Lansing Spatech Presents Massachusetts (MA) and Connecticut (CT) Forum

Defrosting Frozen Hot Tubs

2011-02-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

Due to a number of recent accidents, I find it necessary to address the topic of defrosting frozen hot tubs. Frozen hot tubs must be thawed slowly. Ideally, a sump pump is placed in the water without a hose, and allowed to circulate for a week or so to warm the water. This prevents additional damage from occuring due to expansion. The use of high heat sources can cause steam to build in a single location. The steam has nowhere to go due to the ice on the sides of it. The pipe is forced to explode in order to relieve the pressure. These explosions can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. If your spa is frozen, don't turn on the breaker. If the flow switch, which recognizes flow from the pump, is frozen in the closed position, the heater will be activated. If the heater is activated in a frozen line, it will explode just like a super heated section of pipe. The slow thaw method must be used to clear the ice from the lines and prevent any additional damage or injury from occuring.

Lansing Spatech Presents of Hadley, MA

Hot Tub Parts, Spa Parts, and Pool Parts

2010-02-04T16:16:00.003-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents of Hadley, MA

We have finally made a full catalog of pool and spa parts available on our website! Many consumers contact us via phone or through the website to inquire about minor problems with their spas or looking for filter cartridges. Now we have the ability to sell almost any replacement hot tub part or pool part and have it shipped the next business day. This should save hot tub and pool owners the hassle of trying to track down the proper part or filter. If you have any problem figuring out what part you are looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

lansing-spatech.com or 413-584-7727

Hot Tubs During a Recession

2010-02-04T16:05:00.003-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents of Hadley, MA

Most people probably wouldn't consider purchasing a hot tub in the present economic climate. In many cases, now is the perfect time for a hot tub. Families are less likely to take a vacation in a down economy because it is such a temporary relief. A hot tub is always there. Peoples' stress and anxiety levels are very high right now. A hot tub can do wonders to relieve the physical damage caused by stress. The big question that we often face is the cost of operation and maintenance. The average monthly electrical expense to run a well-made hot tub is around $35-$40 per month. The cost of chemical maintenance is usually around $20 per month. For somewhere in the ballpark of $55-$60 per month, you can have your own hot tub at the house, ready to use when you need it. That is less than the cost of a single massage! I am in no way comparing the therapy of a hot tub to a full body massage, but the hot tub is there every day of the year. A massage lasts an hour and for the cost of maintaining a hot tub, you could get 10-12 massages per year. If I had to choose, I would certainly opt for a hot tub that I can use, with my family, any time I choose. Times are tight and budgets don't have a lot of flexibility right now, but if there exists any worthwhile indulgence in these times, I believe that a hot tub is just what the situation calls for.

Hot Tubs and Chlorine

2010-02-04T15:38:00.002-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents of Hadley, MA

Many customers inquire why it is so important to use chlorine in their spas. The answer is simple: Chlorine is the sanitizer for the hot tub or spa. Bromine is the other acceptable hot tub sanitizer. We frequently have customers at the store that are under the impression that spa shock is a sanitizer. Spa shock is an oxidizer, not a sanitizer, unless it contains chlorine. Oxidizers do a great job of clearing organic compounds from the spa water, but will not kill organic contaminants such as bacteria. Failure to maintain a reasonable sanitizer level (3 PPM) often results in bacterial infections such as Pseudomonas Folliculitis. Chlorine should always be tested prior to using a hot tub. If the level is low, add chlorine and retest in a couple of hours. If the appropriate level has been achieved and maintained for several hours, the spa should be ready for use the following day. Chlorine should always be added following use. Bather load is the source of bacteria. Therefore, treating the water immediately following use is a necessity. Many people treat the water the following day. This allows the bacteria time to grow overnight and makes it difficult to achieve a sanitary condition going forward.

Winterizing Hot Tubs

2009-10-03T16:13:00.003-04:00

Lansing Spatech Presents of Hadley, MA

Each year, many customers attempt to winterize their own hot tubs. In many cases, this leads to freeze fractures and costly repairs. If you are considering winterizing your own spa, please call us and set up an appointment to have this service provided. It will save you hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars and a lot of frustration. As always, we can be reached at 413-584-7727 or 413-584-7724. Happy hot-tubbing.

Dave

Spring 2009

2009-03-12T17:37:00.011-04:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

The Spring of 2009 has nearly arrived. People often begin thinking about purchasing a hot tub this time of year. The current economic conditions will obviously have considerable weight in such a decision. There are several things to keep in mind though. First of all, if you are considering a top tier hot tub such as Saratoga, Sundance or Hot Springs, the unit is likely to last 20 years. With that in mind, short term financing (5 years) is not a bad idea. I wouldn't recommend this with lower end units that might not last much longer than the terms of the loan. Next, consider that even a top tier hot tub costs about as much as a 2 week family vacation with airfare. In two weeks, the vacation is over. The hot tub can last as long as 20 years or more. Now consider what investments are doing. Money invested today is not guaranteed to return a profit, but money invested in a hot tub improves quality of life immediately and into the future. As we reassess our lifestyles and simplify things, we are likely to find ourselves at home more than in the recent past. Consider adding a hot tub to your environment. It is not a decision that you are likely to regret if you do your research.

Hot Tub Features

2009-02-11T16:47:00.009-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

When considering a hot tub purchase it is important to consider what it is that you are shopping for. There are a variety of spas and hot tubs available on the market. Top tier hot tubs offer longer warranties, in-house engineering, and qualified dealers. This is the category to consider if you are looking for a hot tub for muscle therapy. Brand examples would include Saratoga Spas, Sundance Spas and Hot Springs Spas. They offer five year warranties, they design and patent many of their own parts, and have stringent guidelines for their dealers. Mid tier hot tub brands offer shorter or limited warranties. Their dealers offer don't stock full parts inventories. These manufacturers are often assemblers. They purchase parts and assemble a tub with limited engineering. There are often far too many jets for the size of the pumps. These spas don't offer much in terms of therapy. The remaining brands offer hot tubs designed for leisure. There is limited jet action and very limited warranty and support. Especially in terms of hot tubs, you get what you pay for.

Watchdog Error

2009-02-11T16:40:00.007-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

The watchdog error (----) is an error that covers a wide array of issues. In many cases it is a result of power fluctuations. Try shutting off the breaker for 15 minutes and resetting. If the error resets, there is likely no issues. If the error reoccurs, it may be due to a sensor issue, component short, or a logic problem. If you are experiencing a reoccurring watchdog error call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Quiet In The Cold Weather

2009-01-15T19:43:00.005-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

It's been awfully quiet in early January. I'm hoping that everyone is taking the time to check on their spas. With the temperatures that we're experiencing, it is essential to check on your spa every couple of days. Our goal is to go through the winter with as few unnecessary freeze conditions as possible. Please take a moment here or there, if you're not using the hot tub routinely, to check the tub and make certain that all is well. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please report it. Most issues are easily solved provided that they are caught early on. Hope this post finds everyone well. If you have an opportunity, come by and check out the new store in Hadley, MA at the Hadley Village Barn Shops. It's been a pleasure to see so many clients that we haven't had to see in awhile. Thanks as always.
Dave

Hot Tubs With No Heat

2008-11-14T15:10:00.007-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

If you own a spa or hot tub that is not heating, there are several things to look for. Is the heat indicator on. If the heat indicator is on and there is no heat, it is time to call a technician to repair the problem. If the heat indicator is not present look for errors from the logic system. The most common error code is some version of a flow error (Flo,fl1, fl2, three flashing dots). If this error is present, verify that the spa's heat pump is moving water. If the water is moving at a proper rate and these errors are present a technician needs to address the problem. If the flow seems to be reduced, turn off the spa and remove the filter, as well as, any floating debris. Turn the spa back on without the filter and check to see if the error code is gone. If so, clean the filter thoroughly or replace it depending on its condition. If not, the pump may be clogged or damaged and a technician must address the issue. If there is no action from the pump check to see if the temperature reading is accurate. If inaccurate, the sensor has failed and you should contact your service provider. Finally, if the pump is moving water, there are no errors present, and the spa is set to heat, call the service technician to repair the problem.

Sequestering Agents

2008-11-12T14:08:00.006-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

Hot tub owners frequently ask if they really need to use products such as stain and metal controllers. The simple answer is yes. These agents are designed to protect the spa shell, the heater, and the additional components. Failure to use these products can result in heavy mineral deposits on the shell and heater. Although these deposits won't cause heater failure, they will cost increased energy use. The heater element is directly exposed to the water and transfers heat to the water as it passes over the element. If the element becomes coated with minerals, the heat transfer is greatly reduced and causes the heater to run for longer and longer cycles. We often replace heaters which have become ineffective due to heavy deposits of calcium, iron and other minerals. In general, four ounces of the product should be added at fill-up. Thereafter, two ounces per week should be added for maintenance. In cases of well water with heavy mineral content, an initial dose of up to twelve ounces can be added. After adding the stain inhibitor, run the filtration pump for at least one hour before balancing the pH and adding sanitizers or shock. This will allow the stain inhibitor to sequester the minerals and prevent the sanitizers from oxidizing them and causing discoloration of the water and heavy water lines on the shell.

Hot Tub Equipment

2008-11-10T19:35:00.007-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

People often ask: "How often should I have my hot tub equipment checked?". The answer to this question can vary. If you have had a recent service call by a reputable company, they should have checked the entire system at that time. Some failures are impossible to foresee, such as a sensor failure. In most cases, major repairs can be avoided with routine equipment checks. All too often hot tub owners assume that the machine is fine because it isn't showing any errors. However, in many cases there are minor faults which, if caught early on, can be easily repaired. Failure to find a leaking pump seal early on can result in the replacement of the entire pump and motor. Frequently, we see hot tubs that have not had maintenance in several years. Owners are shocked to find out that they have several minor equipment issues such as a dead ozonator. The ozonator, regardless of what you may have been told, is essential to clean, healthy water. Ozonators generate ozone gas and, depending on the make of your spa, can vastly reduce your chemical requirements. Properly mixed ozone is far healthier than large doses of chlorine or bromine for maintenance. These sanitizers have a low pH balance and therefore, require spa owners to use higher amounts of balancing agents to keep the water stable. The gas-off percentage of ozone in a well designed hot tub is very low. Large doses of sanitizers cause heavy gas beneath the cover. This is not healthy to breathe, nor is it good for the spas components. Covers and pillows degrade at a much faster rate in a spa that runs without ozone. In the end, it pays to have a qualified technician check out the spa at least once per year (preferably in late fall) to be certain that there is nothing obviously wrong with the unit.

Hot Tub Cover

2008-11-10T19:28:00.005-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

Is your spa or hot tub cover beginning to absorb water? This condition is usually quite obvious. The cover will become heavier over time and often it will begin to sag. The cover is not only cumbersome to maneuver, it is costing you money. Once a cover has become saturated, it is no longer energy efficient. A new cover will have an R-rating (the thermal rating) of at least R13. A saturated cover has virtually no insulating value. If your cover has become saturated, it is time to replace it. Look for a cover that has a foam density of two pounds or greater. These offer better impact resistance and a higher R-rating. If for no other reason, replace your cover before it destroys your lifter. In most cases, the lifter costs nearly as much as the cover itself and may ruin your cabinet if it is pushed beyond its intended limits.

Hot tub winterization

2008-11-09T21:17:00.003-05:00

Lansing Spatech Presents Hadley, MA

It is important for people in the northeastern United States to remember hot tub winterization. The process, if done properly, is quite involved. After the spa has been thoroughly emptied, the lines must be blown and sucked dry. This means all of the lines (both water and air). If the spa has a blower, turn on the power to the unit with it empty and activate the air blower for about two minutes to clear the system. Turn the power to the spas off. Begin sucking the water out of all of the spa's jets using a powerful wet-dry vac. Make certain to suck every orifice in the unit so as not to leave any water behind. Removed the water pump(s) and suck both the suction and pressure lines. Thereafter, blow these lines out as well. Suck up any water that remains in the unit and close the cover. It is essential to tarp over the top of the cover. Cover seams are permeable and will allow water to seep through. Tarps should be tied down rather than using weight to hold them. In the end, it pays to call out a professional technician to take care of winterizing. If you make a mistake, it can be quite costly. If a reputable company makes a mistake, they will take care of the repairs.