Click on any of these links for answers to the following questions:
What do I need to know about horsepower?
How do I keep the water clean?
Proper water maintenance is vital to enjoyment of your spa. While some salespeople may try to convince you that they can sell you a "chemical-free" spa, that is not a practical option for truly clean water. Professional retailers and manufacturers most often recommend: Choosing a spa with an advanced filtration system, purchasing an optional ozone purifier with your spa; using mineral purifiers in conjunction with chemical based sanitisers. These minerals can significantly reduce the amount of chemicals such as chlorine. Maintenance procedures are not difficult, and knowledgeable retailers will provide the start-up kit and instructions you need.
Manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain the water.
How is the water temperature controlled?
Most quality spas have sophisticated digital thermostatic controls. These highly reliable modern systems are capable of keeping the spa water within 1 degree of any temperature you select. While this is important for comfort, it is also important for safety. You should pay particular attention to the control system if you have children who will be using the spa. Better systems have safety locks and digital readouts. A good indicator of the control system's quality is to read and compare manufacturer's warranties.
Will I have to install plumbing for my spa?
No. All above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose.
How much should I spend on a spa?
Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. The information in this consumer guide will help you determine the best spa for your needs based on value and performance.
Is the spa installed indoors or outdoors?
A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90% are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it fit through the door, and is the structural strength of the flooring adequate. Most importantly an indoor spa must have adequate and substantial ventilation.
Is the spa fully foam insulated?
All major manufacturers agree that filling the spa cabinet with polyurethane foam insulation significantly reduces heat loss, thus reducing heating costs. While this process adds to the cost of manufacturing, research has shown that full foam insulation provides substantial savings to the spa owner over time. Some manufacturers eliminate full foam insulation in an attempt to provide product at a lower cost.
How many of the spas jets are adjustable?
Real, beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to being able to adjust each jet where it is needed. This is the standard by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A common point of consumer confusion is introduced when manufacturers load up spas with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationery jets. It doesn't make any difference how many jets a spa has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and horsepower.
What about the warranty?
This is one of the most crucial areas in the spa industry. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. Avoid spa manufacturers who add prorated and deductible provisions. Make sure you read the manufacturer's warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other spas you are considering. Most quality spas will have at least 2-5 year warranties on parts, plumbing and labour without any service call charges.
How expensive is it to operate a spa?
The main cost of operating a spa is heating the water. If you have a full foam insulated spa with an insulating locking cover, this will vastly reduce your heating costs.
Do I choose a synthetic or a wood cabinet?
All cabinets used to be wood. A recent development is the spa industry is synthetic wood cabinets, now provided by some top-notch spa manufacturers., This product extends the "new-look" of a spa's surround, and eliminates the maintenance associated with wood cabinets. Synthetic wood cabinets are durable and UV-resistant, providing your spa with exquisite beauty for years to come.
What do I need to consider before purchasing a spa?
Consider "wet-testing" a spa before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it. All reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose. Look for and verify that the seats provide lumbar support. When sitting in any seat, the water should reach at least shoulder level. If it does not, you will not get full hydro therapeutic value. Lean your head back against the pillows. Make sure you do not have to hyper extend your neck to rest your head. If the spa has a Lounge Seat, make your it is deep enough to keep you in the seat. Take notice of the alignment of jets with your muscles. Make sure they are massaging muscle tissue and not your spine. How convenient are the controls to use when you are seated in the spa? Stay in the spa with the jets on for at least 15 minutes. As the end of that time you will know whether the seating and jet arrangements is truly comfortable.
What should I consider for the control panel?
Not every spa control panel has the same ease of command, so test a control panel to verify that it gives you the type of precision control you desire to fully enjoy your spa experience. Determine if this is an important spa component for you.
What do I need to know about horsepower?
Efficient plumbing, better jets, and flow control are much more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in an efficient spa will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump in an inefficient spa. Many manufacturers use over sized, horsepower pumps. Other companies employ an incredibly cost effect system.
