5 Questions to Ask Yourself before Buying a Hot Tub

When you’ve finally decided to buy a hot tub, you may be flooded with plentiful choices to choose from. However, hot tubs have been around for a quite long time so it’s obvious that there are so many models to choose from than the dish soaps or soda pops.

You often ask yourself, “What hot tub you should buy?” Ultimately, it will be a personal choice. So we’ve come up with a post that will focus on so many questions you should remember when deciding to spend your money. Your decision on hot tub depends on so many things including types of spa heaters you want to go with. Besides, there are much more to consider; read on to know more:

1. Who will use the hot tub?

If you want to use the hot tub, you should get the go-ahead from your doctor or are already enough to utilize a hot tub without any issue. After that, you should ask yourself who is going to use it. It doesn’t make sense to have a 2 person hot tub if you have a 5 person family.

Obviously, someone will b always left out and it could greatly impact on your family atmosphere. If you foresee yourself entertaining more often, you’re going to need a bigger size tub. Remember that, hot tubs act like magnet that appeal people, even if you don’t invite them. Therefore, you should plan accordingly.

2. What is the type of your body?

Most of the current hot tubs come with molded seating. This means if you’re taller than average, you may get a hard time being comfortable in a hot tub. Even if you’re quite short or different size from the average, you may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s highly suggested to test your potential hot tub in person when it’s filled with water to make sure it fits you in the best way as possible.

3. Where will you install the tub?

When it comes to choosing the location, you should make sure it has the ample amount of space and accessibility. It will play a key role in hot tub selection. The important thing you want to have is a hot tub sitting in your driveway. It’s impossible to install it without doing major renovations to your yard or house. Hence, it’s better to handle beforehand. So, make proper measurements again and again.

4. How much do you want to invest?

Set a right budget and it will help you narrow down the choices you have when buy a hot tub. If you’ve very small budget, you’ll likely end up with an inflatable hot tub. It’ll do the job just fine; but won’t last long. If you have more, you can go for more durable and highly efficient hot tubs for your needs.

5. What type of hot tub accessories do you want?

Hot tub accessories become a matter of preference when choosing a hot tub. Of course, the fewer you get; the less you’re going to spend. But you want to feel comfortable all the time. You’ll likely invest in jets, energy efficient spa heaters and an insulated hot tub cover. Ease of maintenance, accessibility, repairs and good warranty can be paramount for people who are busy or don’t have enough DIY skills.

Bottom Line –

For the purchase of all types of hot tubs, hot tub accessories, spa heaters, you should choose no other than Cedar Tubs Direct. We have the durable, highly efficient hot tubs and supplies to deliver you an enormous experience. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.cedartubsdirect.com/balboa-spa-heaters-c-115_146.html.

Buying Balboa EL2000 Elite Series Spa Pack for Advanced Spa Heating

Balboa EL2000 Elite Series spa pack is the most advanced spa pack of Balboa Elite series. This spa pack is ideal for both commercial and residential spa owners seeking for additional sophistication in control options. Even, it’s perfect for those who need remote or wireless control and monitoring.

Balboa EL2000 comes with 5.5-1.5 KW Digital Spa Controller and multiple control options like ozone suppression, clean up cycle after use, panel lock, and real time clock. The real time clock feature allows you set the filter cycles by the time of a day and on a 12 hour or 24 hour cycle.

This spa pack supports both 12 volt and 120 volt lights and fiber optic wheel lighting. The Elite series supports wireless RF remote control and monitoring through computer software applications and modem or high speed networks.

Balboa EL2000 uses M7 technology, the best spa pack technology available on the market. This Elite series spa pack has complete digital circuitry ensuring less failure and more precise heating range i.e. +/- 1 degree F. It can work effortlessly at 120VAC and will produce 1.4 KW heat. The system can be used at 230 VAC and will produce 5.5KW heat.

In addition, you can add one or more auxiliary heater – each producing 5.5KW to the unit. This EL series spa pack fits standard 2” piping, an ideal alternative to upgrade any mechanical or digital spa pack.

Balboa EL2000 has built-in programmable features like filter cycle programming by time duration or time of the day, different power saving modes like sleep mode, economy mode, standard economy mode, ozone suppression, clean up cycle, freeze protection, panel lock, temperature lock, standby mode for changing filter, sophisticated diagnosis and reminder measures, etc.

This Elite series spa pack is able to choose the amount to be drawn allowing a breaker as low as 30 AMP and deliver complete 5.5 KW electric heat. This spa pack has receptacles like 2-speed pump 1, one 1-speed pump 2 that can be altered to handle a 2-speed pump, one blower or 3^rd pump 3, one circulation pump, one ozonator, one constant on for audio or visual devices, one 12 volt light or LED or fiber wheel, etc. All of the receptacles can be switched to supply 230 Volts or 120 Volts.

The spa pack has EL2000M3 pack with 2” PVC heater tailpieces. It comes with complete instruction manual to handle retrofit situations produced by Northern Lights. Though it’s made with patented M7 technology, the spa pack eliminates the requirement for pressure sensors and remote heat sensors which are quite common on other older spa packs. This advanced spa technology allows spa pack to keep it in any location or direction before or after the spa pump or before or after the filter.

Are you thinking to invest in Balboa EL series spa pack? If yes, then you should look no further than Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. For more information about spa packs, feel free to contact us as soon as possible at 1-800-317-9054.

Why Do You Buy Bromine Pool and Spa Tablets?

Currently, proper sanitization of your spa or pool is important to stay safe and protected during this COVID-19 pandemic situation. Therefore, buying right hot tubs chemical products makes really sense.

Now it’s easy and efficient with Bromine Pool and Spa Tablets available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions. All you need to do is to fill up pucks in your standard spa tablet dispenser. This way, you will leave your spa clean and properly sanitized.

These bromine tablets are approved to use for all varieties of wooden hot tubs, spas and pools. They are specifically formulated to work with different hot tubs and spas. Northern Lights bromine tablets work really well with standard spa puck dispensers.

They are able to control the growth of bacteria and algae in spa water. If you use them as directed, they work effectively like spa water sanitizer and disinfectant.

You should fill the dispenser and make adjustments on dial to maintain ideal sanitization level for the water volume as per the water test reading. You may think why you use bromine over chlorine for the sanitization of your spa or hot tub at home. Here are a few reasons why using bromine rather than chlorine is a must:

Chlorine pucks are available with shelf life. After using them one and half year, gas trapped in the powdered pucks could escape easily. But bromine tablets have no shelf life.

When chlorine kills bacteria, it becomes inert. When you add spa shock to your spa, it regenerates bromine salt into bromine. It means adding spa shock will make the bromine last much longer than chlorine.

Using chlorine in spa water can help you fight against algae more effectively. But bromine is much efficient in killing harmful bacteria and virus.

When you use chlorine, it will combine with ammonia and nitrogen in spa water. It will result in several problems like red eyes, itchy skin and awful smell. But bromine doesn’t combine with ammonia or nitrogen and doesn’t offer negative side effects.

While using high temperatures in a hot tub, chlorine gets active and tends to dissolve into its gas form. As a result, it will lead to inefficiency. Bromine remains intact in the heat of a hot tub.

Upon getting in contact with high pH level spa water, chlorine loses around 75% of its sanitization ability. The high pH level results when multiple users use a space at once. But bromine remains unaffected by high pH levels nearly.

Are you thinking to buy hot tubs chemical products online? You should look no further than Northern Lights Cedar Tub Direct. For more information about our hot tubs chemical products including bromine tablets, feel free to contact us at 1-800-759-8990.

How Can You Keep the Spa Pumps in Top Condition?

Spa pumps are considered as the lifeline of your hot tub or spa. They pump water in and out of the shell. The pumping process combines chemicals throughout the hot tub and filters out any harmful contaminants or debris particles. After that, these pumps run through the spa heater and jets.

In short and simple worlds, pump is the heart of your spa and works like your heart as it delivers healthy maintenance and ensures productivity.

Focus on regular maintenance.

First of all, you have to maintain your spa pump on a regular basis. You have to make sure that your spa has properly balanced water. It will prevent scale buildup and the pool equipment erosion.

Balanced water means maintaining proper balance of minerals in your spa water. As a result, your sanitizer will work more effectively and feel much softer and cleaner to your skin.

Check for the pH level in the spa water. If it’s high, it will significantly cause scale buildup in and around the spa including the pool pump and filter. However, the higher pH level will make your pump work much harder than usual which will ultimately impact on the lifetime of the pump.

If the pH level is low, the water inside your hot tub or spa will be acidic. It can be a hassle to your pump as well as all the spa components. The acidic water corrodes your spa equipment.

Make your spa free of dirt and debris.

Check the water pressure in your hot tub. If you find it low, it may be due to buildup of debris or obstructions that blocks the impeller from working. Therefore, it’s highly suggested that you should check and clean your spa filter pump regularly.

Consider the location of your spa pump.

If you install your pump in an area with dirt and debris, they can block the airflow within your pump, overheat the motor and lessen the durability of whole unit.

Another issue you have to consider is the existence of water around the hot tub pump. Presence of water can reduce the lifetime of your spa pump. Hence, you should check for leaks on your spa pumps. More often, you need to tighten the o-ring or loose frame to fix these leaks.

If the worst scenario approaches, you may require changing a seal to make sure that the leak is fixed. Even, it’s more convenient to consider replacement spa pumps.

Keep your ear open.

You have to listen whether any humming, grinding or whining noise coming from the pump. If yes, then it may be due to worn out bearings. Check the bearings whether there’s any sign of corrosion or dirt buildup. It’s better to replace the worn out bearings as soon as possible.

Bottom line –

When it comes to spa pumps, generally they have 5 to 10 years of lifetime. If you follow regular maintenance schedule, it will significantly impact on the longevity of the spa pump.

Again if you need replacement spa pumps, you should rely on Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct. We stock an extensive selection of spa pumps to choose from. Choose your spa pumps precisely so that you can enjoy your spa more knowing that it’s ready for fun and entertainment throughout the year.

If you’ve questions regarding your spa pump, feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-759-8990!

How Do You Choose the Right Replacement for Spa Pumps?

When it comes to buying replacement for hot tub pumps, you should know better about the right size pump for your spa. This will help you save a lot of money and money. However, spa pumps are the important components for your filtration systems.

There’s a common misconception about hot tub pumps that the higher the horsepower, the better the system is. This is not definitely the case. Getting a proper sized hot tub pump can help you get rid of excess wear on your pool accessories and save you on electricity usage.

There are so many things you should consider to evaluate before buying a pool pump of your choice. Please remember that, every pool is different; so proper research and evaluation will take you along the right path. Please take a look at this post and understand everything before making the plunge:

Different Types Hot Tub Tubs Available –

As you may know, there are different types of spa pumps available on the market, especially when it comes to considering speed i.e. low, medium and high. However, speeds are the important considerations you should make as they will regulate the usage of pump and power consumption.

Single Speed Pumps

Single speed pumps are the most popular types of hot tub pumps available on the market. Considering a single speed pump allows the motor to spin the impeller at only one speed as per the horsepower of the motor. Running at high speed makes them very efficient to use.

For example, Balboa WOW Circ Hot Tub Pump is one of the most energy efficient pumps on the market. This circulation pump combines the industry-best technologies – the proven reliability of Ultima pump wet end and the dynamic WOW motor technology.

Here are a few single speed hot tub pumps you should consider buying while searching for the right replacement:

Balboa Victoria & Niagara Series Hot Tub Pumps

Balboa Victoria and Niagara spa pumps are considered as the factory authentic replacement pumps for Ultrajet, Ultima Plus, Ultima and Ultimax spa pumps. They feature with new G.E. and A.O. Smith, and Century motors for smooth and convenient operation.

Balboa DuraJet Pumps

Balboa DuraJet Pumps are the replacement for StaRite DuraJet pumps. They come with A.O. Smith, Century, or G.E. motors.

LAING Circulating Pumps

Laing Circulating Pumps are one of the quietly operating and the most efficient pumps made. All of pumps utilize ECM technology that enables electronically controlled communication. As a result, they offer around 40% or more efficiency over standard AC motors.

The Laing series circulating pumps are manufactured in Germany by Liang, a division of ITT. Some of the Liang pumps are the key products on the spa market whereas others are on the solar and residential heating market. Providing quiet operation, they are superior standard replacements for other spa circulating pumps including the Waterway Mighty Mite or the spa pump models made by Grunfus.

Bottom Line –

When it comes to choosing the right replacement for hot tub pumps, it’s highly suggested that you should consider the right purchase. We at Cedar Tubs Direct specialize in providing a comprehensive range of replacements for spa pumps to choose from for your delightful hot tubing experiences. Please check out our hot tub pumps at https://www.cedartubsdirect.com/hot-tub-pumps-c-4.html.

5 Tips to Maintain Hot Tub Plumbing in Canada

When it comes to using hot tub plumbing in Canada for years to come, preventive maintenance goes a long way. You’ve likely the habit of cleaning your hot tub cover, shell and maintaining the water. Yet, there’s another important aspect of your hot tub that you often overlook, i.e., your hot tub plumbing.

Hot tub plumbing can give rise to a lot of nasty biofilms, the buildup of dirt and grime in the form of bacteria and other organic contaminants. However, your hot tub plumbing is a perfect place for bacterial growth. All they need is warm water, organic matter, and a surface. Please remember that they don’t require sunlight for growth and development.

The important signs to look out for a buildup in hot tub plumbing

• Check whether there’s any bad smell coming from hot tub water.
• Check whether the hot tub faces difficulty in balancing water, after a refill.
  
• Check whether the hot tub has dirty water or water film after a refill.
• Check whether you have an improperly drained hot tub

Here is a simple plan to plan a maintenance practice for hot tub plumbing in Canada:

1. Take a look at your filter cartridge.

Open the filter gently and take a look at it. If it’s been a year, you should replace the filter. If the filter is still in right shape, clean it up to get rid of grime and use a spa filter cleaner. Make sure that you rinse the filters thoroughly as the cleaner residue is a common reason for foam inside your hot tub.

2. Jet and circulate.

Switch on the jets and let the system circulate for at least 30 minutes. If you’re out of time and want to get the hot tub drained, you can stop circulating. If the time allows, consider circulating the hot tub for 24 hours. It will really do a great job of eliminating the nasty biofilm critters.

3. Drain and scrub.

Drain the water perfectly from your hot tub. If your hot tub requires cleaning, this is the right time to do so. You don’t want to be stuck with white or green slimy lines for the next couple of months. Try to avoid soap based cleaner as it leaves residues, which are the common causes of foam.

Prepare a solution of an equal amount of white vinegar and water to erase those water lines or use a spa surface cleaner. Don’t miss out cleaning the hot tub cover, top, and bottom with products designed specifically for hot tub covers.

4. Fill the hot tub.

Now that your hot tub is perfectly clean; it’s time to replace the water. This will take time, and it’s the right time to walk around and check for leaks if there’s any.

Fill up the hot tub by sticking the hose in the filter. It directs water through the filter and pipes quickly to get rid of trapped air inside the system. Trapped air inside the pipe can result in airlock and damage in the pump.

5. Balance and sanitize hot tub.

Now the time has come to check the water and add proper chemicals to check the balance of water. Add your startup chemicals including sanitizer. Make adjustments in the pH level as required for sanitizer system to work well.

Bottom Line –

Regularly flushing your hot tub plumbing is important for good reasons. It leaves your hot tub with cleaner water and a safer hot tub environment. This means you won’t need to worry about the critters floating around in your water.

Do you need a replacement for hot tub plumbing in Canada? If yes, feel free to browse the collection of hot tub plumbing available for sale at Cedar Tubs Direct. For more tips and suggestions on hot tub plumbing maintenance, please stay tuned with us!

How Do You Replace Balboa Circuit Boards?

Want to take advantage of personal spa at home? If yes, then you should invest in Balboa spa kits. However, the circuit boards are the important part of your hot tub. Earlier, they are made of air switches and relays to turn on and off things. Currently, circuit boards and wires are the brain of your spa. They control everything from your filtration system to your lights and everything in between.

 

Over the time, Balboa circuit boards experience wear and tear. Therefore, you have to understand your spa control system circuit board so that you can properly identify the circuit board part number. When you find the sticker unattached to the circuit board, you can still identify it by the primary chipset part number.

If a sticker is still attached to the circuit board, you’ll identify the Balboa part number on it easily. It will be the first set of number that starts with the number “5”. The number will be either five digits long or five digits proceeded by a dash and two additional digits like 54115 or 54115-02.

In addition, you can do search this number to find the right replacement for the circuit board. If you find it, you’re more than likely to replace the spa control system yourself. It may sound big; but it may not be. Balboa provides perfectly engineered Balboa Value Pack Retrofit Kits. In short and simple words, they are the complete spa control system replacement solutions for your hot tub.

In most situations, you may find that replacing the entire control system or spa pack is actually less costly than the circuit board. When it comes to replacing the entire control system, you’ll give a new lease on life to your hot tub.

If the circuit board costs over $250, it’s suggested to discuss with your solar installer about the replacing the entire system. However, the price of retrofit kits starts at $300 and they’re relatively easy to replace. Keep in mind that, an experienced spa technician is must for the spa circuit board replacement.

 

Over time, the sticker attached to the circuit board becomes old and cracked and the adhesive used on the sticker makes it to fall off of the circuit board completely. If it happens, you can identify the circuit board through the primary chipset number, as present below on the right.

Remember, the chipset number is the top set of numbers. For example, the chipset number will be LITELDR1A. You can contact with Northern Lights solar installer to identify your circuit board and choose by the chipset method.

Moreover, the circuit board of your Balboa hot tub kit is one of the many parts that make your hot tub a wonderful bubbly soak; but keeping it in top condition and having the right one is the difference between a bucket of water and backyard oasis.

If you’re looking for replacement Balboa circuit boards and you’re unsure about which model to choose, Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct can help you. Feel free to contact us as soon as possible at 1-800-759-8990 and we’ll get back to you right away!