Get the Most Out of Your Spa This Winter ❄️
Envision this…soaking in your steamy spa, sipping hot cocoa while the snow falls lightly around you. What could be more relaxing? In order to make this relaxing moment a reality in the cold winter months of Upstate NY, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure proper operation and efficiency of your “little oasis” all winter long!
- Stock up on Supplies – Check your supplies and make sure you have an extra filter cartridge and plenty of sanitizer, chemicals, test strips, and any other spa supplies you use to last you through the winter. You don’t want to be all set to jump in and relax and realize that you don’t have the supplies you need.
- Protect Your Pipes – The winters in Central NY tend to be very cold and with this weather comes the risk of the pipes freezing in your spa. All you need to do is make sure that your spa’s freeze protection system is activated. This will help to maintain a constant water temperature even when you’re not using the spa. If your spa doesn’t have freeze protection, don’t worry, you can set your timer to cycle on for 15 – 20 minutes every hour, this will keep warm water circulating through the pipes and decrease the chances of them freezing.
- Keep it Covered – Use your insulated cover whenever you are not using your spa. This is an essential step to help reduce the amount of energy used during the winter. Consider using a thermal blanket under the cover to help keep the heat in, reduce chemical use, and decrease moisture build-up on the cover. Remember to spray your vinyl cover with a protectant to safeguard against the harsh winter weather. If your spa is in an area outside where snow can accumulate on the cover, put a tarp over the cover each time your are done using it, then if snow does accumulate, just pull the tarp off and the snow is gone. Remember to periodically inspect your cover for tears, leakage, or other deformities. Make sure your cover fits well and is in good condition as this is the number one way to preserve your spa’s cleanliness AND save on energy expenses.
- Watch the Water Level – Check the water level in your spa regularly, especially if you do not use your spa every day. If the water gets too low, the pumps and heater may stop working which may lead to freezing water.
- Maintain the Water Temperature –The colder it gets, the longer it takes for your spa to heat up. It is less expensive and more efficient to maintain the water temperature of your spa on a daily basis than it is to let it get extremely cold and then reheat it when you want to use the spa. It also keeps water from freezing in the pipes and reduces chemical use.
- Turn off Air Jets – The air jets inject cold air in to the spa, thus cooling the water and requiring more energy to heat it back up. So, during the cold winter months, keep the jets turned off. If you still want to use the jets, make sure they are turned off after every use.
- Call now for service to fix anything that’s not working 100%. It’s no fun to head out to the spa for relaxation and find out that it isn’t working. Complete a check of the entire spa and if something isn’t working, get it fixed right away.
- Add music and accessories! Make your spa area frosty and festive. With the right spa accessories, you can make your spa experience extra enjoyable. Why not add a new step, safety rail, spa caddy or a towel rack?
If you currently do not own a spa and would like more information on purchasing one or have questions in regards to the spa that you own please give us a call or text today at (315) 291-8800, or stop into our North Syracuse or East Syracuse location and we would be glad to help.
Have a great winter! ❄️
The health benefits of a hot tub
The word spa is derived for the Latin “salus per aquam, which translates as “health from water.” There are many wonderful advantages to owning a spa, but did you know it provides health benefits beyond stress relief? Whether you have a chronic condition or just need a way to relax, a spa can help enhance your life and health. Here are some conditions that can be helped with a spa:
Troubled Sleeping
Spas are a great way to reduce stress, a common variable in sleep disorders. The decrease in body temperature when you exit the spa helps induce the feeling of tiredness. It is recommended you spend 15 minutes in a hot tub about 90 minutes before going to bed in order to improve the quality of your sleep.
Circulation and Blood Pressure
The massaging jets and warm water stimulate impulses of the nerves and help with blood flow, digestion and boosts your immune system. The heat also helps open up blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.
Improved Range of Motion
As we age, we lose our range of motion. This process is gradual for some and swift for others, depending upon factors such as genetics, activity level, injuries, and the presence of any medical conditions like arthritis.
Through regular usage, your hot tub can help you restore lost flexibility and slow the natural stiffening that comes with age. The warm water of your spa works to create hydrostatic pressure—the pressure caused by the weight of fluids—on the body. This reduces joint inflammation, which in turn aids mobility. The buoyancy experienced in a spa relieves muscle tension, allowing your joints and muscles to relax and become more pliable. While soaking, you can take advantage of your relaxed state and your water-induced buoyancy to gently practice flexibility exercises.
Muscle Tension and Joint Pain
The warm temperatures of a hot tub relax your muscles and the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints. These can help with pain or discomfort associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions. Massaging jets relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce tension in your body. Having multiple jets saves time by focusing on different areas at one time and you can control their intensity to accommodate your body’s needs.
Type 2 Diabetes
Participating regularly in hot tub therapy can help with symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, such as improving sleep, lowering your blood sugar, and losing weight. The buoyancy and water resistance contribute to light exercise routines that lead to weight loss and heart health. Consult with your doctor before trying hot tub therapy in order to ensure proper practices.
There are many other benefits of using a hot tub such as releasing contaminants through your pores, providing a sense of well-being, and it can be a great way to bond with your loved ones.
If any of these benefits resonate with you, a spa is a great investment for your life. Come in or give us a call so we can help you pick out a spa that best meets your needs.
Closing Time. This pool won't be open 'til sun or heat come
Sadly, it’s that time again. The temperature is beginning to drop and it’s time to close your pool for the season. If you couldn’t make it to our pool school, we’ve got you covered. The winter ❄️ can be really brutal in upstate NY thats why it is important not to miss a single thing when closing a pool. Here are a few major things Tarson Pools service team takes care of to ensure you get the most out of your pool for the years to come ☀️!
1) Vacuum and Test 💨
The cleaner your pool is when it’s closed, the cleaner it will be when it reopens. Leaving debris and leaves in your pool increases the risk of staining and results in a higher demand for chemicals, so be thorough. Check your water chemistry to ensure it is balanced. We can do it for free here at Tarson in 5 minutes. Doing this will optimize your water balance and make sure you are getting the full potential out of your chemicals.
*If your water is green or discolored, address this before closing your pool.
2) Add Winter Chemicals 🧪
Once the water is tested and balanced, add your winter chemicals as directed. In most cases, the pump should be on. DO NOT add the chemicals into the skimmer. Allow the chemicals to circulate for 2-4 hours before continuing the process.
3) Remove Hardware 🔧
Remove all ladders, toys, diving boards, etc. Reduce wear by placing them in a dry, safe environment so you can enjoy them next season.
4) Drop the Water Level
Change the valve in front of your pump to select the Port 2 setting (the main suction line) and then set your filter to the drain (waste) position. Drain the pool water level 2-4 inches below the bottom of the skimmer.
* If you choose not to drain the pool water level, use a Blowout Extension. It allows you to reduce the force taken by the skimmer when the water freezes.
5) Filtration and Circulation Removal 🔁
Disconnect the filter, pump and heater from their lines and pull the plugs so they can drain. Store the pump indoors and use a Pump Protector to prevent seals from going bad. DO NOT place the sand filter indoors. The sand filter often weight hundreds of pounds. If the sand in the filter shifts it could result in the internals of the filter breaking. DE filters should be cleaned and acid washed before being stored indoors.
6) Blow Out Lines
Select the Port 1 section on the valve to blow out the skimmer line. Using a blower or shop-vac, blow into the valve to push all of the water out of the skimmer lines and return lines. The air will come out of the closest return line first, so plug the line with a 1.5” winter plug then move on to the next. Now that all of the lines are blown out, add nontoxic antifreeze. Use a minimum of 1/2 gallon for every line. For the main drain, which cannot be blown out, use a full gallon of antifreeze.
7) Cover Pool
Place the cover over your pool so that it comfortably fits flat on the water. You don’t want your cover to be tight or strained because this may lead to tearing. Place the water bags inside of the designated straps (on inground pools) to weigh down the cover. Fill the water bags half way to leave room for expansion. Place them end to end to avoid wind moving the cover. For extra weight, spray an inch or two of water on the cover.
The Savings are Falling 🍂
It’s not too late to get a fantastic promotion on Jacuzzi spas! The virtual fair promotions over but the deals don’t have to stop. Starting now 8/25/2020 till the 18th of October 10/18/2020 with every purchase of a jacuzzi hot tub, get a Free Spa Cover lifter and Spa Step. Enjoy your hot tub even more with a 2 Step Resin stair and cover lifter to take the ease of getting into your new hot tub.
Select any Jacuzzi J-200/J-300/J-400/J-500 spa and get included free steps and Cover lifter on us! Don’t Fall 🍁 behind and act fast; these hot tubs are flying out of here! View our beautiful line up of Jacuzzi hot tubs and use the color pallet to see what your favorite color combinations are!
Shop in person, or via text! Our Spa Specialists will be standing by to answer questions, and share photos, videos, and other information on the Tarson Pools Textline- text Hi to (315) 291-8800 or stop by our Taft Rd. location to see our in stock models.
*The Wells Fargo Outdoor Solutions credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 3 years (36 months) apply to qualifying purchases of $3,000 or more charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 08/08/2020 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 08/24/2020.
Jacuzzi 4th of July Sale 🇺🇸
It’s that time of the year again, the time of year to treat your family nice with a new jacuzzi hot tub! Starting today until July 6th Jacuzzi is throwing a promotion for their staycation! Get in early to reserve a spot for a hot tub cause their hot tubs are disappearing quickly! Jacuzzi is the original hot tub and is the most well-known brand of hot tubs on the market!
Eligible sales between 7/2/2020 and 7/6/2020: Instant cash rebate up to $1000 on any qualifying J-300/400/500 Series hot tub OR 36mo Special Financing on approved credit.
These offers may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, offer, promotion, etc.
Create an awesome pool party this summer
Tarson Pools and Spas Guide to Pool Party Planning!
Throwing a great pool party is on most pool owners' summer to-do lists. This year we’ve decided to give you some of our own great tips for making your summer pool party a must-attend event! You can still have a great pool party and Social Distance! We do recommend to abide by State Rules no gathering larger than 10 people*. There is also no evidence that COVID can spread through a well-treated pool read our article here.
Safety first! Make sure all your pool deck and areas are clean and in good repair. Chemicals should be put away and you and your family should be current on all water safety rules. You can read our blog post on those here.
What is the theme of your event? A simple backyard BBQ, an evening dinner by the pool, or a more casual family event? Is this a fun kid-friendly event or an intimate gathering of adults?
For a children-friendly event be sure to provide your guests with little swimmers, towels, sunscreen, and pool game options like diving sticks. Some guests will bring their own but it never hurts to have extras on hand.
For an adult theme, the pool party considers the ambiance of the event. Maybe something simple and airy like this would work. If the party is more of an evening affair consider floating candles or pool lights.
Get creative with the invitations to your pool party. Don’t just call people to invite them, give them something special to look forward to.
Now the party is planned and the guests are invited! Making sure your guests are comfortable is the next order of
business. Plan that not all guests will be swimming, some may want to sit and chat. Be sure you have provided plenty of seating and space to relax near the pool for those who won’t be getting in the water. We do sell a great line of patio furniture if you are looking around for some comfortable seating! You can find our patio furniture line here.
The shade will be important as well! An umbrella or seating in parts of your backyard that are naturally shaded will make your guests more comfortable. We offer a full line of retractable awnings if your backyard offers no natural shade. You don’t want sunburned guests to leave your party.
What will all your party-goers be eating and drinking? Plan your snacks and meals accordingly. Since it’s summer be sure to provide plenty of water and hydrating beverages. If you are having a kid-friendly party make the finger foods really pop by adding a cute theme throughout. We recommend for finger foods to spike with toothpicks in order for guest to limit touching other food! Candy that is wrapped is also ideal! Here are some ideas:
For an adult pool party consider adding in theme ideas where they make sense. Adults might not like a shark-filled with fruit but maybe a signature cocktail or mocktail is more fitting. You can also add other elements that will make the day special and memorable like these napkin rings. It’s the small details that will have your guests raving!
Not all pool parties need to be structured events either. Sometimes unplanned guests make the best memories. However, you choose to throw your pool parties this summer know that we are always happy to help keep your pool sparkling clean and safe for all your guests. Stop into any of our six locations or give us a call at 315-291-8800. Remember we offer free water testing at all our locations. Please be safe, wash 🧼 your hands, and keep your distance!
The Theraputic Uses of the family spa
Muscle relief is one of the most often thought of therapeutic uses for spas, but did you know owning a hot tub can help you get a better night’s sleep and other healthy results?
Therapeutic Results:
- A Better Night’s Sleep:
The National Sleep Foundation, which offers sleep-related education and research, included this in a Facebook post on Healthy Sleep Tips: “Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as a warm soak in a whirlpool bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.”
- Rejuvenation & Better Circulation:
Warm water or Hydrotherapy promotes stress release and can ease minor aches and pains. The heat of the water helps increase blood circulation which is essential to getting your body the vitamins, nutrients, and oxygen it needs to function. Relaxing in a hot tub can increase vasodilatation which allows vitamins and minerals to more easily flow through the bloodstream, helping soothe sore and overworked muscles.
- A Bonded Family:
These days with activities and tech gadgets ruling our days as well as our children’s owning a hot tub can be a great way to bond together as a family without distractions. A hot tub offers a place to connect and relax as a family. Parents can remove stress from their day and the kids love to play. Having trouble connecting with your teen? The family hot tub can offer a great time to talk with your teens without the distraction of computers, cell phones, and video games.
- Less Anxiety:
In the early 1900s, mental institutions in the United States used whirlpool tubs and other forms of hydrotherapy to calm agitated, out-of-control patients. According to “A History of Somatic Therapies,” published by the Veterans Administration Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center, doctors in the 1920s were able to document positive physiological changes when patients were treated with submersion in a special whirlpool tub. The water flow and temperature were adjusted by an attendant, and notable changes in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration were observed and documented in the agitated patients. Similarly, whirlpool therapy can alleviate the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing from work or family issues. A demanding career and the search for a healthy balance between work and family are reasons to use a day spa to help you unwind. The day-spa experience can be created at home with a whirlpool tub, aromatherapy sea salts, candles, and soft music while you soak and relax. (source Livestrong.com)
Stay-At-Home Backyard Treat - Camp Fire Cone
If you haven’t yet tried Campfire Cones before, you, my friend, are missing out! Though they are “campfire” cones, you do not need a campfire to make this delicious treat! Campfire Cones can be made on the grill and in the oven in addition to the option to heat them over a campfire.
The method for making these Campfire Cones is pretty simple. You’ll start with an ice cream cone. You use any type of cone, but for the best tasting, a waffle cone is preferred. You can skip some steps, but you can add peanut butter or banana or both!! Then stuff it with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Once it’s stuffed to the brim, wrap it into a tin foil to prep it for heating.
As mentioned, you can heat them in the oven, grill them, or if you’ve got a campfire going, you can heat them over the campfire. When you unwrap the cones, the peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows will be melted to gooey perfection! You can change them up however you’d like – perhaps by adding sliced bananas or strawberries. Instead of chocolate chips you could use peanut butter chips or even butterscotch or caramel chips. Fill ’em with whatever you’d like! This is a special dessert treat that the adults and kids will love.
Jacuzzi Stay-At-Home Sale
#StayCation 😎
For a limited time only Jacuzzi will be running a #StayCation promotion! The Jacuzzi promotion ends June 1st so you need to act fast! This is the biggest promotion of the year. All Jacuzzi models will have an instant rebate of up to $2,000 dollars OR special financing on select model.
With Jacuzzi special financing enjoy 0% APR for 48months with select Jacuzzi Model only!
Help the longevity of your pool with proper balancing
A number of factors determine the life of your pool liner. The average life of an in-ground pool liner is about 8-10 years. With good care, they can last much longer, even 20 years or more. Assuming that the liner fits and was installed correctly, the most important factor is water chemistry. Keep the water in balance and properly sanitized. It might sound simple, but keep the pool clean! Usually, your pool only needs a few minutes per day, but it is an important few minutes. THE most important factor that determines the life of your pool liner is water chemistry.
Special coating protects vinyl liners that make them withstand the extreme sun, temperatures and constant exposure to treated water but you can help maintain your liner life by following these steps:
– Keep Proper pH levels: Proper pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.6, which should be tested daily. When your pH level drops below 7.0 this can cause your liner to discolor, swell and create unwanted wrinkles. Having a pool with a higher than 7.6 pH level accelerates the aging process of your pool.
– Careful with Chlorine: Chlorine abuse is major cause of liner degradation. Keeping your pool’s chlorine level too low will not kill enough of the bacteria in the water. While chlorine levels that are kept too high can attack your liner and cause bleaching. It is important to note that if you are using granular chlorine dissolve it completely in a bucket of water first before putting it into your pool. Never allow chlorine to come in contact with your liner before it has been dissolved. It is a best practice to run your circulating pump for a minimum of four hours after the addition of chemicals.
– Water Levels: Although your pool liner is coated to protect against the sun, it is extremely important to keep your pool full of water at all times. When the water level of your pool gets low it exposes your liner to the sun that can lead to drying out and shrinking.
– Keep your Liner Clean: Your pool will develop a “bathtub” ring above the water line. It is important to keep this area clean as these contaminants that include body oils, suntan lotions and airborne contaminants can get “baked” onto your liner causing it to crack and dry out. To clean this area you should talk with us about what products will work best for your liner. DO NOT use CLR or household cleaning products.
– Chemicals: More is not better when it comes to chemicals. Do not add more chemicals than needed to your pool. This can cause your pool liner to disintegrate and also can be very expensive.