Hot tub rash is a skin infection caused by the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The germ is microscopic, so you can’t see it with the naked eye. It comes from swimming or bathing in contaminated water, such as you might find in a poorly maintained hot tub or pool. You can also get it from lake water. However, it is more prevalent in hot tubs and spas because the water is warmer, which means chlorine and other disinfectants break down more quickly. Read more »

Before you buy that brand new hot tub that the entire family (not to mention friends and neighbors) has been looking forward to, you’ll want to make some measurements to ensure you can get that sucker where you want it in your yard. You won’t enjoy your new spa too much if you have to install it by the mailbox.

Keep in mind, hot tubs are very large, cumbersome objects, even without the water in them. Just because the dealer calls it a “portable spa” doesn’t mean there’s much about them that is portable. Read more »

A swim spa uses a propeller system, jets, or a paddle wheel to create a current so you can swim without moving forward in the water. Some people call this “treadmill swimming”. This is a space-effective and economical way to swim laps in your own home without building a whole pool.

You can also use a swim spa for aerobic exercise, jogging in place, and hydrotherapy. Because of the swim spa’s compact size, they can be installed indoors or in a small yard. The current can be adjusted to accommodate swimmers of various speeds. Like other swimming pools, they can be equipped with stereo systems that are audible underwater. This is a great way to get a cardiovascular workout in your own home and keep things fun. Read more »

What’s solar ionization effect, do you know? It’s a newer tool that can be used in your hot tub in order to reduce the need for so many chemicals like chlorine or bromine.

The ancient Romans used metal coins to keep their water fresh. Whether by luck or design, they figured out that trace amounts of copper or silver could combat the growth of bacteria and algae. Solar ionizers work on the same principle. They use solar energy to generate a tiny electrical current. This powers an alloyed mineral electrode, which releases mineral ions into the water (not enough to post a threat to swimmers). Read more »

Hot tub covers can make the difference between a high electric bill and a low one. The largest portion of heat escapes your hot tub through the top, thus ensuring your heater has to work harder to keep the water at your preferred temperature. By choosing an insulated hot tub cover, you can help your heater be more efficient.

If your hut tub came with a cover as most portable ones do, don’t assume it’s a well-insulated one. Most hot tub covers are insulated with EPS or Expanded Polystyrene, so you probably don’t need to check into the type of material used. The thickness of the EPS matters, though. As a consumer, you need to look at the R-value of the cover. The R-value refers to a material’s ability to resist the flow of heat and is based on thickness. It can get pretty complicated, but basically you just need to know that the higher the R-value the better. Read more »

A timer for your hot tub can add you a little convenience. Timers allow you to turn on the tub devices at set times. By running the cleaning mode at night or when you are out of home, maintenance becomes no troublesome. Pool timers can also be used for more aesthetic purposes, such as turning on lights or fountains. Typically, each separate appliance needs its own timer. Read more »