Warning – Warning – Warning 

Using The Wrong Hot Tub Chemicals will damage your Hot Tub or Spa.

Every day we repair hot tubs / spas for people that have used cheap, re-branded or swimming pool chemicals, the repair costs for this are usually really expensive, on average a hot tub pumps tend to cost around £400 each, and if the damage is heavy rusted bearings on 3 pumps the bill can become very expensive very quickly.

Cheap chemicals will usually smell very strong and the damage tends to happen very quickly, if used in a brand new hot tub the damage can destroy the acrylic surface in just 1 week, so it is important to get advise on which chemicals and how to use them very quickly.

Always use quality brands

A safe bet are the major hot tub chemical brands:

Fi-Chlor – the best quality on the market but expensive

SpaGuard – Very Reliable, good on the skin, no heavy odours, and a sensible price.

Aqua Sparkle – Reasonably priced and similar to Spaguard.

~Their is a basic chemical guide you can download available here – Hot Tub Easy Water Guide

What not to buy

If its cheap theirs usually a reason why!

The chemicals to watch out for tend to be sold by many companies (including big hot tub brands) in 5 ltr containers and are usually labelled for “swimming pool and spa”, not all chemicals are bad, only the cheap chlorine granules, chlorine tablets, bromine granules and bromine tablets. Call for more advise.

*Never use liquid chlorine from any brand!

Algaecide

Never put algaecide into a hot tub, this is the worst chemical for destroying anything that is made of rubber.

Don’t Worry

If you have been using cheaper brands, don’t worry, stop using them and buy some quality  chemicals, but remember to check inside your hot tub regularly to make sure the damage doesn’t cause expensive repairs. (Small seals are cheaper to replace than electrical items)

Main types of damage

Rubber damage – o’rings, pump shaft seals, jet seals, light seals,

Surface damage – big white ring around water level.

Cosmetic damage – Handles and dials bleached, control panel overlay fluffing on edges, Stainless steel trim rusting.

Human damage – skin irritation, skin bleaching and burning, rashes, discolouration of dyed hair.

What to do if your hot tub is already damaged

If its something you can repair with hot tub parts online great!

Alternatively call a hot tub repair specialist to repair the hot tub for you.

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Hot Tub Chemical Warning from Hot Tub Repair Man.

Hot Tubs and Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using the power of smell to enhance health and well-being, and heal illnesses. Few would disagree that smells are powerful; they can greatly influence our mood. Most of us would have had the experience of feeling exhilarated when a strange and enchanting smell wafts into our noses while walking around in a garden.

Aroma therapists say that smells do much more. Scents can alleviate pain, tone up the skin, reduce anxiety, relieve tensions and invigorate the whole body. They provide a great experience curing fatigue at the end of a tiring day.

Aromas work on the brain through the olfactory neurons in the nasal cavity. The neurons carry the sensation to the limbic area of the brain. The limbic system is connected to memories and emotions and it is no wonder that smells can rouse long-forgotten experiences and affect one’s emotions.

Scents in the Hot Tub

Hot tubs are meant for relaxation. When aromas supplement the warm water, the effect can be dramatic. Just imagine soaking in the warmth of the water that also fills your nose with the smell of jasmine or rose at the end of another day!

The aromas are created by essential oils, oils that extract the essence of flowers, plants, herbs, fruits, barks, grasses and trees. These oils are added to the water in the hot tub and your experience suddenly acquires a new dimension. Hot tub aroma products often come in the form of crystals rather than oils, because oils can spoil the water quality.

The sense of well-being that you feel as a result can improve your health over a period of time, because mind and body are closely linked.

Therapists say that there are 150 kinds of essential oils, providing different benefits, including antiseptic, antiviral and pain-relieving effects among others. Hot tub users are more likely to be interested in the stress-relieving, relaxing and invigorating properties of the oils. There are reportedly oils that are antidepressants or diuretic, or that can improve your digestion.

Adding smells to your hot tub water can thus result in much more than creating a pleasing experience. They can have just the kind therapeutic benefits that you are looking for.

For a great range of hot tub Aroma Therapy and fragrances please visit our store:

Hot Tub Components

The modern hot tub is a complex assembly of various components, very different from a barrel-like wooden hot tub in the garden with a separate wood-fired stove heating the water. Present day hot tubs, more appropriately known as spas, provide a much richer experience than just a warm soak. In fact, the expensive models of today tend to be complete entertainment systems designed to please several senses.

In this article, we look at the major essential components that go into a modern hot tub.

The Shell: The shell holds the water, seating and the bathers. It is typically made of acrylic in attractive colors.

The Understructure: Made of ABS, fiberglass, etc the understructure provides rigidity and strength to the shell. It is also given a coating that has insulating properties.

The Cabinet: The outer covering serves as an attractive exterior and as a cover for the unseemly assembly of pumps, motors, plumbing and other components that serve different functions in the modern hot tub.

Pumps and Motors: The modern hot tub will typically have several hot tub pumps and associated motors. Circulation pumps keep the water flowing through the heater so that users get water of desired warmth throughout their stay in the hot tub. Jet pumps provide the massage experience of desired force. Air blowers and jets provide aerated water that enhances the experience.

Plumbing: Modern spas have a complex plumbing system consisting of pipes, manifolds, unions, joints, suctions, drains and more to keep the water flowing and also mix air with it where needed.

Filtration: Body oils, dead skin, cosmetics and other stuff can quickly make the water in the hot tub quite unpleasant. It is different types of filters that catch much of the debris and maintain the water in tolerable condition.

Control Systems: As would be evident, the modern hot tub is a complicated assembly and electronic controls are typically used to keep things under control. Temperature control is extremely important to avoid danger to users while entertainment systems need to be under the users’ control to ensure that they can get what they want.

The different components of the modern hot tub work together to provide you a great and relaxing experience that the traditional soak in a wooden hot tub could not have provided.

Hot Tub Repair Man – Hot Tub Repair and Services

Hot Tub DIY – Hot Tub Pumps, Chemicals and plumbing

Hot Tub Issues

As a user of hot tub, what should you look for? An overview of the key issues can make you a better hot tub buyer and user.

The Hot Tub

The modern hot tub has an outer face that determines it look and feel. If you search around you can find just the color and texture that you prefer. The surface also determines how prone to wear and tear, the environment and the water chemicals your spa is. Expensive models of modern spas might even come with coatings that make them stain-resistant and impart to them anti-bacterial properties.

The under-structure behind the surface provides structural strength. This structure has to support the weight of the large volume of water that a typical spa will be holding, and the weight of the bathers.

The modern hot tub is not just a pool of water kept warm. Instead, it circulates and filters the water to provide a pleasant experience that is also healthy. It is the plumbing and water pump that delivers this essential functionality.

The plumbing and pumping also determine the quality of massage experience that you receive. There are hot tubs with hundreds of water jets and their efficient functioning depends on the plumbing quality.

The whole structure might be covered with a cabinet that matches the setting of the spa.

Energy Efficiency

Keeping hundreds of gallons of water warm requires a lot of energy. Any measures that reduces energy consumption is desirable from the viewpoints of both the environment (energy generation consumes resources and can even pollute the environment) and your personal finances.

Good insulation can keep the warm water from losing its warmth for a longer period thus reducing energy consumption. Foam is used inside the cabinet to provide insulation and manufacturers typically claim better energy efficiency for the insulation solutions they provide. Take a look at this important issue if you are buying a new hot tub, or renovating an existing one.

One thing you can do to reduce energy consumption is to use spa covers that limit heat losses through evaporation. It has been claimed that using covers when the hot tub is not in use can save large amounts of energy.

We will look at health issues related to hot tubs in a separate article.

Thank you for reading this article written by Hot Tub Repair Man

remember if you require parts to repair and service your hot tub check out our store: www.hottubdiy.co.uk

 

 

Hot Tub Water Jet Problems and Solutions

The water jets in a hot tub provide the real experience that you seek from the spa. When they cease to function as expected, your experience also deteriorates. An idea about the common problems and what to do in each case can definitely improve the experience.

Calcium Buildup: The calcium in hard water used in the tub can build up in the jets and cause mobile jets to become immobile. Test the water for hardness and add water softener chemicals as necessary.

Air in Water Pump: If air gets into the water pump when you drain the hot tub or otherwise, it can affect the pump’s ability to move water forcefully enough. At the jets, you will find that the water is not providing a sufficiently strong massage experience. The problem is solved by removing the air from the pump. Loosen the coupling (a little) at the discharge end of the pump. When the pump is switched on, air inside will escape through the opening. When water begins to spray through the opening, quickly tighten the coupling.

Irregular Flow of Water: Instead of providing a smooth flow, water might come out of the jets in spurts. This problem can result from several causes that need to be eliminated one by one to arrive at the real problem.

• Check the level of water in the tub. If it is too low, air might be getting mixed with water and affecting the flow of the latter. Topping up the hot tub should solve the problem if this is the case
• If water level is not the problem, filters could be. They might have become clogged and need cleaning or even replacement. To check, remove the filters and run the jets. If the water flow is normal now, the problem is filters. Clean or replace them as warranted. If the filter is beyond cleaning, putting them back can cause damage to the pump.
• If the problem is not with the filter, the culprit could be a blockage in the plumbing. Check around the pump for the existence of any such blockage and remove if any are found.
• If none of the above steps stops the problem, it could be with the pump or control system. Repairing these is best left to trained persons.

Hot tub Repair Man

N01 Hot tub Service Company in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby

Remember! Hot Tub DIY is one of the UK’s leading providers of:

• Hot Tub Chemicals
• Spa replacement and upgrade parts
• Hot Tub Pumps
• Spa Covers
• Hot Tub Jets and spa filters

For more information or questions on hot tub parts please contact us through our Hot Tub DIY

If you require service or repair please go to Hot Tub Repair Man for more assistance.

 

 

Hot Tub Water Jets and Joint Pains

Joint pains are caused by different factors. Sprains are temporary pains caused when joints gets stretched beyond their maximum capacity. On the other hand, factors like arthritis have deep-rooted causes that affect more than joints.

Even in cases where the underlying cause is beyond the reach of superficial measures such as massages, they can provide significant relief. Hydrotherapy using water jets in hot tubs is one great option for massaging painful limbs. Hot tub jets can administer the massage without the intervention of a third party, i.e. you can administer them yourself.

The gentle or powerful massage by warm water on the aching joints can relax muscles and relieve spasms, providing relief from the pressure on joints and consequent pains. The buoyancy of water and consequent ease of moving the limbs also make it possible to do simple exercises that increase blood circulation to the painful joints.

Arthritis sufferers typically experience stiff joints and increased pains when they rise from bed in the mornings. It is a good idea to take a hot tub bath to relieve the stiffness and pains first thing in the morning where possible. The bath can provide greater freedom of movement.

In the evening, you can again relax in the hot tub, allowing the water jets to massage all body parts. This can be a great relaxing experience that helps you sleep better.

Whereas the original hot tubs had just one water jet, modern tubs come with a hundred or more jets, providing a varied range of experiences through sprays, swirls, pulses and more. The whirlpool jet, for example, provides a powerful and concentrated massage to the body part exposed to it.

And do you know about the pillow jet and shoulder jets? The warm water from these jets can massage two key body parts that are often vulnerable to pain, the neck and shoulders.

Hot tubs are great, provided you select yours right.

Hot Tub Repair Man | Hot Tub DIY

A Simple Guide To Hot Tub Service

Hot tub service can be very important in the life of a hot tub. How the owner handles every day maintenance and care will directly affect the life span of the hot tub and the mechanical parts within. The home owners manual that came with the hot tub should instruct the owner on generalized care and maintenance of the equipment, however, if the owners manual is not available this article may help to solve some of the dilemma of spa service. A hot tub is designed to help a person relax and remove stress from their body.

The soothing hot water can aide in minor pains caused from sore over worked muscles. The down side is this; if a hot tub is not properly cared for and maintained it can make you sick. When the ph level in a hot tub or spa gets out of balance bacteria start to grow quickly. Unfortunately some diseases can even be spread by the lack sanitizing chemicals in the water. Every hot tub owner should know how to maintain and service their equipment.

Make certain the chemicals in the hot tub are at the suggested level. Check manufacturers suggestions from either the hot tub or the makers of the chlorine or the bromine that is being used.

Algae are the green slime line or floating green or black particles seen in the tub. A simple algaecide from the spa supply store will correct this problem. Cloudy water can be easily treated with either a clarifier designed for spas or a shock treatment designed for spas.

Stains can be a problem to remove but one trick is to apply Polident (the one for dentures) to the dry tub and rub until the stain is gone. Scaling is that gray or white it can even be brown at times, waterline mark. Vinegar is a great solution for scaling but vinegar will throw the ph off. Try putting the vinegar on a sponge and hold a towel under to catch the run off from the sponge.

If you are dealing with an outdoor spa service or hot tub services and maintenance, consider changing the water fairly regularly. This action should be taken at least once every four weeks. Every week the pump filters need to be removed and rinsed with the garden hose. Once a week should do the trick but more often will not hurt. Debris such as sticks and bugs and leaves can get stuck in the filter.

About once every twelve months have a professional come out and ensure that the jets and motors are all working properly. While the technician is there they will oil or lube anything that requires it. This action can save you from having expensive repairs to do from equipment failure.

Hot tubs are a financial investment that with a little care can bring you many years of enjoyment.Remember, for proper hot tub service keep the water ph levels correctly balanced, clean out all debris regularly, drain often and every twelve months have a preventive check up.

For more information on Hot Tub Services, contact Hot Tub Repair Man on 0115 871 5419
or goto www.hottubrepairman.co.uk

Importance Of Hot Tub Services And Spa Services

Manufacturers of spas recommend that owners should use hot tub service, hot tub services or spa service frequently. Hot tub owners should drain and refill their hot tubs or spas at least 3 or four times a year, failure to do this may lead to skin problems, equipment wear and tear and unhygienic water conditions, hence observing hygiene is very important.

Servicing a spa may take a long time and such services are paid for by the hour, for instance draining a tub may take more than an hour, to save up make sure that you have other maintenance work done by the technician as the draining is being done, this way you save a great deal.

Make sure that stagnant water lines are removed too, these cause bacteria to be trapped and in turn result in a foul odor and unhygienic conditions.

Another thing is detailing the acrylic shell, this is a two step process, the shell is first cleaned with a cleaning agent that should be compatible with material of the acrylic shell, it should then be hand buffed to enhance the luster and beauty of the spa. For this service, the spa should be completely drained.

Filters are also another issue, they should be cleaned at least twice a month and replaced at least twice a year, this is important because it keeps the hot tub running smoothly and the water clean.

Spa pillows should also be cleaned regularly with sanitizer, this is because they are situated above the water line hence they capture water vapor which contains a lot of bacteria. The sanitizer used should be gentle to the pillow material.

The tub cover is also an important component and is costly to replace, they should then be maintained with utmost care, and it should be cleaned and conditioned often. One should ensure that proper agents for conditioning are used, one should refrain from using silicone based products because they hasten deterioration of the cover.

It is also important to conduct a full inspection on your tub, this is the perfect way to make certain that your spa is functioning properly. This is a paramount service if you have purchased a home with an installed spa or if your tub is more than three years old.

There are dire consequences for not maintaining or properly servicing your spa, one of the most serious is legionnaires disease, its caused by a bacteria, this bacteria is found in many freshwater sources in small quantities, however with the higher temperatures in your hot tub, the bacteria increases rapidly and if this goes unchecked it can be a severe health hazard.

Loss of life is a very real possibility if your spa is not properly maintained, when one breathes in the water vapor droplets that contain the bacteria, he or she is immediately infected and this can often result in fatalities especially in the elderly.

One is advised to properly maintain their spas the best way they can. If a tub is found to be the origin of the legionnaires causing bacteria outbreak, the owner may be expected to pay a hefty fine of about or over $30,000. Hence one cannot over emphasize the importance of hygiene in these services.

Hot Tub Repair Man
Hot Tub Service and Spa Service

Hot Tub Water Chemistry Needs Specific Attention

The water in your hot tub needs proper attention to ensure that it does not become a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Use of appropriate chemicals can also keep the water pleasant-looking breaking down body oils and cosmetics and keeping the water clear.

Initial Steps:

• Use skimmers and filters to trap the large and small debris in the water before it reaches the tub. Water should be filled only up to about half the top skimmer.
• Heat the water to about 30 degrees Celsius and regulate the pH by adding pH up or pH down till the pH is around 8.
• Add an enzyme based clarifier that can break down body oils and cosmetics and keep the water looking clear
• Use alkalinity regulators to keep the alkalinity at 100
• Add granular chlorine and non-chlorine activate following instructions on the package.
• Using an ozonator keeps the water sanitized for much longer periods, and also allows using less chlorine.

Periodical maintenance:

• Test the water for pH, alkalinity and chlorine once a week and keep these at ideal levels as mentioned above.
• If you are not using an ozonator, check for water clarity and use a clarifier as above.
• Clean the filter once or more every month by soaking it overnight in a cleaner and rinse it before putting it back into the spa. Empty the skimmer basket and scum bags and clean with fresh water.
• Unless you are using an ozonator, empty the spa once every three months and clean the spa with water containing bleach using a sponge and then rinse with fresh water and dry with heavy towels. If you are using an ozonator, you need to do the cleaning only once a year or so.

Taking the trouble to maintain the water chemistry at healthy levels will pay you back by providing a long-lasting healthy experience.

If you need to read our full guide on hot tub chemicals – please goto the Hot Tub Repair Man website and read our Easy water Guide

Hot Tub Problems: Excessive Foam

While bubbly spa water is normal excessive foaming is not. If excessive foaming is allowed to continue the spa water becomes bad. Bad spa water will require more frequent adjustments and the filters are also likely to get more easily damaged. In addition to higher costs as above, the experience provided by the hot tub also becomes less than pleasing.

Several factors can lead to excessive foaming in hot tubs. Residues of foaming products such as shampoo and deodorants used by bathers can cause it. Bathers should consider showering before using the spa or at least not using hair and skin care products before entering the hot tub.

The detergent residues in your bathing suits also can lead to excessive foaming. However well the suits are rinsed, some residues will remain if detergents are used during washing. The solution is to wash these suits without using detergents. Wash them more often to compensate.

If you drink liquids while in the spa, it is possible that some of these are spilt into the spa water. Some of the liquids have a foaming effect. Take particular care not to spill what you drink.

Yet another cause can be the very chemicals that you use to keep the water healthy. While quality chemicals used strictly as per directions might not cause such foaming, fillers in cheap chemicals, as also excessive use of even good quality chemicals, can. So use only good quality chemicals and use them as per directions on the package.

Accumulated solids dissolved in the hot tub water also contribute to excessive foaming. These solids come from different sources – such as the chemicals you use to maintain water quality, the cosmetic products you use and even the skin flakes peeling from your body. The solution to this problem is to replace the water in the hot tub once in three months.

If your spa needs a service please contact ‘Hot Tub Repair Man’ at www.hottubrepairman.co.uk or on 0845 5191454