When the year begins to wind down, the last remaining days of December often become a time of reflection. We look at what we did, who we met, and resent what we forgot to do in the preceding 12 months. For all of us at Hot Tub Warehouse, it’s a time that we look back at the trends of the year. With that said, here are the HTW top 10 posts of 2014.

 

1. Hot Tub Leak Repair

Number one on any hot tub owner’s search history (and our blog’s most viewed article) is hot tub leak repair. Hot tub leaks can be frustrating and the kind of mystery you never look forward to solving. In our hot tub post, we can help you find where it’s originating, assess the damage, and fix it (if it’s a minor issue).

Small leaks in the acrylic or in some of the connections can be resolved with the use of Fix-A-Leak as long as those areas are less than 1/8^th wide.

 

2. Sand Paper Feeling on Hot Tub Surface—Hot Tub Scale

The second most common trouble shooting problem through 2014 was regarding a rough hot tub surface. This issue typically arises when the hot tub chemistry is out of whack and the result is calcium buildup that has settled along the acrylic surface. This can leave your skin irritated after a long soak and can lead to other major problems in your plumbing.

Read the full post for details, but a rough hot tub surface usually means you have a high pH, the water you’re using to fill it is high in minerals, and/or your Total Alkalinity is high, causing your pH to be elevated as a result.

The fix can be quick and easy, so if you have this issue be sure to resolve it quickly!

 

3. My Hot Tub Water Smells Like Mold…HELP!

Your hot tub is supposed to relax you. That can be pretty tricky if you’re sitting in water that smells musty and suspiciously moldy. Any time you’re about to get into a hot tub, you should be doing a sight and smell test at the very least. This means checking for moldy or overly chemical smells and looking for buildup of foam or white deposits on the tile. If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to avoid the tub altogether or get in after you’ve been able to sufficiently balance the water.

If you notice a moldy smell, there’s a chance it’s coming from your hot tub filter or your spa cover. Either of these issues will give the hot tub a terrible smell. If the problem is emanating from the water itself, a good chlorine shock or use of spa purge before draining and refilling should fix the problem.

 

4. What is a Hot Tub Blower?

Need to become more familiar with your hot tub’s anatomy? No problem! In 2014, we had lots of people look at our article about the hot tub blower to find out what it is and what it does.

Many people confuse the blower with the jets of a hot tub. A blower is a unit that uses a fan to create airflow through the channels in the tub to create a nice bit of aquatic therapy for the soaker. You can add a blower, but only if your control pack is capable of operating one

Read the full article to learn of the advantages and disadvantages (yes, there are some) of operating your hot tub blower on a consistent basis.

 

5. High/Low Alkalinity in Your Hot Tub

Total alkalinity is a basic measurement you should be comfortable with when assessing your hot tub chemistry. In essence, alkalinity is the measurement of your water’s buffering capacity.

The article goes on to list basic problems associated with alkalinity that ventures on either side of the high or low marks. For example, water with high alkalinity will turn cloudy or scaly. The article will help you troubleshoot this problem with the addition of some recommended products.

On the flip side, low alkalinity can cause a corrosion of metals inside your plumbing equipment along with some other unpleasant complications. There are some easy tips and tricks to avoid this problem, so be sure to educate yourself.

 

6. Effects of High/Low Hot Tub pH

Either people are curious about the consequences of their actions or are trying to troubleshoot some common hot tub issues. Either way, it’s led them to this article about high/low pH in hot tub water. Similar to alkalinity, sanitizer, or other measurable that have tilted too far away from center, high and low pH can yield some nasty results.

High pH usually leads to calcium and scale build up or water that is NOT crystal clear while low pH is corrosive to your plumbing. Do you know where to keep your pH levels in your hot tub water? A refresher never hurt anyone!

 

7. Moldy Hot Tub Covers

Mold is a common problem anywhere there is heat and moisture. Unfortunately for hot tub enthusiasts, what makes spa water wonderful can sometimes be its own worst enemy. The accumulation of moisture inside of a hot tub cover can turn it moldy. The mold then breaks down the foam material inside of the cover, rendering it virtually useless.

Regular maintenance on your cover—an oft neglected task—can help your cover stay clean and odor free. Read this popular post and a more in-depth article about hot tub cover cleaning.

 

8. What is a Shock Treatment?

Ever been curious what a shock treatment is and why it’s recommended by your local spa professionals? Click no further. Shock treatments are meant to break down organic waste that lead to odor and cloudy water. If you’re having problems keeping your water balanced, it’s pretty much the last step before resorting to a hot tub drain and refill.

Did you also know there are a few different ways to shock your hot tub? Read on!

 

9. What is Calcium Hardness?

Man, you guys have had some serious questions about hot tub chemistry this year—we love it!

This article goes over calcium hardness, often referred to as total hardness, which is a count of the dissolved calcium and magnesium in hot tub water. Do you know the recommended range for TA?

Like other measurable in water, there can be negative effects if it’s either too high or too low. With total hardness, a low level can lead to etching of your plaster or damage like plumbing corrosion. If it’s too high, the hot tub water will have a “fall out” of minerals which will lead to scale buildup and cloudy water.

Need to lower total hardness? No problem. We have all the recommendations you need.

 

10. Choosing a Hot Tub Cover Lift

A hot tub cover lift can be a real life (and back!) saver. Hot tub covers are an important part of the hot tub setup and you’re only going to get more out of it if you extend its life. One way to relieve some strain on your cover is to use a hot tub cover lift.

Don’t know anything about hot tub cover lifts? There’s very little. A brief education (in the form of our popular article) will set you straight. All you really need to be able to do is measure your hot tub unit, assess your needs, and be ready to install upon arrival.

And there you have it! The 10 most popular posts this year at hot tub warehouse. We hope you will continue to look to us for useful content and all of your hot tub queries. Happy tubbing!