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Splash into Fun: Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Your New Pool

Imagine the sun gently warming your skin as you lounge by the shimmering water, the sound of laughter filling the air as your loved ones splash and play. A new Secard pool can be a luxurious addition to any home, providing endless hours of relaxation and entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to cool off on a hot summer day, here are the top five ways to fully enjoy your new pool.

  1. Create a Relaxing Oasis: Transform your poolside into a serene retreat that beckons you to unwind. Set up comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and even a hammock to create cozy nooks where you can soak up the sun or enjoy a good book. Adding potted plants, fragrant flowers, and soft lighting will enhance the ambiance, creating a tranquil atmosphere for ultimate relaxation.
  2. Host Epic Pool Parties: Invite friends and family over for unforgettable poolside gatherings. Create a playlist of upbeat tunes that will set the mood and keep the energy high. Set up games like water volleyball or basketball, or add inflatable pool toys for extra fun. Consider providing floats, noodles, and other pool toys to ensure everyone has a blast. Don’t forget to stock up on refreshing beverages and delicious snacks to keep the party going.
  3. Fitness and Wellness: Make the most of your new pool by incorporating fitness and wellness activities. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that works your entire body. You can also try water aerobics, which are gentle on joints and provide a challenging workout. Install a pool side sauna or hot tub to unwind after a workout or for a relaxing soak under the stars. With your pool, staying active and prioritizing your well-being becomes a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
  4. Family Bonding Time: Create lasting memories with your loved ones through quality family time in the pool. Plan regular family swim sessions where you can play games, teach your kids how to swim, or simply have heartfelt conversations while floating in the water. Encourage water safety and ensure that everyone understands the rules and guidelines to make the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone. Your pool can become a hub for strengthening bonds and creating cherished moments.
  5. Nighttime Magic: Experience the enchantment of swimming under the stars with a beautifully lit pool. Install underwater LED lights or floating lanterns to illuminate the water, casting a mesmerizing glow. Set up a fire pit nearby, and enjoy a cozy evening gathering with loved ones. The combination of water, light, and the warmth of a crackling fire will create an atmosphere of pure magic, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting.

Conclusion: A new Secard pool brings with it a world of possibilities for relaxation, recreation, and family fun. By creating a serene oasis, hosting lively parties, prioritizing fitness and wellness, fostering family bonding, and enjoying the magic of nighttime swimming, you can make the most of your pool and create unforgettable memories. Embrace the joy of your new pool, and let it become a cherished sanctuary that brings happiness and tranquility into your life.

So grab your towel, put on your sunscreen, and splash into the excitement that awaits you in your own backyard oasis.

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woman relaxing in hot tub

Top 5 Secrets to Keep Your Hot Tub Sparkling Clean

Owning a hot tub is a fantastic way to relax and unwind, however proper maintenance is essential in keeping it clean and inviting. Regular cleaning and care will not only ensure the longevity of your hot tub but also help maintain its sparkling appearance. In this blog, we will share the top five secrets in keeping your hot tub sparkling clean, allowing you to fully enjoy its therapeutic benefits.

1. Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a clean hot tub. Establishing a regular cleaning routine will prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and harmful bacteria. Here’s a suggested cleaning schedule:

  1. Drain and Refill: Drain and refill your hot tub every three to four months, or as needed. This helps remove any accumulated impurities and refreshes the water.
  2. Surface Cleaning: Wipe down the hot tub’s surfaces with a non-abrasive cleaner weekly or bi-weekly. This will prevent the buildup of grime and keep the shell surface looking pristine.
  3. Filter Maintenance: Clean or replace the hot tub filter regularly. Rinse it with water every week and deep clean it with a filter cleaner at least once a month to ensure proper filtration. You can even run it thru the dishwasher cycle to deep clean the filter occasionally.

2. Balance Water Chemistry: Maintaining balanced water chemistry is crucial for a clean and safe hot tub environment. Here are the key aspects to monitor:

  1. pH Level: Test the pH level regularly using test strips or a digital tester. Keep the pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 for optimal comfort and sanitizer effectiveness.
  2.  Sanitizer Levels: Maintain proper sanitizer levels, such as chlorine or bromine, to kill bacteria and prevent algae growth. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and test the levels frequently.
  3. Total Alkalinity (TA): Ensure the total alkalinity remains within the recommended range of 80-120 ppm. This helps stabilize the pH level and prevents drastic fluctuations.
  4. Calcium Hardness: Keep the calcium hardness levels between 150-250 ppm to prevent
    scale buildup. Adjust as needed based on your hot tub’s specific requirements.

3. Shocking the Water: Regularly shocking the hot tub water is essential to eliminate organic contaminants and maintain water clarity. Shocking oxidizes these substances, leaving your hot tub fresh and inviting. Follow these steps:

  1. Choose a non-chlorine shock or chlorine-based shock treatment based on your sanitizer system.
  2. Shock the hot tub water once a week or after heavy use, such as a party or large gathering.
  3. Follow the instructions on the shock treatment package for the correct dosage and wait time before using the hot tub again.

4. Proper Hot Tub Cover Care: The hot tub cover plays a vital role in keeping your spa clean. Here’s how to maintain it effectively:

  1. Clean and condition the cover regularly using a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. This helps remove dirt and protect against UV damage.
  2. Inspect the cover for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or tears. Repair or replace the cover as necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
  3. Remove snow, leaves, and other debris from the cover promptly to prevent them from falling into the hot tub.

5. Regular Jet and Plumbing Maintenance: The jets and plumbing in your hot tub can accumulate residue and impurities over time. To keep them clean and operating smoothly:

  1. Use a hot tub jet cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will remove any buildup and ensure optimal jet performance.
  2. Flush the plumbing system periodically by using a specially formulated plumbing cleaner. This will help remove any biofilm or deposits that may accumulate within the pipes.

Conclusion: By following these top five secrets, you can keep your hot tub sparkling clean and enjoy a luxurious and hygienic spa experience. Regular cleaning, balanced water chemistry, shock treatments, cover care, and jet maintenance are the keys to maintaining a pristine hot tub for years to come. So, escape and enjoy the ultimate relaxation in your backyard sparkling oasis!

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When is the pool temp just right?

Don’t ask members of the Polar Bear Club how warm it has to be to swim. These winter swimmers plunge into the Atlantic Ocean every Sunday from November until April and revel in the chill. Swimming temperatures are a matter of preference — some people can tolerate much colder temperatures than others.

According to The United States Water Fitness Association, water temperatures for younger children and the elderly will generally need warmer temperatures ranging from 84 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, while a comfortable pool temperature for adults is 85 to 89 degrees. If you are swimming for fitness, cooler temperatures of 78 to 84 degrees are recommended.

Furthermore, according to USA swimming the following are some general water temperature guidelines:

82 degree water (and lower)

  • Competitive swim team training
  • Adult aerobic lap swimming
  • High intensity vertical water exercise

Note: The ideal air temperature for these activities is 78-80 degrees; never higher than 82 degrees. The more aerobic the activity, the lower the air temperature needs to be.

86 – 88 degree water

  • Learn-to-swim
  • Moderate vertical water exercise and water walking
  • Younger age (10-under) swim training
  • Low intensity lap swimming
  • Synchronized swimming
  • Recreational swimming

Note: The ideal air temperature for these activities is 82-84 degrees; never higher than 84 degrees and slightly lower is OK.

90 – 92 degree water

  • Aquatic therapy
  • AiChi
  • Learn-to-swim for children

Note: The ideal air temperature for these activities is 84 degrees; never higher than 84 degrees and slightly lower is OK.

While there seems to be a very small range of optimal temperatures for swimming, aquatic exercise and aquatic therapy, the good news is that our bodies can adapt to temperatures quickly.

As far as warm water goes, the preparation for handling it isn’t as well researched, but it’s best to keep warm water for lounging around in.

If you’re looking for a perfect pool temperature, not too hot, not too cold, 77 – 82 degrees (25 – 28°C) may be the way to go according to most recreational swimmers.

Keep it cool for competitions

In most cases, pools should be comfortable, and the average swimmer will agree with this. However, there are times where swimmers aren’t interested in how the water feels. Instead, they’re interested in going as fast as humanly possible.

Competitive swimmers require different conditions than the average participant. According to USA Swimming, competitive swimmers are one of the few categories where lower water temps are preferred for best results. Lower water temperatures equal to or lesser than 82 degrees are generally cold enough for athletes competing or training. Any warmer, and swimmers may overheat in the water and their performance may suffer. Temperatures in the low 80s and high 70s are also recommended for adult aerobic lap swimming and any other high intensity water exercises.

What is the best water temp for beginners?

According to the United States Water Fitness Association, most pools across the country rest between 86 and 88 degrees. This is the temperature that most people find comfortable when first learning how to swim. Some age groups may benefit from slightly more targeted temperature ranges, such as 3- to 5-year-olds at 86 to 90 degrees and 6- to 13-year-olds at 84 to 86 degrees, but no serious injuries will result from a pool that hovers around the high 80s.

This temperature is also perfect for recreational swimming activities, synchronized swimming, diving, water walking and low-intensity lap swimming. You should also note that water and air temperature are two sides of the patron safety coin. Activities that cause swimmers to breathe harder require cooler air, and a pool between 86 and 88 degrees should never have air higher than 84 degrees around it. Slightly lower air temperatures don’t cause immediate problems either.

Higher temperatures are beneficial for Aquatic therapy

If cooler pools are better suited for high-intensity activities such as competitive swimming and athletic training, While pools should be never above 95 degrees, anywhere in the 90-92 degree range creates a comfortable, yet therapeutically warm environment for older swimmers or infants and toddlers learning how to swim or preforming aquatic therapy and exercise. Higher temperatures stimulate blood flow to the muscles and can reduce joint pain.

Find the sweet spot

Odds are that your pool will host more than just one of the above types of swimming activities. Is there a single temperature that you can set your pool at to keep every type of swimmer happy?

According to the Washington Post, that answer is yes – 85 degrees. Donny Wensinger, manager of Virginia’s Great Waves Waterpark, told the news source that 2014’s mild summer caused him to experiment with his temperatures. Above 85 degrees, Wensigner had packed parking lots, long lines and crowded pools. Below that number, the people disappeared.

We can help!

For help regulating your pool’s water temperature, contact or visit Secard Pools at one of our 7 locations for information on our heating options.

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How a spa will help you sleep better at night

Most of us can say we’ve experienced a sleepless night or two in our lives and remember the effects of it the following day. The headache, the lack of concentration, the increased awareness of even the most minor aches and pains, and just feeling emotionally drained. I think most of us can say we know how not getting a restful night’s sleep can just flat our ruin our day.

The sad truth is that in our fast-paced, stress filled lives; we’re experiencing these sleepless nights on a more frequent basis. We are constantly trying to keep our heads above water, so to speak. With work, kids, and social life, we run our bodies down. Which leads me to ask why we don’t focus on one of the most important keys to keeping us going; how to get a better night’s rest and enjoy our lives?

I don’t think we realize how much sleep plays a role in the proper functioning of our bodies. While sleeping, your brain is preparing itself to function properly. It’s forming new pathways to help you learn better and retain information. The health benefits of sleeping are tremendous: your blood cells and heart are repairing themselves, and hormones which are responsible for making you feel hungry or full are balancing out. Sleeping also affects how your body reacts to insulin along with how well your immune system functions; sleep deprivation can alter your immune system which is crucial in fighting against sickness and disease.

Not only does sleeping have tremendous benefits, but the lack of it has serious health ramifications. Lack of sleep can lead to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and risk of stroke. Sleep deprivation can be deadly when it comes to driving; the ability to drive while sleep-deprived is estimated to be almost the same as driving drunk.
So what can we do to sleep better at night? More importantly, how do we get the deep sleep which we benefit most from? Studies show that your body temperature naturally cools down when you fall asleep; this process helps you go into a deep sleep, which is the most beneficial type of sleep. One way to help this process is to raise your body temperature before you go to bed to ease into this process. Relaxing for about 15-20 minutes in a spa about an hour before bed can ensure your body temperature is elevated and the process of cooling down takes place easing your body into the deep sleep it desperately needs.

But it doesn’t stop there! The hydrotherapy from a spa promotes relaxation and eases tension in joints and muscles, reducing the chances that these aches and pains will keep you awake at night. Using a spa promotes the release of endorphins which naturally block stress and pain signals from going to the brain as well, again preparing the best odds for your body to be at ease to fall into a deep sleep. Using a spa regularly before bedtime clearly increases your chances of a better night’s rest, which leads to a better, healthier, more productive lifestyle.

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The Joe Secard Story

To a New York native the concept of summertime in California was full of images of backyards and outdoor barbeques, enjoying the sun like no where else in the nation.  To Joe Secard, this connotation was especially important.  Born and raised in Utica, New York, he and his wife Mary Ann moved to California seeking this utopia shortly after they wed in 1955.  The two eventually bought a home in La Puente and in 1958 Joe decided to fully embrace his new place of residence and purchased a Doughboy pool.  Shortly after, a neighbor of his with small children voiced his intentions to do the same, and thus an idea was born. Joe found a wholesale dealer in downtown Los Angeles and purchased a brand new Doughboy.  Bringing it home to his neighbor, he was able to sell it and make a $35 profit.  Though when he bought his original pool he had no intention of selling, Mr. Secard saw a need in the market and an opportunity that could not be passed up.  Word began to spread through his neighborhood and soon others wanted to purchase this new luxury from Joe. For the next two summers Joe bought and sold wholesale Doughboy pools out of his backyard.  As his demand grew larger, he decided to run a classified ad for a never used pool still in the box.  The response was so great he began to be able to buy in bulk. Throughout this period, Joe had been working as a machinist to make a living.  In the summer of 1960 he took a two-week vacation from his job to allow his sole focus to be on the pools.  He was so overwhelmed by the response and success during these weeks that he told his boss he could not go back to his job. Now fully committed to the pool business, Joe spent the remainder of the year researching, collecting data, and looking for a location for his first store. In 1961 he found the right one and the very first Secard Pools retail store was opened in Pico Rivera. By 1963 there was a definite demand to open more stores.  At this time, Joe’s four siblings were still living in New York.  Capitalizing on his chance, he moved all four of them out to California, along with his mother and father, and put them to work in four new stores. At this time, the stores were only open April through August, as people were only buying pools during the hot summer months.  Brainstorming how to allow the stores to stay open year-round, Joe came up with the idea to sell billiard tables.  He implemented this and since 1964 the stores have been open all twelve months. As the company grew and developed, Secard Pools was able to branch out and differentiate the products sold.  The Islander pool was developed and they began physically digging and building pools, rather than just selling above ground models.  Additionally, there became a market for pool accessories and maintenance items, all of which are still sold in Secard stores today. Throughout the years, Joe learned along the way what worked in the business and consequently, what not to do.  Coming from humble beginnings, Joe was not a very educated man, but nonetheless attests his successes to a keen “common sense” – one that has made him infinitely wise.

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Online reviews for Secard Pools

 

I learned in a recent study that 72% of consumers are influenced by reviews posted online. Funny enough, that statistic is supported by the fact that you are currently reading this blog and hopefully considering purchasing one of our products. A great deal of the customers that Secard Pools has earned over the past 55 years, have come by word of mouth. In today’s social network savvy world, word of mouth is no longer spoken between friends and neighbors. Instead, experiences are more commonly blogged about on public forums and review sites. We love this. It gives us the opportunity to reach a broader audience and even more importantly, allows us to hear what people are saying about our company. It sure is exciting to see all of the positive response but with 10 locations servicing over 10,000 customers a year, we may sometimes fall short of our high customer service standards. Sure, the weight of a less than favorable review can sometimes feel like a blow to the gut, but it’s in this moment that we learn the most about ourselves. It’s in this moment that we stand above our competition and take action for our customers. Having the opportunity to improve the way we service our customers is one of our greatest privileges.

With review sites popping up on the radar daily it is sometimes hard for consumers to sift through the multitude of pages to find anything helpful. Therefore, we’ve created our own review site at www.secardpoolsreviews.com at an attempt to create a “one stop shop” for reviews about Secard Pools. Good, bad or indifferent, this website was created to allow our customers to have a place where they can sound off and be heard directly by the management of Secard Pools. We care about our customers and want you to be heard.

Now, let’s talk about the obvious here. Not all reviews are credible. A little hard homework and some online searching will tell you that there are some companies out there that businesses actually pay just to sit and write positive reviews for them. You should understand that this type of dishonesty is beneath our business practices and you will never find manufactured reviews on our site. This is also why you will not find only 100% positive reviews on secardpoolsreviews.com. We believe that an honest experience will get us more in return than paying for fake appreciation.

So, to speed up the process of deciding whether or not to buy from us, we have already laid some of the groundwork by pulling existing reviews from well renowned websites like Yelp, Google, Yahoo & Customer lobby and posted them directly on the site. Each of our locations has been given its own segment and we appreciate any feedback you would like to offer. You can go directly to our review site by clicking HERE.

For immediate attention, I’m here to help. Should any of our customers ever feel something is not right, have an unresolved issue or would like sing the praises of their favorite Secard representative, I can be contact directly at:

Aaron Gapasen
Sales Manager
Secard Pools & Spas
9292 9th St.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 980-6744
aaron@secardpools.com

 

 

 

 

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How to Make Your Spa Last: Tips for Smooth Year after Year Operation

A spa is just like anything else that’s built to enjoy and use on a regular basis and requires a moderate amount of care and maintenance. If the care of your spa is provided as a routine part of ownership, it will continue to give you years of enjoyment. Neglect of anything, including your home spa, results in damage, decay and repairs. The bottom line? Be nice to your spa and it will be nice to you. Let’s take a look at some of the basics:

Water and Chemicals

Keeping your spa’s water clean and clear benefits the health of both you and the spa. Oils from your skin, suntan lotions, detergent residue from bathing suits and grime should be controlled. All of these not only degrade your water; they can also harm your spa’s equipment and components. This is the benefit of keeping the proper chemicals and additives in your water. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed. If you have hard water in your area, use a product to balance your calcium levels. Excess calcium levels lead to scaling and erosion of your jets and mechanical equipment. If you use the spa often or have several persons using the spa, drain and replace the water every 90 to 120 days.

General Maintenance

Keep your spa clean. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on the acrylic surfaces. Use only recommended cleaning agents specifically designed for spas and hot tubs. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for these. Cleaning the filter at least once a week will extend its life as well. Soak the filter once a month to loosen and remove residue and replace the filter about once a year. Make sure your pump, jets and filtration are operating properly and before using, always check your pH level and add chemicals as needed.

Cover

Your spa’s cover is designed not only to keep in the heat but also to protect you spa’s acrylic surface. Leaving your spa uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time can lead to cracks and blisters in the acrylic shell. This type of neglect will most often not be covered by the spa manufacturer’s warranty. Be sure to always keep your spa covered and locked down when not in use. You can extend the life of your cover by simply keeping it clean. Remove dust and debris buildup regularly with a wet rag or vinyl cleaning solution. After treating the water with chemicals, keep the cover off for at least 20 minutes. Do not run the jets at high speed while the cover is on the tub and clean the inside area with a dry cloth about once a week to remove damaging chemical residue. Lastly, spa covers are not designed to support any weight so refrain from sitting on or storing heavy items on top of your spa cover.

Make Repairs

Examine your spa for small problems while cleaning, adding chemicals or using. Catch problems early, make the necessary repairs and minor problems will remain minor instead of becoming big, costly problems.

Use Your Spa

Don’t let your spa sit idle. If you live where winter temperatures are prohibitive, winterize you spa or drain if needed. All other times, keep you chemicals balanced, perform routine maintenance and enjoy the use of your spa. Leaving the spa idle and ignoring routing maintenance will gradually cause deterioration of the water and your spa as well as the equipment. Take responsibility, keep your spa in good working order and use it. The care you give it will reward you with a spa that returns your investment year after year.

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Spa Ownership Energy Tips – Run Your Spa on Pennies per Day

A relaxing evening in the spa can be the best part of any day. It offers its user a sanctuary from the trials and worries of the office or a hard day’s work. The worst aspect of that relaxing period could be that you may be paying more than you should for those precious, peaceful moments. Heat loss and inefficiency in spas can be a drain on your electricity. On average, a spa costs over $360.00 annually to heat. Reducing heat loss is one way to lower energy usage and ultimately the costs of owning a spa.

If you’re in the market for a new spa, read on as we will discuss some of the features to look for. If you already have an energy hoarding unit that you’re not ready to part with, there’s a few tips we’ve addressed here for you as well.

New Features on Spas

To make owning a spa more affordable, manufacturers have come up with innovative ways to upgrade equipment and improve features on their tubs without aggressively affecting your pocket book. When shopping for a spa, ask your dealer about the energy efficiency of the unit. Here’s what to look for:

  • Spa CoversInsulated spa covers keep most of the heat inside the spa. Make sure your cover is equipped with straps that lock the cover down to the unit. Not only will you improve the safety aspect of your spa, but a tightly sealed cover greatly reduces heat loss from around the edges. Check to make sure your spa’s cover will be tapered or sloped; creating a run off for any excess rain water that may build up on the cover. As spa covers age, you may notice the weight of the cover increasing as the foam inside becomes saturated with moisture. Once this happens, replace the cover immediately as a water logged cover will have lost most of it’s insulating qualities.
  • Insulation — At minimum, the shell and plumbing of the spa should have a generous amount of insulation. Even though most heat is lost from the top, well-insulated interiors reduce heat loss from below. If you live in an area that experiences extremely low temperatures or snow conditions, ask about a “full foam” option. This encapsulates the entire underbelly of the spa with solid foam for optimum insulation.
  • Pumps — Energy-efficient pumps are becoming more common in spas. Make sure that your spa has at least one 2 speed pump for filtration. Most spas are pre-programmed to filter twice a day for two hours a day. Rather than going full bore for those 4 hours, running the filtration pump on low speed will greatly reduce the amount of electricity used.
  • Heaters — Modern heaters utilize improved heat transfer with less waste. An undersized heater will require your spa to run longer and draw more energy. If you are into the technical jargon, as a good rule of thumb you should have a 1.5 kilowatt heater in a 110 volt unit and a 5.5 kilowatt heater in a 220 volt unit.
  • Go Green – Not literally! “Going green” is not the fondest term in the pool and spa industry as it is sometimes associated with poor water chemistry. When discussing energy usage, “going green” means decreasing consumption of electricity and ultimately lowering your carbon footprint. Some spa manufactures specialize in just this. Ask your dealer to see their most energy efficient models. These units most often do not feature large jet quantities or the latest iPod stereo, but they certainly create a relaxing oasis on low energy usage.

Making an Existing Spa More Efficient

There are a few things you can do to improve your current spa. Some are common sense, others may not have occurred to you. Just a few steps can help you reduce the cost of operating your current spa:

  • You should never locate a spa on an open deck. If you have one on a deck, the open air beneath robs the heat from your spa. Underpin the deck with insulation board and siding if possible. This will help keep the temperature beneath the deck much warmer and prevent breezes from chilling your spa from below.
  • Lower the temperature of your thermostat when not in use. Keep your spa at 80 – 90 degrees and turn it up an hour or so before using. This will save energy over keeping it at a higher temperature all the time.
  • Use shrubs, privacy panels or fencing around the spa area as windbreaks to retain the spa heat better.
  • If your spa is equipped with them, make sure your air venturi valves are closed when the spa is not in use. An air venturi valve blends air from outside your spa with the water in the jets. Pumping cold ambient air inside the spa will drastically lower the temperature and cause it to constantly run trying to maintain its heat.
  • Turn the thermostat very low or off when on vacation.

You’ll get more spa for the money by following these few tips. Keeping operating costs down will increase your enjoyment, knowing your spa is costing you pennies per day instead of dollars.

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