5 Significant Parts of Spa Heaters

Balboa spa heaters are a significant aspect of every spa. You don’t want to sit in cold weather unless it’s 100 degrees outside, and that’s not what you want to do with your Balboa spa package when you purchase it.

If your spa heater is not working correctly, it can leave you with a costly frozen mess in the cold winter months. Take a look at the post and know how to extend the life of your spa heater.

First, you should understand the essential parts of hot tub heaters.

1. Heater Assembly

The heater assembly is available in different forms depending on the hot tub manufacturer. The commonly available assembly is the stainless steel tube that contains the heater element. The housing exchanges heat the heater element produces when the water flows through it. The assembly integrates with a high-limit switch and thermostat.

2. Heater Element

The heater element is the same as its name says. It’s the element that produces heat to make your water warm. The heater element works similarly to a light bulb. After so much use, they can burn out. Heater elements can be affected by corrosion and calcium buildup if you don’t maintain hot tub chemicals regularly.

3. Thermostat –

The thermostat comprises a rotating control to set your preferred temperature and a capillary tube with a bulb attached to pick up the spa water temperature remotely. There is a sensor bulb present in a thermo well for ensuring safety.

If you want to operate the heater properly, the thermostat should be in the spa plumbing between the suction point and the heater. It shouldn’t be present after the heater.

4. High-Limit Switch –

High-Limit is a safety switch that remains closed until a problem comes up with excessive heat. Once the temperature goes beyond the set point, it latches on, breaking the circuit. In addition, the safety switch prevents the spa heater from melting down when equipment fails.

You can reset the switch manually by simply pressing the specific button when the temperature comes to its normal state. A tripped high limit causes a power cut before the fuse and immediately shuts down your heat pump and spa heater.

5. Pressure Switch

A safety switch helps in shutting off the power to the spa heater circuit during the interrupted water flow. The switch remains off when the system is running normally. However, it will pop open if the heat pump stops working. The pressure switch will prevent burning up the heater when water is not flowing correctly.

Extending the Life of Spa Heater

Do you want to extend the lifetime of your spa heater? If yes, you must maintain the proper chemical levels in hot tub water. You need to check the pH level of the hot tub water. If chemical levels are not balanced properly, they will cause scale or calcium buildup and corrosion on your heater element. You can buy a titanium element rather than a standard element.

You should never set the temperature higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures can negatively impact your equipment and result in dangerous consequences for people using a hot tub.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to replace Balboa spa heaters elements? If yes, you should look no further than Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. We provide a comprehensive range of Balboa spa heating packages to replace your existing spa heaters effortlessly. For more information about our Balboa spa heaters, please contact us at 1-800-759-8990.

3 Tips to Find the Right Replacement Balboa Circuit Boards

 Balboa is a premier name in the hot tub and spa industry, providing a comprehensive range of accessories to create as wonderful and relaxing experiences as possible. Balboa uses state-of-the-art materials to provide the superb-quality balboa circuit boards possible.

The replacement Balboa circuit boards have the same quality standards or higher than your original circuit board. The replacement boards incorporate all the features and functionality of the original boards. Balboa continuously includes improvements to the replacement boards, intending to provide customers with better quality circuit boards than the original system.

In addition, you will find numerous generic circuit boards to replace or retrofit your existing boards. The advanced features and designs with the Balboa circuit boards accommodate the most demanding spa designs and advanced water temperature management available today. The cutting-edge product design and commitment to technological advancement continue to make these circuit boards stand out in the spa industry.

That’s why most spa manufacturers worldwide rely on the Balboa Water Group for all their spa designs. So Balboa is the right solution for you, whether installing a spa or replacing a circuit board on your older spa, or just looking for a generic circuit board to retrofit.

You must follow the instructions if you want to replace your Balboa circuit board. In some circumstances, the actual board number can often deceive, and understanding everything will help you find the right product.

1. The reference number on the circuit board is the baseboard or bare board number. It won’t help you determine the circuit board number for your spa. You should never reference this number to anyone.
2. There are several numbers on the white sticker that you will see on your circuit board. Find the product serial number that includes the product number as the first five numbers or sometimes seven. The model of the circuit board is written underneath the serial or part number of the system. That will give you a general description of the board and the type of board and can be used if there’s an unreadable board number.
3. Next, you should turn to the chip number of the circuit board. If the board number and serial number are missing, you can choose the board by using the chip number.

Bottom Line –

Do you need more help with the replacement of Balboa circuit boards? If yes, then you should work with Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. For more information about our Balboa circuit boards, please contact us at 1-800-759-8990.

Top 5 Pool & Hot Tubs Chemical Products for Water Maintenance

 

Do you enjoy splashing out in a luxury hot tub or a refreshing swimming pool? If yes, you must look after your hot tub or pool well. Most hot tubs are built to ensure longevity, efficiency, and performance.

Hence, you need to know the hot tub's chemical products for water maintenance. These chemicals will keep your water safe and clean while preserving the life of your hot tub. So, read the below-discussed hot tub chemical products and enjoy hot tubing year round.

1. Chemicals to adjust the pH of the water

Maintaining the proper water balance is significant for ensuring the safe use of the spa. Your spa's water isn't too acidic or alkaline; instead, you want your water to be neutral. A too low pH can cause skin irritation and spa damage. On the other hand, too much pH can cause skin and eye irritation and minimize the effectiveness of some products like sanitizers.

If you want to check your hot tub pH , you should buy a pH increaser and a pH decreaser. These products will balance out the pH of your spa water.

2. Sanitizer

Generally, bacteria enter your hot tub naturally through you or the air. It's unavoidable even if you take proper precautions like taking a shower before getting to the hot tub. Hot tub sanitizer can help your hot tub remain clean. It will keep your hot tub water properly balanced and safe to enjoy. People often use chlorine or bromine option.

3. Calcium Hardness Increaser

It's highly suggested to check the hardness of your hot tub water while checking the chemical level of your hot tub. If you find the hardness level is not at the right level, the hot tub water can be cloudy. Even worse will be scale build-up was seen in and around the hot tub, which can cause damaging the metal components of the hot tub.

4. Pool Shock Treatment

Pool shock is the chemical product that helps remove organic matter from your hot tub water. You can use it in the water and allow it to oxidize all unwanted matter. It's better to do it while filling your hot tub with fresh water. You must do it once a week or while cleaning your filters after heavy use.

5. Water Stabilizer

At the beginning of the season or at the time when the pool is filled with fresh water, you need to use the stabilizer to condition your pool. The conditioner works like an invisible umbrella in the water, which sets up a screen to protect the chlorine level in the pool against the UV rays emitted from the sun. The pool water that has not been conditioned quickly loses its chlorine content through decomposition.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more about hot tub chemical products? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct at 1-800-759-8990.

4 Tips to Pick Right Hot Tub Heater

 

Have you been using a hot tub for several years? Does your hot tub require a replacement or an upgrade? If yes, you should start looking for hot tub heaters available on the market. Modern spas are available with electric or gas heaters and even wood-fired heaters.

You need to make your preference while choosing the model you want to buy. But that doesn't mean you won't change your mind down the road, and your heater won't break down, which requires replacement.

1. Consider Energy Costs

Do you use an older hot tub at home? If yes, then it must have an inefficient energy-guzzling heater. The hot tub heating unit will cost you more than replacing it, which will ensure energy savings. You can invest in a solar hot tub heater that minimizes your additional energy costs. You will need to look for a location that receives more sunlight. If you want to cut down the higher cost of heating hot tub water, it's worth looking into.

2. Consider Heating Methods

When choosing hot tub heaters replacement, you need to choose between the traditional hot tub heating processes – gas or electricity. Ultimately, it comes down to the affordable option available in your area and the availability of gas.

You can use propane or natural gas heaters. You will get to know good comparisons from both types of heating systems. Hence, you should rely on professional opinion, and they will provide you with every detail of a specific hot tub, your location, pricing, and other significant issues.

3. Consider Heating Capacity

 No matter whatever type of hot tub heater you choose, it's essential to know that a large-size heater will help you heat your hot tub water much faster than a smaller one. So, the heating capacity can play a significant role in making your desirable tubbing decision.

If you soak in a spa spontaneously, you should choose a fast heating model, i.e., a larger hot tub. However, if you plan for soaking ahead of time and do it rarely on the spur of the moment, a smaller heater is a good choice as it will heat water gradually.

4. Consider the Materials Used in the Internal Parts

The last but not the least factor you need to consider is the materials used in the internal parts of the hot tub heater. You need to ensure that the heater you choose is made with heat transfer efficiency as the main priority. Otherwise, you may pay less for a heating system; but will end up costing you more in the long run due to heat leakage. You don't want to pay to heat anything but water in your hot tub.

Bottom Line –

Are you searching for hot tub heaters? And do you look for a reliable hot tub supplier? If yes, you should look no further than Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. We have an exclusive selection of hot tub accessories, including hot tub heaters, available for sale at affordable prices. For more details about our products, please contact us at 1-800-759-8990.

All You Need to Know about Hot Tubs Chemical Products

 

Hot tub chemical products are those you put in your hot tub. They play a significant role in maintaining your hot tub and making it ready for use. These products ensure that your hot tub water is safe for you and your guests. Though spa chemicals can be dangerous, it’s wise for you need to familiarize yourself with them. Go through this post and learn more about hot tub chemicals:

Take a Look at Popular Hot Tub Chemicals –

There are so many popular spa chemicals available on the market. They are considered favorites by most spa owners. One of the most popular hot tub chemical products is Bromine. It’s available in the form of nuggets, tablets, or granules. One form, sodium bromide, needs chlorine for its activation. Potassium monopersulfate shock doesn’t contain chlorine and works as an activator without increasing the chlorine level of the hot tub water.

Another popular hot tub chemical is ozone. Ozone helps in preventing bacteria and germs from growing and spreading throughout the water. You need to use it with your regular sanitizer, i.e., chlorine or Bromine. You need to use less sanitizer, which helps keep costs down. In addition, your guests sensitive to chemicals will appreciate taking the plunge in the hot tub water.

Tips to Use Hot Tub Chemicals –

• When you use chemicals, you should be cautious and prioritize safety. Always wear gloves to protect your hands. While doing so, you won’t need to stress chemicals wreaking havoc on your hands. You can even wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes as additional safety measures.
• While mixing chemicals, you need to make sure that they blend perfectly. You need to be familiar with chemicals; otherwise, they can lead to dangerous consequences. Again, mixing incompatible chemicals could injure you or your guests.

Buying Top-Rated Hot Tubs Chemicals –

Do you need to get the hot tub chemicals? If yes, then you can visit Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. We will be more than happy to help you make the right decision. Our hot tub specialists will help you know what you’re looking for, and we can assess your requirements and suggest the best hot tub chemical products for you. Rest assured that our hot tub chemicals will keep your spa water healthy and properly balanced.

At Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct, our top-of-the-line hot tub chemicals are specifically formulated for wood-fired hot tubs. They can be used safely in any plastic or wood hot tub and pool. If you use them ideally, you can safely minimize the amount of Bromine or chlorine required. In addition, most customers find our spa chemicals very mild on sensitive skin.

Besides, you will get different water sanitization systems that work as an alternative to chlorine or bromine sanitizer. Use our natural options like Mineral Ionizer and Ozone Generator and minimize costs and enjoy sparkling cleaner water within less time. Our hot tub chemicals are of the finest quality, and we stand behind our statement. If you want to learn more details about our hot tub chemicals, please call us at +1-800-759-8990.

How Does Hot Tub Plumbing System Work?

Most hot tub owners in Canada often overlook the hot tub plumbing system. As it stays in the background, you always focus on relaxing and enjoying your time. You don’t have time to figure out how water pushes through the jets.

Every once in a while, you may wonder how your hot tub creates an extremely peaceful, soothing environment. Read more about hot tub plumbing or spa plumbing in Canada that makes your hot tub sessions happen.

Suction Line and Skimmer –

First of all, the suction line will start sucking in water. Next, the skimmer will remove debris like leaves, insects, etc. Finally, the suction line and skimmer will send water to the pump.

Hot Tub Pump and Filter –

The suction line and skimmer collect water which moves towards the pump. There, the pump pushes water towards the hot tub filter. When the water passes through the hot tub, it will remove small contaminants like dust and dirt particles.

Hot Tub Heater and Manifolds –

When the water gets filtered, it heads towards the hot tub heater. The heater will use its heating element to produce nice and toasty water. Once water gets heated, it will flow through the hot return line and then to the manifolds. In simple words, manifolds are nothing but water diverters. They receive water from a source and divert it to many different places.

Water Jets

The clean and hot water flows from the manifolds to the jets in the hot tub through flexible PVC pipes. In the end, the water goes out of the water jets to reach you.

Other Important Elements of Hot Tub Plumbing –

Air Control –

In addition to water, hot tubs can draw in air and push them out through the jets, which creates a pleasant bubbly effect. It can be achieved through simple air control valves. An electric air injector or blower can help this system.

Sanitation –

No hot tub water is safe enough to relax without using any sanitizer. Traditionally, chlorine or bromine can be used. In this case, you can sanitize your water by using those chemicals in liquid, powder or tablet form.

The water goes to the Ozonator with ozonation once it’s filtered and heated. Then, you can add bacteria-busting ozone molecules to the water. The same goes for the saltwater sanitation systems. When the water is clean and hot, it goes to the salt cell, which will be sanitized before pushing into the hot tub.

How do you take care of your hot tub plumbing in Canada?

You might think the hot tub plumbing is inconsequential. But remember that, without plumbing, the hot tub feels like just a large bucket of cold water. So, it’s important to care for your spa plumbing system.

This way, you will ensure that your hot tub provides more relaxation and fun to you and your family. If you want to learn more about hot tub plumbing fixtures in Canada, please contact Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct at 1-800-759-8990.

Upgrading Your Spa Pack to Balboa VS501Z Spa Pack

Does your spa pack not working correctly? And are you looking to upgrade your existing spa pack? Then, why don't you buy Balboa Spa Packs! However, the Balboa VS501Z is one of the latest, highly advanced spa packs available. Though this system features complete digital circuitry, you can expect more minor failure, more accurate heating, and easy use. 

The Balboa spa pack operates at 120 VAC, producing 1.5 KW or at 230 VAC to produce 5.5 KW heat. It fits any standard 2" or 1 ½" plumbing system, making the system the fitting addition to upgrade almost any existing spa packs. 

Remember that Balboa spa packs can replace any available spa packs like Gecko, Hydro-Quip, Len Gordon, LA Spas, Coleman Spas, Arctic Spas, Cal Spas, Hot Springs Beachcomber Spas, etc. 

The Balboa VS501Z spa pack has built-in programmable features like self-diagnosis, cycle programming, economy and sleep mode, etc. In addition, the system has a freeze protection feature to eliminate weather freeze-ups. 

This spa pack allows using a 30 Amp or a 40 Amp breaker, enabling you to choose the amount of current to be drawn. Balboa series spa packs have receptacles for one two-speed pump, one-speed pump or blower, one circulation pump, one Ozonator, one constant-on for audio or visual devices and one 12 volt light. Except for light, all receptacles can be switched to supply 120 or 230 volts.

Some people might think that the Balboa VS501 and VS501Z are the same. But it's not true. Only the Balboa VS501Z runs either 220 VAC or 120 VAC accessories or a mixed combination. The latter and older models like the Balboa VS501 need accessories like the ozone to be the same voltage as the primary pump, limiting their applications. You should adapt to the Balboa VS501Z – the most current model line available from the Balboa Group. 

In addition, the Balboa VS series spa packs are manufactured with the patented M7 technology, which allows the system to work without pressure and remote heat sensors. These sensors are standard on other older spa packs. This latest technology makes sure that the spa pack remains in the right place or direction, i.e. before or after the pump or before or after the filter. The order of flow doesn't matter for this system, unlike other methods available. 

Features -

• UL, CSA and CE certified system 
• Stainless steel portable heater with 2" heater tail pieces 
• Complete instruction manual, plasticized control instruction sheet for retrofit situations produced by Northern Lights 
• 12V light supporting LED light 
• Additional infrared waterproof remote control
• 120 0r 220 VAC ozone support 
• 120/240 VAC at 50/560 Hz 
• 10.56" height, 19.5" length and 4.60" depth 
• Two years manufacturer warranty 

Moreover, you can use a second single-speed pump or blower, not both. If the small circulating pump is not used, the flow through the spa heater must provide 23 USGPM or more. 

Bottom line –

Are you looking for the well-performing replacement spa packs available on the market? Then, you should consider buying the Balboa VS501Z spa pack from Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. The reliability and quality are simply unsurpassed in the spa industry. For more information about our available spa packs, please contact us today at 1-800-759-8990.