The Hot Tub Store And Spa Supplies And Accessories

Gwen Rempel asked:




If you are looking for a portable hot tub in Kelowna, here is some basic information which may help you. Depending on where you are in your understanding of hot tubs, you may or may not know that the term “portable” is a bit of a misnomer. Most hot tubs are referred to in the industry as “portable” even if they require the help of a crane to move them a few inches. With that understood, portable hot tubs cover a wide spectrum of styles, sizes, and shapes from the inflatable models to the very large mostly stationary units.

Portable hot tubs are very popular in Kelowna, due in large part to the year round mild weather which enables people to enjoy as many activities outside as possible. If you are considering a hot tub purchase in the Kelowna area, many retail outlets are in the market, so there is plenty of choice.

The Kelowna hot tub market handles virtually all styles and designs of tubs that are currently in popular demand. Throughout the summer months, hot tub merchants in the area often take advantage of the pleasant weather to host outside tent sales in and around Kelowna, and at a variety of venues and fairs to display their products. This would be a good time to view several models and makes at one time in order to make an informed decision.

In some locations, it is possible to have the “spa” experience by sitting in a hot tub on site. This is one way that potential buyers can make an assessment of whether they want to explore hot tub ownership more completely.

Positioning and Access Important

If you have made the decision to purchase a tub you should think of the best place for the tub to be located, taking into consideration such factors as access to water and power. As far as positioning goes, portable hot tubs should be placed on a perfectly flat, sturdy surface such as a concrete patio. If you don’t have that option, there are hot tubs on the market now with built-in flat foundations that make it possible to install them anywhere, even directly on the ground. If considering putting a tub on a deck, the deck must be level, and strong enough to hold the tub when it is full of water and people.

When installing a portable hot tub, it is of utmost importance to consider the need for access by a spa technician for maintenance and regular check-ups. Maintenance checks are a necessity in keeping your spa in good running condition for maximum enjoyment. An access space of at least 18″ to 2 feet or more MUST be allowed all around the hot tub for maintenance or upgrades to newer accessories such as jets. In situations where there is no access space, it then becomes necessary to drain the tub, remove steps and other items nearby and move the tub in order for the technician to get at the areas requiring attention. As mentioned earlier, if you have a large tub, a crane will be required to move it even a few feet. Then of course, when the maintenance is complete, the tub will need to be moved back into place, refilled and reheated, all at great expense and inconvenience to the owner. It is much easier to think of the need for access when initially designing the space where the hot tub will sit.

There are many factors to consider in owning a portable hot tub, and commitment to caring for your tub is at the top of the list. If a hot tub is cared for properly, it is very likely that there will be minimal service required to keep it running at peak performance.

Frederic C Padilla asked:




One of the best places to have relaxation is hot tub or spa. The flow of the hot water will give great effects in soothing and relaxing your muscles as well as relaxing your mind. However, those soothing effects will be completely gone when the water of the tub is too hot. It is surely very annoying, but you still have some useful tips in preventing or stopping this problem. Here are some things you should do in stopping the problem.

The first thing you should do is turning off all power to the hot tub. Do it as soon as you realize that the water is overheated. Besides, providing automatic shut off in the system the tub will be great thing to do. This system will help you to automatically shut off the power when the temperature of the water reaches about 112 degrees of Fahrenheit.

Then, the second thing to do will be calling the dealer of the manufacturer of your hot tub in order to ask for service options. Overheating might be caused by several different causes or conditions based on the tub models and brands. Therefore, the manufacturer of your tub surely knows more about the best things to do in stopping the problem.

As the third thing to do, you can check the water level. Low water level often becomes the most common causes of overheating. If this is the problem, you can add more water to your tub. Therefore, the temperature of the water could also be lowered down.

Are those three tips not effective enough? Then you can try to check the shut-off valves in your tub. If you find that the valves are closed while the heater is in on position, it will be the cause of the overheating problem.

Those are some useful tips that you should be taken when you are facing overheating problem in your hot tub. If you fail to fix the problem with those tips, it will be better to call the manufacturer of your tub immediately.

How would you like to own your own Resort Quality Hot Tub, Spa or Swim Spa for pennies on the Dollar?

Jonix K. asked:




If you want more life quality you definitely need a hot tub. But, the classical models aren’t that cheap. Don’t worry, there is a solution to that, and the name is Inflatable Hot Tubs! These are like classical hot tubs, but they’re cheaper, and they’re portable, which is a killer combination. In this article, i will give five features that you always should look when you’re searching for the best and cheaper inflatable hot tub, that will change your life quality for good.

1. Comfortable Seats

Like every hot tub, the inflatable versions needs to have comfortable seats. You’ll pass many hours inside this tub for relaxation, and if you’re siting on the ground your muscles will suffer. Because of that you need to choose one that has good comfortable seats, which most of them have.

2. Heated Water jets

That’s another thing you need to look for on an portable hot tub. The water jets, are the part of the machine that will massage all your body, and a good heated water jet makes miracles on a tired stressed body. Always buy a hot tub that has a heated water jet.

3. Automatic Air Pump

Another important feature that you will want in your search for the perfect product. When you buy a product like this, you need to fill it with air, and with manual pumps you’ll take too much time to do it, plus you’ll get stress that you really want to avoid. With an automatic pump, you just need to plug to electricity and that’s it, you now have a hot tub filled of air, ready to get the water and the persons.

4. The price

Well, for most of us, this one is the most important factor on most of the times. Take in consideration all the above features that I’ve described, you really need them, and the price shouldn’t be the first one. You still can find good inflatable hot tubs with all these features for less than $700, which is a good buy. And remember, your health will improve.

That’s it, these are the four features that you should take in attention when you’re going to buy your own inflatable hot tub.

How would you like to own your own Resort Quality Hot Tub, Spa or Swim Spa for pennies on the Dollar?

Jen Carter asked:




It is a known fact that hot tubs and spas heat water. This is why it is always better to aim to conserve as much of this heat as possible with these tips.

Covering your spa saves energy:

As heat rises, keeping your spa covered helps in retaining the heat that is generated in the spa. This is why most of the modern spas have well-insulated shells. With a cover that is in good condition, ensuring that the tie straps are snugly fit and latched when the spa is not in use helps in reducing leakage of heat.

However with deteriorated spa covers, heat leaks at the hinge-fold and spa shell rim with improper seating of the edges of the cover. If you find your spa cover to be heavy, it means that the foam core insulation is water logged. However as water logged covers have no R-value, it only leads to wastage of heating dollars. Instead, opt for a high quality replacement spa cover that saves energy, lasts longer, is more resistant to water absorption and helps in improving the beauty of the spa.

The benefits of Creating Windbreaks:

Windbreaks have to be created around the spa not only for privacy sakes, but also for reducing wind exposure that can lead to heat loss. Privacy panels, fencing, spa enclosures, coveralls and shrubs also work as effective windbreaks.

Tips for thermostat settings:

Factory spas have a high temperature limit of 104 degrees F. however by reducing the temperature to 102 degrees F; overall energy consumption is reduced considerably as you need more energy to heat additional degrees of your spa water.

What to do when going for a vacation:

When on a vacation, the thermostat has to be reduced. If you will not be around for a week or more during the warmer months, the heater can either be switched off or set at lowest levels. However in freezing weather, heating has to be maintained to prevent damage to pipes and plumbing during to freezing. Heating can be avoided if the spa is winterized, and its water removed from plumbing system.

Tips for off-peak heating:

Check with your power company to see if they offer reduced rates on power utilities during off peak hours, because of lowest demands. If your spa has a timer circuit, you could program your thermostat to heat the spa during off-peak heating. With a well insulated spa and a good cover, it is possible to maintain heat for a few hours, even when heater is switched off.

Blowers, lights and air jets used in spas:

The air induction jets in the spa offers soothing massage when in the spa. However by inducing air into the spa, it lowers the water temperature that has to be replaced with the spa heater. Do switch off air and water lights when the spa is not used.

Though powered air blowers were once popular, they are not favored. In fact, when buying new spas today, it is recommended not to buy one that has an air blower motor. These spas are not only loud; they consume lots of energy and lowers the water temperature rapidly.

Better and more expensive spas have adjustable hydro jets in them that induces warmed air from the equipment cabinet into the water. This is a better option for your spa than a motor driven blower.

About plumbing system and filter cartridge in spas:

The filters in the spa have to be cleaned with every water change and with non-foaming filter cleaning compound every 3 to 4 months. This is because a clogged spa filter reduces the circulation of the spa water, and strains the pump. Clogged filters also makes your heater element perform less efficiently. Filters have to be replaced annually for the peak performance of the spa, cleaner water and savings in energy.

Use a spa system flush for flushing the plumbing system and heater element when changing the water in the spa. This helps maintain uninterrupted water flow the efficient working of your heater element.

The floating thermal blanket reduces loss of heat with insulation and reduction of evaporation. Though a small investment is required for this blanket, it brings with itself Hugh returns with the added advantage of maintaining the build up of moisture in the spa to a minimum. This helps increase the life of the spa cover.

How to conserve water:

Water should not be wasted. So repair leaks if required, and adjust jets to ensure the streams of hot water are not sent to the deck.

Tips To Follow When Shopping for a New Spa:

When buying a new spa to replace an obsolete and energy wasting spa, shop wisely. Never overbuy horsepower as some manufacturers play the jet and horsepower numbers game. Remember that the more jets they offer, the more horsepower that is required for feeding the jets.
More than the number of jets, the design and engineering of the spa is important. With a well designed spa, you don’t need numerous jets for a soothing and vigorous hydro massage. Remember that the larger is the pump motor, the more power it consumes for its running. This in turn leads to huge power bills.

David Down asked:




Is it really possible to run a free reverse cell phone lookup on the internet? Many of us have become disillusioned and frustrated in the past with websites which appear to offer free products or services online but in fact do not. Is this the case with cell phone lookups?

Firstly let us examine exactly what we mean by a phone number lookup. If you have in your possession a residential phone number but no idea who the number belongs to or what address it relates to you can use a “reverse lookup” service to find out those details. This can obviously be very useful in situations where you have lost contact with someone but still have a record of their phone number, or simply wish to verify who owns the number before mistakenly phoning the wrong number. There are many places you can perform such residential and business phone lookups online for free, including toll-free numbers.

However a problem arises when you need to run a reverse lookup on a cellular phone as the free directories do not contain any such numbers. Similarly they do not contain fax numbers as this information is only held by the carriers and telecommunications companies. Do these records exist, and are they free?

The good news is there are websites which claim to offer large numbers of cell phone numbers, but they are not free. These websites naturally have to pay for access to some of this information, and go to the considerable trouble of pulling all the various resources together in one place, and as a result you will be charged a small fee before you can access the lookup databases. However the fee is a one-off payment and with some websites you can run as many searches as you like once you have access, with others they offer a single lookup for a lower fee. The records they claim to offer include cell owner details, address history, carrier details, and the phone connection status. It is also worth noting that the databases offered by each company differ to some degree, but most include cell phones and often residential, business, toll-free, even pagers, and these websites say your searches are guaranteed legal and confidential.

In addition to reverse lookups there are also similar websites which offer access to information such as background checks and background reports, people finder databases, bankruptcies, liens, public records databases including births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions, sex offender records, police records, and much more. These sites operate in the same way, offering access to specific types of information for a set fee, however it should be noted that you will not receive access to such information as part of your cell phone lookup site membership.

I have seen websites claiming to offer free cell lookups, but they always lead eventually to the paid sites in the end, even allowing people to search for free and then charging to view the results. It is the sad truth that the only place where you are likely to find detailed reverse cell records is within the legitimate paid directories. In conclusion, the answer is no, free cell phone lookups do not currently exist. However if you really want to access such records then I believe paying a small fee is a price worth paying.

George Alarcon asked:




Many consumers who are searching for a good acai do not know where to buy acai berry. Acai berry is very popular these days. Since acai perishes extremely rapidly after being hand-picked, it is harder to preserve this little amazing fruit.

This little fruit offers the following benefits:

* Helps you lose weight
* Helps boost energy level
* Improves vision
* Fights cancer naturally
* Enhances restful sleep
* Improves sexual performance
* Enhances heart function

Acai berry comes mainly in two forms: A freeze dried powder and the extract powder. Which of these two is the best form to try? The extract form is the inferior since this method heats up the fruit to extremely high temperatures as well as adding a chemical. The freeze dried powder uses a method that helps keep most of the original nutrients in the fruit. So the freeze dried powder is the best acai fruit you can hope to find. But with so many acai berry products on the market, chances are that you may end up ordering an inferior acai fruit product.

Here are a few tips to avoid acai product scams:

Tip #1: Do not consider an acai product from a vendor that runs an amateurish-looking website.

Tip #2: If the asking price of the acai fruit product seems too high, do not purchase it. Instead, continue looking.

Tip #3: Make certain the product contains freeze dried acai powder.

Tip #4: Do not buy a product that is too cheap; remember: you get what you pay for.

Tip #5: Do not accept the “free acai trial offer”. This is a trick that is used to obtain your credit card information.

Click Here to find out about a highly rated acai product from a reputable vendor.

In conclusion, it’s always better to play it safe with any product that you may be interested in by taking a few steps in researching the product in question.

Allan Wilson asked:




Hot tub covers

A hot tub cover is a very useful and handy invention and support accessory for any homeowner who would like to receive the best and most long lasting service from his home spa system. To make hot tubs energy efficient and to keep energy use to a minimum, it is important that heat does not escape it and the covers help to do this by insulating the hot tub efficiently.

Materials used in Hot tub covers

There is a lot of variety in the market today for the types and materials of hot tub covers and some companies even provide these free of cost when you purchase a hot tub. Some can be customized for you and there are still others waiting to indulge your need for something different by providing hand made covers, which you can design, and they can implement for you. A high quality vinyl spa cover will usually be treated with UV, mildew and cold crack inhibitors, which are used to attract sunlight and deter mold from building up on your cover. The advantage to a vinyl cover is that it is available in many colors and can add to the aesthetic appeal of your hot tub as well. These can be one to three pounds in weight or even larger ones for harsh weather conditions and prove to be very effective as vinyl is the strongest and most durable type of hot tub cover in today’s market.

Purpose and application

The advantage of a hot tub cover is that it protects your hot tub from both indoor and outdoor pollutants, depending on its location. Hot tub covers are available in many forms and features in order to ensure the most effective protection possible; each component well thought out for maximum contribution to the overall performance of your hot tub. A model that has locking mechanisms provides child and pet safety, as it is well known that every year thousands of children are killed or injured from accidental drowning in hot tubs. An easy access model is a good choice as the zipper has handles for convenience when entering and exiting the hot tub. As people spend a considerable amount of money on hot tubs so spending a few extra dollars to ensure its quality is a minor expense in comparison, especially when it affords them added quality for the hot tub and longevity too.

Hot tub chemicals

Hot tubs, like cars and gardens, too require maintenance and care from time to time to keep them working in good condition and there are a lot of products in the market today that help to reduce the use of harsh chemicals for the upkeep of hot tubs. The better brands of chemicals may cost more but one is assured of quality cleaning and repair when they are used for the hot tubs.

Chemical balance in the hot tub water

The hot tub is different from a swimming pool and therefore has different needs, so with the combination of high temperatures and ratio of people to the water in it, problems are bound to occur. There can be residual soaps, deodorants and other cosmetics apart from natural body oils and perspiration that released into the hot tub water can cause organic contamination. For this reason, it is important to use chemicals to maintain the right balance in the hot tub water and testing it periodically will increase the life of the home spa and the equipment used in the hot tub too.

Test Kits for checking the chemical balance in the hot tub

There are liquid test kits available in the market today that can be used for testing the chemical balance in the hot tub water but one must always check the expiry dates and follow the instructions of the manufacturer for usage and storage and clean the kit after each use as residual chemicals can falsify future tests. The water must be circulated before testing and the sample taken from a minimum 12 inches from the surface and read immediately using a white background. Precaution must be taken for doing this carefully as oils from your skin can make the results differ and so can test strips that have gone past the expiry date. All chemicals and test kits must be kept tightly closed as moisture can ruin the test strips and falsify results. It is very important to use the right chemicals and kits to protect and preserve your hot tub and keeping the chemical balance in the water correct is one major way of adding life to your hot tub; akin to feeding it so it stays healthy and offers you good service for many years to come.

John E Lewis asked:




Hot Tubs from the east usually have every accessory but not the one they really need a Skip!.

I heard the other day that somebody who had bought a cheap Hot Tub which was an eastern import is unable to get the spare parts so that the heater does not work.

You even hear stories of people that buy cheap eastern hot tubs and they do not get the cover for the hot tub till months later.

We saw a cheap eastern import recently with out any floor or base, no insulation, just a load of rubbish. No insulation on the side panels so heat will simply be lost.

Then the electric cables were loose dragging on the floor and with no base that means that they would get wet when it rains! Good chance of getting electrocuted just to save some money that I would call false economy.

Naturally we told the owner to tie all the cables clear of the floor. The quality of the cables used are not up to western standards and you can tell that by one glance its as simple as that. The plumbing also falls way short of western standards.

Oh why worry if they are fool enough to buy a cheap import from the east what do they honestly expect.

It’s a a bit like the lead paint in toys that come from the east, many people think that they are clever by saving money, but the truth is that they buy a lot of trouble for the future. So in reality it is a false economy.

Quality manufacturers consider the long term of spa ownership when designing their products. Manufacturers that use advanced manufacturing methods employ ABS-backed acrylic instead of the older style fibreglass and they are able to provide a much sturdier, longer lasting product.

Not only is the manufacturing process that does not use fibreglass as a backing material more environmentally friendly, but the stronger more expensive ABS backed shell material allows for elimination of foam shell support.

So those manufacturers that use full foam are doing it to support a cheaper shell material. Their approach to production is simply to start from the approach of lets find the cheapest way of construction not the best.

Many manufacturers use the lower priced standard Acrylic that must be supported with fibreglass and foam.

The foam may be referred to as insulation, but in reality it actually supports this lower priced shell material and does not represent a “green” approach to long lasting maintenance, but is only necessary for the support of lower priced shell materials.

We have also heard it said that full foam is used to eliminate the noise of the water in the pipes. Well we are appalled to hear that said as it simply must be a badly designed spa that needs that. It is just simply a cover story to hide the cheap production methods.

There are very many disadvantages with spraying low cost expanding foam into the spa cabinet including lack of access to important plumbing parts and jet surfaces as well as the ability to quickly check for and fix a leak should it occur.

Many times a leak in a foam filled cabinet will manifest itself over many months and the result is a rotted out interior with odorous, soaked foam material that creates quite a mess.

Obviously a good well designed and engineered product will lead to an outstanding hydrotherapy massage. Where one will be able to enjoy a vigorous or perhaps soothing massage with the ability to be able to adjust and modify your massage experience to suit or enhance your mood as appropriate.

In summary I would suggest that as a Hot Tub Jacuzzi style spa is probably the third most expensive purchase that you make after your home and perhaps a car that you should try to buy the best that you can afford but make sure that you do not buy a cheap eastern import or a the dog dish looking hot tub. Look for proper branded acrylic such as Lucite and Quarite and ask to see the dealers color chips from those manufacturers. Sometimes it is Lucite inspired but not Lucite. Look for Balboa controls and aim for a manufacturer who has been making spas for many years. A very good simple test is to see if your hot tub dealer is on first name terms with the owners and directors of the manufacturers of the products’ he is supplying. This is of course impossible if they are based in the East!

How would you like to own your own Resort Quality Hot Tub, Spa or Swim Spa for pennies on the Dollar?

Nicole Rempfer asked:




While the phrase cheap hot tubs may seem like an oxymoron to some, it is possible to find a number of cheap tubs offered at bargains that will astound you. For those who want to experience the therapeutic comfort that a hot tub can provide, but can’t afford to go all out for a new one, there are a variety of options for finding inexpensive tubs that can save you thousands of dollars. However, while cheap tubs may be a reality, it is important to keep in mind the reasons why hot tubs are still considered a luxury item. Aside from the initial purchase price of even a cheap tub, the cost of chemicals and costs added to your electric bill for using and maintaining a tub can still add fifty dollars or more to your monthly expenses.

While five thousand dollars is the average price for a new hot tub, that usually refers to what dealers label as a six or seven person models, which in reality usually only seat three or four people comfortably. One way to save money on a new tub right off the bat is to consider a two person tub. If you don’t plan on doing a lot of entertaining or have children that will want to use the tub, two person tubs can be the ultimate cheap tubs. Two person tubs don’t have the depth of other models, and offer either two reclining seats side by side or facing each other. These tubs sell for about half the price of larger models, and while considerable less dough is involved here, for most people that is not quite good enough to satisfactorily fulfill the term cheap tubs.

Used hot tubs and jetted bath tubs are other options to consider for those looking for deals on tubs. Although you can’t really host a party or entertain neighbors in your bath tub, you still get the benefits of therapeutic jets and pulsating hydrotherapy, which can be beneficial to tired, achy muscles as well as stress relief. Our article on used tubs also provides valuable information for finding used tubs in your area, as well as tips on how to inspect used tubs prior to purchase.

One other option to consider for finding cheap tubs is checking online auctions for what may be available in your area. Although most tubs that you find online or on eBay are new tubs, you can often find a number of cheap hot tubs that are closeouts or inventory reductions, as many dealers do not have adequate showroom space to house a large number of hot tubs for long periods of time. Online auctions such as eBay are also great places to check for cheap hot tubs because the increased online competition from other dealers keeps costs low.

The downside to buying a hot tub online, however, is that you will be responsible for installation yourself, and many times will have to pay more for delivery. Many times you will find that you will need a 240V outlet prior to set up, and this may be something that you will have to do yourself. In addition, even if you pay someone to deliver your cheap hot tub, they are often unwilling or unable to unload it for you, so a great deal of manpower may be required as well. While buying cheap hot tubs may require a little bit of work on your part, the amount of money that you save can be worth it in the long run.

How would you like to own your own Resort Quality Hot Tub, Spa or Swim Spa for pennies on the Dollar?

Jessica Ramsey asked:




A hot tub is just one type of swim spa available in markets nowadays and you can even have a large home-made one. It is a pool filled with heated water used for soaking, massage, hydrotherapy or relaxation. Hot tubs usually are located outdoors and are sheltered for privacy as well as for protection. There are two different designs of hot bathtub which are simple wooden-staved soaking tubs and one piece plastic tubs.

Having a portable and inflatable hot bathtub is a luxury as well as the least expensive kind of spa that anyone can have. Although they are considered as portable, they are also shown to be less durable than standard above-ground spas. This makes them a not suitable to belong to one of your long-term investments.

Portable hot bathtub are produced from a variety of material combination’s such as nylon, plastic and vinyl. These cheap spas allow you to set it up anywhere as well as packed away when it is not in use. Almost all models use a blower system to allow the circulation of air in the water while few models use traditional jets. They are also easy to put up and have less costly plumbing and wiring.

Sanitization of hot tub’s water is also very important since many organisms flourish in warm yet wet environment. Poor sanitation can cause disease transmission as well as litigation. Maintaining water chemistry is also essential for keeping its total alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness.

The first type of portable hot bathtub is inflatable hot tub in which it is blown up by a pump, plug it in and fill it with water. The second type is the hard side hot tub in which it comes either in pieces where you are to put it together or it is with a solid shell. Some of the manufactured hard side tub comes with an additional feature where it contains controls and heating elements. The third type is called a fiber glass hot tub which is near to those permanent models. They are usually slightly larger than regular bath tubs and easily fit to doorways. Normally, they can be installed on floors with great support.

However, the major drawback of these cheap spas is that, they are usually blowing air to produce bubbles instead of hot water, these results for the water temperature to drop dramatically. This in turn makes hot tubs good for short soaking for just 15 to 30 minutes.