Moldy Hot Tub Covers

Well, just the title of this article sounds gross because no one likes mold, but unfortunately it is a problem that is encountered far too often by hot tub owners, many who don’t even realize that is they may have a mold problem.

It is very important to clean your hot tub cover regularly to not only avoid dirt and dust build up but also mold and mildew growth. Dirt and dust on your cover may not seem like a big deal as it really does not affect your cover, but it will affect your hot tub water. Dust and dirt build up on your cover will eventually transfer to your water which will in turn cause bacteria to grow in the moisture and build up on the bottom side of your hot tub cover causing mold and mildew growth.

When mold and mildew build up in your cover it will eventually cause the cover to stink. We often hear from customers who state they are doing everything right with their water but are still getting the awful smell. If you are changing your water every 3-4 months, cleaning your filters with Filter Cleaner, and balancing your chemicals regularly chances are the smell is coming from our hot tub cover due to mold.

In this case your hot tub cover needs to be cleaned. This can be done with a cover cleaner mixed with water, it is not recommended to use household products on your cover as they can get into the water and cause problems with your chemical balance. The only exception to this would be if there are physical dark or black splotches of mold that you can see. In this case you can use bleach diluted in water to wipe the cover down, this will help kill the mold. You may also want to remove the vinyl from the cover and wipe down the foam core to ensure the mold is removed. When you are done with the bleach solution be sure to rinse everything VERY well with clean water to ensure there is none left that may cause problems in your tubs water.

Once your problem is taken care of the only way to be sure to avoid the problem again in the future is to clean the cover regularly (approximately every 2 months) by using a cover cleaner solution and water, this will also help extend the life of your cover and keep it mold free.

Answers to a Few Commonly Asked Questions about Hot Tubs/ Spas

What is the difference between a hot tub and a spa?

These two terms are commonly used interchangeably, so what is the real difference? In the 1960’s wooden, barrel shaped tubs of hot water became popular and were referred to as “hot tubs.” These small units, usually held only 1 or 2 bathers and did not have any of the fancy features used today. Hot Tubs have since evolved to containing pumps, jets, filters, and chemically treated water.

Later on when companies began manufacturing fiberglass tubs or tubs with a thermoplastic shell they began calling them “spas” to differentiate them from their wooden counterparts. As time has gone on many people have come to consider spas as the in-ground built in version of hot tubs.

The truth is there is really no right or wrong answer as to which is which, basically a large tub filled with water, often containing jets, a pump, filter, and chemically treated water can be referred to as either a spa or a hot tub, many people will often also call them a whirlpool or Jacuzzi but really they are all normally referring to the same thing.

How much does it cost to run a hot tub/ spa?

Electrical and gas costs will vary based on the area you live in and the model, size, and quality of the tub but normally a hot tub costs about $10-$30 a month on your utility bill. Making sure you purchase a high quality, well-insulated tub can help keep these costs on the low end, as well as making sure that you have a quality cover that retains heat well, as heating the tub is the primary cost.

Other than utility cost, you will have chemicals and regular maintenance such as filters and parts as needed, but if a spa is well taken care of these costs can remain low.

Is it hard to keep clean water and balance chemicals?

There are many different options as far as spa sanitation goes but whichever one you choose the important thing is to stay on top of it. As long as you care for your water regularly, chemical maintenance should only take a few minutes every few days, or weekly depending on how often the tub is used and by how many people.

Hot tubs should be drained and refilled every 3-4 months to maintain clean water, at this time the owner should also clean the spa filters. As long as you stay on top of these things they will not be extremely time consuming, however if they are neglected it could cause problems that will be more time consuming later.

I’ve heard that covers can be heavy and hard to remove, is this true?

A quality cover that is in good condition should not be so heavy that a person of average physical condition cannot manage it, however over time covers can become water logged and heavier; if you have that issue it is really time for a new cover.

We do however recommend a cover lift system to anyone with a spa, as it will help you remove your cover with ease allowing for a more enjoyable bathing experience. It will also extend the life of your cover as prevents wear and tear on the cover by it having a place to rest and not being in contact with the ground.

Cover lifts are also available with hydraulic or gas shocks that allow anyone, even those in a more frail physical condition, to remove the cover with ease.

These are just a few of the common questions we get from people about hot tubs, if you have any other questions please visit us at www.hottubwarehouse.com.

Nature2 Minerals

Are you looking for a more enjoyable bathing experience in your hot tub? How about to reduce maintenance time, cost, and effort? If the answer is yes, then a Nature2 Mineral System might just be the answer you have been looking for. The Nature2 Mineral System can sanitize your water more effectively than chlorine alone and in the process reduce skin and eye irritation, plus it is very easy to use!

The Nature2 Minerals Stick is a completely self-contained system that slips right into your spas filter, working as part of the circulation system in your spa to keep your water clean and healthy. If you have an ozonator on your spa the Nature2 stick will work great with your ozonator keeping your spa water at the best quality possible.

As each stick lasts as long as 4 months, this EPA registered product can cut down on time for maintenance that is often needed when using bromine or chlorine. With Nature2 all you need to do is regularly add a small maintenance dose of non-chlorine shock and your sanitizer is taken care of. From there just maintain your pH, alkalinity, and water hardness with regular water testing.

Because Nature2 does not require the use of either chlorine or bromine it eliminates the odors and skin or eye irritation that they can sometimes cause. If you are interested in an alternative the traditional methods of spa sanitation the Nature2 System is worth a try. Just make sure to drain and refill your spa with fresh water when you begin a new system.

5 Tips for Hosting a Holiday Hot Tub Party

The holidays are once again upon us, with that of course comes parties! As a hot tub owner, you have the perfect place to host a great party, who doesn’t love a relaxing dip in the spa on a cold night, with snow lightly falling, surrounded by family and friends. Here are some tips to ensure you are prepared for the perfect hot tub party this holiday season.

1. Chemical Balance

Make sure all your spa chemicals are in balance several hours prior to usage by the party guests. There would be nothing worse than having a guest become ill or end up with irritated skin due to a chemical imbalance in your spa water.

2. Safety

Make sure the area around the hot tub is safe. That there it is clear of debris and anything that people might trip over and get hurt; also having a durable set of Spa Steps is a great idea. This will allow easier access in and out of the tub for all guests. If you will be having elderly guests or people who may need added assistance in entering or exiting the hot tub a spa handrail may also be a great idea.

3. Comfort

When hot tubing the main goal is to relax, and a key element to relaxation is ensuring comfort. Ensure that your spa pillows are in good condition and offering neck/head support for guests while in the tub. To maximize comfort for more petite guests have a hot tub booster seat available. As seats in many hot tubs seem to be built for people taller in stature, hot tubing can actually be uncomfortable for shorter bathers as it takes effort to keep themselves above the waterline and does not allow for maximum comfort, a booster seat is a great way to eliminate that problem and make sure they are very comfortable.

4. Aromatherapy

Use spa aromatherapy to set the mood, using crystals combined with an elixir will give bathers all the benefits available such as: fragrance, water softeners, skin moisturizers, anti-inflammatory, and a natural remedy for aches and pains. For a Holiday party I would recommend scents such as White Musk Vanilla Jasmine or Eucalyptus Mint.

5. Set The Mood

Any holiday party would be incomplete without music and drinks. So set up your iPod speakers outside and crank up the holiday tunes for your guests to enjoy. With the weather being cold outside have a hot beverage available for guests to enjoy such as hot cocoa, cider, or eggnog. A Smart Bar or Spa Caddy on your spa can come in handy for holding those drinks also.

If you follow the tips outlined here you are on track for making your holiday hot tub party a great success, just remember the key elements of safety and comfort and your guests will have a marvelous time enjoying your spa with you.

What is a Shock Treatment?

The main purpose of a shock treatment is to break down organic waste contaminants that cause odor and cloudy water. Shocking also converts irritating chloramines back to active chlorine and if a bromine sanitizer is used a shock treatment activates the bromide ion and it becomes hypobromous acid in water, a good sanitizer.

Regardless of what type of sanitizer you use in your spa, we recommend shock treating at least once a week to maintain the cleanest clearest water possible. Regular shock treatments will also ensure the best performance from your sanitizer. If you use a biguanide sanitizer, you will want to check with your supplier to make sure you use the correct form of shock that is compatible with your sanitizer.

There are two types of shocks available non-chlorine shock and dichlor (chlorine) based shock.

Non-Chlorine Shock

For non-chlorine shock, we recommend either Spa Pure Spa Oxidizing Shock or ProTeam Spa Oxidizing Shock. Both of these are an oxygen-based shock referred to as a monopersulfate compound (MPS). They are widely used and preferred because they have very little to no chemical odor.

This shock can be used with bromine, chlorine, Nature 2, and Frog systems. Used together with your primary sanitizer it should keep your water clean and clear.

DiChlor Shock

Dichlor shock is also commonly referred to as chlorine shock, as it is made of a form of chlorine, sodium dichlor, often not used as a primary shock occasional use can be very good to clear up water problems. Shocking with dichlor is also sometimes known as “super chlorination.” If you have water problems such as foul odor, slime, algae, mustiness, or cloudy water a dichlor shock treatment is often the fastest and easiest way to clear it up. We carry Proteam Multi Magic Shock for our Dichlor shock, as well as Proteam Sodium Dichlor and Spa Pure Granular Chlorine.

This shock can be used with bromine, chlorine, Nature 2, and Frog systems.

Water problems or not, at Hot Tub Warehouse we recommend using a shock treatment at least once a week, and more for tubs that are used daily to maintain the clearest cleanest water conditions possible.