About Portable Hot Tubs

Archive for the ‘Parts’ Category

Hot tubs, especially when exposed to extremely hot and cold weather or when not maintained regularly, undergo several mechanical failures:

1. Humming noises resulting from a frozen shaft or frozen bearings; 2. Whining noises due to badly worn bearings; 3. Failure of pump seals, leading to leaks around the hot tub pump; 4. Jammed impeller; and 5. Faulty starting capacitor.

There have been many innovations that helped in making hot tubs last longer. One is a patented hot tub pump that creates a cooler working milieu.

How do pumps work?

They work hard for several hours during the day, powering the jets at high speed and the filtration cycles at low speed. A Hot Spring spa divides the task between the powerful Wave master jet pump and the low-amp SilentFlo 5000 circulation pump. The former is dedicated to providing the most exhilarating massages by emitting a forceful flow through all the jets. With the aid of a self-regulating circulation pump, you can enjoy the soothing features and the powerful jets of your home spa, and still get sanitary heated water twenty-four hours a day.

While all Hot Spring hot tubs are extremely powerful, the High-Performance models have even stronger horsepower pumps to boost additional jets and improve the performance of other accessories.

Thermo Spa pumps

Research shows that a hot tub’s heaters are generally the first parts to give way. This is because most spa heaters are made of steel, making them exposed to corrosion and pitting that lead to several problems, such as cracking and corrosion. Thermo Spa sees to it that their heaters are of the highest quality and has even made use of one of the strongest metals known to mankind: Titanium.

Some manufacturers use titanium for their heaters, but only Thermo Spa uses titanium coils and titanium surrounding jackets. This material makes the heater resistant to cracking and corrosion. If the entire heater is coated with this strong material, the apparatus becomes impervious to chlorine pitting, making Thermo Spa systems incomparably long-lasting.

A hot tub can only be rejuvenating if the temperature is set “just right.” Otherwise, you’ll risk scalding if the temperature is too high or end up feeling more tense if the water is too cold. The heaters that come with spa or hot tub systems are designed to provide the full benefits of hydrotherapy, including relaxation, pain relief for muscle aches and joint problems such as arthritis, and stress reduction.

There are two kinds of heaters that are most widely used: the propane and electric heaters. Their sizes vary from compact ones for small hot tubs to the larger above-ground and in-ground models.

Features of propane heaters

Considered as the “green” energy source, propane is favored as it cuts emissions and is safe for the environment. It is also insoluble in water and thus does not leave an undesirable residue inside the tub, making it a clean power source. Aside from its non-toxic property, propane is a highly efficient fuel. Hot tub heaters that run on propane cut harmful emissions of known toxins and yield 60% less carbon monoxide and 12% less carbon dioxide. Gas or propane hot tub heaters also heat water more evenly and rapidly as compared to heaters run by other fuels or electric heaters.

Advantages of using propane:

* Propane costs much less than electricity, giving you considerable savings; * Propane is non-toxic and water-insoluble, thus leaving no harmful residues in the water; * When combined with air, propane will not ignite; * Propane poses no harm to water or soil.

Features of electric heaters

Portable hot tubs only come with electric water heaters. Electric hot tub heaters are proven dependable and are also corrosion-free. They come in compact models of 5.5 kW and 11 kW and have heating elements that are durable and long-lasting. The waterways are made with bronze and copper and are thus corrosion-resistant. Electric hot tub heaters also have built-in safety measures such as its inability to operate when the hot tub is devoid of water, a safety control system that prevents overheating, and a high-quality thermostat. These devices are compact and relatively easy to install.

Tips to remember when purchasing

If you fail to choose your heating system carefully, you can possibly face oppressively high energy bills. For this reason, you need to select a hot tub that has excellent insulation, such as one with full-foam closed-cell insulation. This effectively maintains the hot tub’s desired water temperature. Search for a hot tub model with an enclosed heating element as this keeps water from coming in contact with the actual element. This will definitely make your hot tub heater last longer and perform more effectively. A hot tub circulation system, which is continuously kept on, is also useful in keeping the water clean and ready for use, aside from saving on energy costs. An established hot tub parts dealer should be able to answer all your questions regarding the expenses entailed in owning a hot tub.

Even if you purchase a hot tub with the most modern accessories, you still need to maintain it regularly to keep it from losing its functionality. One of the accessories that are most taken for granted in hot tub systems is its filtration mechanism. This should be specific to your budget, preference and time required for its maintenance.

Uses

Keeping the hot tub clean is a must if you want to have a satisfying hot tub experience. This is also essential to prolong the life of your unit, as harmful bacteria can cause damage to your hot tub’s surfaces and accessories. Hot tub filters help in getting rid of water algae and avoid the propagation of germs that can cause disease.

Kinds of filters

1. Sand filters — This type of filter uses sand as the medium. The unclean water passes through layers of gravel and sand, which help in pulling out dirt, debris and other impurities. Water clarifier products such as Bright and Clean can also be used to congeal the microscopic particles and thus enable these larger particles to be effectively filtered before the water enters the tub. Change the sand at least once a year to ensure its filtering efficiency.

2. Cartridge filters — Constructed with fine Dacron mesh, cartridge filters are the most common types of hot tub filters. Its efficiency lies in the pleated mesh — the more compact the folds or pleats, the larger the surface working to catch debris or dirt in the water.

3. Diatomaceous earth filters — The diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are made from crushed bones that are likened to sponges with lots of tiny spores. These petrified bones are coated on a grid of fresh mesh and act as glue, trapping minute dirt particles.

How to maintain your hot tub filter

* To ensure effective water circulation, the hot tub has to be run at least an hour daily. Put in a small amount of water clarifier and balance the water’s pH at least once a week.

* Depending on the hot tub filter’s size and the amount of accumulated debris, the cartridge filter needs to be replaced at least once a year. Check if there are cracks in the ends of the plastic or if the plastic fabric has been detached from the plastic.

* Never use chemicals that are not specifically designed for hot tub use. Soap-based cleaners can do more harm than good; also use oil-absorbing sponges that lessen the amount of oils that seep into the filter.

* Make it a point to shower just before dipping into the tub to keep cream, lotions, hair spray, gels and other hair care chemicals from clogging the hot tub filter. These can be harmful to the hot tub filter as most cannot be dissolved by water. In addition, maintain the right water chemistry and keep a spare hot tub filter for use when the other is being cleaned.