July 30, 2012

Aloha Pool Spa

Spa Models include: Akela, Kalia & Ipo

Aloha Hot Tubs is a division of Up Marketing based out of Corona, California. They have an extensive line of hot tubs and spas to choose from at very reasonable prices. Aloha Hit Tubs also makes custom designs to suit your particular needs. Some of their more popular product lines include Akela Hot Tubs, Kalia Hot Tubs, and Ipo Hot Tubs.

The Akela Hot Tub line is extremely popular due to the size and jet configuration of each tub. The 20 jet model is designed to seat 5 people, and comes with one lounge seat and one hot seat. The dimensions are 84" x 84" x 36" holding approximately 330 gallons. These tubs come standard with a digital control panel and cover.

The Kalia Hot Tub line is also very popular. These tubs are round in shape and ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The 12 jet model is designed to seat 4 people and comes with various jet configurations. The dimensions are 72" x 72" x 34" and it holds approximately 175 gallons. This tub comes complete with a digital control panel and cover included.

The Ipo Hot Tub line is designed with the individual in mind. The 13 jet model is designed for 1-2 people and is ideal for indoor settings. The dimensions are 82" x 40" x 33" holding approximately 150 gallons. As with the others, this tub comes standard with a digital control panel and cover included.

Each hot tub is manufactured with top quality materials. The skirting is made from a long lasting "Duratemp" composite, with removable side panels. They are insulated with Arctic Pak insulation for maintaining heat and reducing energy costs.

Aloha Hot Tubs also offer upgrades such as ozone generators and light filter packages. The Ozone Generators add ozone to the water which helps reduce bacteria and other organic matter. The light filter packages allow you to change the look to the color of the water in the tub.

Aloha Hot Tubs offers free shipping and handling for most models, plus all hot tubs come with an extensive warranty program. Aloha also offers a lay-away program and financing is available for qualified customers.

How to Care for Your Hot Tub Cover

Maintaining your spa cover is an important aspect to consider in ensuring the quality of your hot tub cover. Spa covers play an important role in the longevity of your hot tub and can have a significant impact on your spa's performance. There are a number of questions and concerns expressed by hot tub owners regarding the best ways to maintain your spa cover. Below you can find a list of these concerns along with some guidelines to follow in order to ensure proper maintenance:

How often should a spa cover be cleaned?

To keep your spa cover in the best condition possible it should be cleaned monthly. At the very least, your spa cover should be cleaned every other month.

What is the most effective way to clean the cover?

The best way to clean your spa cover is by simply spraying it with a garden hose. A very mild soap (about 1 tsp. of dishwasher soap mixed with 2 gallons of water) can be used to eliminate dirt and debris, but make sure you don't get any soap inside your spa.

Is there anything else that needs to be done to the cover afterwards?

If you really want to ensure the quality of your cover you can conditsion your cover with a conditioner designed for hot tubs. It is important to do this at least once every three months. Make sure the conditioner is suitable for vinyl materials otherwise it may damage the quality of your cover. This type of product can be found at any hardware store.

How Can You Fix a Hole in the Cover?

You can repair a hole in your spa cover with a vinyl repair patch kit. These kits can be found at any hot tub, home spa or hardware store and will quickly and efficiently fix the hole or slit in your cover.

Are there any additional care tips for hot tubs located in colder climates?

If you own a hot tub and you live in a colder climate it is important to make sure you always remove any snow or ice residing on top of the cover. In addition, making sure your water chemistry is healthy will help to reduce mildew in the cooler months.

Use common sense when it comes to taking care of your hot tub cover. Never use rakes or sharp objects which may potentially tear or damage the cover. Maintaining your spa cover will not only lengthen the life of your cover, but will also help to keep your hot tub running in good condition for many years to come.

Hot Tub Solar Blanket

Spa Blankets Proven to Reduce Operating Costs

Floating hot tub blankets are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to save money on spa operation. This type of blanket is usually thermal and is placed on the water surface in your hot tub or spa, in addition to the normal hard cover, when the tub is not in use. There are many benefits associated with this type of spa cover which have made them extremely popular among many hot tub owners.

Floating thermal blankets are usually made of closed cell foam with a thickness of 1/4" and a density of 2lb. Because the cells on the foam are completely closed, it will not absorb any of the water from your spa. The material is cut to the size of the water surface in your tub and placed in between the water and your hard cover when you are not using the tub. Many hot tub owners use these covers and have many positive things to say about them.

The following list of benefits associated with floating hot tub blankets may help you to determine whether you want one for your own unit:
  • Floating thermal blankets keep your spa water warm when you're not in the spa. The hard cover is designed to keep the cold water out of your spa and the floating blanket is responsible for keeping the existing water in the tub warm.
  • A floating blanket will reduce the amount of evaporation coming from the water and decrease the amount of steam rising into your hard cover. This will ultimately lengthen the life of your hard cover and save you money from having to purchase a new one.
  • Reducing the water evaporation by using a floating hot tub blanket will also lower your chemical and heating costs. Your chlorine supply won't run out as fast because it won't be evaporating so quickly and the tub won't have to be heated as often because the heat stays in the tub.
There are a number of styles to choose from when it comes to these types of spa blankets, however most styles end-up producing the same results. The look of your cover is basically irrelevant since you never really see the cover on your tub. If you are thinking of purchasing a floating spa blanket for your hot tub you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 or possibly more, depending on the make and style. Overall, floating hot tub blankets have been proven to be a great addition to any hot tub or home spa.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Spas

Hot Tub Location

Choosing your hot tub location may be the most important decision you make regarding your new spa. Fortunately, there are a number of locations which are suitable for hot tub installation. Before you choose your hot tub, you will have to decide whether you want to locate it indoors or outdoors. Once you have decided between the two, you can make your exact decision as to where you want it located. In order to help you determine which location is best, we have compiled a list of benefits associated with each location:

Indoor Hot Tub Benefits:
  • You can enjoy your hot tub year-round.
  • Indoor hot tubs are likely to last longer because they won't be exposed to harsh weather conditions like snow, rain or hail which have been known to damage outdoor tubs.
  • There is an added level of privacy since your neighbors can't see inside your home.
  • You can create an elegant setting by matching the décor to your hot tub and installing romantic lights.
  • There are no leaves, dirt or debris from the outdoor elements like there are in outdoor hot tubs.
Outdoor Hot Tub Benefits:
  • Many individuals enjoy the natural aspects outdoor hot tubs bring. Many individuals enjoy relaxing in the tub in the rain, snow or underneath millions of stars.
  • Outdoor hot tubs require no additional space. Most backyards are large enough for outdoor hot tubs, whereas indoor tubs require an additional room of a reasonable size.
  • They are less expensive because you don't have to pay for an additional room or for the décor in the room.
  • They will not damage the structure of your home if inadequately ventilated or sealed.
As you can see there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of hot tub. Once you have determined whether you want an indoor or outdoor model, you can decide where exactly you want it to be located. It is a good idea to leave at least 4 feet of space around the hot tub design in order to ensure there is adequate space for movement, possible external pumps, gazebos, patio chairs or other patio décor around the spa.

Choose your location wisely. The location of your hot tub will have a huge impact on your overall satisfaction with the unit. Discuss the benefits with the manufacturer or hot tub supplier to be certain you're making the right decision.

Hot Tub Plumbing Operation

The Inside Story on Hot Tub Operation

The plumbing and power of your hot tub is just as important (if not more) than any physical feature you choose for your spa. The plumbing and power are responsible for ensuring the water moves around your hot tub and gets where it needs to be – through the filter, the hot tub heater and the jets. There is a lot of work involved in a hot tub plumbing system and there are many types to choose from.

Generally, there are three materials you can use in the plumbing of your hot tub or spa: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), copper and galvanized plumbing. Below you will find a brief description of each in order to help you determine which is best suited for your hot tub:

PVC - PVC is a plastic pipe often used for plumbing systems in swimming pools. This type of material is manufactured in a number of different strengths, depending on its use. PVC piping comes with a number scheduled on the front which is used to identify its strength. The higher the number, the heavier and stronger the pipe will be. PVC itself is not designed to carry water over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride); however, is capable of carrying water warmer than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are thinking of using PVC in your hot tub or spa, you will want to make sure it is chlorinated.

Copper - Copper used to be a very popular material for pool, hot tub and spa plumbing; but since the introduction of PVC, it has seen a major decrease in popularity. Copper is considered very expensive, especially when compared to PVC. For this reason many hot tub owners are converting to PVC instead of the traditional disinfectant when it comes to their plumbing. Copper has been known to corrode from exposure to spa chemicals - PVC is also superior in this manner. If you decide to use copper, it is important to know that it is made in three thicknesses. Each thickness is identified through a letter: K represents a thick wall, L a medium wall and M represents a thin wall.

Galvanized - Galvanized plumbing is an iron pipe which is covered with zinc and other mixed metals to prevent corrosion. This type of plumbing is considered inferior to the other forms of plumbing because of its heavy weight. Because the surface of galvanized metal is so rough, calcium build-up inside the pipe has been known to be a problem.

In addition to the plumbing options available, many potential hot tub owners are also concerned with the amount of power consumed by their hot tub or spa. Generally, it is difficult to determine the amount of power consumed on a regular basis without knowing the make or type of hot tub or the amount of time you have it running regularly. On average, most hot tub owners spend approximately a dollar a day to operate their tubs.

Best Spa Cover

Getting Your Hot Tub Cover to Fit

Measuring a spa cover is not as easy as it seems. It takes some time and usually requires at least two individuals. It is important to measure your spa correctly otherwise the cover will not fit properly and will end up a big waste of money. It is difficult to determine exactly how to measure your spa cover especially if your spa is a circular or octagonal shape. Fortunately, there are a few formulas which work effectively regarding some of the most common shapes.

Square:

A square hot tub is fairly easy to measure. Simply measure the length and width of the spa - measure it twice just to make sure you did it right the first time. After you have measured the length and width you will want to add a couple of inches to your measurements, just to make sure it's not too small. A cover that is too large will be more effective than a cover that isn't large enough.

Rectangle:

Measure your rectangle spa exactly the same way you would measure a square model. Length times width.

Circle:

Measuring a spa cover for a round hot tub is more difficult than measuring a basic square or rectangle model. To measure a circular spa you will have to calculate the radius of the circle. The key is finding the diameter of the circle. It is very important that you do not make the radius too big. Unlike most other shapes where bigger is better, if you measure the radius too big, the cover will not fit over the circle's corners. If you measure it too small, it will be fine.

The easiest way to ensure you're measuring your spa cover correctly is to carefully measure all sides of the spa. As long as you measure the sides correctly, and add a few extra inches for room, chances are your spa cover will fit fine. A number of advanced spa covers are available with tie down locks which can be attached to either the deck or the wood on the spa.

If you are having difficulties measuring your spa cover, contact the manufacturer. They will be able to provide you with more extensive information regarding how to perform this task correctly.

Arctic Spas

Hot Tub Products include Fox, Yukon & Avalanche

Based in Northern Alberta, Canada, Arctic Spas was founded in 1994. Arctic's hot tubs and spas are designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions that are common in Canada. With a network of dealers worldwide, Arctic Spas has the ability to supply customers almost anywhere in the world. Arctic Spas are designed with advanced spa technology and world class construction techniques.

All Arctic Spas come with a full pedestal base for strength and even weight distribution. Their red cedar wood cabinets are second to none and have access doors on all sides for convenience.

They have a number of designs available and something to suit the needs of anyone. Each line of tubs offers various upgrade packages, so you can increase the number of jets and pumps in your tub. Therapy air, aromatherapy and waterfalls can all be added for an additional price.

The Fox Spa model is designed with a niche market in mind. It can comfortably seat 2-4 people and comes equipped with his-and-hers therapy seats and a lounger. It boasts built-in drink holders, arm rests and foot jets. The standard tub has 14 jets, one pump and a waterfall. Very romantic.

The Yukon Spa model is designed for you and your family. It seats 6 people and comes with 3 bucket seats and other multi-depth, barrier-free seating. It even comes with a special seat for children. This tub offers one of the largest foot wells in the industry and it will provide your family with nothing short of the ideal hot tub experience. The standard tub has 14 jets and one pump.

The Avalanche Spa model is designed for the ultimate hot tub party. It has generous seating for 8 people and comes with face-to-face loungers and a corner seat. This models open seating arrangement allows for loads of leg room and is ideal for entertaining large groups of people. The standard model comes with 17 jets, one pump, therapy air, aromatherapy and a waterfall.

Arctic Spa also sells spa gazebos and many accessories including the trademarked, Aquatremor. The Aquatremor releases vibro-acoustics (sound waves) to your body. So, you not only hear the sounds, you feel them too. These hot tubs and spas are some of the best in the world. Treat yourself and your family to the ultimate hot tub experience by purchasing an Arctic Spa of your own.