Is your spa ready for winter.

Are your customers ready for winter? Are they aware of what the weight of snow may do to their cover and spa?

Now’s the time to educate them on how to assess the potential damage a heavy snow load may cause. Now, remind them of the advantages of owning a Sunstar Atlas Cover. This covers holds up to 1,000 pounds of static weight so it is great for snow load. It takes the strength of our 2# Virgin Durafoam and tapers it from 5” to 4”.

The hinge is strengthened with galvanized steel and adds a full length heat seal. This will help keep the heat in your tub and prevent unwanted spikes in your electric bill. Your customers will be thanking you when spring thaw arrives!

Are you in a warm climate where snow is not an issue? This cover is an excellent application for tubs recessed in decks. You don’t have to worry about small children running across it or the family pet sleeping on it!

Spa Cover Safety

What kind of locking safety device is on your spa cover? The basic hardware normally used is called a sureloc. It opens by squeezing the two outer sides together.

One thing to consider when selling a replacement cover to a consumer is that many people today are using warm water therapy to improve many different physical ailments. As a result, you may meet consumers who have serious physical limitations especially in their outer extremities.

As a result, it may be very difficult for them to open this type of hardware. The good news is that Sunstar offers an alternative to this. It is called Center Release Hardware and opens by simply pushing a button in the center after unlocking with the supplied key.

So, if you have a customer suffering from arthritis in their hands be sure and order their cover with Center Release Hardware. They will thank you for it.

Create your brand with Sunstar Covers

Brand Recognition. It is all about creating a lasting impression in the minds of your customers. It is a whole lot easier to sell additional product to existing customers than to always be replacing them with new customers.

In the music business they call them one hit wonders. These are people whose names we don’t remember but perhaps we recognize their songs. The same holds true in business. Everyone wants a name and perhaps even a logo that their customers will always remember. And, if your pool and spa store sells Sunstar covers, we can help.

We can actually emboss your information on every cover you purchase. That way anyone who visits that home and is in close proximately to that spa will know where the cover was purchased. And, when the new homeowner needs to purchase chemicals or have the tub serviced, they will know where to go. Keeping your name in front of both existing and potential customers will ensure you of both repeat business and referral business.

Spa Cover Care 101

The Sunstar Spa Cover is built by skilled craftsman who take pride in their work. We warranty our covers for 3 years against defects in both materials and workmanship and are proud to say our covers will last significantly longer as long as they are properly cared for. We recommend you start by cleaning the vinyl with Sunstar’s Squeeze and Clean. Just place your cover on a flat surface, wet thoroughly using a hose or bucket, and using a soft bristle brush scrub your cover with the cleaner.

Once you have thoroughly rinsed the cover the next step is to condition it using Sunstar’s vinyl conditioner. This product will add both UV blockers and plasticizers back into the vinyl. The first will protect it from the harsh rays of the sun and the second will allow the cover to stretch at stress points rather than fail as a cover may when the vinyl is allowed to become brittle.

With very little care, you will be able to enjoy your Sunstar Spa cover for many years.

Just What We’re Made Of… Pt 3

In earlier blogs I spoke of quality components inside a Sunstar cover that are not readily visible to the dealer or consumer. This week, I would like to discuss a very visible component of a spa cover -  the outer encasement. This is made of Marine Grade Vinyl so it is designed to hold up in inclement weather. This vinyl has both mildew and UV inhibitors. Are there less expensive options of Marine Grade Vinyl on the market today?

The answer is absolutely yes.

Most often, these less expensive materials do not include plasticizers. This is the component that allows the vinyl to stretch in both directions. Our vinyl is better because it allows the cover to stretch at stress points rather than fail. And, speaking of stress points, we boast that we have 28 points of internal reinforcement on every Sunstar cover including the hinge, handles, straps, corners, and skirts. How can we be sure using only the best materials and quality craftsmanship makes a difference?

We have a proven track record of a less than 1% failure rate documented by our warranty process. So, if you are looking for a quality spa cover….look no further.

Just What We’re Made Of… Pt 2

Using only virgin foam cores is the first step in making a quality Sunstar Spa Cover. However if water is absorbed by the cores your cover will become heavy and, to a degree, less efficient. That is why the vapor barrier and sealing methods used at Sunstar are equally important. Sunstar has a proprietary plastic called Antaeus 2000 (Antaeus was one of the strongest figures in Greek mythology). It is our own specially formulated material that reduces vapor transmission and still has all the properties of strength, flexibility, transparency, and seal ability we require. Equally important is the perfect heat seal seam. Sunstar uses an impulse sealer that makes a perfect seam using the right combination of temperature, pressure, and timing. Unlike the less expensive hand held machines, all human variables are eliminated so your cores get a perfect seal every time. For Sunstar hot tub covers, this equipment was an investment in our quality.

Just What We’re Made Of…

We feel there are many components that contribute to the superior quality of a Sunstar Spa Cover. Over the next several weeks I will share those that we feel are most critical to our success.

Let me start with the heart of the cover; its center core. All Sunstar Spa Covers are made using only virgin foam cores. We understand that many other manufacturers use regrind foam to help lower their costs. We do not. Virgin foam may be more expensive initially but in the long run it will actually save money for the consumer by providing a stronger, more durable, and more energy efficient cover.

This EPS foam (expanded polystyrene) has the added advantage of containing no CFC’s and it can even be recycled. You can break it down and mix it with your garden soil.

Given the environmental issues we now face, Sunstar’s goal is not only to provide you the best product we can but also to do everything we can to minimize waste and pollution.

Accessories you CAN’T live without!

In this day and age, we as consumers like to make things EASY! We use drive-throughs, online shopping, and so many other simple and quick methods of purchasing that it’s no wonder Sunstar wanted to keep up with the times! Sunstar is now promoting easy to use spa cover accessories for your hot tub. Without having to move an inch, you can have your hot tub cover move safely to the side of your hot tub without any heavy lifting! By using one of these spectacularly engineered spa cover lifters, you’re not just saving time, you’re also saving money! Cover lifters are a great resource for keeping your hot tub cover away from dirt and grim on the ground. In fact, spa cover lifters are used so your cover will never have to even touch the ground! At Sunstar spa and hot tub covers, we like to make things easy. That’s why we also recommend using the cover lifters so your cover lasts longer! The usual wear and tear of spa covers mainly happens because hot tub covers are taken for granted and used improperly. With a cover lifter, your cover will be positioned on top of the hot tub so it is moved easily and effortlessly with the lifter. Keep your expectations high with Sunstar Covers and order your new accessories today! Visit www.sunstarcovers.com to find an Authorized Sunstar Dealer in your area where you will be able to purchase your choice of the great lifters and other accessory products available.

Winter Weather & Your Spa

Warming up a hot tub isn’t very easy to do in below freezing temperatures. You have to think about the time it takes to start up the hot tub, the money it costs to maintain the heat, and how long it will actually stay warm for, right? Well, with an insulated spa cover you might not have as much of a challenge. Sunstar Spa Covers produces a wide range of spa covers to fit your every day needs. The quality of our product really gives our customers an edge up against competitors with our friendly customer service and dependability. Sunstar uses virgin foam cores, marine grade vinyl, and a vapor seal that maintains your tubs heat. The most important part about a tub covers make-up is the quality of the insulation. This is what keeps your tub warm whenever you’re not inside! Warming up cold water takes time, but with a Sunstar cover, you won’t have much to worry about! We want our customers to keep their budget in mind. Our affordable spa covers help conserve energy and are reliable enough to last. You won’t need to constantly turn your motor on and off if you have a Sunstar cover! Keep this winter season in mind the next time you need to purchase a spa or hot tub cover. Check us out online at www.SunstarCovers.com!

Stressors of Life

The American economy is in one of the worst economic slumps since the Great Depression in 1929. Our pocket books are tightly bound, only to be used for writing checks to credit card and mortgage companies.  With all this madness, everyone’s stress level has reached an all time high. In fact, the World Health Organization proclaims that over the next 20 years, our world will be much more depressed and stressed. There’s no way around it- the current economy is hurting us physically and mentally now, and in the long run. Chronic pain caused by Fibromyalgia is becoming more and more common, Arthritis has disabled millions of worn out workers, and cold and flu season has literally crippled countless Americans. The causes of all these aches and pains can in part be attributed to high stress levels, lack of sleep, and most importantly, being overworked. Solutions for these problems are limited; however recently, spa companies are teaming up with doctors of alternative medicine so they can begin making an impact on the lives of many people who suffer from these undesirable conditions.

New age medicine claims hydrotherapy, the use of water to heal aches and pains, is the newest trend amongst the young and old. According to a well known website for alternative medicine, “Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy invigorates the body, it stimulates digestion, circulation, and the immune system and lessens pain. Water therapy helps you to get rid of stress, anxiety, tension; besides it rejuvenates the human body providing it with energy,” (Another Medicine).Without some kind of help to lessen depression pains, or stress pains, what else can we do? Many people who take over the counter medicine to alleviate anxiety and stress commonly face side effects or in extreme situations, dependency. Alternative medicine is allowing people with these issues to get rid of their pain a more natural way. By soaking in a spa or bath for more than 20 minutes a day, your body will naturally release endorphins. Endorphins are known as “natural healers” that can help ease pain organically. With this option, work-a-holics, parents, and anyone else affected by the current economy might have a chance at making their depression and anxiety lessen.

To pursue this option of using hydrotherapy to minimize all kinds of stress levels in your life, consider the following. Soaking in a bathtub versus soaking in a spa is extremely different. Although soaking in a bathtub will help you relax with warm water, soaking in a spa with jets will help you relax and allow you to relieve pressure points that make your body physically hurt. These pressure points are what cause fatigue or serious pain when moving or working. Whirlpool effects also help give your body a weightless feeling that opens up blood vessels and relaxes your entire body. Unfortunately bathtubs do not have the same effect as a spa with jets. Owning a spa might be limited for some, but for others, this might be just the trick to solving your sleepless nights, as well as your aches and pains. Many companies are coming out with better ways to stretch your dollar. Be aware-you CAN get a good deal on a spa and the products that go with it! Look for a company that strives to manufacture eco friendly, affordable products, particularly ones that do not raise your energy bills. There are products like this out there! Thinking green in this economy is a must, but thinking about what’s best for you and your family is even more important. Make sure to check out every option before allowing yourself to live through another day of stress and depression.

www.anothermedicine.com

www.sunstarcovers.com

http://www.who.int/en/