Energy Efficiency Hacks!

Hot Tubs, Tips

For spa owners, the enjoyment of taking a relaxing, therapeutic soak is the goal. We’re pretty sure that a surge in your power bill is not anyone’s goal when it comes to hydrotherapy.

To help you not freak out at bill-paying time — at least when it comes to power bill-paying time — we’ve got some easy-to-follow hacks for you.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COVER

When you’re in the icy grip of winter and you’re trying to keep your house warm, you don’t leave a window cracked and let the cold air in. It’s no different with your spa. If you have a loose-fitting, or cheap cover, you might as well watch your power meter go round and round faster.

The Strong Spas Dura-Shield™ spa hard covers are not only super strong, they’re also engineered to provide the toughest protection and are the ultimate in thermal efficiency. They’re fully insulated with closed cell foam. The result? Heat stays in and cold stays out. That is very helpful to your power bill.

A LIGHT BREEZE IS NICE. WIND IS NOT.

Wind has a cooling effect on your heated spa when it blows over it. It also works as an evaporator. The result is you have to put more water in it and reheat it. The wind can also get into your spa if it’s not sealed properly and it can affect the heating ability of your spa. To combat the wind, consider installing a windbreak around your tub. Whether it’s a fence, privacy panels, a hedge, or something else, a windbreak can do wonders for the efficiency of your spa.

TWO DEGREES OF SAVINGS

Two degrees isn’t much. But it turns out that it can make a big difference in your spa’s energy consumption. Spas can be set to 104 degrees. But just turning your spa down to 102 degrees will naturally require less power to heat the water. Will you even notice that two degrees? There’s only one way to find out — try it.

SAVING ENERGY WITH SPA CONTROL SETTINGS

Dialing down your spa settings is another simple way to conserve energy. If it seems obvious, well it is. You can turn down your spa during periods when it’s not in use such as when you’re away or on vacation. You can turn down the heat in summer as well.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for more hot tub hacks!

December 1, 2018

Why you need a Strong Spa every season of the year!

Hot Tubs, Images, Tips

So, you are considering buying one of our Strong Spas…

What time is the best time to use one? Breaking down the seasons and benefits of #goingstrong!

Winter

There is snow on the ground and brisk weather conditions… summer is over, and it is now the season of shoveling and snowed in nights. With temperatures in single digits, muscles get tense and moods lower. It makes sense that everyone would need a pick me up at the end of the day.

What better way to defrost after a long cold day than a quick soak in a hot tub. Watch the snow fall while you stay warm in 101°F water. But what about when the snow falls? Will your cover take the weight of the heavy wet snow, or will it get damaged after the first Nor’easter that comes your way? Rest assured that when you buy a Strong Spa, whether it is the Elements, Premium, Summit, or Dura-Sport Series, that your Dura Shield™ will keep you covered! Our patented technology hardcover system is the best in class when it comes to protecting against the elements, with a lifetime warranty to boot!

Let your worries melt away into…

Spring

The weather is warming up but not quite the heat of summer. Long gone are the days of shoveling. However, the sunshine outside does not match the bitterness of the cold temperatures. You walk out expecting summer, yet get a rude awakening with the cold grasp of winter. Summer is right around the bend, and you yearn for its warmth.

This is the time for you to slip into a spa to help ease into warmer temperatures! Enjoy the sunshine and longer days that spring has to offer with a Strong Spa! If you suffer from seasonal allergies, let the heat help open your sinuses to ease sinus congestion, pressure, and headaches.

Summer

The temperature is rising and so is your to-do lists! With the nice summer weather comes a range of tasks ranging from get-togethers to countless days of mowing the grass! Whether it is hosting parties or having a few friends over, outside entertainment is always a plus!

Have two or three, or even five guests wanting to take a dip in your tub? You can fit them all including you, in on our tubs! In particular, our Plus models can hold up to seven people at once! Have fun with all your friends this summer while relaxing and unwinding at the same time!

Fall

One day the weather is in the 70’s, while the next day it is in the 50’s. Temperatures drop quickly during the fall, and with weather conditions like this, more illnesses seem to occur, such as the dreaded flu season. Taking vitamin C supplements and keeping hydrated are two key factors in playing it safe. However, you could do more!

Dipping into one of our spas boosts your immune system! Research shows that soaking in a hot tub decreases stress which could be linked to an increase in your immune system. Being proactive about your health by setting time aside to relax and enjoy our spas in the convenience of your home could create lasting effects on your health overall.

August 21, 2018

Hot tub feeling more like a Bubble Bath?

Hot Tubs, Tips

You lift up your cover and what do you see?

…Bubbles and not the good kind!

You try to scoop out the bubbly foam out and yet, the bubbles just keep coming back. Leaving you questioning how did this happen? An onset of the suds are annoying and can come out of the blue. Yet, with the right steps this can be prevented! Before you start dumping expensive chemicals into your spa consider these tips to help freshen up your water keeping it crystal clear!

1.Consider Your Detergent

More often than not, our bathing suits and swim trunks are the culprits to what is causing the suds in your tub. When you use too much detergent or fabric softener in your washing machines cycle, this can cause the excess soap to not wash correctly, resulting in leftover residue in clothes and your machine.

Combine leftover detergent residue with the power of our jets, and you have yourself a foaming Strong Spa on your hands. Consider using less detergent on your next load of laundry next time – you’ll be surprised with the outcome!

2.Body Products

Shampoos, conditioners, body washes – these all affect the chemical balance in your water! The more beauty products you use, the more likely buildup can occur. This build-up could lead to a sudsy situation.

Try to rinse off your body before you head into your tub to minimize the residue you introduce into your spa! In addition, regularly rinse or replace your filters to be proactive against product build-up.

3.Beverages

Spilled your sweet tea? How about your wine or beer? While there is nothing wrong with indulging in some ice-cold drinks, spilling drinks however, can lead to foaming water inside your Diamond Series Spa!

Make sure you utilize your cup holders to minimize your risk of spilling! Turn on your LED lights located around your cup holders as well to make sure you don’t misplace your drink!

4.Cheap Water Chemicals

We all love saving money! However, with cheaper chemicals comes more buildup of body oils and dead skin. Spa chemicals are something not to skimp out on. Cheap chemicals could lead to costly damage, or needing to invest in more products to be used to clean your spa. On our online Strong Spas store, we have all the chemical products you need to shock, treat, and maintain a healthy and cost-effective water treatment system with your spa. Using the right products, the first time ensures fewer chemicals purchased over time and a healthier water system that is better for your skin! This saves you time, money, and an overall better spa experience!

5.Poor Water Maintenance

Low calcium hardness could be terrible for your motors and equipment, which can also lead to bubbles forming in your tub. Make sure you test your calcium levels frequently Test strips help to accurately test your water levels in one, easy step!

Whether your levels are low or high, the management of your pH level is extremely important. Imbalanced levels can lead to a foamy tub. Making sure to keep an eye on your pH levels to ensure a clean tub for future use.

June 27, 2018

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Algae, Mold, or Mildew in Your Spa

Hot Tubs, Tips

When you invest in a Strong Spas spa, you can be confident you’ll enjoy a peak hydrotherapy experience that’s heavy on both relaxation and fun and takes the stress out of your hectic days.

It’s a great lifestyle choice that will add a healthy dose of wellness and fulfillment to your life, as well as your family and friends or whomever you choose to share your Strong Spas experience with.

To achieve optimum performance and longevity from your Strong Spas hot tub, you’ll want to be sure to take care of it with regular maintenance. That’s only common sense and we’re sure that’s your intention.

We also understand that things can get away from you. Cleaning and maintenance of your spa may fall through the cracks in your busy and connected life. You may go too long in between your spa cleanings, water treatment, or general upkeep.

Next thing you know, the water in your spa can appear to be discolored — that’s algae — or you’ll have a mold or mildew problem that can be slime on your spa shell or discolored patches.

Don’t worry, it’s not too late to correct things. But we strongly suggest not putting off any longer taking care of the issues and going into cleaning and correction mode.

At the first sign of algae, you’ll want to shock your spa water with a sanitizer. You may have to take the next step, however, and drain your spa and thoroughly clean it to include the jet nozzles and the filter. Your filter may also need to be replaced.

These are the basic steps you can take to correct any algae, mold, or mildew problems that have unexpectedly reared their ugly heads.

There’s one thing you can do, however, that is virtually a foolproof way of ensuring your Strong Spas experience will always be top shelf. It’s something that’s obvious, but also takes commitment and consistency.

The best way to deal with algae, mold, and mildew in your spa is prevention. It’s doing the little things, like checking water quality before you use your spa by using testing strips to measure alkalinity and pH levels. You can then easily correct these issues by balancing the chemicals.

Another little thing to fight the onset of algae, mold, mildew, or bacteria is something you should do occurs after you use your spa: Be sure to add a sanitizer.

Beyond that, get into a regular maintenance routine. Things like clean the filter thoroughly once a month and put some elbow grease into cleaning your spa cover — both sides.

Then two or three times a year, depending on frequency of use and how many people are using your spa, you can drain your spa, scrub it, and then refill it.

Another little thing to consider is to have an annual maintenance inspection by a professional. This is simply to ensure you’re not having any major or minor problems and to prolong the longevity of your spa.

The important thing to remember is that you’ve made an investment when you purchase a Strong Spas spa. Love it, care for it and it will love and care for you right back.

Download and review our manuals for helpful instructions on upkeep and maintenance.

June 6, 2018

Will a spa add value to your home?

Hot Tubs, Tips

It all starts with a vision. An idea to increase your property’s value by taking your outside space to the next level. But can a spa really take you there? Can adding a Strong Spa to your outdoor space actually increase the value of your home? With proper planning and a well-executed vision, you’ll find that adding a spa will not only enhance your outdoor experience, but can also add tremendous value to your property.

It’s no secret that home renovations can be risky and expensive, but studies show that successful outdoor renovations can add serious value to your home. According to a Virginia Tech study published by the SF Gate, a successful landscaping project can add upwards of 12.7% or $38,100 for every $300,000 of the sale price. So what’s the key to outdoor value? VISION. Rather than making your spa seem like an impulse buy that just sits in the corner of the property, the key is to incorporate your spa as a major focus of a well-designed outdoor landscape. Best practices to execute that plan can vary based on the owner’s interests and his or her target buyers, but here are a few ideas to maximize the appeal of your outdoor landscape and add serious value of your property:

MAKE IT A FOCAL POINT:

A spa is most likely going to be the largest and most expensive piece of your outdoor space, that being said, it’s important to design the rest of your landscape around the spa. Popular strategies are to introduce the spa with a beautiful stone or brick walkway. More elaborate ideas include surrounding the spa with a finished deck or placing it underneath an arbor or terrace. Keep in mind the color and design of your spa’s exterior so as to stay consistent with your vision.

STRATEGIC PLACEMENT:

Finding the proper placement for your spa is also very important. Avoid placing it far from the house, off in a secluded corner, or randomly somewhere in the center of the lawn. These placements will only make it harder and more expensive to design the surrounding landscape and will likely discourage you from using it in the colder months. Best practices would be to keep the spa close to the house, while utilize a single existing wall or railing. This placement allows easy access to the spa and still gives you plenty of options for the surrounding design.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN:

It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a cookie-cutter model for designing your outdoor space, so just have fun with it! Many beautiful spas are completed with a simple surrounding moat of pebbles or seashells. Other popular ideas include using nearby furniture or well-maintained plant-life to augment their spa’s appearance. Of course there’s always everyone’s favorite: FEATURES! Lights, speakers, fountains, waterfalls, and dozens of other dazzling features could be just what it takes to push a potential buyer over the edge and add tremendous value to your outdoor space.

Whether you’re looking to sell, or have plans to stay long-term, adding value to your property is always a plus. Instead of keeping the outdoor space as an afterthought, consider the benefits of making the outdoor space the focal point of your property. create a vision, enact a plan, and have fun watching your property value soar!

April 16, 2018

How to prepare your spa for spring

Hot Tubs, Tips

Depending on where you live, March can be the time to start thinking summer is around the corner. For some, that may not happen until April — maybe even May. When spring starts blooming and the days get longer and warmer, you might find your thoughts turning to your Strong Spas time.

Your spa, just like your yard, needs cleaning up in the spring. It needs a sprucing up to prepare for all the good times you will spend in it that are just around the corner.

Getting started on spring cleaning

It doesn’t matter if you use your hot tub during the winter or left it dormant. These easy steps are designed to ensure your Strong Spas experience will be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable for months to come.

The first thing to do is to clean around your tub and make sure it’s a clean area to work in. Leaves, dirt, twigs and other materials should be swept away before you start cleaning. You may even need to trim away shrubs and clear out any weeds that had crept in.

If you haven’t drained your spa over the winter, now is the time to do it and give it a good flush. To ensure the spa’s plumbing is free of build-up, we recommend using a spa system flush to clean out any gunk and stagnant water. The process is to drain and flush your spa and then give it a thorough cleaning before you refill it.

Even if you’ve already drained your spa for the winter, it’s still a good time to give it a flush to purge any stagnant water or buildup. Make sure to clean your spa cover and ensure it’s free of any mold or mildew.

A thorough spa cleaning and check the filter

When your spa is drained and dried, be sure to give it a deep, thorough cleaning that cleans out any molds or mildew or dirt. You can also give it a polish. Next, be sure to check the pumps, motors, valves, pipes, and the casings on the filters for rust, leaking, or if there’s any dirt or materials that have built up. In some cases if parts are damaged, you should replace them or you may need to call a technician to make repairs.

Next up is the filter. The filter shouldn’t be frayed or have materials that are coming apart. If that’s the case, replace it. Cleaning a filter in good condition is as simple as spraying it thoroughly with water to rid it of foreign materials that will clog it or cause buildup.

Getting the right chemical balance

Now that you’ve cleaned your spa, it’s time to refill it and ensure it’s running properly. Check all the jets and run through the various components making sure the pumps and filter are working properly.

The last thing to do before you enjoy a therapeutic Strong Spas soak is to check the water to ensure you have the right chemical balance. You can use testing strips or a water test kit to check the alkaline and acid levels and ensure your spa has the proper chemical balance.

When you’re adding chemicals, be sure to closely follow directions and don’t add all the chemicals at once. That will defeat the purpose of testing the water and getting the right chemical balance. We recommend continuing to check the chemical balance regularly, particularly because it’s likely you’ll be using your Strong Spas spa frequently.

Whatever your motivation for investing in a Strong Spas spa, whether it’s for relaxation, hydrotherapy, the spa lifestyle, sharing moments with family and friends, or a quite soak, or all of the above, a little spring cleaning will go a long way toward ensuring a great summer of soaking.

March 22, 2018