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What's the difference between a hot tub and a spa?
The term "hot tub" originally referred to the wooden, barrel-shaped tubs, which became popular in the late 1960s. When the industry began building tubs of moulded fiberglass or with thermoplastic shells, they were given the tag "spa" to differentiate them from "hot tubs". They have both evolved today and people use the terms interchangeably.
By using a number of jets, hot tubs massage you by blowing out water onto your body. They usually have well designed seating to help make the most of these jets.
A spa could also be a bath which has jets in it.
Jacuzzi is a company that manufactures hot tubs although many people use the term Jacuzzi when they mean hot tub or spa.
How long does a hot tub take to heat?
This depends on the heaters in the hot tubs but on average a large hot tub will take in the region of 12 hours to get to body temperature (37.5 degrees). However, the time really does depend on a number of factors; exactly how big or small the hot tub is, the heaters it houses, the insulation the tub has and sometimes even where it is situated and the time of year.
How is the temperature controlled?
Nearly all hot tubs are heated by electricity and most of them use thermostatic controls to regulate the temperature. These are safe and very good for your comfort as you can choose which temperature you want your water to be at.
It is advisable to ask questions about the thermostatic controls when shopping for a hot tub, especially if you have children who will be using the product. This will enable you to have the latest information on the best controls and systems in place.
What is the average electricity consumption?
They use approx 15 kw per day but this does depend on the size of the hot tub, the insulation and the type of heaters it uses.
To help keep your electricity costs down you can look out for spas which have hard covers and those which give an option of being able to lock the cover in place. The thickness of the hot tub shell will affect the insulation and that in turn will affect heat loss and electricity consumption as will the type and density of the foam insulation used in the hot tub. The density can vary greatly. Obviously, the thicker the density of the insulation, the better the insulation will be and the les heat loss you will experience.
What electrical supply is required?
A 16 or 30 amp socket fuse, but it will depend on the model. You can check out our Hot Tub Sales Website for each product specification.
How do I find a quality brand of spa?
Take some time before you buy to look at the various brands. Check the hot tub warranties. Only quality products will carry warranties against defects that will cover the motors, shell and control units. Quality manufacturers will not hide this information.
How much will it cost to run a hot tub?
Normally less than 80 pence per day but this does depend on a lot of factors. These variables include where the hot tub is placed (in sunlight or exposed to a wind tunnel at the side of the building or even if it is inside your premises), how often you use your product, what heater you use, the cost of your electricity and the amount used and the size of your hot tub.
What's the weight of an empty hot tub?
It depends on the model, but it can be less than 260kg.
How much will it cost to clean hot tubs per month?
Less than £5 per month.
Does a portable hot tub require plumbing?
No. Most above ground, portable hot tubs are normally filled with a garden hose. Sometimes hard plumbing is optional, but it is not common.
Is it necessary to have water connected all the time?
No. You just fill the hot tub from the garden hose and top up as required.
How often should I drain the water and clean the hot tub
We would recommend that you drain and clean your hot tub every three to four months. However, you can take advantage of our service packages which we provide and which take care of all your cleaning requirements.
We comprehensively and thoroughly check your hot tub and spa when conducting our services and look for things such as leaks, heating, electrical and plumbing problems to ensure your spa is in tip top condition. We understand the importance of good quality service and product and customer care so you can be sure to know we treat your tub and spa as if it is our own.
We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best value for money so we keep our prices as competitive as possible while maintaining our excellent standard of service and expertise.
If you are too busy or cannot manage to thoroughly clean your hot tub or spa, contact us and we will ensure that your product is immaculately cleaned. We flush your hot tub or spa through with our special commercial chemical to remove all biofilm deposits on pipework and components underneath which can affect the performance of your unit – you may notice a slimy and creamy substance from time to time when your spa is stood empty. This is biofilm and needs to be cleansed from your hot tub and its systems as biofilm contains mould, bacteria and parasites. Therefore it is very important to have your hot tub or spa serviced regularly to keep it hygienic, safe and will last a long time.
But we do not just flush through your unit. We also rinse through your equipment, vacuum the pipework, wipe all the acrylic, exhaustively clean the filters and refit them, remove airlocks and check and add, where necessary, the chemicals in your water. And all of this is achieved in our cheapest standard of service!
What's the story on ozonators?
Ozonators are an electric-powered device which helps sanitize the water by introducing a form of oxygen called ozone into the water.
Is there money to be saved by using an ozonator?
Yes. If you use one, you can save approximately 25-35% on the amount of conventional sanitizer that is needed.
Is it possible to install the electrical supply myself to the hot tub?
No. In the UK, by law, a registered electrician must install it for you. Please contact us if you would like us to install the electricity supply. We can do this quickly and efficiently and have trained technicians ready to do the job. All in all our company can boast more than 25 years worth of experience in hot tub and spa maintenance, repair and service.
Will the hot tub fit through a door of the house?
It will depend but the smaller models may. You can check out our Hot Tub Sales Website for each product size specification.
How long will the filter last on the hot tub?
It will depend on usage of the pool and the amount of maintenance.
Why does the water in my hot tub need to be treating with chemicals?
The conditions of a hot tub provide the best breeding ground for bacteria which spreads illness. Using chemicals ensures the hot tub remains a safe and hygienic product to use and means infections will not spread.
We would recommend using an ozonator as well as specialist hot tub and spa chemicals. We can stock these chemicals and can supply you with them at a cost.
Be careful when using the chemicals that the right amount is used. Always refer to the manufacturers guide book.
How do the chemicals get applied to the pool?
After testing the water with a tester, the chemicals are simply sprinkled in the hot tub.
How easy is it to maintain my hot tub?
It is easy to maintain your hot tub day-to-day but we would advise that you seriously consider having your hot tub serviced regularly, as well as one annual intensive service.
A full annual service – our platinum service – includes a professional, thorough clean (we leave no stone unturned) but also includes every component is inspected and its performance monitored and checked. You could do this in the spring after your hot tub has not been used throughout the winter.
We comprehensively and thoroughly check your hot tub and spa when conducting our services and look for things such as leaks, heating, electrical and plumbing problems to ensure your spa is in tip top condition. We understand the importance of good quality service and product and customer care so you can be sure to know we treat your tub and spa as if it is our own. We offer a range of service options. Take a look at our servicing page for more details.
When can I use my hot tub?
You can use your hot tub all year round and at whatever times of the day you wish to. It is common for people to think hot tubs and spas are only to be used through the spring and summer but it is just as enjoyable to use them throughout the winter months. However, if you do not wish to use your hot tub through the winter, we would recommend you ask us to winterise your hot tub for you. This will prevent frost and ice from damaging it. Call us for more details.
What do I do with my hot tub if I do not want to use it through the winter months?
If you do not wish to use your hot tub through the winter, we would recommend you ask us to winterise your hot tub for you. This will prevent frost and ice from damaging it. Call us for more details.
Can I leave my hot tub for a long period of time without using it?
Yes you can. Some people do not wish to use their hot tubs through the winter months. However, it is important to continue to service your hot tub even while it is not being used.
Using your hot tub after the winter break
There are a few things you will need to do before using your hot tub after the winter break. It is best to check all the fittings to ensure they are tight before filling the hot tub. Refer to your manufacturer hand book for details.
We recommend a full service of your hot tub is conducted annually to keep your spa in optimum condition. A full annual service – our platinum service – includes a professional, thorough clean (we leave no stone unturned) but also includes every component is inspected and its performance monitored and checked. You could do this in the spring after your hot tub has not been used throughout the winter.
Can hot tubs be installed indoors as well as outdoors?
Hot tubs and spas can be installed both indoors and outdoors although it is much more common for them to be placed outside. To install a spa or hot tub indoors you will need to make sure the product will fit through doorways, hallways and also fit in the room you would like it to be located. You also need to consider whether the floor is suitable to take a hot tub. Hot tubs naturally get much heavier when filled with water.
Other considerations would be whether the room is well ventilated. If not, you may need to think about using a dehumidifier. You will also need appropriate flooring material which will not be negatively affected by the damp. Carpet would not be advisable, for instance. Another important factor to be aware of is drainage in the floor as spills are more than likely to occur.
What are important factors to be aware of when shopping for a hot tub or spa?
We would always recommend that you check the warranty of the hot tub. Only quality products will carry warranties against defects that will cover the motors, shell and control units. Quality manufacturers will not hide this information.
Think about what you would like to pay for your hot tub and also factor in the running costs of the hot tub. If you wish to keep your running costs low you may like to get a smaller tub, invest in one that is well insulated and has a high quality shell.
The size of the hot tub is important as you will need to know whether it will fit where you would like it to be located.
Check how many jets the hot tub has. Air jets provide bubbles but jets provide the massage which hot tubs are well-renowned for. This is one of the major selling points of these products.
Are jets and air jets different?
Yes they are. Jets provide the massage element to hot tubs and spas. Air jets provide bubbles which can feel very pleasant but they are not designed to provide a massage.
Does it make a difference how many jets there are in a hot tub and what the sizes are?
Yes, it does make a difference how many jets there are in the hot tub and what their sizes are. It also makes a difference where they are located. However, there is no accounting for personal preference with these matters.
Each jet size will give a different massage and hydrotherapy feel so it is best to find a hot tub that houses varying sizes of jets.
The position of the jets will affect how impacting the hydrotherapy affect is on different areas of your body. It is therefore important for you to test the hot tub or spa when it is full so you are happy with the feel of it. You will know whether the massage affects your whole body in the way you would like it to.
Always check which jets are jets, and which are air jets as this will considerably affect the quality of the massage and hydrotherapy experience.
What is hydrotherapy?
In general, hydrotherapy involves the use of water for pain-relief and treating illness by combining the effects of heat and massage.
It is the generic term for water therapies using jets, underwater massage and mineral baths. These treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation and treat the symptoms of some illnesses.
With spas and hot tubs, the massage provided by the jets which surround the inside of the product helps to relax muscles and remove tension and also helps to relieve pressure on muscles and nerves.
This is widely recognised as an effective way of treating pressure and tension which is commonly associated with stress.
