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.

……………..

Hot Tub Chemical Warning from Hot Tub Repair Man.

Hot Tub Pump Issues

If you have a problem with your hot tub pumps call us now on 0115 871 5419 or click on the following Hot Tub Repair Man logo link Below

The days when all the pumping that a hot tub needed was done by a single water pump are gone. Modern hot tubs or rather spas typically have two or three, while some might boast of five pumps. What do all these pumps do?

The basic function of the water tub is to keep heated water in the tub. The water pump, when it is operating, keeps the water circulating over a heater so that it is sufficiently warm. Water can get cold when it is being used.

The pump also pushes the water through the filtration system so that debris and harmful stuff in the water is removed. Without the force provided by the pumping, water might not get filtered adequately.

Other functions performed by the pumps in a hot tub include:

• Providing the therapeutic massage of desired force. It is the pumps that expel the water through the jets in the hot tub with sufficient strength to deliver the massaging experience.
• Mixing air and water to provide misted water to provide an enhanced massaging experience. An air blower is a dedicated pump that pumps air through the air pipes, while modern spas might have the functionality to mix air and water in the jets without an air blower.
• Circulating ozone throughout the water where you have an ozone generator installed. Ozone is highly effective in removing harmful organisms from the water and maintaining it in crystal clear condition. Ozone also reduces the costs of standard chlorine / bromine sanitation.

Pumps are mechanical devices with moving parts and are among the first devices in the hot tub to cause problems. The problems usually occur because of:

• Wear and tear of constantly moving parts resulting in some part failing and affecting the efficiency of the pumping function if not stopping it fully.
• The acidity and other properties of the water affecting the ceramic seal separating the dry (motor) and wet (water) ends of the pump, creating cracks that causes water leaks. If the leak is not detected and the seal replaced early enough, water can leak into the motor and repairing the motor can cost far more than the cost of replacing the seal.

You can minimize hot tub servicing costs by keeping the water at the recommended pH levels through regular testing and treatment. Additionally, check the tub for any signs of leak; the earlier you detect a leaking pump, the less will be your hot tub servicing costs.

If you require parts for your hot tub pump, please follow the link below to Hot Tub DIY online parts 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 Maintenance

The warm water in your hot tub and the sprays and bubbles they generate provide the wonderfully pleasing experience that you get. However, a lot of work goes into sustaining this great experience. You have to keep the water circulating as otherwise the stagnant water can turn out to be the breeding ground for all kinds of harmful organisms.

Keeping the water circulating is not the only task you need to do. Even well-circulated water can carry debris around and you need to filter the water during each round. And filters can get clogged and that means you have to clean the filters periodically to maintain their functionality.

Even filters cannot kill off all the harmful organisms. You need chemicals like Chlorine or Bromine to do that. These chemicals are available in tablet and granule forms for easy and measured application.

The hot tub water can get cloudy with stuff like dead skin and other micro-sized materials that the filter might not be able to catch. Oxidizing chemicals can oxidize such stuff and keep the water clear. Use shock oxidizers to do this task.

The water can become too acidic or too alkaline in the course of regular use and chemical treatments. Acidic water irritates the skin and can also corrode the tub and its components. Alkaline water causes stains and deposits on the tub.

The right balance between acidity and alkalinity (pH balance) is maintained using additives that that increase or decrease it. Whether an increase or decrease is needed is determined by using test strips that tell you visually what to do. The recommended pH balance is in the range of 7.2 and 7.8.

We mentioned earlier about the cloudiness of water. Such cloudiness can be caused by calcium deposits from “hard” water. In some regions, water tends to be hard and in these places, you need chemicals to control the calcium levels in your water.

The water can also contain other metals and minerals and these can lead to such side effects as stains and increased requirement of the other chemicals mentioned above. By using special chemicals that reduce the levels of such metals and minerals, you will save on these standard chemicals.

Once you have become familiar with the routines outlined above, maintaining your hot tub water in great condition will become an automated task requiring little effort. Till then, however, you will have to take some pains to learn what needs to be done and do it correctly.

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.

 

A Brief Look At The Hot Tub

The addition of a hot tub to any property gives the home a slice of luxury and somewhere to escape to at the end of a long hard day. It can also increase the resale value of the property quite dramatically.

Now there are many models of hot tubs and spas so choosing the right one can be tricky especially if you have a restricted budget. The cheapest option is the inflatable spa which averages around the four hundred pound mark (UK Sterling) they are usually hold up to four people comfortably and have the added benefit of being easy to dismantle so you could even take it on holiday with you.

From there on in prices for a hot tub with solid sides does tend to soar upwards into the thousands range, the more you pay the more accessories and extra the tub has. Additional extras include back massage units, drinks holders and LED underwater lights.

Now if you want to keep your unit up and ready at all time you will need to consider purchasing some extra parts or accessories such as a cover, a cover lifter and a supply of spare filters. Steps and safety rails may also be worth looking into to ensure you do not injury yourself when entering or exiting the spa.

From time to time you may need to replace some of the spa components such as LED lights, jets or values and there are plenty of companies that can either do this for you or can supply you with the parts for you to action the repair or replacement yourself. Something simple like and LED light replacement should be easy enough to handle on your own but anything more complicated should be left to a professional to avoid damaging the unit.

Make sure you know where you want the tub to go and how much you have to spare on its purchase, then research all of the options in your price bracket and see what you can afford.

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

• Hot Tub Chmeicals
• 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 Filters are Critical for Your Health

Ever wondered about the lowly filters that are constantly filtering out all kinds of debris from the water that is reaching your hot tub? Just think of the variety of debris it is keeping out and you will begin to appreciate the filter’s value.

If your hot tub is inside the house, the debris will typically include dead skin, hair, oils, cosmetic chemicals and other dissolved solids. If the hot tubs or water sources are out in the open, the debris will also likely include leaves, algae and other similar stuff.

Let us look at the different types of filters and how they function.

Cartridge Filters are the type most frequently used. These filter containers contain tightly packed pleats of mesh material such as Dacron. The tight pleats offer a large surface area to capture debris before allowing the water in.

Sand Filters contain sand and gravel that filter out the dirt and debris from the water flowing through them. Because the comparatively bulky filter material fails to trap microscopic debris, chemicals that coagulate microscopic particles are often used to aggregate the particles into bulkier stuff that sand can capture. The filters also require a specific kind of sand, which needs to be replaced periodically.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters contain grids of very fine mesh that is coated with diatomaceous earth (DE) that consists of petrified bones crushed into fine powder. DE acts like a sponge that traps the microscopic debris functioning very much like an adhesive. Disposal of used DE could be a problem, however.

A few simple steps can help maintain hot tub filters in good shape.

• Clean the filter regularly using high pressure water nozzles; do not use cleaning chemicals except those specifically made for hot tub filters
• Replace the filter when it gets worn out or when it ceases to get any cleaner when cleaned as above
• Preferably run the hot tub daily an hour or so even if no one is using it; this ensures that there is adequate water circulation; it also ensures that the hot tub water is turned over regularly
• Keep a watch on the water chemistry and keep it at recommended levels; filters are designed for debris and cannot kill off all bacteria
• It will be a good idea to take a shower to clean yourself before getting into the hot tub; that can reduce the strain on the filters
• Remember that hot tubs are more like spas and not like your bath tub; minimize oils and soaps in the hot tub

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

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

 

The Right Hot Tub For You.

The joy of having your own hot tub is something that will allow you to be relaxed and comfortable with every day. Your friends and relatives, will all appreciate the hospitality and comfort, and pure enjoyment of hot tubs whenever they invite themselves over for a visit.

Nowadays, spas come in most every shape and size. Custom configurations and spa components allow you to tailor- make the style that will best suit your needs. Many providers have designers on-site who can assess the space and area where the hot tub will be placed and help you make the best choice for the number of people who will be using it.

Energy efficiency, is often taken into consideration, and designs that allow for spa parts to be easily acquired make owning this system affordable and easy to work into the average budget.

Whether you prefer gas or electric, the unit you select can be designed to accommodate your heating needs. From modern designed pumps and recirculation methods, to fully insulated walls, floors, and covers, there are systems that will meet any need. Computer controlled heating cycles bring the water to the perfect temperature according to your personal taste, thus lowering operational cost’s.

Modern tubs now feature spa components that allow you to enjoy music pumped right into the water through underwater speakers. Water resistant LCD monitors brings your favorite movie, video, or show into a new perspective. The addition of underwater lighting affords you the ability to create and enhance the mood and atmosphere with a simple turn of a dial, or push of a button.

Keeping your hot tub clean, fresh and inviting has never been easier or simpler thanks to such technologies as ozone generator’s that pump oxygen based ozone into the water to soothe and relax the user. This also reduces and/ or eliminates the need for chemicals to maintain that fresh, crisp, clean appearance each and every time you open up the cover.

The Right Hot Tub For You.

Hot Tub Search

Hot Tub DIY

Hot Tub Repair Man

 

A Brief Look At How To Clean A Hot Tub Cover

Regarding how to clean a hot tub cover, it is a very easy process. The general gist of it, as with anything, is maintenance. The actual washing of it, using soap, only has to be done once or twice a month; however, the upkeep of it is even more essential.

To follow are directions for cleaning the top of a jacuzzi. One only needs to take a fresh towel, wipe and wipe the cover, wiping off the moisture that has built up over the course of the day and use of the hot tub. This should be done as often as possible.

Starting out with a towel or cloth, one should wipe off the jacuzzi cover using a mild soap, or chlorine, solution. It’s a good idea to not use detergent for this task, as it is too abrasive. Secondly, keep in mind that the unit’s chemistry is very important in its maintenance; it has to be kept at the proper chemistry. If not, chemicals build up on the lid, chemicals which are corrosive and will corrode the lid and damage it in the process

Wiping off any chemical moisture as it appears is good upkeep of the tub. It will prevent any chemical buildup; just as one is supposed to brush one’s teeth several times a day the same principal applies here.It’s preventative.

Plaque and tartar can build up on the teeth and chemical residue will collect on the lid, especially when it’s closed, and that is when the chemical residue will begin to eat at the tub’s lid. Wiping it daily will avoid the accumulation of corrosive chemical build up, and is so important in maintaining the life of the tub’s lid and of the hot tub itself.

One thing to bear in mind regarding a hot tub lid is that the corrosive chemicals which result from every day use will eat at the tub cover until it becomes porous. That is a good thing to prevent because if and when that happens, moisture is going to seep into the EPS core. So, daily upkeep is just as important as cleaning with soap, once or twice monthly.

The next step is to wash inside the unit’s zipper area. That is a very important step in the prevention of mildew growth. Mildew aggravates allergies, so it is wise for an allergy-sufferer to perform this step. Doing so several times a year will be adequate.

Those are instructions on cleaning a hot tub cover. In today’s hustle and bustle and post-recession economy, it is essential to maintain one’s possessions, because it’s so necessary to save money. Keeping the tub cover clean is tremendously important in extending the life of a jacuzzi and thus, delaying having to buy a new one. In addition, the water in the jacuzzi will stay cleaner which is a health benefit. Thus, it becomes not just a savings on the hot tub, but in allergy medication and treatment costs, as well. Then, one can enjoy a hot soak for years to come. The health benefits of a hot tub are many, such that even chiropractic and other medical expenses are no longer necessary.

A Brief Look At How To Clean A Hot Tub Cover

Hot Tub Repair Man – Hot Tub DIY

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