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If you’re just beginning to shop for hot tubs, one of the first things to do is familiarize yourself with the most trusted brands. At Crystal Pools, we sell ONLY high-quality, well-made hot tubs from the most reputable brands in the industry, including Hot Spring, Freeflow, Hot Spot and Endless Pools.

Many of our customers are surprised to learn that these top brands are all produced by the same company: Watkins Wellness. 

Watkins Wellness is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot tubs, and we’re fortunate here at Crystal Pools to maintain a very strong, 30-year relationship with the company. This is a key differentiator between Crystal Pools and other local hot tub sellers, because it allows us to provide our customers with the best pricing, quality and service.

Here’s how …

40+ years of quality

Watkins Wellness is one of the oldest and most trusted hot tub manufacturers in the industry. Introducing the first Hot Spring Spas portable spa in 1977, the Watkins family quickly gained recognition for the quality of its hot tubs, as well as industry-first innovations, including full insulation, underwater lighting, and top-loading filters.

Over the next four decades, Watkins continued to enhance and expand its product lines, eventually acquiring other top brands, which enabled the company to offer an extensive range of hot tubs for every lifestyle and budget.

• Fun fact: Watkins is also part of the MASCO family of home products. You may know MASCO for its brands like Delta® faucets, Behr® paint, and KraftMaid® cabinets – all hallmarks of quality, just like Watkins hot tub brands.

Dependable, long-lasting hot tubs

To date, Watkins Wellness has built more than one million hot tubs. The company’s experience in the industry is truly unsurpassed – and it shows in the quality of their products!

Each new product innovation and improvement translates into a superior hot tub that you and your family can depend on for years to come.

For every lifestyle and budget

Let’s look at some of the styles offered by each of the Watkins brands and what makes them unique.

Hot Spring: Hot Spring is known for its luxury spas, offering some of the newest water-care innovations combined with maximum energy savings. Hot Spring has two main product lines, each with multiple sizes, jet options and styles to choose from:

• Highlife: The pinnacle of design, luxury and engineering for the ultimate spa experience. 9 luxury styles available in sizes from 3 to 7 seats.
• Limelight: Fresh, elegant styling and exceptional performance. 5 beautiful styles available in sizes from 4 to 7 seats. 

Hot Spot: Hot Spot gives you the right blend of quality, performance and value, providing a relaxing retreat at affordable prices for every family.

• 6 styles to choose from, each offering quality craftsmanship, energy efficiency and easy water care. Available in sizes from 2 to 7 seats. 

Freeflow: Freeflow Spas offer a range of “entry-level” hot tubs, built with the same focus on quality and dependability that you expect from every other Watkins brand.

• 7 styles to choose from, available in sizes from 2 to 7 seats. Freeflow Spas are rotationally molded – a process that uses less material and labor than traditional acrylic hot tubs, resulting in a lower entry price for customers.

Endless Pools: Less hot tub, more swimming pool – these innovative fitness systems feature a compact design with a powerful water current that allows you to swim in place.

Watkins values

What we love about partnering with Watkins is that they stand behind every hot tub they offer. Additionally, their company values are closely aligned with our own at Crystal Pools, since we too began as a small family business.

Watkins Wellness is focused on building lasting relationships with its customers and spa dealers, providing transparency and remaining ethical in its growth. These priorities absolutely benefit our customers, giving them peace of mind that they’re buying a hot tub from a brand they can trust.

A unique relationship (that also saves our customers money)

“We’ve been with Watkins for over 30 years,” says John Rozanski, a member of the Crystal Pools family ownership team. “And our partnership is stronger than ever.”

Our shared company values and customer-first focus help to explain why “It’s been such a great partnership over the years,” according to Rozanski. But this partnership benefits our customers in other ways, too.

As one of the region’s oldest and most trusted providers of hot tubs and spas, Crystal Pools is able to secure high-volume incentives from Watkins. We pass that savings on to our customers by offering the most competitive prices in Central PA. 

So no matter which hot tub you ultimately purchase from Crystal Pools, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting dependable quality at the best price. 

Learn moreStop by any Crystal Pools location to get an up-close look at more than 30 hot tubs from Watkins brands and other manufacturers. Visit our showrooms in Hershey / Elizabethtown, Lancaster, or Mechanicsburg, request a free catalog or contact us for more information.

One mom’s struggle to lose weight

Like many moms, Meredith struggled to lose weight after having kids. In fact, she seemed to be gaining even more as the months went by.

She tried all kinds of workouts … exercise videos … gym memberships … but nothing seemed to work. And, as she gained more weight, it became even harder to exercise. Her joints began to hurt, limiting the time she spent on the treadmill before feeling pain. 

Finally, a solution that worked

That’s when she decided to try an Endless Pools Fitness System (sometimes referred to as a “swim spa”). Although Meredith was never a big swimmer, she quickly saw that there were so many other ways to exercise in a swim spa.

Sure enough, by practicing a variety of low-impact water exercises, she was able to work out without the pain. Slowly, but surely, she began losing weight while discovering the numerous benefits of an Endless Pools Fitness System …

Endless exercises, endless benefits

• Low-impact aquatic fitness for all ages: Same effective workouts, but under water for less pressure on your joints. An Endless Pools Fitness System lets you do a wide range of exercises, comfortably and in the privacy of your home.
• Swimming in place: Endless Pools fitness systems have a powerful, adjustable current that’s wider than your body, allowing you to swim in place, at your own pace.
• Walking and running: No need for all that dry-land pounding. With the optional underwater treadmill, your Fitness System lets you comfortably walk and run in place, and you can adjust the current to your preferred intensity.
• Rowing and resistance bands: With optional resistance bands, which attach securely to built-in anchors, you can get a full-body rowing workout in a comfortable underwater environment.
• Weight-lifting, aerobics and other exercises: Why not bring your dumbbells into the water? There’s practically no limit to the exercises you can do in an Endless Pools Fitness System. And since the water’s buoyancy makes you feel about 90% lighter, there’s far less impact on your hips, knees, ankles and back.
• Relaxation and family time: The whole family can stay fit and stay connected in an Endless Pools Fitness System. And if you choose a dual-temperature system, you’ll get the added benefit of a separate spa to relax and unwind. 

100 lbs. lighter and feeling great

So far, Meredith has lost more than 100 pounds by combining her new aquatic workout routine with other healthy changes to her diet and lifestyle.* And she’s not done yet. Her goal is to continue exercising, losing weight and building strength with her aquatic fitness routine, so that she can eventually compete in the New York City Marathon.

Free upgrades through Labor Day 2019

Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? From August 9 through September 2, 2019, when you purchase an Endless Pools Fitness System or SwimCross Exercise System from Crystal Pools, you’ll receive two free upgrades: a FREE Bluetooth®-Enabled Sound System and FREE Resistance Bands, a $1,299 retail value.

Stop by Crystal Pools in Lancaster, Hershey or Mechanicsburg, or call 717-534-1837

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*Results were based on a combination of exercise, diet and lifestyle changes and the endorser’s experience may not represent general achievement from using the product as described.

Snow may be in the forecast, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to plan your backyard swimming pool.

Winter is the perfect time to get started on your dream pool, because it allows ample time for planning. An important first step of this exciting journey is determining what’s feasible for your backyard, based on several factors identified below. So the sooner you start these steps, the sooner you’ll be enjoying your new backyard paradise when temperatures heat up again.

Our professionals at Crystal Pools will walk you through the entire process. Here are a few things to consider:

1) Site visits: Let’s go over the possibilities! Our experts will come to inspect your backyard for things like size, layout, grading and drainage.

We’ll discuss what needs to be done to ensure your pool will be safe, properly installed and in compliance with local zoning regulations. We’ll also go over pool style options, shapes and sizes.

2) Permits: Most municipalities require a permit to begin pool installation. This helps to ensure your pool is built safely and that it meets local code.

We’ll help you with the permit process and keep you in the loop about any inspections required by local officials.

3) Utilities: Your backyard will also need to be inspected for any utility lines that might interfere with the installation, such as electrical, gas, septic or water lines.

Don’t worry if you have utilities in the way! We’ll work with the utility companies to relocate these lines away from the pool site.

4) Grading and drainage: Your backyard may need to be graded to ensure the proper slope. Without the right grading, a level pool installation will not be possible, and you’d also run into drainage problems whenever it rains.

Our experts will go over everything during the site visits, so you know exactly what needs to happen before installation begins.

5) Excavation: Now the real digging begins! We’ll begin excavating your backyard to make room for your pool.

Our teams will conduct ongoing transit checks to ensure the correct pool depth and levelness.

6) Construction: This is where your pool literally begins to take shape. For vinyl liner pools, our experienced installers will begin building the shell, strengthening it with braces and concrete around the perimeter, backfilling and grading the surrounding area before the liner is installed.

The entire pool construction itself is usually finished in about 21 days (for liner pools). We keep you informed throughout, so you know how everything is coming along.

7) Fencing & landscaping: For safety, all backyard pools must be surrounded by fencing, usually at least 48 inches tall. Additionally, you’ll want to consider ways to enhance your paradise with the proper landscaping.

These steps are part of the overall planning and installation process, and our experts at Crystal Pools will discuss your options from the very beginning.

Quality Guaranteed!

Our customers have peace of mind knowing that we stand by our pools and our workmanship. Only Crystal Pools provides an Exclusive Lifetime Structural, Non-Pro Rata Warranty, on the steel wall components of the pool with Crystal providing ALL materials, labor, and cost.

Have questions?

Ready to start planning your swimming pool for this summer? Contact us today or stop by our Crystal Pools locations in Hershey, Lancaster or Mechanicsburg.

Hot tubs are well-known for their therapeutic and health benefits, including stress relief, reduced blood pressure and alleviation of muscle pain. But have you considered how a new hot tub can also improve your quality of life?

You may already be dreaming about soaking in the hot, bubbly water after work or while sipping your coffee on a cold Saturday morning. But the fact is everyone in your family will get enjoyment out of a new family hot tub. And chances are, you’ll be spending a lot more time together as well.

Crystal Pools carries all the best hot tub brands, including Jacuzzi, Hot Spring and Endless Pools fitness systems. We have many 2020 models still in stock, so it’s not too late to grab a great deal on your dream spa.

Let’s look at some of the ways in which your new hot tub can enrich your relationships with loved ones.

More Family Time

Imagine having a space to get together with the whole family, without any devices or screens.

Hot tubs are a great activity that everyone in your family will enjoy. You’ll spend more time together, have more conversations and enjoy each other’s company. You’ll create new traditions: perhaps Sunday mornings in the hot tub before breakfast … a Christmas morning soak after opening presents … Monday evenings after school and work.

Many new hot tubs can also provide a customized experience to each person who sits in them. Mom and Dad may prefer the therapeutic hydro-massage with jets customized to each of their preferences, while the kids play with the fun water features.

Crystal Pools has a wide range of styles and options available, including both new and pre-owned hot tubs.

More Social Time

After your new hot tub is installed, one of the first things you’ll do is invite people over!

Everybody loves the blissful experience of soaking in a hot tub. It’s a natural gathering spot for friends and loved ones, and it’s great for parties too. Your tub will bring you together with the important people in your life, giving you a great reason to socialize and entertain.

Our favorite brands, like Jacuzzi, offer sizes that fit up to 9 people, so there’s room for everyone!

More Intimate Time

Your hectic lifestyle leaves little room for spending quality time with your partner. But with a hot tub, you’ll create that time, unwinding together after a long day.

Your hot tub creates a private, inviting space to relax and reconnect with each other. It’s the intimate time that we all need for a healthy, thriving relationship.

Whether it’s “date night” or every night, you and your partner will love soaking together in your new hot tub.

Me Time

Sometimes, you just need your own private space … a space to clear your mind and get away from it all. Your hot tub is the ideal place—outside your home and away from all the stresses of the day. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot to think, meditate, read a book or simply decompress.

And the best part is, you can retreat to your hot tub at any time of year. Fall, winter, spring or summer—there’s no wrong time to soak in the hot water. When you’ve got your own private hot tub in your backyard, it’s always the right time.

Request a free catalog or call any Crystal Pools location to learn more about our hot tubs and spas.

Sadly, summer is almost over, which means it’s time once again to start thinking about closing your in-ground pool.

Summer fun may be done for now, but the good news is that you’ll be able to open your pool even faster next summer by taking the right steps this fall. Properly closing and winterizing your pool is an important process that protects the pool equipment during the colder seasons and keeps the water clean, so you have less work to do next summer.

You can view our complete in-ground pool closing checklist here (and above-ground closing tips here) – but here are some of our most important tips:

1) Triple shock first

The night before you close the pool, triple shock it with granular chlorine. Follow the instructions on the package for how much to add, but generally most bags suggest adding 1 lb. of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water. So a triple shock would be 3 lbs. for every 10,000 gallons.

2) Vacuum, clean and winterize

Vacuum the pool thoroughly, and clean the filter. You’ll also want to remove and properly store items like the vent cap, pressure gauge, chlorinator drain plug and Visions drain plug. Dispose of any undissolved tablets, as well as the Visions cartridge, if applicable.

Winterize the pump by removing the strainer basket and the two ​strainer housing plugs on the front and sides of the pump housing. Turn off the main breaker to the pump (to prevent it being accidentally turned on during the winter).

3) Drain gas heater or heat pump and UV2 sanitizer

Follow your owner’s manual for specific instructions. But generally, this involves the following steps: open petcock valve on the side of the heater to drain out the water. Turn off the gas at the heater gas valve and the valve on the gas tank. On a heat pump, disconnect the inlet and outlet lines and remove the drain plug to let it drain. Use a shop vac to blow air through the inlet side of the heat pump, thus removing excess water through the outlet side. Turn off the breaker to the heat pump. Disconnect unions on the UV2 sanitizer and drain. Remove the bonding wire and unplug it from the receptacle. Store in a warm place over winter, where it won’t be disturbed.

4) Remove and store the following, when applicable:

Skimmer baskets, lifeline floats, thermometer, ladders and handrails (don’t store anywhere near the chlorine), fountains, diving board, and diving board base (grease the base’s thread studs and install protective caps).

5) Add winterization chemical kit

Add a Crystal winterizing chemical kit to the pool. You can purchase these at any Crystal Pools location. Winterizing kits typically contain a variety of additional chemicals to help prevent algae, stains and deposits.

6) Cover the pool

A high-quality pool cover is strongly recommended for every in-ground pool. A pool cover will obviously prevent debris from getting into the pool during the winter (making clean-up much easier in the spring), but there are several other benefits, too. Pool covers help to prevent water and pool chemicals from evaporating and can save on energy by naturally heating the pool a few degrees in the spring when it gets direct sunlight.

Need help?

We’re happy to guide you through the steps for winterizing your pool, or we can send our skilled service professionals to do it for you. Request service online or call our Pool Service Department at (717) 534-1837.

Adding a swimming pool to your backyard is a great way to ensure more family time, exercise and good health. It’s a great investment not just for your home but for your wellbeing.

If you’re just beginning to look at your options, there are lots of things to consider. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for when installing an in-ground pool.

1) How it’s made

In-ground pools can be built a few different ways these days, and each one has its own unique advantages.

One of the more popular options these days is fiberglass, which is the fastest to install. Fiberglass pools typically come in pre-determined shapes, which are built before they arrive and are installed in one piece.

Vinyl liner pools are another popular in-ground option, which comes with relatively little maintenance and typically a lower up-front cost. A third option is a concrete pool, which opens up the shapes to whatever you can imagine, but comes with much more maintenance.

2) Size and shape

As we mentioned above, the size and shape of your pool will largely be affected by the type you choose: fiberglass, vinyl or concrete. But since pool installers partner directly with manufacturers, it’s important to know what your options are. Some companies offer more styles than others.

Keep in mind that the size of your pool will depend somewhat on the space available in your backyard.

As for the shape, think about how you plan to use the pool. If you’re into athletic swimming, you’ll probably want a rectangular shape that allows for swimming laps. If you want a pool primarily for casual swimming and soaking, then you can get more creative with the shape.

3) Installation time

Installation speed may depend on what kind of in-ground pool you select. But a number of other factors can influence that timeline too, such as:

Backyard prep, grading or unexpected obstacles
Delays in permit approvals
Speed and schedule of the installers

As you compare your options, be sure to ask about installation time so you know what to expect.

4) Accessories

This is the fun part!

Your in-ground swimming pool is even more enjoyable when you add accessories. For the ultimate in pool fun, consider things like diving boards and slides. For a serene retreat, think about accessories like fountains, bridges and other water features.

It’s your dream pool, after all. Why not build it the way you always imagined?

5) Lighting and landscaping

The space around your pool is just as important as the pool itself. Good landscaping, combined with the right lighting, can turn an ordinary backyard swimming pool into an extraordinary space.

Ask your pool installer if they offer landscaping options too and if so, find out what your options are.

There’s a lot to think about when buying a pool, but by taking your time to compare your options, you’ll be able to build the pool of your dreams.