading into the motor. Turn the power back on and, using the tool, slightly loosen the union. (DO NOT TAKE IT COMPLETELY APART!). Once you have loosened it a little – maybe a quarter to a half turn—the air lock is generally released and your spa should operate normally. Remember to re-tighten the unions. You may have to repeat the process on other pumps if you have more than one.