Maintenance and Operation Archives - Caldera Spas

Reduce Hot Tub Maintenance and Service with a Salt Water System

Watkins Team — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:09:19 +0000

Few things illustrate the good life like a hot tub on the back porch or patio. On a whim, you can slip into your spa and enjoy a deep jet massage, surrounded by warm water. With a chilled drink at the ready, you're bringing simple perfection to life. But it gets even better when you can skip past a majority of the work it takes to maintain this crystal-clean oasis.

While hot tubs offer a great way to relax, they do take regular maintenance and water care. And not everyone is willing to commit to carefully measuring out chlorine every other day and troubleshooting with test strips. The prospect of draining, refilling, and balancing the chemistry of the spa water every three months begins to muddle that picture of relaxed simplicity we've been imagining.

Short of hiring someone to maintain your spa, what are your options for a more hands-off process? If you've been putting off buying a hot tub due to maintenance and service concerns, you'll be interested to learn about how new water care systems reduce the amount of servicing a hot tub needs. The latest salt water systems, in particular, are designed to be largely self-sufficient while delivering some of the gentlest water you could hope for.Few things illustrate the good life like a hot tub on the back porch or patio. On a whim, you can slip into your spa and enjoy a deep jet massage, surrounded by warm water. With a chilled drink at the ready, you're bringing simple perfection to life. But it gets even better when you can skip past a majority of the work it takes to maintain this crystal-clean oasis.

How Chemical Sanitizers Keep Hot Tub Water Free of Bacteria

Chemical water sanitizers come from a class of elements called halogens that include chlorine, bromine, and iodine—all of which are used to purify water. These chemicals have, typically, been the go-to for water sanitizing. They conveniently form salts with other compounds at room temperature. In fact, the name halogen means “salt producing.” In salt form, these chemicals are safe to store, and when introduced to the spa water, they dissolve so the chlorine, bromine, and iodine can bond with hydrogen to produce acids strong enough to kill bacteria and keep spa water safe.

The downside to using these chemicals is that they are reactive and will bond with other compounds in the water, such as the oils from skin and body lotions. In the case of chlorine, this often results in the creation of chloramine compounds, which are what give chlorine pools their famous smell. These new compounds aren't effective at killing bacteria, so more chlorine must be added.

Most hot tubs require a measured dosage of chlorine be added to the water every other day to replace the chlorine that has bonded with other chemicals and become ineffective. Over time, the chloramines build up in the water—along with the stabilizing compounds included with solid chlorine—creating water with a distinct feel and smell.

At this point, about three months after a water change, the spa needs to be drained and filled with fresh, chemically balanced water. It is a time-consuming process that takes up time better spent enjoying a relaxing soak. When you have to repeat this process up to four times a year, you're also having to use a substantial amount of water. >Caldera Spas^® is rewriting this tired story.

Introducing a Better Way to Keep Your Hot Tub Water Clean

At Caldera Spas^® we've always known that the ultimate hot tub experience means you benefit from the relaxing warmth of your hot tub every day with minimal fuss. Water care and composition is at the core of this experience, which is why we've created the FreshWater^® Salt System*.

The FreshWater^® Salt System generates chlorine from salt. There is less of a need to add chlorine to the water—compared to traditional water care systems—as the cartridge typically provides enough to last for four months, and a convenient three-pack of these cartridges are enough to last for a full year*. The FreshWater^® Salt System keeps chlorine levels low and that gives spa owners the following benefits:

No need to keep track of a water care schedule. Chlorine generation is managed by the system, and it's integrated into your hot tub's control panel. Your spa control panel will prompt you to adjust chlorine output and indicate when it's time to change the cartridge.
Water that feels silky smooth on the skin. Stable low levels of chlorine result in water that just feels better and doesn't irritate the skin or eyes.
Reduced levels of chlorine compounds and fewer chemical smells. Lower levels of chlorine and chlorine stabilizers mean fewer chlorine compounds and less smell.
Hot tub water can last for up to a full year. Another positive side effect of fewer chemicals in the water is that the water lasts longer. The FreshWater^® Salt System can keep the same water fresh and clean for a full year**.

It should be noted that there are some things that can shorten the life of your water. Heavy use that brings in a lot of contaminants will use up the chlorine quicker. If you use your spa regularly after working out and don't bother to rinse off the sweat, you may get less than a full year out of your spa water. Heavy bather loads that fill the spa to maximum capacity may have a similar effect. However, the time it takes to perform hot tub maintenance is still far less than with other spas.

Following these simple steps at start-up will ensure the ongoing success of your FreshWater^® Salt System. Watch the video below to learn more or read our startup guide here.

Play Video

Salt Water Systems Reduce Hot Tub Maintenance and Service Times

A spa equipped with the FreshWater^® Salt System requires far less hot tub maintenance and service than most other spas. You're free to enjoy your daily soak and the wellness benefits with less hassle.

The FreshWater^® Salt System is quicker and easier to use and maintain vs spas using traditional chlorine. The FreshWater^® Salt System is an ideal way to reduce the time you spend maintaining your spa and maximize the time you spend in rejuvenating hydrotherapy.

The FreshWater^® Salt System is an example of our dedication to providing quality spas that are reliable and ready to use whenever you're in the mood. We make sure that hot tub water care, maintenance, and service can be taken care of easily, with less stress.

CalderaSpas^® is dedicated to providing the best and most reliable hot tubs, offering the latest in innovative design and technology to help our customers enjoy the wellness benefits every day. To learn more about the FreshWater^® Salt System and the hot tub series from Caldera Spas, request a brochure.

*The FreshWater^® Salt System cannot be used on Caldera® hot tubs manufactured prior to 2019.

**Factors such as bather load and water chemistry can impact water life. When the spa is properly maintained, a 3-pack of cartridges with the FreshWater^® Salt System will keep water clean and fresh for a full year. Product availability depends on your region. Please check with your local dealer.

A Guide to Preparing and Using Your Hot Tub for the Winter

Ajinkya Khamitkar@masco.com — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 11:31:19 +0000

Learning Center > Hot Tubs 101

A Guide to Preparing and Using Your Hot Tub for the Winter

Last updated: February 27, 2024. Posted: March 3, 2019.

Winter is one of the best times of year to own a hot tub, especially if you live in an area with a colder climate. Imagine enjoying a lovely vista of snow-covered trees and mountains behind the steam rising from the warm water of your spa. While that probably sounds delightful, winter does come with challenges, and one of those is keeping your hot tub and its components from freezing. This guide walks through the basic steps of hot tub winterization, but you should always consult your Caldera Spas owner's manual for details on winterizing your model.

1. Determine if You Need to Winterize Your Hot Tub

If you're going to be at home most of the winter, you might not want (or need) to go through the trouble of winterizing your spa, which simply means shutting it down while you're away or not using it. Closing your spa for the season means you won't be able to enjoy a warm soak on a cold winter's night, and you'll miss out on all of the wellness benefits your hot tub provides. But if your spa sits at a summer vacation home where you won't return to it until spring or if you travel for a couple of weeks during the winter, winterizing will protect your investment.

If, however, your plans include only a short vacation of a week or so, winterizing isn't necessary. The Caldera Spas app can give you peace of mind while you're away. The app allows you to check and control your hot tub settings remotely, and even lock your spa from far away. You can also add guest users to conveniently allow others to monitor your spa when you can't.

Ready to winterize your spa? Get started here.

Don't need to winterize? Get the most of your hot tub with these cold weather tips.

2. What You Need to Prepare for Winter

Winterizing your spa should happen before temperatures drop below freezing. Draining the water while temperatures are still relatively warm will ensure that trace amounts don't freeze in the spa or its pipes afterward.

To winterize your spa, you'll need the following equipment:

A garden hose to direct the water you drain.
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove residual water from the bottom of the spa and its pipes.
Towels or rags to thoroughly clean and dry the shell, seats, and bar top.
Propylene Glycol, a non-toxic antifreeze, to prevent spa pipes and machinery from freezing.
A funnel(s) for directing the antifreeze you pour into hard-to-reach openings.
Optional: Two pieces of plywood longer than the width of your spa.

Stagnant water can allow for the growth of bacteria and algae. In order to avoid microbes lingering in the piping of a dormant spa, make sure the water is clean before you drain it. It's a good idea to use draining a hot tub for winter as a chance to clean the shell, bar top, and filters too as this will make refilling it quicker when you return.

3. Steps to Winterize Your Hot Tub

Follow these steps to properly winterize your spa before the colder months. You can also refer to your Caldera Spas owner's manual for more detailed instructions.

Let the chemicals in your water break down.
The first thing to do in the winterizing process is let the existing chemicals in the spa water break down, which typically takes 3-4 days. You'll know you're ready to move on to the next step when the chlorine on the test strip reads 0.
Turn off the power to your hot tub.
Find the circuit breaker box near the tub and turn the GFCI breakers to the off position. Since this is a long-term shut down, you may wish to turn the circuit breaker on your home's main panel off as well. If you cannot find these breakers contact your local dealer or electrician for assistance.
Drain the spa water.
Unscrew your hot tub's drainage plug and attach the garden hose. Place the far end of the hose in a place where the water can safely drain away from your home's foundation. If you have a submersible pump, you can use it to speed up this process.
Remove filters, cartridges and accessories.
Remove, clean, and dry filters, and then store them in a warm, dry place. If your spa has detachable pillows and spa-side accessories, remove and store them as well. Discard any chemical cartridges in the spa.
Remove remaining water.
Once the water has stopped flowing from the hose, there may still be several gallons left inside the spa that can freeze and cause damage. Use the wet/dry vacuum to remove water remaining in the bottom of the tub and from the jets, filter standpipe, and any other openings in the hot tub.
Add antifreeze.
Replace the spa's drain cap, and then dilute the antifreeze as directed on the bottle. Using the funnel, pour a small amount of antifreeze into jet openings, the filter standpipe, and water feature orifices.
Clean the spa.
Use towels or rags to clean the shell, bar top, and other spa surfaces with approved cleaners.
Cover your hot tub.
Place your hot tub cover back on the spa and securely latch it in place. Optional step: Place two pieces of plywood across the top of your spa cover to prevent damage that might occur by accumulated snow, and then cover with a tarp.

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4. How to Take Care of Your Spa While on Vacation

If you're embarking on a winter getaway, make sure your hot tub is still being monitored. Some people ask a friend to stop by on a regular basis. However, a more convenient option is using the Caldera Spas app, powered by the Connected Spa Kit. This gives you the option to keep an eye on your hot tub using your smartphone. The app provides real-time monitoring of key spa functions and also sends alerts when attention is needed.

Even if you do take advantage of the app, you may still want to enlist a friend as a back-up in certain situations. In the event of a lengthy power outage, for example, it's worth having a friend you can call who knows how to drain your hot tub and remove water from all pipes and openings.

5. Hot Tub Winter Maintenance Tips

To keep your tranquil retreat in good working order, basic maintenance is an important component of winterizing. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Replace worn or damaged hot tub covers.
When you're winterizing your hot tub, don't neglect the cover. This does a lot more than keep dirt and debris from getting into the water when you're not using it. Hot tub covers are custom fitted and filled with high density insulation, designed to form a tight seal and keep heat from escaping. When the seal and insulation are working as they should, the water maintains its temperature longer and helps you conserve energy. So, replacing a cracked, torn or damaged cover isn't just a cosmetic fix. It will keep energy costs low and keep your hot tub from overworking.
Keep snow and ice out of your winterized spa.
While replacing a worn cover can improve a spa's insulation and keep costs down, there are a few additional things you can do to keep snow and ice out of your spa and make sure your spa is protected all winter long.
- Close the cover and fasten the tie-downs.
- Place plywood on the spa cover (longer than the spa width). This will evenly distribute the weight of any snow and ice.
- Finally, secure a plastic sheet or tarp over the top.
Monitor the temperature.
Set a reminder to check the water temperature daily; you can do this manually or through your Caldera Spas app. This will provide peace of mind that everything's working properly, while giving you time to react should something go wrong.
Monitor the water level.
The water in your hot tub will evaporate much more quickly during cold, dry weather. Keep an eye on the water level, and make sure it doesn't fall below the skimmer level. If this happens, the water can't circulate and won't be heated.

6. Using a Hot Tub in Winter

Like any time of year, winter is a time where you'll want to be mindful of keeping the water clean and well-balanced. Stick to this basic routine and your hot tub will be ready to help you warm up from the chilly winter temperatures.

Adjust your water care based on usage.
Clean, balanced water will ensure your hot tub is ready to enjoy whenever the mood strikes. Prepare for the winter months by adjusting your water care. This varies by the type of system you have.

FreshWater^® Salt System:
This system makes water maintenance quite simple throughout the year, sanitizing water by using a disposable cartridge to generate chlorine from salt. These cartridges last four months which means you'll spend less time on maintenance during the cold temperatures and more time enjoying your spa.
Learn More

The FreshWater Smart Monitoring System:
This system works with the FreshWater Salt System to regularly test your water every hour and indicate when adjustments are needed for pH, chlorine and salt levels, helping you maintain clean, balanced spa water.
Learn More
Rinse off before getting in your hot tub.
Clean skin is key to maintaining clean spa water. While it may be tempting to slip into the hot tub without showering, lotion and soap residues left on the skin (along with any other unwanted substances) can negatively impact your water balance. You don't have to take a full shower; just a quick rinse will do the trick. (Tip: When laundering your swimsuit, try using less laundry detergent followed by a thorough rinse. This will also prevent soap residue from seeping into your spa water.)
Designate a hot tub swimsuit.
Similar to the residues that can transfer from your skin, your swimsuit can hold on to sunscreens, lotions, and laundry detergent residue, which can then be transferred to the water. If you can, designate one of your swimsuits as a “hot tub-only" suit and avoid washing it with traditional laundry soap. If possible, simply rinse it thoroughly after each soak or run it through the washing machine without soap. If you prefer to use detergent or soap, use as little as possible to avoid residue.
Drain and refill at the right time.
Draining a hot tub can be a challenge in the cold winter months. Depending on your water care system, you might be able to wait longer between draining your hot tub. If you do find that your tub does need a drain and refill, save it for a day when temperatures will be above freezing for several hours after you perform the task. Also, if you live in an area with high calcium hardness in the water (also known as hard water), be sure to use Vanishing Act^® calcium remover. This will reduce mineral buildup on hot tub surfaces as well as water lines. Your local dealer should have this product on hand, and if not, they should be able to order it.

7. Best Temperature for Hot Tubs in Winter

If you intend to use your hot tub regularly during the winter, you can keep the water at the same temperature you do throughout the other seasons. However, if you won't be using it as much (and don't need to winterize), the recommended minimum water temperature is 80°F/26°C.

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8. How to Keep Your Hot Tub Pipes From Freezing

One common way to help prevent a home pipe from freezing is to open a faucet slightly to let a trickle of water flow through. Flowing water doesn't freeze as quickly as still water, and it may melt any ice starting to form in a pipe. Keeping that in mind, consider how a home hot tub is engineered.

The latest high-tech hot tubs are equipped with freeze protection — circulation jet pumps and heaters that are activated when temps drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the water hot and flowing. The Utopia and Paradise series spas from Caldera, for instance, are equipped with an EnergyPro^® circulation pump that periodically pumps the water through the filters to help keep it moving, as well as an EnergyPro^® heater that keeps the water well above the freezing point.

Worry Less with a Caldera Spa

Caldera spas are engineered for reliability and everyday use, all year long. That means caring for your hot tub to keep it from freezing in winter involves very little effort. Your local Caldera Spas dealer is well-trained and available to help answer any questions you might have.

Caldera spas are sold and serviced by a global network of dealers dedicated to customer satisfaction. Enjoy the best year-round support for your hot tub or find the perfect spa to keep you warm all winter at your local Caldera dealer.

Find a Dealer.

Count on your local Caldera Spas dealer to help make your experience easy and enjoyable.

The post A Guide to Preparing and Using Your Hot Tub for the Winter appeared first on Caldera Spas.

Everything You Need to Know About Hot Tub Power Consumption

Watkins Team — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 05:32:48 +0000

Winter is a great time to own a hot tub. A warm, refreshing soak is a perfect way to wake up in the morning or to wind down and relieve stress after a busy, chilly day. Of course, winter is also the time you're most likely to be heating your home, leading you to wonder how much energy a new hot tub will use. While you will use more energy to heat your hot tub in winter than you will in summer, modern, high-quality hot tubs are extremely energy efficient, consuming only moderate amounts of power.

Hot tub designers have built in many power-saving features to help spa owners enjoy their relaxation time and the benefits of hydrotherapy without worrying about high electricity costs—regardless of the time of year. Dense insulation, energy-efficient heaters and pumps, and covers that serve to trap heat all play roles in reducing hot tub energy needs. To help you plan ahead for hot tub ownership, here's everything you need to know about hot tub power consumption.

Hot Tub Power Consumption Factors and Cost

While it's true that heating hundreds of gallons of water takes a significant amount of energy, it's not the whole story. Once your spa is heated to the perfect temperature for use, maintaining that temperature requires a low expenditure of energy, especially when you own a high-quality, reliable hot tub.

Your monthly energy costs will depend on the following factors, some of which are well within your control:

The size of the spa
The cost of electricity in your area
The average daily ambient air temperature
How often you use your hot tub
The quality of your hot tub's insulation
The efficiency of your hot tub's heater and pumps
Proper fit and usage of your spa cover

Investing in a premium hot tub will ensure that its components, including insulation, pumps, heater, and cover, are energy efficient and will keep costs down. They'll also help to ensure that you'll save money or the life of your spa. While you can't control outdoor temperatures, energy-saving features work effectively to remain efficient regardless of Mother Nature's behavior.

Many Caldera^®> hot tub owners report less than a dollar a day increase in their electric bill. These owners use their spas six days a week on average and cover their hot tubs when not in use. To learn more about hot tub power conservation, watch the short video below.

Hot Tub Energy-Saving Features

A combination of efficient hot tub mechanical parts and effective insulation work to keep spa water hot while using as little energy as possible. Each element reinforces the energy-saving benefits of the rest. Here's how they work together:

Heater and pumps. The energy-efficient EnergyPro^® heater, included in premium Caldera hot tubs and luxury Caldera spas, runs at low wattage continuously, saving power by always keeping your water at the perfect temperature. EnergyPro^® circulation pumps also contribute to hot tub heating and energy efficiency. As they work to keep water continuously moving through the hot tub filters, these pumps return the heat they generate directly into the spa water. This reduces the amount of work the heater has to do, saving energy and money.
Insulation. FiberCor^® insulation on Caldera spas helps to retain heat. To feel the effectiveness of this insulation, simply place the palm of your hand on the cabinet. Even when the spa water temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the outer cabinet will be as warm or as cold as outside air.
Spa cover. A custom-fitted vinyl spa cover will come with a new spa and work to prevent heat loss from the top of the hot tub when it is not in use. A cover that's made just for your spa model fits tightly, eliminating any gaps between it and the hot tub, preventing heat from escaping. To help assure you always cover your spa to save energy when you're not using it, invest in a hot tub cover lifter, which makes it easy to remove and replace heavy spa covers.

Many factors influence a hot tub's power consumption, such as frequency of use and the quality of the spa. Caldera premium and luxury hot tubs have built-in energy-saving features designed to ensure that using your hot tub takes as little energy as possible.

Caldera spas are designed for pure performance to offer the highest level of energy efficiency possible. Cutting-edge insulation, pump, and heater technology ensure that keeping your spa water at the perfect temperature is as easy as soaking in it. To inquire about price, Get local pricing by contacting your nearest dealer.

New vs. Used Hot Tubs: Pros and Cons

Watkins Team — Wed, 02 May 2018 22:34:16 +0000

From the coupon boom during the Great Depression to the modern Groupon era, we've learned that deals are everywhere and should be sought. But what constitutes a good deal? In some cases, buying a used item at a discount will provide most of the benefits of a higher-cost new item—but not always.

Only very smart shoppers understand how to save money and still enjoy the rewards of new products, especially when it comes to big-ticket items, such as spas. Hot tubs come in all styles and sizes, and can be as different from each other as a Honda is from a Ferrari. However, while there is a wide range of hot tub manufacturers, collections, and models, there are only a couple of ways to buy a spa: used (from an individual, and online source, or from a dealer) or new (luxury, premium, value-priced, or even entry-level models from a trusted dealership). Regardless of whether you choose to buy a used spa from an individual or an online source, or turn to a reputable dealer for either a new or used hot tub, there are specific considerations to take into account. Here, we put them in perspective. We've also included a handy chart at the end to help with your decision-making process.

What to Know When Buying a Used Hot Tub Online or from an Individual

Owning a hot tub can bring peace and joy to your life every day, but only careful shopping will ensure you bring home the spa of your dreams and not a headache. Hot tubs from private sellers are typically sold “as-is,” meaning that the seller is not responsible for any issues that may arise after the sale. Used spas sold online are also sold “as-is” and, further, deny the buyer the opportunity for inspection. In either case, while you might spend less, the lower price comes with a few clear sacrifices, including:

Warranty. Hot tubs sold by private sellers in-person or online are unlikely to be covered by warranty. Even if the hot tub works when you inspect it, you could be forced to replace damaged or worn parts or hire a service technician shortly after purchasing because the seller had not kept up with maintenance. Repair bills could amount to more than what you paid for the spa.

Payment. Typically, when you buy a spa from a private seller, payment is made in cash. In rare instances, the seller will accept a check or even be able to process a credit or debit card transaction on a smartphone or tablet. Online payments will require a credit or debit card. Regardless of how you pay, you'll hand over a lump sum that could put a large dent in your wallet.

Delivery and Installation. It's no secret that hot tubs are big, heavy, and impossible for one person to lift. To transport your spa home, you'll need to hire a spa moving company. At this point, it's important to remember that if the hot tub you're considering is under warranty, moving it from its original location may void some or all of the manufacturer's warranty. In other words, if something should happen to it during de-installation and transport, you'll be responsible for any resulting costs.

Quality Inspection. Before paying, perform a very close inspection of the hot tub to identify any obvious and potential problem areas; you probably won't get your money back once it has changed hands. If ordering online and inspection is impossible, request current pictures and be sure to vet the reputability of the seller. When inspecting a hot tub, focus on the following areas:

Shell. Look for scratches, cracks, leaks, and warping in the shell. Small imperfections can worsen over time. Issues that may be easily fixed today can become serious, expensive problems after just months of usage.

Cabinet. The cabinet protects the spa's sensitive interior components from the elements. So, look for cracks, leaks, and discoloration, which can be a sign of water damage even if no water is visible. If the cabinet is wooden, look for warped or broken slats. As with the shell, scratches and cracks can worsen over time.

Control Panel. Be sure that the thermostat, lights, jets, and entertainment features respond correctly through the control panel. Fast-paced clicking or chattering sounds that occur can indicate damaged relays, which can be expensive to repair.

Access Panel. Look for evidence of leaks in the interior of the access panel, including dampness or standing water. If you find evidence of a leak, but cannot identify the source, it could suggest an expensive repair. Inspect the wiring for corrosion and obvious damage to connections and wire insulation. Check for evidence of pests or vermin, such as beehives, rat nests, and snakeskin. If you live in an area with dangerous insects, such as black widow spiders, perform this inspection cautiously, and don't put your hands in areas that aren't completely visible.

Framework. The interior framework of the spa should be regular and even, without dents, cracks, folds, or any other deformation, and free from corrosion.

Pumps. Hot tubs usually have separate pumps for jet pressure and for circulation. With the spa filled, turn it on to see if the circulation pump forces water movement. Turn the jets on to make sure their pumps are delivering adequate pressure. When working properly, jet pumps should produce a steady, low-pitched hum. Stuttering, chattering, grinding, belching, or any other unexpected sound indicates an issue, which may be expensive to repair.

If during your inspection you identify what seem to be major problems, walk away and consider the advantages of purchasing from a local dealer.

Dealer Advantages: New vs. Used Hot Tub

Quality. Whether purchasing a new or used hot tub from a dealer, one thing you can be sure of is the quality. A new hot tub will function perfectly and look gorgeous; a used hot will have been refurbished to like-new quality. Refurbishment involves a deep cleaning of the hot tub, as well as cosmetic and functional repairs when needed. Any outstanding issues will be noted by the dealer and communicated. In addition, purchasing from a dealer allows you to select from a variety of models to get the specific features you want, such as an entertainment system.

Warranty. All new and most used hot tubs sold by a dealer are covered by a manufacturer's or dealer's warranty. The warranties for new hot tubs are more comprehensive and provide coverage for a longer period of time. While limited warranties are available for certain used hot tubs, the specific terms may vary from spa to spa and dealer to dealer. Before purchasing a used hot tub from a dealer, take a minute to review the warranty to learn what is and isn't covered.

Service and Maintenance Plans. When you purchase a new hot tub from a dealer, you'll be offered service plan options of varying levels. Even if you don't opt for a service plan, you can still ask your dealer for service help, but you'll have to pay for parts and labor. Plan options offer provisions for water purification, regular cleaning, and the replacement or repair of any parts that wear out over time. Some dealers offer service plans for the used hot tubs they sell, too.

Financing. It's certainly possible to buy a new or used hot tub from a dealer with a single cash payment. However, financing is also often an option. In fact, some dealers periodically offer zero-interest financing deals. While not every dealer offers financing on all hot tub models (used models may be exempt), opting for it can significantly increase your buying power, putting a new hot tub within your reach through low monthly payments.

For example, financing might allow you to purchase a new entry-level hot tub, which often costs the same as a used hot tub, for around $100-200 per month.* Entry-level spas are typically smaller and not as feature-heavy as luxury models, but still durable and beautiful. In addition, some dealers allow shoppers who purchase an entry-level hot tub, such as a rotationally-molded model from Fantasy Spas^® or Freeflow Spas^®, to trade-up to a premium or luxury model after six months or so.

Delivery and Installation. Often, the cost of delivery and installation is included in the price quoted by the dealer for new and used hot tubs. That cost can also sometimes be included in the financing agreement, helping to avoid any outlay of cash up front. You'll be provided with delivery and installation instructions that explain how to prepare the area on which you'll place your spa. For example, your new spa must be placed on a strong, level surface. If you intend to put your hot tub on a deck, be certain that the deck is rated to hold the spa's weight. Consult a professional to determine your deck's load limit. These instructions should not be glossed over, as an improperly located hot tub can cause damage to the spa and/or serious human injury.

*Actual monthly financing payment will vary based on the total financing amount and the length of the repayment period. For example, a $5,000 spa financed for 40 months during a zero-interest promotion will cost $125 per month.

New vs. Used Hot Tub Pros and Cons Chart

All of the factors that go into choosing where to purchase a new or used spa can be a bit overwhelming. So, to help simplify your decision-making process, we've listed the most important aspects of buying a hot tub, and compared them by source:

	Used from a Private Seller	Used from an Online Retailer	Used from a Dealer	New from a Dealer
Quality	Varies	Varies	Good	Excellent
Warranty	Rare	Limited	Limited	Full
Service Plans	No	No	Yes	Yes
Financing	No; cash only	No; cash only	Yes; sometimes	Yes
Delivery and Installation	Unlikely	Available	Available	Available

Caring for Your Hot Tub After Purchase

When you buy a high-quality hot tub, you enter into a relationship with it—one that should last for over a decade. In order to ensure your hot tub's longevity, it's important to maintain it properly. From simple tasks like water care and changing the filters to more complex deep cleanings, winterization, and replacing worn out parts, caring for your spa is important and will allow it to take care of you.

At Caldera^® Spas, we believe that everybody deserves a high-quality hot tub. We design our home spas for elegance, efficiency, and longevity, so they keep working beautifully years after they're purchased. With financing options available from many of our dealers, our world-class spas are well within the reach of most homeowners. To see our full line of products, download our brochure. If you're curious about pricing, Get local pricing by contacting your nearest dealer.

Achieving a Safe Bromine Level for Your Hot Tub Water

Watkins Team — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 18:23:01 +0000

Responsibility is often a source of joy. The daily care you provide to your family and home adds structure to your life, joy, and a sense of well-being. Those same feelings can even come from the care of items that add value to your life. Think of cellists caring for their instruments, or of author Robert M. Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. One of the many benefits of owning a hot tub is the opportunity to care for it, even in simple ways, such as maintaining the purity of your spa water on a routine basis.

Spa water can be purified using a chlorine, bromine, salt water, or ozone system, each of which has unique attributes. While chlorine is effective and costs little, it can be harsh on skin and sensitive areas of the body, including your eyes, nose, and throat, if you don't balance your water correctly.

A salt water system will cost more up front, but require less time for the hot tub owner in maintenance. Finally, an ozone purification system injects millions of ozone-saturated bubbles into spa water to eliminate contaminants and requires less upkeep than a chlorine or bromine system. This type of system is typically a standard feature of luxury spas, and even many premium-level spas.

Whether you already own or are looking to purchase a spa with a bromine system, we've compiled everything you need to know to make caring for your spa water simple.

*Compared to the minimum ANSI recommended chlorine or bromine level of 2.0 ppm for a hot tub.

What Is Bromine and How Is It Delivered to Spa Water?

Bromine is just as effective as chlorine at eliminating harmful, illness-causing germs in spa water when used in the correct amounts. However, it can be less irritating to the body than chlorine. Bromine also has the addedadvantage of increased stability in higher temperatures and wider pH ranges than chlorine. As a result, as conditions in your hot tub fluctuate, bromine will last longer as an effective sanitizer.

Many spas treat water continuously by dispersing measured amounts of bromine from a replaceable cartridge.

Without an integrated bromine delivery system, you'll have to rely on a more old-fashioned—but no less effective—method of adjusting the bromine level of your water: dispersing it manually.

Available from your local spa dealer or online, bromine can be added to your water via a convenient cartridge-based delivery system or a floating feeder. Follow the bromine package instructions, which should detail the concentration level of the bromine and include a table showing how much to add to achieve the desired effect in various levels of water. If you have any concerns, ask your dealer to help you determine the right amount of bromine for your specific spa.

Testing Bromine Levels

The level of bromine in your spa water will vary, depending on how often you use your spa and the time it sits uncovered, exposed to sunlight and dew. The recommended amount of bromine to use in spa water is 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm).

To determine the current level of bromine in your hot tub water, use a bromine test kit available from your local spa dealer. Follow the instructions on the package and be sure to ask your dealer any questions you have about the water purification process. Once you know how much bromine is currently in your spa water, you'll know exactly how much to add, or to what extent you might need to dilute it. By testing your water once a week, you'll be able to properly adjust to maintain purity.

Adjusting Bromine Levels in Your Hot Tub

The best way to adjust your spa's bromine level is gradually: When low, dial up delivery a little; when high, wait longer than usual before adding more bromine. If accidental over spills occur when administering bromine, or if you miss a week of testing, you might have to make a major adjustment.

Raising the bromine level from a low point is simple— just add the appropriate amount. Reducing the level, however, is a little more difficult. The best way to reduce bromine concentration is to allow the bromine to outgas, or evaporate, naturally over time. If, however, you want to lower the level more quickly, you can dilute it by draining some water from the spa or removing a few gallons using a bucket, and then replacing it with fresh water. Run the hot tub, and wait a while to let your water mix and settle (the exact wait time will depend on water volume, amount of bromine in the spa, and the power/capacity of your pump). Then, test the water again. If testing shows the bromine level is still too high, repeat the process.

You can also lower the bromine level by adding a neutralizing chemical, such as sodium thiosulfate, to the water. Neutralizers are available online, but it's best to purchase from a local dealer, who you can consult before adding extra chemicals to your spa. It's preferable to avoid adding neutralizers, because extra chemicals will complicate the balancing process and may alter other characteristics of your spa water, such as pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

Very little maintenance is required to keep your spa water crisp and clean with bromine. Make it a part of your weekly ritual, like watering the garden or filling the bird feeder, and your work will reward you every day with a warm, relaxing soak in your own home spa.

At Caldera Spas, we love to help you enjoy blissful spa experiences. To learn more about our spas and water care products, download our brochure. To see our spas in person, or learn more about the spa you own, visit your local dealer. If you're interested in bringing home your own hot tub, get local pricing.

How Can I Check On My Hot Tub When I’m Away?

Daniel LeBlanc — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:58:52 +0000

Call a neighbor or hope for the best. Until recently, those were your options. Thankfully, Caldera^® Spas has made it easier to protect your investment.

If you own a Caldera Spas hot tub, you and your friendly local dealer can monitor the status of your hot tub from nearly anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet.

With the Connextion^® Online Remote Hot Tub Monitoring System, you can check on your hot tub and respond if there is an issue. The system provides real-time information and you can remotely control hot tub functions. Through a subscription service, your local dealer can receive alerts from the system and respond when issues arise.

The Connextion subscription service makes it much easier for those with a hot tub at a vacation home or for those who frequently travel. Nothing better than setting the hot tub to that perfect temperature as you are driving to your cabin. And it gives you the peace of mind that your spa investment is operating properly and that service will be available if needed.

It’s also great for those with a hot tub on a rental property. After a guest leaves, you can be sure that settings are where you want them and that nothing was left on that shouldn’t be. If you need to reset the temperature, you can do it right from your phone.

What hot tub functions and features can you control remotely?

Connextion allows you to remotely see the hot tub temperature or tell whether filters need cleaning. Even better, Connextion actually lets you control many of those settings from an app on your phone or tablet.

From a phone app or tablet you can control the following hot tub features:

Set the hot tub temperature.

It’s a great way to get the spa ready before you arrive.
Lock the hot tub temperature.
Lock or unlock the hot tub functions
Initiate the cleaning cycle.
Set a summer timer.
Turn hot tub jets on or off.

How difficult is it to install the Connextion system?

It’s easy. Connect the home network adapter to your router and download the app to your device. The app can be downloaded for free and is compatible with leading smartphones, including the Apple^® iPhone^®, iPad^®, and iPod^® Touch, and Android^®-enabled devices.

The Connextion system is compatible with all the spas in the Utopia^® Series, Paradise^® Series and Vacanza^® Series built since the end of 2012. Older models would require the installation of a new control box and topside control panel.

Can I get alerts when something goes wrong with my hot tub?

If your Caldera Spas hot tub needs attention, the Connextion system will automatically alert you and your dealer of select issues, so that your spa can be serviced.

A hot tub is an investment in wellness that can help you feel rejuvenated and relaxed. If you are away, the last thing you want is to worry about it. Connextion gives you peace of mind, protects your property and assists your dealer with delivering information for prompt service when necessary. Problem solved.

Other Facts about Connextion Online Remote Hot Tub Monitoring System

The owner has full access, including alerts and messages
The owner has a direct email and phone dialing link to his dealership
The owner does not have to worry about setup – the dealer works with the owner to setup the level of access desired.
The dealer receives alerts and messages, has full access, remote testing of key spa components (hot tub jet pumps, heaters, water treatment on some spas)
The dealer has a direct email and phone dialing link plus map of spa location via the mobile app
The tech gets alerts and messages has full access, remote testing of key spa components (hot tub jet pumps, heaters, water treatment on some spas)
Connextion is a fully feature Remote Monitoring and Remote Access system

Are you already “connected” to any home appliances? Which ones?

If you could heat up your hot tub remotely so it was ready for you upon arriving home, how often would you use Connextion?

100% of the time
Half the time
Rarely

Which function would be most useful to you?

Set the spa temperature
Lock or unlock the spa
Initiate the cleaning cycle
Set a summer timer
Turn jets on or off

Interested in hot tub pricing information?

Would you like to download a free Caldera brochure?

Further Recommended Reading

How Can I Stay Fit While Traveling?

What Should I Know About Using A Swimsuit In My Hot Tub?

Yes Hot Tubbing Counts as Exercise
…and So Much More

POP QUIZ: DOES YOUR BODY NEED A HOT TUB?

How To Deepen The Give And Take
In Your Relationship

Can Using Your Hot Tub
Get You That Work Promotion?

The post How Can I Check On My Hot Tub When I’m Away? appeared first on Caldera Spas.

Hot Tub Maintenance Has Never Been Easier

Daniel LeBlanc — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:53:43 +0000

I’m on the go constantly, with very little free time for myself. Sound familiar? When you find the perfect 20-minute break in the day, how do you spend it? I recommend rewarding yourself with quality “me” time in your own Caldera^® hot tub. Experiencing a powerful hot tub hydro-massage in the peace and comfort of your private backyard is ideal for resetting the mind and body. It’s a perfect restorative break from a hectic schedule.

Caldera spas are crafted with a focus on pure performance. We’re hot tubbers ourselves, so we know how important it is to make sure the spa is always hot, clean and ready to use when we need it. And we’ve heard enough feedback from our owners to know two things: 1). Caldera owners have very little time to spend on caring for their spa; 2). they absolutely depend on their hot tub for all kinds of reasons—but mostly just to feel better physically and mentally.

If you’re shopping for a hot tub, you’ll feel better just knowing that Caldera takes care of important details-like hot tub water care.

How do you take care of a hot tub?

This is often one of the first questions that first time buyers have to ask. What are the chemicals I will need to add? How expensive are hot tub chemicals? How do I know whether the water is healthy? Hot tub water chemistry can seem daunting to someone who has never owned or maintained a hot tub before. We’re here to give you a trouble-free hot tub water care experience. Trust the experts.

“Easy to care for” is a popular phrase we hear from Caldera Spa owners so we thought we’d share some of their comments with you regarding hot tub water care and maintenance:

It Provides Us With Perfect Use By Ourself or With Friends and Family.

“We enjoy our spa and highly recommend this product. The sales man was helpful and was more interested in meeting our needs than selling us the most expensive spa. It was a good choice and we are glad we bought Caldera. No problems with the installation and care.” – Sumo. From: Tampa, Florida. Age: 55-65 Gender: male

How Did I Live Without it?!

“I was apprehensive about owning a spa. I figured it would be a lot of work with little pay off. I was so wrong! Very easy to care for and we use it a lot more than I thought we would! I love it in the winter months and we also like the fact that we can easily control the temperature year round to fit our needs.” – Happy soaker! From: Sterling Heights, MI. Age: 35-44 Gender: female

We love it!

“Easy to care for, nice design, comfortable seats. Great for parties or just the two of us.” -DandDH2334. From: Rexford, New York. Age: 45-54 Gender: female

Ease of Maintenance.

“This hot tub is easy to care for and stays clean and clear. Very comfortable in all seats.” -Bob. From: Akron, Ohio. Age: 55-65 Gender: male

What is the best hot tub water care system?

In the early days of portable hot tub water care systems a person almost needed a degree in chemistry to keep their hot tub water clean. Manufacturers like Caldera^® focus on ways to make hot tub water care and maintenance faster and easier. With the modern acrylic interior shells that resist dirt and inhibit bacteria the workload on the hot tub filter and chemical system is reduced. Hot tub ozonators produce ozone gas either by the use of ultraviolet light or the more modern “corona discharge” method. The ozone gas is harmless to humans or pets but destroys bacteria and most viruses. The ozonator can’t do the job on it’s own though so some kind of chemical system is needed to keep your hot tub water clean and smelling good.

To complete the hot tub water sanitization process you can use either a traditional chlorine water care system, a bromine water care system or a salt water hot tub water care system. They all require oversight and maintenance as there is no such thing as “care free” hot tub water care system. The salt water system will take less of your time on a daily and weekly basis than the others though. As far as quality, all of these systems do a good job of keeping your water clean when you follow the manufacturers instructions.

What is the most affordable water care system for my hot tub?

As far as cost goes there really isn’t one that is more affordable than the other in the long run. When you compare realistically, salt water systems will cost more up front but require less time for the hot tub owner in maintenance. If you factor in the cost of your time the salt water hot tub care plan could work out to be less expensive over time. First Quarter Finance reports on their website that the full cost of hot tub maintenance is somewhere in the neighborhood of $300-$400 a year but that amount will vary depending on the size of your hot tub, the number of individual bathers and the amount of time it is in use. The more you use a hot tub the more maintenance and chemicals will be needed.

Should I wear a bathing suit in my hot tub?

Laundry soap and other personal care products like sun tan oil, sunblock, skin softeners, deodorant, cologne or other such products create an additional challenge for your hot tub water care system. If you wear a bathing suit in your hot tub then use a dedicated one that you do not launder with your other clothes. When you do wash it, be sure not to use any laundry detergent at all. Even though your clothes may seem well rinsed after going through a wash cycle, a certain amount of laundry soap is still present in your clothes. This additional challenge will mean you have to change your hot tub water more often and add more chemicals to keep your water in balance.

Why should I shower before and after I use my hot tub?

It is most important to shower before you use your hot tub to remove sweat, dead skin cells and personal care products such as cologne and deodorant. This reduces the work your hot tub filter and water care system has to do to keep your hot tub water clean and helps to keep your hot tub water chemistry more stable. Many manufacturers suggest you shower after you use your hot tub to rinse away chemicals that might be left on your skin.

If you’re a Caldera spa owner, we’d love to hear your story about how, when, and why you like to use your spa. If you want to share any maintenance hints or tips with other owners or shoppers, we invite your comments. Just go to our hot tub Ratings & Reviews page to add to the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

How Do I Take Care of My Hot Tub Filters?

[email protected] — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:26:56 +0000

Your hot tub filters are absolutely essential to maintaining clean water and ensuring proper performance of your hot tub. Dirty, clogged or worn-out filters will fail to trap contaminants and put a strain on your spa’s jet pumps.

Your genuine Watkins® filters are designed to last 2 to 3 years. Here’s how to take care of them.

Monthly

Once a month, it’s a good idea to remove your filters and spray them with a garden hose to remove any debris that may have accumulated between the folds.

Three To Four Months

Whenever you change out the water in your hot tub, give your filters a full cleaning. Remove them from the spa and spray away any debris that has accumulated between the folds with a garden hose.

Soak the filters over night in a spa filter degreaser (see package instructions for the product you’re using). After soaking the filters, spray them clean and replace.

Do not use a pressure washer or dishwasher to clean your filters.

Tip: You can avoid any spa down time by owning two sets of filters. Simply switch the filters to be cleaned with your other set. Then clean and store the set you’ve removed.

Two To Three Years

If you’ve maintained your cleaning schedule, your genuine Watkins filters should last up to 3 years. You may want to replace them sooner if maintenance has been sporadic or your hot tub has seen heavier than normal use.

Replace your filters sooner if the filter is brown, gray or green, or if it stays dark yellow after cleaning. You should also replace filters if you notice that the pleated part becomes flat or the fiber begins to shred or fall apart. Also replace if the top or bottom of the canister has a split or crack.

When it’s time to replace your filters, check with your local Caldera Spas dealer for the Watkins filters specifically designed for your spa model.

For information on filter removal and replacement steps, please see the owner’s manual specific to the hot tub model you own.

How often do you clean your filters?

How often have you replaced your filters?

The post How Do I Take Care of My Hot Tub Filters? appeared first on Caldera Spas.

How Can I Get More Use From My Hot Tub During Summer?

[email protected] — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:18:53 +0000

To get the wellness benefits of their hot tubs in the summer, many owners soak in the cooler morning hours or in the evening as the heat of the day dissipates. Mornings in a hot tub offer a way to start the day refreshed, relaxed and limber, while evenings provide those benefits and a way to sleep better.

Yet when summer days really heat up, some people find it challenging to find a comfortable time to use their hot tub.

Until now.

With CoolZone^™ you can enjoy the summer heat and spend quality family time in your hot tub.

Can I Use My Hot Tub To Stay Cool?

While many hot tub users prefer to keep their hot tub water hot year round, every summer, some users look for ways to cool down in their spas. Usually, that involves turning off the heater and letting the water slowly cool over time. Problem is, it can take a very long time for water temperature to drop on a hot day and just as long to warm back up.

Now Caldera^® Spas offers a way to cool down and get more use from your hot tub, even on a blistering summer day in Arizona.

With the CoolZone^™ hot tub cooling system, your Caldera Spas hot tub can both cool and warm spa water, something not possible with most hot tubs. It works much like an air conditioner, cooling hot tub water to as low as 60 degrees. Of course, you don't need to go that low for a cooling soak. Usually several degrees below the air temperature will be refreshing enough. When you're ready to warm the water again, the system works in conjunction with your heater to efficiently raise water temperature in just a few hours.

That means you can use your hot tub to cool down, wind down and to get a soothing massage any time of day, even during the dog days of summer.

Is CoolZone^™ Energy Efficient?

The CoolZone system is highly energy efficient and can even improve the energy use of your hot tub during normal operation. That's because it can reduce the amount of time the hot tub water heater runs in order to keep the water hot. The increased energy efficiency can reduce your monthly operating costs over time and save you money.

How Can CoolZone Benefit Me Therapeutically?

CoolZone and cold water offers amazing therapeutic benefits. Because you can chill the water to as low as 60 degrees, you can take a cold soak that helps muscle recovery. Just as athletes use ice baths, the cold water reduces swelling caused by a workout. When you leave the water, the muscles warm back up, bringing oxygenated blood back in to help muscles recover.

Later, the CoolZone system can raise the spa water temperature to provide the benefits of warm water immersion, removing toxins, bringing more oxygenated blood to tissues, and increasing flexibility.

Family Benefits

A hot tub can enhance communication between family members as they spend time together, free of distractions and devices. Quality family time is enhanced and it's a great way to reconnect after a hectic day. The same is now true in summer months.

By creating a cool getaway during a hot summer day, your Caldera Spas hot tub can become a great place for a family to gather, cool off and relax.

CoolZone^™ makes your hot tub the perfect idea for summer fun with friends and family.

Does CoolZone Work With All Caldera Spa Models?

CoolZone is compatible with the following Caldera Spas models: the Cantabria^®, Geneva^®, Niagara^®, Makena^®, Salina^® and the Martinique^®. Spas made before 2012 require an upgraded control box in order for CoolZone to be installed.

Can I Install CoolZone myself?

No. CoolZone must be installed by your dealer in conjunction with a licensed HVAC installer.

Please leave a comment and tell us about how you use your hot tub when the weather warms up. Thank you!

Interested in hot tub pricing information? Contact your closest hot tub dealer to get an exact price for any Caldera model.

Would you like to download a free Caldera brochure?

The post How Can I Get More Use From My Hot Tub During Summer? appeared first on Caldera Spas.

How Can I Get More From My Spa When It’s Not Being Used?

[email protected] — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:14:36 +0000

In this blog series, we often make the case that a spa is an investment in your wellness, a personal retreat where you can rejuvenate and revitalize body and mind every day.

Yet it can offer you so much more than “me time” as a place to reconnect with those close to you. It’s a benefit that shouldn’t be undervalued, because your personal connections and relationships play a big part in your overall well-being.

And a spa can help with those connections even if you never get in!

Yes, time in your spa can help encourage conversations you might not otherwise have. You may hear more from your teenager during a 20-minute soak than you have in weeks. The bonds you have are already there, but that quiet relaxing time and the conversations that emerge can strengthen them even more. The same is true with your friends when you have them over for some time in the hot tub.

But most times when you get together with friends it’s for a barbeque, beverages on the patio or just an evening visit. What does that have to do with your hot tub? Plenty, if you incorporate your spa into your backyard design.

Placing your spa on or near your patio ensures it will get used more frequently. And if it’s close, you can also take advantage of the optional music system while you’re entertaining friends outdoors.

Set The Mood With Music

While you’re relaxing on your patio, put on your favorite playlist and play music through the spa’s speakers. Some pop up and rotate to create a sound system for your backyard and patio as well as you spa. It’s a great way to establish the mood for the evening.

With a Caldera spa, you can upgrade to a wireless sound system with Bluetooth^® and adjust volume, bass, treble and balance, right from your smartphone. The In-Home Dock lets you transmit music from inside your home to your spa with an iPod^®, iPhone^® or your home stereo. To provide great sound, integrated speakers are available on all Caldera Spas models, with high-performance Bluetooth^®, subwoofer and in-home dock packages available separately.

Meet Up/Catch Up

With all the remarkable wellness benefits you can get from using your spa, it can also become integrated into your personal space in ways you might not have considered. So in addition to using it to soothe your muscles and your mind, consider the personal retreat that you can create in your back yard or on your patio. You’ll find it has a lot to offer, helping you create a comfortable atmosphere for reconnecting to close friends and family.

The post How Can I Get More From My Spa When It’s Not Being Used? appeared first on Caldera Spas.

Maintenance and Operation Archives - Caldera Spas

Reduce Hot Tub Maintenance and Service with a Salt Water System

How Chemical Sanitizers Keep Hot Tub Water Free of Bacteria

Introducing a Better Way to Keep Your Hot Tub Water Clean

Salt Water Systems Reduce Hot Tub Maintenance and Service Times

Read Next & Related Content:

A Guide to Preparing and Using Your Hot Tub for the Winter

A Guide to Preparing and Using Your Hot Tub for the Winter

Browse to one of our quick link sections below:

1. Determine if You Need to Winterize Your Hot Tub

2. What You Need to Prepare for Winter

3. Steps to Winterize Your Hot Tub

Let the chemicals in your water break down.

Turn off the power to your hot tub.

Drain the spa water.

Remove filters, cartridges and accessories.

Remove remaining water.

Add antifreeze.

Clean the spa.

Cover your hot tub.

4. How to Take Care of Your Spa While on Vacation

5. Hot Tub Winter Maintenance Tips

Replace worn or damaged hot tub covers.

Keep snow and ice out of your winterized spa.

Monitor the temperature.

Monitor the water level.

6. Using a Hot Tub in Winter

Adjust your water care based on usage.

Rinse off before getting in your hot tub.

Designate a hot tub swimsuit.

Drain and refill at the right time.

7. Best Temperature for Hot Tubs in Winter

8. How to Keep Your Hot Tub Pipes From Freezing

Worry Less with a Caldera Spa

Related Articles.

Find a Dealer.

Find a Dealer.

Everything You Need to Know About Hot Tub Power Consumption

Hot Tub Power Consumption Factors and Cost

Hot Tub Energy-Saving Features

Read Next

New vs. Used Hot Tubs: Pros and Cons

What to Know When Buying a Used Hot Tub Online or from an Individual

Dealer Advantages: New vs. Used Hot Tub

New vs. Used Hot Tub Pros and Cons Chart

Caring for Your Hot Tub After Purchase

Read Next

Achieving a Safe Bromine Level for Your Hot Tub Water

What Is Bromine and How Is It Delivered to Spa Water?

Testing Bromine Levels

Adjusting Bromine Levels in Your Hot Tub

Read Next:

How Can I Check On My Hot Tub When I’m Away?

What hot tub functions and features can you control remotely?

From a phone app or tablet you can control the following hot tub features:

Set the hot tub temperature.

Lock the hot tub temperature.

Lock or unlock the hot tub functions

Initiate the cleaning cycle.

Set a summer timer.

Turn hot tub jets on or off.

How difficult is it to install the Connextion system?

Can I get alerts when something goes wrong with my hot tub?

Other Facts about Connextion Online Remote Hot Tub Monitoring System

How Can I Stay Fit While Traveling?

What Should I Know About Using A Swimsuit In My Hot Tub?

Yes Hot Tubbing Counts as Exercise …and So Much More

POP QUIZ: DOES YOUR BODY NEED A HOT TUB?

How To Deepen The Give And Take In Your Relationship

Can Using Your Hot Tub Get You That Work Promotion?

Hot Tub Maintenance Has Never Been Easier

How do you take care of a hot tub?

It Provides Us With Perfect Use By Ourself or With Friends and Family.

How Did I Live Without it?!

We love it!

Ease of Maintenance.

What is the best hot tub water care system?

What is the most affordable water care system for my hot tub?

Should I wear a bathing suit in my hot tub?

Why should I shower before and after I use my hot tub?

Yes Hot Tubbing Counts as Exercise
…and So Much More

How To Deepen The Give And Take
In Your Relationship

Can Using Your Hot Tub
Get You That Work Promotion?

Is CoolZone^™ Energy Efficient?