Charlie's Tip of the Week  1 - 28

Archived copies of "Charlie's Tips of the Week" from 1977 to 2012, published in the local Evergreen papers. Some of the tips may not be relative to most of todays hot tubs, (listed by most recent).
Tip #22
"High water temperature, sunlight and bather usage reduce the chlorine and bromine level of your hot tub or spa. Ask me about the low cost of having automatic chlorine and bromine feeders installed."
Tip #19
"If your hot tub is indoors or in a greenhouse, use bromine as a disinfectant. Bromine is less toxic to plants."

Tip #16
"Cartridge filters need to be soaked in a cleansing solution to remove insoluable substances such as suntan oil, body oil and mineral deposits. Ask me about our monthly maintenance program."

Tip #13
"Ninety percent of the heat loss of a hot tub or spa is from the top. An efficient cover will reduce this heat loss, saving energy and money."

Tip #10
"If your spa water, when tested, indicates a high pH, this is an alkaline condition. Mineral deposits known as scale will develop on pipes and equipment. This condition also lessens the effectiveness of chlorine and bromine."
Tip #7
"A boost to the chlorine residual content of your spa water is needed periodically; especially after large amounts of bather usage or severe storms. This is termed "super chlorination.'"
Tip #4
"When testing your spa water, check the pH before the addition of chlorine or bromine. The presence of chlorine or bromine in the water will affect the accuracy of test results."
Tip #1
"Dirty filters are the primary cause of heater failure. Have your filter cleaned regularly."
Tip #28
"If your hot tub is equipped with an air blower, a suitable heat tape may be needed to prevent freeze-up."
Tip #26
"Reduce energy costs this winter.
Ask me about:
  • Freeze protection
  • Thermal efficient hot tub & spa covers
  • Equipment enclosures
  • Pipe insulation"
Tip #24
"Too much chlorine in your spa water can cause bleached hair and irritation of the skin and eyes. Ask me about the low cost of having automatic chlorine and bromine feeders installed."
Tip #21
"Chlorine and bromine dissipate quickly in hot water, To ensure clean water check the chlorine or bromine level daily, or have a low cost automatic chlorine or bromine feeder installed."
Tip #18
"Automatic Chlorine & Bromine Feeders reduce the hassles of Hot Tub maintenance."


Tip #15
"Pollen can be a problem in some outdoor hot tubs this time of the year. Use a water clarifier will remove pollen already in the water. An efficient cover will prevent pollen from entering the tub. Call me to have a custom cover measured and fitted."
Tip #12
"Chlorine is an oxidizing agent and can cause fire or explosion if it comes in contact with compounds such as household cleaners or paint materials."

Tip #9
"If your spa water, when tested indicates a low pH; this is an acid condition. Corrosion of pipes and equipment may result. This also may cause irritation to the skin and other sensitive areas of some bathers."
Tip #6
"To raise the pH of your spa water, add sodium carbonate. To raise the pH and total alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate."


Tip #3
"Drain & refill your tub periodically. Dissolved solids accumulate in the water and will lesson the effectiveness of disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine."
Tip #27
"Thermal efficient hot tub & spa covers not only retain heat but also protect the surface from damage."
Tip #25
"Too much chlorine in your spa water can cause corrosion of metal plumbing parts and deterioration of rubber gaskets and seals. Ask me about the low cost of having automatic chlorine and bromine feeders installed."

Tip #23
"Hot tub and spa covers lose their effectiveness when they become waterlogged. Replace them when needed and they will pay for themselves, by reducing your energy bill."
Tip #20
"Warped wooden hot tubs covers may straighten out if placed upside down on the tub for a while. Call me to have a thermal efficient cover measured and fitted."

Tip #17
"Routine maintenance is essential for clean water & correct operation of your hot tub or spa. For as low as $28 per month, ask about our Monthly Maintenance Program."
Tip #14
"The common algae found in hot tubs or pools are green or brown color, and can be either free-floating or wall-clinging. Routine water maintenance will prevent its growth. In extreme cases an algaecide may be needed."

Tip #11
"If your tub is equipped with a skimmer, never allow the water level to drop below the skimmer opening; otherwise air will be drawn into the system and equipment failure could result."
Tip #8
"Super chlorination boosts the chlorine level of your tub water approximately 5 times above normal. Allow the chlorine level to drop to the desired range of 1.7 to 2.0 ppm before using."
Tip #5
"Periodically inspect all suction  & skimmer fittings in your hot tub. Missing or broken suction grates may allow foreign objects to become trapped within the plumbing equipment."
Tip #2
"You can reduce the chlorine or bromine content of your tub water significantly with continual exposure to sunlight."