30. Apr. 2022 / by /   Hot Tub Ownership / 0 comments

How to Fix Air Lock in Your Hot Tub

It’s a beautiful day and you are ready for a glorious soak in your hot tub. You go to turn on the jets and … nothing. Or there’s only faint bubbles. What’s going on? It’s called air lock, which simply means that air is trapped in your plumbing. The good news is that it’s a breeze to fix. You can also watch our Splashy Segment on air lock and see Ashley and Emily make jokes about burping a hot tub!

What Is Air Lock?

Even the most experienced hot tub owners can encounter air lock. It usually happens after a drain and refill or when filling a new tub. Air lock is due to one common mistake – placing the garden hose in the footwell. When water rises from the bottom, pockets of air can become stuck inside.

Those bubbles prevent your pump from working properly. It won’t be able to push water through all the internal plumbing or produce enough pressure to power your jets. The result is that either the jets won’t work or they’ll feel super weak. You might even get a pump error message, depending on your model.

Don’t stress when this happens! Use these four steps to tackle air lock.

1) Be a detective

First rule out any other culprits. Be a hot tub detective and look for clues. Start by checking for clogs and leaks, which might mimic air lock.

Then examine your filters. If they are full of gunk, water won’t be passing through. Cleaning filters should be a weekly task, but hey, we’re all human. Your jets might bounce back once the filters are thoroughly cleaned.

Also confirm you have adequate water level. Your tub should be filled to above the skimmer level. If it’s below, even by just a little, the pump can’t pull enough water.

2) Burp the tub

This method is all about gently working out the air bubbles. Run the jets on low for 20 seconds, then high for 20 seconds, and alternate a few times. This should allow some big bubbles to release, and you’ll see the jets return to full force.

3) Manually release the lines

This one is a little more involved, but it’s a cool way to see the inner workings of your hot tub. Safety first – start by shutting off the power at the breaker. Then open your control panel on the jet side.

Locate the pump and then hand loosen each union. What’s a union? It’s a type of connection on the piping joints – similar to what you see under your kitchen sink. Every hot tub is just a little different, so this might be the time to pull out that owner’s manual and look at a diagram.

Loosening the unions allows air to escape from the lines. You might even hear a hissing sound. It’s also not a problem if a little water dribbles out. After a few seconds, tighten up each union. Turn back on your breaker and then test the jets.

4) Call us!

If those steps fail, we’re just a call away. A service technician would be happy to look over your tub. We can also troubleshoot over the phone.

And please don’t feel embarrassed if you want to skip straight to this step! Not everyone loves to tinker or feels comfortable with maintenance We also enjoy teaching spa owners. You can always learn alongside one of our techs so you feel more confident about how your hot tub works.

Just remember that the best way to prevent air lock is to place your garden hose inside the filter compartment every time you refill. This will allow water to seep inside all parts of the plumbing while pushing out any remaining air.

For more on hot tub care, check out these posts:

15. Apr. 2022 / by /   Saunas, Splash Pool & Spa Products / 0 comments

What to Consider When Designing a Custom Sauna

Do you have a vision for your ultimate sauna? Our Finnleo saunas offer the amazing opportunity to custom cut your own unique model. Very few sauna makers encourage customers to be part of the design process! Learn how you can tailor your sauna as well as watch our Splashy Segment on custom saunas to see examples of a fabulous interior.

Superb Shapes

What most homeowners desire in a custom sauna is to combine features from several prefabricated models. They want to mix-and-match looks so their sauna is perfectly suited to their tastes. But you can be as involved with the design process as you want.

We have customers who submit their own detailed drawings while others simply provide dimensions. It’s very much like designing a pool (read our post about your pool wish list) – you can take an active role or offer some suggestions. This is your chance to be creative!

One advantage of having design control is that the sauna will fit to your space perfectly. Finnleo doesn’t have a size limit for custom saunas, though popular options range from a 4×4 foot up to a 12×12 foot. You can also choose a square or rectangular footprint. There’s even an option to do an all-glass front – so chic!

Interesting Interiors

Inside your sauna is where you can go wild with tailored features. You decide wood tones, lighting, glass details, the audio system, and heater. Plus you can adapt the layout configuration for your family. So helpful if your bathers prefer a mix of relaxation positions or have body sizes with different needs.

Select your wood paneling, which includes a light Clear Western Red Cedar, a medium Canadian Hemlock, a luminous Nordic White Pine, or the moody black Taika. One custom option – Seaside – even features a rock wall section. You can also combine different tones for a truly stunning effect

Benches will further customize your look. Finnleo offers many choices: floating, repositionable, reclining, wall-to-wall, and curved. Add tiered benches to create a stadium for multiple users. Include foot rails and arm rests for support. Movable benches even allow you to do sauna yoga!

Your design is also shaped by whether your sauna is for individual use, pairs, or small groups. Finnleo boasts the “widest standard bench widths in the industry” – 24 inches wide for sauna depths with 5 or more feet. They recommend providing 2 feet of bench per person.

Your sauna door and handle are another cool way to add your own touch. There’s the classic Douglas Fir door with glass insert. Or the ultra-modern solid glass door in clear, bronze tint, or opaque satin finish. Or go with a truly one-of-a-kind etched glass door with a beautiful birch leaf pattern.

Don’t forget the finishing details! Finnelo offers eight backrests that vary in plank width and tone, including two that integrate light bars for added illumination. There is also a range of lighting, from fiberoptic and LED to color changing and wall scones.

Lastly, it’s time to bring the heat! Every custom sauna includes your choice of a heater, rocks, and heater guard. There are classic wall-mounted and floor models, the rounded Pikkutonttu, and a wood burning option. For those who prefer humidity, the BioWater Technique increases steam vapor. You can even specify an infrared heater.

Does a custom sauna cost a lot? Not necessarily! Because the major components are prebuilt, the manufacturer price is less than a traditional model. However, installation will require a carpenter who is experienced with sauna construction. We have a great network of local contractors we can recommend.

We have several Finnleo saunas in our showroom you can see in person! We also encourage you to learn more about selecting saunas:

31. Mar. 2022 / by /   Hot Tub Ownership / 0 comments

Your Ultimate Guide to Spa Chemistry

Your hot tub is a toasty escape to relaxation – and it all starts with clean, safe water. Whenever you soak, you want the confidence that your spa has balanced chemistry. Luckily, achieving the right water quality only takes a few simple steps. We recommend testing and adjusting water on a weekly basis, then a quarterly drain and refill.

Weekly Check

Just like a pool, hot tub water needs to be treated on a regular basis. You want to avoid bacteria or biological growth starting to breed. This can be harmful to human health as well as damaging to your spa. Chemicals like sanitizer and balancer keep the water sparkling and secure.

Before you begin, make sure have your cover off for the entire process, including 30-60 minutes after adding chemicals. Some treatments are concentrated, and their vapors can deteriorate your cover material. Give them a chance to dissipate before replacing the cover.

  1. Use test strips or bring a sample to our store for a free test. If any levels are off, adjust them in this specific order: alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, and then chlorine or bromine. Always add them individually, letting the jets run at full speed for 15 minutes. Circulation ensures each chemical has time to activate and disperse throughout.
  2. Next add metal and scale control, which reduces stains. We recommend the brand Brilliance, which we carry at our store. Circulate on high speed for 30 minutes.
  3. Add 4 ounces of oxidizer or oxidizing tablets (3 tablets per 250 gallons). Circulate again on full throttle for 30 minutes.
  4. Double check your Spa Frog cartridges as well. If you aren’t familiar with this type of sanitization system, read our post on Why We Love In-line Hot Tubs.
  5. Lastly, clean filters using filter cleaner, which removes deposits. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soapy residue.

As tempting as it is to jump into your newly treated water, give it a chance to breath just a little longer. Wait 15 minutes after adding any product as well as 30 minutes after sanitizer. Your skin, lungs, and bathing suits will thank you.

Spa Chemistry Chart
Alkalinity pH Calcium Chlorine/Bromine

Ideal range:

80-120ppm

Ideal range:

7.2-7.8

Ideal range:

200-400ppm

Ideal range:

1-5ppm

Low:

Add alkalinity increaser

Low:

Add pH increaser

 Low:

Add calcium hardness increaser

 Low:

Add chlorine/bromine granules
High:

Add pH decreaser

 High:

Add pH decreaser

 High:

Partial drain and refill

 High:

Dilute water
Quarterly Drain

It’s always a good idea to periodically refresh your water. After about four months, your water chemistry is spent. You can dump in all the treatments you want, but they won’t restore the right levels. Read our post To Drain or Not To Drain for detailed instructions, but in short, the steps are:

  1. Drain your hot tub – a submersible pump can speed up the process.
  2. Give your shell a thorough scrubbing – this is one of the few times it’s not submerged! Use a microfiber towel and wipe away dirt and grime.
  3. Refill and follow all the start-up procedures, which are described in our post 5 Steps To Prepare Your New Hot Tub. You’ll also want to use jet cleanse at least once a year during one of your refills, which will help clear buildup from your internal plumbing.

If you are looking for more spa care tips, we have you covered!

15. Mar. 2022 / by /   Pool Ownership, Swimming Pool Construction / 0 comments

Converting A Vinyl Liner Pool To Concrete

If your vinyl pool liner is at the end of its life, is it time to consider converting your vinyl pool to concrete? We’ve heard this question many times. Concrete pools with a shotcrete shell have a longer life, lower maintenance, and more design options.

But keep in mind that converting an existing vinyl pool to a concrete one isn’t a simple swap. You’ll actually have to rip out the vinyl pool and start over with concrete. New ground preparation, plumbing, and decks will be necessary. The good news is that you are ultimately getting a better pool by changing to concrete. Let’s explore the key construction differences between vinyl and concrete pools.

Shell Logistics

The biggest question we get about pool conversions is – why can’t you demo the vinyl liner and just pour concrete into the existing hole?

First, there is a structural difference between vinyl and concrete shells. A vinyl liner is laid over steel walls and a thin floor made from grout or vermiculite. But concrete uses a continuous construction that’s at least 8 inches thick on all sides. If you poured concrete into the same shape left by a vinyl liner, the entire pool’s area and volume would actually shrink.

Additionally, many vinyl liner pools have cross braces under the concrete decks around the outside of the pool. So although it might seem as simple as removing the liner and filling with a concrete shell, those cross braces would also need removed. This in turn would mean about 3’ of concrete decking would come along with it. That is not so simple.

There’s also a concern about the soil condition. Like building a house, you have to test, level, and reinforce the ground before adding any weight to it. Concrete is around 150 pounds per cubic foot – that’s thousands of pounds before you even add water! Because a vinyl liner weighs significantly less, the soil wasn’t originally prepared to accept more mass in the future.

Another consideration with a concrete pool is the bond beam, which runs along the top two feet of your walls. This section is thicker at 12 inches – the extra width prevents your pool’s perimeter from collapsing inward. A vinyl liner doesn’t use a bond beam, so switching to concrete requires excavation to add this reinforcement.

Lastly, removing your vinyl pool is a good time to evaluate your piping. After years of use, it may not be holding adequate pressure or there could be leaks. Your main drain, inlets, and skimmers might need to be replaced as well. Plus the original system may not be compatible with your new concrete pool design.

Concrete Lasts Longer

Yes, it’s an extended process and cost converting a vinyl pool to concrete. But it’s an investment that many homeowners are making. They can see that a concrete pool offers long-lasting beauty and function that vinyl can’t match.

While vinyl liners can last anywhere from 7-12 years, they are meant to be replaced. Eventually they wear out, sagging away from the pool wall or detaching from the clip track. They can also become stained, cracked, or wrinkled. Each replacement can range anywhere from $4,000 – $12,000, which adds up if you want your pool to last for 20 years.

Concrete, however, is durable like your basement foundation. If done right the first time, you shouldn’t have any problems with deterioration. Only the interior tile and plaster will need upkeep as they’re exposed to the elements and treated water. Your pool should be resurfaced every 15-20 years. This not only protects the concrete shell underneath, but gives you the opportunity to change your look if desired.

Still thinking about what you want in a new pool? Check out these helpful posts:

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