A hot tub’s lifespan can be rather long. Many of the components, such as the shell, have a long lifespan. They were designed to last a lifetime, which can be an issue if your old hot tub has recently died despite routine maintenance and repairs. When the time to remove your old hot tub comes, you’ll need some technical know-how or hire professional hot tub removers.
The location of the spa is the essential aspect of old hot tub removal. Is the spa located in your backyard? Does this imply you’ll have to demolish your fence or, even worse, hire a crane to move it? These are some of the things that will determine the removal process.
How to Cut Up a Hot Tub?
Cutting up a hot tub will necessitate the use of the following tools:
Jigsaw or reciprocating saw (also called Sawzall)
Wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, overall, and gloves.
Hammer and screwdriver (for hot tubs with nails and screws)
That’s all you’ll need to dismantle a hot tub! Now let’s delve into how exactly to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Old Hot Tub Removal
Disconnect the electric wires, turn off the gas, and turn off the water supply.
To ensure your safety, be sure that all electrical connections have been disconnected. The frame of the hot tub is left behind after cutting off the electric wiring.
Take off all the screws and nails that hold their structure together.
As previously said, you’ll need a screwdriver and hammer for this. The hot tub will be totally disassembled from its components.
Start cutting it with a jigsaw or reciprocating saw after the frame is only left.
Make sure you cut the hot tub into small pieces as you’re cutting it.
Small hot tub components are simple to transport and dispose of.
Ensure you’re wearing protective gear because debris can go into your nose and eyes, which can be dangerous.
After you’ve finished cutting the hot tub, pick up the pieces and trash them.
Alternative Options for Hot Tub Removal
Of course, the old tub will not fit in your trash can. How do you dispose of it? Read on to understand how to get rid of a hot tub effectively.
Junk It
Many professional hot tub removers will come to your property, pack up your old hot tub, and take it away with no questions asked. Anything of value is recycled or salvaged by the most ecologically aware haulers. Others rush to the landfill to discard it as trash. You don’t break a sweat either way.
Trade It
Some dealers offer a trade-in option where you purchase a new hot tub and pay less. It’s possible that the value of your old hot tub can be utilized toward the purchase of a new one. Discuss the idea with your dealer, and you may land yourself a good offer.
Sell It
Even if you don’t want your hot tub, it doesn’t mean it’s useless, and no one wants it. However, giving it away for free could be a mistake because consumers generally interpret “free” to mean “requires costly repairs” or broken—even if you market it as completely functional. It’s best to put a price range, even as little as $100, so that a new buyer feels like they did get value for their money.
Strip It Down and Recycle
The hot-tub recycling process is easy if you do it part by part. Remove the spa pack, spa-side controls, and all other functional equipment first because these are reusable components you can sell—you can even sell them for a higher price. After you’ve removed all the electronics components, you may separate the cabinet from the shell. Cabinets made of wood and plastic are recyclable. Remember also to cut out all PVC fittings, valves, and pipes that can be recycled. Finally, a reciprocating saw with a 9″ blade can be used to cut the spa shell into smaller pieces.
Turn It Into a Garden
Set the spa in the ground and fill it with dirt after stripping it down and removing plumbing fittings to create a vibrant box garden! You can cultivate your own summer and fall garden in a sunny area in the yard that is close to the water and not too far away. A large number of vegetables may be stored in an 8-person spa!
Repairing an old hot tub can sometimes be less costly than disposing of the old and purchasing a new one. If you feel like there is any potential for repair, we recommend contacting our experts at (970)279-5253 or email us to determine whether your old hot tub is salvageable.
Hot tubs add a fun, relaxing, and resort-like addition to your home. Just like a backyard pool, there are safety and health precautions homeowners should focus on before inviting family and friends to join the fun. It’s important for you to know that as a homeowner with a hot tub on your property, you are responsible for the safety of guests, invited or not. So, we’ve collected a list of helpful to-do tips, so everyone can have a great time while enjoying your hot tub.
Check Your Insurance Coverage: The very first thing you should be aware of is whether your homeowner’s insurance policy covers any injury or other accident that may occur when guests are in your hot tub. Contact your insurance company and ask. Add additional appropriate coverage immediately, if it isn’t covered.
Cover Your Hot Tub When Not in Use: A hot tub cover that is tightly secured with safety locks when not in use is very important. Covering & locking your hot tub cover will protect children, pets, and uninvited guests from falling into the hot tub. When ready to use the spa, place the cover in a secure location away from the hot tub to prevent tripping and other accidents. A cover lifter is a very nice addition and makes for easy cover movement. A cover also provides insulation for energy efficiency and protects your investment.
Add Safety Features: It is always a good idea to take additional safety precautions when designing your spa area. Add steps with slip-resistant surfaces and a handrail to hold onto, so it is easy and convenient to go up and down the steps without slipping. If children are in the mix, adding jump seats offer a place to sit comfortably and safely. Keep chemicals out of reach of children.
Consult Professionals: There are many electrical components in a hot tub and if not installed properly electrocution and other accidents could happen. Consult a licensed professional electrician to properly install your hot tub and other appliances like televisions and audio equipment that require electricity. They can also show you where your spa’s electrical panel is located and how to disconnect it in the event of an emergency.
Maintain a Water Care Routine: Always follow the instruction manual of your hot tub or spa to keep the water at the perfect pH balance which is key to a proper and healthful spa environment. There are a variety of products and testing methods to practice regularly to keep water quality at its best. If the water is cloudy, do not enter the spa. The temperature of the water is also important to monitor for safety. The United States Product Safety Council recommends maintaining a water temperature of 104 degrees or lower. Always FEEL the water before jumping in.
Adjust Water Temperature for Children: If children are enjoying the hot tub, keep in mind they are more sensitive to heat, and you should lower the temperature to 100 degrees and limit their time to 15 minutes in the hot tub. Children should always be supervised when in the hot tub. Babies and toddlers who are extremely sensitive to heat and chemicals should stay out of a hot tub. Dogs should never go in a hot tub, as they cannot sweat and can become very sick.
Hang Safety Guideline Signage: Before anyone gets into the hot tub, review all the safety guidelines, so everyone understands how to enjoy the spa safely. Some experts recommend posting the rules on signage to remind everyone what is expected of them.
Stay Out of Spa If: Those with health issues and conditions that may prevent some people from enjoying a hot tub safely. Pregnant women or those who have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or other circulatory problems should always consult a physician or medical practitioner before using a hot tub. Those who have skin conditions like wounds, sores or infections, or have had recent surgeries should not get into a hot tub in order to prevent spreading a contagious condition to others. Those who are intoxicated should not use a hot tub.
Shower Before Entering: Everyone should be clean before entering the hot tub. No street clothes should be allowed in the hot tub to prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into the spa. Guests should wear clean bathing suits.
Helpful Family Fun Tips: Hot tubs offer a fun and relaxing environment. Schedule fun and entertaining activities that can be enjoyed together including floatable board games, an outdoor movie night, book club, or other memorable activity.
Get Help with Your Hot Tub Today
The professional team at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to help you enjoy your hot tub experience. Contact us today, and we will work with you every step of the way.
Hot tubs, and hot tub filters, just like other household appliances need to be cleaned regularly to keep them running properly and to keep you and your guests healthy. Think of a hot tub filter like the filter in your dryer, furnace, or water filter. The lint and other particles that collect in the filter require regular cleaning. Even though it might seem unnecessary to clean a tub filled with water and chemicals if you haven’t kept it cleaned there are probably unhealthy contaminants, bacteria, and other debris floating around in the water. Do you want to soak in dirty water? The answer is probably, “no,” so keeping your hot tub clean is critical. This starts with cleaning a hot tub filter and the more you clean it, the better it can do its job. Here are some tips from industry experts.
Steps to Take
Clean Filters Regularly: Hot tub filters should be removed monthly and using a garden hose rinsed thoroughly with clean water. You may need to clean it weekly with heavy bather loads or commercial applications. If the filter is greasy, spray it using a chemical made specifically for hot tub filters. Always read the labels for proper application. Every three to four months, the water should be changed in the hot tub, the perfect time to soak the filter in a chemical solution made specifically for filters. Never use bleach, dishwater detergent, or other household cleaners.
What is Needed to Clean Your Filter: Before you begin, gather items needed to clean your hot tub filter. You will need a garden hose hooked up to water, a tall clean bucket, cleaner product, and a towel. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Parts of a Hot Tub Filter: There are usually three parts of a hot tub filter that include:
Media: The media does the actual filtering and is typically made of pleated paper that extends from one end of the piece to the other. If the medial is ceramic is also pleated but is more rigid.
Core: The core is inside the filter and is usually rigid giving it structure. It is made of plastic and molded into a cylinder where algae and mold will grow, so the core requires regular cleaning. It can be washed in a dishwasher without other dishes and without detergents. Do not use the heated drying cycle.
End Caps: The end caps are usually made of two plastic discs on either end of the filter that keeps the core and media in place. Debris and algae grow in the end caps and require regular cleaning.
Alternative Cleaning Tips: There are some household products you can consider using to clean a hot tub filter:
Vinegar: White vinegar is not only very effective in removing mineral scale and other deposits, but it also does not foam the water and is safe if any residue remains in the filter. Vinegar is not as strong or effective as products created specifically for hot tubs.
Laundry Detergent: Laundry detergent is effective for cleaning paper filters without wearing down the fibers. If it is not totally rinsed, it may create foam buildup.
Dishwasher Detergent: Dishwasher detergent will clean tougher oil build-up in filters, but may create foaming if it is not rinsed completely. It is also safe for the skin.
Bleach: Dilute bleach with water as a cleaning alternative. Bleach also sterilizes if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. Bleach can damage the filter’s fibers, which may require a replacement.
How Often Should You Clean Your Filter
One per Month, or weekly with a heavy bather load. A hot tub filter’s job is to filter dirty water before it passes through the pump, then through the heater before it is pumped back out into the water through the jets. This circulation provides clean and warm water in your hot tub. Keeping your hot tub cleaned properly begins with the filter. There are handbooks and manuals to help you with step-by-step guidance and how often you should clean your filter.
Get Professional Help with Your Hot Tub
The professional team at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to help you keep your hot tub and filters cleaned properly. Contact us today!
If you are thinking about purchasing a hot tub in the near future, then this is something that you need to think about carefully. A quick search on the Internet is going to review countless options for your hot tub. How can you make sure that you find the right one to meet your needs? There are a few important things that you should keep in mind. Take a look at some of the helpful information below!
5 Important Things to Know When Buying a Hot Tub
1. The Lifespan of the Hot Tub
First, do some research on whatever brands you are considering. Even though it is helpful to take a look at the sticker price, you also need to think about how long your hot tub is going to last. For example, if you go with a super cheap unit, it may end up burning out a few years after you purchase it. Then, you will simply be back in the same position, looking for another unit. If you want to save money, you need to find a unit that is going to last as long as possible. Take a look at how long each unit lasts before you make a decision.
2. Consider the Maintenance Expenses Associated with the Hot Tub
The sticker price is not the only thing you need to think about if you are looking for a tub. You also need to think about the maintenance expenses. For example, you are going to have to drain and clean the unit every 3-6 months. Think about how much money you have to spend on the water when you do so. Ajax offers this service. You should also think about how much money it is going to cost to operate the hot tub. Some tubs are simply more efficient than others. You want to find a unit that is going to use your electricity in an efficient manner. Finally, you also need to think about the chemicals and filters that you are going to use to keep the unit clean. These products can get expensive if you purchase a spa with 5 filters instead of 2.
3. Where Will You Put the Hot Tub?
If you simply thought you were going to place your tub in your backyard, think again. You need to make sure that you have a strong foundation that can support it. Hot tubs do not come with their own foundation. Most spa warranties require a foundation. The spa may require you to beef up a deck for weight or extend a patio to host the unit. If you do not have a safe, strong location to support your tub it will sit uneven and cause damage to the spa.
4. The Size of the Hot Tub
Of course, you also need to think about how large the hot tub is. There are some tubs that are so small that even four people might feel a little bit cramped. On the other hand, there are hot tubs that are large enough to seat more than a dozen people comfortably. Of course, the larger the unit is, the more expensive it is going to be and the more money you are going to spend maintaining it. How big of a jacuzzi do you need? Hot tall or short are the people, will they fit right? The average family size spa is 84” x 84”. How many people are going to be using it on a regular basis? Think about this before you decide on which you are going to purchase. Usually a lounge can take up to 1/3 of the spa.
5. The Added Features
Finally, a lot of hot tubs are also going to come with state-of-the-art advanced features. Are there extra accessories that you would like to see accompany your unit? For example, you might be looking for a hot tub that has a specific type of jet. Or you might be looking for hot tubs that come with speakers, WiFi, Spa monitor system, or fancy fiber optic lighting. Think about whether these features are important to you. That way, you can find the best unit possible to meet your needs. You might also be able to upgrade your unit at a later date if you desire, say from an Ozone System to a UVC Sterlizer System.
Professional Hot Tub Installation and Maintenance
In the end, you should not look at a hot tub as a toy. Instead, you should look at it as an investment. That way, you will review all of the options at your disposal and find the best hot tub to meet your needs. If you have more questions on whether a hot tub will work in your home, or what the ideal location would be, please contact us today to speak with a member of our staff. We are also able to visit your home for a Site Inspection to work through your installation and hot tub choices.
If you are thinking about installing a hot tub in your home, then there’s a good chance that you are focused on the sticker price. Even though it is important to think about how much money you are going to spend in your hot tub, it is also important for you to think about recurring monthly expenses. Just as you are going to have recurring monthly expenses if you install a pool, you are also going to have expenses you need to absorb if you install the unit.
For example, you need to think about how much electricity you are going to spend itself. You also need to think about the water expenses that are going to arise because you need to keep the tub filled. What happens if there is a repair that you need to cover? What about the chemicals you need to keep it clean? Make sure that you think about all of these expenses before you decide if a hot tub is right for you. Quality tubs have warranties that cover parts and labor lasting up to 5 years.
Monthly Energy Costs to Run a Hot Tub
One of the biggest monthly expenses that you are going to have if you decide to go in a tub involves heating. Your electricity cost is going to depend on a variety of factors. For example, this is going to depend on how often you use it, the temperature you like, and the price of electricity, which is usually measured in kilowatt-hours.
In general, the average person should expect to spend less than $1 per day to run his or her hot tub. Newer models hover somewhere around $20 per month, assuming they are used an average amount.
On the other hand, the exact model of hot tub that you use is also going to play a role in your monthly energy expenses. Newer models are more expensive; however, they also cost less money to operate. If you try to save money and reach for a cheaper model, you might end up with a unit that is not nearly as efficient. Therefore, it might require more money and utility expenses to get that hot talk to the same temperature.
How Much Chemicals for the Hot Tub Will Cost Every Month?
In addition, you also need to think about how much money you are going to spend on chemicals for your hot tub. Filling up your hot tub of water is not something that you can simply complete and forget. You need to make sure that you drain your hot tub and clean it every three to four months. If your hot tub is used more often, then you may need to drain, clean, and refill your hot tub more often, driving up the cost. In order to estimate the average monthly water cost, you should take a look at the capacity of the hot tub, multiply that by the number of times you plan to drain and refill it, and then multiply this by your total water cost per gallon.
In addition, you should also think about how much money you are going to spend on cleaning chemicals. Bromine and chlorine are needed to sanitize the water and keep it balanced. Even though this also depends on how often you use the hot tub, you should expect these expenses to come in somewhere between $10 and $20 per month. Factor all of this into the cost of the hot tub as well.
How Often Should I Replace the Hot Tub Cartridge Filters?
Spa filters should be replaced annually. Spa filters often look white and clean, but may be clogged with calcium hardness causing low flow. Eventually, if not replaced, they will cause your heater to fail. Spa filtersshould be removed, and spray cleaned with a garden hose nozzle monthly. Be sure to get between the cartridge folds. Don’t put your cartridge in the dishwasher or take to the high-pressure car wash, as it will wreck the filter. It’s best to shut the spa breaker off before removing the filter to avoid debris from going back to the pump. Aftermarket filters come in various quality. Cheap brands may not withstand the volume of your spa and will collapse. Unicel is a very good brand. Many cartridges are also available with Microban which helps prevent mildew.
