Next Level Water Care
Jacuzzi® hot tubs already are some of the simplest spas to maintain. Between our powerful CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™ UV-C and Ozone system, exclusive @ease SmartChlor™, but the question remains: how else can we make water care for your hot tub even easier?
By harnessing the power of our SmartTub™ system, we are excited to partner with Sutra for the most robust, total water management system in any hot tub, by any manufacturer or brand. Sutro now integrates with SmartTub™ to provide water care measurement and chemical instructions from within the SmartTub™ app! Tarson Pools and Spas is proud to be one of the first Jacuzzi® dealers in the US to offer this partnership. Simply pair your mySutro account to your SmartTub™ app, and it's that simple!
The Sutro monitor will test your water 3x per day, every day, without any intervention or action from you and will report back the results of those tests to your SmartTub™ app, and to Tarson so that we can provide better service for you should you encounter any water care issues. Sutro uses reagents instead of probes like other products, so it is the most accurate consumer water chemistry monitor on the market. Sutro measures the water temperature and tests for: Free Chlorine (fcl), pH, and Alkalinity. Aside from the initial $600 investment in the monitor, the service is $29/mo which covers auto-replenishment of fresh reagent cartridges every month from Sutro directly
Don't have SmartTub™ in your Jacuzzi® hot tub? No problem! We can add SmartTub™ to any spa manufactured after 2016. If you'd like to be part of our product trials for our first rollout of the Sutro + SmartTub™ system, please call or text us at (315) 291-8800 and ask for Allen!
Jacuzzi®+ @ease = Clean Water
With convenient cartridges designed to fit in your Jacuzzi® spa, FROG Minerals and SmartChlor® Technology allows you to enjoy Fresh Mineral Water® that kills bacteria 2 ways with up to 75%* less chlorine and a lot less work! Learn more about the @ease system by watching the short video below:
How many times have you thought, “this hot tub is just too much work!” We set out to change that with FROG @ease – it gives you that “ahhh” feeling of relaxation and peace of mind. FROG @ease combines sanitizing minerals with SmartChlor® Technology to kill bacteria 2 ways. The result is Fresh Mineral Water® that’s silky soft with far less odors and the easiest water to maintain because it’s self-regulating. It knows when more sanitizing power is needed and automatically delivers it. Unlike normal chlorine that is used up when you get in, SmartChlor® continues to maintain the same level which is up to 75% less than hot tubs using Dichlor (standard hot tub chlorine). That’s why we call it self-regulating. It goes to work when the hot tub needs sanitizing so there are no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels. This time-released method is also why less shock is needed to maintain the hot tub. Another major benefit of SmartChlor? No cyanuric acid buildup that makes water tough to balance and reduces the effectiveness of your chlorine.
Less Chlorine
Up to 75%* less chlorine with no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels.
Less Shocking
Only shock once a month!
Self Regulates
Self-regulates for continuous crystal clear water.
Less Odors
Easy on hot tub surfaces with less odors.
- Unique form of chlorine that works only with FROG minerals
- It’s EPA registered
- Unlike dichlor it’s slow dissolving
- It’s self-regulating by automatically delivering more free chlorine when needed
- It maintains a consistent 0.5 – 1.0 ppm free chlorine level at all times
The Jacuzzi® @ease System is available on all Jacuzzi® J-300™, J-400™ and J-500™ Series spas with the in-line cartridge holder, and J-200™ Series spas with the floating system.
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! ❄️
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.
Help the longevity of your pool with proper balancing
A number of factors determine the longevity of your pool liner. The average life of an in-ground pool liner is about 8-10 years. With good care, you can increase their longevity, 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.
Remember your pool safety this summer!
Pool season is finally here! With it comes a chance to revisit the Pool Safety Rules and Guidelines with your family and friends. It is important to make sure that everyone who will be using your pool and spa know the safety rules and guidelines to insure a wonderful pool season.
Post the pool and spa rules near the entrance of the Pool or Spa so that every time you get in you can view them.
Have your children take the Safe Swimmer Pledge:
1. I pledge to never swim alone
2. I pledge to never play or swim near drains or suction fittings
3. I pledge to always dive feet first
4. I pledge to obey the pool rules
You can go here to download a certificate to give them as a reminder about being safe in the pool.
Follow these Water Safety Tips from the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)
- Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible.
- Always brief babysitters on water safety, emphasizing the need for constant supervision.
- Appoint a “designated watcher” to monitor children during social gatherings at or near pools.
- Equip doors and windows that exit to a pool area with alarms.
- Have a phone by the pool with emergency numbers programmed into speed-dial.
- Post CPR instructions and learn the procedures.
- Keep rescue equipment poolside.
- Keep a first aid kit at poolside.
- Maintain constant visual contact with children in a pool or pool area. If a child is missing, check the pool first; seconds count in preventing death or disability.
- Don’t use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Never allow a young child in a pool without an adult.
- Don’t leave objects such as toys that might attract a child in the pool and pool area.
- Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers, or other equipment to make a child “water safe.”
- Never assume someone else is watching a child in a pool area.
- Don’t leave chairs or other items of furniture where a child could use them to climb into a fenced pool area.
- Let us not forget our 4 legged friends that like to have fun in the pool as well. We love our pets and they love to come play with us in the water so let’s make sure they are safe too.
- Try not to let them drink the pool water, keep fresh water handy for them instead
- Wash them off after their dip in the pool so the chlorine does not dry their skin
- Make sure your dog knows where to enter and exit the pool safely, so they don’t hurt themselves clawing at the sides of the pool.
- Just as with kids, take it slow and don’t overdo it. They get tired too.
- One sure sign your dog is getting tired is that their back end begins to droop in the water, when this happens, it is time for a break
- There are life vests available for all shapes and sizes of dogs.
- Certain dogs such as breeds with shorter legs and broad chests (bulldogs, Corgi’s, Pugs, etc.) are not effective swimmers. They may need the support of a life vest.
- Heavily muscled dogs such as Greyhounds with little body fat will not be as buoyant in the water and might need the life vest for support.
Always have a plan for First Aid.
American made aboveground pools: Radiant Metric Round
You may feel that now is not the time to be thinking about pools in Upstate NY with the cold temperatures, but now is the perfect time to start doing your research. In this entry of our “American-Made Above Ground Pools” blog entry we will be giving you information about Radiant Above Ground Metric Round Pools.
In our March 2014 blog entry, “Choosing Your Pool: Radiant Pool Edition” we introduced you to all the unique qualities of the Radiant In-Ground Pool and why it is a perfect fit for this area. These same qualities are true for the Above Ground Metric Series, such as:
BUILT TO LAST
What sets this pool apart from the rest is in its design. Radiant Pools use the same technology used in the construction of aircraft, which makes the pool walls stronger than steel, polymer and even concrete. You never have to worry about the sustainability of your Radiant Pool because the walls will never rust, warp or crack.
CUSTIOMIZABLE
The Metric Round Above Ground Radiant Pools come with 7 dimension choices, starting at 16’ and going up to 33’. With the superior wall construction of the Radiant Pool it can be installed aboveground, semi-inground, on a slope or into a hill. The Radiant Metric Series Pool fits any backyard and any budget.
You can also add on accessories:
FENCE AND GATE KIT: Add an extra layer of security to your pool with the fence and gate kit. The kit comes with a custom fence mounting clip with an easy slide-and-bolt assembly that creates a clean, finished look. Nothing hangs over the top, no brackets bolted to the side of the pool. The kit includes fence sections, custom fence mounting clips, gate, and all hardware.
RADIANT INSIDE STEP: In the past, when you thought of above ground pools, you would picture a ladder as your only means of entry into the pool. Radiant Pools offers an inside step that allows you to walk into the pool, just like in their in-ground pools. Making it more accessible for all members of your family and friend
CUSTOM WINTER COVER: Winters can be very harsh and damaging on above ground pools, but with a winter cover designed exclusively to fit into the coping of Radiant Metric Pools you can be put at ease that your pool will weather the winter. The coping, made of PVC, covers the edge of the pool wall and has an inside track to hold the pool liner in place and an outer track to hold the Metric Custom Winter Cover in place.
Available for both standard 2” and premium 4” coping, the custom fit provides perfect coverage for winterizing your Metric Pool. The custom cover is made with ArmorKote™ technology with a triple laminated no-rip polyethylene weave. The perimeter has a triple edge reinforced binding and it is lightweight for easy installation, removal and storage.
SWIM LONGER
The built-to-last insulated wall panels help your pool water heat up faster and keep it warmer longer. This means you can start your swimming season earlier and swim later. The average Radiant Pool extends your swim season by 2 months! With the superior heat retention properties of a Radiant Pool, you can swim during the entire swimming season without the need of a heater saving $1000’s on heating costs.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
A Radiant Pool is an investment that you can feel good about because it helps to lessen your footprint. The materials used to construct Radiant Pools are ozone friendly and 100% recyclable. They are the only energy efficient, an Energy Star™ Partner since 2006, and environmentally smart pools on the market.
WARANTY
The Metric Series warranty includes protection from winter damage! Snow and ice buildup can destroy a traditional aboveground pool. The incredibly strong Radiant pool wall minimizes this potential harm.
Radiant Pools are 100% made in the USA and come with a 100% lifetime warranty that can be transferred to new owners if you should ever sell your home. Also, if your purchase is financed through a home equity loan, your interest is considered tax deductible.
If you would like more information on purchasing one of these Above Ground 100% American Made pools, would like to layaway your pool and receive early installation dates or have questions regarding a pool that you own please give us a call today at (315) 291-8800, or stop into our North Syracuse or East Syracuse location and we would be glad to help.
Treated Recreational Water COVID-19
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 we are asking the question is it safe to swim in the same body of water as another person? Well an article posted straight from the CDC acknowledges that a properly maintained pool does not indeed transmit the spread of the diseases! Here is what the CDC has to say:
There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.
While there is ongoing community spread of COVID-19 of the virus that causes COVID-19, it is important for individuals as well as owners and operators of these facilities to take steps to ensure health and safety:
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Everyone should follow local and state guidance that may determine when and how recreational water facilities may operate.
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Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at recreational water venues both in and out of the water – for example, by practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene.
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In addition to ensuring water safety and quality, owners and operators of community pools, hot tubs, spas, and water play areas should follow the interim guidance for businesses and employers for cleaning and disinfecting their community facilities.