RESOLUTIONS FOR EVERY HOT TUB OR POOL OWNER FOR 2018  

We know what you’re thinking… New Year’s resolutions are overrated. Why commit to 12-month goals when time has shown you that you’ll throw them out the window 30 days into the New Year anyway. Regardless of how you feel about New Year’s resolutions, there’s something to be said for the fresh start, and for whatever reason, most of us decide that January 1st is a good day to launch that start. As a pool or spa owner, you may need to make a fresh start in your approach to care, design or usage. We have some great ideas to explore and tips to try for 2018. Check it out and decide if your pool, your hot tub, or YOU could benefit from a resolution or two in the New Year.

CREATE A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

If you want your hot tub or swimming pool to last, it’s important to take care of it. Depending on where your hot tub is located — inside a screened-in porch or outside under a canvas of tree branches — necessary maintenance tasks will vary.

However, the basics like periodically draining your hot tub, keeping the water balanced, and cleaning the spa or tub never change. If routine maintenance is something that’s difficult for you, let us first assure you that you’re not the only one. Perhaps you have a chaotic schedule, lack the know-how to maintain your pool, or simply forget to do it. Regardless of why maintenance routines slipped through the cracks in 2017, we have two ideas that might help you achieve your maintenance goals in 2018.

CALENDAR

Create a spa/pool maintenance calendar and keep it current. By assigning maintenance tasks to specific days, you’ll be more likely to accomplish them. It’s also helpful to have an at-a-glance view of what your maintenance schedule looks like for the month. You could even set monthly goals for your pool or spa. This can be really fun if you’re thinking outside the box. For example, in January, you want to choose three potential water features for your pool. Then, in February, you want to obtain a quote on your chosen water feature.

CHORE CHART

If maintenance tasks are not proactively assigned and distributed among the family, then all tasks will fall on the shoulders of one person — and chances are, that person will be you. Instead of stressing yourself out with pool maintenance you don’t have time to do, share the load. Create a chore chart that assigns each task to different people in your family. Make sure tasks are age appropriate and safe, though! Children should always be supervised when they’re near a swimming pool or spa, and chemical treatments and equipment checks should be left to an adult.

SHARE THE WATER

You may love the idea of throwing a hot tub party, or you may already be planning your pool parties for the summer. If you enjoy hosting, then do more of it in 2018! If you’re not a big party planner, that’s okay, too. You can have just as much fun with one or two friends who join you for a relaxing swim or soak. Either way, plan to share the joy of your hot tub or pool with others this coming year.

GIVE YOURSELF AT LEAST ONE UPGRADE

What’s the point of having a pool or spa if you’re not going to dress it up a bit? Like cars, pools and hot tubs have potential for all kinds of bells and whistles that increase their value as well as your enjoyment in using them. An upgrade doesn’t necessarily have to be a major expense. It may be something as minor as hanging patio lights, or it could be something major like designing and installing a new deck. There are endless options; the point is choosing one and doing it!

PURSUE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A higher energy bill comes with the territory of having a hot tub or pool. (If you didn’t think about that before your installation, you’re no doubt thinking about it now). However, there are ways to improve energy efficiency. This coming year, take time to research energy-saving options and commit to making some improvements. While energy efficient upgrades require an upfront investment, the long term benefits will eventually save you a considerable amount of money.

TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOU

You knew this one was coming. We cannot not emphasize enough the importance of giving yourself a time and place to relax. While pools and hot tubs can be fun, social settings, they’re also ideal places to check out and unwind — something our bodies and brains seriously need! If you don’t find yourself kicking back in your pool or spa every now and then — thinking about nothing and doing nothing — then 2018 is the year to change that. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to commit to New Year’s resolutions for 2018.

However, if you need help accomplishing your pool and hot tub goals, let us know! The professionals at Lakeland Unique Pools, Spas & More can handle everything from hot tub & swim spa installations to equipment repairs and water analysis.

Thank you to Hot Springs Pools & Spas for the article.  Posted by Jim Riggs on Dec 15, 2017 8:00:00 AM

-Shari Provan-Crofut