Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tips on making your Spa Cover last longer
If you've just spent $3-500 on a new cover, or are getting ready to buy one, because yours is so heavy you can't even lift it, and you wonder why the last one only lasted you 3 years, then read below to understand the basics of spa cover care.
* If you're in the Southern states, a quality UVA/UVB vinyl protectant is mandatory, apply as directed 3-4 times a year. DO NOT use 'Armor-All' brand protectant as it contains petroleum distillates and damages vinyl long-term. A quality saddle soap or cover care conditioner from your local spa store is good, or try the '303' spray.
* If you use Bromine, keep the levels to a MINIMUM, as the gas trapped under the cover will "orange peel" the underside and make it brittle.
* When you shock weekly, it's very important to leave your cover open/off for a jet run cycle (15-20 min.) so expelled gases can escape. This protects the underside of your cover, as well as clears your water for clarity. This also prevents the chemicals from breaking down the vapor barrier, so the foam cores can stay dry. When the vapor barrier is too weak, moisture just starts filling up the foam, causing the cover to be waterlogged and heavy.
* Inspect cover for cuts/pokes through vinyl, breaching the inner plastic vapor barrier. This plastic bag envelopes the foam core, keeping it dry. As soon as a small hole is made, the foam cores are so dry, they will wick in moisture slowly and get heavier and heavier...To fix plastic - get it dry and use good quality clear postal mailing tape to seal it back up. To repair cuts/ holes in vinyl try a vinyl repair kit. . Most cuts can be glued from the back side by adding a small scrap over cut and putting tape on front side, pulling it back into shape. A good vinyl glue can be found at auto parts stores.
* Lastly, you can remove your foam cores (they all zipper out at hinge) and flip them over and put them back in to reverse the 'sag'. This should be done once a year, or twice a year if your tub is 7' or bigger. This is a good time to inspect plastic bagging for holes, cuts fix!
Investing in a good "cover lifter" is important, it will be easier to remove and replace the cover, and protect it from damage.
Call us at Spa and Deck Creations to learn more and see the choices available at http://www.leisureconcepts.com/. Call for prices. We deliver and install these lifters and can help you decide which one is best for your particular needs.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common ... [Ann Med. 1990] - PubMed result
Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common ... [Ann Med. 1990] - PubMed result: "Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds.
Ernst E, Pecho E, Wirz P, Saradeth T.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna, Austria.
Abstract
The high morbidity of common colds means that their economic importance is considerable, with colds causing more loss of productivity than any other infection. As no effective prophylaxis is available, this trial was to test the hypothesis that sauna bathing can reduce the incidence of common colds. Twenty-five volunteers were submitted to sauna bathing, with 25 controls abstaining from this or comparable procedures. In both groups the frequency, duration and severity of common colds were recorded for six months. There were significantly fewer episodes of common cold in the sauna group. This was found particularly during the last three months of the study period when the incidence was roughly halved compared to controls. The mean duration and average severity of common colds did not differ significantly between the groups. It is concluded that regular sauna bathing probably reduces the incidence of common colds, but further studies are needed to prove this."
Ernst E, Pecho E, Wirz P, Saradeth T.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna, Austria.
Abstract
The high morbidity of common colds means that their economic importance is considerable, with colds causing more loss of productivity than any other infection. As no effective prophylaxis is available, this trial was to test the hypothesis that sauna bathing can reduce the incidence of common colds. Twenty-five volunteers were submitted to sauna bathing, with 25 controls abstaining from this or comparable procedures. In both groups the frequency, duration and severity of common colds were recorded for six months. There were significantly fewer episodes of common cold in the sauna group. This was found particularly during the last three months of the study period when the incidence was roughly halved compared to controls. The mean duration and average severity of common colds did not differ significantly between the groups. It is concluded that regular sauna bathing probably reduces the incidence of common colds, but further studies are needed to prove this."
Friday, February 4, 2011
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