View Video: Hot Spring Vista on Display at PoolCo

Put yourself in a Hot Spring hot tub...today!

SPA-Article # 3 Draining and Refilling Your Hot Tub

Periodically hot tubs need to be drained and refilled with fresh water.  

How often is often?

Basically, it depends upon your usage patterns and/or at the first signs of a loss of water quality.


How many times a year your hot tub water needs replacing depends on several factors: 

1. Hot tub size  This seems pretty obvious. 2 people using a small hot tub holding 200 gallons of water will require more frequent water changes than 2 people using a medium sized hot tub holding 300 gallons.

2. Number and type of bathers

More people, longer soaking times equals more frequent water changes.

3. Hot tub filtration design

Some hot tubs are designed with great filtration systems. Some hot tubs are designed to have a low purchase price and are constructed with low quality components.  Because the hot tub filtration system is not a priority for the manufacturer, it is probably undersized and allows for by-pass filtration.

A great filtration system will filter every drop of the hot tub water 24 hours a day, at a very low and slow gallons per minute, whether you use the tub or not. Cheaply priced hot tubs may only filter the water a couple of hours a day and at high flow rate.

Just like the size of the hot tub, the size and number of cartridge filters will also factor into how often



Beyond redemption,
best to replace this with a new filter.
Replacement has its benefits. Water clarity
will increase, less chemicals will be needed
to maintain your tub and BEST OF ALL..
..INCREASED PRESSURE WHEN
YOU TURN ON YOUR JETS!

a hot tub must be drained and refilled. Even cartridge filters that are older than 1- 2 years old (and not rotated) will effect the frequency of water changes...older filters gradually become clogged and filter less and less as time goes by.


This filter is probably as dirty
as a filter should be allowed to get.
If you haven't chemically cleaned it
in last 4-6 weeks, then do so.



4. Is hot tub maintenance performed regulary and routinely?

Many spa issues can be prevented with regular, routine preventative maintenance. Reacting to problems requires much more of your time, money and energy....and more frequent water changes.  



---

Regular draining and refilling is a normal part of spa maintenance. Over time, the water absorbs and dissolves minerals, chemicals and other soluble material. As your authorized BioGuard dealer, PoolCo can perform a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) test to help determine if it's time to replace your water. High TDS can make the water look dull, become foamy, and develop an odor.

How often you drain and refill your spa depends on how often you use it and how long you soak.

This simple formula can help:

Spa gallons ÷ Daily bathers ÷ 3 = Days between draining

Example: 300 gallons ÷ 2 daily bathers ÷ 3 = 50 days

Note: a bather is one person in the spa for 15-30 minutes.

---





Take Advantage of PoolCo's Drain and Refill Service

• We will inspect the spa. We will insure that the spa is functioning normally, including the ozone system.
• We will drain the hot tub completely. 
• We will chemically treat the cartridge filters with SpaGuard Filter Cleaner.
• We will clean and polish your hot tub cover with Spa Cover Cleaner.
• We will thoroughly wipe down the spa, removing any oils and waterline line in the process.
• We will fill the spa, using your water supply. After the spa is filled we will turn it back on.
• We will verify that the entire spa is functioning normally, checking all the pumps and electrical equipment, including testing your GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).
• We will inspect the cover removal system.
• We will add the amounts of SpaGuard sanitizers and balancers that are normally required to properly treat the new hot tub water.
• Then we will take a sample back to PoolCo to be professionally tested. You will be contacted with what you will need to add to complete your hot tub water balancing.
• We will advise you if any component of the hot tub is in need of repair or replacement.
• If still under warranty, we will discuss scheduling and making those repairs at your convenience.
• We will leave a comment card with you, to give us feedback on our services.
• We will also contact you in a few days to inquire verify you are happy with the service you recently received.

Our standard rate of charge is $ 250.00 for 2 hours of service.

Purchase your annual supply of SpaGuard water care products and SAVE 1/2 OFF Drain & Refill Service Charge!

15% Discount 6 month Spa Care Packages

SpaGuard Enhanced Chlorine or Softsoak Non-Chlorine Programs.

Easy, simple spa care keeps your hot tub water sparkling and safe. 

Bonus! You keep your 15% discount on any additional kit chemicals you might need for a full year.

Visit PoolCo or call 618-529-3200 for details.

PoolCo's featured hot tub of the month for March: Hot Spot model, "TX"

• Perfect portability
• 110v - Plug and Play
• Moto-Massage Jet
• Energy Smart hot tub

Exterior Dimensions

 5 ft 7 in x 5 ft 7 in x 29 in (1.7 m x 1.7 m x 0.74 m)

Seating Positions

 2 Adults

Number of Jets

 10

Water Capacity

 130 gal (492 l)

Weight, Dry

 324 lbs (147 kg)



Hot Tub of the Month Coupon





Weight, Full



 1,714 lbs (777 kg)

 Electrical Requirements

 

Motor/Pump

 Wavemaster® 4000; Two-Speed, 1.0 hp Continuous Duty, 2.0 hp Breakdown Torque

Heater



 No-Fault® 1000 w / 115 v



 General
 

Audio/Visual System

 Wireless Sound System (Optional) 

Lighting

 Dimmable Blue LED Light, Splendors™ Multi-Color LED Light (Optional)

Color

 Shell: Pearl or Sand, Cabinet: Crème

Filtration System

 30 sq ft

Once again thank you for considering PoolCo as your #1 expert for hot tub information. Let us show you all that Hot Spring has to offer, "The Best Lifetime Hot Tub Experierence".

JETS!.. I Really Love Ya!

Hot Spring hot tubs...The world's best hot tub.

Exclusive features that you'll find only on a Hot Spring.

When are you gonna get your Hot Spring?

Give it a try....schedule your FREE Test Soak with us today.

618-529-3200 or  http://www.poolco.net/contactus.htm

Hydromassage improves your health and well being

Hydromassage relieves sore muscles, stiff joints and poor circulation Hydromassage promotes restful sleep Unique patented jets on Hot Spring spas give you a hydromassage experience like no other hot tub. Comfort control System, adjust the feel and intensity of your massage Sensational jets, no other hot tub has the MOTO-MASSAGE ® DX JET Hot Spring designs their own jets so each has the power to give you an incredible massage.

Hot Spring Hot Tubs Has Figured It Out!



The Vanguard displayed in PoolCo's sunroom.

ACE sanitizing system for hot tubs. The most beautiful, silky-soft hot tub water. Our staff agrees, this is the absolute easiest hot tub to maintain...ever!

The revolutionary ACE system uses a diamond electrode to break apart water molecules to create active oxygen, one of the world’s most effective natural cleaners. The active oxygen then combines with salt and other elements in the water to create chlorine and three other powerful oxidizers.

To activate the ACE salt water sanitizing system, the Hot Spring spa owner adds the appropriate amount of salt to balanced water and enters the spa’s size and expected use level on the main control panel. After that,  the owner simply checks the sanitizer level regularly with a test strip and confirms use level once a month. A status message on the control panel identifies that the ACE system is cleaning the water.

• ACE salt water sanitizing system automatically generates five cleaners.
• Reduces time spent on hot tub maintenance.
• Owners are much less likely to experience dry itchy skin or irritated red eyes.
• No harsh odors of traditional water care.

Enjoy the absolute best lifetime ownership experience with a Hot Spring spa and the ACE salt water sanitizing system, visit http://www.hotspring.com/.

About Hot Spring Spas
Hot Spring spas are made by Watkins Manufacturing, the acknowledged world leader in hot tubs. Watkins is a division of Masco Corporation, a Fortune 500 company whose products include such trusted brands as Delta® faucets, KraftMaid® cabinets and Behr® paints. With over 800 dealers worldwide, Hot Spring Spas is in all 50 states, Canada and more than 65 other countries. More information and hot tub dealer locations are available online at http://www.hotspring.com/.

Want to know more about ACE sanitation for your new hot tub?

Carvell Hot Tub is 10 Years Old!

That's our Hot Tub in this commercial that played around 2001-2003.

PoolCo and PoolCo products stand the test of time!

SPA-Article #2 Preventing Foaming/Cloudy Water in Your Hot Tub

Just how can you prevent foaming in your hot tub?

Spa & Hot Tub odors, excessive foaming  and/or cloudiness problems are caused by:

• Improper sanitizer use

• Improper water balance

• Lack of regular maintenance
• Insufficient drain & refill procedures
• Environmental reasons caused by uncontrolled biofilm build up



Normal foaming while using hot tub after

you turn off the jet pumps, the foam should

disappear within 30 to 60 seconds.

The water should

look crystal clear.



Don’t try fixing the problem with just anti-foam. Certainly don't try to cover up odors with fragrances. You will only make the situation worse. Deal with the root causes listed above.

Bring us a sample of your hot tub water. 

This is not normal. A tablespoon of sanitizer will not this problem. PoolCo's trained BioGuard water professionals are here to rescue you and your hot tub illness....as quickly as possible.

The simplest, easiest way to keep your hot tub water clean and crystal clear is to have your water tested professionally at PoolCo Carbondale. You can have your water tested at most Pool and Spa retailers.  We are different. This service is free!

Only using half of the spa this morning

Sometimes when you are in a real big hurry, just flip the cover open and use 1/2 of your hot tub.








Yesterday, 2-6-2011
Chlorine level was 0 when I tested the hot tub water, after I got out yesterday.


2nd pad from the left should be purple.
However there was no color change, chlorine = 0!



Noticed more than normal foaming on top the water. That prompted me to take a chlorine test reading. With no residual chlorine level (0 ppm) bacteria can grow, oils and other comtaminants can build up in the water ....and cause excessive foaming. The best way to permanently remove the foaming is to add (generally) a double or triple shock treatment of chlorine to your hot tub water.

Added 1/4 cup Enhanced Spa Shock after Mark and I used hot tub.







If I have a chlorine reading in the morning then I added enough. If I still have a 0 reading then I didn't add enough and will need to add another shock treatment, maybe even a larger treatment. 

Today, 2-7-2011

Today's chlorine level before using the hot tub - 3ppm. No foaming, water looks clear, smells good.
Testing is easy and quick to do at home with test strips. However, for a complete water analysis, bring us a sample at PoolCo in Carbondale, IL. We'll test your water for free. http://www.poolco.net/

Frozen in Time: Our Extra Hot Tub Filters

Regular Rinsing and Periodic Chemical Cleaning

For best water results, rinse off - with a garden hose - your hot tub filters weekly. (No more force than your standard garden hose spray attachment or you will tear the superfine fibers of the filter material.) Some people might think rinsing weekly is too often. However, we've seen proof that it works. [We have hundreds of hot tub owners/customers, and we witness daily what works and what doesn't.] Why then does a weekly rinse make sense?

All week long, whether you use the hot tub or not, particles collect on the pleats of the filters.(Of course, the more you use your hot tub, the more particle (dirtier) your filter(s) will collect. Hot tub chemicals are applied to hot tub water to kill contaminants and keep the water safe and sanitary. Simply put, they are referred to as "oxidizers". Basically, to oxidize something is to break it down. Sanitizing chemicals break apart - oxidize -algae, bacteria, etc.They will also try to keep oxidizing the dirt that collects on your hot tub filter. Dirty filters will create more demand for sanitizing chemicals (adding a lot more chlorine or bromine).

Rinsing weekly also prevents oil and dirt from permanently clogging the fibers that that provide a superfine filtering surface. Clogged filters will greatly reduce the water's ability to flow at the proper rate through the hot tub's heater. The hot tub is programmed to sense this and will shut off the heater to protect the hot tub. (No water flowing through the heater will cause the heater to burn up or even catch the hot tub on fire!) Permanently clogged filters are useless and must be replaced with new filters.



Remove your dirty filters and set aside for the moment..
...yeah  I thought I'd just rinse them off the next day.
The next day they froze.



Having an extra set of hot tub filters can be a great help for busy hot tub owners. As part of your weekly hot tub maintenance, simply remove the filters currently in use in your hot tub. Set these dirty filters aside for the moment. Replace with clean - DRY - filters. Now if time permits, rinse off the dirty filters you set aside. Store inside in a place where the superfine fibers of the filters can dry. Just keep repeating this rotation on a weekly basis. Hot tub owners that do this on a fairly consistent basis have gotten as much as 5 years use out of these filters. Hot tub owners that just don't have the time or the motivation to perform this regular, routine hot tub maintenance step - are replacing their filters annually. Note: If you are unable to rinse off your filters immediately, then place in a large container of water to soak until you can rinse them off the next day or two..



During the winter months, having an extra set of filters is a great when your garden hose is frozen and you can't rinse them off immediately.



Before removing your hot tub

filters for cleaning, remember to

turn off power  to your hot tub

by turning  the power off at

 your GFCI subpanel.



Why You Need To Periodically Chemically Clean Your Filter:  As noted just above, chemical cleaning of your filter aids removing greases, oils & other bather and environmental waste that will soil your filter and shorten its life.  Normal, regular rinsing will not remove these wastes.  Here's a couple of analogies that will help you understand the significance of chemical cleaning: do you use shampoo when you wash your hair or do you just rinse it?  Without shampoo, your hair would be pretty matted & dirty after a couple of weeks.  How about dirty clothes?  Do you only rinse them out in the washing machine or do you add detergent to release & help remove the dirt & greasy stains?  The same thing goes with your hot tub filter.

Add enzymes to your hot tub weekly, such as SpaGuard Natural Enzyme, on a weekly basis to control bio-film & organic waste build-up at the water line and on the filters. 

How do you chemically clean a filter?  That's easy. Use filter cleaning products such as SpaGuard® Filter Cleaner® that is used when you can soak your filter  for a several hours. 

Avoiding using power washers as they can damage the cartridge material. Tip: allow the filter to thoroughly dry before re-installing.

A Dip A Day -- Keeps the Doctor Away?

Sunny.

15 degrees

Winds - Calm

Miss Daily Dose of Hydro-Therapy?

No way!

7:00 AM 

Hopped on eliptical machine for  45 minutes.

7:50 AM

Straight to hot tub for a 5- 10 minute soak.

....The sun is shining so brightly through the huge oak tree next to our house. As I sink deeper into the swirling hot water I'm thinking...this is soooooo good. This hot water feels soothing to these (ugh) aging muscles...I don't think I'll be leaving this hot tub anytime soon...Brain shifts gears..okay these calls need to be made, this product display needs updating...WORK! So I guess I AM leaving...

...but after a quick soak, I feel so much more ready to tackle the day!

Not only do hot tubs provide immediate relief...but also provide many long term benefits.
Working up a good sweat: hot yoga, saunas, Hot Tubs and more



The Best Part of Waking Up...Is a Quick Soak in Your Hot Tub

Snowing.
17 mile per hour winds.
20 degrees.
10 minutes in our hot tub.

Just like that first cup of coffee in the morning, a quick soak before work is easily a part of our morning routine.

Just 10 minutes in your hot tub everyday can greatly enhance the start of your day.

Why? The invigorating massage and hot water really gets your heart pumping in the morning - just like that first cup of coffee jump starts your morning. BONUS: Daily use of your hot tub (along with proper diet and exercise) could lead to significant changes for the better in your total overall health.

Increased heart rate leads to ⇨ Increased circulation which leads to ⇨Increased immune function

Yes. "Lymphatic flow is dependent on the circulatory system and the muscular system for return of lymph from the tissues and outer extremeties to the lymph channels. This flow is vital for proper immune function. It is very useful for cancer adjuvant therapy, and is recommended by many holistic physicians for this reason. Other things affect immune function as well, such as diet, exercise, vitamin D, and stress. How you react to stress- how you perceive it- also determines how your immune system functions." (Taken from the Wahanda Health Beauty Happiness Website http://us.wahanda.com/ ) Read more... Lymphatic flow

Use your hot tub everyday!

The "Next Big Thing" For Hot Tubs

Truly a girl's best friend



"It could be the "Next Big Thing".  Ace produces the softest, easiest to maintain water we've ever experienced." ...MARK CARVELL -- PoolCo Owner

The ACE salt water sanitizing system and your Hot Spring spa have been thoughtfully designed to make water care incredibly simple. Enjoy the absolute best lifetime ownership experience with a Hot Spring® spa and the ACE system.

The Secret is Diamonds

The ACE system exclusively contains a special diamond electrode that automatically creates five different powerful and effective cleaners for your hot tub from just a small amount of salt and your spa's water. When the diamond electrode is energized, it breaks apart water molecules to create active oxygen. Active oxygen is one of the world's most effective natural cleaners and is the first way the ACE system automatically cleans the water. The active oxygen then combines with salt and other elements in the water to create chlorine and three other powerful oxidizers. This is a feature to which NO OTHER WATER CARE SYSTEM CAN BOAST.

Automated, More Hands-Free, and Easy

Since the ACE system automatically generates cleaners, you'll have fewer bottled products to measure and pour. This more hands-free approach saves you time, so it's easier than ever to care for your Hot Spring spa. To get started, just add the appropriate amount of  special Hot Spring salts to balanced water. Using the easy-to-navigate menus on the spa's main control panel, enter your spa's size and your expected use level. Simply check the sanitizer level regularly with a test strip, and confirm your use level monthly. A status message on the control panel lets you know that the ACE system is cleaning the water so you can relax.

Softer Cleaner Water

Looks, Feels and Smells Great

The ACE salt water sanitizing system leaves your spa water sparkling clean and silky soft. The cleaners are generated from salt and water, so you're less likely to experience the dry itchy skin, irritated red eyes, or harsh odor of traditional chlorine water care.

Environmentally Responsible
The ACE system generates the precise amount of cleaners your Hot Spring spa requires based on its size and your use level. Since there are no excess chemicals, which often occurs with manual dosing, your spa water should last longer between changes. That conserves water and saves you money. When you do drain your spa, the water has less impact on the environment because only salt has been added to the balanced water.

Time and Field Tested

And finally, anyone that knows anything about us here at PoolCo, knows that they introduced salt-water technology to the southern Illinois area years ago with their highly successful Mineral Springs water care system from Bioguard.  PoolCo's pools have been enjoying the soft, silky, and simple to maintain benefits of salt-water technology since 2001.  For even more information on our Exclusive ACE Salt Water Sanitizing System, give us a call here at PoolCo at 618-529-3200 or email us at our website: http://www.poolco.net/

Hot Tub Insulation

Hot Tub Insulation: Hot tub insulation serves several purposes:

1. It keeps the heat in, creating energy efficiency.
2. It reduces the noise of the equipment in the hot tub.
3. It keeps the plumbing in place by reducing vibration.

While you're shopping, you may experience several different types of spa insulation. Generally, all manufacturers place hot tub foam insulation along their hot tub shells. Some place spa insulation along the floors, and some place insulation inside the cabinets. These hot tubs are called "partially insulated." Hot tubs that are full-foam insulated - ones that have foam along the shell, the floor, and the cabinet - are the most energy-efficient hot tubs on the market.

While some manufacturers claim that partial insulation forms a "thermal plane" or a "heat keeper" pocket, we believe the most efficiently engineered hot tubs and spas are foam-filled.

You may also hear that full foam insulation makes servicing a hot tub more difficult. This may, in fact, be true. However, it's important to take into account the entire cost of owning your hot tub. If full foam hot tub insulation reduces your energy costs by adding efficiency, is it worth giving up your savings to make hypothetical repairs a little easier? You're probably better off buying a fully insulated hot tub or spa from a hot tub manufacturer with a good reputation, sound warranty, and well-built components. Overall, you'll spend less in the long-run, and enjoy your spa more.

• Does the hot tub have full foam insulation? Is it insulated along the shell, inside the cabinet, and along the floor? Are the plumbing fixtures housed inside the spa insulation, to soundproof the hot tub, reduce vibration and leaks?

Taken from: http://www.hottubguide.com/hot-tub-insulation.php

PoolCo Energy Use Guarantee

Spas are wonderful.
Big energy bills are not.
We've been measuring and recording the energy usage of our showroom hot tubs. Pictured here is the Brutech ECM-1220 Monitor/Logger. It tracks and records the real power consumed by an electrical load.
The "load" here is a Hot Spring Vista. (load = an appliance or any electrical device which consumes electrical power.

                                                                            We've been keeping track of the energy usage of this Huge Vista hot tub from Hot Spring. (500 gallons!)

Our Vista is only costing us $ 23.26 to use this month...very, very low.

PoolCo's Energy Cost Guarantee

PoolCo considers it our responsiblity to offer you only the highest quality and the most energy efficient hot tubs in the world.

Hot Spring^® spas set the standard when it comes to energy efficiency. You just can't find a more energy-efficient hot tub. 

We are so confident in the time-tested energy efficiency of our hot tubs that we are willing to guarantee in writing the monthly operating costs of each model... and pay if we're wrong. (The difference for 1 year!) This guarantee applies to Hot Spring, Limelight, Tiger River, Hot Spot and Solana hot tubs.

Hot Spring hot tubs have the most high performance jets

Quality vs. quantity. The therapeutic value of a great hot tub is not dependent on the number of jets. The best hot tubs have a wide variety of jets for targeting specific major muscle groups. Choose the proper placement and right combination of jets for your particular needs.      

Quality jets equal lower energy costs. The more jets you have, the more you must increase the horsepower to increase the pressure from the jets. Consider this example: You have 2 hot tubs, each with a 2 horsepower motor. The first hot tub has 20 jets. The second hot tub has 40 jets. Which tub do you think will feel powerful? Obviously the first tub will feel twice as powerful as the second. The only way to create the same amount of pressure in the second hot tub is to increase the amount of horsepower. Twice the horsepower will also mean twice the energy cost.

More hot tub math Let's suppose that you are sitting in front of 20 jets in a 100 jet hot tub.  What do you call the other 80 jets?

Answer: RELIEF VALVES!  The worst part of that equation - you are paying the electricity to run those unused 80 jets...  

Most people aren't even aware that hot tubs can actually have specialized jets. But then most people assume all hot tubs are alike. Hot Spring hot tubs are so different.

We hope you enjoy watching the following jet demonstration video, produced by the "Hot Spring Girls" from PoolCo! (We had a lot of fun making this video!)

We love our hot tub!

We love our hot tub!

Today, we are especially loving it this late October afternoon. After a brisk 1 hour and 45 minute walk around Lake Murphysboro, a long, long soak in our hot tub was the perfect end to a perfect afternoon.


Nothing compares to that initial, "YESSSSSSSSS" you exclaim upon first entering that blissfully hot water.

During the colder part of the calendar year, we prefer the temperature set at 104 degrees. (Fall/Winter/Early spring) While most hot tub owners prefer 100 - 101 degrees, to us 104 is delightful. Ten years ago when we were new to the hot tub experience, we set the temperature to 99 degrees. Within a year we had grown accustom to gradually higher temperatures. Currently, the only time of the year we lower the hot tub thermostat is in the summer. 90 degrees is the perfect temperature for soaking early in the morning and late in the evening in the summer. Too many people quit using their hot tubs during hot summer months. In our opinion that is a huge mistake! The benefits of hydrotherapy are not to be missed. Relief from back and neck pain can be experienced any time of the year. All you have to do is adjust the temperature setting up or down as the seasons change. Then forget about it, the tub maintains its set temperature. So when you're ready..the hot tub is ready and waiting for you.

Needless to say, hamstrings, quadriceps muscles...relaxed! Lake Murphysboro has some very, very steep hills. (We have been told that some people actually run instead of walk around the lake!)  The foot massage does its magic on the soles of our feet. You know -  you don't realize what stress you place on your feet after pounding the asphalt that long - until your feet hit those floor jets.

And so there it is. Just closing our eyes, floating and soaking in the vigorously, bubbling waters. Hmmmm.We both knew...this wasn't going to be a quick 5-10 minute soak. We're staying in here for awhile.

Note: Our hot tub maintains the quality of the water so well. No showering afterwards. We just towel off and get dressed and we are on our way! No lingering chlorine odor on the Carvells. Nothing magical about that. You just need a quality made hot tub and you need to follow preventitive maintenance.

More on those topics in later posts.

The Absolute Best Lifetime Ownership Experience

SPA-Aticles #1: Regular, Routine Maintenance Steps to Clean, Healthy Water

"SPArticles"

A Brief Introduction

Whether you are a new or experienced hot tub owner, we hope you will benefit from our newly created series of "SPArticles". Each SPArticle will provide you with information about the do's and don'ts of successful spa ownership...one topic at a time. Our information is based on real life experiences and - of course - factual information taken from reliable sources.  (BTW - We don't claim to have the definitive way to take care of your hot tub. There are many different approaches to hot tub maintenance.  We simply recommend what has worked best in the past for us, our customers and the hot tub.)

How to use SPArticles

We recommend that you just take a few minutes each day or week to read a new SPArticle. We will start with the basics and each new article will build upon past articles. Don't try to learn everything in one day or evening. You will retain more if you try to learn just a little at a time.

The PoolCo Difference

Learning all on your own? Well you don't have to! Poolco SPArticles will shorten the "learning curve". Very quickly you will discover how easy spa maintenance really can be.

That's the PoolCo difference.

PoolCo helps you save time and money by providing you tried and true information. Our staff is friendly and helpful. You can turn to us for advice, just like all of southern Illinois has since 1979 - Mark and Mary Carvell, owners Tri State Pool & Spa, LLC


We do like feedback, so please visit, call, text or email us with your questions or comments. Feel free to stop by our store with a pint sized water sample (in a very clean container).

Our friendly staff will gladly test your water for free.

PoolCo SPA-Article #1

Basic Spa Care

Get in the habit of practicing some basic spa care rules everyone should observe.  Preventing problems before they occur will give you more enjoyment from your sparkling clear spa - not to mention the perfect environment for relaxing with family and friends. SpaGuard 6 Keys to Spa Care (View Video)   1. Circulation Proper water circulation will help prevent ensure even distribution of products as well as promote filtration. As the water circulates, it passes through the filter, trapping suspended particles. Properly circulating SpaGuard spa care products help keep the water inviting and ready for your soaking pleasure. Be sure to run your spa's circulation system every day to ensure good working order. (Hot Spring Models run automatically everyday.) 2. Filtration Many spa issues are caused by poor filtration-when the filter is dirty or clogged, debris stays in the water.  A properly cared for filter captures hair, oils and cosmetics. (Most spas have a cartridge filter.) Because spa filters trap many contaminants, cleaning has two steps: spraying off loose debris, then using SpaGuard Filter Cleaner to remove oils and other contaminants embedded into the filter. You need to chemically clean your filter with SpaGuard Filter Cleaner every 4 to 6 weeks. Important: Replace old, dirty clogged filters with new filters. Depending on the size of filter and if you chemically clean the filter on a regular basis, this will be generally every 12 - 24 months. Reduced water flow (from the jets) is usually an indicator that the filters are clogged and even a chemical cleaning will not revive them. 3. Cleaning Contaminants such as dirt, oil and even bacteria can accumulate at the waterline, much like a bathtub ring. Regular cleaning preserves spa surfaces and prevents unwanted build-up.  Off The Wall® Surface Cleaner and SpaGuard Cleaning Mitts are powerful, low-sudsing cleaners that work specifically with spa water chemistry. Use them to remove the ring of oil and dirt that serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and to prevent residue from building up around the waterline and inside skimmers. 4. Draining and Refilling Regular draining and refilling is a normal part of spa maintenance. Over time, the water absorbs and dissolves minerals, chemicals and other soluble material. As your SpaGuard Dealer, Poolco can perform a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) test to help determine if it's time to replace your water. High TDS can make the water look dull, become foamy, and develop an odor. How often you drain and refill your spa depends on how often you use it. This simple formula can help: Spa gallons ÷ Daily bathers ÷ 3 = Days between draining Example: 300 gallons ÷ 2 daily bathers ÷ 3 = 50 days Note: a bather is one person in the spa for 15-30 minutes. 5. Chemistry There are two primary components that affect spa water quality: sanitizer (bromine or chlorine) residual and pH. When both are within their recommended ranges, your water is comfortable, protected and clear; sanitizers and "shock products" work efficiently; and spa surfaces and equipment are protected. Recommended bromine or chlorine residual levels are: Bromine Residual using Brominating Tablet  2 - 4 ppm Bromine Residual using Brominating Concentrate: 3 - 6 ppm Chlorine Residual using Chlorinating Concentrate: 3 - 5 ppm  6. Testing The chemistry of your spa water needs to be checked regularly. Use SpaGuard products to maintain the correct levels, including: sanitizer residuals, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, and total dissolved solids. BioGuard® 4-way Test Strips - and Soft Soak® 4-way Test Strips for Soft Soak spas - test pH, total alkalinity, and sanitizer levels with only one strip. Maintaining proper levels will make the water clear and comfortable, kill bacteria that can multiply rapidly in a spa, protect spa surfaces from stains caused by metals, and protect spa equipment from scale. There are 3 essential chemical areas to maintain. Sanitization - kills bacteria to help prevent the transmission of disease. Oxidation/shock - removes residues and restores clarity and comfort. Water balance - ensures spa user comfort, water clarity, sanitizer efficiency, and longevity of spa surfaces and equipment.

Pool School How to Properly Winterize Your Pool

On Saturday, Sept 11th - Poolco owners - Mark and Mary Carvell - will give a hand's on demonstration on the proper way to close your pool for the season.

And everything's on sale!

Check out special offers on BioGuard pool care programs.

Such as---Non-chlorine SoftSwim

Mineral Springs, our most exciting pool care program that allows you to swim in the most luxurious, comfortable mineral water.

Optimizer Plus, winterize your pool with the longest lasting algicide available!

Check out our Big Green Egg demonstration. Sample snacks and see how easy it is to prepare delicious meals on the world's most popular smoker/grill! On sale too!

IT'S FREE!! IT'S FUN!!

Call PoolCo at 529-3200 to reserve your spot today!

Class starts 2pm and last about an hour.

The Winterizing Sale lasts all month long.

Go to http://www.poolco.net/ for futher discounts and details.