Hot tub safety and children

Kids, Hot Tubs and Spa Safety

When the weather starts to turn and cool off, we all look for a fun relaxing way to warm up. Some of us chose to be snuggled up in blankets, others chose a cozy warm fire and, a few decide to relax in a Hot Tub. However, when it comes to our kids joining us in the Hot Tub a lot of questions get asked. Today we are going to talk about Hot Tub Safety and children in Hot Tubs.

If you are planning on getting a hot tub or own one, be mindful that your kids will more than likely want to join you. Many people ask us: “Is it safe for my child to be in the hot tub”, while there is no straight answer to this question, we have recommended ways to keep you child safe while soaking. Here are a few rules to follow when it comes to Hot Tub Safety.

NEVER take an infant into a hot tub!
- Their skin is too thin and their bodies are not good at regulating temperature so they are prone to overheating.
If you are pregnant do not use hot tubs!
- The hot water will raise your body temperature to a level that can be dangerous for your developing baby.
No Jumping or Diving!
- We all know kids like to jump into pools however, hot tubs are too shallow and unsafe for jumping and diving.
Our recommendation as to what age a child should be in order to be allowed into a hot tub is approximately 5 years or older. Or if they can be flat-footed on the bottom with their head fully above the water.
- Toddlers are often not recommended to be in the hot tub because they still have little control over their bodily functions and cannot regulate their body temperature easily. Additionally, sanitation is an issue with small children due to the lack of control over their bodily functions.
Depending on the temperature of the water, children should not remain in the spa for more than 15 minutes. At a temperature of 98° 15 minutes max. At a temperature of 104° 5 minutes max. At a temperature of 95° 20 minutes max.
- At lower temperatures children can soak longer however, while the are soaking and after soaking make sure they drink lots of water.
Always supervise your children while they are in and around the Spa.
- If children begin to feel sleepy, dizzy, or feel sick to their stomach, they should exit the spa immediately.
If you have children be sure to utilize the locking straps on your cover to ensure your child does not get in unsupervised.
No Pets Allowed!
- Animals don’t have good ways of regulating their body temperature and almost always urinate in water. So, sanitation and the safety of the animal are always a concern.

Why An Artesian Spa?

Why Choose an Artesian Spa?

Founded in 1993, Las Vegas Nevada, Artesian Spas’ founding partners had one goal in mind, to provide customers with the best quality hot tubs and spas, an array of features, and the greatest range of products. With over 100 years of combined hot tub and spa manufacturing experience, they worked together to create Artesian Spas.

Artesian Spas did not become the best in their craft simply overnight, they did so by focusing on people and how they could improve their everyday lives. They recognized that the way of life today is more stressful and pressuring than it was many years ago. Everyday life for many people is accompanied by; tension headaches, back pain, stress, and diabetes. The list of things in our daily life that cause us discomfort, stress, or anxiety, is only growing longer every day. Understanding this, the founders wanted to make a soothing, effective or enjoyable form of relief available to everyone. Artesian Spas’ did just that by creating four lines of Hot Tubs with varying features and price points to suit everyone’s needs.

“We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best! We’re agile, and know that the secret to happy customers is quality, not quantity. We promise to challenge the status-quo and push the industry forward. We’re environmentally conscious, even if it means building the world’s best spas costs us a little more.” ~ George Hendricks, President

With four lines of Spas and Hot Tubs, Artesian Spas’ small company made huge strides. Starting with their Garden Spa line, they provide a highly powerful hydrotherapy experience, and energy-smart savings. Economical and easy for beginners, Garden Spas are plug-and-play so no additional electrical is needed, just your average 110v outlet will do. The next Spa line Artesian Spas offers in their South Seas line, dynamic and efficient, these spas have an aesthetic appeal coupled with attractive features that make them affordable luxury. South Seas Spas are great for people who want quality spas without too many features or a high price point. When it comes to hydrotherapy, Island and Island Elite Spas are unmatched. Island Spas allow you to create and fully customize your own paradise. With top-of-the-line Island & Island Elite models provide patrons with the best hydrotherapy experience possible. For those who are looking to spend more and in return have a luxurious, functional show piece designed with the utmost precision and care, Artesian Spas offer the Artesian Elite Spa Line. Innovative hydrotherapy jets, the latest in technology, comfortable and intimate designs make up these glamorous Spas worth their price tag.

Artesian Spas provide the most effective, soothing and enjoyable form of relief when soaking in one of their hot tubs. Each hot tub is specifically designed to enhance the lifestyle and health of every customer. Not everybody is the same, which is why not every hot tub is the same. Artesian Spas provides more options and features than any other hot tub manufacturer. Spas are our passion and we'd like to share that passion with you!

Click Here to See All Artesian Hot Tubs and Lines!

Click Here to See Floor Models in-stock NOW!

Health Benefits of Hot Tubs

Health Benefits of owning a Spa

Taking care of our health is an active choice we make to create and live a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s a state of physical and mental well-being to help keep us healthy. Soaking in an Artesian Spa for jus 15-30 minutes a day can benefit your health in more ways than one.

1: Hydrotherapy

Artesian Spas have specifically directed jets of water that can benefit every part of the body, including the skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, neuromuscular and digestive systems.

2: Stress Relief

We all experience stress in different ways, some of us experience head aches, neck pain, insomnia or other forms of discomfort. The jets in each Artesian Spa are specially placed to massage major pressure points for the ultimate in massage therapy. Let the powerful massage soothe your aching muscles and help relieve your stress.

3: Restful Sleep

Unlike the use of medications and prescription sleep aids, the circulation and warmth of each Artesian Spa can help encourage the body to unwind and relax on its own, this can lead to better restful sleep. Many people who suffer insomnia or regular sleeping problems agree that a 15-30 minute soak a day help them relax and get a better night sleep.

4: Arthritic Relief

An Artesian Spa can help aid with the treatment for both arthritis and fibromyalgia. The heated water can cause better blood flow, while the buoyancy can relieve the strain of gravity on your frame.

5: Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study revealed that Type 2 Diabetes sufferers experienced a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and improved sleep after spending 30 minutes a day in a spa. For those who live with the daily discomfort and inconvenience of diabetes, an Artesian Spa can be the doorway to a fuller, more enjoyable life.

Pool Closing Tips

Helpful Fall Pool Closing Tips!

It's that time of year! WE had a blast over the summer and now sadly our swimming season is coming to an end. We have compiled a few helpful tips and recommendations for your pool closing.

In-ground pool closings....

Tip: It is best to wait until the water is below 65 degrees F - colder water temperatures slow the growth of potential algae in the pool.This also means you may want to turn off your pool heater in advance to let the water temperature lower in your pool before you add in your closing chemicals. Warmer pool water depletes the pool chemicals faster than cold water.

Clean .....

Clean dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pool - making sure your pool is free from dirt, debris and other phosphate eliminates a food source for potential algae.

Balance...

Bring in a water sample to Spartan Pools to ensure proper water balance for winter, it will prolong the life of your pool. You'll thank yourself in the long run...

Add in the winter chemicals and any balancing chemicals as needed. IT is important to have the proper level of alkalinity, PH, and calcium. If left undone, liners could potentially wrinkle and concrete could form pits. Yikes!

Water Level...

For Mesh covers lower the water level to the low end of the skimmer

For Concrete pools lower the water well below the tile line.

For standard covers you may leave the water level at mid- skimmer if we are closing your pool.

If you are closing the pool on your own, some choose to lower the water below the skimmer and returns. After you insert the winter plugs you may want to consider putting a little bit of water back in. Why? Because If you have a yard that gets saturated with ground water in spring it would cause your liner to float. It may float when the ground water is at the same level as your pool water. When it lays back down after the ground water has receded it doesn't always want to go back in the same position and you may end up with wrinkles on the floor.

Be sure to....

Have plugs, water bags (if applicable), and covers out by the pool for the closing.
If you are closing the pool yourself you will want to use an air compressor or a shop vac to blow out the lines and equipment.
Take the trippers off of your timer
Empty any chlorine tabs or sticks out of skimmer or chlorinator (if applicable)

Winter Covers...

If you are using a standard style cover water bags are recommended for holding the cover down. If you use bricks or other heavy and sharp objects they could potentially harm your pool if they were to fall in.

Check for any holes in the cover and consider replacing it if it looks like it will let in too much of the fall debris. Think of debris as algae food.

There are many standard cover replacement options to choose from with different warranties. You will often find a good, better, or best selection to choose from. You can decide if you would rather go with a cover that is inexpensive and may only last you a year or a heavier cover that will have a longer life and warranty with it.

Other than a standard cover, some may choose to go with a safety cover that often resembles a trampoline. These are anchored into the concrete or wood deck to help provide stability in the cover. You may choose between a mesh safety cover that lets the water run through or a solid safety cover that will need to have the water pumped off. Again, these covers also come in a variety of durability and grades of mesh. It is recommended to see samples of these covers ahead of ordering and are often custom made for you particular shape of pool. If you are seeking more information on these covers to see which would be right for you, you are welcome to give us a call and we can discuss your pool in particular.

Call for your appointment...

Of course, we offer the services of closing your In-Ground pool for you with various options as to how involved you may or may not want to be. It's best to call the store for those options and prices.

Appointments often fill up quickly. It is not uncommon to be scheduling appointments 2 - 3 weeks out unless you called and scheduled your appointment well in advance.

Above Ground Pool closing check list.....

Make sure the water is properly balanced and debris is cleaned from the pool.
Circulate the closing chemicals 1/2 day - 1 day prior to closing. If you are able to circulate the chemicals after the water is drained down you may do that as well.
Drain down the water below the skimmer and return line.
Remove the hoses from the skimmer and return.
Remove the drain plugs from the bottom of the equipment.
Secure the air pillow in the middle of the pool.
Put on the winter cover and cinch it down tight. If you are in a windy area you may want to use cover clips or cover seal wrap to surround your pool cover.
Empty any chlorine tabs or sticks out of skimmer or chlorinator (if applicable)
Disable the pump timer (if applicable)

Tip: If you do not have a mesh cover you will want to pump off any excess water that may collect on the cover through out the fall, winter, and spring.

Have a safe fall/winter!

Huge Energy savings with Variable Speed Pumps!

Saving you money with Variable Speed Pumps!

Consumers Energy just released they are giving a $350 rebate for those who purchase and install a Variable Speed pump!
Now thru July 15th!

This is huge! It closes the up front cost gap between a regular pump and a variable speed pump!

Plus… experience an average Energy savings of $250 per season! If you usually keep your pump running 24/ 7 during the season you will save a whole lot more! The average is taken if you run your pump 10 – 12 hours per day.
Hayward has a great calculator to plug information in about your current pump you have to see how much you will save by upgrading to a Variable Speed pump.
Click here to see your savings!

Normally the warranty is 1 year on the equipment, but Spartan Pools is a Hayward warranty center.

What does this mean to you?
By purchasing the pump and having us install it you will also get a 3 year full warranty!

Give us a call and we will see if this is the right choice for you!

Be sure to take advantage of the rebates they will expire July 15th, 2017!

Variable Speed pumps

The Unknown’s of a Spring Opening Revealed!

It’s that time of year again!

You know what that means; It’s time to pump off your pool! As spring brings warmer weather (and rain), we bide our time, waiting for the perfect moment to open our pools. Since we closed the pool when it was spotless, perfectly balanced, and chemically treated for hibernation, the water should be clear (if not we’ll do a blog about clearing up a pool in the spring soon I promise). We just need to take the cover off and get the water moving, right? Those of you who know, know that getting the cover off is easier said than done.

Get rid of the water on your cover!

Now, most people are using mesh safety covers to tuck their pools in (your blog article is coming so stay tuned), but above ground pool owners who have little other option, and the inground owners who cling to their standard (or tarp style) don’t have the luxury of a cover that sheds water. The whole purpose of the standard cover is to form a barrier over the pool for the winter that keeps the pool out of the sun, free from debris, and stop rain and snow melt from mixing with our carefully maintained pool water (or so we think). The effect is the snow melt, rain, rain, and more rain accumulates on the cover and needs to be pumped off before pulling the cover off.

The water on top of the cover is not treated as your pool water is. It is not kept out of the sun like the water under the cover. That water is stagnant, full of wind blown debris, and putting stress on the cover itself. Every pool owner should have a small cover pump, submersible pump, a siphon, or some way to get that water off. Ideally, this should be something we do periodically during the winter, and for best results come spring, do this at least a couple times over the off season.
RULE #1: Whether you’re pumping once a month or once a winter, remember to compensate for displacement.

DISPLACEMENT COMPENSATION:
The more water you pump off the cover, the more water you will add to the pool.

The water level you see on top of the pool cover IS your current water level under the cover. The more strain the cover is put under, the less watertight it becomes. As you are pumping water off the top of the cover, you will be losing pool water as well. STICK A RUNNING GARDEN HOSE UNDER THE COVER TO MAKE UP FOR WATER DISPLACEMENT. I’m not yelling, but If you don’t put a hose under the cover, and you notice the water has dropped significantly when you are done, you do not have a leak. Do not panic. You have just learned first hand how water displacement works.
Covers that have holes in them (even very small holes) should not be reused. The barrier is down and you’re mixing pool water with cover water already. The displacement you will experience with a swiss cheese cover could be catastrophic.
Safety is always paramount. If using an electric pump, plug into a GFI protected outlet, and inspect the cords for nicks, cuts, cracks, and frays. Be careful leaning over to place the pump. Don’t pump alone. Don’t drink and pump (seriously). The last thing you want to do is fall in your closed pool.

Pool Cover Tips:

Make sure the drain hose is long enough to get a good distance away from the pool and from the house (preferably to the gutter, ditch or drain field).
Scoop as much debris and leaves and solid whatnot out before and during a pump off. Anything that’s large enough to block the pump intake is going to be bad for the pump and slow your progress. Plus left unchecked, the debris can cause damage to the cover itself.
Brush the cover as you pump off. The small stuff that is suspended will likely pass right through the pump and be drained out.
Keep a close eye on the pool as you pump it off. Depending on the method, the amount of water being pumped off, and the size of the pool, the time it takes may be an hour, two hours, or a whole day. If you can’t be around to monitor your progress, stop pumping. You can attack this task in stages.

By pumping the water off the cover, you’ve made it safe to remove the cover without contaminating your pool. The pre-open procedure can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of time. Pools are for relaxing in, not working on. Just remember: A little elbow grease can make for a more relaxing summer!