Tips to Increase Your Spa’s Energy Efficiency

Monday, October 25th, 2021

You’d be surprised how energy efficient your hot tub can be if you take a moment to follow these 3 simple steps. Here are a few ways you can save on your monthly energy bill, do your part to help the earth, and keep your hot tub in pristine condition for years to come. 

 

Invest in a High-Quality Cover

If you don’t already own a heavy-duty spa cover, it’s time to change that. In addition to keeping your hot tub free from fallen leaves, sticks, bugs, and debris, it can do wonders for keeping your energy costs as low as possible. Most of the heat from your hot tub escapes from the top, so it’s very important to invest in a cover that effectively seals in the cozy toastiness. This will ensure that minimal energy is required to keep the water’s temperature steady during the day. Whenever you’re not indulging in a relaxing soak, make sure to shut the cover and confirm that a tight seal has formed. If you can feel heat escaping, it might be time to purchase a new cover

 

Clean the Jets 

Performing regular cleanings of your jets is an essential part of ensuring that your hot tub is a fun, hygienic place to spend time, but it’s also an important step in reducing your energy consumption. If you’ve ever gone an extended period of time without performing a thorough cleaning, you might notice that their bubbling powers have diminished slightly. After a while, the natural body oils, sunscreen, lotions, perfumes, and other substances that originate from you and your guests will start to clog the jets and cause them to become less powerful. To make sure they’re at the top of their game and delivering delightful bubbles with the least amount of effort, it’s important to perform monthly or bi-monthly cleanings. 

 

Keep the Temperature Consistent 

There’s a common misconception floating around that a great way to save on energy costs is to raise and lower your hot tub’s temperature, depending on whether or not it’s in use. Believe it or not, it actually requires less energy to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day. Simply pick a temperature setting that works for you and your household and keep it constant during any seasons that you utilize your hot tub. In addition to being more energy efficient, keeping the heat the same throughout the day means you can take spontaneous dips whenever the mood strikes you!

 

Interested in Learning More? 

Would you like to learn more about how to increase your hot tub’s energy efficiency? Contact us today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to advise you. Thank you for doing your part in minimizing energy usage across our country!

The post Tips to Increase Your Spa’s Energy Efficiency appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.

Hot Tub Safety for Families With Children

Monday, October 25th, 2021

For anyone with small children, it can be nerve-wrecking to have a hot tub near their playspace. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple precautions you can take to ensure that they’re safe and sound. Keep reading for some helpful guidance!

 

Invest in a Proper Cover

While every hot tub owner is strongly encouraged to purchase a quality cover for a number of reasons, this investment takes on a whole new level of importance for families with small children. Make sure to buy a sturdy covering that will keep your curious, and sometimes mischievous, little ones out of the water. If possible, find a cover that has a built-in locking mechanism that requires a key to open. If you’ve already bought a cover, you can also purchase a separate locking mechanism that will attach to it.

 

Fencing is Always a Plus

Out of an abundance of caution, you might want to install fencing around your new spa. A few things to consider are the height and quality of this new fencing. If it’s too short, there’s a chance your dare devil child might find their way over it, and if the quality is lacking, it might leave gaps for someone to sneak through. Another perk of installing a fence is that in addition to keeping your children safe, it will add an extra layer of privacy that will make your hot tub even more relaxing and tranquil. 

 

Temperature and Age Considerations

For any children under the age of 5, make sure to keep them out of the hot tub until they get older. With their smaller body sizes and poor communication skills, young children can quickly overheat and be unable to tell you about the discomfort they’re experiencing. If a child over the age of 5 would like to take a dip, make sure to change the temperature to 95 degrees or below and only let them stay in for 10 to 15 minutes chunks of time. In between soaks, they should take a few minutes worth of a break and rehydrate with cool, refreshing water or juice. 

 

Keep It Clean 

While this next step is applicable for users of all ages, it’s especially important if you plan on having your children enjoy the hot tub. It’s vital to keep the jets, filters, and vents clean and sanitary, in addition to balancing the chemicals on a regular basis. Without proper maintenance, guests can experience irritated skin, rashes, or infections. Since children have especially delicate skin and immune systems, they might be more susceptible to the effects of an unclean hot tub. By performing frequent cleanings, you’ll ensure your spa is a safe, comfortable space for everyone that you care about the most. 

 

Learn More

Are you interested in learning more about additional hot tub safety tips? Contact us and one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives will be happy to assist you. 

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Fall Hot Tub Maintenance

Thursday, September 9th, 2021

What’s your favorite part about fall? Is it the vibrant orange and red leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes, the cozy sweaters, or the cool, crisp air? For us, it’s taking a toasty soak in the hot tub with a mug of hot chocolate. With the cool weather on the way, it’s important to get your personal spa in tip-top shape so that it’s ready the next time you and your guests want to warm up. Here are a few steps you should take to maintain your hot tub this season!

 

It’s Time to Drain and Refill

Every three to four months, we recommend that you drain and change out the water in your hot tub. Especially after a long summer of frequent use, the water might start to look slightly cloudy or milky. In most cases, the reason for this change is due to a buildup of natural oils, lotions, sunscreen, and other substances that originate from you and your guests. You can solve this issue by taking a moment to check out the instruction manual of your particular model, and following the simple steps to drain and refill the water. This is an essential part of keeping your hot tub safe, fun, and healthy for everyone you love. 

 

Make Sure Your Cover is in Good Condition

One of the most beautiful parts about living in Wisconsin is watching the brightly colored leaves fall when the temperature starts to drop. The drawback? Fallen leaves can put a damper on your hot tub experience! To keep the water clear and leaf-free, make sure to always put the cover down when not in use. You should also do intermittent checks to assess the quality of your cover. Throughout the year, it might sustain damage since it’s sitting in the elements all day, every day. On the exterior, check to make sure there aren’t any holes, tears, or other signs of damage. You should also inspect the inside to check for mold, mildew, dirt buildup, and other signs that your cover might need some TLC. 

 

Turn Up the Heat

During the summer, many people decide to turn down the heat on their hot tubs. As the days get colder, this is a great time to increase the temperature. However, make sure to choose a temperature and stick with it throughout the whole season, since this will help you save on energy costs. There’s a misconception floating around that lowering the temperature when you’re not in the spa will help lower your monthly energy costs, but it’s actually more energy efficient to keep the temperature consistent. To hold in the heat, just make sure to close the hot tub cover when you hop out and you’ll be all good to go! 

 

Happy Fall

There’s something truly magical about the fall season and a hot tub is an ideal complement to these chilly days. We hope that you and your family enjoy this wonderful time of the year and spend many a night cozied up in the bubbling water of your personal oasis! Contact us and one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives will be happy to assist you.

 

 

 

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Fantasy Hot Tub Spotlight: The Prism™

Tuesday, August 24th, 2021

While there are many families searching for a no-frills, budget hot tub to complete their home, some households are looking to invest in the best of the best. If you fall into the latter category, we’d like to introduce you to the Prism™ 7 Person Hot Tub, expertly crafted by Hot Spring® Spas. Here are a few of the incredible features that make this model a favorite for hot tub connoisseurs.

 

Spacious Gathering Place for the Whole Family

 If you have a large network of friends and family members with whom you’d like to share a relaxing soak with, the Prism™ offers all the space you need, and more. It comfortably seats 7 people and has a variety of seating options to suit the unique needs of your guests. From lounge seating with targeted massage jets to Adirondack-style seats featuring wrist, calf and foot therapy jets, this sumptuous personal spa has something for everyone.

 

Mood Lighting to the Max

Another important feature of this model is the mood lighting designed to deliver the ultimate relaxation experience. It includes ​​38 multi-color interior points of light, as well as exterior multi-color lighting with a built-in timer. Whatever mood you’re in, you can adjust the lighting accordingly and enjoy the gorgeous ambience the soothing illumination delivers. Plus, if you’re interested in customizing your spa even further, we offer a backlit ribbon waterfall that will add a magical touch to your new favorite place in the world.

 

Superior Massage Jets

For anyone with chronic pain, stiff joints, and/or previous injuries, a hot tub’s jets take on a whole new level of importance. This hot tub is designed with the end-user in mind and features powerful jets that deliver targeted relief to every inch of your body. Whether you suffer from frequent aches and pains, or simply need a relaxing escape at the end of a long work day, your mind, body, and soul will be expertly soothed by the wide variety of jets positioned to target different muscle groups. With a combination of precision and extra-large jets, you’ll receive an intense, customizable massage every single time you take a dip.

 

Make Your Dream a Reality

 We’ve really just scratched the surface of everything this model has to offer. If you’re interested in learning more about the customizable, one-of-a-kind features that will deliver you a spa experience like no other, make sure to reach out to us today! If you’re searching for the very best, look no further because with the Prism™, you’ve found it.

 

 

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When Should I Replace My Spa Cover?

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Your spa cover is more than an attractive accessory. It’s also has the very important job of holding in heat when your spa is not in use, helping to reduce energy consumption and keep energy costs low. The cover also prevents excess evaporation, helping you conserve water, and it prevents debris and objects that could clog your filters from falling into the spa. Maintaining the cover in good condition is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your spa operating at its very best.

Signs your cover is ready for replacement

Spa covers are designed to last for a long time. But like any object exposed to sunlight and weather over time, your cover will eventually show signs of wear. Inspect your spa cover monthly for warning signs.

It’s time to replace your cover if:

You see breaks, cracks, tears, fading or sagging. Deteriorating condition and changes in shape could cause the cover to let heat and water vapor out, and dust and debris in. Look for dry or brittle texture in addition to holes and other visible signs of breakage.

Your cover is waterlogged. When the vapor barrier fails the inner foam absorbs water, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow. Not only is a waterlogged cover a health hazard, it could lead to accelerated deterioration of the other parts of your spa.

Maintenance tips to extend the life of your cover

Regular cleaning

To keep your spa cover looking great and doing its job, periodically clean it. To clean the cover, remove it from the spa and lightly spray the outside surface with a garden hose. Then use a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 2 gallons of water) or baking soda and a large sponge to gently scrub the cover using a circular motion. Work in sections and rinse each area before the soap dries on the vinyl. Then condition the cover with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™. On the inside surface, use water only and wipe it clean with a dry towel.

Let the spa breathe

When you treat or clean the spa itself or the water in it, leave the cover off for about half an hour immediately afterwards. Water purification agents need air to mix properly. Covering the spa immediately after adding chemicals can trap vapors inside that work against the longevity of the vinyl.

Your spa cover is not a table.

Don’t put objects or people on the cover. Anything with weight could cause the cover to stretch and sag, speeding premature deterioration. Remember to remove snow in the winter. If ice accumulates on your cover, loosen it with warm water before removing. Prying or chipping it off could tear the vinyl.

Lastly, be kind to your cover. Spa covers are heavy and large and can be difficult to remove and replace alone. Don’t drag it, even on grass. Get a friend to help, or install one of our cover lifters.

The post When Should I Replace My Spa Cover? appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.

When Should I Replace My Spa Cover?

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Your spa cover is more than an attractive accessory. It’s also has the very important job of holding in heat when your spa is not in use, helping to reduce energy consumption and keep energy costs low. The cover also prevents excess evaporation, helping you conserve water, and it prevents debris and objects that could clog your filters from falling into the spa. Maintaining the cover in good condition is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your spa operating at its very best.

Signs your cover is ready for replacement

Spa covers are designed to last for a long time. But like any object exposed to sunlight and weather over time, your cover will eventually show signs of wear. Inspect your spa cover monthly for warning signs.

It’s time to replace your cover if:

You see breaks, cracks, tears, fading or sagging. Deteriorating condition and changes in shape could cause the cover to let heat and water vapor out, and dust and debris in. Look for dry or brittle texture in addition to holes and other visible signs of breakage.

Your cover is waterlogged. When the vapor barrier fails the inner foam absorbs water, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow. Not only is a waterlogged cover a health hazard, it could lead to accelerated deterioration of the other parts of your spa.

Maintenance tips to extend the life of your cover

Regular cleaning

To keep your spa cover looking great and doing its job, periodically clean it. To clean the cover, remove it from the spa and lightly spray the outside surface with a garden hose. Then use a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 2 gallons of water) or baking soda and a large sponge to gently scrub the cover using a circular motion. Work in sections and rinse each area before the soap dries on the vinyl. Then condition the cover with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™. On the inside surface, use water only and wipe it clean with a dry towel.

Let the spa breathe

When you treat or clean the spa itself or the water in it, leave the cover off for about half an hour immediately afterwards. Water purification agents need air to mix properly. Covering the spa immediately after adding chemicals can trap vapors inside that work against the longevity of the vinyl.

Your spa cover is not a table.

Don’t put objects or people on the cover. Anything with weight could cause the cover to stretch and sag, speeding premature deterioration. Remember to remove snow in the winter. If ice accumulates on your cover, loosen it with warm water before removing. Prying or chipping it off could tear the vinyl.

Lastly, be kind to your cover. Spa covers are heavy and large and can be difficult to remove and replace alone. Don’t drag it, even on grass. Get a friend to help, or install one of our cover lifters.

The post When Should I Replace My Spa Cover? appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.

Sleep Better

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Why do I sleep better after a soak in the hot tub?

Many people struggle to wind down completely at the end of the day, in order to get a complete and restful night of sleep.

In fact, in his groundbreaking book, Undoing Perpetual Stress, Dr. Richard O’Connor makes a solid case that the human brain and nervous system just cannot process the constant stress that most Americans absorb every day. He laments that the health-care establishment hasn’t been able to adequately help patients with sleeping problems. And, our sleep problems are being compounded, too, by the light-emitting iPads, iphones and televisions we think we’re relaxing with at night and even in bed. As a result, 132 million Americans have trouble sleeping at least one night each week[1] and the sleep aid industry earned $34 billion dollars in 2014 (a 50% increase from 2008’s $23 billion dollars.)[1]

Fortunately, we have good news. If you’re considering getting a hot tub to help you relax and even sleep, the science stands behind you. A warm soak in the hot tub can improve circulation which can help sleep.

Warm water raises our body temperature, which in turn dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation. Oxygen rich blood flow to the organs and extremities helps every part of you feel better because cell growth proceeds more efficiently.

Improved circulation helps you sleep because it fuels “the relaxation response.” With cells and organs properly nourished with oxygen and nutrients and the heart beating in a steady, reliable way: Breathing rate slows, relaxing you naturally, the production of stress hormones decreases, and muscles relax.

All of these physiological changes can promote better sleep.

Sleep specialists push insomniacs to develop a night-time, wind-down routine involving darkness to work with our natural brain wiring. For decades, these hard working researchers have known and broadcast the fact that light affects the brain, sleep patterns and mood. Their (and the insomniac’s) biggest enemy now is artificial light, delivered after sundown. So to get your best sleep, put the device down and get into your hot tub. Turn the lights down or off. Listen to relaxing music. Take a friend or loved one with you for light, pleasant conversation. Alone time is a great strategy to wind down. Make this a nightly ritual, and sleep like a baby.

[1] Mackay, Maureen. “Sleepless in America.”  www.thefiscaltimes.com

The post Sleep Better appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.

Sleep Better

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Why do I sleep better after a soak in the hot tub?

Many people struggle to wind down completely at the end of the day, in order to get a complete and restful night of sleep.

In fact, in his groundbreaking book, Undoing Perpetual Stress, Dr. Richard O’Connor makes a solid case that the human brain and nervous system just cannot process the constant stress that most Americans absorb every day. He laments that the health-care establishment hasn’t been able to adequately help patients with sleeping problems. And, our sleep problems are being compounded, too, by the light-emitting iPads, iphones and televisions we think we’re relaxing with at night and even in bed. As a result, 132 million Americans have trouble sleeping at least one night each week[1] and the sleep aid industry earned $34 billion dollars in 2014 (a 50% increase from 2008’s $23 billion dollars.)[1]

Fortunately, we have good news. If you’re considering getting a hot tub to help you relax and even sleep, the science stands behind you. A warm soak in the hot tub can improve circulation which can help sleep.

Warm water raises our body temperature, which in turn dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation. Oxygen rich blood flow to the organs and extremities helps every part of you feel better because cell growth proceeds more efficiently.

Improved circulation helps you sleep because it fuels “the relaxation response.” With cells and organs properly nourished with oxygen and nutrients and the heart beating in a steady, reliable way: Breathing rate slows, relaxing you naturally, the production of stress hormones decreases, and muscles relax.

All of these physiological changes can promote better sleep.

Sleep specialists push insomniacs to develop a night-time, wind-down routine involving darkness to work with our natural brain wiring. For decades, these hard working researchers have known and broadcast the fact that light affects the brain, sleep patterns and mood. Their (and the insomniac’s) biggest enemy now is artificial light, delivered after sundown. So to get your best sleep, put the device down and get into your hot tub. Turn the lights down or off. Listen to relaxing music. Take a friend or loved one with you for light, pleasant conversation. Alone time is a great strategy to wind down. Make this a nightly ritual, and sleep like a baby.

[1] Mackay, Maureen. “Sleepless in America.”  www.thefiscaltimes.com

The post Sleep Better appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.

Tips for Your Next Hot Tub Date Night

Monday, September 19th, 2016

It’s Friday night. You promised that special someone a romantic date night but you’ve just sat in an hour of traffic and your back hurts. Getting gussied up to go out is the last thing you want to do. So skip the dinner and movie and head back to your Hot Spring hot tub for an ultra-romantic and relaxing date night that’s sure to make your loved one feel special. You could make a custom invitation and line the path to the hot tub with rose petals, or you could just keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Food and Drinks – Love is in the air so crack open a bottle of your favorite sparkly beverage to kick off the night. Drinks are great but they’re even better when accompanied by some light refreshments. No need to overthink it – you can pick up something ready-made from the grocery store deli like a meats and cheeses platter, or you can go straight for the sweet stuff, like mini cheesecakes or brownies. But if you’re really feeling ambitious, you can prepare something a little more exotic, like Cooked Oysters with Burnt Butter.
  • Music – Nothing sets the mood like a great soundtrack to your evening so be sure to get the tunes going. Pick out a curated playlist from one of the many stations on Slacker Radio (link to slacker.com) or create your own custom playlist on Spotify (link to Spotify.com). Use this opportunity to create the ultimate Romance playlist to let your partner know how you really feel. Whether you prefer Barry White, Jimmy Buffet, or Journey, make sure to set the right tone of the night with some serious love ballads.
  • Lighting – If music sets the mood, lighting creates the atmosphere. Turn down the lights and create a romantic setting by using mood lighting. You can use dimly-lit paper lanterns, tea light candles, or, flameless candles.

Now that you’ve got everything set up, it’s time to reconnect with that special person. Talk about the week, the moon, the future – the sky’s the limit and there are no distractions tonight. It’s just you, your loved one, and your Hot Sprint hot tub. Enjoy the moment!

The post Tips for Your Next Hot Tub Date Night appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.

Tips for Your Next Hot Tub Date Night

Monday, September 19th, 2016

It’s Friday night. You promised that special someone a romantic date night but you’ve just sat in an hour of traffic and your back hurts. Getting gussied up to go out is the last thing you want to do. So skip the dinner and movie and head back to your Hot Spring hot tub for an ultra-romantic and relaxing date night that’s sure to make your loved one feel special. You could make a custom invitation and line the path to the hot tub with rose petals, or you could just keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Food and Drinks – Love is in the air so crack open a bottle of your favorite sparkly beverage to kick off the night. Drinks are great but they’re even better when accompanied by some light refreshments. No need to overthink it – you can pick up something ready-made from the grocery store deli like a meats and cheeses platter, or you can go straight for the sweet stuff, like mini cheesecakes or brownies. But if you’re really feeling ambitious, you can prepare something a little more exotic, like Cooked Oysters with Burnt Butter.
  • Music – Nothing sets the mood like a great soundtrack to your evening so be sure to get the tunes going. Pick out a curated playlist from one of the many stations on Slacker Radio (link to slacker.com) or create your own custom playlist on Spotify (link to Spotify.com). Use this opportunity to create the ultimate Romance playlist to let your partner know how you really feel. Whether you prefer Barry White, Jimmy Buffet, or Journey, make sure to set the right tone of the night with some serious love ballads.
  • Lighting – If music sets the mood, lighting creates the atmosphere. Turn down the lights and create a romantic setting by using mood lighting. You can use dimly-lit paper lanterns, tea light candles, or, flameless candles.

Now that you’ve got everything set up, it’s time to reconnect with that special person. Talk about the week, the moon, the future – the sky’s the limit and there are no distractions tonight. It’s just you, your loved one, and your Hot Sprint hot tub. Enjoy the moment!

The post Tips for Your Next Hot Tub Date Night appeared first on Bachmanns Pools & Spas.