Rich's for the Home

Clearwater Spas: Committed to Energy-Efficiency

I’ve owned a Clearwater Spa for 14 years and my family (my hubby and our two teenage sons) spend many a relaxing evening relaxing in it.

When I toured Clearwater Spas’ manufacturing plant in Woodinville, Washington last week, I commented that my spa still works beautifully after nearly a decade and a half of hard use.

“You build these things too well,” I told Marketing Director, Chris Warhol. “I need my hot tub to break down so I can upgrade to one of these splashy new models.” (And splashy they are, with floating remote controls, waterfalls, pop-up water fans, digital mood lighting, built-in stereo systems – even TVs!)

But what impressed me most is the company’s commitment to building energy-efficient spas.

“It’s the hallmark of our spas,” Chris told me.

As I toured the factory, I became firmly convinced that Clearwater Spas doesn’t just talk the “green” talk; they walk the talk. They’ve trademarked the term E-Smart Technology™, which stands for energy efficiencies, engineering, and environment.

GREEN MANUFACTURING

At their manufacturing facility, the focus is on providing a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. Rather than using fiberglass resin (a toxic, atmosphere-polluting Volatile Organic Compound), Clearwater Spas backs their Lucite shells with an environmentally-friendly eco spray. I stood next to a man who was applying EcoSpray® to a newly-molded spa, and I didn’t have the slightest trouble breathing (and I have mild asthma).

RECYCLING

They use 100% recycled ABS to fabricate the Dura Floors on all their spas, and they recycle 100% of their wood, plastic and cardboard waste.

INSULATION

Unlike other spas manufacturers, most of whom use spray insulation, Clearwater Spas uses a Reflective Thermal Barrier (RTB) insulation – a thick layer of hard insulation backed with thermal foil on both sides to reflect heat in and cold outside air away from the spa. RTB insulation is 12% more energy-efficient than foam-filled spas.

FLOORING

“Most spas don’t have a floor system; they just have a plastic bottom stapled on,” Chris told me. “When you set the spa on cold cement there’s a heat sink effect – cold air from the ground pulls heat from the hot tub into the ground.”

Not good.

Clearwater Spas lifts their spas off the ground, creating air space that allows heat to stay in the water, thus saving on energy costs. They are the only spa manufacturer that uses an insulated durafloor foundation; a thick layer of RTB insulation is built into the floor, further increasing the spa’s energy efficiency.

CEC-Certified

With Clearwater Spas’ commitment to E-Smart Technology™, it’s no wonder they’re among an elite group of about a dozen spa manufacturers nationally certified by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for meeting its stringent energy-efficiency guidelines.

Want to see for yourself? Schedule a free test soak at Rich's for the Home. Rich’s is the exclusive dealer of Clearwater Spas in the Puget Sound region.

Buying a hot tub cover

So what should you look for when purchasing a hot tub cover? Caldera Spas has a list of 20 questions that we found very helpful when considering a cover. We hope that you will find it helpful as well.

1. What kind of foam is in the hot tub cover? What is the density, and the taper?
2. Specifically how is the foam core sealed?
3. How is the hinge reinforced? What material is it made from?
4. What is the expected R-value of the cover?
5. What kind of material is used for the top covering?  What are the specifications? How is it treated for UV and mildew?
6. What kind of material is used for the bottom covering? What are the specifications? How is it treated for UV, mildew and cold?
7. How is excess water drained out of the spa cover?
8. Is it labeled a safety cover? Is it in compliance with the ASTM standard?
9. How many tie-down straps are on the cover?
10. Does each hot tub cover come with child-resistant locking hardware with keys?
11. What keeps the heat from escaping at the hinge area?
12. Is the hot tub cover internally reinforced? If so, how many places and where?
13. What kind of thread is used and how is it treated?
14. What is the expected life of the cover?
15. Is the hot tub cover warranted? Please explain.
16. How should I care for the cover? Are there any special guidelines for winter time?
17. What's the best way to get the cover on and off?
18. What are the most popular colors?
19. How long has the manufacturer been making hot tub covers?
20. Why should I purchase from a local dealer versus on the Internet?

Caldera has a Color Selector tool that helps you see what certain colors of covers will look like on your hot tub. They have various color options for you to try out on the selector tool before you buy them. You can even choose your hot tub colors and add the cover in various colors to get the full picture.

Visiting Caldera will also provide you with potential accessories for your hot tub cover and information on how to care for your hot tub cover. It is a wealth of information. Of course, Rich's for the Home is also happy to answer your questions so come visit or give us a call if you have any.

Your Spa.....Ahhhh! Tips for a Fall Party

Fall is almost here and although you may enjoy your hot tub all year around, some of us tend to put it away in the winter. If you are one of those who tucks it aside for the colder weather, I encourage you to use it a few more times first. Although the evenings are chilly right now, it is a perfect time to have a hot tub party, as long as you prepare for possible inclement weather and also have indoor activity available. It can be one last way to celebrate the warmth, sun and the beginning of the Fall season and all that it brings. Your friends and family will enjoy an opportunity to both hit the hot tub and socialize and I know that you will be glad too.

Here are some tips for a Fall Hot tub party:

1. Try to keep school and sport schedules in mind. You won't have many attendees if everyone has School Open House or a sports event.
2. Have warm drinks available and include a variety such as tea, hot cocoa, cider and coffee.
3. Don't forget snacks! Consider appetizer-type ones such as BBQ'd Chicken Wings, Meatballs and Raw Veggies.
4. Purchase some BIG fluffy towels. Your guests will love the luxurious feeling.
5. Plan sometime cozy like a movie after the dipping. Or, play a board or card game.

Ten Backyard Summer Respites

No matter how busy you are, respites during the summer are important to your health and well-being. It is an opportunity to slow down, relax and reconnect with yourself.

Even if you have an official vacation planned this season, it will do both you and your loved ones good if you plan respites at home to relax your body and mind. Following through with planned respites will increase your health, vitality and even your lifespan. Make it a priority at least twice a week and you will reap many benefits.

Here are some summer respites that you can do right in your own backyard.

1. Plan a spa date alone or with a loved one. Play music and focus on relaxation.
2. Make a glass of iced tea or hot tea and sit for an hour in your fave chaise lounge. Clear your mind of responsibilities and focus on thinking about what you love. Or, read a good book.
3. Have a fave tree? If it has strong branches, climb up into it. You will have plenty of time before anyone even realizes where you are at.
4. Breathe deeply when you are relaxing. We don't realize it-but we often limit our breathing. Muscle tension will melt away when enough oxygen is flowing.
5. Blow bubbles. I'm not kidding. Even better, blow bubbles and chase them around the yard.
6. Stretch out on your grass and spend time researching the sky. Best if the stars are out.
7. Take a nap in the yard.
8. Perform yoga or stretching exercises in your yard.
9. Plant some flowers.
10. If you have a porch swing, it can be very relaxing to curl up on it and swing back and forth.

Happy relaxing!

10 Kid Safety Tips for the Hot-tub

During this busy summer season and always, remember that safety is always first. Especially with children, it is important to remember that safety precautions are in place around your hot-tub.

1. Keep spa chemicals locked up and out of reach.
2. Always supervise your children's use of the hot-tub. For smaller children, it's the best to be in there with them.
3. If your kids are tweens/teens are old enough to play maturely (without horseplay), let them have a hot-tub party but keep a close eye on the action.
4. Explain the rules ahead of time and enforce them as needed.
5. Tell them that accessories can only be used for intended purposes (i.e. the cover is not a skateboard ramp).
6. Let smaller children work their way into the hot-tub. First a toe, then a foot. It may be too hot-feeling for them at first.
7. Smaller kids are more likely to get in the hot-tub when the bubbles are off. Turn them on later if the kids are comfortable with it. But also note that small kids often don't weigh enough to ground themselves in front of the air jets. The air and water flow may throw them off-balance.
8. When kids feel too hot, encourage them to get out of the hot-tub or sit on the edge and dip their feet instead.
9. Encourage hydration by having water and additional fluids accessible. Also, don't forget the food-no matter the age of your kids, they will likely be hungry after their dip.
   
10. Treat it like a pool and insist that children never go in the hot-tub without supervision. Better yet, buy a locking cover.

What not to do for a good hot-tub party

Hot-tubs can very comforting to slip into after a day of hard work or play. But they are also wonderful for entertaining. When a hot-tub is part of a party or the feature of a party, what can be better?

Here are the things NOT to do if you want to have a successful hot-tub party:

1. Forget to check the spa for cleanliness.
2. Forget to give it a trial run before the party.
3. Fail to call people and invite them (whoops).
4. Decide that they party will be fine without food.
5. Decide that beverages are lame.
6. Have your flowerbeds and landscapes look amok.
7. Forget to wash your hot-tub towels.
8. Decide that music is for the birds.
9. Fail to inform the neighbors of the party if it will run late.
10. Fail to invite those neighbors if they show an interest.
11. Assume people will want the ground if they don’t want to be in the hot-tub.
12. Forget a garbage receptacle, unless you want your yard to become a landfill.

Most of all, the party will truly be lame if you forget to chill and have fun. So above all, don’t forget that.   

Prepping Your Hot-Tub for Spring

Have you checked out your hot-tub yet? If you didn’t use it during the winter, it is the ideal time now to check it out. Of course, hopefully you kept your water balanced even during the winter but if you didn’t, this might be the ideal time to drain, clean and refill your hot-tub.

Here are other things that I recommend that you do before it’s time to start using your hot-tub again on a regular basis:

1. Clean the hot-tub if needed.
2. Clean the cover and other accessories as needed.
3. Assure that the water is heating to desired temperature.
4. Balance the water as needed.
5. Run the jets to insure that they work.
6. Turn on and test the lights. Replace lightbulbs as needed.
7. If you have an umbrella, open and close it a couple of times. Clean if needed.
8. Check steps, etc for loose joints.
9. Hop in for a test run! (why not?) Just make sure the water is hot first.

The days are soon coming when you will use your outdoor rooms more as an extension of your home and by following the checklist above, you and your hot-tub will be prepared. Want an extra incentive? Plan now for a hot-tub party in April!

Rich's for the Home Welcomes Clearwater Spas

Rich’s for the Home is pleased to announce their new spa line from Clearwater Spas. It’s very exciting news because Clearwater takes a special note of our environment when manufacturing. That is great news for all of us!

From the website:

“Clearwater Spas is committed to protecting the health of our environment and manufacturing energy efficient hot tubs that help to conserve our natural resources. In addition, our spas are among the most energy efficient in the world and incorporate our e-smart technology system. The ‘e’ in our e-smart technology symbol stands for:

• Energy efficiencies
• Engineering
• Environment

These three main areas are where we pay special attention and focus our manufacturing mission on being responsible as a global citizen to our environment. We believe that true enjoyment of your valuable leisure time is only possible when you have quality products to enjoy in a healthy environment.

We are continually striving to improve our products and how they are made to reduce the environmental impact of our product. We were the first company to produce an ecologically sound product, and all Clearwater Spas are now produced without fiberglass/resin or any environmentally destructive agents.”

Clearwater Spas also uses 100% recycled ABS to fabricate their Dura Floors on all spas and recycle 100% of their wood, plastic and cardboard waste.

Visit your local Rich’s for the Homes today and check out the new line of Clearwater Spas!

Choosing a Hot-Tub

Rich's for the Home carries a wonderful line of hot-tubs and I hope you swing by to check them out soon. You can even schedule a soak test so bring your swimsuit and a friend when you do.

Nothing beats the feeling of a hot-tub and your friends and family will appreciate it too. If it is something that you have always wanted, now is the time.

Here is what to keep in mind when shopping for a hot tub:

1. Size- How many would you like your hot tub to seat?
2. Brand- Rich's carries Caldera, which are of most excellent quality. Learn more about Caldera. 
3. Colors- Keep in mind the decor of the area where you will place the hot tub.
4. Features- Do you want lights, music or extras? Make a list.
5. Accessories- There are a multitude of accessories available for hot-tubs and some of them can assist with safety and convenience. There are stairs to consider, cup-holders, rails, towel holders, umbrellas and many more.

Hot-Tub Sale! As Low as $999.99!

Have you heard the news? Rich’s for the Home is having a HUGE hot-tub sale on closeout models. They are running as low as $999.99. Wow! If you have always wanted one, but price has been a deterrent, now is the time.

Have no fear about choosing the one that is right for you and your family. Rich’s for the Home provides soaking sessions behind private screens right in their showrooms. So bring your swimsuit and soak as long as you would like. We hope that this will help you make the best choice for you—because making a big purchase, of course, should be considered from many angles.

You must consider your finances and what you can afford. This might mean calculating some expenses in the next few months and seeing where you can cut. You must also look at energy consumption, the size of hot-tub that you want and more. In addition, color, style and features are also key.

Sound hard? No worries—we are here from you and we know the answers to your questions. We will help you choose what works the best for you and your needs.

Here’s a fact: rarely will you see prices on hot-tubs this low again so truly this is the time to sit down, make a list of the features you want, figure out placement in your yard and then hit Rich’s running so that we can choose your best option—together.

See you soon!

Caring for your hot tub and the environment

Caldera Spas has some recommendations on how to run their hot-tubs with the environment in mind and I wanted to share some of those with you:

1. Get a cover for your spa because it saves energy. Keep it well-maintained and consider a lifter for it.
2. Consider adding a Caldera Hinge Seal to the cover. It will maximize heat retention.
3. Using the SPA FROG water care system will mean that fewer chemicals are being used in your hot tub.
4. Using the Monarch CD Ozone Generator plus Monarch Silver Cartridge inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces the need for chemicals. This also reduces the amount of water used during your spa's lifecycle.
5. Replace filters at recommended intervals and your hot tub will last longer. Also read the manual and follow instructions for proper water level.
6. Use captured rainwater to replace water as needed in your hot-tub. This is the first time I have seen this recommendation. It is a great idea and makes perfect sense.
7. Landscaping around your hot-tub will reduce your home’s carbon footprint. It will also beautify and increase the value of your property.

There are a few more recommendations. I encourage you to check them out and please keep our environment in mind when caring for all your products from Rich’s for the Home.

Hot Tub Circuit Therapy with Aaron Peirsol

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…well, he’s as fast as those it seems. Three-time Gold Medal-winning swimmer Aaron Peirsol uses his spa on a daily basis.

According to Wickpedia, Aaron won gold in the 100 m backstroke in the 2004 Olympic Games, and then he followed up by winning the 200 m event. An initial disqualification alleged that he had made an illegal turn during the race but it was overturned, giving Peirsol his second individual gold. Peirsol won the world championships in the 100 m backstroke in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and won 200 m backstroke in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

He also holds the world record for the 100 m backstroke and has been undefeated in finals in the 100 m since the 2002 Spring Nationals. He was also undefeated in the 200 m since losing to Lenny Krayzelburg in the 2000 Sydney Olympics until being defeated by countryman Ryan Lochte at the 2007 World Championships.

His younger sister is a pro swimmer in her own right at Auburn University—so apparently the talent runs in the family.

What? I’m reporting sports now?

No, but Aaron Peirsol says that his Caldera® Geneva Spa is essential to his training and his well-being. Specifically he says, "Training daily works the body’s major muscle groups. At the end of the day, I look forward to a round of Hot Tub Circuit Therapy in my Geneva Spa. I get a great full-body massage in just minutes, and it leaves me refreshed and ready for another grueling day in the pool."

The Geneva tubs are designed with jets to hit very specific muscles as you move from seat to seat. Call Rich’s for the Home today for more information about Caldera® Geneva Spas.

Troubleshooting the Bubbly

What are some things that can cause your hot-tub to not work properly? According to Hot Tub Living, here are a few:

Problem: Weak water flow at jets

Possible Causes: Water level low (Raise water level half way in skimmer opening); Obstacle in skimmer or intakes (Look for hot tub toy or T-shirt as culprit); Clogged or collapsed filter element. (Hose off element. Chemically clean, if necessary, or replace).

--

Problem: Heater operation weak   

Possible Cause: Dirty filter element slowing flow to heater.(Examine element; clean or replace it. Scale buildup on heater coils. Call in a pro to check, repair or replace).

--

Problem: Loss of water

Possible Causes: Leak in shell, pipes or hoses. (Locate leak. Ask dealer to correct); Evaporation. (Be sure to cover the hot tub when you exit); Frolicking soakers splash a lot (The remedy is up to you. Are you a party pooper?); The dog is drinking it. (Not good for dog’s body chemistry. Tether dog).

--

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding maintenance of hot tubs provided by Pro Pool & Spa in Canada:

Q. When should I clean my filter?

A. Filters should be cleaned annually and can be cleaned with a cleaning solution, following the directions on the label carefully.

Q. I noticed sand in my pool in front of my jets. What's wrong?

.

A. A large amount of sand could mean there is a problem internally with your filter, either in the tank or filter head. Call a service technician.

Rich's for the Home is TOP in customer service and remains a resource for you even after your spa purchase. Visit a store, call 1-800-354-3633 or fill out an email form if you have questions, concerns or comments

Spa Games, Part 3

Game #5: SPONGE TOSS

Ahead of Time: Gather 5-10 clean sponges. Set up some type of target away from the spa-this can be a simple as a bucket or a toy that can get wet.

Step:

1. Wet the sponges and take turns throwing them at the target, seeing who gets the most sponges in the right place.

Extra Fun: Find a willing participant to become a human target who must stay within a certain area and can duck the sponge.

Mini Lesson: Even if we are off target, we usually get better with practice.

____________________

Game #6: WHIRPOOL

Best with only a few people, depending on the size of your spa.

Steps:

1. Following the same direction, have everyone walk around inside the spa, over and over again until the water is swirling strongly in that direction.
2. Sit down and see if the water carries you a little.
3. Then get everyone up and reverse direction.

Mini-Lesson: Although it is hard to change course when the flow is going another way, it is always possible with support from other people.

See Spa Games, Part 1

See Spa Games, Part 2

Spa Games, Part 2

Here are some more fun activities in the spa:

Game #3: LEG CHALLENGE

Step:

1. Have each person take a turn kicking their legs and count the number of kicks (each leg going out is one kick). Highest number of kicks wins. Lead the cheering or encouragement for each contestant.

Mini Lesson- Cheerleading other people on is good sportsmanship and will increase performance. It’s good exercise too.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Game #4: WIND-DOWN MASSAGE

Step:

1. Make a circle and have everyone massage their neighbor’s shoulders at the same time.

Mini Lesson- Touch is important for all of us to receive/give and the hot water and massage mix is a great way to lessen tension and relax.

See Games 1 & 2 here.