BUYING TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below you'll find answers to questions we're most frequently asked.
What is the difference between a Hot Tub and a Spa ?
Since the eighties the terms hot tub and spas now mean the same product, but the original term “hot tub” derived from barrel shaped tubs constructed from wood which became popular in the USA during the sixties. These original wooden hot tubs were very basic, in that they were just an outdoor vessel capable of holding hot water for a few bathers to soak in.
Due to their popularity in the USA, construction materials, methods and designs improved during the seventies, resulting in moulded fiberglass units with pumps to provide additional hydrotherapy benefits. In order to differentiate the modern high tech hot tubs from their wooden predecessors , they were increasingly described as Spas.
But similar features such as pumps, jets, water filters and electronic controls were incorporated into the original wooden tubs, so you can see why the two terms became interchangeable.
What is the safest maximum water temperature ?
It is recommended that your spa temperature does not exceed 40°C.
Can a hot tub be installed inside or outside ?
Hot Tubs can be installed indoors or outdoors, although 90%, including those in cold weather climates, are usually installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing them indoors are:
- will it fit through the door ?
- is the structural strength of the flooring adequate ?
When filled with water, the tub will typicallly weigh approximately 3,000 Kgs plus.
Also if its to be installed indoors its imperative that proper ventilation is provided in order to avoid any potential condensation damage such as mildew.
Do I need to have any additional plumbing installed ?
No, all hot tubs supplied by us are self contained units that just require filling using your garden hose.
How often do I clean the hot tub?
Most manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa no more than three or four times a year depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water.
What type of base does the hot tub need to be placed on ?
The most important thing is that the hot tub is placed on a firm level surface. We recommend a 50cm thick concrete slab, but a decent firm patio is fine.
Do I need a cover for my hot tub ?
Yes we certainly recommend a cover, its the most important accessory, not only does it protect your hot tub and keep the water clean, it also has a significant insulation properties, massively reducing heating costs .
What should I look for in my cover ?
Hot tub covers can vary hugely in quality so always ensure that they are constructed from marine grade vinyl with mildew and UV inhibitors. In addition to this ensure the quality of the structural reinforcement inside and that it has reinforced double hinges.
Then we have the insulative properties of the cover to consider, which is of particular importance with the rising energy costs in the UK. Good quality hot tub covers will also have adequate locking fasteners with zippers.
Is there an easier way to remove my hot tub cover ?
Although covers are relatively light, they do require two people to remove without damaging them. A cover lifter makes it so easy, allowing easier removal and storage, there are the basic mechanical versions which work fine but strut assisted ones are just so smooth requiring very little effort to remove the cover.
How much will my hot tub cost to operate ?
Typically hot tubs consume an average of 300Kw a month ( About £30 - £35 per month depending an your electricity tariff) in an average family home, if you turn down the temperature when not in use and have an insulating cover then it will be much less.
Are hot tubs only used in warmer months of the year ?
No, hot tubs are actually most popular in colder countries such as Canada and Finland, where the outside air temperature is significantly lower than the UK.
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