For many people, purchasing
a hot tub is a once in a lifetime
event. The questions which
are most frequently asked
below have
been answered honestly with
the help of an independent
qualified engineer and are
therefore quite detailed. We
hope they will explain some
of the confusion marketing
which is employed within this
industry and will help
you determine that we have
the right hot tub for you.
Q. How
much do hot tubs cost to
run?
A. Our
hot tubs are not expensive
to run and cost between approximately
£2-£5 per week depending
on size, power and usage.
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Q. Do
they use a lot of water?
A. They do not
use a lot of water. Once filled, it is
several weeks before the water will need
to be changed, in accordance with the department
of environment guidelines.
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Q. How
much maintenance do they
require?
A. A few minutes
in the week is all that is required to keep
your hot tub crystal clear.
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Q. What
is the difference between
spas, hot tubs and jacuzzi?
A. The original
hot tubs were made from oak and beech vats
sourced from the wine industry. Pumps,
heaters and jets were added as well as seats. These are still available today for the “purists”. The acrylic hot tubs seen today
have evolved from the cooper made barrels
and are also known as portable spas. Jacuzzi
is a brand name similar to ‘Hoover’ and vacuum
cleaner.
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Q. Who
are thehottubcompany.com?
A. We are part
of Waterside Leisure UK Ltd. Established
in 1990 (LTD in 1992), the company is family owned and
run. Being 17 years old, makes us one the
longest established hot tub dealers in the
country. We are members of SPATA (Swimming
Pool and Allied Trade Association) and BISHTA
(British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association). We specialize in the service, repair and
installation of spas, swimming pools, swim spas,
fitness pools, hydrotherapy pools, steam
rooms and saunas for local authorities, hotel
groups, health clubs, universities and
private domestic owners. We have a vast
knowledge in all these fields. We also
have a vast knowledge of the competition
gained by servicing all makes hot tubs. Some of our engineers have over 20 years
experience within the industry.
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Q. Why
are your hot tubs so inexpensive
compared to other quality
hot tubs available on the
market?
A. Firstly, all
our hot tubs are made for us. The majority
of hot tubs are manufactured in North America,
some are manufactured in Australia and Western
Europe and an increasing number in China and
the Far East. The market in this
country has grown rapidly in the
last few years but is still
considered to be a very young
market. This is why there are so
many brands available over here
now. However, in the their own
markets, the prices of hot tubs
are much lower, in some cases 50
– 80 % lower. There are no
reasons for high prices other
than inflated profits made by
the importer and their
dealers. High prices make high
profits, not special hot
tubs. There are some exceptions
to the rule. Some
hot tubs are made in the Far
East (taking advantage of low
material costs and labour
rates). The prices of these are
low, as is the quality including
the components within. As
mentioned before, we buy direct
from a manufacturer in North
America, and we sell direct to
the end user, this is the way
hot tubs are sold in North
America. A dealer buys from a
manufacturer and then sells
direct to the consumer. The
dealer, not the manufacturer
then provides the after sales
service and maintenance required
during the lifetime of the hot
tub. If
you buy your hot tub from us you
are buying from an ‘American dealer’. We
sell hundreds of hot tubs every year. We
earn a small margin on every sale similarly
to an American dealer; effectively, we supply
high quality products at a very reasonable
price.
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Q. How
are the shells constructed?
A. Only the best
acrylic is used. 6mm sheet is used in our
hot tubs where some manufacturers only use
3mm. The acrylic is vacuum thermoformed
into the mould, which creates a seamless
surface. The composite strengthening material
is then bonded to the back of the shell using
a special 4-stage process, each layer is
hand rolled. When fully cured a high-density
foam is applied to provide heat and sound
insulation. This process produces very
strong self supporting shell the backing
material and the acrylic expand at similar
rates so are less likely to delaminate than
other systems. This is the reason a lifetime
warranty is available on the integrity of
the shell. The spa shell then has the jet
apertures drilled and the spa is then plumbed. The low maintenance cabinet is fitted, followed
by the base which is in most cases an ABS
base that completely envelopes the base of
the spa, preventing rodents and insects from
entering and stopping rainwater from rotting
the support frame for the cabinet) The equipment
and controls are then added. The spa is
then thoroughly tested to ensure every part
is fully functional. (Testing takes a minimum
of 48 hours).
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Q. Are
they fully insulated?
A. All our tubs
are fully insulated. The process is called
“co-generated” thermal insulation which relies
on closed cell foam in the base of the spa
to insulate and also lock the large bore
pipe-work into place and then a barrier jacket
encapsulating the entire perimeter of the
hot tub. Studies carried out with thermal
imaging cameras show no heat blooms at all,
unlike other forms of insulating hot tubs
namely ‘foam filled’ spas. Some spas are
made by different process. Rather than
using composite strengthening on the back
of the shell, ABS is used. There are two
reasons why ABS strengthening is used. Firstly, environmental issues. Gaining
the necessary licenses in certain countries
and states to use the materials is prohibitive. Secondly, the process of using ABS strengthening
is substantially cheaper and speeds up the
production process significantly as there
is very little curing time required. The
foam is required, not for insulation but
for support. If the shell is not filled
with foam it will flex, distort and in some
cases collapse. Early ABS shells were not
foam filled and are testament to this. It is a well known fact that heat rises! Our manufacturer has carried
out a great deal of research into running
costs and comparisons between their ranges
and other popular brands. There are many
negatives to full foam. Firstly, in time
the tub will require maintenance and any
repairs will involve expensive
investigation. Tracing the leak
is very difficult and may involve removing
part of or nearly all of the foam. Since
the foam can not be added on site this rather
defeats the object. When the foam is sprayed
it then expands, pipe-work can be moved and
compressed fittings can be loosened by the
action of the foam expanding. The other problem
with foam filling and the one where the argument
that “full foam is best” falls down is that
the electrical equipment such as pumps, electronic
control panels etc all need re-circulating
air so as not to overheat and fail. So, all
manufacturers who foam fill their spas do
not “insulate” the front panel or “bonnet”,
the area where all the water in the hot tub
is being pumped through. A thermal heat
imaging camera proves foam filled spas loose
more heat than our hot tubs. Another point
worth considering is that we all know heat
rises. The hot tub lid is often just passed
off as being included with the purchase,
but what thickness should it be? All our
tubs have the thicker 5’’ (125mm) tapered
covers rather than the industry standard
3’’ – 4’’ tapered covers. Like for like our
tubs cost less to run than any other tub
on the market.
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Q. Are
all hot tubs powerful? Jets
and pumps.
A. Many people
make the mistake or have been mislead by
thinking that more jets = better hot tub. This statement is both correct and incorrect.
Generally speaking the greater the number
of jets the more invigorating the massage
can be however the jets fitted need the water
flow to power them and this is a careful
balance otherwise disappointment will be
the result. Jets must be well positioned
to ensure a good massage on soft tissue not
bone.
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Q. Why
do many of our hot tubs have
such high pump horsepower
ratings?
A. All electrical
pumps are rated in Kw (kilowatts) or Hp (horsepower). A Kilowatt is measurement of power and energy
use e.g. a 1 Kilowatt motor will draw 1 kilowatt
of power per hour when running. When we
describe pump power we tend use the flow
rate e.g. GPM (Gallons per minute) because
our motors are so well engineered and robust
they will easily power ‘wet ends’ (the water
pump part) much greater than usual without
detriment to the motor. Hence we quote ‘200
GPM pump’ a 200 GPM pump wet end would be
rated at 5 Hp pump. However it is only
drawing electrical power of a 2 Hp motor. More for less! Very efficient!
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Q. Are
the pumps and equipment of
good quality?
A. All our spas are
fitted with highest quality pumps most have
‘General Electric’ type motors which are specially
designed and significantly over engineered
to work in the high temperature of the co-generated
thermal insulated cabinet. Within the spa
and swimming pool industry, they are accepted
to be of extremely high quality and long lasting,
hence the long no quibble warranties. Some
manufactures use quality pumps. Some don’t. Some use pumps that have such small impellor
veins that a small sock-like filter must be
placed over the bottom suction fittings to
prevent hair from clogging the pumps. Other
manufacturers selling at very high prices use
pumps that cost less than £60 (the average
being £400). Our hot tubs will heat up to
temperature with the cover in place faster
than any other brand (some take up to three
times as long). For example we have tested
a Coral Springs installed outside with a rigid
cover in place fitted with a 3KW heater and
results show it will take approx. 6 – 8 hours
to heat up to 36°C. A competitor’s similar
sized spa (foam-filled) fitted with a rigid
cover and their standard fitted 1.5 KW heater
took 32 - 36 hours to heat up to 36 °C. Tests
where carried out at three different ambient
temperatures. The heaters fitted are of the
highest quality. In fact we have never had
a heater element fail in a hot tub we have
supplied!
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Q. Are
the controls easy to use?
A. The control
panels fitted to all our hot tubs are made
by either Gecko or Balboa. They both specialize
in the manufacture of spa/hot tub control
panels. They are world leaders in their
field. Both manufacturers control panels
are tried and trusted and are reliable and
use state of the art “solid state” sensors,
most have programmable filter cycles, which
allows the user to enjoy low tariff electricity
(if fitted to property). The control panels
have adjustable temperature control, frost
stats, economy and sleep modes plus other
features. Our more advanced control panels
have auto clean which will activate a filter
cycle after the hot tub has been used.
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Q. Are
the jets adjustable? Can
they be customized?
A. Most of the
jets are adjustable, and most are interchangeable
so as to customise your massage.
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Q. Are
the rigid covers effective
in keeping in the heat?
A. The rigid covers
are very effective. Our models are fitted
with 5’’ tapered covers, the thickest on
the market. They are made from the highest
grade marine grade vinyl. In fact in the
winter, snow will settle and frost will form
on the cover, yet inside the spa it is ready
and waiting at your set temperature.
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Q. What
size do I need?
A. Many customers
purchase a hot tub that will accommodate
a large number of friends/family for the
parties they plan to hold. Others buy to
accommodate the immediate family or perhaps
to fit a certain space or budget. The honest
answer is requirements differ. Remember
larger hot tubs only cost slightly more to
run than smaller hot tubs.
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Q. Are
they comfortable? Ergonomics
A. Not all spas
are comfortable! Sit in before you buy. All our spas are very comfortable. They
are sculptured with different sizes of people
in mind. For manufacturing, a mould is
created by a craftsman, then a selection
of people (of all shapes and sizes!) try
out the seats and loungers for comfort. This may seem rather old fashioned but even
the latest computer software cannot tell
when something is comfortable or not! You
may notice all the seats and loungers in
all the spas are very rounded and there are
no sharp angles unlike other brands. The
whole range offers excellent lumber support
with deep luxurious seating and loungers
that allow the whole body to be fully immersed
up to the neck and also incorporate shallow,
cool down seats and child seats. Some models
are designed to allow you to sit higher and
so the shoulders are exposed.
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Q. Hydrotherapy?
A. Hydrotherapy
helps just about everyone. Hot water boosts blood circulation
by helping the blood vessels
to dilate, increasing blood
circulation. It also helps
alleviate backache, joint
and muscle stiffness. Hydrotherapy
is also claimed to help insomnia. We would advise that if you
have a medical condition
or are pregnant, that you
consult a doctor before using
any spa/hot tub.
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Q. If
I go away on holiday should
I turn the spa off?
A. If you go away
in the warmer weather for a long period you
can either, turn the temperature down, adjust
the chemicals or drain the spa completely. If you plan your holiday in the winter months
and there is a threat of freezing we would
advise that you adjust your chemical levels
lower the temperature and set the control
panel to ‘Sleep’ mode. This will allow
the water temperature drop further but the
automatic frost protection device will protect
the spa (assuming the electrical supply remains
on).
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Q. What
is ozone? Is it necessary?
A. Ozone is used
as a secondary oxidiser and will kill bacteria
and organic impurities and has a good flocculating
effect on water that makes it beneficial
in aiding water treatment. It is between
10 – 20 times more powerful than chlorine
and 20 – 30 times more powerful than bromine. A residual of chlorine or bromine is still
required when an ozone system is fitted.
There are different ways of producing ozone,
one being corona discharge the other being
high frequency ultra violet light. Both
systems work, however the ozone remaining
in the water must not exceed 0.5mg/litre. You may have been informed by others incorrectly
about which or what system to use or whether
it is needed at all. The truth is, having
ozone fitted is beneficial to water quality,
however there is a maximum level of ozone
which is permissible in hot tubs and this
figure can not be exceeded.
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Q. Can
I control the temperature
easily?
A. The temperature
can be controlled easily by the spa touch
pad.
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Q. What
about the warranty?
A. Our manufacturer's
warranties are excellent. There is up to
10 years manufacturer's
warranties on the shell for integrity and up
to two years manufacturer's
warranties on the pumps and
control panels. We have very few warranty
claims as the components are of the highest
quality. Beware of hot tubs with third
party warranties! Warranties are important
on complex hot tubs. Always check full
warranty descriptions.
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Q. Can
it be installed in the garden?
A. The majority
of hot tub owners have their hot tub installed
in the garden. They are designed and insulated
for outside use all year round.
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Q. How
quickly can I use my hot
tub after it is installed?
A. Usually within
8 - 10 hours after installation.
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Q. When
I move house can take my
spa with me?
A. Yes you certainly
can. We offer our customers a relocation
service.
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Q. Are
hot tubs safe?
A. As long as common
sense is used and the following guidelines
are adhered to, hot tubs are very safe. Only use a qualified electrician to ensure
a safe electrical supply. Ensure that the
cover is locked when not in use. (Our spa
covers are ASTM lockable safety covers). Keep any electrical equipment away from the
hot tub. Test and treat the water regularly
(as recommended by BISHTA). Never leave
children unattended in or near the hot tub
when the cover is not fitted and locked and
don’t allow them to over heat in the water. Observe warnings regarding hot tub use with
certain medical conditions and pregnancy
seek medical advice first. Do not use a
hot tub if intoxicated or on drugs.
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