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Want healthy hot tub & swim spa water? Clean filters are key!

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Here’s a startling statistic: many hot tub owners don’t clean or replace the filters in their tub or swim spas at all!! We’re a bit mystified by this, especially since one of the main elements that keep your hot tub & swim spa water clean, clear and healthy is (guest what?!) clean filters!

Filters are designed to keep hot tub & swim spa water clean and free of bacteria, body oils and other organisms introduced by bodies during a soak or swim. There’s only so much, however, that a filter can do without your help. Do the following to keep your water healthy and clean for hot tub & swim spa use:

DO clean your filters thoroughly at least once a month. Rinsing with a garden hose is not enough! Filters must be cleaned with a degreasing agent. The filter cleaner (http://www.oregonhottubstore.com/Spa-Essentials-Filter-Cleaner-Spray-p/se_flt_cln.htm) Oregon Hot Tub sells is formulated to do the best job on hot tub and swim spa filters.
DO rinse filters in-between cleanings or after sessions in your hot tub or swim spa where the bather load is high. Extra bodies = more “stuff” entering your tub or swim spa. Rinsing helps keep your water cleaner longer, and ensures nothing clogs the filters that can interrupt filtration & heating functions.
DO keep your water balanced. When water is out of balance, hardness or other water care products can precipitate out of the water and coat filter sleeves, inhibiting their filtering ability.
DO consider adding a Scumball (http://www.oregonhottubstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=scumball) to your tub or swim spa’s filter bay. Designed to absorb body oils & lotions, they help prevent filter clogging and water line scum to boot.
DO replace your filters on a regular basis. Tubs and swim spas with single filters need to be replaced every year; if a tub or swim spa has multiple cartridges, replace every 2-2½ years.
DO consider replacing regular filters with Tri-X (http://www.oregonhottubstore.com/Tri-X-Filter-p/tri_x.htm) filters if you have a Hot Spring Spa. Tri-X is exclusive filter technology only available to Hot Spring Spa owners. Made of a dense filter media, these filters more than double the filtration of your hot tub, and last 4 years minimum! (These can also be used on selected Hot Spot & Solana Spas. See us for details.)

Give your hot tub & swim spa every opportunity to provide you with clean safe enjoyable water…keep those filters in great shape! That’s an order!

Posted in: Certified Spa Dealer, Hot Tub Accessories, Hot Tub Maintenance, Hot Tub Products, Hot Tubs Beaverton, hot tubs portland, Hot Tubs Portland Oregon, How-To, Swim Spas, Water Care Products | No Comments »

Hot Tub Winterization Tips

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Winter is here – is your hot tub prepared?

The winter weather has hit and for some of us – earlier than we expected. Make sure your hot tub is in top condition to “weather” the weather. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

With the temperature dropping and freezing temperatures a common occurrence in Portland, consider purchasing a Winterizing Blanket.

This vinyl-covered, fiberglass insulated blanket installs inside the equipment compartment door, providing an additional precaution against partial freezing of some of the components – in turn maximizing the spa’s energy efficiency.

Make sure your cover is at peak performance level. Check for signs of wear and tear-make sure the seal is still tight and intact so heat doesn’t escape. If you see signs of sagging, fading or cracking, it may be time for a replacement.

Applying a protectant spray like 303 Protectant to the outside of the cover can help preserve it and keep it from becoming cracked in the first place. Applying 303 Protectant to the underside of your cover can help prevent mildew.

Also, be sure to remove snow from the spa cover before large amounts accumulate. Condensation might occur around the cover locks which could create ice build-up. To remove, splash with warm water; don’t try to pry the ice off. Wind straps are also good to keep the cover tightly secured during high wind storms.

If you are going away for a few days during the winter months, remember these tips:

Before you go, adjust the pH according to your Owner’s Manual.
Sanitize the water with a Chlorine-Free Oxidizer according to instructions.
Lock down the cover to prevent access.
Lock the light and jets feature on the control panel (on 1998 models).
Upon your return, balance the pH and sanitize the water prior to using.
If you will be gone longer than a few days, give us a call and we’ll walk you through some more steps to ensure your tub is in great condition when you finally return home.

If all of this seems overwhelming or you just can’t find the time to do it, let our professionally certified technicians do it for you. Our Signature Spa Care Service will take care of all the winter prep work to ensure your tub is in perfect condition when you need it most.

Tags: Hot Tub Winterization, oregon, portland winterization, washington
Posted in: Hot Tub Maintenance, Hot Tub Winterization, How-To | No Comments »