Thoughts from Home

Some tips on how to clean and take care of your hot tub.

Having your own hot tub at home is very convenient. Aside from the relaxation that it can provide to your tired body after a long day, using a hot tub also has several health benefits. Immersing yourself in a hot tub can help improve your blood circulation, loosen cramped and tight muscles, soothe any body pains, and improve your pulmonary, renal, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems.

It is not surprising that a growing number of people have seen the advantages of having their own hot tub at home. However, along with all the benefits that it brings, having your own hot tub comes with the responsibility of hot tub maintenance. Unfortunately, bacteria and viruses can easily grow in warm water so it is vital for you to keep you hot tub clean and sanitized. Below are ways in which you can ensure that your hot tub is clean and safe for you to use.

· Set temperature to 102°F. A hot tub that is too hot is definitely not safe for anyone while a hot tub that lacks heat will not provide you with the benefits that it is supposed to give. The recommended temperature for the water in your hot tub is 102°F. To help you control the electric costs of your hot tub, you may turn down the thermostat when your hot tub is not in use. You may also want to use a hot tub cover that can insulate your hot tub so that heat is not easily lost, as well as keep unwanted debris from getting into your hot tub.

· Treat your hot tub water regularly. The actual frequency with which you should treat the water in your hot tub depends on how much you use it. Although a lot of people use hot tub chemicals such as chlorine and bromine, you may prefer the natural hot tub products from Clarity Water Products that can keep your hot tub clean and sanitary without the use of harsh, toxic chemicals.

· Clean your filter. Again, the frequency with which you should clean your hot tub filter depends on your usage. Usually, cleaning it once a week by removing the filter and rinsing it should be good enough. However, it is still advisable that you do a more thorough cleaning with the use of a filter cleaner or degreaser once a month.

· Replace your hot tub water. No matter how often you treat the water in your hot tub and clean your hot tub filter, the water is not supposed to stay in your hot tub forever. Make sure to drain your hot tub and do a thorough cleaning of the hot tub every three months.

I used to have a pack of resealable plastic bags in the pantry cabinet that I used for storing food in the fridge, or small things that needs to be stowed away. But here are other uses of the resealable plastic bags that is very helpful in the house or even during travel.

No longer just for storing bologna and rye, the humble plastic bag can help you (finally) bring order to the peskiest household items.

BEAUTY AIDS

• For overnight trips, fill bags with single portions of shampoo and conditioner.
• Keep moisture away from Q-tips and cotton balls.
• Stash powder compacts in bags to prevent spills in your purse.

ON THE MARK

• Collect stamps, paper, and pens for writing notes or paying bills.
• Stow markers to prevent ink stains.
• Keep paintbrushes moist during do-it-yourself projects.

KITCHEN HELP

• Reduce food preparation time by storing prechopped ingredients.
• Refrigerate marinating meats.
• Fill with frosting, snip a corner, and decorate cupcakes.

CHANGE OF PACE

• Retire the old coin jar – a plastic bag takes up less space.
• Organize camera batteries and memory cards.
• Separate nuts, bolts, and drill bits.

FOR THE RECORDS

• Keep receipts handy and wrinkle free.
• Corral keys, your phone, and loose change before hitting airport security.
• Store your car’s insurance card and registration in the glove compartment.

PRECIOUS GEMS

• Snack-size bags are perfect for packing a weekend’s worth of jewelry.
• Store silver jewelry to reduce tarnishing.
• Dedicate a bag to extra earring backs.

Reference: Real Simple Magazine, August 2006