As the temperature gets colder outside, it might be time for you to winterize your hot tub. You need to make sure that you winterize your tub properly so that it has no water that can freeze and break a pipe. Of course, there are several steps that you need to complete in order to get your hot tub ready for the winter. If you do not winterize properly, you may experience severe problems when you go to re-open it again during the spring or summer. Ajax Pool suggests you hire a professional to blow-out the lines in freeze areas, just like a sprinkler system. A Professional will evacuate all the water lines and plug off the skimmer and jet returns.
1. What to Clean Your Hot Tub With
The first step is to drain and clean your hot tub appropriately. In order to clean it, you are going to need a sump pump, a garden hose, a filter cleaner, and plenty of non-abrasive sponges. You should try to stay away from abrasive sponges because they can scratch the surface of your jacuzzi and remove its finish, making it less durable while shortening its lifespan.
You are probably going to be using cleaners that contain soap, chlorine, and possibly bromine. Before you drain the water into your yard, make sure that the chemical levels drop appropriately. Start the process of winterizing your tub by draining it.
If you are interested and draining it a little bit faster, you may be able to pump the water out with a sump pump. Remember that you are going to be releasing about 400 gallons of water, so this process may take a little while. You also need to make sure that you drain the blower line as well.
After the water is gone, you also need to remove the filters, clean them and place them in a dry place to avoid mold. It is helpful for you to put the filters into a chemical soap for about 24 hours. If the filters are too dirty, you can also replace them upon re-opening.
Finally, make sure that you clean the shell of the unit as well. Even though cleaning the shell is relatively easy, you may find a ring of annoying scum around the waterline. If you are having trouble getting the scum removed, you may simply need to soak it with a little bit using a cleaner before you scrub it away.
2. The Type of Cover to Use
You need to make sure that you select the right hot tub cover for your hot tub. There are a few common specifications that you should look for in a cover. These include:
If your hot tub is located in an indoor heated room, then you need a 1.0-pound foam core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches.
If your hot tub is covered but located outside in a relatively mild climate, then you are looking for a 1.5-pound form core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches.
If your hot tub is located outside in a cold climate, or you think that your hot tub is going to get rained on regularly, then you need a 2.0 foam core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches.
Finally, if you think that your hot tub is going to be exposed to snow during the winter, then you need to go with a 2.0-pound foam core that tapers from 5 inches to 3 inches.
Make sure that you find the right type of cover for your hot tub. Dry the spa and the cover completely to avoid mold.
How Big of a Foam Core Does a Cover Need?
Ultimately, the size of your foam core is going to depend on the temperature and the elements. In general, the colder you are area will get and the more snow you receive, the bigger the foam core you require. If you are going to be exposed to snow during the winter, you need to find a foam core that is at least 2 lbs. in size. That way, your hot tub will be able to stand up to the cold weather and heavy snow load.
Furthermore, you also want to find a core that has been built to last. Look for something that has double stitching with 40-point replacement. Premium, marine-grade vinyl has also been treated to avoid mildew and ultraviolet radiation damage. Finally, look for seals that will help you prevent heat and moisture loss. All of this will help you preserve your hot tub and make sure it is ready for the spring.
3. Check the Spa Throughout the Winter
As the Winter moves along, check the spa to be sure the cover is staying on and keeping water and snow melt out of the spa. Do not leave a chemical feeder in the spa, as it will rust your jet faces.
Hot tubs typically do not require a lot of additional accessories to function well. You do not really need toys or slides to make your hot tub any more enjoyable.
Still, there is one accessory that can prove beneficial in terms of improving how your spa operates and making it easier to maintain. The accessory in question is the hot tub cover.
In this article, we will talk more about the accessory and how it helps your hot tub. We will also give you pointers for finding a high-quality cover.
With the introductions out of the way, let us get to the benefits offered by a spa cover.
Why You Should Keep Your Hot Tub Covered
Purchasing a cover can help you in more ways than one. Included below are the reasons why that accessory is an important purchase.
It Keeps Kids and Pets Out of the Hot Tub
You will not be able to keep a close eye on your hot tub all the time. If your kids or pets are playing in your yard, they may accidentally fall into your open spa.
A proper cover can prevent your child or your pet from falling into the water and possibly drowning or getting seriously injured. Make sure you have the cover in place whenever the tub is not in use to eliminate the chances of those unfortunate accidents ever happening.
It Makes Cleaning and Maintaining the Hot Tub Easier
Covers are also helpful because they help preserve water quality.
You must get the chemical balance and the temperature of the water just right to get the most out of your soak. That is easier to do with a cover because you can just keep it on as you are getting ready to take a dip.
Furthermore, a proper cover will also keep out debris like small rocks, leaves, and twigs. You will not have to skim your hot tub constantly to pick out items that could jam the jets.
It Protects Your Hot Tub from Serious Damage
One more reason why a cover is a smart purchase is that it safeguards your investment. You obviously cannot bring your tub into your home during a storm.
The best thing you can do is to put the cover on and hope it keeps any foreign objects at bay. Aside from storms, covers can also protect your investment from snow, strong winds, and other forces of nature.
What Factors Should You Consider When Shopping for a Hot Tub Cover?
Now that we have established the value of having a quality cover, it is time to talk about shopping for one. This section will focus on the factors that matter most when you are deciding which cover to purchase.
Fit
The cover you purchase will not be any good if it fits poorly over your hot tub. The good news is that you can purchase a cover that is customized to fit your hot tub perfectly. Bring a professional over to handle the measurements to ensure that you will end up with the right-sized cover.
Type of Cover
Consumer Affairs notes that there are four types of spa covers available.
First off, you have the soft or vinyl covers. These are easy to apply and are quite affordable. However, they do not offer much in the way of protection which is why they are best reserved for indoor tubs.
In stark contrast to the soft covers, the hard-shell items offer a lot in terms of durability and protection. They are harder to move around and apply but they are ideal choices for outdoor tubs.
Solar tub covers are sought after because they can help you trim your energy expenses. If the sun’s out, the water inside your tub will warm up if a solar cover is on.
Seasonal covers envelop the whole tub and they excel at shielding the hot tub from freezing temperatures.
Foam Core Density
You should also consider the density of the foam core when deciding which cover to buy. Denser foam cores offer better insulation. If you want to be more energy-efficient, make sure the cover you are getting has that dense foam core.
Who Makes the Best Spa Covers?
We at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen can offer the Smartop Spa Cover and we believe that it is the superior all-around option for any home-based hot tub. Our cover is customized to fit over your hot tub, capable of withstanding harsh weather, and is among the most stylish options available today.
Feel free to check it out when you are looking for covers.
If you want to broaden your search, The Spruce has highlighted some of the other quality options that are currently available.
Where You Should Buy Hot Tub Covers
Whether you’re looking for a new hot tub, a new cover, or any other related accessory, we at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to offer our assistance. Contact us today to find out more about our wide selection of products!
A hot tub can be a terrific addition to any home. You will be able to use it for relaxing, entertaining guests, and even getting a quick massage.
If you have space to spare on your property, having a hot tub placed there would be a great idea.
Of course, available space is not the only consideration that matters here. For many homeowners, the bigger barrier is the actual cost.
In this article, we will focus on all matters pertaining to outdoor hot tub prices. We will highlight certain factors that could make a difference if you are trying to buy a new home spa at a lower price. We will also discuss how much it will cost to operate one long-term.
How Quality Affects Hot Tub Prices
The main factor that affects pricing is the quality of the item itself. As you would expect, the higher quality tubs are on the high end of the pricing bracket while those that are not quite on the same level are more affordable.
Retirement Living divides the type of tub into four different pricing brackets.
Entry-Level Hot Tubs
First off, you have what is known as the entry-level tubs. These are often rotationally molded with a matte finish. They are not flashy, and the jets are weak, but they still deliver a decent approximation of the soothing experience you expect to receive from a hot tub.
Entry-level tubs can approach nearly $7,000 in purchase price.
Value-Priced Hot Tubs
A step up from your entry-level tubs is the value-priced options. This time around, the jets are stronger, and the exterior of the tub may even be fashioned out of wood. Some of the tub’s interior components may not last that long, however.
Value-priced tubs usually fall in the range of $7,000 to $9,000.
Premium Hot Tubs
If you want powerful jets, flashy interior lighting, and advanced control features, then you will likely be interested in purchasing a premium tub. Along with those high-end features, premium tubs are also lauded for being energy efficient. Your electric bill will not skyrocket if you opt for this kind of purchase.
To get a premium tub for your home, expect to spend somewhere in the range of $10,000 to $13,000.
Luxury Hot Tubs
Last up, we have luxury options. These are the tubs that come loaded with all the newest features, the most powerful jets, and they look very stylish as well. Arguably the best part about owning luxury tubs though is that they are a breeze to maintain because of their built-in features.
For those considering a luxury hot tub, they are usually priced at $13,000 and go higher from there.
How Size Affects Hot Tub Prices
The size of the unit will also play a huge role in determining its final price.
According to Home Advisor, the tubs designed for two to three people are priced somewhere in the range of $2,000 to $7,000. If you are talking about 4-5 person tubs, then the price range moves up to $2,000 to $12,000. 6-7 person tubs have a similarly large range, going from $3,000 all the way up to $15,000.
The big tubs capable of hosting up to 10 people are usually priced in the range of $5,000 to $20,000.
You can save more by installing an above-ground tub. You can get above-ground spas for $2,000 and they do not cost that much to get professionally installed.
In-ground models are typically more expensive. You will likely have to set aside at least $10,000 to have your new hot tub installed.
What Is the Average Cost of Adding a Hot Tub to Your Home?
The average cost of adding a new tub to your home is right around $6,000. You are likely looking at an entry-level tub at that price and if you want it installed in the ground, it will have to be on the lower end of the price range for the entry-level options.
Those looking to save as much money as they can on their purchase can add an above-ground spa to their home for around $2,000.
Now, if you are looking to splurge, there are models that approach $30,000 in terms of price. Add installation costs to that and you could spend close to $35,000.
How Much Will It Cost to Operate a Hot Tub Long-Term?
The monthly operating cost of your tub depends on what model you are using.
Older models that are not equipped with energy-efficient components can be a bit costly. They may add as much as $50 to your monthly electric bill assuming normal usage.
The newer models outfitted with the energy-efficient features may cost less than $1 per day to operate. At the end of the month, they may only add about $23 to your electric bill.
Adding a new hot tub to your home does not necessarily have to be a bank-breaking expenditure. With the wealth of options available, you should be able to find a tub that works for your home and makes sense for your bank account. Allow us at Ajax Pool & Spa Aspen to help you find that hot tub by getting in touch with us today.
Sinking into the warm water of a hot tub is like immersing yourself completely in a no-stress zone. The gentle movement of the water relaxes stressed muscles. The water itself is like a cocoon for a tired body. But then you happen to open your eyes and you see it. The leaves that are sticking to the bottom of the hot tub. The fly that dive-bombed into the water and didn’t survive. And ouch – is that rock under your toe?
Don’t let a dirty hot tub ruin your relaxation time. Go ahead and clean it like a pro.
How Do Hot Tubs Get Dirty?
Hot tubs get dirty simply because people use them. Bodies immersed in tubs will send sweat, dirt, grime, lotions, oils, and even bodily fluids into the water. The warm water also encourages the pores to open and that can add additional bacteria to the mix.
A tub located outside is subjected to natural forces that can make it dirty. Things like leaves, sand, petals and bugs can be carried in by the wind, kicked in from the deck, or catch a ride into the water on a hot tub user.
There is also a chance that someone will spill food or a drink right into the hot tub.
Chemical treatments with and without chlorine are readily available to eliminate bacteria and break down contaminants that cause dirty or murky water. These treatments should be used regularly according to the manufacturer’s directions to keep the water clean and clear. Sometimes it is necessary to “shock” a tub with a special mix of chemicals or other compounds to clear murky or contaminated water and get rid of that layer of sunscreen floating on top.
Every owner should have a spa vacuum nearby to retrieve foreign objects. Spa vacuums will suck up those leaves and the layer of sand. In a pinch, your childhood Silly Putty can help get unwanted things out of the tub. Silly Putty is waterproof and will stick to whatever you need to fish out.
What Do I Do if Food Drops Into My Hot Tub?
You’re enjoying a lovely afternoon in your tub when suddenly a bowl of potato chips and a plate of burgers flip off the deck and right into the water. What do you do?
Act quickly and use a skimmer to scoop up the food in the water. Do a pH test and then “shock” the water to return it to its pre-salt and ketchup state.
The food that spilled may be too crumbly or too oily to pick up with a skimmer. If that happens you might have to drain the water to get to the pieces of food and clean them all out and then start over with fresh water in the tub.
What Do I Do if I Spill a Drink in a Hot Tub?
Beverages ranging from sodas to liquor drinks can make a mess in a tub. Sugars, starches, dairy products, and even pieces of fruit can spill from a drink that has been dropped in the tub water. Scoop up visible pieces and plan on “shocking” the tub back into pH health.
If the drink that dropped was in glass and there are now pieces of it in the tub, it will be necessary to drain it completely to remove the glass. Tiny shards can be hard to see but can cause serious cuts.
The best beverage to serve at the edge of the tub is clear, cold water in plastic cups.
Hot Tub Maintenance
The key to keeping your tub clean is regular maintenance and to react quickly at the first signs of dirt or debris. The Professional Pool People at Ajax Pool and Spa can perform a schedule of routine hot tub maintenance that keeps your tub and the water sparkling clean. Our experts can also evaluate your spa water, diagnose any issues with it, and offer solutions to make it as clear as can be. Ajax Pool and Spa can also drain and clean your tub, not just after spills, but as part of recommended routine care and cleaning.
Don’t let a dirty hot tub chase you out of the water. Be mindful of the tub’s conditions. Perform routine maintenance. Take extra steps when necessary to treat the water. And count on Ajax Pool and Spa to be your hot tub experts.
The Jacuzzi is heated with a heater. However, how effective it’s going to be is dependent on some factors. A lot of heat will escape from the top of your hot tub so a quality thermal cover can make it more effective. The spa should be insulated with reflective or foam materials or the heat is going to be floating off in the garden. The spa doesn’t need to have an air blower since there is no value to this. As the air travels from the bottom of the spa to the top, it will absorb the temperature and take it out into the air. A hot tub is designed to be kept warm 24/7 but this will depend on how often you want to use it.
How Long Do Jacuzzis Take to Heat Up?
A Jacuzzi will usually warm up between three and six degrees per hour. How quickly yours will warm-up will depend on some different factors. These factors include the ambient temperature outside, whether the cover was on or off, and the condition of the spa components. The warmer the outside temp, the less time it’s going to take to warm the water. Having the cover in place will also allow you to heat it more efficiently. The condition of your cover, heater, and pump are going to play a role. If your components are in the right shape then it can warm up much faster. If your components are wearing out or damaged then it’s going to take longer.
7 Things to Check if Your Hot Tub Won’t Heat Up
If your hot tub won’t warm up, check these things first.
1. Thermostat: For new spas and hot tubs, a temperature sensor replaces the thermostat but you could have a faulty thermostat that is causing issues. It may not respond to input or be water damaged.
2. Circulation Problems: If the heat keeps turning off or the water is heating up slowly then it could be a flow problem. Not enough water is passing through the heater. In order to fix this, you need to check the water level, clean out the filter, check the flow and pressure switch, and make sure the pump is working.
3. Heating Element Fault: If there is power to the heater but it’s still not heating up then there is a fault with the heating element. It’s best to get an electrician to check this out.
4. Control Board Fault: The control board is necessary for running everything in the spa, including heaters and pumps. If you have tried other things and it’s still not working then it’s possible that it could be the control board. While it’s usually a simple fix, it can be an expensive part to repair.
5. Poorly Installed Cover: A lot of heat will be lost through the surface so an insulated cover can help keep it hot.
6. Having an Air Blower: An air blower draws in cold air, which cools down the tub. If you use it for a few minutes then it shouldn’t be an issue but it will make the water feel cooler, even if there isn’t anything wrong with yours.
7. Faulty High Limit Switch: The high limit switch is to prevent a heater from not shutting off and overheating. The switches are calibrated with a preset maximum. Errors will normally display an OH or HL code if there is an issue. In an older spa, the red button will pop out if the limit has been reached. Damaged wires, loose wire connections, or malfunctioning elements can cause the switch to not work.
Do the Jets Need to Be Turned on or Does That Matter?
Your Jacuzzi will warm faster with the jets on. Jets not only have the benefit of allowing you to receive a gentle massage and relax in comfort but they also allow you to heat your hot tub quicker. When you turn on the spa jets, they circulate and move around and disperse the heat evenly. When you don’t use the jets then there can be pockets of cold water that are hanging out in the pipes inside the tub. Circulation from the jets mixes these pockets and the cold and hot water mix. You should avoid turning on the jets until the tub is full. You don’t want to run the water through the jets until they are all submerged or you will damage the system. If you don’t have jets, it’s possible to circulate the water using a pool noodle or your hands but it’s not as effective.
For fixing hot tub issues, contact Ajax Pool & Spa.
