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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

What is a Hot Tub Blower?


Hot tub blowers are also commonly referred to as air pumps or bubblers, as these names imply, a blower does just that, blows air into your hot tub water causing bubbling.

How does it work?

The blower is a unit that utilizes a fan to create air flow; it then forces the air through channels into the jets that allow for a release. The combination of air and water flow through the jets can provide a wonderful massage experience for the hot tub user.

What Do I Need to Know about a Blower?

If your spa does not currently use a blower and you are contemplating adding one, first of all you will want to make sure that your control pack will run a blower, it is a specific function that the control pack needs to be capable of operating. Also make sure you are ready to do the plumbing needed to connect in the air flow to your jets.

Also there are a few things to know that some people consider disadvantages of having a blower. The first is having the air injected into your water can cool down the water temperature and it does expend energy to have to keep reheating the water to maintain the higher temperature. Some people also find the blower running with the jets is too loud and interrupts there relaxation, but on the other hand many people count on the jets as their key to relaxation; so it all really comes down to personal preference.

If you already own a blower, they are a fairly simple piece of machinery that basically consists of a fan motor and housing. For this reason we recommend that if your unit goes out you replace the entire unit as it is much simpler and trying to just replace parts will offer little to no cost savings.

When looking for a new blower it is important to make sure you determine the correct voltage needed for your control unit, as they come in both 110V and 220V. Also, make sure your get the correct size to link up to your plumbing, usually 1.5” or 2”.

There are also different plug types available based on what type you need. Our Ultra and Max blowers include both a 4 FT Amp Cord and 4 Pin Plug. Our Silent Aire Blowers come with the option at checkout of a 3-pin Molded Plug, a 4-Pin Amp plug, a Gecko XM/XE 240 Volt Plug, or if you plan on hard-wiring and do not need a plug that is also an option.

How Can I Extend the Life of My Blower?

Premature blower failure is most often caused by water intrusion, there are a few ways to reduce the chance of water intrusion therefore extending the life of you spa blower. A Hartford loop in your plumbing that the use of a check valve will greatly decrease your chances of water intrusion, make sure that your installer/ technician uses both, it is also a recommendation that you replace your blower check valve anytime you replace your blower.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Is your Hot Tub Ready for the Cold Weather?


It seems like last week summer was making a final statement with record high temperatures in many parts of the country and today winter has decided it is time to get in the game and it is COLD! One thing the cold does bring is the perfect weather for soaking in your hot tub.

Before the cold weather really sets in for good, it is a great idea to do a thorough examination of your hot tub and ensure everything is in tip top shape heading into the cold winter months. Give your equipment a quick look and make sure everything seems to be working well, check for any leaks, and then now is also a good time to drain your water, give your spa and filters a good cleaning, also see how your hot tub cover is fairing.

First, take a look at your equipment. Check your pumps, heater, controls and plumbing to make sure everything appears to be working properly. It is much easier to try and fix a problem now, than in the middle of winter when you are worried about the tub freezing and you are waiting on a replacement part.

Next, make sure you do not have any slow leaks. Is your water level slowly dropping or is there any visible wet spots inside your cabinet? Finding a leak now can save you a lot of headache from having a frozen leak later. If you do find a small leak, the solution is often as simple as running a bottle of Fix-A-Leak through the tub; it will give you a very easy repair to most minor leaks.

Now is a great time to drain the water from your spa, give it a good through cleaning with Spa Cleaner, Gel Gloss, and Spa Purge. Then you can refill with sparkling clean water that should last you through most of the cold winter months. Also don’t forget your filters, pull them out give them a good spray with the hose and then soak them overnight in Filter Cleaner. This will ensure that your tub and water are clean and prepared for the cold weather.

Now, last but not least how is your hot tub cover doing? Is it getting a little saggy or extremely heavy due to water logging? If it needs to withstand the weight of snow during the winter now might me a really good time to think about replacing it. Also, if it is heavy and hard to lift a spa cover lift will come in very handy for you on those cold winter nights you are craving a relaxing soak in the hot tub but not wanting to wrestle the large cover in the snow.

Winter will be here before we know it so if you are planning on soaking in your hot tub while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and gazing at the stars it is time to make sure your hot tub will be in top working condition for you when you are ready to use it.