Now that your pool has been properly closed, please do not totally forget about it ! 

Your cover will last longer and your pool will open up with less problems in the spring.

Monthly or after heavy rain/ melting snow or ice follow the instructions below for best results.

• Periodically check your cover cable to make sure that it is tight. If the cable becomes loose, the cover might start to slip into the pool.

• Check your air pillow to make sure that it still has air in it.

If you see it starting to go flat, get another one and slip it under the cover and blow it up. Remember, the air pillow is not in the pool to keep rain water off the cover ! It is there to keep your pool walls from splitting if the water in the pool freezes and expands. The pillow doesn't have to be in the center of the pool or 100% inflated.

• Pump (or siphon) the rain water off the cover a few times throughout the winter.

• Remove any leaf accumulation that may occur on the cover.
Excess water and leaf weight can cause undue stress on the cover and could cause the cover to rip or fall in. Excess water and leaf weight can also cause the pool to collapse inward! Check the water level in the pool every month. A slow leak in the liner could cause you to lose a lot of water from the pool. (Good news! There are other reasons for water loss. See below.*) If you notice the water level dropping, simply refill with a hose and keep it as high as possible to prevent damage to the cover, liner and walls.

• If you notice part of the cover falling into the pool, pull it up and properly reset it right away to prevent damage.

• (If you use water tubes to hold cover down on a partial deck area.) Make sure you replace any water tubes that break over the winter. It is a good idea to have a few extra tubes handy so that you can replace them as needed. Remember, the tubes not only hold the cover on the pool, but also prevent wind from blowing the cover up. Any areas that are not properly covered with tubes could cause the cover to fall in or blow up. Do not use patio blocks, bricks, flower pots, or other heavy items to keep your cover in place. If the cover starts to fall into the pool, it could drag any of those objects into the pool causing massive damage to the pool cover and/or liner.

* There are many reasons why the water level in the pool can go down.

In Season: 

1. Typically in September, when night temperatures drop and are lower than the temperature of the pool water – evaporation happens.  Example: The steam you see rising off your pool in the morning is water loss.

2. Windy days will cause water loss.

3. Leaving one end of vacuum hose or garden hose in the pool and the other end out of the pool can create a siphon.

4. An actual leak – either in the liner or in the equipment.

The best way to verify whether or not you have an actual leak is to do the “bucket test”.
Come see us for details on how to do the bucket test.

Out of Season:

Good News! The chance of leak developing after you cover the pool is about ZERO! If you had no problems with a leak last summer before you closed the pool, your water loss is simply water displacement.  Rain/snow/ice on top of the cover is pushing down on the water under the cover. The pool water under the cover is pushed out of the narrow gap between the top of the pool wall and under the top seat. It’s not something you will likely be able to see happening. But it happens. To prevent water displacement, keep all but 2-3 inches of water off the top of the pool cover.

IMPORTANT- if you lose a lot of water under the cover you must refill the pool under the cover to prevent any damage to your pool – especially if it is in the ground or partially in the ground. The heavy wet earth around your pool will push in on your pool.

HAVE A HAPPY WINTER!

Why a Hot Tub? FEEL YOUNGER!

Water has it's own healing properties.

Who doesn't want that?  

Anyone who owns a hot tub can testify to the benefits of enjoying regular mini soaks.

But what if you learned there is scientific evidence that proves using a hot tub ACTUALLY slows the aging process down?

HEALING WATERS  " Our bodies are constantly trying to seek a physiological balance point called homeostasis. This state preserves optimum function despite changes in position, activity, stress, aging or disease. The effort to find homeostasis is what propels most of the functional adaptations that occur during immersion in water, with some changes being immediate and others only after a period of time. Like many adaptations, a cascade of other physiological changes occur, some sequentially and some concurrently. Here’s how it works: Because water compresses the body, it pushes blood into the deep vessels during immersion. As the bather steps into deeper water, blood is pushed upward, first into the large capacity vessels of the pelvis and abdomen. Then as depth increases yet further, blood is pushed above the diaphragm into the chest. With neck depth immersion, nearly three-quarters of a quart of blood is displaced, with two-thirds of it going into large pulmonary vessels and one-third into the heart." Read the entire article here

Bruce E. Becker, MD, MS Discover more about water's healing properties.  Visit Dr. Becker's site.

Visit our website to learn more about pools and hot tubs 

How to Save Money with EASY Weekly Filter Maintenance

What is the procedure to clean my filter cartridge (s)?
and HOW OFTEN should I clean my filter cartridge (s)?
How does this save me money?

1) Remove the cartridge from the filter housing following the manufacturer’s instructions

2) Use a garden hose with a straight flow nozzle to wash down the filter element. Work from the top down, holding the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, and wash all the pleats with emphasis between the pleats.

3) Rinse until all dirt and debris is gone

4) For all spa cartridges and elements used in swimming pools where perspiration, suntan lotions, and other oils are present, dilute in water and SOAK the element for at least one hour (overnight is most effective) or SPRAY ON and rinse 15 minutes later (shorter time because it's concentrated)

BioGuard Filter Cleaner

5) THOROUGHLY Rinse the cartridge again to remove oils and cleaning solution.

6) Allow it to air dry before using again. We recommend that you have an extra filter on hand and rotate them.

More details here...

When Should I Open My Pool?

For 35 years we have been helping pool and hot tub owners with their concerns and questions.
Bring us a 16 ounce sample of your water for a free computerized PROFESSIONAL analysis.

Pool and hot tub care is so easy with PoolCo and BioGuard. Fun too with the Friendly Carvells!

Open Your Pool - Step by step details.... Read More!

Reconditioned Hot Tubs For Sale @ PoolCo Fall 2013 (+playlist)

2007 Reconditioned Hot Tub @ PoolCo Fall 2013 (+playlist)

Fall 2013 Used Hot Tubs @ PoolCo Carbondale

Innovative FiberCor™ A Breakthrough in Hot Tub Insulation

Innovative FiberCor™ insulation fills your Hot Spot cabinet completely to fully insulate your spa.

FiberCor is applied at a 2 lb. density level – which is 4-times greater than that 1/2 lb. foam used in most spas – to maximize energy efficiency and lower operating costs. 

No links to the petroleum industry. FiberCor has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. It’s entirely reusable, easily disposable and made from 25% recycled materials. 



Mold and Mildew resistant. 

No special disposal requirements.


All Hot Spot spas have been certified to the stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the California Energy Commission (CEC), as well as to the national standard, APSP 14.



Watkins Manufacturing, the makers of Hot Spot and Limelight Spas, identified an alternative material that would increase the products efficiency and be better for the environment at the same time.  The product is called FiberCor and it is completely new to the industry.

What you need to know is that Fibercor is a fiber like wool that has some very smart characteristics. First of all, because of its composition when applied into the spa it gives a very even dispersion of insulation throughout the entire cabinet. Secondly, Fibercor is a loose fiber it can actually fill virtually every void and gap, as well as tough to reach plumbing area or corner. Thirdly, it is even being applied at a denser level then our previous insulation, which results in even lower operating costs.  So even dispersion, fills voids and gaps, higher density, means lower operating costs.


Fibercor has no link to petroleum, which means its a very clean product to use and reuse.  Infact its being made from 25% recycled content.  Fibercor is also not a product in short supply.  It’s mildew and mold resistant.  There is no VOC emissions and no special disposal requirement.  It’s just a clean smart solution that’s good for the wallet and good for the environment.


You can have peace of mind knowing that your Hot Spot spa is designed to keep operating costs low no matter where you live.

Don't Wait Too Late to Prepare Your Pool for Summer Fun

Winterizing chemicals only last through the winter! 

As temperatures rise in the spring, the water under the pool cover begins to heat up. Even though the pool is not exposed to the sun, the warm water under the cover begins to encourage the growth of bacteria, water molds and algae. Very quickly, any traces of sanitizing chemicals left in the water disappear as they react with the growing organisms. This leaves the pool water unprotected. This has now become the perfect environment for bacteria, water molds and algae to grow and multiply very rapidly.

Problems always cost more than prevention!

Some pool owners think they are saving money by waiting until the end of May or early June to uncover and begin operating their pool for summer. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Consider the following, CHEMICALLY, you would need:

For a really green 10,000 gallon pool, you would need, on the average at least 10 lbs (usually much more) of a superchlorinating product, a bottle of flocculant, a bottle of stronger-more costly algaecide to fix the problem.

For the same sized pool, opened 4 weeks earlier, you would need on the average 1lbs of superchlorinating product per week, 2-3 Smart Sticks per week, 3 ounces of algaecide per week.

Not factored into the first scenario above...YOUR TIME and TROUBLE!

BELOW: Steps to open your above ground pool: (For a personal prescription and friendly advice, bring us a water sample! We will tailor your opening to your needs.)

Plan to attend Pool School at POOLCO!

Clean the cover with BioGuard StowAway (or it WILL SMELL really, really bad next fall when you need to winterize your pool!) Do yourself a favor and dispose of any cover that has developed pinholes from the cover fabric pulling apart (or you will be pumping pool water from under the cover next spring when you open the pool....)

Tighten all hose connections -  SUPER TIGHT! 

Tighten connections

The manufacture of flexible filter system connection hose recommends changing these annually. 

Biofilms develop inside the hoses that will require additional chemical treatment. 

In addition to this, the sun is very harsh and drying on the plastic. The bend in the hose can crack and then leak (and unwanted "fountain"...)

Remove skimmer plate.

How high is the water level? If there is enough water added to the pool - and the water is clear (you can easily see the bottom) - then beginning running the filter system.

Immediately test and chemically treat the pool water.  Winterizing chemicals are often used up by end of April, sometimes sooner, if winter and spring temperatures were above average.

Bring a sample of water (16 ounce) to POOLCO for a complete water analysis. We will make opening dosage recommendations and customize your instructions based on your pool's needs, your budget and your time!

Run the filter 24 hours a day for several days until the water clarity and chemical balance are perfect! Then you may reduce filter time to 8 - 12 hours per day (with the use of a timer - or you WILL forget to run filter!)

** If there is a layer of fine dirt (or worse) on the bottom of the pool you must remove this from the pool. Come see us with a water sample for how to best handle this situation.

Our friendly advice is always free!

How to Buy a Hot Tub from Your Couch

We are only a phone call, text message, chat away...

Relax, shopping for a hot tub is fun and easy at PoolCo.

Due to the number of brands, products, features and options available, choosing the right hot tub can be an overwhelming process.

Our friendly staff is happy to help you find the right hot tub at the right price for you.

Shop on your schedule and in your shopping style.

Smart Shoppers love us! Intelligent shoppers know that a little detective work before buying will actually save them money in either the purchase price or repair savings. 

Price is important, but it's only a part of the whole story. Sharing what makes a hot tub a great value takes longer than 30 seconds.

• Decide how much you can and should spend to get the best value. Remember that the cheapest buy is not always the smartest buy. Quality goes a long way.

• How do you see yourself using this product?  Will this product live up to your expectations?

• Develop a checklist of what features will be the most important to you. List them from most to least important. Next to each feature, briefly explain why that feature it is important to you.   

Mardi Gras Party at PoolCo Feb 9th, 2013

Custom Installation Guide - FREE!

28-page Custom Installation Guide by Hot Spring hot tubs provides you with  information on recessing your Hot Spring spa in a deck, patio or other landscape elements.

Also included:

Installation considerations such as spa orientation, location of electrical connections, access to equipment compartment and plumbing, and drainage 

Proper preparation for your spa installation, maintenance and usage

Tips on incorporating Hot Spring SpaStone Surrounds into your design, or the application of an alternate exterior covering to your spa that coordinates with your outdoor setting

An installation checklist

Spa stone surround in gray

What Makes One Hot Tub Different from Another Hot Tub?

If you haven't noticed, lots of folks are buying spas these days.  According to a recent study by the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), there are now some 3.3 million residential spas in place.  Less costly to install and operate than their in-ground counterparts, portable spas which are completely self contained and require no plumbing, represent about 85 percent of all spas sold.

As with any major purchase, careful shopping and research can help ensure you make the best buying decision to meet your needs.

There are some different 75 spa manufacturers in the U.S. and products vary widely in price, quality and dependability. We recommend people do their shopping very carefully, comparing materials utilized in construction, the warranties offered by manufacturers on various models, the cost to operate on a monthly basis, customer referrals, and the manufacturer's history.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub

1. What is manufacturer's track record and reputation?

Ask your spa salesman questions about the manufacturer.  How long have they been in business?  How many dealers do they have?  How many states do they sell their product in?  Are there any claims filed against them (call your Better Business Bureau)?  It's important to get a good feel for the company and its history, and how long they'll be around in the future.  

Owner satisfaction is built into every Hot Spring® hot tub.   Hot Spring®  hot tubs are the world's number one brand of portable hot tubs. They have been the market leader since 1977. Hot Spring® hot tubs are made by Watkins Manufacturing, of the Masco Corporation family of companies whose products like Delta® faucets, Behr® paints, and CraftMaid ® cabinets, are well known for quality and  value.

You can own and enjoy a Hot Spring® hot tub no matter where you live. They are available in all 50 states, Canada and over 50 countries. With their global network of over 950 dealers and service centers, a hot tub professional is always there for you, before, during and after the sale.

2.  How long has the dealer been in business and carried this spa line?

The longer a dealer has been in business, the better their track record is likely to be.  And the longer they've carried that particular brand of spa, the higher your comfort level will be.  It's very important to both seek out a manufacturer with a strong company history and to select a dealer who is committed to that manufacturer's product line. 

2nd generation owners
Mark and Mary Carvell

PoolCo has served southern Illinois since 1979. We provide the best ownership experience, because we keep our promises. PoolCo has carried and serviced hot tubs since 2000. We have sold Hot Spring® hot tubs since 2005. We are a low pressure reputable dealer who can answer all of your buying questions. 

During your hot tub ownership, PoolCo is proud to honor you with our outstanding customer service.  Our experienced staff receives specialized training.  PoolCo: Three generations of Carvells, same business - same location.  We are ready to answer your questions, help with follow up calls, and trouble shoot any concerns.  We create happy customers.

3. What is the warranty on this brand of spa?

Ask for a copy of the warranty to take home with you for any spa you look at (some dealers are reluctant to give you a copy of the warranty to take home and this should be a "red flag" to you as to what the fine print may say).

Have the dealer clearly explain what is covered and what isn't.

Get any and all promises in writing.

A reputable manufacturer will cover not only the spa shell, but the plumbing, jets, and all major components for up to five years. A good rule of thumb is to buy a spa that the has been made by a manufacturer who has been in business longer than the warranty they offer.

NO BLAME GAME

Hot Tub Warranties What To Know

The Hot Spring®  warranty remains comprehensive and straightforward. 

Every hot tub comes with a solid warranty protection, 

as well as the finest after-sale customer care.

A warranty is a promise.

• 5 Year NO-Fault^® Heater Warranty 
• 7 Year Shell Surface Warranty
• 5 Year No Leak Plumbing Warranty 
• 5 Year Parts Warranty
• 5 Year Everwood Cabinetry Warranty

A great warranty provides the peace of mind that supports your purchasing decision. 

Simply put, they - the manufacturer AND the dealer - promise to fix any mistakes (defects) that originated at their factory. What makes a warranty a great warranty is how well they keep that promise.

• Is the warranty unconditional or do they blame you for the cause of the problem, to get themselves off the hook?
• Does the dealer have their own service department or do they subcontract the work out?
• How quickly does the dealer respond to your request for service?
• Do they require you pay a fee before warranty work is performed? 
• Do they have a professional, courteous staff to help you know your hot tub and its operation? 
• After any service work is performed do they contact you to make sure you are happy? 

How PoolCo keeps that promise:

PoolCo never charges diagnostic or trip fees to perform warranty work.  

We never have. We never will. 

Francine Stephens Sales & Service

Our competition, however, charges you a fee BEFORE they will perform warranty work. Why would they charge for something you would expect to be free?

Our competition does not have their own service team.

They must refer you to someone else for your hot tub's service needs. PoolCo firmly believes that you should be able to call us for all your needs.

           Isn't that easier for you?

PoolCo has an advanced technology that Hot Spring shares exclusively with us, their dealer, to provide you the finest in customer care. Authorized Hot Spring spa dealers use DeTECHtive, a sophisticated software tool that provides step-by-step diagnostic instructions, detailed parts lists and electrical schematics for all Hot Spring spa parts. Mark and Mary Carvell, owners - are Hot Spring factory trained. 

4. Do I feel comfortable in this brand of hot tub?    

The most important feature is how you feel sitting in your spa.

What good is it to save a few dollars or fall in love with the look of a certain model, if it is not comfortable to sit in?   We advise consumers to take a "test soak" in the dealer showroom to see how their seat fits into the spa seats, and how the jet placement feels.  It's also important to get a feel for how a particular model feels wet, and to do that you have to climb in when there's water in it.


Spas feel very different wet than they do dry, as many spas are displayed.  You wouldn't consider buying a car without a test drive, and you shouldn't consider a brand of spa without a test soak.

5. What kind of shopper are you?

What is your shopping style? Do you enjoy putting pen to paper and using hours and days of your time looking at all the fine print? Or do you simply hate this? Do you like talking to sales people? Or do you simply hate this? Do you have the time to visit several stores? Or would you prefer they come to you?

Shopping your way is easy at PoolCo. 

Whatever your shopping style, these easy steps help you find the tub you love.

1. Focus on what type of hot tub experience you want.
2. Consider each feature of the hot tub.
3. Decide if the feature will add to your experience. Decide if you would miss any of those features, if you didn't have them.
4. Lastly are those features and the hot tub reliable?  Will they keep their promise of performing for you day in and day out, year in year out?

No Pressure PoolCo. You're the boss, you decide where and when. Go ahead shop online. We've got so many great experiences to share. Shopping online saves you time and energy. PoolCo is ready to help on YOUR schedule.

Search the Internet. Talk to Friends, Co-Workers and Family.

How can you you perform a true comparasion? Search the Internet. Talk to others. You probably are already searching and shopping online. Go to message boards. Use all the "Social Media" sites that exist to chat with different retailers and manufacturers. Shopping online saves you time and really gives you a great idea of what others are experiencing locally, nationally and worldwide. Reap the benefits of the real life experiences real hot tub owners have shared online. 

Very quickly you will find which websites are helpful and which are "HIDE FULL".  What does that mean? 

Do they provide specifics about their products?

Or do they just say they are the best with vague promises? 

It's so easy to simply want to believe what we want to be true. Especially when you find a low, low price. There is truth to the saying, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is..."

How do you see yourself using your hot tub?

• Connecting and sharing time with your main loved one?

• Will you start a new tradition of sharing and exchanging family time, like you did as a child with your parents around the kitchen table?

• Will restore your mind and spirit , escaping at the end of a hectic day?  Will you start your morning focused and on fire with renewed energy?    Both?

• Connecting with Nature. Surrounding yourself with the fresh air, the sun, the stars and the sky as your canopy to fulfill your spiritual needs.

Are you your suffering? Has the weight your world damaged you not only mentally but physically? Your need a true hot tub experience. Your experience isn't just a wish or dream, but something that you desperately need.

Restore Wellness

Your Hot Spring spa could be just what the doctor ordered. A body of well-documented research suggests that hot water immersion can lower your blood pressure, increase blood circulation, loosen tight muscles and release endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. 

Here are just a few benefits you may experience from hydro massage therapy:

• A natural remedy for insomnia
• Increased joint mobility, flexibility and range of motion
• Reduction in joint stiffness and swelling
• Decreased anxiety
• Better, more rejuvenating sleep
• Arthritis pain relief

Then you can decide if the "bells and whistles" that some spa manufacturers tout really add to your experience. Otherwise unnecessary features can mean headaches to you.  In most cases, simplicity is the rule.  

Make sure you understand how to operate the spa, and strive to eliminate unnecessary features that are there just for show. A hot tub that is easy to use will give you the best experience.

Ask yourself, "Do I really need this?  Does this add therapeutic value to my spa?"  Remember, the most important thing is to obtain a relaxing, swirling hot therapy soak. Make your experience easy to 

You want a spa that is ready to use, and that works every time you want to get in it.  No troubles, no hassles.  Look at where the jets are placed.  Check  the pressure of the jets and make sure they provide relaxation and not punishment.  Hot Spring spas feature revolutionary "moto-massage" jets that move up and down the length of your back at a speed you control, providing an experience much like a manual massage.

6.  Can I have customer references?

Absolutely. 

We are proud of the outstanding reputation we have developed in 34 years of serving our pool and hot tub owners in southern Illinois. We can put you in touch with a number of customers to ask questions and get referrals about PoolCo.

View PoolCo testimonials. 

Remember, quality manufacturers have many satisfied customers. 

Read other Hot Spring owners stories.

7.  What size spa will best suit my needs?

Do you entertain a lot?  Do you have a big family?  

Before you shop, try to determine how often you are likely to use your spa and how many people you'll need to fit in it along with you. 

PoolCo and Hot Spring offer a hot tub for every budget and experience your wish to enjoy.

8.  How is the construction? Is it built to be easy to use and maintain? Is it built to save me money or drain my bank account?

Hot Spring. Quality never costs - It SAVES!

The quality of the construction and materials used will determine not only how long your portable spa will last, but the actual long-term cost to you as well.  Make sure the shell is made from a durable material that has been tested over time. Is the cabinet made with an alternative wood material that is easy to virtually maintenance free?  The components that run your spa should be field tested and backed strongly by the manufacturer's warranty.  

Hot Spring uses only the best materials, and their fully-insulated spas are designed to last longer and cost you less to keep up and operate on a daily basis for years to come.  Hot Spring products, for example, come with two durable pumps in every spa one the water jets and one for the heater. 

For those that like all the details, the PoolCo water experts, will gladly and patiently explain all the details on how each spa is made and the parts and materials used in construction.

9.  How much will it cost me to operate monthly? Is it energy-efficient?

Manufacturers or dealers should be able to provide you with documented information on the estimated costs of operation.  Inquire if the manufacturer has conducted a third-party study on the energy efficiency of their spas.

Often, spas with low initial purchase prices can cost two to three times a month more to heat than higher priced models, which in the long run may actually make them more expensive.

Don't take a  salesman's word for it, ask for the estimated costs in writing and ask your referrals what their experience has been.

These key questions along with a few of your own (i.e. What financing options do I have?  What is included in the price of this spa?) can help serve you as a great guide.

When you are ready, visit our showroom.

Experience our filled, operating hot tub displays.

Discover all the many price and feature options.

Or we can come to you.
Schedule a complimentary Backyard Consultation.

PoolCo is open to serve you all year round!

632 East Main, Carbondale, IL 62901


Call 618-529-3200  "Friend" PoolCo Carbondale on Facebook  Or send an email!