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Photo: Hydropool [swim spa]

Treating Biofilm in a Swim Spa

How to Treat Biofilm in your Swim Spa What is Biofilm? Biofilm in hot tubs refers to a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and form a slimy, protective layer. Biofilm can develop on various surfaces within a hot tub, such as the walls, pipes, and filters. IMPACT Reduced effectiveness of sanitizers: The…

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Swim spa winterization guide

how to prepare your swim spa for the winter Winterizing your swim spa properly is extremely important to ensure that all the lines and equipment do not freeze and crack over the winter. Drain spa as per normal procedure. Remove pillows, the skimmer basket and the filter(s) from the canister. Chemically clean your filter(s) with…

Treating Foaming in a hot tub

In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.

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Why You Should Drain Your Hot Tub Regularly (And How To Do It)

Why You Should Drain Your Hot Tub Regularly (And How To Do It) Having a hot tub can be one of the most low maintenance ways to add a little more fun and relaxation to your life. Modern hot tubs can be enjoyed with relatively small amounts of care. In general, we tell homeowners to…

Close up of a corner of a hot tub with a glow of blue lights around the side of the hot tub.

Can Your Hot Tub Do This? Discover the Coolest Hot Tub Tech of 2024!

Can Your Hot Tub Do This? Discover the Coolest Hot Tub Tech of 2024! In 2024, hot tubs aren’t just about soaking in warm water-they’ve become high-tech relaxation hubs with features that enhance your experience like never before. If you haven’t upgraded your tub recently, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore some of the…

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Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles

Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles When it comes to pool liner wrinkles, it’s crucial to distinguish between those caused by installation issues and those arising from other factors. If a wrinkle appears due to a poor fit or incorrect measurements during installation, it will be evident as soon as the pool is filled. Wrinkles…

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What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners?

What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners? Owning a pool is a luxury that brings fun, relaxation, and a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of maintaining and managing your pool to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable space.…

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Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas

We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.

So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.

There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.

Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!

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How to Treat and Prevent Metals and Staining

How to treat and prevent metals and staining Metals and Staining in a Pool Metals can be introduced to the water through foreign object or equipment such as: Copper piping and fittings, Heat exchanger, Using Copper Sulphate and other copper-based algaecides,  Source water. Metals in pool water may cause staining to the liner, fiberglass, or…

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Should I finance my pool purchase?

In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.

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Above Ground Pool Closing Instructions

How to close your above ground pool Pool Closing Steps 1 One week prior to closing, bring a pool water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. It is natural for sitting water to become acidic on its own, so balancing the water is very important prior to closing your pool.…

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The Benefits of Borate to Treat Your Pool

Why Your Should Use Borate In Your Pool What is Borate? Borate prevents pH drifting, which results in calcium scaling, metal stains, cloudy water, algae, and hard pool water. When you use borate, the water will remain clear for a long period since chloramine (or combined chlorine) does not form quickly as compared to a…

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How to Reduce Phosphates in Your Pool

How to Reduce Pool Phosphates What are phosphates? Phosphates are food for algae. Although they are present in all water, once they reach a certain level they can cause issues in your pool. Phosphates can consume chlorine causing a consistently low level in your pool. When you have an extremely low chlorine reading, your pool…

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Spring Set-up for Pool UV Systems

How To Open Your Pool’s UV System SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS When spring arrives, it’s time to pull out your UV system and get it ready for the summer pool season.  Below is a checklist that will help in getting the most out of your system. If your UV system is still installed on your pool equipment,…

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How to Treat Pool Algae

How to Treat and Prevent Algae How to Treat and Prevent Algae during Spring Opening Warning:  when following these steps, DO NOT use your automatic vacuum as there is no option of vacuuming on waste/drain. Bring a pool water sample into Buds for water balance assistance. Remove large organic debris from the bottom of the…

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How to Change & Clean the Filter Media

How to Clean & Change a sand filter How to Change the Filter Media Sand should be changed in the filter every 3-5 years.  However, if the sand is not cleaned once per season the sand may need to be changed much more often than that. 1 Turn off the pump. 2 Take the drain…

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How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell

How to Clean a Salt Cell It is important to maintain a clean salt cell so chlorine can be continuously produced. Salt cells that have a lot of scale or calcium build up cannot effectively produce sanitizer and often create flow issues within the pool system. You should check your salt cell weekly to ensure…

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How to Treat and Prevent Cloudy or Foggy Pool Water

How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water Bring a pool water sample into Buds Spas and Pools for water balance analysis. Adjust pH and/or chlorine levels as recommended by the water lab. Follow Option A, B or C depending on the level of clarity in the…

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Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning Instructions

How To Clean A Pool Filter Cartridge When should a cartridge element be cleaned? For hot tubs and swim spas, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. This should include rinsing the cartridge weekly (or more frequently with heavy use), as well as using Rapid Action Filter Cleanse every…

Maintenance for Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pool maintenance Helpful Tips to Maintain Your Pool New pool or new liner customers: Please bring in a water sample to Bud’s Spas and Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your pool for the first time. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should be operating 24/7. If your pump is on…