Dos and Don’ts of Hot Tub Maintenance

If you’re just re-opening your hot tub for the season or your hot tub has been in operation all winter, hot tum maintenance is an inescapable of hot tub ownership. Like it or not you’ll have to take care of your hot tub if you want it to take care of you.

The first maintenance tip is to replace your spa filter every year. If you use bromine or peroxide sanitizers or natural enzymes derived from plant and mineral extracts; the spa filter must be replaced annually. To keep a sand filter working, depending on the size of the filter you must clean it as often as once a week.  If you live in an area where there is hard water is hard or high levels of calcium levels, cleaning out the cartridge with vinegar and water will prevent crystals from building up around the jets and filters.

Another maintenance tip for removing grimy buildup is to put baking soda on a wet sponge, removing dirt and grime without harming the surface of the hot tub. Shocking the hot tub with a non-chlorine shock once every week will go help keep the water clear. Finally, keeping the right pH level for the water in your hot tub should be a big concern since pH imbalance is a major contributing factor to the development of microorganisms; you may want to take additional care to maintain the pH balance of the water. You may maintain a 7.2-7.4 pH range but it’s really up to you. If you do use tap water loaded with cloramines, metals, and minerals, you might want to purify the water with a spa pre-filter.

Impressive Sound and Size are Two Reasons Why Should You Consider the Orlando Spa Hot Tub

There are many models of hot tubs to choose from so why should you choose the Orlando Hot Tub? If you have a large family or your friends and neighbors are frequent visitors, then you’ll need a bigger sized hot tub that can get in as many people as possible. Along with some other models that we carry such as the Pearl Island or Twilight, the Orlando SPA -222  at 92.5” (2349mm)  X 92.5” (2349mm)  X 39.5” (990mm) is large enough to comfortably seat six people and size won’t be an issue.

If having the right sound system is more your thing, then you won’t be disappointed by its impressive sound system. It starts with the ClearPlay ™ Bluetooth stereo. The ClearPlay™ Sound System lets you stream and listen to your music wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. And to listen to your music, the spa is equipped with two directional tweeters, an 80 watt satellite amp and subwoofer and two Hi Fidelity LED lit speakers. With its state of the art sound system you won’t miss out on any of the great music that keeps your backyard party going all night.

And if those features don’t blow you away, the Orlando SPA comes with 2 trickle down and fan waterfalls, twin Roman fountains, an award winning sconce LED lit cabinet and a bistro table with LED light. Why settle for just another hot tub when you can have the impressive features that come with an Orlando SPA?

Make the Most Out of Your Small Backyard

So you didn’t think that you needed a big backyard when you bought your house because you didn’t think that you would use it? You don’t have to regret your decision but you embrace your small space and make it look bigger than it is.

1)     One thing you can do is strategically lay your pavers or decking in a diagonal pathway to create the illusion of a space being larger than it really is. Straight walkways have a tendency to leave little to the imagination. Planting tall plants maximizes the little gardening space that you have.

2)     You can use bright colors such as red, orange or yellow near the entry to create an attention-getting entrance; letting the rest of the yard fade into the background. A red wooden fence door or hanging a yellow sun decoration might do the trick.

3)     The key to creating a feeling of larger space is by creatively positioning your furniture. Creating an outdoor room with a well-arranged patio set, grill, fountain or fire pit will make the space cozy and personal

Think outside the box and get creative with your backyard getaway. Canadian summers don’t last that long so enjoy them while they’re here!

Remodel your Bathroom with Legendary Style

When people think about remodeling their homes, the bathroom is one of the first rooms that they consider.  In the past the focus of bathrooms was more on functionality but over time it has switched to style. And the great thing about a bathroom remodel is that you won’t only benefit from remodeling your bathroom now but it is one of the most sought after features from a potential home buyer’s point of view when you decide to sell your home in the future

The bath or shower is usually the focal point of any bathroom, for better or worse.  It’s important that you choose a bath or shower that combines functionality and style as well as the overall fit with the floor plan.

When it comes to combining those essential elements, we feel that the Legend Series exceeds buyer expectations. The B614 Steam Shower model is computer controlled and comes with a remote and /temperature display, an overhead rain shower and hand-held shower as well as back jets/side jets. For added space when your significant other joins you in the shower, it’s equipped with foldable seats. And it also includes little extras such as a foot massager, LED chromatherapy lighting, and aromatherapy port and an FM and Bluetooth audio because you have to enjoy the small things in life.

We invite you to come and visit us so that we can show you how the Legend Series may be the steam shower that will make your bathroom remodel worth it.

Getting Fit in Your Hot Tub

While many of us get in our hot tub to relax, some multitaskers like to combine their leisure time with a little exercise. Here are some great exercises to get a great workout in your hot tub.

For many years fitness gurus have been advocating the use of exercises that focus on the core muscle groups to blast away fat and improve performance. Walking or jogging in your hot tub works your abdominal and lower back muscles. Another great exercise is the bicycle. Rest your elbows on a pool noodle or on the edge of the pool to work out your core, shoulders and legs.

The double leg lift improves muscle control while working on your abs. By leaning back on the pool edge, lower your legs straight down and then raise them while keeping them perfectly straight and together.

Need to work your back and thigh muscles, hot tub jumping jacks might be the exercise for you. Not only do you have to elevate your body while working against the water’s resistance but you have to keep your balance as your natural buoyancy will lead you to tip forward or back. Jump your legs out as you normally would but don't let your feet touch the bottom when you bring them back to the center.

Feel like working out those arms then try some underwater bicep curls. The added resistance from the water will make you work harder lifting and lowering your weights. Many athletes who wish to regain their full range of motion are using Aqualogix bells which are attached to the wrists and ankles leveraging hydro-kinetic techniques to drive performance.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot to get fit in your hot tub and it’s an excellent way to stay in shape!

Which Sink is Right for Your Bathroom?

While the bathroom sink is often an overlooked feature in a bathroom, like every other fixture in your bathroom, when it doesn’t look right, it can stand out for the wrong reasons. Bathroom sinks come in various shapes (oval, rectangular etc…), materials (porcelain, ceramic, marble drop in etc. ….) and designs (self-rimming, undermount, drop-in etc…) so which one is the best for your bathroom? 

Your decision will most likely be based on your personal preferences. If you don’t like the look of a square sink, it’s going to be hard to convince you differently.  Of course the type of sink that you will choose will depend on the type of bathroom cabinet that you have. Not all sinks are created equally and some of them may not be your cup of tea.

The best sink for your bathroom depends on cost, functionality and design. Cost will always be a major consideration.  If the sink is made of marble or glass, it will cost more than a porcelain or ceramic sink.  Functionality can be measured by the size and depth of the sink. It has to be deep enough or hold enough water for your needs. Nobody likes a sink that overflows. Then there is design. Does the sink fit with the overall design of the bathroom? Is it too traditional or too futuristic? Will it look good if you change the bathroom’s paint color?  

At Soak Saskatoon we carry a wide range of sinks in different sizes, shapes and designs.. Just bring us a picture or video of your bathroom and we’ll be happy to help guide you so that you make the right choice.

How Not to Slip and Slide in Your Bathroom

If it hasn’t happened to you yet then count yourself lucky, falling in your bathroom can be dangerous In fact in Canada, self-reported injuries due to falls are on the rise, by 43% between 2003 and 2009/2010. The majority of people who fell ended up with broken or fractured bone. And one third of fall-related hospitalizations among seniors resulted in hip fracture.

According to Osteoporosis Canada, there are many ways that you can prevent from winding up as another statistic.  In the shower and bathroom area, a  must have is a shower organizer to organize all of your soaps, shampoos and other bath products so that they are in easy reach, avoiding the need to bend and strain to reach an object.

Adding well-positioned grab bars will go along way to making your bathroom safer. It’s important that they are installed correctly in order to be effective. Another way to avoid slippery falls is by using rubber tub mats or adhesive strips on the surface of the bathtub. The organization also suggests the use of a bath chair or seat if you find it hard getting in and out of the bath, or standing for any length of time under the shower. At Soak Saskatoon most of the models of steam showers that we sell come with a seat.

Finally, falls aren’t limited to the bathtub and steam shower area. Risers for the seat or a frame with arm rests can be installed near the toilet if you are experiencing difficulties sitting down or and getting up from the toilet. Night lights are a must for late night visits.