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For my 4 month old outdoor Hotspring Aria, I had locked the Spa cover locks permanently on one side of the spa and I have been using the other side to unlock that side to enter the spa. I just realized it over the weekend that both of those locks (that I thought I would permanently lock) are broken now. It is VERY cold here in MN (-15 many evenings) and I don't always want to spend too much time unlocking all 4 sides. Our local dealer has been extremely nice and his staff came over and replaced the broken locks but I am wondering if there is another way to deal with this problem and still be able to lock the outdoor hot tub.

I went to one of the the local hardware store (Menards) in town and they did not have a TSP with Phosphate. All the different types of TSP's they had were all without phosphate. I am not too sure what difference does having TSP with phosphate make vs. no phosphate? Can you please help ! I'd recommend TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). You can get a 4.5 LB box at Home Depot for less than $10. Mix one cup of TSP in 5 gallons of warm water and soak over night.

Any recommendations on how to clean the filters I have just been cleaning them with a hose. Is it advisable to use some chemicals to clean the oily stuff??

Apart from testing TA, PH and Bromine every other day or so and adjusting it as need, I perform a weekly Shock (with MPS) every week. Is there any other hot tub maintenance I should be aware of of perform.

I would like to learn about the best way to shock the tub. The Oxidizer bottle says leave the tub open (no cover) for an hour, after running the pumps for 10 minutes or so. Our hot tub is beneath a big tree and right now it shed leaves like crazy. I run the pumps for 10 minutes and then generally after another 10-15 minutes either put the cover back or use the tub. I have a feeling that I might be messing the shocking process with this. Does anyone have any comments??

Our Hot tub has low TA and I am trying to crank it up. Would you suggest just using banking soda or buying the expensive TA enhancer from the SPA store.

Any words of wisdom on how we can minimize the foam in our hot tub. We use bromine and shock the tub religiously every week.

Sorry. I didn't get back to you earlier but we did buy that Aria tub. Thanks for all the info you provided.

Great!! I had the same thought!! Thanks a ton!!

Any words of wisdom in choosing between the exposed aggregate and the stamped concrete for an outside patio, on which the hot tub will sit? My wife and I were leaning towards stamped concrete and have had 2 quotes on the price (which I am amazed how affordable and nice it can look) when another concrete contractor stopped by last night and was slamming our stamping idea. He mentioned that since we live in MN water can creep through the etching part of the stamped surface and freeze, which can adversely affect the hot tub. I just don’t understand how is it different for exposed aggregate since water can also creep through and freeze for the gravel left exposed. Can anybody help in our decision making process, please ???

Does anyone have any words of wisdom regarding using EZ Pads (http://www.ezpads.com) v/s using Handi Spa Pads (http://www.conferplastics.com/spa.php). We are in the process of ordering one of them and we REALLY appreciate any feedback.... Thanks a lot !!!

We are planning to install Handi Spa Pads instead of getting concrete poured in our backyard. Does anyone have any pictures to share with us on how they installed Hadi Spa Pads? Also, any word of advise is greatly apprectiated too! Thanks...............

I am able to get the Hot Spring Aria hot tub for 7 K where as the MSRP is about 11.5K. Does that sound reasonable (to me it sounds WONDERFUL but I am a sceptic) and what are you guys thoughts on what I should be watching out for ???

I am writting from Rochester, MN and our temperature gets below 10 or 20 out here for days. We have a Sundance Spa dealer in town and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for us to consider before we buy a spa for MN weather.