Backyard Rivalries: Pools, Hot Tubs & BBQ Face Off
Are you a football fan? We sure are, and this weekend is the first-ever meeting between our state’s two major college football programs, Arkansas vs. Arkansas State, taking place in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
So, that got us to thinking. What kind of rivalries exist in our world?
Let’s look at backyard rivalries and pools,hot tubs,and BBQ astheyfaceoff.
Pool Rivalry: Salt vs Traditional Chlorine
When it comes to taking care of your pool, you know you need chlorine to keep it clean, clear, and sanitized. But you may not know the difference between a salt pool and a traditional chlorine pool.
You have two choices:
- You can apply traditional chlorine products to your pool.
- Or, you can make chlorine with salt in your salt pool.
There are pros and cons for both methods.
Pros for the Salt Pool
It’s much easier to keep your pool regulated, and the water will be softer. Plus, a salt system is electronically controlled.
Cons for the Salt Pool
The equipment is expensive, and when you have to replace it in the future, it’s also expensive. You also need to make sure you maintain a correct salt level in the water, and the temperature has to be above 60 degrees for the system to work.
Pros for the Traditional Chlorine Pool
You can use this pool year-round. And, you have the confidence in knowing it’s “working” as you are adding product.
Cons for the Traditional Chlorine Pool
To maintain chlorine levels, you have to constantly “reload” your pool.
Plus, it takes more time to take care of your pool, and you have to test your water to see if the chlorine levels spike and then dissipate.
BBQ Rivalry: Fat Cap Up or Down
In the BBQ world, people always ask this question: “Do I smoke with the fat cap UP or DOWN?”
For most backyard smokers, such as kamados and pellet grills, you want to cook your brisket fat cap down to protect the meat from the heat source, which is coming from the bottom.
However, on an offset smoker, where the heat rolls over the top of the brisket, you should cook the fat cap up to act as a shield from the direct heat and convection airflow.
The primary goal is to position the fat cap towards the heat source for protection and moisture retention.
Fat Cap Down (Common for Kamados, Pellet Grills, and some offsets)
The purpose of this method is to protect the meat.
The fat cap acts as a shield, protecting the meat from the direct heat rising from the bottom of the cooker.
The benefits of this method is great tasting meat.
Cooking fat cap down prevents the meat from drying out, especially the top layer, and allows the fat to render down, keeping it moist.
The way it works is that the fat melts and drips, basting the meat below, but more importantly, it insulates the meat.
Fat Cap Up (Common for Offset Smokers)
The purpose is that in an offset smoker, the heat and smoke flow over the top of the brisket. Placing the fat cap up allows it to protect the meat from the direct heat and convection.
The benefits to you are that as the fat drips down, it provides some moisture and flavor, and the top of the brisket is shielded from excessive heat.
Fat Cap Up or Down
Here are some final considerations:
- Your Smoker: Understand how the heat comes from your specific smoker.
- The Goal: Use the fat cap as a protective layer to prevent the meat from drying out.
- Flipping: Some pitmasters flip their brisket halfway through the cook to develop the bark on both sides, but the initial placement is key for protection.
Hot Tub Rivalry: Moto-Massage vs Regular Jets
The patented Moto-Massage® DX moving jet delivers two streams of water that sweep up and down your back while four Precision® jets massage your neck and shoulders, creating an unparalleled hydrotherapy experience.
Each spa uses a variety of jets, each with its own purpose. They are thoughtfully arranged and work together to target specific muscle groups from your neck to your shoulders, back, calves, wrists, and feet.
These jets from Hot Spring Spas are only available on the Highlife Collection.
Pros for the Highlife Moto-Massage DX Jet System
You can sit in front of the jets for a longer time as the pressure is diffused. It’s a truly luxurious experience.
While this is a great massage system, our other hot tubs come with their own massage system that’s also great.
Pros for the Regular Jet System
These jets are not as sensitive to water flow. With adjustable jets, you can move them up, down, right, and left for a pinpoint muscle treatment and targeted massage right where you want it.
Want to learn more about pools, hot tubs, or barbecues? Come see us for some great conversation!
