Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Heating the Hot Tub
Several ways are applicable when heating water in a hot tub. These include; the use of electricity, solar, heat pumps, and external heat change. Looking at it from a narrow perspective, it is practical to use electricity to heat portable hot tubs. With this, there is no need to consider other alternatives. From a broader perspective, when it comes to inbuilt concrete tubs, common in health spas and resorts, the situation is different. It holds large volumes of water, meaning it is uneconomical and impractical to heat the water using electricity. This paves the way for the use of fossils fuels, which are an alternative source.
The dominance of electric heaters
Electric heaters are convenient and dominant with portable tubs. Brian Koops, Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services for Jacuzzi, states that all his company vessels use electricity. This is because it is reliable and compact, hence placed in a central cabinet. Only one heater is necessary to run all the machines in the spa.
John Milligan, CEO of NESPA, a manufacturer of prefabricated custom spas, agrees with this notion. Electric heaters are preferable because they are clean, easy to use, and maintain. Electricity eases so many technical parts of life. In the same way, electric heaters speed up the manufacturing and installation processes. In case of a fault, all that’s required is a replacement. All operations are back to normal in minutes. When it comes to other sources of energy, they do not bear the same benefits.
Professionals in the spa industry don’t dispute the benefits brought by electric heaters. They believe that more focus should be on improving existing electric heaters. The same old models of heaters have been in place for a long time, and engineers should consider improving the standards. The material used to make the heaters is prone to corrosion, giving users a hard time dealing with it. The use of friendly material is preferable in the evolvement of the heaters.
System effectiveness
As stated earlier, electric heaters heat water fast, though it’s indisputable that gas heaters are faster. Approximately, in an hour, electric heaters raise the temperature of water by 4-6 degrees Celsius. This is in consideration of the volume of water and the size of the heaters.
The main concern is how effective the electric heater is in meeting the needs of the client. Hales states that to increase the temperature of the water that is 60 degrees to 100 degrees by evening, it will require the use of different heaters or a different way to operate the system to maintain the high temperature. Clients choose how they want to operate their spas. They can use the five and a half kilowatts heaters that are really fast but costly. They can also opt for a 4 kilowatt, which is slow and maintains temperatures at a certain level without using excess energy.
California Energy Commission dictates the energy consumption and standard efficiency in portable spas. They require spas in the Golden States to meet the set requirements for yearly energy consumption. These standards are not compulsory, but if one wishes to sell these services within California, they will be bound by this law. This statute has been adopted by other states as well.
Koops, states that the systems are made in a way that it is directly connected to water so that all the energy passes to the water. This, however, does not guarantee 100% effectiveness. It is possible to lose heat from the water. When the electrodes are transferred to water, energy has no other place to go; therefore, heat is lost to the atmosphere. Due to this, usage and maintenance of water is part of the system efficiency. Managing the systems so that there is no heat loss is a huge challenge to the constructors. Hales explains that foam insulators are useful in coating heaters to prevent heat loss, exempting the area in contact with water.
The area of the hose is also foam-coated instead of the use of pipes to prevent the cooling of water.
Hydraulic efficiency is also important to improve the general efficiency of the spa. This gives way for a smooth flow of water delivered to consumers for therapy. These are just a few ways to improve spa Efficiency. Constructors have to look into the functioning of the whole spa systems and energy efficiency as well as to update these areas.
Usage of high efficiency insulated cover, insulation in the cabinets, and on-board software all play an important part in improving spa efficiency.
Determining the energy source
Milligan prefers the use of both gas and electricity for his prefabricated custom spas, which are bigger than portable spas. Consumers don’t necessarily know exactly how hot tubs work, but they purchase these vessels with expectations. It is important to explain to clients clearly when choosing the type of energy source required. The cost, the temperature desired, how to get to the desired temperature, and maintenance are factors to consider.
If you want your water to heat faster, the gas would be a better option. If you wouldn’t mind waiting for the water to heat and maintained at that temperature, then electric energy will be appropriate. The cost depends on the cost of the energy source chosen. Insulation is also a factor when choosing the type of energy. It is mandatory for vessel insulation when using electric energy. The issue arises when the vessel is more than 100 inches wide. Subtract 5 inches on each side to sit on, 90 inches remain. If the vessels are bigger than this, there is no other alternative than to switch to gas energy. It is a common problem in freeform vessels, and opting for rectilinear is a convenient design. At the end of the day, these factors are important for customer satisfaction.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters
DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
A filter program with the dealer’s name on it
For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.
Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:
- Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.
- Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.
- No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.
- Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.
“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.
Built to the spec of the original cartridge
Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:
- Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
- An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
- Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
- Pleat bands for pleat stability
- A screw thread guaranteed for life
What the partnership means across the seven states
TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.
- Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.
- Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.
- Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.
“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.
Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.
About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
King Technology Opens $17M Manufacturing and Distribution Center
ST. PETERS, MO, September 29, 2026 – King Technology, a leading innovator in hot tub, swim spa and pool water care, and sanitization systems, has opened a new centralized manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, Missouri. The company is investing at least $17 million in the facility, which is expected to ultimately employ 40 workers in the next three years.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
The 208,000-square-foot facility – located in the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters – will enable King Technology to provide efficient world-class service to hundreds of distributors and dealers across the United States.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. “The region’s commitment to growing businesses and its strong sense of faith, family, and community reflect the same values behind King Technology’s purpose to ‘Enrich Lives Daily.’”
King Technology is best known by thousands of hot tub and swimming pool owners for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use recreational water care products with patented mineral technology that keeps water crystal clear for in-ground and above-ground pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, while using significantly less chlorine. King Technology also introduced its New Water brand of products this year for mass retail across the U.S.
A third-generation, family-owned company for nearly half a century, King Technology will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. “King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
King Technology worked alongside Missouri state and local partners to determine and invest in its second location, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
A ribbon cutting and celebration was held on September 29, 2026, with participation by St. Peters, Missouri Mayor Len Pagano and Missouri Governor Michael Kehoe (pictured).
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future!”
“King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County. “We are grateful for the trust they have shown in our community and look forward to their continued success.”
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
ABOUT KING TECHNOLOGY
King Technology, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned water care company founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company is a market leader in hot tub and swim spa water care and a leading innovator in pool water care. King Technology is best known for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use water care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep water clear while requiring significantly less chlorine. The company’s mission is to Enrich Lives Daily. For more information, visit kingtechnology.com.
JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA
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