Softub Express

Every once in a while we get a telephone call from someone who recently purchased a Softub and the call sounds something like this:

“Hi. We just bought a Softub and we were looking at the owner’s manual—and it says this thing doesn’t have a heater. How do we heat it up?”

Or, we get a call from someone who is having an issue with the temperature and they often say their heater is broken.

We would like to explain how the Softub gets hot and stays hot—and what to do if, perhaps, it’s not warm enough for you.

The Softub Heater

The construction of the tub itself has everything to do with the tub staying hot. The ENTIRE tub is made of patented poly-bonded foam—31 layers of the stuff, in fact. That what makes the side walls strong enough to sit on, and insulated enough to maintain the temperature you set the thermostat. They will hold a steady temperature all the way to sixty degrees below zero!

The bottom layer of the tub is a high-density rubberized foam called a cross link. This has a slightly lower insulation value than the side walls; and it is made that way on purpose to allow the tub to circulate more often in the colder months.  The thermal lid itself is also highly-insulated.  It is made to hold the heat in whole allowing for a small amount of ventilation. The entire tub is highly insulated and built to hold the heat!

The power pack unit is also in an insulated shell that holds all the electronics. The neatest part of the design is how the tub water gets hot. The Softub has NO HEATER. It actually heats up using the heat thrown off by the motor.

The motor has stainless steel coils wrapped around its shell. All the water from the tub circulates through the coils and over the motor housing. When a motor runs it produces heat and the coils absorb that heat and transfer it to the water. At the same time, this process is also cooling the motor so it can run more efficiently and last longer. This system is highly-efficient and is the most economical and ecological system on this market.

Inside the piping are two thermostat probes that keep the water at the temperature you set.  The water’s movement as it flows over the probes allows them to make sure the temperature is consistent throughout the tub. The newer pumps (July 2011 and newer) require that you purge the pumps to get an accurate temperature read. (To get an accurate reading for pumps prior to July 2011, do the following: If the red heat light is on, and the water is circulating, simply use the minus button until the pump kicks off – then use the plus button until it kicks on again.) The tub temperature is one degree below that. If the heat light is not on, then the water is at or slightly above the set temperature.

If the tub is not as warm as you would like, simply increase the temperature a little bit. Softubs can be heated to 104 degrees (models pre-July 2011) and 106 degrees for those built post-July 2011 (this is an approximate date, as there were still some non-programmable tubs in stock and they were sold at a discounted rate).

If you have a programmable pack, instructions came with your tub showing you how to override the 104 setting so you can heat the tub to 106. This should be hot enough for most people! Remember, you are immersing your entire body in the tub, therefore, your core temperature will be raised to the temperature of the water – anything higher than 106 is not recommended for safety reasons.

If you still think your tub is not hot enough it your heat exchanger coils could have a residue built up inside of them that cuts down on the effectiveness of the heat transfer. We recommend a yearly pipe and coil cleaning with a great chemical we sell called Swirl-Away. Simply add half a bottle before you’re ready to drain the tub, let circulate for one hour, and then drain as usual. Swirl-Away will purge biofilm and other not so nice stuff from the inside of your pipes and heating coil allowing everything to run at maximum efficiency.

Also, the tub takes 24- 48 hours to initially heat. After that it is hot and ready for you at all times for pennies a day (significantly less than a hard sided tub), and there are no expensive heaters to break.

So, yes Virginia, there is no heater. It is no miracle, just smart technology making our lives easier without costing a fortune!

Spa Frog

When a new Softub owner first opens their chemical kit, they often wonder “Just what is this thing called a Spa Frog? What does it do and why should I continue to purchase them?”  Here we’ll explain just why you do want a Frog in your hot tub. SPA FROG® Mineral Products control bacteria and help keep the pH neutral; which reduces your chlorine use up to 50% and makes the water feel silky soft and look crystal clear.

In order to keep your spa water clean you need three things; a sanitizer, an oxidizer, and a bactericide. The best product on the market for this is chlorine – it is one product that does all three.  However, chlorine can be irritating to your skin, cause bleaching of your liner and bathing suits, and produce a strong odor.  For these reasons, many people do not want to use it in large amounts.  That is where a Softub Spa Frog mineral purifier comes in.

SPA FROG fits in the hollow middle of your filter. The unique design draws water in through the openings in the cap and the scooped louvers at the top and circulates it through the mineral formula for greatest effectiveness. Water is then released through the bottom openings. Simply supplement it with a low level of granular chlorine. A SPA FROG also lasts 4 months, with an easy reminder dial to help you remember when to replace it.

The Softub Spa Frog is actually a patented combination of silver, limestone and zinc.  It continually kills the bacteria in the water so you do not need to use as much chlorine.  It is used in conjunction with a smaller amount of granular chlorine to keep your tub crystal clear and bacteria-free. The main ingredient in a Spa Frog mineral purifier is silver.  While silver’s importance as a bactericide has been documented only since the late 1800s, its use in purification has been known throughout the ages. Early records indicate that the Phoenicians, for example, used silver vessels to keep water, wine and vinegar pure during their long voyages. In America, pioneers moving west put silver and copper coins in their water barrels to keep them clean.

In fact, “born with a silver spoon in his mouth” is not a reference to wealth, but to health. In the early 18th century, babies who were fed with silver spoons were healthier than those fed with spoons made from other metals, and silver pacifiers found wide use in America because of their beneficial health effects.

Since the bacteria are chemically attracted to the silver ions, over time they become covered with dead bacteria that, in turn, reduces the clean surface area and its ability to kill new bacteria.  That’s where the zinc comes in.  Zinc is nature’s scrub brush and it literally scrubs the dead bacteria off the silver ion exposing more clean surface area. This dead bacteria is then trapped in your filter cartridge – yet another reason why regular rinsing of your filter cartridge is important.

The last component is limestone.  The reaction of silver killing the bacteria produces an acidic effect—the limestone is there to neutralize that acid so your pH will not be affected.

A Spa Frog (or any other mineral purifier) cannot be used alone.  A Spa Frog is good for 4 months (120 days) from when it is first put in the water.  You cannot dry it out and store it for use at another time.  Water activates it and once it is activated, drying doesn’t stop it. Even if there still seem to be crystals inside after 4 months it is no longer creating any benefit to you or your spa water. You either need to replace your Spa Frog, or increase your chlorine level. (In general, we recommend maintaining your chlorine level around 1ppm when using a Spa Frog vs 3-5ppm when using chlorine alone.)

I have been wracking my brain for a reason why someone would not want to use a Spa Frog. Frankly, I only came up with one, the cost of a Spa Frog. However the benefits (less chlorine, softer skin, pH maintenance assistance) so outweigh the one negative that I can discard that one pretty easily. Spa Frogs cost about $35 each—that is not even $12 per month and it is not even close to half a dollar a day.  If something will cut down the amount of chlorine I need to use in my tub by half, I will invest that reasonable amount for my health! (And with the specials that Softub Express runs all year round you can spend even less!)

Check out our filter/frog/cleaner package special at www.SoftubExpress.com ‘s Online Shopping Cart.

Keep your Softub in top shape

Granular chlorine, specifically sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione (or dichlor for short), is the primary product used in a Softub to keep the water properly sanitized. It is important to have your chlorine at appropriate levels to keep the tub safe and healthy for you and your family. Since all of us at Softub Express are also Softub owners, I thought I would tell you how I take care of my Softub.

The last person to enjoy the Softub each day needs to add one dose of granular chlorine to the tub. After putting the chlorine in, close the lid halfway, keep the water circulating, turn the air off and let it work for 10- 15 minutes. The action of the water circulating keeps the chemicals from sitting on the bottom of the tub and potentially staining your liner; having the lid partially open allows the chemicals to off gas the bacteria. In general, one dose is approximately one (1) tablespoon but this may be adjusted based on tub size and bather load.

Once a week I test the water and make sure the chlorine is in the 1 – 3 parts per million (ppm) area on the test strips. Because I use a spa frog mineral sanitizer, my chlorine level is right within in that range. If you are not using a spa frog, your chlorine level needs to be in the 3 – 5 parts per million (ppm) range.

To understand chlorine a little deeper, let’s look at how it actually works. A sanitizer must work quickly and efficiently to keep the water environment healthy for 2 bathers or for 200 bathers. Sanitizers are also excellent oxidizers, which means they destroy or “burn out” contaminants in the water. People are the primary source of new contaminant introduction into your hot tub water. When you soak in your tub bacteria, perspiration, lotions, and more come off your body and enter the water. The more people that use the tub, and the more often the tub is used, the more bacteria and other contaminants.

Granular chlorine that you dissolve into your spa water combines with bacteria and other organics in the water on a molecular level to kill these harmful contaminants. When the chlorine “combines” with the bacteria and organics in the water, the chlorine molecules become inactive and no longer work to sanitize your spa. This also causes chlorine odor and eye irritation because it has reacted with the ammonia compounds in the water, which come from bathers’ perspiration and urine. So, as you can see, it is important to add adequate amounts of fresh chlorine on a consistent basis! The newly combined chlorine and contaminants are released from the water by leaving the lid off for 10-15 minutes after adding chlorine, and they are also removed from the water by the Softub’s filter. If you have had a party or heavier than normal Softub use, it is advisable to double your usual dose of granular chlorine.

People often ask why they never seem to have enough, or any, chlorine in their tubs. The reasons are that it gets used up in 2 ways: use—as explained above—and heat. Chlorine is not heat stable. That is why, even if you have not used your tub in 2-3 days, you need to add a dose of chlorine. On average if you have a medium-sized Softub, the 220, and you are using your Softub 4- 5 times a week, you should be using about a pound of chlorine each month, give or take a little.

Lastly, only granular chlorine in the form of sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione (or dichlor for short) is recommended for your Softub. Granular chlorine is almost pH neutral and is easily dissolved and can be safely broadcast into your tub. Chlorine tablets, bromine tablets, and liquid chlorine are not to be used as they may damage the liner.

In addition, there is another form of granular chlorine called calcium hypochlorite that is also NOT to be used.  If you’re not purchasing your chemicals through us, please read the labels thoroughly and call our office at 800-996-8827 with any questions. Keeping your chemicals in check will keep your tub looking good and lasting for years and years!

Sleep better after a soak in your Softub from Softub Express

We know that the stresses of modern life can—literally–keep you up at night. Yet, we also hear from our customers that Softubs make a difference for their sleep habits. A study conducted by the University of Sao Paulo recently found that hydrotherapy helps you sleep—and reduces needed nap time—for fibromyalgia patients and anyone else who has any sleeping problems. Doctors also recommend dipping in a spa before bed to ensure a full night’s sleep. In addition, the National Sleep Foundation also advises that soaking in hot water before bed ensures a full night of heavy sleep.

These are all great reasons to take a dip before bed; and here is what happens to your body to make those zzzz’s start coming your way.

Hydrotherapy (like you experience in a Softub) stimulates the immune system, making your body feel stronger and healthier. During the evening about 20 minutes before bed is the best time to use a spa to get ready for a restful sleep.

Here is what one of our customers told us about how their Softub from Softub Express helps them sleep better:

Dear Softub Express,

We bought our Softub at the New York State Fair in 2008 and we have enjoyed it every day since.  It is relaxing and it was so easy to put together. Many of our friends have hard-sided hot tubs and after using ours have wished they had gotten the Softub instead! 

We love it in every season, especially the snow—there is nothing better to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. I can assure you that after a quick dip in our Softub we sleep like babies.  Our only regret:  Wish we had done it sooner!

Thank you Softub Express for your assistance in making our experience a happy one!

Michael H. 

Auburn, NY

If you would like to find out more about how a Softub can help you create a relaxing nighttime routine, please contact us at 1-800-996-TUBS or via email at contact@softubexpress.com.

Relaxing in your own Softub helps beat stress!

We bet if we asked one hundred people on the street if they had felt any stress in the past week, each of them would answer, “Yes!” Stress comes in many forms; whether from work, school, relationships, or family issues. It can cause sleepless nights, stress-related pain, and anxious behavior. People around the world for thousands of years have used hydrotherapy to help with stress reduction.

Hydrotherapy has three main components: heat, buoyancy, and massage. These elements have a greater impact than many people may realize.

Heat helps the body produce endorphins, which are natural pain relievers, and when your body produces them, you feel more relaxed and generally better. They also help regulate your sleeping patterns. When massage from jets is included, blood vessels dilate, reducing headaches and other arthritis-related pain.

Massage also loosens your joints and muscles when the water pressure hits the skin. In fact, the more the water is in motion, the higher its stress-relieving benefits. A study from the University of Minnesota showed that a spa with whirlpool jets was effective in reducing the participants’ reactivity to stress!

Buoyancy helps your body feel weightless. When soaking in water, your body weighs a significant amount less allowing you to relax. You can also center your jets on the middle of your back  for further benefit.

Don’t underestimate the power of taking some quiet time out of your day. By purposefully slowing down and relaxing, you are gaining a sense of control that adds to the overall calming feeling of time spent in your Softub.

Imagine how wonderful it would feel to slip into a Softub whenever you needed it most! Please remember to call the Softub Express office at 1-800-996-TUBS if you have any questions or to place your Softub order.

Tips to Keep Your Tub at Its Best

Softub Cover

Although we personally enjoy our tubs year-round, we understand that everyone has different preferences, so here are our tips for safe storage.

Underneath the liner your tub is a solid ring of foam that can be stored on its side—although, if it will be stored for an extended period of time, this is not the best choice for the tub as it could lose its round shape. Storing the tub this way can also allow air to move underneath the liner  which can cause it to shift and potentially cause wrinkles when you refill it.

The best way to store the tub is on its bottom, just like when you use it to relax.  Therefore, whenever possible, if you have to store it, store it flat.

When storing your tub, as when moving it, it is best to keep it covered. This will prevent any inadvertent damage to the tub in case something ends up leaning against it or set on top of it. Also, keeping it covered means your tub stays clean. This way, when you uncover it for the following season, it will be ready to fill and you won’t have to clean it first. Just a quick note on using the travel covers; if you are going to store your Softub in a travel cover, we recommend doing so with the cover off.  It is virtually impossible to completely dry out the tub and by keeping the lid off you allow airflow to continue to dry the tub and not allow mold or mildew to build up.  If you want to put the lid on, use some kind of soft prop, such as a rolled towel, on each side of the lid to allow air to flow through.

There are also differences about how to store the tub in the winter and the summer. In the summer the biggest issue is mold and mildew. Drying it to the best of your ability and maintaining airflow throughout the tub (as described previously) will save you a cleaning before your next use.

In the winter, there are three issues to be concerned about. Mold and mildew, although less prevalent in the winter can still happen, so follow our airflow tips. The second is snow build-up on the tub.  Snow becomes quite heavy as it gets deeper and deeper; and as it thaws and refreezes it gets even heavier—and with less depth. Make sure to brush off the snow when it becomes deeper than six to eight inches. Notice the use of the word brush; do not shovel the snow because there is a chance you could rip the top of the tub, which is not covered under warranty.  The third wintertime issue is freezing. This is complicated because you have to think of both the pack and the tub. For the motor unit, just bring it inside and store it somewhere that doesn’t drop below forty degrees. (Your basement, hall closet, corner of the kitchen) Do not store it in a shed or in the garage as neither of these places are generally heated, and your power pack could freeze (Freezing your power pack could damage your motor and this would not be covered under your warranty).

Also, when carrying your motor unit, NEVER carry it by the plumbing lines. Be sure to always grasp it by the very bottom. Carrying it by the plumbing lines puts pressure on the unions inside, which could result in making them loosen up or leak.

Removing water from your tub is easy! Place it on the side and rock it back and forth. This forces the water out of the inner lines. Then you can just tip the remaining water out. Now that your lines are clear, put the lid on, prop it open or leave it half open, cover your tub with the travel cover and it is ready to store.

Also, when you empty your Softub out to store it or move it, we highly recommend cleaning your tub inside and out. Swirl away pipe cleaner is a roto-rooter for your lines. It is helpful to use every second or third time you empty your Softub. This keeps the inner lines free of debris and bacteria.

Make sure to clean the inside of your tub also. BaquaSpa Surface Cleaner gives you the ability to clean any chemical residue off your inner liner and it cleans off any body debris and bacteria left in the tub.

Please remember to call the Softub Express office at 1-800-996-TUBS if you have any questions. Softub is Simple, Let us help you keep it that way.

One of the biggest benefits of owning a Softub is the ability to easily move it about! Here are some tips for moving your Softub safely.

Moving your Softub is easy!

One of the greatest things about a Softub is that once it is drained, it is ready to move. You can just put the tub up on its side and roll it. Even the plumbing that sticks out of the tub can be rolled over. This makes it simple to move your tub from the front yard to the back, onto or off the sunporch or even into the basement!

In fact, a Softub can be squished down so it can roll through a set of bilco doors or down a set of stairs (within reason). Follow this link to see a video we made to show you exactly how to compress your tub. Anyone can do it!  With the right tools and a little elbow grease your tub can move to the basement, a second story bedroom or anyplace you can think of.  If you still aren’t sure what the best solution for your particular move, give us a call and we’ll talk you through it.

Also, at Softub Express, we use a product called a travel cover whenever we move a Softub.  They come in all three Softub sizes and are best described as a large storage bag that covers all the vinyl surfaces of your tub. It allows you to roll it without getting your tub dirty or tearing it.  The travel cover has an elastic edge that hugs the bottom of the tub so it will not come off when the tub is rolling. It can be used with or without the lid.

A section of the travel cover has been reinforced with foam inserts, creating an area ensuring the plumbing unions are not harmed when rolling the tub. If you’re going to move your tub often, or plan on storing your tub seasonally, we highly recommend you invest in one of these travel covers.

They are available by calling us at 1-800-996-8827 or ordering online at www.softubexpress.com.

Pricing:

T140  $145

T220  $165

T300  $185

Since Softub is celebrating 25 years in 2011, we thought it might be fun to take a look back and see how it all began…

Making Softubs

Imagine it is 1985 and the whole idea of home spas is mostly a West Coast phenomena—and pretty much all the tubs are either wooden barrels or hard-sided acrylic tubs, requiring concrete slabs, special wiring and more to get them up and running. The idea of people in climates that include snow and ice purchasing a hot tub just made folks smile and think to themselves, “It’s a California thing, isn’t it?”

Still, a group of engineers met in a garage and began work on a new kind of tub, one that was portable, long-lasting and—most importantly—heated itself without the use of a heater (making it very inexpensive to run). They were certain that they could come up with a “better tub” and by using their know-how (and lots of late nights), they created a hot tub for the masses—the Softub!

Tom & Todd Thornbury at the launching of American Softub Co., 1986

“I will always remember our first national trade show,” recalls Tom Thornbury, Chairman and one of the original founders. “In January of 1987, I went to the Atlantic City NSPI(National Spa & Pool Institute) Show with the only Softub in existence at that time. I was greeted by the blizzard of the century, which delayed the show and greatly limited attendance. Nevertheless, our product drew lots of attention from major players in the industry and gave my partners and me the incentive to invest all our time and limited capital in it.”

The uniqueness of the Softub product made it a pioneer in the market. Just 5 years later, Softub gained a high position on the INC 500 list of the fastest growing companies and stayed there for a record 3 years.

Two of Tom’s early partners conceived the idea of using soft, lightweight foam for both the structure and insulation. They also developed the heat recovery technology that enabled Softub users to plug it into any 110v outlet to both power the jets and heat the water without a heater.

Even 25 years later, these unique, patented technologies still distinguish the Softub as the most portable, comfortable, and energy-efficient hot tub on the market. It was actually “green” before green was fashionable!

Today, Tom has taken over the role of chairman and has made Softub one of most recognized brands in the industry. Softub continues to be a leader in innovation for portable hot tub design and holds numerous patents with its processes and components that are unmatched by any other company. The company employs a team of engineers who devote their time to making the most energy-efficient, comfortable, affordable, and enjoyable spa on the market.

History Highlights:

1992—First Year on Inc. 500 List

1992—Article in Arthritis Today magazine

1993–Second Year on Inc. 500 List

1993—Appearances on the television programs, Seinfeld and VIP

1994—Third Year on Inc. 500 List

1996—Softubs provided to the Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA

1998—Consumers Digest Best Buy Award

Softub in primary colors

Unique color combos over the years:

• Black and white cow pattern
• Beach ball
• Camouflage
• At one time they had 31 unique colors

If you are not a Softub owner yet, we encourage you to give us a call at 1-800-996-TUBS or visit us at one of the many shows we participate in throughout NY and Florida.

In this high-tech, fast-paced world we are living in, it’s easy to forget that the human connection still makes all the difference.

Last week, our team was delighted to receive a letter from a recent customer addressed to her salesperson, Wendy. On a side note, Wendy has been a member of my staff since 2003 and is one of the most dedicated people I have had the pleasure of working with! It is downright awesome that a customer took time out to actually write a letter about one of our team members as well as her new Softub!

I wanted to share the text of the letter with you—Julie Pettis

Here it is:

July 11, 2011

Dear Wendy,

Occasionally, I treat myself to something special—and this time—the treat turned out to be an awesome WINNER! We love our Softub! I’ve traded arthritis meds for daily morning time in my Softub. And then, after a busy day, the Softub is the perfect way to relax.

To think that it requires no special plumbing or wiring is absolutely amazing. My husband’s first comments went something like this: “We have enough toys.” , “It’s just a gimmick.”, “Why do we need it?”, “The deck won’t hold it.”, “How ‘bout mosquitoes?” Well, I had the pre-solved answers to all these questions—and now guess who enjoys the tub as much as I do?

So thank you ,Wendy, for your efficient and personable ways on the phone and throughout the delivery process. It was always a pleasure to talk with you. I may be able to meet you in Saratoga July 19-24.

Keep splashin’!

Susan T.

Schroon Lake, NY

Postscript: 

Susan did, in fact, come to the Saratoga County Fair and met Wendy in person! Wendy said it was the highlight of her day and that Susan was a wonderful person. A friendship is born!

This past weekend it was stifling hot and sunny here in Upstate NY. It’s the kind of weather that makes people scramble for pools, lakes, ice and fans. In spite of this, we displayed Softubs at FOUR different outdoor festivals! You may think we’re crazy for selling “hot” tubs in hot weather. But, we promise you, we’re not—here’s why…

Cool Down in Your Hot Tub

One of our main methods to reach the public with our product is through participation in fairs, festivals, home shows, etc. We learned long ago, it is more effective than spending thousands of dollars on print advertising, tv and radio in the hopes of enticing someone to come into our store. People like to see and feel our Softubs, so we take our highly portable products to where the people are. This way people can see, touch and experience Softub firsthand.

One of the drawbacks with this approach, however, is you can’t control the weather! And when the thermometer reads over 90 degrees with high humidity it’s pretty darn hard to sell hot tubs. But it shouldn’t be! That’s right—it shouldn’t be!

Hot tubs are great in ALL weather because with your own personal hot tub you control the temperature. When the outside temperature soars, turn your Softub thermostat down and enjoy a cool tub! The thermostat is adjustable between 80 degrees and 106 degress. If you consider your body temperature is around 98.6 degrees, you can easily see that anything below is going to feel refreshing.

Also, there is almost nothing better than jumping between a pool and a hot tub. Case in point: I had a family party at my house this past Saturday. After several hours in the pool, most of the kids were asking to go into the hot tub! And, bo,y did they have fun! Once the party was over and everyone had gone home it was my turn to relax. Slipping into the soothing waters of my “cooled” Softub on a balmy evening is nothing short of heaven. Totally comfortable, I just gazed at the stars and let the stress of the day melt away.

So the next time the temperature soars – think HOT TUB! Summer is the perfect time to enjoy!