Save Water, Save Time, Save Money: How to Care for Hot Tub Filters For Cleaner Water and Longer Life

March 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Filters are the hardest working component in your hot tub system. And, they’re the first line of defense in maintaining a clean and healthy hot tub. Save water, save time, save money. Lengthen the time between draining and filling your spa by following these tips for keeping filters clean and extending their life.

ONE: Add SeaKlear Shock every time you get out of the spa and run the jets for 10 minutes. Add SeaKlear Sanitizing Granules once a week.  Save 15% on all SeaKlear water care products now through April in all Olympic Hot Tub  stores.

TWO: Get on the SilkBalance program for the best way to maintain your spa water and keep filters filtering longer.

THREE: Every two-four weeks rinse filters using the high-pressure nozzle on your garden hose. A Water Wand hose attachment will be a big help in doing this job right. Unplug the hot tub or turn off the breakers on 220v models before removing the filters for cleaning!

FOUR: Clean filters thoroughly at least once a month.  And, always clean when you drain and refill the hot tub for best water quality. To clean: spray with Seaklear Spa Filter Cleaner. Filters can appear to be clean visually, yet be plugged enough to cause flow and heater problems. The dishwasher detergent or filter cleaner is critical for a thorough cleaning and to strip oils and fine particles that are trapped in the pleats. IMPORTANT: if you do use the dishwasher to clean your filters, rinse thoroughly first. DO NOT USE THE HEAT DRY CYCLE OR JetDry anti-water spotting products when cleaning your filters!!!

FIVE: Seat filters properly in the compartment after cleaning. This ensures that 100% of the water flowing through the filters is, in fact, being filtered.

SIX: Maintain proper water chemistry at all times. Filters are only the first step to clean water. They do not kill bacteria.

SEVEN: Use Scumbugs in your hot tub. They absorb oils, eliminate the scum line and improve filter effectiveness.

EIGHT: Consider having two sets of filters.   Use on an alternating basis; the clean set in the spa; the dirty set soaking.

NINE:  Taking a quick rinse before using the tub will make water care much easier!

TEN: Switch to TRI-X filters-exclusive to Hot Spring Spas. A TRIi-X filter filters ten times more gallons per square foot than other filters and it provides over twice (65 sq. ft.) the filtration area of a standard (30 sq. ft.) filter. The TRI-X filter not only filters by using the element’s surface area, but it also filters by using the media’s depth (third dimension). With regular cleaning, TRI-X filters should last twice as long as regular filters. Sale on TRi-X filters through this week at Olympic Hot Tub Company’s e-store.

Happy Soaking! You’ll be more relaxed and enjoy peace of mind knowing your hot tub water is being filtered properly and that it’s clean and clear every time you use it!

All filters are on sale now at Olympic. If you haven’t replaced your filters in 2-3 years, it’s time for a new set. We make it easy to take it easy.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter



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Happy Customer Raves about Olympic Hot Tub’s Service and the ACE Salt Water System on his New Vanguard

March 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I was a refugee from a terrible Dimension One Spa experience, and now I am found with the help of Exelene Lanzaga in your Lacey, Washington Olympic Hot Tub store. When she could not find the tub I needed she spent extra time researching and locating one in your Fife store. There, again the two gals we worked with (Karen & Linda) were both patient and helpful in showing us a spa that would truly fit our needs.

Exelene made calls to the delivery team and, bam, Eric showed up.  Not once, but twice he came back to insure that the installation would be flawless. The crew was cheerful, worked quickly and gave us a soup-to-nuts installation. We failed to heed Exelene’s advice about using her referred electricians. After the first wiring proved faulty, Exelene cheerfully came back a second time to help with the inspector and re-wiring challenge. She also coached us on the usage of the spa. Later Rob in your Service Center expeditiously responded to all technical inquiries and now we are the masters of our Vanguard Hot Spring Spa.

The unique ACE Salt cleaning system makes maintenance a breeze. I click one button when exiting the spa and only have to test the water a few times. The water stays balanced, clean, and soft. Amazing!

I sorely missed not having a spa to sooth my arthritis troubles these past 2 years. I was very reluctant to re-enter the hot tub world. Various local suppliers always gave me a hard sell approach. We were fortunate to find Exelene and your team at Olympic Hot Tub. Now may days become ever brighter as I start them off with a sometimes-Aleve pill and warm spa. Thanks.

We will have no problem referring people to your company.

Happy Trails

Filed Under: ACE Salt Water Sanitizing System, Hot Tub Care

What is SilkBalance? How Does it Work in Your Hot Tub? Everything You Want to Know!

March 28, 2011 By 20 Comments

Here’s everything you want to know about using  SilkBalance natural water care for your hot tub or spa.

#1 What is SilkBalance? What’s in it?

SilkBalance is laboratory-formulated blend of buffering and sequestering agents to balance water hot tub and spa water. This eliminates the need to test and adjust individual chemicals in the hot tub which many people have difficulty with. In addition, SilkBalance has several other additives, which act to preserve water in a fresh state and protect spa and hot tub components like heaters and pumps.

#2  How does SilkBalance work??

SilkBalance works by removing the food sources from the water that bacteria feed on in order to live and multiply. It also reduces the surface tension of the water making it very difficult for bacteria to form the protective slime around themselves called Biofilm. (Biofilm protects a bacterial colony so it can grow). The result when you use SilkBalance in your spa or hot tub? Little or no bacterial content is found in the water.

#3 Will SilkBalance sanitizer the water in my hot tub or spa?

No, however it does contain additives which act as passive biostat agents. They act as preservatives like the silver used in cosmetics to keep it fresh and safe for use.

#4 So, I still need to use a sanitizer in my hot tub or spa, right?

Yes, the use of a non-chlorine shock MPS after bathing eliminates the body wastes being left in the water like sweat, skin, hair, body lotions, dust, etc. that act as food for bacteria.

SilkBalance does not eliminate these.  If you do not have ozone or also use a mineral Ion cartridge, we recommend the use of a weekly dose of chlorine granules as a safety measure.

#5 What are the benefits of  SilkBalance?

It eliminates on average 15 minutes week you usually spend measuring adding and testing various products. This amounts to 13 hours over a year.

It eliminates having to buy and think about all of the balancing products. It’s simple to use. The peace of mind from knowing your hot tub water is always perfectly balanced is enormous.

Another major benefit is the elimination of bad or chemical odors in the water or that are left on the skin. Many women don’t like to use a spa frequently for this reason.

Lastly, by not requiring the high maintenance of a chlorine level in the water, the good bacteria on the skin is not affected and there is no dry, itchy feeling after leaving the spa. It’s proven safe for those who suffer from psoriasis. This benefit alone has enabled thousands of hot tub owners to use their spas again.

#6 Is SilkBalance safe?

SilkBalance meets all U.S. standards for safety and reliability. It’s been tested by dermatologists for skin safety as well. It’s safe for the environment because it’s made of natural ingredients. The water is even safe for pets to drink AND for watering your flower beds.

#7  Is SilkBalance expensive to use?

Think about why you purchased a hot tub in the first place. You want to relax and not have to hassle with water care. Your hot tub use is related to the relaxation factor and condition of the water. Itchy skin, bad smells, cloudy water all make hot tub use unsatisfying.  And, many people find the time and frustration so great that they give up using their hot tub altogether.

So is it expensive?

NO, not if you consider the time and frustration an issue.

NO,  not if you can’t use your hot tub because of skin irritation.

NO, not if you want to have the best water experience with no after effects like dry skin or chemical smells.

NO, not if you like the convenience and want the best possible product for your body to bathe in that’s all natural and safe for the environment.

#8 What’s the “catch”?

There is NO “catch”!

If the product doesn’t work to keep your water clean, clear and smelling good, if you don’t appreciate time saving and lack of frustration, and, if your skin doesn’t feel soft and smooth without itching or flaking after using your hot tub, return it for a FULL REFUND

What have you got to lose?

Stop soaking in a vat of chemicals. Make the switch to SilkBalance today! Available at Olympic Hot Tub Company’s estore for quick shipment anywhere in the U.S. and all Olympic Hot Tub stores.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter

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A Hot Tub at Home Saves Times, Energy and Money

March 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

How can a hot tub at home save you time, energy and money? Find out now by taking this mini-quiz.

1. Do you take long, hot showers/baths to help soothe sore muscles, the pain of arthritis, or just to make you feel better?

2. Do you take long hot showers/baths to help you sleep or relax?

3. Do you take long hot showers or baths to help you warm up in the winter?

4. Do you go to a chiropractor, physical therapist or masseuse on a regular basis for pain relief or relaxation?

5. Do you take your family or spouse on mini vacations just to get a break from your daily routine? Or, how about expensive meals out to get a private moment together?

6. Are you longing for a healthy alternative to medication or alcohol for relaxation/stress relief?

7. Have you been wishing for a time and place for family togetherness now that your family eats fewer meals together?

If you answered “YES” to one or more of the questions in our mini quiz, a hot tub at home will save you time, money and energy as well as being a natural alternative for pain and stress relief. A hot tub at home will become the family gathering place that gives you a time for closeness, a break in your daily routine and a mini-vacation every day.

For FAR less than the cost of a tank of gas, you can operate an energy efficient Hot Spring Spa. Today’s Hot Spring Spas are so energy efficient, most owners say they don’t notice the cost on their utility bill.

For under $100 a month on approval of credit you can choose between 11 models of spas at Olympic Hot Tub Company. All of the ways most people use to address their needs for relaxation, stress and pain relief as well as family closeness, cost far more than the monthly cost of operating and owing a Hot Spring Spa. For all of the benefits a hot tub provides, can you really afford to be without one?

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter

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Hot Tub Soaking Now That it’s Daylight Savings Time- What to do? Cloud Watch!

March 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Daylight savings time has changed our hot tub soaking! All of that light in the evening between 6 and 7 when we it used to be dark has made a big change in our hot tubbing.

First of all, we have to wear suits to avoid the prying eyes of the neighbors looking down on our roof top deck.

Second, we’ve been watching the stars, planets and satellites all winter. Now it’s light. What to do? We took up cloud watching.

Until there’s an iphone cloud app, we’re entranced by the work of an intrepid Englishman, Gavin Pretor-Pinney who is  founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, a global organization dedicated to clouds. We’ve been following his website and trying to learn about clouds and name them as they go by.

His new book “Cloud Collector’s Handbook” is a portable form of the society’s website.  It’s for anyone who spends time gazing at the sky, more or less idly, wondering about the names or nature of its vaporous shapes as we’ve been doing. It’s a practical guide that can be tucked away in a pocket or taken out to the hot tub (!) or read on a plane, ready for those moments when you spot a juicy cloud shape and wonder what it’s called and how it formed.

The model is clearly bird-watching, whose enthusiasts have all sorts of field guides for their hobby. Each entry in the cloud handbook includes color photographs of a particular type of cloud (all taken by members of the Cloud Appreciation Society!) and a space for sky-watchers to inscribe the proud moment and place where they spotted . . . well, what was that, exactly?

Most likely, it was one of the 10 great species of clouds, beginning with low- altitude cumulus (“cotton-wool puffs”), stratocumulus (“a low layer or patch of cloud”) and stratus (a “gray overcast layer”)  and so on. Don’t miss the photos of clouds that look like things on the website.

As with bird watching, the initial phase soon gives way to a mad desire to spot the more elusive and rare species. The “crown jewel” of cloud spotting, Mr. Pretor-Pinney reports, is a particular type of undulatus known as a Kelvin-Helmholtz cloud. It appears only fleetingly and looks like a series of Hokusai’s waves breaking across the sky, as if the Japanese master had wielded a cloud-brush on an immense blue scroll.  That’s a Kelvin-Helmholtz cloud on the left.

If you see this one while soaking in your hot tub, you get at least double points! Send us a photo of your favorite cloud shape taken from your hot tub.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter

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Olympic Hot Tub’s Valet Service Can Spring Clean Your Hot Tub!

March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s the second day of Spring and all thoughts to a clean hot tub, right?

Why do it yourself? Trust your hot tub to Olympic Hot Tub Company’s professional Valet Service.

You can relax!

We take the work out of relaxing. You’ll find your hot tub clean and ready whenever you want to use it.

Even though Hot Spring Spas are the easiest in the world to care for, so many of you asked for a valet service that we responded, “Yes!”.  This  service has grown to a three man full time Valet Crew.  We’re ready!

Choose any of the services listed below or select one of our on-going valet packages. Tired? Busy? Save your valuable time and energy. Have it done right with Olympic’s Valet Service.

WE CAN:

· Drain and Refill including cleaning water lines, detailing your hot tub shell, cleaning and/or replacing filters, cleaning and conditioning your cover and pillows.

· Give a water care lesson.

· Do “hot tub openings”  (if you’ve closed your hot tub for winter) when  you’re ready to use it in the spring.

· Perform a Complete Hot Tub Inspection if you’ve just bought a new home with a hot tub or haven’t used yours in awhile.

· Provide complete Valet Maintenance: weekly, bi-monthly, quarterly or yearly.

The weather has been so BAD that interest in Valet Services has begun early this year.

” Spring Special” : Save $50. on one time Valet Service. Save $100. on all Valet Service packages. Use the code word: “BLOG” when you call to receive the special.  Good through Friday, April 1st.

Makes a thoughtful gift for a busy spouse.  We service most Puget Sound area locations.  Call Olympic Hot Tub Company’s Service Center 206 431-2876 today to schedule or stop by or call any of our stores.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter.

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Hot Tubbing and the Brain

March 18, 2011 By 2 Comments

As we continue our celebration of  Brain Awareness Week, I’m reminded what many of our Olympic Hot Tub customers call their hot tubs: “think tanks.”

Years ago I sold a Hot Spring Classic to a woman who had been working 6-ten  hour days a week. She had the hot tub installed and began to use it every night after a long day.  She was surprised to find that her mind became so relaxed in the hot tub that new ideas bubbled up with no effort on her part.

Soon an idea percolated up to her consciousness that when put in place would allow her to earn twice as much in half the time.

She never did share her secret for making twice the income in half the time, but her use of the hot tub as a “think tank” was a turning point for her and many, many others since.

So take a cue from Rodin’s “The Thinker”.  We all need a place to get away and think..if not to actually think, to calm the chattering brain and sort out all the input from the day. The world is becoming more complex everyday. As we try to keep up, our brains which were designed for far less input, are not able to keep up.

Give yourself and your brain a break by soaking in your hot tub nightly to restore your mind and to let those great ideas bubble up. You will get your best ideas while relaxing in your hot tub also known as “think tank”.  I guarantee it!

Have another name for your hot tub? Send it in. Whatever you call it, we’d love to hear it. Our goal: 101 names for hot tub.

And, if you’ve gotten a terrific idea while soaking in your “think tank” Olympic Hot Tub, share it, won’t you?

SANUM PER AQUA- Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company on Twitter.

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Working Out in A “Brain Gym”? Hot Tub Before Doing Mental Gymnastics

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Wall Street Journal reported on  “brain gyms” last year which prompted a flood of articles touting mental gymnastics for staying alert, sharp and “cognitively healthy”. Especially popular with baby boomers , brain gyms offer a number of ways to work out on 20 computer stations loaded with “mental fitness” software, including a “neurobics circuit” that purports to stretch the brain. Sounds great, doesn’t it??!

The centerpiece of most outlets is a computer lab equipped with special software according to the trade group Brain Gym Interntaional.  Like gym rats who hit the weight machines or take Pilates classes, some users of the new technology say they prefer working with personal trainers. Individual sessions are spent doing things like mental-fitness assessments and relaxation exercises in addition to basic cognitive training.

Even community centers and retirement homes are offering “brain gyms” to help residents stay sharp.

The Journal reported that thousands of Americans are choosing to join these so-called  “brain gyms” springing up around the country. Similar brain-teaser programs are available on home computers, sometimes free of charge. However,the scientific jury is still out on usefulness of any such software at a “brain gym” or on your home computer.

Have you joined a “brain gym” or do “brain exercises” online? If so, increase your performance by soaking in your Hot Spring Spa BEFORE a session.  The increased blood flow to the brain as a result of  hot tub soaking helps with alertness and mental acuity!  Do a controlled test on yourself.  Do the “exercises” without soaking for a week. Then, soak and do the “exercises”.  Send us your results!

Your health-mental and physical is your most important asset. Soaking is good for you in more ways than one!

SANUM PER AQUA Latin for Health Through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company on Twitter.

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Did you Know? Hot Tub Soaking Increases Circulation to the Brain. It’s a Good Thing!

March 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s  Brain Awareness Week and I know you want to hear about hot tubbing and the brain.

I’ve been a longtime fan of Dr. John Medina, who holds dual professorships at the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific. Turns out, he is an Olympic Hot Tub Company customer! He and his wife own a 
hot tub from Olympic.

His book, “Brain Rules” is a must read for the health and preservation of your most precious asset-your brain. In “Brain Rules” he outlines 12 rules for taking care of your brain. #3 is STRESS as in stress reduction! He documents the effects on the brain while under stress. Learning is far diminished and the brain can’t function at it’s normal rate.  Did you know that stress damages cognition in every way that cognition can be measured? The human brain is designed to function when we’re walking 20 km a day and eating small bites along the way. That’s the opposite of what we do to ourselves in a sedentary world punctuated with big meals at long intervals.  To survive, the brain needs increased blood flow..aerobic exercise is a key!  And, soaking, yes, soaking in your hot tub will help, too.  BIG NEWS: Hot tub soaking increases  circulation!

I’m not suggesting that you give up aerobic activity in favor of sitting and soaking. But think about the physiology of hot tub soaking. When you’re immersed in hot water water, the volume of blood in your chest cavity and in your heart increases dramatically. This is due to the hydrostatic pressure on your body and the effects of being in a buoyant state: Your heart’s ability to pump blood goes up, while at the same time, your heart rate goes down. Your cardiovascular system becomes far more efficient, and that affects just about every function of the human body including the brain.

Stay tuned.  BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK March 14–2o is a once a year reminder to take care of your marvelous, miraculous, incredible brain!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health Through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company on Twitter.

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Lose Weight While You Sleep! Guarantee a Good Night’s Sleep: Soak in Your Hot Tub

March 11, 2011 By 2 Comments

Sleep more and weigh less? Is this true? Sounds like a fairy tale or urban rumor.  But, according to research conducted at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, women who get at least seven hours of shut eye a night are getting beauty rest and more. They’re preventing significant weight gain over time. This study found that the likelihood of major weight gain-33 pounds or more-rose 32% for women who slept only five hours a night. These women were also 15% more likely to become obese than the longer sleepers.

Even after analysis of diet and activity levels of longer and shorter sleepers, scientists found no differences that explained why those who got less sleep weighed more. In fact, those who slept less also ate less, but they also tended to exercise less. It is possible that reduced slumber affects the number of calories burned at rest (basal metabolic rate) and translates into weight gain over time.

What’s the bottom line for weight loss? Getting a good night’s sleep is the best strategy for maintaining a healthy weight. And, how to get that good night’s sleep? You can find many suggestions on the American Sleep Association website.  One of the best is to soak in your hot tub or hot bath at least 2 hours before bed for 15-20 minutes at 102-104 degrees. As your body cools, you’ll be ready for a deep relaxing sleep and that all important weight loss!

A bath tub will not give you the same benefit. There are no jets to relax you and the water does not say at 102-104 degrees for the twenty minutes soaking time required for deeper sleep.

Want to lose weight? Get more sleep by taking a nightly soak in your Hot Spring Spa!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company on Twitter.

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