Don’t forget about that hot tub filter! Here at Gopoolandspa.com, we have fantastic deals on any filter you could need to buy! We are easy to deal with, fast, friendly and are able to help you find what you need. Remember too that pool season is about to start up as well. Check your pool filters too and make sure that they are not tired and worn out too! Filters are an easy fix for an unsightly problem when it comes to water.

Now that my yard and hot tub is cleaned up and looking fine, time to move onto the pool opening. Happy Spring!

Swimming workouts are beneficial to your health in many ways. Swimming is a fantastic way to increase your cardiovascular health. Vigorous swimming can increase your heart rate causing you to get a comfortable aerobic workout into your day. It doesn’t even take long! Twenty minutes is all it takes to have a healthy lifestyle! Vigorous swimming is even comparable to running as your have to use your entire body to swim. The water around you also provides a decent amount of resistance to your legs and arms giving you the opportunity to increase your muscle strength as well without the use of weights and heavy equipment. Water is much more gentle when it comes to increasing muscle strength, especially if you struggle with arthritis or osteoporosis within your body. Water provides enough resistance to gain the muscle strength you need if you are looking for a gentle way of “lifting weights”.  You also use muscles while swimming that you would not normally use otherwise. Let’s not forget that swimming is a fantastic stress reliever. The water encompassing your body feels amazing, refreshing and invigorating! Did you know that you can also add swim jets to your pool via the pool pump motor? It provides a rush of water that gives enough force to push you while you swim up against it’s current. Kinda of like a water treadmill!

Some excellent water workouts are available to experience. Any types of laps are a great way to start. There are so many types of strokes to try that will move all different muscles especially in your upper body. Try the butterfly stroke, breast stroke, back stroke and side stroke. These kids of strokes are not complicated so almost anyone can try them. Don’t forget to switch them up for a full body workout! Also grab some swimming pool supplies like a cheap kick board to do a few laps with or water weights to add a little more resistance to your workout! Also just 5 minutes of treading water is an excellent and challenging way to increase your legs shape and tone. No cheating tho! Try longer than 5 minutes for a more challenging time! If you want to really get creative, hop online and you tube some water aerobic moves then pump up your favourite rocking music and give it a go yourself! If you’re a little reserved, do it while no ones around ;0)

Either way, water is a splendid way to get your body moving at a price that won’t hurt your body long term. It’s gentle on your bones, great cardiovascular workout, gentle resistance training and fun too! Don’t just sit around your pool with a drink in hand while the kids swim, find a little time for yourself in there as well to get your body moving! Find ways to involve the kids too! Race them with laps or get them to be the aerobic instructor! Either way, your backyard pool is a fabulous tool to get you into fabulous shape this summer! Happy swimming!

To commence with, we take the first and foremost essential part of the pool. This category includes all the equipments without which a pool is said to be incomplete. An important pool supply is in form of a pool pump which carries out the obligations of filling up and withdrawing water from the pool. Keeping the pool clean is a very important part of pool maintenance; hence steps should be taken for such arrangements. The pump allows transportation of water quickly from one place to the other. The pool heater on the other hand is another area which needs to be focused upon. Pool heater allows the users to enjoy the benefit of pool even in adverse climate.

Chlorinators are the best way to keep your pool clean and free from any kind of bacteria and algae. Chlorine is an excellent medium of keeping the pool clean from any kind of hazards that can affect the human body. The availability of chlorine is found by two ways where the owner of the pool where the owner can either go for chlorine tablets or even for chlorine in liquid form. The only advantage of liquid chlorine over the chlorine tablets is that the liquid gets easily dissolved in the pool and reacts quickly as compared to the tablets. But there are certain defects in the use of chlorine as excess chlorine in water can lead to an eye burn sensation to the people and most of the people are allergic to it. Therefore, there is also an additional component of bromine which is similar to chlorine but is a little softer on reaction than chlorine. The same is also available in two forms, that is, tablets and liquids.

Presence of filters in the pool is yet another component of pool supply. Pool filter is a very interesting way to filter the water of the pool from time to time. Pool filters acts as a treatment mechanism that carries out the treatment mechanism in the swimming pool and hence eliminating the maximum number of pollutants from the pool. Sometimes, when pool is exposed to the external environment for a longer period of time, the danger of toxic elements entering the pool becomes greater and hence, pool filter acts as an aid and comes to the rescue of the pool owners.

Now coming to the additional section of pool supply, it consists of elements which are not always essential for the pool but adds o the beauty of the pool. Foremost in this category are the lights that are fixed to the floor of the pool. These really look beautiful at the night and are perfect for the night parties. Pool toys in form rubber ducks and slides are another entertaining package that can be added to the package. Children are very fond of such products as it gives them immense joy to have a go with them in the pool and acts as a medium of pleasure on a sunny afternoon.

These round tubs are made out of a very firm , very durable foam shell. Safely inside the foam shell is all necessary plumbing, some tubs have plumbing for up to 7 jets. The motor is housed in a separate unit easily connected with only 2 hoses. What about the power you ask? Easy, it comes with a cord mounted GFCI which plugs into any standard household outlet and only requires 110 volts. The tub and the motor unit are covered with a vinyl specifically designed for use if any climate, and you get to choose the vinyl color and pattern.

The best part of these hot tubs is their easy set up and dismantle. The tubs weight between 40 – 75 lbs depending on the model, which means only one person in needed to move it.  Just drop and fill, or drain and roll away.

So next time you are heading for the lake or up to the cabin why not take the hot tub with you?

If you want to add an extra element of sensation beyond massaging and hydrotherapy, try adding a little fragrances to your spa water. Many spas are now equipped with a section to pour spa sensation into it and it distributes the scents a little at a time. You can get smells such as coconut mango, honeysuckle, eucalyptus, lavender, peach vanilla and many more!  If your hot tub isn’t equipped with a scent dispenser, you can get a fun dispenser that floats around in your tub that dispenses fragrances automatically or manually.  It can be classy or fun, such as a rubber duck dispenser! You can also purchase scented “spa pearls” which you add to your spa water and they send out minerals and body softeners to relax your muscles and they smell fantastic!

If you’re looking to have a little fun in your hot tub beyond relaxation, try a deck of waterproof playing cards and get a game of poker going in your hot tub! Don’t forget to use your floating drink tray to keep everyone well hydrated while playing your game! You can also purchase a side hook on tray or a spa caddy for your snacks and beverages too. Oh yeah, don’t forget to toss in those rainbow mini reef fish to swim around while you enjoy your card game in the tub ;0) Theses battery operated fish even look realistic! Your hot tub will be the centre of attention at your gathering!

After all the relaxation you have experienced with your spa sensations or the fun you have had playing with your waterproof cards, keep warm when stepping out of the hot tub using a heated towel bar. This plug-in rack will heat your towel up while you are soaking away the day’s done duties in your hydrotherapy heaven. Wrap yourself up in a little warmth after the hot tub too…why not?

Are you a little too short statured in your spa or are the seats too low? Many booster seats and pillows are available too for purchase to add a little extra comfort (and height adjustments) to your spa experience. Cover yourself up by using the spa umbrellas to keep the sun off your skin and the UV rays at bay. They are a fantastic umbrella that stays put by sliding the base under the hot tub to provide stability to the umbrella. One other great accessory that is a must have for hot tub owners is a spa vacuum. This is a neat little gadget that quickly and easily removes dirt and floaties and even heavier debris such a glass and rocks via suction. A great way to keep the spa clean and looking greta!

There are so many neat items you can purchase for your hot tub to make it a little more fun and exciting and easy to maintain. But just don’t forget about all the mandatory accessories you need for maintenance on your spa like hot tub filters, replacement spa filters, replacement jets, o-rings, lights and all those things that keep your hot tub running smooth and looking great!

As always, happy tubbing!!

If you have already decided on an inground concrete pool, you will need to look at the type of pool liners there are on the market.  There is a vast selection in colour, style, and quality.  Because of the huge selection, it would be a good idea to ask yourself some questions to guide your thinking.  Here are a few:

• Are you getting a good quality liner that will withstand the strength of the sun?  Did you know that the amount of sunlight during the long months of summer are actually good for your pool?  Sunlight and UV provide a natural oxidation to pool water.  Today’s reputable pool liner manufacturers are aware of the high concentration of pools in hot climates and use special formulations that prolong the life of their pool liners thus minimizing the effect of the sun’s rays.

• Will you also be installing a liner pad to increase the life of your pool liner?  Check with your pool liner sales staff to see if a liner pad will be necessary or included in the price of a pool liner.

• Will the liner colour you choose coordinate with the house and landscape décor? This may not be important to everyone, but it is worth considering if you want everything to fit together well.

• What will the liner look like in daylight? In shade? When it is dark and lit by lights?  Look at similar samples of finished pools with the same design at different times of the day or night to help in your decision-making.

• Have you looked at the sample design in a real pool or a picture of a pool?  It may look very different when seen out in the bright sunlight or covering a large area of pool as opposed to a sample in a display binder seen in artificial light.

• Will you want contrast colour or design to clearly mark the pool steps for safety’s  sake?  Take into consideration the total finished effect.  Make sure that safety is a deciding factor.

• Are you trying to create a natural look with natural materials such as stone or rock?  Your choice of pool liner will likely be influenced by the ambiance you want to create in your backyard sanctuary.

• Will the border contrast coordinate with your outdoor furniture? Again, this may not be an important factor to everyone, but if it is you will want to think it through carefully.

• Will the colour and design lend themselves to easy cleaning?  You won’t want to bring out a magnifying glass every time you clean, so you will need to determine what design is the most practical one for you.

• Are you interested in a trendy colour?  Will you be happy with your choice of a pool liner even if you do a landscape make-over down the road? Pool liners can be replaced, but at considerable cost and effort.

Once you have made all your choices, you can begin anticipating the pleasure of using your own pool.  And we all know that anticipation is part of the pleasure.  Ahhhhh!

Here are some tips to consider before purchasing:

1. Decide on the amount of available space for your tub.  Here you will need to decide where you would like your tub positioned in the yard or on the deck, and whether or not this positioning will provide such things as access.  You will need to provide access to a source of power, for maintenance technicians as well as persons using the tub, and the right kind of view for your long-term enjoyment. Some people use a rope or garden hose to provide a visual concept of what this could look like, or even bring chairs into the area to see if the view would be suitable from the height of the seat of the chair.
2. What is the optimal seating capacity you would like to provide? Ask yourself the following questions to help guide in your decision-making process:

• Will I be using the tub mostly for therapeutic solitude or times of intimate relaxation?
• Will I be using the tub for get-togethers with family and friends?

The answers to these questions will help determine what seating capacity your hot tub will require.

1. What model of hot tub is best for you? Major factors in determining this will be your budget, your personal preference, and the degree to which you expect to use your hot tub.  Essentially, you can choose from the following basic styles:
   • an entry level easily portable soft spa with a vinyl liner
   • a mid-range one-piece molded tub
   • a mid to high end acrylic hot tub.  The latter is the hot tub of choice for most people because of such things as the wide choice of styles, shapes and sizes, durability, and other important things such as comfort and special features.

Once you have narrowed your search for a hot tub based on the above criteria, you will be able to go to the next layer of determining factors to help point you to the right choice:

1. Have you done your homework as far as warranty, parts and service is concerned? It would be foolish to invest a great deal of money on a major purchase such as a hot tub without ensuring that the manufacturer stands behind their product with a reliable warranty.  Will the dealership from whom you make your purchase be able to provide long-term service by well-trained technicians should the need arise?  Will you be able to get parts and maintenance products such as chemicals, filters, etc on a regular basis?

Defining your choices beforehand will make you more informed as you begin searching for the hot tubs for sale that strike your fancy.  It will be easier for both you and the salespeople helping you if you can ask direct questions about their product.  Do not be afraid to ask questions.  It is far better to ask questions and get honest answers before the purchase than after.  You will be much happier with your hot tub if you can approach the purchase from an informed point of view and much less likely to be taken in by a salesperson’s hype.

Just like a mattress collects dust and grim over the years and get heavier, so do hot tub covers.  Head into your favorite hot tub store and ask them about a new one. They should have measurement sheets you can take home and complete, or some places may even complete the measurement for you.  Consider changing the color of the lid too – it will give the back yard a fresh new look!

Now that you got a new lid how about a little help lifting it off ? No problem! There are cover lifters which can be attached to the tub’s panels or even a deck (if your hot tub is built in). These lifters lift the cover off and securely lock into place so the cover is stored safely while you relax.

No more using the lid as an excuse to avoid the tub. Get out there and enjoy it!

Swim spas are kind of like running on a treadmill, except it’s just swimming in a treadmill.  It’s built a little bigger than regular soaker spas which are built up to 8 feet wide and long.  Swim spas are generally 14-15 feet long and 6-7 feet wide and 3-6 feet deep.  Other than the size, they are built very similar to a regular hot tub and include a pump, heater, filter, shell, etc. Models vary to all sizes too. Some are built for just swimming and soaking, some have a treadmill built inside them for water jogging and some models even self clean! They can pretty much fit in anyones back yard or even inside!

Swim spas produce a resistance current that can be adjusted to the strength you desire. This also adjusts to fitness levels as well.  In addition, they also offer the benefits of hydrotherapy.  and are equipped with soaker jets as well. They are designed to give you the ability to do laps at home without going to a public pool.  It’s an economical and effective way to swim laps. Even beyond laps, a swim spa gives the individual the opportunity to enjoy and practice almost any type of water aerobic exercise! They give you a rest cardio workout too! Exercising in the water provides you with a impact free workout with is essentially easier on your body. Really, swim spas are the best of both worlds, exercise and relaxation.

The typical cost can run anywhere from $8-12,000 and some more deluxe models running closer to $16,000.  A great alternative to installing an in ground pool if you’re looking for mostly a water exercise regime.

1. Check your topside control.  Digital controls will have some type of message as to why there is no heat.  Follow up that message with your hot tub manual because hot tub models will differ somewhat depending on the make and model.

2. Are your filters clean? Is the water level where it’s suppose to be? If not, these issues can cause flow problems and is a really easy fix! This will usually cause the heating cycle to go on and off continuously.

3. Make sure your slip valves are fully extended.  Especially if you installed your hot tub yourself, these can close up during shipping and again, you will have a flow problem.  These slip valves are located on each side of your pump or motor and there will be two of them.

4. Your heater element could be toast.  You will know this because your indicator light is on but there is no heat.  Elements are generally an easy fix for the handy man.  But if this is not your forte, just call the electrician.  Don’t try to be Tim the Toolman Taylor.

5. If the element is good, it could be the relay.  Again, go for it handymen! Relays are a cheap fix but know what you’re doing!

6. You can check the pressure switch and make adjustments to it.  Adjustments vary depending on the model so check your manual or online to make sure you’re adjusting it correctly. PLEASE turn off your power before doing this!!!!

7. The high limit switch could be tripping out. Again easily replaced or reset.

If you’ve checked all you can do, bite the bullet and call your hot tub service technician.  he really does know what he’s doing and can get you back into your tub asap.