Hot Tub Maintenance in the Winter

Now that winter is well upon us, we must consider how to properly care for your hot tub during these colder months. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have a well functioning spa.

Water Changing

Before it get too cold out, you should change your water. Water should be changed once every 90 days or so. Try to time it before winter really strikes. If it already into the winter months and you need to change the water, the best thing you can do is get yourself a submersible pump to drain the water much faster. When refilling, make sure you refill the spa right away so that any left over moisture won't freeze. And turn it on right away to get that water heated again!

Electrical

Check electrical connections. It is important to check indoors that the breaker is in good order, outside at the GFCI to ensure it is protected and well connected, as well at the electrical connection within your spa pack. Visually inspect the electrical to ensure all connections are secure, as well as all components are connected. If there are any disconnections or anything faulty you have noticed, contact the electrician who hooked up your spa, as well as your local dealer.

Hot Tub Cover

Checking your hot tub cover regularly is a good way to ensure your water remains clean, and you aren't spending a fortune on hydro to heat the tub incase your cover needs replacing. Covers that are ripped, torn, water logged, uneven, or not sealing right indicate it is time to get a new cover. Life of a cover ranges from 5-8 years. At Factory Hot Tubs we can order you a high grade hot tub cover with the colour of your choosing, and will be ready in approximately 2 weeks.

Chemicals & Supplies

Are you stocked up on chemicals? Make sure you have all the essentials to properly maintain your water. There is no difference in the maintenance and use of chemicals in the winter time versus summer time. Nothing worse than wanting to use your hot tub in the winter and remembering you are out of something! If you don't want to leave the house, simply order your supplies from our online store at www.factoryhottubs.info and we will deliver it right to your door!

Power Failure

In the event of a power failure, leave the breakers in their on position, keep the cover on securely, and leave the water in. DO NOT DRAIN YOUR HOT TUB. A good well insulated spa should give you up to 3-5 days worth of remaining heat until you should need to worry about freezing. Typically power failures only last a few hours, but sometimes they can last a few days. In the event your power is still off past 4 days you can use a generator to power a block heater which can be fit inside the cabinetry. Otherwise, you will need to drain the hot tub and winterize it. Contact your local hot tub dealer for information on how to winterize your hot tub.

Platinum Elite Spas

Artesian’s Platinum Elite spas have standard features such as the AquaSerene water feature, two serenity-enhancing pop-up fountains that provide a constantly available source of visual and auditory tranquility. So sit back and enjoy the serene sound of the falling water or nestle under and feel the warm water trickle down your neck and back. The addition of a beautiful LED lighting system to your spa illuminates the texture and detail of the spa’s interior, as well as bringing to life the spa cabinet. Our LED light systems can be set on one favorite color, or the colors can slowly blend into one another, creating an impressive light show. The spas are without a doubt visually stunning. 

With a Platinum Elite you turn your backyard into an everyday oasis. Add a stereo system to complete your total escape; you have a few options such as: Bluetooth, patio speakers, iPod docking stations, pop-up speakers, etc. The LCD panel is user-friendly and controls the stereo.

Platinum Elites are far more than just aesthetically satisfying. Behind the elegant surface lies the most powerful, sophisticated system ever developed for moving and directing the flow of water in a spa. The DirectFlow controls are what really set the Platinum Elite’s apart from the rest of the pack. The DirectFlow technology combines switchless motors and the superior plumbing system of the Platinum Elite line to move more water volume through more jets with greater power and less resistance than any  other spa in the industry. Combining the DirectFlow technology and our patented Helix Jet System the Platinum Elites delivers a truly unique, luxurious, and unmatchable therapeutic massage. To put it simply, there is no spa in the world that can outperform a Platinum Elite.

Not only do the Platinum Elites outperform the competition, but they are also much more ergonomically designed. Each seat helps maintain an even weight distribution and correct posture when enjoying the powerful massage therapy of the Helix Jets. The bench seats allow you to swivel to not only massage your back, but your sides and arms too. The entire spa is designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort. And if all of the above isn’t enough to totally convince you how amazing the Platinum Elite spas really are how about a smart phone app? The spa industries first smart phone app designed to allow you change your filter cycles, temperatures, and other functions.

Hydrotherapy Jets

Hydrotherapy is an age-old form of healing and stress relief, and a huge part of hot tubbing. Artesian Spas have a variety of different jets and jet configurations to deliver deep tissue muscle massages for various parts of the body. It is based on three simple principles: heat, buoyancy and water movement.

Heat dilates the blood vessels and increases circulation in the body. This helps enzymes and endorphins work more rapidly and efficiently on areas of the body, such as muscles and joints, that have been strained, injured or stressed. Heat also helps cells more easily get rid of metabolic waste, which is replaced by oxygen and the body’s natural nutrients.

Buoyancy is a simple physics issue. The body weighs 90 percent less when suspended in water. Specific gravity is reduced, and pressure on the spine, muscle groups, ligaments and joints is significantly eased.

Hydrotherapy is the delivery of moving water to various parts of the body, is the final and critical ingredient to this process. All body systems benefit from hydro-massage. Stress, injury and poor posture can all cause muscle spasms and pain. Specifically directed jets of water stimulate and relax trigger points, which are highly sensitive “nodules” in the spasming muscle. Massage has also been shown to improve flexibility, increase circulation, and provide restorative benefits.

The jets we put into our spas are all developed to have the best effect possible for the user. Here are a few of the jets you’ll find throughout Artesian Spas:

Helix Jets

Artesian Spas features a revolutionary breakthrough in hydrotherapy jetting that makes use of the timeless concept of the helix, a three-dimensional, double-spiral form. This patented jet, aptly named the Helix, has been designed to provide a truly remarkable hydro-massage exclusive to Artesian Spas. Engineered from the concept of the double helix, the jets use a right-directional spiral on the inside of the cylinder. This causes water to spiral out in a twisting manner, providing jet pulsation and massaging pressure.

The two largest Helix jets, named ProHelix, provide a high volume of water to massage large muscles in the body. The midsize Helix, called TheraHelix, is strategically placed in small groups in the spa to massage muscles such as calf, hamstring, deltoids, biceps, and triceps. The smallest Helix jet, the AccuHelix, is placed in large groupings to massage larger regions of the body, such as the entire back. As a complete system, four to five different sizes of Helix jets are featured in every Artesian Spa model

Footblaster Jets

Treat yourself to the ultimate foot massage with the revolutionary new Footblasters. This innovative design features either one or two powerful jets that relieve tightness and relax muscles, melting away tension and pain in a matter of minutes. One soothing moment enjoying the Footblasters and you will agree that it is superior to any other foot massage.
Note: Available only on select spas.

Neck Jets 

Treat yourself to the ultimate neck and shoulder massage with these revolutionary jets. This innovative design features four powerful jets that relieve tightness and relax muscles, melting away tension and pain in a matter of minutes. One soothing moment enjoying the Neck Jets and you will agree that it is superior to any other shoulder or neck massage.
Note: Available only on select spas.

Remember to always ask a pro if you need help with your hot tub!

Please never hesitate to call us and ask questions we will happily service anyone in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Vaughan, North York, Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby, Ajax, Barrie, New Market, Hamilton, Ancaster, Brantford, Aurora Bradford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Peterborough, Lindsay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Orillia, Muskoka, Collingwood and all of Ontario.

Factory Hot Tubs is located at 1252 Speers Road Unit 9 Oakville Ontario. We're available to be reached at 416-619-5979 or through email at info@factoryhottubs.ca

Interested in owning a spa? Start your shopping on our website! www.factoryhottubs.ca

And be sure to check out our previous blogs, Twitter, and our Facebook page!

Specializing in: Hot Tubs, Therapy Spas, and Gazebos

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Hot Tub

There are tons of different chemicals and types of chemical systems on the market today. The following guide is for spa owners who use a lithium-chloride or chlorine.

Cleaning Your Spa A How to Guide

1. Drain your spa water every 3 to 4 months, depending on use. If your spa has an ozonator, changing your spa water may only be necessary every 8 - 12 months.
2. Add 1 part vinegar to 2 parts of water and sponge clean your spa shell. Rinse with fresh water and dry spa with towels.
3. Don’t forget to remove your pillows and clean behind those too!
4. The filter should be cleaned every month or more frequently for high bather loads. Soak overnight in a degreaser, or filter cleaner, then rinse well before replacing in spa.
5. Refill spa with fresh water to the recommended level. The water line should be approximately half way up the top skimmer.
6. You may want to bleed air from the filter canister and pumps to ensure the pumps will be primed. Look for tiny plastic thumb screws on your filter and your pumps and unscrew briefly to let the air escape.
7. If you have a timer, set your spa to filter on low speed for a minimum of 2 hours for every twelve hour period.
8. Let the water reheat, Enjoy your tub!

Weekly maintenance

1. Test your water for Chlorine, pH and alkalinity.
2. Adjust pH to 7.2 – 7.8 using pH up or pH down
3. Adjust alkalinity to 100-120 using AlkaRise or AlkaDown.
4. Add 1 capful of granular chlorine or lithium. Repeat every couple days or more frequently if using often.
5. Shock your water 2-3 times a week to keep your water looking crystal clear. One purpose of this treatment is to break-down organic waste contaminants which cause odor and cloudy water.  After treatment, water quality and clarity is often completely restored.
6. Rinse off your filter with high pressure fresh water. Soak the filter in cartridge cleaner monthly or more frequently if you have lots of people using the spa.
7. Use a descaler product once a week to prevent any time of calcium build ups and to protect the life of your tub

Remember to always ask a pro if you need help with your hot tub!

Please never hesitate to call us and ask questions we will happily service anyone in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Vaughan, North York, Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby, Ajax, Barrie, New Market, Hamilton, Ancaster, Brantford, Aurora Bradford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Peterborough, Lindsay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Orillia, Muskoka, Collingwood and all of Ontario.

Factory Hot Tubs is located at 1252 Speers Road Unit 9 Oakville Ontario. We're available to be reached at 416-619-5979 or through email at info@factoryhottubs.ca

Interested in owning a spa? Start your shopping at our website! www.factoryhottubs.ca

And be sure to check out our previous blogs, twitter, and facebook page!

Specializing in: hot tubs, therapy spas, and gazebos

  

TidalFit -- Experience the Ultimate

Beginner swimmer? Intermediate? Advanced? Don't want to swim, just exercise? Whatever your needs we have a TidalFit for you! No other exercise pool can match the standard features of the TidalFit. 

Swimming is one of the most inclusive forms of exercise because it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and all levels of fitness. It is considered to be the perfect exercise because it creates no stress on bones and joints. Also, swimming causes a person to utilize all major muscle groups, which results in improved muscle strength and endurance, enhanced cardiovascular conditioning, and improvement in overall flexibility. TidalFit pools can be equipped with a commercially rated pumping system that produces a current of 400 gallons of water per minute. This pump system is equipped with adjustable swim jets and variable flow controls that allow users of all levels of fitness to swim at their own desired level of intensity. Dual and quad adjustable swim jets are available for advanced swimmers or for those who wish to have a greater challenge. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke and strengthens the heart, not to mention relieving stress. In addition, regular exercise improves blood circulation, and keeps joints flexible.

If you’re not in the mood to swim, there are various other exercises you can do in your TidalFit including:

• Running/jogging on the spot
• Various strength training exercises
• Rowing 
• Stretching 
• And more

After your work out you can turn your TidalFit into a therapy spa! Relax and soothe your muscles after your workout with 14 different Helix jets being powered by a powerful pump and a Variable Flow Control system.  The hydrotherapy elements of heat, buoyancy, and massage work together to create an experience that is both relaxing and healing for one's body and mind. The benefits of relaxation are more than simply a refreshed mind and rejuvenated spirit. Did you know that there are significant health benefits associated with relaxation? Reducing stress, reducing or eliminating insomnia, and improving your reaction to stress and depression can decrease your chances of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Hydrotherapy is most easily defined as the therapeutic use of water. It has been used for centuries, and today is relied on as an aid in treating muscular pain, joint injuries and arthritis. In addition, hydrotherapy is used to relieve stress and achieve a sense of well-being.

These are the three models we currently build our TidalFit’s.

Dual Badu Swim Jet System
The Dual Badu jets provide the safest, most powerful swimming system available on the market today. Two large, adjustable swim jets provide a strong current and can be adjusted to a softer current for beginning swimmers. This system consists of a pair of swim jets powered by one commercial rated pump. Very powerful, for maximum performance.

Quad Swim Jet System
The quad system provides four adjustable swim jets for a powerful swim current and can be adjusted to a softer current for beginning swimmers. This system consists of four swim jets controlled by two powerful, commercial swimming pool pumps. Powerful system, for great performance.

No Swim Jets
Just interested in the pool without the swim jets? The SuperSwim Pro comes standard with all models giving you the ability to swim without the current. Get a great workout, relax, and have family fun time all here in your TidalFit.

These are the features that come standard, and are available for upgrade.

Standard Features

-	20" Cascade waterfall
-	2 Micron filters
-	Cover
-	Superswim Pro training system
-	Row bars
-	Resistance cords, clips, and handles
-	Adjustable circulation system
-	Grab bars
-	Floor sweeper jets

Upgrades

-	Hydrotherapy (with Helix Jets and VFC controls)
-	LED lighting
-	Sound system
-	Nature2
-	Pro Pure Ozone
-	Steps

For more information on our line of swim spas – the TidalFit, call us at 416-619-5979 to book an appointment. We have an experienced sales, and customer service team that can help you with whatever you need!

Factory Hot Tubs is a proud Canadian company, located in Oakville, Ontario at 1252 Speers Road just south of the QEW between 3^rd and 4^th line! We proudly sell and service customers in all of the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Vaughan, North York, Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby, Ajax, Barrie, New Market, Hamilton, Ancaster, Brantford, Aurora Bradford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Peterborough, Lindsay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Orillia, Muskoka, Collingwood and all of Ontario.

Specialists in: Hot tubs, Swim spas, Therapy spas, Hydrotherapy, Artesian Spas

FACTORY HOT TUBS

We at Factory Hot Tubs have been dedicated to delivering innovative products at superior prices while providing a customer-first environment that exceeds expectations in both quality and service. We have set new standards in the industry due to our exceptional knowledge and customer care. When you purchase a Spa from Factory Hot Tubs you become part of the family we so happily service! Factory Hot Tubs has built its reputation on our exceptional experiences from our satisfied customers. As Specialists, we sell only Artesian Spas! We do not confuse our business with anything else. By owning our commercial property we can afford to be able to offer top quality products for the lowest possible prices.

 

One look at an Artesian Spa and you’ll agree there’s no spa like it! An Artesian Spa provides a soothing environment to relax, reflect on your day, and allowing you to get the most out of life. Instead of dreaming of that expensive vacation, create your own vacation at home today! We help families celebrate their lives through an Artesian Spa.

Our focus is to improve the lives of our customers. We will help educate you and guide you in the right direction so you can make a purchase which will suit your lifestyle, taste, and budget. No matter which spa suits your needs, you will be getting the highest grade quality available and the best built spas on the market today!

At Factory Hot Tubs we have hot tub chemicals, supplies, accessories as well as hot tub covers that can be custom built for any hot tub make or model. We can provide hot tub service to your spa by our great group of hot tub technicians. Need your current tub moved? We also have professional spa movers that will handle your spa with care. And if that’s not enough we can refer you to electricians, master carpenters, or landscapers from our large network of professionals. Our team has come together with combined experience of over 60 years to deliver and satisfy all past, present and future members of our growing family.

Factory Hot Tubs is a proud Canadian company, located in Oakville, Ontario at 1252 Speers Road just south of the QEW between 3^rd and 4^th line! We proudly sell and service customers in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Vaughan, North York, Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby, Ajax, Barrie, New Market, Hamilton, Ancaster, Brantford, Aurora Bradford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Peterborough, Lindsay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Orillia, Muskoka, Collingwood and all of Ontario.

“Experience the Ultimate” at Factory Hot Tubs today!

How An Artesian Spa Is Built

Step 1   Engineer your tub

Millions of dollars are spent every year on research and development on Artesian Spas. There is no substitute for quality, which is why highly trained engineers design every detail to give you the ultimate experience!

Step 2   Choose a mold

Now that your spa has been engineered and designed it’s your choice as to which mold you want! The mold is all hand crafted allowing you to get exactly what you are looking for (example: a lounger, bench seating, etc). The mold has tiny holes drilled into it allowing the Acrylic to be vacuumed into the proper spa shape.

Step 3   Pick a Color

There are plenty of different colors of acrylic to choose from!  After you have chosen the color you prefer the acrylic is taken over to the oven/vacuum forming machine.

Step 4   Combine the Mold and the Color

Your mold is placed into the vacuum forming machine and your acrylic then placed over it. The acrylic is picked up by a machine and placed into an oven where the acrylic will be heated to become flexible and is now ready to be formed to your mold. The mold then vacuums the warm acrylic into shape. The acrylic is given sometime to dry and then lifted out of the mold.

Step 5   Strengthen Your Spa

The mold is flipped over and sprayed with fiberglass to strengthen your shell. After they have sprayed your shell it is then hand rolled to ensure that the entire spa is equally coated!

Step 6   Drill the Holes into the Spa

The holes are drilled into the spa so the jets can be placed into your spa! A very sophisticated vacuum makes sure no fiberglass is omitted into the air.

Step 7   Installing the Jets

Now that your holes are drilled the jets can now be installed. The jets are specifically placed into their housings. This is a very involved process, each jet is hand installed to ensure top quality!

Step 8   The Plumbing

Years ago PVC piping was used to build hot tubs, but now flex hose has been incorporated into building Artesian Spas. PVC piping had too many 90 degree turns, too much glue, and too many leaks. Now blue primer glue combined with flex hose allows for piping to expand, bend, and can be made very intricate. NO MORE LEAKS. The more jets in your spa, the more elaborate the plumbing!

Step 9   Installing the Cabinet

The spa shell and plumbing can now be attached to its pressure treated wooden frame.

Step 10 Installing your Accessories

Next step is to put the equipment into the spa, things like your heater, spa pack, and pumps. They are securely attached to the spa structure and then we are ready for water testing!

Step 11 Water Test

The spa is water tested twice! The water testing involves testing the pumps, heaters, electronics, lights and every single jet fitting. The spas go through a vigorous 200 point inspection to ensure top quality and no leaks!

Step 12 Insulate the Spa

Some manufacturers insulate with hard cell insulation directly on the spa acrylic, but most use full foam insulation. At Factory Hot Tubs we get all our spa’s insulated both ways! Then we take it one step further and vapor barrier the entire spa! Insulating your spa is very important; it’s what is going to save you the money in the long run.

Step 13 Install the Side Panels and the ABS Bottom

You pick the color and we install the siding. The siding is one of the last steps to a completed hot tub. It adds to the aesthetics of the spa and keeps all your interior components safe. An ABS bottom is fastened so no insects or rodent can get into your spa.

Step 14 Final Inspections and Wrapping

The spa is cleaned, inspected for perfection once more and then wrapped up and put on a truck and sent out.

Thanks for reading! Too see this process in more depth check out these videos! 

Factory Hot Tubs is proud to serve all of Ontario including: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton,Oakville,Burlington, Milton, Vaughan, North York. Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, Oshawa, Pickering,Whitby,Ajax, Barrie, New Market, Hamilton, Ancaster, Brantford, Aurora Bradford, Cambridge, Kitchener,Peterborough, Lindsay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Orillia, Muskoka, Collingwood and the rest of Ontario.

Follow us on twitter @factoryhottubs for more hot tub tricks and facts, also like our facebook page! THANKS