Question from a visitor.

Question:

"i am a long time spa owner, so i thought i knew alot, wrong....after a period of not using the spa i noticed a hard "salty" type layer covering the entire tub below the water line. looks like salt crystals, feels like sand paper, what do i do, and how do i get rid of it???"

Answer:

I would think this is scale caused by minerals in your water. If you haven't been using a scale inhibitor on a weekly basis, scale can build up and cause a ring much like you describe. These often become so dense they need to be scrubbed off.

First, I would suggest using a product like an acrylic brightener and a Mytee Mitt that will not scratch the surface of the shell - you can find them on the web. If this doesn't work you can try vinegar - that has worked for me. Drain the tub, clean the shell and wax it as needed, then re-fill it with clean water. From there, make sure you keep up with the chemical maintenance. Just because you don't use the hot tub doesn't mean that you don't need to add chemicals. Water evaporates over time increasing the mineral concentrations, and chemicals lose their effectiveness, which can cause problems like the one you describe.

Good luck!

Best Way to Buy a Hot Tub - Buying Factory Direct

Some manufacturers give consumers the option to buy "factory direct", or directly from the manufacturer. There are tremendous advantages to buying in this manner. First, and most obvious, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying factory direct and eliminating the "middle man". Some manufacturers also customize their hot tubs to the consumer's specifications, allowing you to save money by only purchasing the features that you want. Also, if the product ever needs service, the manufacturer is always more knowledgeable about the hot tub and its parts than a local dealer. Parts availability will be greater with the manufacturer as well. Most importantly, you are ensured a stable and reliable relationship with the manufacturer. You will not have to worry about service or warranty support. Many dealers change manufacturers every few years, and this can create problems for the consumer. Imagine buying a car from a Chevrolet dealership, and returning in a couple of years to find that it is now a Honda dealership. Parts, repair, and warranty support then become problematic. By buying directly from the manufacturer, you have a direct relationship with the manufacturer.

How long does a hot tub last?

The duration of how long a hot tub will last depends solely on the quality of a hot tub and its materials. Lesser quality, less expensive hot tubs tend to last only four to five years. Higher quality hot tubs can last from ten to twenty years with minimal service or repair. Hot tub parts, however, are a different story. The first item that needs to be replaced is usually the cover, so be sure to look for one that is of high quality. The second item to be replaced is the heating element, usually due to well water or water with a high mineral content. To avoid the corrosion that these types of water can bring, look into titanium heaters.

Hot Tub Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my hot tub water?
Until you develop an accurate understanding of your chemicals and the chemistry of your hot tub’s water, you should test the alkalinity, pH and sanitizer levels each time you use your hot tub. Once you’ve developed a good understanding of what it takes to maintain your water’s chemistry you should then test your water at least once a week and definitely after any heavy use.

Why is pH so important?
The pH level is the measure of active acid or base in your hot tub’s water. The pH reading tells you the quality of your water. A pH reading can be anywhere from 0 to 14. Our body’s normal pH level ranges from 7.2 to 7.8. This is why it is very important to keep your hot tub water within this range. If the water’s pH level is below 7.2, your water is acidic and not only may erode your hot tub’s plumbing and cause damage to its heater and other parts but is also dangerous to you. If the level is above 7.8, your water is alkaline which causes scale to build up on your hot tub’s equipment. For adjusting pH levels, there are two products available on the market: pH/Alkalinity Up and pH/Alkalinity Down.

Hot Tub Shell Surfaces

Shell Surfaces

There are two major types of material used in manufacturing hot tub shell surfaces: OAS and acrylic. Both have good impact resistance and will take a fair amount of abuse. However, there are some significant differences between the two:

OAS (Olefin Acrylonitrile-Styrene)

Many manufacturers utilize OAS as the shell surface material under different names (such as Rovel, Endurol, or Ultralife), however; they are all essentially the same materials. The proper nomenclature for OAS (be prepared for a mouthful) is ASA/AES terpolymer, which is an acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile blend with olefin modified acrylonitrile-styrene co-extruded over acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) backing. OAS is a good alternative to acrylic because it is a less expensive material and may produce a slight saving on the total cost of your spa. In addition, some people have found that they prefer the simplistic appearance of this plastic material to the luster that is typical of acrylic.

A negative to OAS is that it is a porous material, which can make the surface more difficult to clean than acrylic. In addition, OAS is usually available only in light solid colors, primarily white, which only adds to the difficulty in its cleaning. Darker colors are avoided with OAS because it was found that when those spas were drained, there would be significant color variations between the areas above and below the water line. In order to mask this problem, some manufacturers utilize tile around the waterline, which can be a good solution. Stain resistance can also present a problem for OAS. Stains that are common with spas can include shoe polish, lipstick, tar, grease, and marker. These, and many other stains, are difficult to remove from OAS, especially for the lighter colors that cannot hide the stains. An additional problem for OAS is the staining that occurs from the use of well water or water with a high iron content. It can be nearly impossible to remove rust stains from OAS, and it is not recommended to use OAS if you have well water or water with a high iron content.

OAS can also limit the types of chemical sanitizers that you use. Most OAS manufacturers restrict you from using chlorine to sanitize the spa water because the chlorine can discolor the plastic surface. Most manufacturers will actually invalidate the warranty if the consumer uses chlorine. In addition, some warranties will become void if the recommended sanitizers come in contact with the shell surface area that is above the waterline. This can be a problem because many consumers are not always so careful with their hot tub maintenance. Also, most consumers do not wish to be restricted to using only certain types of chemical sanitizers.

Acrylic
From two and three color marble patterns to simulated granite, acrylic offers a wide variety of colors and styles from which to choose. A major advantage of acrylic is its smooth, high-gloss finish that gives the hot tub shell surface a luxurious sheen and is easy to clean, unlike the textured surface of OAS. Its hard, non-porous surface prevents dirt from accumulating and resists stains, allowing you to maintain your hot tub simply and easily. Lastly, acrylic's durability allows any type of chemical sanitizer to be used. Due to all of the inherent benefits that acrylic provides, most manufacturers have chosen to use acrylic as their shell surface material.

Although there are a variety of different types of acrylic used in the manufacturing of hot tubs, almost all acrylic surfaces look the same. This can create difficulty for consumers to distinguish one grade of acrylic from another. It is highly recommended that you look for a continuous cast acrylic, which offers better durability than the co-extruded types. Tests have shown that co-extruded acrylic does not have the wearability that continuous cast acrylic does. Co-extruded acrylic tends to lose its luster over a period of time. Continuous cast acrylic contains UV inhibitors that are inherent in the product, protecting the shell surface from the harsh rays of the sun and from the damaging abuse of chemical sanitizers for decades. Finally, continuous cast acrylic is more resistant to chemical abuse and crazing than OAS, ensuring both a beautiful and durable spa. By utilizing a high quality acrylic, your hot tub can look virtually new five to ten years after purchase.

A recent innovation that has separated one continuous cast acrylic supplier from the rest is the introduction of Microban®, antimicrobial product protection. Microban® is not a coating, but an additive that is literally impregnated into the acrylic, and inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes odor and stains. While the entire hot tub shell is protected, a major advantage is that it protects the area above the waterline. Areas above the waterline do not benefit from the use of chemical sanitizers, and are usually defenseless to bacteria. Microban® helps to preserve the appearance of the shell's surface, as well as making the shell easier to clean. Microban® antimicrobial product protection is designed to last for the life of the hot tub.

Microban® is becoming well recognized and has been one of the most accepted forms of anti-bacterial protection by the general public. Many Fortune 500 companies utilize Microban® in common household products, such as toothbrushes, athletic socks, blankets, kitchen utensils, and more.

There are several different continuous cast acrylic manufacturers to choose from, however, only Ineos Acrylics, the manufacturer of Lucite® Cast Acrylic, uses Microban® in its acrylic sheets. Keep in mind that not all products manufactured by Ineos Acrylics include Microban®. As a result, if you decide to have Microban® in your hot tub, it is important to make certain that the hot tub has a Microban® label or the phrase "includes Microban®" is specified directly on your hot tub order.

Hot Tub Shells

The hot tub shell is one of the most important parts to consider when purchasing a hot tub. Other elements, such as pumps or heaters, are fairly easy to repair or replace if something goes wrong. However, if the hot tub shell malfunctions, it is more than likely that the entire spa will have to be replaced.

There are two components that, when sandwiched together, make up the hot tub shell: the shell surface and its understructure. These two components provide completely different benefits to the hot tub shell. The shell surface determines the aesthetic look and feel of the hot tub shell, as well as its resistance against UV rays, chemical sanitizers, and customer abuse. Other factors include stain resistance and ease of cleaning. The shell understructure provides the structural integrity to the hot tub shell, determining both the spa's longevity and its ability to support the weight of the water. The shell understructure also decides the hot tub shell's resistance to deterioration such as delamination, bubbling, and cracking.

Air Bubbling Therapy

Spas with air bubbling systems include an air blower that pushes a powerful burst of air into a variety of inlets, or air injectors, into the spa, creating a bubbling action. It works on the same principle as blowing air through a straw into a glass of water. Where water jet therapy provides powerful hydrotherapy for those with therapy needs, air bubbling therapy provides completely different benefits.

Air bubbling systems can be both entertaining and stress relieving, and thus appealing to those of all ages. It not only creates a bubbling action, but also creates an emotional appeal. Kids love it because the bubbles are very entertaining, as well as providing the type of bubbling action that they tend to expect of hot tubs. Adults enjoy it because it provides stress relief with an overall light, tingling feeling. Some have described the sensation as "sitting in a bucket of champagne". While some people prefer the powerful, invigorating massage that is typical of water jet therapy, others prefer the light sensation provided by air bubbling systems.

Some manufacturers have chosen not to make air bubbling systems available in their hot tubs due to either expense or the criticisms listed below. However, if the following resolutions to the criticisms are observed, we feel that air bubbling systems can prove to be very beneficial. There are no downsides to having an air bubbling system. In fact, many spa owners have indicated disenchantment with their purchases after realizing that their spa did not come equipped with an air bubbling system and that it cannot be added to the spa after purchase. If you are considering a spa with an air bubbling system, we highly recommend looking for one that utilizes all of the resolutions to the criticisms listed below, such as co-generated heating, automatic clean out systems, and proper soundproofing. This will provide you with the most cost efficient and enjoyable bubbling system.

Hot Tub Site Inspection

A Proper Site Inspection is Important! We strongly recommend a home site inspection before you purchase a hot tub. Though all manufacturers and dealers do not offer these inspections, they are extremely important. There are a handful of manufacturers however that offer FREE site inspections. A hot tub is a major purchase. There are specific logistics that need to be addressed that can only be discussed in the home. The technician will discuss safety and building codes, as well as delivery and installation concerns.

First and foremost, ask to make sure the person is not a sales representative, but a trained technician… one that understands proper care and maintenance, service, delivery, installation, and technical questions.

Secondly, it is strongly recommended that all decision makers are present for the inspection. Each person may have different concerns and/or questions for the technician. It is important to remember that you are the buyer and the technician is there for you. A home inspection provides the chance to have the technician's undivided attention - a perfect opportunity to discuss any details, no matter how small they may seem, without any distractions.

Health Benefits: Entertaining Friends

Before your early morning tee off or during a twilight cocktail party... your hot tub will bring a heightened sense of pleasure anytime of the day or night.
Any social event where friends or family gather is the perfect time to extend fun and invite them to relax in your hot tub. Whether you're barbecuing in the summer or skiing in the winter, your hot tub is the perfect complement to any social affair.
Retreating to your backyard spa can be the perfect getaway... one that you can enjoy year round!