Fix My Pool And Spa

Pool Chemicals are no joke.They can hurt you.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 21:36:00 +0000

Rick

Pool Chemicals can hurt you.

It has come to my attention lately that people are not taking proper care in storing and handling pool chemicals.

Chlorine being the biggest concern I will discuss a little bit about proper storage and handling.

There are several different types of Chlorine.

Sodium Hypochlorite- This is also know as Liquid Chlorine and is the most popular. This has a 15% available chlorine level and a high PH factor of 13 so this will most likely raise the PH levels in your pool but it hits hard and fast.
Calcium Hypochlorite- This is a granular form of chlorine mostly used in concrete pools
Lithium Hypochlorite- This is a granular chlorine designed for vinyl liner pools as it dissolves better than the Calcium version so as to not bleach or stain the liner. It is 35% available chlorine, it takes almost 3 lbs of lithium to equal one lb of tri-chlor. Its has a pH factor of 11 which means you will have to add acid to adjust the pool water to within proper PH range.
Tri-Chlor- This is a tablet form of chlorine usually put in a floater or chlorine dispenser it has cyanuric acid pressed into the tablets. This has 90% available chlorine, but has a PH factor of 3 so it will draw the ph level in your pool water down.
Di-chlor another from of Granular chlorine is made in roughly the same manner as tri-chlor;The pH is a factor of 7 so it is closer to the neutral range as far as acid content and it dissolves quickly. Di-chlor has 62% available chlorine

So the above is just the basics of Chlorine we can get a little deeper into it on a later blog.

As for storage of these chemicals keep this in mind....

Chlorine in any form is a corrosive and it WILL rust anything you keep near it that is metal, those of you that keep it in your shed with your lawnmower know exactly what I mean.

Chlorine gas that is emitted from its container when opened can knock you out and in larger doses can be lethal. Rule of thumb is to wear protective gloves, eye protection and a mask when handling chlorine.

NEVER EVER MIX CHEMICALS TOGETHER ESPECIALLY CHLORINE THIS CAN PRODUCE AN EXPLOSION OF GREAT FORCE. ALWAYS ADD CHEMICAL TO WATER NEVER WATER TO CHEMICAL.

Just to give you something to think about I have enclosed a link to a story of a Chlorine leak at a commercial pool complex.

Read this and listen to my warnings.

Until Next Time...

www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2013/07/15_hospitalized_after_being_exposed_to_chlorine_at_washington_township_swimming_pool.html

What is the best type of filter for my in-ground pool?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:41:00 +0000

Rick

What is the best type of filter for my in-ground pool?

That's a loaded question, first let me say that every pool pro will give you a different answer based on their experience and customer base.

Climate also plays a role in which filter type is best for your area.

In the warm states Diatomaceous Earth filters (D.E.) is mined and is the fossilized exoskeletons of tiny diatoms, are probably the best since high humidity and high temperatures can easily turn a pool green and the DE filters will keep these pools the cleanest, you have a grid system within the tank itself and you add DE powder through the skimmer and this DE powder coats the grids and the dirt and debris get stuck to the DE and the clean water passes through the grid and goes back to the pool as clean water.

Next in line is the Cartridge filters these have a greater surface area than sand allowing for fewer clogs and easier maintenance. They run at lower pressure than sand which puts less backpressure on the pump, providing more flow and turnover. Cartridge filters should be cleaned once or twice a season by simply hosing the cartridge element off. These filters have a pleated paper filter inside the tank that the water passes through to trap the dirt in the pleats, the clean water goes back to the pool through the center of the pleated filter.

The last filter grade is Sand filters, these use a sand base and finger laterals on the bottom of the sand the water enters on the top of the sand bed and as the water flows down through the sand debris get trapped in the sand bed and clean water enterers the laterals on the bottom of the tank and then get pushed back to the pool as clean water.

All filters clean the water via a media ( D.E., Sand, Cartridge) the grading of the media is determined by how small a micron of debris the media will capture. Sand filters will capture as little as 20 microns, cartridge filters will capture as small as 10-15 microns and D.E. filters will capture as small as 2-5 microns. The smaller the number of microns captured the cleaner the water will be so as you can see D.E. filters are the best ones out there today.

Unlike Cartridge filters that you can hose off to remove the debris, DE and Sand filters must be backwashed, this is where you run water backwards through the filter to blow off the debris and allow it to exit the filter via the backwash line. Both of these filter types have a Multi-Port valve on them to allow you to backwash the tank.

So I guess the answer to the original question is this...Which ever filter will work better than the one you are struggling with now, LOL my vote is for the D.E. filters.

Until Next Time...

Weber Genesis grills are a great value...

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:22:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

The Weber Genesis Grills are a great value...

Last blog I went over the new Weber Spirit series grills so now lets look at the most popular ones...Genesis Series by Weber.

Weber is no doubt the most popular and best rated backyard grill by my customers and the internet. I have been a fan of Weber for many years now and I would never buy any other gas grill brand.

EP-330 Black

Lets discuss the Genesis grills:

EP310,E310,EP330,E330,S310,S330. Now just to explain a little...the difference between the EP grill and the E grill is the internal parts, with the basic E grill there will be Cast Iron Grates, in the EP version this will be Stainless Steel, also the Flavor bars down below the grates are Powder Coated in the E series and Stainless Steel in the EP.

The main difference in the EP310 vs. S310 will be the Hood and Doors. The EP will be colored doors and hood and in the S version the hood and doors are Stainless Steel. Weber has a big selection of colors to choose from although most dealers will not carry ALL the colors. You can get Black, Steel Grey, Copper, Green, and Brick Red, however you can only get Natural gas models in Black and Stainless Steel.

The difference between the 310 vs. 330 is the Sear Burner and the Side burner, I will explain...

EP310 Green

There are some new features that you may not be aware of as well like the new:

Sear Burner which is a single 10,000BTU burner in-between two regular burners for that high intense heat for searing your steaks then once the sear is good just turn off the Sear Burner and you continue to have all the grilling space unlike infrared searing which you can not cook on, you will not loose precious inches of cooking space on a Weber grill.

Electronic Spark Ignition which is battery driven. No more snap style cross over igniters. These igniters last twice as long.
Optional Grill light which mounts on the Hood Handle. A very convenient light that will turn on when the lid is opened and turn off when closed. Two AA batteries power the light.

S-310 Stainless Steel

The 310/330 grills are 3 burners that have 38,000btu per hour input.

64.5"High
60" Wide
30" Deep
637 sq in of cooking area
Controls are in the front of the grill for added shelf space
330 models also have a 12,000btu flush mounted side burner

All in all I like the Genesis series grills, they have a nice look to them compared to years ago and they are most certainly easy to use. You should get out to your local grill store and check them out.

Until Next Time...

"Spring Is Here, time to replace that grill"

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:56:00 +0000

"Rick the Spa Whisperer"

"Spring Is Here, time to replace that grill"

Well finally winter is officially over, at least by the calender. Now it is time to once again start to think about the backyard and what to do with it this year.

I love this time of year, I finally get out of my winter funk and I am glad to get outside and feel the fresh air in my lungs.

I think this year is a great time to replace my grill. I have seen all the new Weber grills this year and they look great. If you have not seen the newer models yet you should get out and check them out. The redesigned the Spirit series this year to include front control knobs and redesiged cart. Lets look at all the new features of the Spirit Grill from Weber:

Spirit 210

Spirit 210 has collapsible side tables and front control knobs. It is a more sleek design for those people who do not have a good size area to put a grill.
Height: 25.6 in
Width: 32.3 in
BTU : 26,500 per hour input
Retail $399.00 in most stores
Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. This model is not available in Natural Gas though. All in all a great buy for the money.

Spirit 310

Spirit 310 has 529 sq. in. of total cooking area it offers plenty of grilling space, (424 sq. in.) of primary cooking area and (105 sq. in.) of warming rack area it has enough room for everyone.
It has 3 stainless steel burners.
32,000 BTU-per-hour input
Height: 25.6 in
Width: 32.3 in
Retail $499.00 in most stores
This one is my choice since I would like to have the higher BTU rating.

Either grill will bring you years of outdoor cooking enjoyment and they can be found everywhere. Parts are easily attainable thru your merchant or just call Weber 365 days a year and they will help point you in the right direction. I have had nothing but great comments from my customers about Weber and I own one myself and will continue to buy them.

Until Next Time...

Is It A Bad Idea To Build A Spa Into A Deck?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:09:00 +0000

Rick

Is it a bad idea to build a spa into a deck?

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about building a deck around a spa so I wanted to touch base on the pros and cons of this type of installation.

First off let me start off by saying I love the look of this type of installation but it does present some very difficult service issues.

Sundance spas

Lets go over the pros first:

Very attractive appearance
Easy access to get in/out of spa
Does not block any views
Seating can be incorporated around spa

Now lets talk Cons:

It can be a trip hazard
No service access to panels around spa
May need a crane to install into place ($)
If no access for service NO REPAIRS
If spa is ever removed you have a big hole

Now I am not saying don't do it, all I am trying to do is give you some incite as to what the situation is. Most spas made today have a removable skirting all the way around the spa in the event of service the technician can remove this skirting and gain access to the inner part of the spa and find and repair the issue, if there is a deck around the spa then the skirting can not be removed and no repairs can be made unless the spa is removed out of the deck.

I recommend getting a designer to plan out this type of install. You can have pre-determined hatches made in the decking to allow a service professional to open these hatches and gain access to the skirting. In most cases they can blend these hatches into the decking so they are not noticeable and will not take away from the beauty of you new deck project.

If you have a pre existing deck you can also place the spa at an outer edge of your deck and remove a section of handrail and redesign it to incorporate the spa and you will get an appearance of a sunken spa and still have access to three sides of the skirting. This is what I usually recommend to my customers.

No matter what your choice is, a spa is a great family gathering spot, and even greater relaxation destination. So go out and get one NOW!

Until Next Time...

Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

I know it is winter time now but that means that while everyone in the cold climates are stuck indoors and getting cabin fever already, we can start to imagine our backyard makeover for next summer….

Maybe you have always wanted a pool or maybe a portable spa?

Some of you may already have these items but need to give your back yard a facelift, how about a new deck or patio?

One of the most common makeovers is the patio or deck; these can be made from all different kinds of material,

· wood

· treks decking

· pavers

· Concrete the options are plentiful.

First thing you need to do is decide how big or small of a deck or patio you need or want. When it comes to spas a good rule is to have the patio at least 3 feet larger than the spa itself to have some walking room around it.

Another great makeover idea is landscaping, I love to see backyard gardens around a pool or spa they just add some peacefulness to the area, I think so anyway.

· When considering landscaping it is best to hire a professional to do the layout and install as most of the contractors have a detailed education and experience in these matters and can give you some great ideas.

Lighting is also a great mood enhancer. There are several lighting options as well.

· Spot lighting to highlight a beautiful tree or the house itself.

· Low level garden lights to accent a walking path

· Stick lights to go around the perimeter of the deck or spa

· Paver lights. Designed to be flushed with the pavers but illuminate

· Step lighting for wood or treks decking, a lighted step area for safety when going up or down the steps.

Fire pit area is one of my favorite things to do as well. There are several types of these you can choose from.

· Wood burning

· Propane

· Natural Gas

· Outdoor fireplace (also wood burning)

No matter what your ideas are; start thinking now about what you would like to do so you will have plenty of time to design and re-design the plans (believe me you will be glad you started now).

Until Next Time….

Rick the Spa Whisperer

Photobooth contest Please help

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Rick the spa whisperer

hello all.
I am posting a link to a facebook page to help out my niece. She is tring to win a photobooth for her upcoming wedding please click on the link then "like" her photo she is Bride number 40.

Thanks to all who can help me out voting ends Tuesday. If the link does not take you there paste it in brouser.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.544284765585957.141963.172781576069613&type=3

I have a spa but no power. Now what do I do?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Rick the spa whisperer

Have spa but no power?

Not to worry... most spas are very well insulated and can retain their heat fairly well for up to 2 weeks.

Not all spas are the same, some of your older spas or smaller ones may not have full foam insulation within it.

This could be an issue for you, if this true for your spa go out and get some household insulation and stuff this inside the spa cabinet like you would inside your attic this will give you a barrier from the extreme cold nights.

The biggest mistake people make when they have a spa and the power goes out is to drain it this is NOT a good idea.

If the spa was running and was heated to around 100 degrees just before the power went out then it will take a while for the spa water to cool down on it's own (up to two weeks), but if you drain the spa of water, that safeguard you may have had is gone.

Now the surface of the spa will get cold and then transfer that coolness to the under side of the spa and the plumbing lines. Then the spa lines can FREEZE and crack. Now this doesn't mean that if you drained your spa it will automatically freeze. The outside temp needs to be below 40 degrees for several days for this to possibly happen. I have seen spas with ice inside them defrost in the spring and run fine with no issues.

Now getting back to my original statement LOL...

Most spas are fully insulated and as long as you do not keep going out there and lifting the cover up to check on it every hour "you know who I am talking to" the water temp will remain high and you should be fine. I have seen a spa with a temp of 99 degrees when the customer lost power for 2 weeks and when the lights came back on the water temp was only down to 68 degrees.

Once the power comes back on you want to go out to the spa and be sure that the spa has power as well, if not check the breakers.

Run the pumps to be sure all is good then note the temperature on the topside display set it to 100 degrees and monitor it every hour to see that it will go back up to temperature without any problems. If you have made it this far you are golden check the spa chemicals to be sure that it has a good balanced level before going back into it.

I hope everyone is OK and has power back.

Until Next Time...

Is your Pool and or Spa cover secure?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:19:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Whisperer

Is your Pool and or Spa cover secure?

I just wanted to write a quick blog to remind all of my readers that are anywhere near the east coast to check on there covers to be sure they are secure with the comming Frankenstorm.

The latest storm which is going to be a great one is bearing down on the north east today. I am telling my customers to batten down the hatches, check that their pool cover has been secured so it will not blow off or into the pool. For my spa customers be sure that your spa cover locks are latched and secure.

I do not recommend that you place any object on the spas as this can damage the covers. For pool safety covers be sure that the springs are tight if not shorten the straps to tighten the springs.

The wind gusts could reach 40 miles per hour so just keep an eye out. Another thing that is very important is to check on your spa during power outages then remember to reset the breaker to the spa after the power is restored.

Ensure that the spa is operational and the heat is working once the power comes back on. If the spa does not power up on it's own try turning the breaker off and then on again and this should get things going.

Good luck to everyone....

Until Next Time...

Fire pits are a great way to get outside and enjoy these beautiful cool night's

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Whisperer

Fire pits are a great way to get outside and enjoy these beautiful cool night's.

There are several types of Fire pits, wood burning, propane, and natural gas.

Remember to have your fire pit on a non-combustible surface so we have no accident's. You can use patio blocks or pavers as a base.

Remember to keep the wood dry if you use the wood burning version, wet wood will not burn. Set up your fire pit away from your home so you do not melt your siding etc.

Here is a breakdown of the 3 Basic Fire Pits:

Wood:

With the wood burning pits you would light these like any fireplace, use kindling to initiate the fire and you will burn firewood, being careful to mind the popping that is created with the wood fire. It is a great idea to have a screen or top over the fire to protect the people around the fire pit.

Propane:

Or low pressure gas. These fire pits are usually designed with a simulated log fire, you can light this and the propane will burn a nice even flame. You can relax around the propane fire pit without the popping of the wood like in the wood burning fire pit's. Keep in mind these operate on a 20 lb propane tank like that of your barbecue.

Natural Gas:

These fire pits would have to be installed by a qualified licensed plumber as you would for the stove in your home. The big advantage with these over the others, is that you would have an endless supply of fuel for the fire pit, with no worries of running out of propane or wood.

Many manufacturer's offer all the above designs.

You just have to decide which type you prefer. I love the real wood burning pit. There are also many styles available including the chimney style. Or you can design your own fire pit and have it built to your specific needs.

This is the best time of year to get outside and get that warm and cozy feeling.

Until Next Time...

Equipotential Bonding of Hot Tubs

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 01:13:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Whisperer

Equipotential Bonding of Hot Tubs

In case some of my readers out there that live in New Jersey do not already know; NJ has officially adopted the 2011 NEC code on portable hot tubs.

NEC or National Electrical Code was recently changed in New Jersey.

For years now the code on the books required that all bodies of water ie; pools and hot tubs must have a bonding grid known as equipotential bonding within a 3 foot perimeter around said pool or hot tub and this was the cause of many consumer and electrician headaches, not to mention that if you had a pre-existing patio or deck that was made of brick or concrete this meant you had to remove a section of patio install the grid and then replace the patio. This in turn led a lot of my potential customers to forget about buying the hot tub.

As you can imagine I am completely ecstatic about this new adoption of the 2011 code, I have included a small portion of the new code for your reference.

Now you just need to keep a safe distance from all electrical supply outlets, your electrician will know all the codes for this as each town can be different slightly. My hopes is that this information will give my readers that are considering a new spa the information to better evaluate if a spa and the cost involved with one is for them or not.

I hope this information was helpful and that my readers will pass it on to all their friends and relatives.

Until Next Time…

2011 NEC Code (Partial)

i. Section 680.42(B), entitled "Bonding," shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted:

"680.42(B) Bonding. Bonding by metal-to-metal mounting on a common frame or base shall be permitted.

Exception No. 1: The metal bands or hoops used to secure wooden staves shall not be required to be bonded as required

in 680.26.

Exception No. 2: A listed self-contained spa or hot tub that meets all of the following conditions shall not be required to

have equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces installed as required in 680.26(B)(2):

(1) Is installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions on or above grade.

(2) The vertical measurement from all permanent perimeter surfaces within 30 horizontal inches (76 cm) of the spa to

the top rim of the spa is greater than 28 inches (71 cm).

Informational Note: For further information regarding the grounding and bonding requirements for self-contained spas

and hot tubs, see ANSI/UL 1563 - 2009, Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment."

Follow these steps now and avoid any issues going into winter

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Whisperer

Well the summer is mostly over and I have to say it went by too quick, I did not even get a chance to go to the beach this year.

I will say that this summer was a beautiful one very mild temperatures nothing way too hot and not a lot of rain so all in all I would say we had a great summer.

Now it is the end of September and most people are closing their pools and opening their spas for the fall and winter months.

If you have a spa and you use it all winter then you will want to follow these steps now and avoid any issues going into winter.

Drain the spa and wipe down the surface with an approved surface cleaner (no abbrasive cleansers as they can scratch the acrylic)
Soak the filter in a filter cleaning solution overnight if your filter is over 1 year old you may want to consider replacing it now.
Make sure you have all the necessary chemicals to start up the spa once you have it refilled with water. You will need a metal remover, PH up, PH down, Alkalinity boost, calcium increaser, and your sanitizer either chlorine or bromine.
Fill the spa with water, put the hose down into the filter compartment first to push through any air bubbles in the lines, as the spa is filling add 8 oz of metal remover.
Once the spa is full test the water with your test kit and determine where the PH and Alkalinity are at. Always add the Alkalinity first as this is a buffer for the PH and will help stabilize it. Once the Alkalinity level is good move on to the PH, then the Calcium Hardness.
Providing all the previous levels are now good wait till the temperature of the water reaches 70 degrees or higher then add your sanitizer either chlorine or Bromine.

Now the spa should be good to go and ready for the winter use, you should not have to drain the water again till march if you do this by Thanksgiving the rule of thumb is every 4 months.

Now is also a great time to invest in a Fire pit, these units are a great way to still enjoy the outdoors for a little while longer without freezing your --- off. I am getting my fire pit ready this weekend so go out and get your today and don't forget to stock up on some fire wood.

Until Next Time...

It's Closing Time...

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Whisperer

Well summer is almost over and it is back to school time, for kids this stinks but for us parents it's a time to rejoice...

For my readers in New Orleans area my heart goes out to you and my hopes are that you can withstand mother natures vengeance and keep up your spirits.

The weather pattern effecting the south will soon travel north east and hit this region and bring with it lots of rain etc. Now is the time most people start to think about closing their pools both above ground and in ground. Remember that if you close your pool now be sure that you have a good cover pump to remove all the excess water that will build up.

For my spa readers now will be a great time to do the quarterly drain and refill of your spa, be sure to have all the chemicals you need to start up the spa again once full such as Bromine/Chlorine, PH up and Down, Alkalinity increaser, and a metal remover. I also advise replacing the spa filter if it is more than a year old, you should be hosing off your filter at the very least to ensure that the spa runs good and the heater operates normally. Check the spa cover and be sure that it is in good shape, if your spa cover is getting heavy then you should replace it BEFORE the winter months hit as heavy snow loads will certainly damage the cover and leave you in a desperate search for a replacement in the freezing months.

Bottom line, take the time now to inspect your spa and close that pool so you can begin the fall with a clear head to help your kids get all they can from the coming school year. LOL

Until Next Time...

3 Steps to Cleaner Spa Water

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 14:01:00 +0000

Rick "The Spa Whisperer"

3 Steps to Cleaner Spa Water

You bought a spa because it’s one of the best ways to relax after a long day. You don’t want to have to spend a ton of time with maintenance, but you know you need to put in some work to keep the water clean. If you follow a few basic guidelines, you can easily keep your spa water clear and sparkling. All you need to do is work smarter, not harder.

1. Keep the water clean

Every spa requires some form of sanitization to kill off bacteria and keep the water clean. Most spas will use either chlorine or bromine as a disinfectant. Chlorine is very popular and is widely used, but has a stronger odor than bromine.

You can use a floating dispenser to slowly add both chlorine and bromine to the water. When testing the water quality you will need about 1.5 to 3 ppm of chlorine, or 3 to 5 ppm of bromine to effectively treat the water.

You should also perform a non-chlorine shock treatment periodically to maintain the best water clarity. If you are using your spa frequently, you should use an oxidizing shock treatment about once per week.

2. Maintain chemical balance

Keeping a good chemical balance in your spa is critical if you want to prevent damage to your equipment. You should test the water regularly to ensure that your pH, total alkalinity, and hardness levels are at acceptable levels for your spa. This information is usually available in your owner’s manual as well.

Here are some commonly accepted values for spa water that is kept between 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

· pH – the pH level in your spa should be kept around 7.4 to 7.6

· total alkalinity – between 80 to 120 ppm

· total hardness – acrylic finish spas (100 – 250 ppm) plaster finish spas (250-450 ppm)

You don’t have to be a water chemistry expert to keep these values within an acceptable range. If your pH is too low, or your total hardness is too high, don’t panic. There are lots of easy to use products that you can use to balance your water.

3. Keep the filter clean

Hopefully you already know about the water filter that helps keep your spa water clean. This filter cartridge should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. The standard pleated cartridges can be cleaned and reused and will usually last for up to 2 years before they need to be replaced. When you’re using your spa frequently, you should soak the filter in a cleaning solution overnight and rinse it thoroughly about once every two weeks. If you keep a backup filter on hand you can install it so you can still use your spa while you’re soaking the other filter. If you’re not sure what kind of filter your spa uses, consult your owner’s manual. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper care and cleaning of the filter.

You got that spa because you wanted to relax. Now that you’ve tested and balanced your water quality, it’s time to get in and reap the benefits of your work. Your water is sparkling and there’s no doubt that your spa is the envy of your neighborhood.

Guest Author: Andrew Clement has been writing about water quality since 2009. He is a blogger for WaterFilters.NET and his interests include swimming, kayaking, and relaxing in hot tubs.

So you need a new spa cover. Where do you start?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Rick "The Spa Whisperer"

If your spa cover has gotten so heavy that it takes two people and a fork lift to open,then it is time to replace that cover. Where do you start?

Spa covers are made from a Styrofoam core inside with a 2 or 3 mil vapor wrap around the core then reinforced at the fold points. Once the wrap is penetrated, it will then start to absorb moisture from underneath. This is why they get so heavy. It is just easier to replace it then try and dry it out and fix it. Any repair would only be temporary anyway.

They come in several colors to match what ever decor you have and they have upgrades available if you would like it to be thicker or support more weight. Most have a 3" to 2" taper, like the pitch of a roof so that the rain can easily run off the cover and not pool in the center. They typically have a radius corner edge, although there are plenty out there with 90 degree corners or cut corners as well.

When you are ready to order a new spa cover there are some measurements you will need to know to get a proper fit.

measure the widest width of the spa from outside edge to outside edge of the acrylic. Do not measure the old cover as this could have warped or swollen from age or water absorption.
measure the longest width from outside edge to outside edge of the acrylic just like before.
measure the length of the skirt (or flap) material that hangs down from the cover edge, you want to be sure that all acrylic will be covered when in the closed position.

Now very important, if you have a radius corner on your cover you will need to supply this measurement as well. Take two rulers, place the rulers up against the side edge of the cover where the turn of the radius first starts to turn inward, place the other ruler on the opposite side of the same radius corner, note where the two rulers intersect...now measure back from where the radius corner starts to turn to where the rulers intersect, this number is the arc of the radius. Watch this great video on how to measure a radius corner on a spa.

Lastly you will need to show which way the fold of your cover goes in relation to the topside controls. Does it open front to back? Some models will fold left to right like a book. Once you have all this information it will be easy to place your order for a new cover online and it could you a lot of money.

I hope this helped some of you. Until Next Time...

Buying a home with a pool? What should you do?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Rick "The Spa Whisperer"

So you are thinking about buying a home that has a pool? What should you do?

I hear these questions often and here are some of my suggestions:

First thing you need to do is get a professional to do a complete pool inspection that includes a pressure test of all the plumbing lines. When they do a pressure test they will fill all the lines with water and get the pressure in the lines up to 10-15 lbs and they will watch to see if the pressure starts to drop this could indicate a leak in one of the plumbing lines.

An inspection will also give you an experts opinion on the condition of the pool equipment it's possible age and if there is any repairs they feel should be made right away, the biggest issues I have found is an older heater that leaks and or does not fire up. Repairs can be costly if you need to replace equipment. If you have a concrete pool then you may need to have the pool re plastered or tile and coping repairs these can be a costly repair that you should not have to be responsible for. Re plaster jobs could be in excess of $5000.00 tile and coping could be the same.

A vinyl liner pool is different as long as the vinyl liner is in tact and not leaking you should be OK a liner can fade, but this will not change the integrity of the pool itself. A new liner can run from $2000-$3000 for the liner and then another $1000 for the installation.

Once you determine that the pool is sound and you have a good report from the inspector you can go to the homeowner and ask for credit for any pool repairs needed before you close on the house.

Once you own the home take a water sample from the pool to your local pool supply center and have the water tested. They will tell you what you need to add to the water to keep it clean and safe for swimming, they can also guide you on proper maintenance and operation. A pool is a great feature to have in the backyard, it can be fun for the whole family and give your kids some great summer fun.

With a little knowledge and patience, a pool can be a great STAYCATION at home and save you a great deal of money on those costly trips to the beach.

So go ahead and buy that house and go swimming.....

Until Next Time....

Accessories are a must have for today's spa owner

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

Hello everyone, today I want to talk a little about accessories that are a must have for today's spa owners.

One of the biggest obstacles I have found in selling spas; is for the height challenged people out there. The shorter people tend to shy away from a new spa due to the fact that they think they can not fit in the seats and feel they will drown when the spa is full so they are too scared to invest in a spa and are missing out on a great experience.

This brings me to my first recommendation of an accessory that I think is a must have for ALL spa owners. The spa BOOSTER SEAT, even if your family is all good , your future guests may need one, why not have one on hand.

This will give your guests or yourself the needed lift to feel comfortable and safe in the spa, you can move this around the spa to your favorite seat and enjoy all the benefits of spa ownership.

The next great accessory is a spa side table or handrail. Everyone goes out to their spa with toys in hand, (cell phone, I-pod, Drink, Food) and you need a dry safe place to put these down in a spot so you do not have to get out of the spa every time you want to get at them. There are many different ones out there. I have found the Spa Butler Jr. to be a nice unit as you can get this with a tray table and add towel racks to it and even a hand rail in the full size (Spa Butler) unit.

Butler Jr.

The Butler Jr, will screw to the cabinet of the spa and you can rotate the tray table 360 degrees so it can hang over the water edge or be rotated to close the cover when finished. The towel racks can be added to this unit to accommodate as many towels as you can fit.

Full size Butler

The full size Butler has a plate on the bottom of the unit that would need to be placed under the spa and then has a small bracket that you would screw into the spa cabinet. This plate is used as the counter balance due to the handrail that is part of the Butler, this handrail will make entering and exiting the spa a breeze. You will have to empty the spa to install this unit so wait until you are ready to do a water change to install this Butler. As with the Butler Jr you can add a tray table and towel racks to this unit. The handrail and accessories can rotate to accommodate the cover as well.

Lastly, if you are using a handrail you will need a set of steps. There are many different styles out there and many different price tags as well. You do not need to spend a fortune to have a safe durable set of steps. I have been selling a great step that is inexpensive and durable it can hold up to 700 lbs and comes in 8 different colors to match you spa cabinet, it is called the Dura Step by Leisure Concepts. It is 27" wide by 25.5 long and 15" high so it fits perfectly, and it will work with both square and round spas, all you do is flip the top step around if you need a round top step.

Dura Step II

So there you have it some of my favorite accessories for the spa. Anything that makes my life a little easier I am all for, and none of these items will break the bank and that is the most important.

Until Next Time....

Fix My Pool And Spa: Polaris 3900 Sport Automatic Cleaner

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:56:00 +0000

Fix My Pool And Spa: Polaris 3900 Sport Automatic Cleaner

Polaris 3900 Sport Automatic Cleaner

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:49:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

Today I want to talk about the all new Polaris 3900 Sport Swimming pool cleaner.

This cleaner is the newest in the Polaris pool cleaners lineup and I have been given a chance to test and review this cleaner so lets discuss the cleaner appearance first...

Those of you that are familiar with the Polaris pool cleaners know the differences but I just want to touch base on the basics for those of you who have never seen one.

Polaris automatic swimming pool cleaners come in 3 different styles.

First we have the pressure side return line cleaners. These will have an adapter that would screw into the existing return eyeball and your basic pool filter pressure would drive the unit around. They also have the robotic style cleaners. These use low voltage electricity within a power supply to drive the unit around.
Lastly they have the Booster Pump type cleaners which is the one we will discuss today.

A booster pump is a pump that is plumbed into your existing pool filter system and has a separate return line designated for the Polaris alone. Most pool builders that design a Polaris into the system will install this for you. If you do not have a booster pump set up they do offer an over the deck kit.

Now let's discuss the 3900 Sport...First off they have clearly improved the overall appearance of the unit itself. It has nice sleek lines and what looks to be a spoiler on the rear of the head unit. The new and improved tires and wheels are a far cry nicer than the older plain white ones of yesterday. The float assembly is now integrated into the body style instead of just sticking out the back. If you turn the unit over you will find a larger 2 1/4" vacuum inlet opening for the debris to enter and be picked up by the bag. This is a great feature as the older units did not pick up larger debris as well as this unit. It can clean the entire pool in as little as 1 1/2 hours. It has a double compartment 5 liter bag capacity.

The newly designed tail is a great feature all by itself. The tail still sweeps around to loosen the debris that may be stuck to the floor. But NO WATER will whip out at you when the unit rises to the surface and then proceeds to go back down the wall. Any of you that have an older unit know exactly what I am talking about...LOL. This is probably my favorite feature next to the All Wheel PosiDrive.

All Polaris Pressure Cleaners feature innovative auto-reverse technology, which enables the cleaner to free itself if it gets stuck.

The all wheel drive system delivers 50% more torque for maximum speed, climbing, maneuverability and performance.Speaking of the chain driven wheels lets discuss the internals. This Polaris easily opens by removing 4 small screws on the bottom. Once open you can see all the internal parts right there in front of you. You will see the chain drive system that is by far the best I have seen. The older 380 models had belts that would wear out or tear and the unit would stop moving. With this new chain drive that is a thing of the past. The water management system (which is the key to all the Polaris booster cleaners) is contained in one easily removable unit. It can easily be cleaned and put back together in minutes. Without getting any more technical than I already have, let's just say that this unit is by far the easiest Polaris head unit that I have ever worked with and I have experienced almost every model they have produced.

So to say the least I do like this new unit very much. I know you will too. If all this is not enough they are also offering a $200 rebate for purchases made between April 1 - Sept 3,2012. GO to www.polarisoffer.com to read more on this deal.

I hope this review has helped you a little and I hope those of you that are in the market for a new cleaner will go look into Polaris they really do make a nice cleaner.

Until Next Time...

Simple Changes for Healthier Living

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:47:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

Simple Changes for Healthier Living

Improving your overall health doesn’t have to be complicated. To get on the right track, here are few simple changes one can adopt to live a healthier life:

Sitting too long is bad for you

Our bodies are made to be moved and function best when put to use. Apparently, we were not made to sit. Also recent studies have revealed multiple health problems that can arise from sitting all day. If you have a desk job, make sure you at least stand up for a few minutes at the beginning or end of every hour. Sitting for several hours each day is bad for you, regardless of whether you do other healthy activities, too.

Stop Drinking Calories

Coffee drinks, cocktails and other beverages can have anywhere from 300 to 700 calories. In addition to water, if you still need something warm to drink try decaf green tea. Green tea is a sure way to cut sugar, caffeine and excess calories.

Give your body the time to digest food

Probably one main reason why people eat more than they actually need is because they don’t give their body adequate time to digest. By slowing down your meals, you will give your digestive system and brain the time to register the fact that your stomach is full.

Losing Weight Takes Planning

When hunger strikes, many of us reach the accessible snacks we can find. If it is lunchtime and you did not bring your lunch, you are more likely to hit the restaurant and order whatever looks most promising. The best way to shed some weight is to adopt some healthy choices to stay ahead of snacks and meals with a little planning. When you eat breakfast at home and bring a lunch to work you are not forced to jump in the café or restaurant for a meal. Map out your menu for the week and have a plan for snacks and evening meals.

Benefit from Hot tub Water

Anyone who has used a hot tub before is familiar with the relaxing, rejuvenating, and naturally rehabilitative qualities. Hot tub use is known to promote a multitude of physical and psychological benefits. When combined with Master spa accessories, hydrotherapy can provide ultimate stress relief, and overall wellness. Choosing the right hot tub parts and accessories will heighten your experience and ensure your hot tub is always ready for use. For more details click here - http://masterspaparts.com

Smile

Can you measure the time you spend laughing in a day? As silly as it may sound, laughter therapy can make you healthier by improving your overall psychological state. This simple change is highly successful and health professionals often embrace it into their treatment of various conditions.

So what change(s) are you going to make today for your healthy living?

This was a guest post by Sam Rutter. We thank you!

Until Next Time...

What is that Green hole in the back yard?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

What is that Green hole in the back yard?

Hello all. I have away for a while and I just wanted to drop you all a line and let you know some of the things I have been noticing lately.

First of all, a lot of people are waiting to open their pools this year for the month of May. I have opened several pools already to try and get a jump on things and each and every pool I have opened has been pond green and growing algae on the pool walls already. It seams that with the mild winter we had here in the Northeast the pool water has not been too cold and is now breading algae.

If I were you I would be popping off your pool covers and adding some liquid chlorine to the water. Even if you are not ready to open just yet, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You could also bring a water sample to your local pool supply store and have it tested to see exactly what you will be dealing with.

I hope everyone has had a great winter. It has been very mild here in the north east and I have to say I was loving it. I am not a snow and ice person so this was a pleasure. Now is a great time to get started on that backyard makeover you have been promising yourself. Get out there and asses the situation put a game plan together and get started.

In the coming weeks I will be doing some posts on backyard makeovers and I will give some help full tips on Do it yourself projects that you can start now.

Until Next Time...

Spa Safety Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:12:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

Check out this great article on Spa Safety Rules...

Safety in the spa facilities is of paramount importance because of the risks posed to the public including injuries and loses of life. Typical accidents in spa entail slipping into pool water, entrapment when under the water, and drowning. Spa facilities should meet safety requirements and comply with the set regulations. Safety lapses in spa facilities can results to liabilities including legal subjection and claims for any injuries or death that may occur.

Given the range of clientele that spas receive, from children to adults, the healthy and the ill, it is imperative that spa safety pointsbe accentuated. There are basically many safety issues that should be examined in spa facilities and these include;

· Fencing and gates installations.

· Children’s safety aspects.

· Chemical handling in pool facilities.

· Personal safety issues when using the spa.

· Risks of slipping.

· Water quality and temperature requirements.

Among the spa safety points, the pool safety fence is very essential as this is a lifesaver for young children and even pets around the pool. Incidents of toddlers and young kids drowning can be prevented by use of safety fences. It is now within the jurisdiction for public waterpark and spa facilities to install safety fences around their pool facilities to avert drowning accidents.

Besides, these fences should be checked regularly to ensure that they meet the regulation standards. Pool chemical treatment should only be done by trained and qualified professionals. Improper application of the treatment chemical can lead to health complications such as skin and respiratory reactions and damage of the quality of the pool facilities.

Non-skid surfaces should be used in the immediately area that surrounds the spa. Handrails should be installed to assist the swimmers to safely hop in and out of the spa thus prevent slipping. Children are the most vulnerable in spa facilities and all the necessary precautionary measures should be taken to ensure that they are protected.

Children should not be left unsupervised in the spa. It is imperative to display clearly visible notices that educate the parents, guardians and any pool users on personal safety when using the facilities.

Whereas preventive measures such as use of pool safety fence can play a critical role, there is also need to observe strict personal safety guidelines. For example, when swimming, the pool users should avoid putting their head under water in a spa as hair can be entangled in a drain cover and risk the person drowning.

Until Next Time...

This article was written by: Viktoria Acevedo

Internet Marketing and SEO Project Manager

Guardian Pool Fence Systems

There is a great new technology being added to the spa industry to replace ozone units, it is called UV-C.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:34:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

There is a great new technology being added to the spa industry to replace ozone units, it is called UV-C.

I sell Sundance spas and they have just added this UV-C system to all their spas they call it Clear Ray...and I think this is going to be a great system in the spa industry. It uses a light bulb like the old ozone systems of the past, but does not produce any gases that can damage the underside of spa covers and discolor the fittings in your spa. No ozone gases are a good thing...

The system basically works like this:

The spa plumbing is pushing the water through the UV-C devise, the lamp that is inside the UV-C component is a germicidal lamp, this will neutralize the bacteria and stop them from multiplying. This will allow you to use less chemical in the water as you only need a small amount of sanitizer to kill the existing bacteria.

This technology has been around for some time in other industries like water purification for drinking water, the pharmaceutics industry etc. This will make short work of keeping your spa water clean and balanced.

With all the green technologies that are put there I think this system will be a great step towards creating a green chemical free spa.

Until Next Time...

Why has my pool cover dropped so low? I hear this question every year and this year is no different.

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Rick the Spa Guy

Why has my pool cover dropped so low? I hear this question every year and this year is no different.

So you have been good this winter with keeping your pool cover free of debris and pumped all the water off when needed, so why is there a problem? Let me start by saying good for you for keeping up with your pool in the winter, I know it is easy to forget about the outdoors when it is cold and snowing outside.

There could be a couple of different reasons for the water level in the pool dropping. First there could be a leak in the pool under the cover but that is not usually the problem. In most cases I have found it to be a small hole in the pool cover and when you drop your cover pump on the cover and start pumping the water off it is also pumping out the pool water, the pump does remove the water on the cover pretty quickly so usually when you finally get all the water off and shut the pump down it has only pumped out a small amount of water out of the pool, but when you repeat this process two or three times a winter you will notice the cover dropping further and further into the pool.

Another issue I came across was my customer was not pumping off the cover and the water kept building up as this happens the weight of the water on the cover displaces the water under the cover and then it rises and can flow out through the skimmer and or returns on an above ground pool and or leak in behind the liner and drain into the ground under the pool.

Both of these situations will make it appear that there is a leak in your pool when in deed there may not be. Be careful when you clean sticks and leaves off the cover as you can put small holes in the vinyl cover and cause this problem. Always place the pump on the cover NEVER drop it on the cover. NEVER drag the cover pump off the cover as this can easily tear the cover. When you remove the cover in the spring be sure to hold the cover up to the sky and from underneath look for light shining through if you find holes either patch them or replace the cover.

A little care and maintenance will make your pool cover an easy chore in the spring.

Until Next Time...

Why is my spa cover getting so heavy?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Robinson) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Why is my spa cover getting so heavy? I'll tell you why.

This topic goes along with one of my other blogs. "Think You Need A New Spa Cover".

If you need to go to the gym to be able to lift your cover there is a problem. Lets talk about why a spa cover gets so heavy.

The cover manufactures tell us that while their covers are very durable they are not meant for excessive snow loads, weight bearing etc. What does that mean??

Those of us in the cold snowy climates know what excessive snow can weigh. While an inch of snow is not a problem 6-12 inches would be. The snow will freeze and get even heavier. Spa cover's are only supported at the outer edges. Therefore there is no support in the middle of the cover. So you have to be diligent about not putting anything heavy on the cover.

The cover is there to keep the heat in and the rain and snow out, not to be a shelf for your flower pots, or a bed for your animals: When anything too heavy rests on the vinyl it can crack the inner core of the cover. This is a foam core with a thin protective wrap around it and when that wrap is penetrated(broken from weight) the exposed foam starts to absorb the moisture of the water from underneath or on top. As this absorption continues the foam gets heavier and heavier until you can't lift up the cover.

If you have a cover lifter installed on your spa, this can do major damage to the lifter. I have seen the wind blow open a waterlogged cover and snap the metal lifter arms and tear the spa skirting right off the spa.

So what have we learned so far? A spa cover has an average life span of 3-5 years. Do not use your spa cover as a storage spot and do not let snow build up on top. You can extend this life with just a little care and maintenance.

Every 6 months or so you should clean the vinyl and add a new coating of protectant to give your cover the protection from the sun that it needs. So if you notice that your cover is a lot heavier than it used to be, you probably should be thinking of replacing it before more damage is done.

Until next time......