Is It A Bad Idea To Build A Spa Into A Deck?

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

Is it a bad idea to build a spa into a deck?

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about building a deck around a  spa so I wanted to touch base on the pros and cons of this type of installation.

First off let me start off by saying I love the look of this type of installation but it does present some very difficult service issues.




Sundance spas

                        Lets go over the pros first:

• Very attractive appearance
• Easy access to get in/out of spa
• Does not block any views
• Seating can be incorporated around spa

                       Now lets talk Cons:

• It can be a trip hazard
• No service access to panels around spa
• May need a crane to install into place ($)
• If no access for service NO REPAIRS
• If spa is ever removed you have a big hole

Now I am not saying don't do it, all I am trying to do is give you some incite as to what the situation is. Most spas made today have a removable skirting all the way around the spa in the event of service the technician can remove this skirting and gain access to the inner part of the spa and find and repair the issue, if there is a deck around the spa then the skirting can not be removed and no repairs can be made unless the spa is removed out of the deck.

I recommend getting a designer to plan out this type of install. You can have pre-determined hatches made in the decking to allow a service professional to open these hatches and gain access to the skirting. In most cases they can blend these hatches into the decking so they are not noticeable and will not take away from the beauty of you new deck project.

If you have a pre existing deck you can also place the spa at an outer edge of your deck and remove a section of handrail and redesign it to incorporate the spa and you will get an appearance of a sunken spa and still have access to three sides of the skirting. This is what I usually recommend to my customers.

No matter what your choice is, a spa is a great family gathering spot, and even greater relaxation destination. So go out and get one NOW!

Until Next Time...

Equipotential Bonding of Hot Tubs

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

Equipotential Bonding of Hot Tubs

In case some of my readers out there that live in New Jersey do not already know; NJ has officially adopted the 2011 NEC code on portable hot tubs.

NEC or National Electrical Code was recently changed in New Jersey.

For years now the code on the books required that all bodies of water ie; pools and hot tubs must have a bonding grid known as equipotential bonding within a 3 foot perimeter around said pool or hot tub and this was the cause of many consumer and electrician headaches, not to mention that if you had a pre-existing patio or deck that was made of brick or concrete this meant you had to remove a section of patio install the grid and then replace the patio. This in turn led a lot of my potential customers to forget about buying the hot tub.

As you can imagine I am completely ecstatic about this new adoption of the 2011 code, I have included a small portion of the new code for your reference.

Now you just need to keep a safe distance from all electrical supply outlets, your electrician will know all the codes for this as each town can be different slightly. My hopes is that this information will give my readers that are considering a new spa the information to better evaluate if a spa and the cost involved with one is for them or not.

I hope this information was helpful and that my readers will pass it on to all their friends and relatives.

Until Next Time…

2011 NEC Code (Partial)

i. Section 680.42(B), entitled "Bonding," shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted:

"680.42(B) Bonding. Bonding by metal-to-metal mounting on a common frame or base shall be permitted.

Exception No. 1: The metal bands or hoops used to secure wooden staves shall not be required to be bonded as required

in 680.26.

Exception No. 2: A listed self-contained spa or hot tub that meets all of the following conditions shall not be required to

have equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces installed as required in 680.26(B)(2):

(1) Is installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions on or above grade.

(2) The vertical measurement from all permanent perimeter surfaces within 30 horizontal inches (76 cm) of the spa to

the top rim of the spa is greater than 28 inches (71 cm).

Informational Note: For further information regarding the grounding and bonding requirements for self-contained spas

and hot tubs, see ANSI/UL 1563 - 2009, Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment."

Follow these steps now and avoid any issues going into winter

www.rickrobinson.kwrealty.com

Well the summer is mostly over and I have to say it went by too quick, I did not even get a chance to go to the beach this year.

I will say that this summer was a beautiful one very mild temperatures nothing way too hot and not a lot of rain so all in all I would say we had a great summer.

Now it is the end of September and most people are closing their pools and opening their spas for the fall and winter months.

If you have a spa and you use it all winter then you will want to follow these steps now and avoid any issues going into winter.

• Drain the spa and wipe down the surface with an approved surface cleaner (no abrasive cleansers as they can scratch the acrylic)
• Soak the filter in a filter cleaning solution overnight if your filter is over 1 year old you may want to consider replacing it now.
• Make sure you have all the necessary chemicals to start up the spa once you have it refilled with water. You will need a metal remover, PH up, PH down, Alkalinity boost, calcium increaser, and your sanitizer either chlorine or bromine.
• Fill the spa with water, put the hose down into the filter compartment first to push through any air bubbles in the lines, as the spa is filling add 8 oz of metal remover.
• Once the spa is full test the water with your test kit and determine where the PH and Alkalinity are at. Always add the Alkalinity first as this is a buffer for the PH and will help stabilize it. Once the Alkalinity level is good move on to the PH, then the Calcium Hardness.
• Providing all the previous levels are now good wait till the temperature of the water reaches 70 degrees or higher then add your sanitizer either chlorine or Bromine.

Now the spa should be good to go and ready for the winter use, you should not have to drain the water again till march if you do this by Thanksgiving the rule of thumb is every 4 months.

Now is also a great time to invest in a Fire pit, these units are a great way to still enjoy the outdoors for a little while longer without freezing your --- off. I am getting my fire pit ready this weekend so go out and get your today and don't forget to stock up on some fire wood.

Until Next Time...

Accessories are a must have for today's spa owner

Hello everyone, today I want to talk a little about  accessories that are a must have for today's spa owners.

One of the biggest obstacles I have found in selling spas; is for the height challenged people out there. The shorter people tend to shy away from a new spa due to the fact that they think they can not fit in the seats and feel they will drown when the spa is full so they are too scared to invest in a spa and are missing out on a great experience.

This brings me to my first recommendation of an accessory that I think is a must have for ALL spa owners. The spa BOOSTER SEAT, even if your family is all good , your future guests may need one, why not have one on hand.

This will give your guests or yourself the needed lift to feel comfortable and safe in the spa, you can move this around the spa to your favorite seat and enjoy all the benefits of spa ownership.

The next great accessory is a spa side table or handrail. Everyone goes out to their spa with toys in hand, (cell phone, I-pod, Drink, Food) and you need a dry safe place to put these down in a spot so you do not have to get out of the spa every time you want to get at them. There are many different ones out there. I have found the Spa Butler Jr. to be a nice unit as you can get this with a tray table and add towel racks to it and even a hand rail in the full size (Spa Butler) unit.

Butler Jr.

The Butler Jr, will screw to the cabinet of the spa and you can rotate the tray table  360 degrees so it can hang over the water edge or be rotated to close the cover when finished. The towel racks can be added to this unit to accommodate as many towels as you can fit.

Full size Butler

The full size Butler has a plate on the bottom of the unit that would need to be placed under the spa and then has a small bracket that you would screw into the spa cabinet. This plate is used as the counter balance due to the handrail that is part of the Butler, this handrail will make entering and exiting the spa a breeze. You will have to empty the spa to install this unit so wait until you are ready to do a water change to install this Butler. As with the Butler Jr you can add a tray table and towel racks to this unit. The handrail and accessories can rotate to accommodate the cover as well.

Lastly, if you are using a handrail you will need a set of steps. There are many different styles out there and many different price tags as well. You do not need to spend a fortune to have a safe durable set of steps. I have been selling a great step that is inexpensive and durable it can hold up to 700 lbs and comes in 8 different colors to match you spa cabinet, it is called the Dura Step by Leisure Concepts. It is 27" wide by 25.5 long and 15" high so it fits perfectly, and it will work with both square and round spas, all you do is flip the top step around if you need a round top step.

Dura Step II

So there you have it some of my favorite accessories for the spa. Anything that makes my life a little easier I am all for, and none of these items will break the bank and that is the most important.

Until Next Time....

Simple Changes for Healthier Living



Simple Changes for Healthier Living

Improving your overall health doesn’t have to be complicated. To get on the right track, here are few simple changes one can adopt to live a healthier life:

Sitting too long is bad for you                   

Our bodies are made to be moved and function best when put to use. Apparently, we were not made to sit. Also recent studies have revealed multiple health problems that can arise from sitting all day. If you have a desk job, make sure you at least stand up for a few minutes at the beginning or end of every hour. Sitting for several hours each day is bad for you, regardless of whether you do other healthy activities, too.

Stop Drinking Calories

Coffee drinks, cocktails and other beverages can have anywhere from 300 to 700 calories. In addition to water, if you still need something warm to drink try decaf green tea. Green tea is a sure way to cut sugar, caffeine and excess calories.

Give your body the time to digest food

Probably one main reason why people eat more than they actually need is because they don’t give their body adequate time to digest. By slowing down your meals, you will give your digestive system and brain the time to register the fact that your stomach is full.

Losing Weight Takes Planning

When hunger strikes, many of us reach the accessible snacks we can find. If it is lunchtime and you did not bring your lunch, you are more likely to hit the restaurant and order whatever looks most promising. The best way to shed some weight is to adopt some healthy choices to stay ahead of snacks and meals with a little planning. When you eat breakfast at home and bring a lunch to work you are not forced to jump in the café or restaurant for a meal. Map out your menu for the week and have a plan for snacks and evening meals. 

  

Benefit from Hot tub Water            

Anyone who has used a hot tub before is familiar with the relaxing, rejuvenating, and naturally rehabilitative qualities. Hot tub use is known to promote a multitude of physical and psychological benefits. When combined with Master spa accessories, hydrotherapy can provide ultimate stress relief, and overall wellness. Choosing the right hot tub parts and accessories will heighten your experience and ensure your hot tub is always ready for use.  For more details click here - http://masterspaparts.com

Smile

Can you measure the time you spend laughing in a day? As silly as it may sound, laughter therapy can make you healthier by improving your overall psychological state. This simple change is highly successful and health professionals often embrace it into their treatment of various conditions.

So what change(s) are you going to make today for your healthy living? 

This was a guest post by Sam Rutter. We thank you!

Until Next Time...

Spa Safety Rules

Rick the Spa Guy

Check out this great article on Spa Safety Rules...

Safety in the spa facilities is of paramount importance because of the risks posed to the public including injuries and loses of life. Typical accidents in spa entail slipping into pool water, entrapment when under the water, and drowning. Spa facilities should meet safety requirements and comply with the set regulations. Safety lapses in spa facilities can results to liabilities including legal subjection and claims for any injuries or death that may occur.

Given the range of clientele that spas receive, from children to adults, the healthy and the ill, it is imperative that spa safety pointsbe accentuated. There are basically many safety issues that should be examined in spa facilities and these include;

·         Fencing and gates installations.

·         Children’s safety aspects.

·         Chemical handling in pool facilities.

·         Personal safety issues when using the spa.

·         Risks of slipping.

·         Water quality and temperature requirements.

Among the spa safety points, the pool safety fence is very essential as this is a lifesaver for young children and even pets around the pool. Incidents of toddlers and young kids drowning can be prevented by use of safety fences. It is now within the jurisdiction for public waterpark and spa facilities to install safety fences around their pool facilities to avert drowning accidents.

Besides, these fences should be checked regularly to ensure that they meet the regulation standards. Pool chemical treatment should only be done by trained and qualified professionals. Improper application of the treatment chemical can lead to health complications such as skin and respiratory reactions and damage of the quality of the pool facilities.

Non-skid surfaces should be used in the immediately area that surrounds the spa. Handrails should be installed to assist the swimmers to safely hop in and out of the spa thus prevent slipping. Children are the most vulnerable in spa facilities and all the necessary precautionary measures should be taken to ensure that they are protected.

Children should not be left unsupervised in the spa. It is imperative to display clearly visible notices that educate the parents, guardians and any pool users on personal safety when using the facilities.

Whereas preventive measures such as use of pool safety fence can play a critical role, there is also need to observe strict personal safety guidelines. For example, when swimming, the pool users should avoid putting their head under water in a spa as hair can be entangled in a drain cover and risk the person drowning.

Until Next Time...

This article was written by: Viktoria Acevedo

Internet Marketing and SEO Project Manager

Guardian Pool Fence Systems

There is a great new technology being added to the spa industry to replace ozone units, it is called UV-C.

There is a great new technology being added to the spa industry to replace ozone units, it is called UV-C.


I sell Sundance spas and they have just added this UV-C system to all their spas they call it Clear Ray...and I think this is going to be a great system in the spa industry. It uses a light bulb like the old ozone systems of the past, but does not produce any gases that can damage the underside of spa covers and discolor the fittings in your spa. No ozone gases are a good thing...

The system basically works like this:

The spa plumbing is pushing the water through the UV-C devise, the lamp that is inside the UV-C component is a germicidal lamp, this will neutralize the bacteria and stop them from multiplying. This will allow you to use less chemical in the water as you only need a small amount of sanitizer to kill the existing bacteria.

This technology has been around for some time in other industries like water purification for drinking water, the pharmaceutics industry etc. This will make short work of keeping your spa water clean and balanced.

With all the green technologies that are put there I think this system will be a great step towards creating a green chemical free spa.

Until Next Time...

Time to get a new start on the new year, with a new Sundance Spa

Rick the Spa Guy

Well it's 2012 and time to get a new start on the new year, with a new Sundance Spa.

The economy seems to be getting a little better and I am hopeful that the new year will bring new opportunities. I have seen an increase in my customers questions regarding spas and swimming pools so I am hopeful that this year will bring about some happier times.


Last year was a very hard one to get through both emotionally and financially as I am sure it was with everyone. I am very happy to have a great family to enjoy my off time with and I am very lucky to have a great wife to stand by me and encourage me in all that I do. I have made a couple of resolutions this year but only to myself, I told myself to loose weight and exercise more. I want to get healthier and enjoy the rest of my life.


OK well enough of the self analysis...LOL


 I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is ready for a great 2012. I have been researching the new spas that are coming out this year and it looks great. I sell Sundance spas for my day job and they are really putting out some nice stuff this year. 

Be on the look out for the new Sundance Aspen, it is the non lounger version of the Maxxus, I can not say too much yet, but it is NICE. Those of you that are in the market for a new spa check out Sundance you will love them. 

2011 Sundance Maxxus

This Maxxus spa is 7' 8" x 9' 2" x 41" tall I believe and seats 5 people, has 3 main pumps, 1 circulation pump, Air Blower, LED lighting, Aroma Therapy, Dual Waterfalls and is super comfortable. An entertainers dream spa.


So start doing your homework and look into getting that new spa for 2012. 


 I will be attending the Pool and Spa Trade Show in Atlantic City, NJ next week so I will have more info then.


Until Next Time...

3 Reasons for buying a Sundance spa

My 3 reasons for buying a Sundance spa, are simple.  The Sundance spa line up consists of the 880 series, Elite Series, the 780 series, and the 680 series. There are several models in each of these series. You should begin your search by knowing which features you value the most, mine are as follows:

Elite Constance

Performance- Sundance spas are one of'; if not the best running spas I have ever worked on. If you have back aches and sore muscles and are in need a great massage, then these spas will certainly do the trick. Each seat has a jet design that will give you the best overall massage of your entire body. Almost all of their spas have full rated 2.5 hp pumps, air controls to produce the air induced massage at each seat, a large light and all 780 and 880 series spas have LED color changing lights standard.

Reliability- The 780/880 series Sundance spas have a 5 year manufacturers warranty to give the owner some piece of mind that their spa will be running up to par for a full 5 years with little to no out of pocket expense. They use GE motors which have an excellent service record in the spa industry.

880 Optima

Ownership-  Each spa seat helps you maintain even weight distribution and correct posture when surrounded by jet-driven water.

Accu-Ssage Therapy Seat

Unique therapy massage station for neck, shoulders, and back

Targets specific acupressure points

Customized hydrotherapy

Mild to bold action, deep-tissue massage

These are just some of the great features of the Sundance spa line-up you should visit the website to get all the info. www.sundancespas.com 

So as you see my 3 reasons for buying a Sundance spa are that of a "PRO". Performance,Reliability,Ownership. I have sold these spas for over 5 years now and I can not say enough about them. For 2012 they have some new models so be on the look out for them as well. Always remember when buying a new spa, you get what you pay for, if you want the Mercedes don't go looking at the Chevrolet's. 

I could go on forever on these spas but I think you should go look for yourself.

Until Next Time...

Photos courtesy of Sundance Spas.

10 Great christmas gifts for the spa owner



Rick the Spa Guy

  10 great christmas gifts for the spa owner

Do you have a spa or know someone that does and are having trouble deciding on what to get them for christmas this year?

Look no further as I will show you some of the nice accessories out there that would make a great gift this christmas. I know every year I rack my brain trying to think of a good present for family members and friends, so this year I have decided to find gifts that they can use to accesorize things they already have.


First of all decide what things they might need, like steps, new pillows, Do they like fragrences? There are a lot of great things out there. You can click on the link on the right for "In the swim" to see some of them.  

1. Pillows- Understand that most if not all spa manufacturers have there own version of pillows attached to the spa. This would mean that you would need to go to a local dealer of that spa to get the pillows to fit. that being said you can get generic pillows with weights that just flop over the spa edge and allow you to place the pillows anywhere in the spa you would like.
2. Fragrences- Spazaz offers a great selection of fragrances for the spa, they have Crystals that are anti-inflamatory as well as a liquid, I reccomend that you use both to get the best overal expierience. The more you put in the stronger the scent. You only need 2 oz to have a nice arouma, and it will filter out within 24 hrs.
3. LED Light- There is a replaceable light bulb that you can remove the old white bayonet style lightbulb and insert this Starburst light into the same socket and convert the regular light into a color changing LED light, they usually have 5-6 different colors to rotate through. You will use the light button on the spa controls to change the colors.
4. Towel Rack- There are several versions out there but I like the wooden towel racks. They are easy to assemble, usually in 10 minutes, you can set the hooks for the towels at what ever height and placement you like. These are usually a stained cedar wood they come in several color options usually a grey, redwood, and natural wood color. This is a must if you ask me as you need a place for your towels and or robe in the winter when you go outside to get into the spa.
5. New Steps- Maybe your family or friends need a new set of steps. Years ago all the spa steps were made from real wood and by now they have rotted away, the new steps today are made from a plastic polymer that needs no maintenance. You can get them in various widths from 30"- 60" most popular is the 48", these also come in several different color options to match almost any color cabinet out there.
6. Spa Handrail- Maybe you have some older relatives that will be visiting and you should have a handrail to assist them getting into and out of the spa. These can be screwed into the spa cabinet or some models have a flat plate that goes under the spa for stability although with this version the spa will need to be emptied to install but definatly worth the effort.
7. Spa Umbrella- Is the spa in the direct sunlight all day? Then get an umbrella to give you some shade relief. These two have several installation methods, a "T" shape base that you must stabilize with block, you can bolt them down to your wooden deck or patio, and they also have ones that have a spa base, which is a flat plate to go under the spa.
8. Spa Vacuum- Everyone needs one of these. You will always track some type of dirt or debris into the spa and with a vacuum you can easilly remove it. they come in a hand pump style that sucks up the debris into a chamber then you can easily remove the debris every week. They also come battery operated.
9. Submersible Pump- Tired of waiting that hour or two for the gravity spa drain to empty the spa? Then get an electric submersible pump and connect a garden hose to the pump drop it in the spa and within 30 minutes it's empty. They range from 70 gallons per minute to 1700 gallons per minute. This will make quick work of it.
10. Booster Seat- You made be a little  height deprived and some of the seats in the spa drown you. Not any more, just pick up a booster seat and it will allow you to enjoy all the seats and benefits of the spa. These come in weighted versions that will sink on there own, some you leave in the spa for 10 minutes and they saturate then sink and some you fill with water or sand to weight it down.

So there you have it the 10 Christmas gifts to get your spa owner this year. I know that any of these items will thrill the spa owner in your life as I am sure they have thought of getting every one of these items. Merry Christmas and Happy new Year.

Until Next Time...

"Pay It Forward" Help others to have a great holiday season.

Rick the Spa Guy

"Pay it Forward" to me means to go out of my way to help someone I may or may not know to have a better day, week, holiday or what ever I can do for them.

Being in the service industry I get to meet and talk to a lot of people everyday. Most of us today are in the same boat, working to survive and trying to give our family a great holiday season. I love this time of year, don't you?

The best in people comes out. This time of year I am the politest, and happy person I wish I was all year long. I decided 2 years ago to "Pay It Forward", during the holiday season I met a woman who's husband had recently passed away and she was having to deal with the household chores and the pool herself and did not know who to trust. My heart went out to her. She called me to close her pool since her regular guy would not call her back, this is when I found out the details about the husband,(she volunteered the info).

Well once you hear that kind of thing you just have to help out don't you? So, I offered to close the pool for cost and told her to call me in the spring and I would help her out with the vinyl liner replacement that she needed.

She called me the next April and we discussed the upcoming job and what would be involved, it was then I decided to "Pay It Forward" I replaced the liner at a my cost and closed her pool for free. This made me feel great knowing I helped her out and did something that was not just for me, I saw the way her kids loved the pool and I wanted to make thing great for them and make it so she knew she could trust me and I would do it right for her.

She has since referred me to several of her friends even though they did not need my services, this is how she Payed it Forward for me. To this day I still take care of her pool and we are good friends. I hope all of you that read my blogs will find a way to "pay it Forward" for someone this holiday season, you will not believe how good you will feel. Kindness is the best medicine for all that ails you.

I am trying to write about things that are close to my heart during the winter months when most of my industry is trying to figure out how to survive another year. I love to blog and my only wish is that I can help some people out there by giving them some info that they needed to do it themselves and save some time and money, and if they tell people about me all the better, if not I am still doing what I love so all is good.

If there is a topic that you would like me to write about, send me a comment and I will do my best. I also have a face book page that I do get comments on so you can always visit me there as well. Rick the spa guy is my new handle, what do you think? LOL

I again want to wish you a Happy and Healthy holiday season, and I hope we can help each other out in the future. Tell your friends....

Until Next Time...

Top Tips For Keeping Rodents out of Your Spa and Swimming Pool

After investing in a new spa or swimming pool, the last thing you will want is rodents getting into the system and wreaking havoc – we have all heard stories about broken heaters which are inspected only to find a rat and its family living inside. Unfortunately for spa and swimming pool owners it is an ideal environment for rodents, especially during the cold winter months as it is warm, cosy and concealed so they are at no danger. Rats not only carry diseases but can also cause a significant amount of damage chewing through wires and building their nests in unwanted places. Luckily there are some ways of preventing them from entering and if the worst comes to worst, a pest control company will always be able to solve your problem.


The first step to take is to make sure that there is no way in for the rodents, blocking up holes with expandable foam is a good idea but be sure to check that this would not affect the workings of the system. Rats only need a gap about the same size as a 20 pence (Quarter Size) piece and mice a 5 pence (Dime Size) piece – they really are nature’s contortionist. 


Steel wool also works well because rodents hate the texture and will not try to bury through. Cover up ventilators with fine mesh to allow for air flow but to stop any pests squeezing through the slats.


It is during the winter months that your spa and swimming pool are particularly favoured by rodents because it is cold and you are less likely to be using them on a regular basis. Therefore switching on your heater regularly during these months also will dissuade pests from finding a new home.


Another tip is to line the heater box with hardware cloth. This is essentially a screen type cloth made from metal. The benefit being that it will not harm your system and rodents cannot chew through it.
There are some substances that rodents do not like the smell of and will keep them at bay. You can either use mothballs or most pest control companies stock rodent repellent – placing mothballs under your spa or in the system and spraying rodent repellent around should keep rodents away. Peppermint is another scent rodents dislike so spraying this around the spa is another good tip.


Hopefully by using these tips you will be able to keep your spa and swimming pool rodent free. Most importantly make sure you are continually checking for signs of pests so you can act as soon as trouble arises! Remember that if you are unsure about how to tackle a problem or feel that it is too large; contacting a pest control company can save stress and money in the long term.


Author Bio:
This article has been written on behalf of Abate Pest Management Ltd – a pest control company covering the whole of East Anglia.

Do you think you need a new spa cover?

Rick the Spa guy

If you need a crane to open your spa cover, I think you're ready for a new one. Here are a few tips that you should know. Spa covers have a life of about 3 to5 years.

One of the first things you should look for is the taper of the cover. This is where the cover looks like the roof of a house to allow rain to run off the cover and not pool in the middle. Most replacement covers out there offer a 3" to 2" taper. This is good because it will do what it's designed to do. A 4" to 3" taper is better but usually offered at an additional cost.


The next thing should be the density of the foam core inside the vinyl. I recommend a 2 lb Density foam core. Also you want steam stoppers, these will prevent the steam from escaping and lowering the water level prematurely. Most times you will have a good selection of colors to choose from, if you want to match your house color or patio set. In most cases if you purchase one on-line, you will have to supply the spa dimensions to the company. This should be done with the cover off the spa.(Always measure the spa itself NEVER the old cover. The old cover has probably taken on water and swelled up, if you use those measurements the new cover will not fit correctly.


If your spa has Radius corners you will need to supply that dimension as well. This is easy to figure out. Get 2 rulers lay each ruler against the outside edge of the acrylic where the radius just starts to make it's turn, extend both rulers outward until they intersect each other. Now measure out from where the radius first starts to bend, to where the rulers intersect. This measurement is the radius. Be sure to measure all corners to be sure they are the same.


Rule of thumb: When unsure, a slightly smaller radius is better than a bigger one.


The last thing I want to mention is that after you have purchased your new spa cover you should be cleaning the vinyl about every 6 months and using a spa cover cleaner and protection, this will recoat the UV protection and help shield the vinyl from the suns rays. A cover lifter will also improve the life of your new cover and make it a lot easier for you to open and close.


Oh yeah, and if you want the straps to line up on the new cover to the old locks you will need to give them those dimensions as well, It sounds worse than it is...Its easy... Hope this helps .......


Until next time.......

Time To Drain And Clean That Spa

Is it time to drain and clean that spa already? Here's some info that you may find useful..

When draining the spa be sure to turn the breakers off first so the pumps will not run with no water and burn up.

You may find that purchasing a small submersible pump much faster and easier than hooking a garden hose up to the gravity drain built into the spa plumbing. Little Giant makes a great pump that can drain your spa at a rate of 1200 gallons per hour. This pump will empty a 500 gallon spa in less than 30 min.

Use a NON-ABRASSIVE cleaner to wipe down the spa surface, so you won't scratch the acrylic. Be sure to rinse the spa thoroughly and get rid of the left over water before you refill the spa.
This is the time to soak those filter cartridges. Use a good filter cleaner so you can break down the organics that are stuck to the filter and you can not see them. If you soak your filters every time you drain your spa, you will have less trouble keeping the spa clean and clear. The paper filters are good for about 2 years if maintained properly.

If you have signs of mildew on the under side or the spa cover you can use a LIGHT bleach solution to clean the mold. Use 3 parts water to 1 part bleach. ALWAYS ADD BLEACH TO WATER NEVER WATER TO BLEACH. Use a soft brissle brush to scrub the cover and rinse off with fresh water.
Use a cover protectant after you clean the surface debris off like 303 protectant. This will put a new coat of UV protection on the vinyl and your cover will last much longer and look great.
When you start the refilling process, stick your garden hose down into the filter area first and let the spa fill from the plumbing lines fist. This will push any air that may be trapped in the pump out and allow the pumps to start up smoothly and not cavitate and become air locked.
Once you have a foot or so of water in the bottom of the spa add a metal remover to the water while it is filling. Once the spa is full you can turn the breaker back on and test for full operation.

Now test the water with a test kit and determine the level of Alkalinty and PH in the water. Always adjust the Alkalinity first, then the PH and finally the sanitizer. Wait for the spa temperature to get above 70 degrees before you add and Bromine/Chlorine as these products work more efficiently in warmer water.

Now you should be ready to start using your spa again. Remember the better care you take of your spa the less problems you will encounter and the less money you will have to spend on repair bills.

Until Next Time...

Are You Buying A House With A Spa

Rick the Spa Guy

So you are thinking about buying a house with a spa outside and don't know what to do? A spa is designed for therapeutic value. They are portable units, so if you do not want it you can simply have an electrician disconnect the power and sell the unit or cut it up and throw it away, but before you do that consider the relaxing nights outside under the stars enjoying that warm water and therapy you would be getting from being a spa owner.

Spas are just an over sized jetted bath tub, most homes built today are designed with a master suite and master bath with a jetted bath tub in them, and people love to see the jetted tub in their bathroom but do not like spas outside. The reality of it is that most homeowners that have jetted bath tubs say that they rarely if ever use it. They have to wait for it to fill, if the unit does not have a heater in it then the water cools off quickly and you have to keep draining a little and refill with the hot water, it becomes a hassle and they just end up showering instead.

With an out door spa you are under the stars, the water is always full and at the temperature you prefer. In the winter you can be soaking in 100 degree water with snow all around and enjoying the company of your spouse or significant other at the same time. The chemical balance is easy if you monitor the spa once a week, and you are only adding a few ounces of chemical to keep the water clean and clear.

If you have never owned a spa or been in one before I recommend that you get in one and see how great it can be to own a spa. Go to a spa showroom at your local pool dealer and ask for a wet test, they usually will have a couple of models full and running, get in and enjoy the message therapy and see if a spa is for you.

So again, do not turn that house away that has a spa before you see if you will enjoy it. You can always get rid of it if it is not for you.

Until Next Time....

Why Is My Spa Cover Getting So Heavy?



Rick the Spa Guy



Why is my spa cover getting so heavy? I'll tell you why.

This topic goes along with one of my other blogs. "Think You Need A New Spa Cover".

 If you need to go to the gym to be able to lift your cover there is a problem. Lets talk about why a spa cover gets so heavy.

The cover manufactures  tell us that while their covers are very durable they are not meant for excessive snow loads, weight bearing etc. What does that mean??

Those of us in the cold snowy climates know what excessive snow can weigh. While an inch of snow is not a problem 6-12 inches would be. The snow will freeze and get even heavier. Spa cover's are only supported at the outer edges. Therefore there is no support in the middle of the cover. So you have to be diligent about not putting anything heavy on the cover.

 The cover is there to keep the heat in and the rain and snow out, not to be a shelf for your flower pots, or a bed for your animals: When anything too heavy rests on the vinyl it can crack the inner core of the cover. This is a foam core with a thin protective wrap around it and when that wrap is penetrated(broken from weight) the exposed foam starts to absorb the moisture of the water from underneath or on top. As this absorption continues the foam gets heavier and heavier until you can't lift up the cover.

 If you have a cover lifter installed on your spa, this can do major damage to the lifter. I have seen the wind blow open a waterlogged cover and snap the metal lifter arms and tear the spa skirting right off the spa.

So what have we learned so far? A spa cover has an average life span of 3-5 years. Do not use your spa cover as a storage spot and do not let snow build up on top. You can extend this life with just a little care and maintenance.


Every 6 months or so you should clean the vinyl and add a new coating of protectant to give your cover the protection from the sun that it needs. So if you notice that your cover is a lot heavier than it used to be, you probably should be thinking of replacing it before more damage is done.

Until next time......