#TipTuesday – YOUR HOT TUB CONCERNS

YOUR HOT TUB CONCERNS: SEPARATING MYTHS FROM FACTS

Here, we will address your hot tub concerns. People have always loved soaking in hot water. Untold generations have sought out natural hot springs to soothe their muscles. From the thermal baths of the Roman Empire to the exclusive health spas of 19th century Europe, hot baths were often the province of the wealthy, a luxury to be coveted and indulged. Hot tubs have been around in their modern form for about a century and are now widely used and loved by people from all walks of life. In that time, we’ve learned a great deal about hot tubs, but we’ve also picked up a handful of lingering misconceptions. Here, we’ll look at the myths swirling around about hot tubs regarding health and maintenance, and separate the facts from the fallacies:

COMMON HOT TUB HEALTH MYTHS AND FACTS

Modern-day hot tubs are built to high standards of health and safety. They’re designed to protect their owners with safety features like slip-proof steps, precise temperature controls, and advanced water care systems to keep the water clean and safe. Wet surfaces are slippery, so use caution while moving in or around your hot tub. Particularly if you have reduced mobility, always use a staircase, and consider installing a handrail to help you safely enter and exit your hot tub.

Hot tub owners have other concerns about potential health risks, many of which can be prevented with a little cleanliness and care.

CONCERN: YOUR HOT TUB CAN BURN OR SCALD YOU

This is certainly a risk for hot tubbers looking to take a dip in a natural outdoors hot spring. Unless the hot spring is known to you or has its temperature measured and posted, you should approach your soak with caution. Some natural hot springs are pleasantly warm, while others may be dangerously hot.

Unlike a natural hot spring, however, your home hot tub comes with a thermometer, which will tell you the temperature of your water at a glance. While individual preference will vary, an ideal temperature for healthy adults is usually around 101 or 102 degrees. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a maximum water temperature of 104 degrees; in fact, most modern-day hot tubs are specifically designed to never exceed this level of heat.

CONCERN: YOU CAN CATCH A DISEASE IN A HOT TUB

As with uncontrolled temperatures, uncontrolled biological processes—viruses, bacteria, or fungus—are a much greater concern in a natural hot spring than they are in the controlled environment of your hot tub. With hot tubs, it’s easy to avoid issues related to bacteria. The difference is care: The chlorine or other chemicals used in your spa’s water care system is designed to kill most harmful microorganisms. Medical conditions sometimes associated with hot tub use include both Legionnaire’s disease and folliculitis, which is sometimes referred to as “hot tub rash.” These conditions may be contracted from exposure to unclean hot tub water. To reduce your risk of exposure to these or any other conditions, be scrupulous about following the recommendations of your hot tub dealer for testing and caring for your hot tub water.

Some microorganisms, such as the parasite Cryptosporidium, are resistant to chlorine. Prevention is the best cure: To reduce the risk of dangerous contaminants entering your hot tub, always keep your hot tub securely covered with its own specially-designed cover when not in use, and make sure everyone who uses your spa showers before entering the water.

CONCERN: YOUR HOT TUB CAN BE DANGEROUS IF YOU’RE PREGNANT

This is a valid concern: The American Pregnancy Association does not recommend hot tub use for pregnant women, as raising the body temperature to above 101 degrees during the first trimester can result in an increased risk of birth defects. Pregnant women should always consult with their doctor before using a hot tub.

MYTH: YOUR HOT TUB MAY TRANSPORT YOU THROUGH TIME TO MEET YOUR YOUNGER SELF

Come on, really? It can’t. That was just a movie.

Owning a hot tub should be a worry-free experience.

COMMON HOT TUB MAINTENANCE MYTHS AND FACTS

Along with possible health worries, potential hot tub purchasers may have concerns about the amount of time, money, and effort that might go into operating and maintaining a spa.

CONCERN: YOUR HOT TUB WILL TAKE EVERY SPARE MOMENT YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN

Far from it. Hot tubs do require some necessary maintenance: You’ll need to check your water levels a couple of times a week and perform any necessary adjustments. You’ll also have to change your water occasionally—usually every three or four months, though if you’re using the a salt water,  your water will need to be changed as infrequently as once a year. Of course, you’ll have to replace your filters occasionally and attend to any other maintenance or service issues as they arise. If you own a high-quality hot tub, none of this should add up to a significant investment of your time.

CONCERN: YOUR ELECTRIC BILL WILL JUMP IF YOU USE YOUR HOT TUB

Hot tubs are heated by electricity, so yes, your electric bill will increase with use. A bargain-priced hot tub with an inefficient motor and insufficient insulation will require a great deal of power to keep the water at a constant high temperature, causing your monthly electric bill to increase by a lot more than if you had purchased a well-insulated spa.

However, if you invest in a high-quality hot tub with a base pan and effective insulation, the increase in your bill will be a lot less dramatic. The base pan separates the water in your tub from the ground, stopping heat from leaking out from the bottom. High-tech foam-spray insulation forms an excellent thermal seal between the sides of the tub and the ambient air. If you keep your hot tub covered with a high-quality insulated cover whenever you’re not soaking, your hot tub will be protected from heat loss on all sides. You’ll lose very little heat when your hot tub is not in use, which means you’ll use very little electricity to keep your water hot. A well-made premium hot tub with effective insulation can cost as little as $15 dollars a month—that’s about 50 cents per day—to run.

CONCERN: YOUR HOT TUB’S CHLORINE WILL MAKE YOUR EYES BURN

Chlorine is a potent chemical, no question—that’s why it’s used to kill bacteria and other contaminants in hot tubs and pools. Chlorine may cause eye irritation or skin rashes, especially if used at inappropriate levels. For chlorine-sensitive individuals, alternatives exist, such as a water care system that uses gentle salt water. If your hot tub is making your eyes burn, however, it might not be the chlorine—your pH levels may be imbalanced. If your hot tub’s water is too basic or too acidic, the fumes can make your eyes sting. Monitoring your hot tub’s pH level and adjusting it as necessary can prevent any unpleasant sensation.

MYTH: YOU CAN USE SWIMMING POOL CHLORINE TABLETS IN YOUR HOT TUB

While swimming pools and hot tubs often both use chlorine to keep the water clean and fresh, the amounts are different. Using tablets designed for swimming pools will result in incorrect levels of chlorine in your hot tub and can throw off your hot tub’s pH levels. Only use products specifically designed for hot tub use in your hot tub.

CONCERN: YOUR HOT TUB WILL REEK OF CHLORINE

If you use chlorine to keep your hot tub water clean, you may be able to detect a faint chemical scent in the surrounding air. If the chlorine smell is very strong and pungent, however, there’s probably a different cause: When chlorine bonds with nitrogen or ammonia, it forms a compound called chloramine. Chloramine has a noxious odor and can cause your eyes to tear; it’s not a welcome guest in your hot tub. The nitrogen or ammonia can be introduced into your hot tub through various ways. Urine is a likely culprit, so make sure everyone who uses your hot tub is able to follow your rules for basic conduct and hygiene.

While hot tub ownership poses some specific concerns, a little knowledge will help you navigate any potential trouble spots. Here’s what it all boils down to: If you use your hot tub in a conscientious manner and follow the recommendations of your trusted local dealer, your spa will be a safe and reliable source of great joy for you and your family for years. If you have any other questions, take a look through the information on our website or download our brochure.

 

The Unique Team – WE MAKE IT FUN TO STAY HOME!

-Shari Provan-Crofut

#WisdomWednesday – Hot Tub Covers Cont…

The price tag on a high-quality hot tub cover might make you have second thoughts whether it’s really worth the investment. Guess what?!  It is.  If you like the one shown here, a Covana Oasis electric cover, here is a link to a few more on our website: https://lakelandhottubpoolandpatio.us/product/oasis-hot-tub-cover/

Keeping chemicals as well as heat in your hot tub while keeping out debris and preventing damage and prolonging the lifespan is your goal, then yes, a cover really is worth the cost. You need to choose the correct one for your spa and your requirements, and then care for it so it lasts. In the long run, the initial payout and maintenance you perform will actually end up saving you money.

Water, Heat & Chemical Loss

Evaporation is the concern of all spa owners. You know that some of your water ends up in the air, especially if the air where you live is very hot and dry. Your water level will drop, and the result is costing you money to top it off.  That is not the worst thing about evaporation.  Evaporation of your chemicals and heat from your hot tub will cause your sanitizer levels to be off and causing your spa to work harder to keep the water hot. You can fight evaporation of your water, chemicals and heat by putting a lid on your hot tub. A properly fitting cover, without any gaps, will keep everything where it is supposed to be… inside your spa.

Water in Debris Out

An obvious benefit to using a cover than keeping your water, heat and chemicals in, is keeping debris out. A cover will prevent all types and sizes of junk (bugs, sticks & leaves to name a few) from ending up in your hot tub. Indoor tubs can benefit from a cover as well to keep dust and pet hair out.  Wherever your hot tub is, a cover will also prevent other accidents such as your phone or radio falling into your tub.

Safety First

A cover serves as an actual physical barrier that will prevent children or animals making their way into the water unsupervised. Less drownings occur in spas than pools so they are sometimes taken as less of a threat than they are. Keep your cover on (and locked if you have small children) at all times when the tub is not in use or under supervision.  Don’t make that mistake.  ASTM International, one of the largest standards-developing organizations in the world, has established performance specifications for hot tub covers.  ASTM International-certified covers will help prevent tragic accidents. When you are buying a cover, make sure it has this rating.

Anatomy of the Hot Tub Cover

 

Covers have removable, marine grade vinyl shells, which open and close with zippers. Most covers consist of two sections attached by a hinge. Both sections contain a solid pieces of dense foam.

On outdoor covers, the foam will be thicker in the middle, then taper down to the edges to keep debris from accumulating and causing damage to the cover. A tapered cover is just another way to protect the cover from the elements.  The foam is wrapped in one or two protective layers of plastic. This is the vapor barrier, and its job is to keep the vapor from invading the foam.  High-quality covers have reinforced steel bars near the middle, but some also have bars spaced throughout the foam, making a sturdier cover. Covers usually include handles and tie-down straps.

Stay tuned for more information on this and other tips and tricks for your hot tub, swim spa and pool on future posts!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

-Shari Provan-Crofut

#ThrowbackThursday – Jacuzzi

THE HISTORY OF JACUZZI® HOT TUBS

Jacuzzi® is a household name around the world. Known for their exclusive and luxurious hot tubs, Jacuzzi® has set an industry standard for hot tubs that offer the latest in features and accessorieshealing properties and advanced technology.

Being the most widely recognized name in whirlpool and hot tub hydrotherapy, it’s no surprise that Jacuzzi® has the most advanced and high performance hot tubs and products around the world.

How Jacuzzi® Began

Let’s go back to where it all began, in the early 1900’s.a

The hardworking Jacuzzi family immigrated to the United States from Europe to begin their lives as a family on American soil. The family turned their focus from aviation to water systems and pumps in California’s orange groves. In 1925, the Jacuzzi brothers made history in agriculture when they created the first submersible pump.

This technology was later beneficial on a more personal level for the Jacuzzi family. In the 1950’s, the youngest of the seven Jacuzzi brothers was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Overwhelmed with the physical pain this was having on their loved one and the emotional pain it was having on their family, the brothers decided to take matters into their own hands.

The brothers utilized the submersible pump to create the J-300. The portable pump that was placed underwater in a regular bath and resulted in pain-relieving hydrotherapeutic treatments for their brother.

Henceforth, a niche market was created and the Jacuzzi family once again made history.

You can continue reading the complete history of the Jacuzzi family and brand at: https://goo.gl/QG7u6z

You can visit the Jacuzzi page on our website to see a few of the many Jacuzzi options there are!  https://goo.gl/8mQBUV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example of Jacuzzi’s Throwback advertising compared to a more recent ad.

Many Thank Yous to the Jacuzzi brothers for bringing relief to so many in pain through creation of Hydrotherapy tubs and for the partial use of their history in creating this #ThrowbackThursday post!

-Shari Provan-Crofut

 

#WisdomWednesday – Hot Tub & Swim Spa Service

#WisdomWednesday – Hot Tub & Swim Spa Service

Sales go up and down
Service stays forever

At Lakeland Unique Pools, Spas-N-More, we service all of the units we sell in-house, as well as others depending on the issue and model. When you call us, the same people you saw when you made your purchase are going to answer the phone and any questions you may have. When you bring in your water sample for FREE testing, you will see familiar and friendly faces. If the time comes when your product needs service, you call us to set up an appointment, which will usually be handled within 24 – 48 hours.  It is our service team that comes out and solves your problem. We are here for you. We are not going anywhere. Can a box store or an on line purchase claim any of these follow up services?  The answer is no.

If you do buy on line, at a parking lot event or in a box store, make sure to research the vendor for reviews of their tactics, follow up servicing, add ons that should come standard (cover, start up chemicals, etc.), customer feedback and complaints before you make any purchases.  It has been our experience that no service is available to you once you make your purchase.  In fact, they will just drop it off at your driveway and it is up to you to position it, fill it and add chemicals that you will likely also have to buy separately. If this happens, and you need some help, please give us a call and we will solve whatever issue you are having!

If you do your research on Lakeland Unique Pools, Spas-N-More, you will find we stand behind our products and services, with many complimentary reviews from satisfied customers.  Our packages come standard with the cover and start up chemicals.  We deliver it, position it where you want it (even if this means taking down the screens, if needed, to fit the tub into a screened room), fill it, add the start up chemicals that we provide you.  We instruct you on the use and maintenance of the hot tub or swim spa.  We provide a written schedule that should be followed weekly, monthly and every 3-6 months, depending on use.

We are here for you, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We want you to enjoy your own oasis right out your back door. 863-940-9826

The Unique Team – WE MAKE IT FUN TO STAY HOME!

-Shari Provan-Crofut

#TipTuesday – Air Controllers

#TipTuesday
To Air or Not To Air – That is the question! Did you know you should turn off or down your air controllers after you’ve finished using the hot tub or swim spa? These are the controls along the top that allow your jets to feel stronger or more gentle. There are two main reasons for doing this:

1. A chemical reaction is created and a gas is given off that will eat away at your acrylic as well as your cover. This is particularly the case when the water chemistry is off consisting of too high a chlorine level and too low a Ph level. It will create a white area above the water line over time – this is damage caused by the gas being trapped;

2. It impacts your temperature by constantly pumping cooler or cold air (depending where you live) through the jets into the warm water. So, in some cases, your heater is going to be running when there is no need. TURN THOSE JETS DOWN when you’re done and extend the life of your hot tub and cover!  Not to mention the energy savings you will notice by your heater not constantly trying to keep up to the set temperature.

Please stay tuned for future tips and tricks on maintaining and extending the life of your hot tub or swim spa as well as their covers!

Please bring in a water sample for FREE testing.  We’ll make sure your chlorine/bromine, Ph and alkalinity levels are all in line.  We will only recommend the products you need to return/keep your hot tub or swim spa with beautiful, crystal clear and healthy water!  Located at 2326 E. Edgewood Dr. in Lakeland.  863-940-9826 if you have any questions, we’ll try to answer them.

We look forward to helping you!

The Unique Team – WE MAKE IT FUN TO STAY HOME!
-Shari Provan-Crofut

#FunFriday

#FunFriday
Hellooo Friday! 
The weekend is almost here and do we have some great deals for you! Hot Springs and Dreammaker are both running promotions for Veterans Day now through the 15th! Don’t miss out on these deals – Hot Tubs starting at $1999. Let the Team at Lakeland Unique Pools, Spas & More help you get into a hot tub of your own this weekend!

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!

The Unique Team – We Make It Fun To Stay Home!

-Shari Provan-Crofut

#WisdomWednesday

#WisdomWednesday 
Everything you are learning is preparing you for something else.
#neverstoplearning

-Shari Provan-Crofut

VETERANS DAY

VETERANS DAY – November 11th

Veterans Day is a day to say “Thank You” to all who so selflessly gave and give by serving their country. Thank You to the families who suffer proudly while their loved ones are far from home serving their country.  According to the National Veterans Affairs, this is the 99th year the nation has celebrated and remembered those who have served in uniform!  It was first know as Armistice Day 98 years ago.  It has been known as Veterans Day since 1954.  The Department is broadening the tradition to observe the month of November with appreciation to both Veterans and Military Families. 

On November 1, 2017, it was proclaimed the month of November as National Veterans and Military Families Month.  An excerpt of the proclamation states,

“It is our patriotic duty to honor veterans and military families. As part of our efforts to answer President Lincoln’s charge to care for those who have “borne the battle,” I have asked the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to lead the Nation in a month of observances across the country to honor our veterans.”

 

To all of our men and women in uniform and their families, past and present,
The Team at Lakeland Unique Pools, Spas & More Thanks and salutes you all!

THANK YOU!

#VeteransDay #ThankaVet #supportveterans

 

 

-Shari Provan-Crofut

#ThrowbackThursday

#ThrowbackThursday
What do you think this kid was for Halloween? Comment your guesses below and I will fill you in on Friday!

A Fart!

-Shari Provan-Crofut

#TipTuesday

Hot Tub Exercises

Not only is soaking in your hot tub a great and easy way to burn calories, it is a great and easy place to do some low impact exercising!

Check out this link for 10 easy exercises you can do in your hot tub or swim spa: https://lakelandhottubpoolandpatio.us/2017/11/02/hottub-exercises/

#swimforlife #TipTuesday
#HotTub
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