FAQ
Can a hot tub improve family time?
Looking for ways to disconnect and create opportunities for quality time? A hot tub is a great option that the whole family will enjoy. Hot tubs provide families with the chance to relax, enjoy great conversation and unplug from technology.
Can a hot tub reduce stress?
Information overload, time commitments and increasing external pressures mean that many people today struggle with stress and stress related issues. Research shows that, overtime, stress can lead to more serious issues such as high blood pressure. Regular hot tub use and warm water immersion can help to protect against the negative effects of stress, In fact, warm water immersion has actually been shown to decrease blood pressure and promote feelings of well-being.
Can a hot tub treat arthritis?
Water provides a range of benefits for those with arthritis including pain relief, reduction of edema, and reduced loading on damaged arthritic joints, making a hot tub an excellent option for those with arthritis. Hot tubs can also provide relief for other ailments including high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal distress, and a lowered immunity.
Can a hot tub treat muscle soreness?
Decreased muscle spasm, stiffness and increased range of motion are known benefits of applying heat after physical exertion. Research shows that immersing your self in hot water after exercise is a great way to help your muscles recover and increase circulation.
Do I need to keep the cover on when the spa is not in use?
Yes! You should definitely keep your cover on when not using your hot tub. Not only is this a good idea for safety, it’s also helpful for protecting your spa from direct sunlight.
Be aware, a cover that is not properly secured is a safety risk to children and could cause injury if blown off by the wind. You should also always remove the entire cover before using your spa.
It’s also important to avoid sitting, standing or placing heavy items on cover to avoid damage. Any snow accumulations over 2″ should also be removed.
How do I clean my filters?
It’s a good idea to clean your filters every 3 to 6 weeks. Timing largely depends on the frequency of use, as well as the number of bathers. To clean, spray the filter off with a high-pressure garden hose attachment. A de-greaser or de-scaler is also recommended every 4 to 6 months. Refer to your owner’s manual for further cleaning instructions.
How do I maintain my spa water in low-use to no-use periods under 6 weeks?
If you are not planning on using your spa for at least two weeks, it’s a good idea to lower the temperature to the lowest setting (80F or 26°C) or set to low range heat mode in order to reduce your operation costs. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to adjust the temperature settings 4 hours before in order to return the water temperature to 100 F (38°C).
It’s also important for all non-use periods to visually check that the spa is functioning correctly and to maintain the water chemistry. This will prevent corrosion, staining and/or scaling. If you are not able to check and maintain your spa on a weekly basis, you may want to consider winterizing your spa.
How hard is it to take care of a hot tub?
Caring for a hot tub is relatively easy once you are aware of the appropriate steps. Regular use of test strips, pH Increaser, pH Decreaser, bromine sanitizer, chlorine sanitizer, oxidizer and anti-foam treatment will help to keep your water clean and ready to use.
Chlorine or bromine are commonly used to sanitize water. The amount of sanitizer you will need to use depends on the other water care accessories you have, as well as how often you use your spa. Having an ozone generator can help to reduce the amount of chemical sanitizer you will need to use.
My spa is not level, is this a problem?
The performance of your spa will not be affected by a slight slope in your spa pad or it’s structure. There should, however, be no dips, sags or unevenness in the pad. Generally, most patios are built to slope away from the house in order to allow for drainage. Keep in mind, however, that there should be no more than a ½” (1.27cm) slope in an 8‘ (2.44m) run. Do not use shims to level the spa as this may damage your hot tub.
What are the drainage requirements?
In order to choose the right location for your hot tub, it’s important to understand the drainage requirements. It’s a good idea to avoid installing your spa in a pit or low area where water may accumulate and cause damage to the spa or the equipment and, instead, install your hot tub in a spot where water will drain away from the spa.
For spas that are cord-connected (120V~/60Hz), it’s important to avoid plugging your spa into an electrical outlet that could be exposed to water. You should also position the spas electrical cord so that water does not come into contact with the cord’s interrupter switch.
What are the electrical requirement?
Your spa must be installed according to national and local wiring rules. You must also ensure that you have the appropriate space equipped with the right electrical source.
It’s important to consult with a licensed electrician when considering a location for your spa in order to determine things like overhead power lines, service disconnect, bonding and equipment compartment access.
What are the service access requirements?
If you are planning on installing tile or custom wood around your spa, it’s important to leave room to allow for service access. A technician may need to remove the spa’s equipment compartment door or side panels or access the bottom of the spa. For permanently-connected models, it’s important to ensure that there is access to the circuit breakers in your electrical service panel. For models that are cord-connected, the interrupter switch should always be accessible. It’s also a good idea to design any special installations so that your hot tub can still be lifted from the ground.
What does it cost to own and operate a hot tub?
The power consumption costs involved in the operation of your spa can vary. Factors that can affect operational costs include the quality of your spa, insulation, efficiency, frequency of usage, maintenance, climate and utility rates.
What else should I buy with my hot tub?
A spa and a water care starter kit are generally included with most spas. Depending on your climate, your cleaning and maintenance schedule and how exposed the cover is to the elements, your cover should generally last between 3 to 5 years.
What kind of foundation is required?
To prevent serious damage to your spa, it’s important to select a flat, reasonably level surface that is structurally sound. Although a slightly sloped hot tub pad will not affect the performance of the spa or it’s structure, it’s important that the pad is not uneven and does not have any dips or sags.
The foundation that your spa sits on must have a weight bearing load capability of supporting the weight of your spa, its water and the people using it. A maximum filled weight of a spa can be as much as 6,000+ pounds.
For elevated installations, it’s important to ensure that your deck or structure can support the maximum weight of your spa when filled and with the maximum number of people in it. Make sure you know the weight bearing capacity of your deck and ensure that it is greater than the maximum filled weight of your hot tub with all occupants in it. A qualified Structural Engineer or Contractor should be consulted before placing a spa on an elevated structure or deck.
What size spa should I get?
The size of your spa should be based on your needs and the location you have in mind. The larger the spa, the more people it will generally accommodate. Remember, it’s a good idea to leave an additional space of 1 to 2 feet around at least 2 sides to allow for things like cover filters and access.
Why do I need a spa?
A hot tub is not only an investment in your health, it’s also an investment in your family and your quality of life. The right hot tub will help you find relief from stress, pain and provide an opportunity to spend quality time with your family, making it well worth the financial investment and effort up front.
Why is my spa overheating?
During periods of hot weather, it’s normal for the temperature of your water to rise. When this happens, it’s a good idea to keep your spa in economy mode and minimize filtration hours. You can also open the lid in order to allow heat to escape. Never leave a spa unattended while the cover is open do to safety issues.
If you notice that OHH is displayed on your control panel, this indicates that your thermometer has detected spa water temperature above 100 degrees F.