Backyard Living Center is a locally owned and operated Saskatoon hot tub store. They offer an exclusive line of high-quality Canadian-built hot tubs that are perfectly suited to the Saskatchewan climate. With a variety of design choices, they have a spa that will suit every lifestyle! Service means everything to owners Sheryl and Matthew! Whether it's finding the perfect spa, hot tub servicing or repair, water testing, or helping find or deliver parts for your hot tub, they're here to help. In this Saskatoon hot tub tip, we continue the series of experts answering all your FAQs about hot tubs.
Backyard Living Center Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub Store!
How is the hot tub insulated?
Several spa manufacturers have always insisted that the only way to insulate a spa is with “full urethane foam”. In this method, all the glued plumbing within the spa is covered using a sprayed-on foam. This method was fine twenty years ago but like many materials, safer, better alternatives have been developed. Certainly, urethane foam is acceptable as an insulator but more often than not it is primarily used as a structural backup. Where there is limited structural integrity, urethane foam is used as a substitution because it “holds together all the components of the spa” and compensates for a limited engineered structure. Alternates to full foam spas have been developed to address the issue of gaining access to the plumbing within the spa. H2O spas have developed their own unique Multi-Layer Insulation System.
What are the pros and cons of a urethane foam-filled spa?
The Pros of using urethane foam:
It is used primarily to insulate the hot tub against the environment, therefore, reducing operating costs.
Secondly, it can be used as a substitute for structural support where there is little or no frame structure. Imagine a large block of foam with everything trapped inside.
The Cons of using urethane foam:
Urethane spray foam used for insulating hot tubs is a two-part chemical product that when mixed, results in an expanding foam component. It is used under strict safety codes because of the unhealthy ‘off gassing’ fumes.
The resulting foam expands into the cavities of the hot tub solidifying as it cures sealing all ventilating apertures. We all have to breathe, and so does your hot tub. Preventing air circulation inside the cavity of the hot tub creates the perfect condition for possible future mold growth.
Once the hot tub has been foam-filled it is extremely difficult to service the tub particularly if you experience a water leak in the complex plumbing underneath the tub. A simple plumbing defect can take hours to trace and repair. Tracing the leak becomes more difficult than the actual repair.
The biggest problem occurs after the repair has been completed and you have taken out the wet foam to reach the leak area. What do you use to replace the insulation you have removed? Usually, this is done with an expensive canned substitute of the foam which inevitably does not have the same insulation properties of the originally installed foam – in other words, it is being replaced with a substitute that may possibly affect the insulation qualities of the hot tub. There is also the problem of discarding the saturated foam which must be packed separately and isolated from normal garbage.
Any water contamination from the internal plumbing deteriorates the foam creating a sludge that is prone to mold growth and if the foam has been used as a structural substitute, this can possibly weaken the spa.
Is it detrimental to the efficiency of the hot tub if all four sides of the spa are not foam-filled?
Our tests show that the insulation benefits of partially removing some insulation from one side of the hot tub are outweighed by replacing the insulation with electronic equipment and two electric motors, each one generating surplus heat. In fact the two motors generate so much heat that we evacuate the surplus heat and pipe it to the air intakes of the spa jets, thus supplying warm air automatically when the jet pumps are engaged.
What are the benefits of using Roxul insulation?
Practical to use; anyone can handle it safely. Sold in most hardware stores this amazing material is readily available.
Can be removed and replaced without instruction, just use a common sense approach when handling this material.
Roxul is fire retardant. Even when held to a naked flame it will not ignite.
Environmentally prudent; disposal, if required, can be the same as with any household garbage.
Water repellent. If a leak occurs in the tub it cannot damage the Roxul. Being water repellent, moisture will pass right through the Roxul leaving it completely dry.
Deters rodents because it is an inert material made from lava rock that cannot be eaten or affected by animals.
Recyclable; there is no need to throw it away. Just store it in a dry environment for future use.
Roxul has an R-Value equal to or better than traditional insulation materials including low-density open cell urethane foam.
Roxul is used in many commercial and residential buildings costing millions of dollars. Does it make sense to use such an amazing material in a product costing much less? Of course, it does, that is why we led the way by using Roxul as an insulating system in all H2O Spas.
How much is your house worth? Hundreds of thousands of dollars? Most houses are now built using Roxul Insulation, it makes sense to use it as an insulator in your hot tub.
Helps reduce equipment noise. Roxul is renowned for its ability to capture noise and is used extensively as a noise barrier.
See their selection of in-stock H2O Canadian-made premium spas at their showroom on Brodsky Avenue, or visit their website for more choices and information on hot tub supplies, hot tub care, and maintenance and service. Take it from us… you will not be disappointed!!!
MORE Questions?
“Your Backyard Oasis is Waiting For You!”
You can read more amazing client testimonials and see all products and services they offer by checking out the Backyard Living Center’s listing by clicking on the link below.
Whether you are building a new home or remodeling a single room, Kitchen & Bath Classics Saskatoon a Trusted SASKATOON BATHROOM EXPERT offers you one of the largest selections of plumbing fixtures, faucets, and accessories from quality names, displaying the latest trends and cutting-edge styles. The showroom consultants offer the best expertise in the business as they understand the building process; working with you to ensure that your project stays within budget and that the right products are delivered on time.
Here They Share 5 Tips for Surviving a Renovation:
Living through a renovation can be stressful, but there are five tips you can consider that will help the process go smoothly.
1. Set a realistic budget.
The most common mistake homeowners make is operating at their maximum budget allowance and not saving extra for those unexpected costs or splurge items. A realistic budget should be 80% of what you can actually afford, leaving 10% for surprises (even the best contractors can’t know what hides behind walls), and 10% for decorating once the project is completed.
2. Determine your desired timeline for completion.
Keep in mind that delays often happen, regardless of how well you have planned. Materials get back-ordered, bad weather can delay exterior work, and tradespeople may get sick or require extra time to make sure the job is done properly.
3. Hire construction experts for anything you are unsure of.
It is always best to hire licensed professionals because they are bonded and insured. You want to hire someone who works with a formal contract and can provide references. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Select someone with who you can communicate clearly about all aspects of the project. Write down a list of questions as you think of them, such as, ‘What payments do I have to make and when? Am I coordinating the trades or will they be your responsibility?' Contact local associations for referrals if you do not know where to start.
4. Be realistic about living through a renovation.
Can you segregate yourself to another area and be comfortable? Do you need to move out for a little while? Keep in mind that most contractors and trades keep construction hours from 7 am to 3 or 4 pm. Will this be disruptive to you or your family members?
Also consider the levels of dust and how they affect those children, pets, and those afflicted with respiratory difficulties. Moving out during a renovation is often a good idea. It also means the job site can operate more efficiently if you and your family are not in the way.
5. The design aspects of your project.
Are you creating something that will look dated in five years or can it be easily adapted to current trends as they change? This is where hiring professional interior designers, decorators and architects is a good investment. Not only can they help you define your style, but they can also mediate between you and the contractor and trades which will alleviate a lot of the renovation stress. These professionals typically cost approximately 5% of your renovation budget and they make sure that your visions for your renovation become a reality.
Find Kitchen & Bath Classics online at http://www.kitchenandbathclassics.ca in the SASKATOON BATHROOMS category on the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of Excellence... they are your SASKATOON BATHROOM FIXTURES and FITTING Expert!
JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Saskatoon is eager to provide the best possible customer experience. Their aim is to be a professional resource for our clients before, during, and after the sale! Their team takes pride in service knowledge of modern equipment and training. They are recognized by peers and offer sales, service, training & installations for residential, and commercial Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing systems in Saskatoon and area. In their latest article, they discuss tips to keep your furnace from triggering your allergies this fall.
Though furnaces do not cause allergies, they can be a culprit for making them worse. When summer ends and you switch your heat on for the first time, all the dust and allergens that have built up in heating ducts end up traveling through the ventilation. This impacts air quality in the household. In keeping allergies away, good air quality is key. Here are a few tips to keep your furnace from triggering your fall allergies.
1. Replace Your Furnace Air Filter
HVAC filters are designed to collect allergens. In order to do their job properly, they need to be replaced regularly. A clean filter is more effective at catching allergens and will improve the overall efficiency of your furnace system. Replacing your HVAC filter regularly is one of the best ways to reduce allergies and ensure everyone in your household can breathe easily.
2. Clean Your Air Ducts
Like HVAC filters, allergens collect over time in air ducts. Air duct cleanings are the best way to ensure these allergens are not spread throughout your home. Investing in air duct cleaning on a regular basis will help ensure good air quality so allergies do not become worse.
3. Routine Furnace Maintainance Reduces Fall Allergies
Routine furnace maintenance is a key step to ensuring your household’s air quality is up to standard. Before switching on your heat for the first time, it is beneficial to have a maintenance inspection to solidify that your filters and air ducts are clean and that your furnace is in good working condition for the colder months. Ensuring your household’s furnace is properly maintained is a great way to prevent low air quality and help keep allergies at bay.
These are just a few tips to keep your furnace from triggering your allergies this fall. If you need any assistance with your furnace or home heating equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.
JOB Heating & Air Conditioning are Trusted Saskatoon furnace experts. They show up on time, deliver on budget, and leave the work area cleaner than when they arrived! They take pride in their work in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from their clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.
‘Your Comfort is Our Concern!’