FAQs
Whether you already have a hot tub on your deck or patio, or you are considering purchasing a new model, you may have questions. This list of Frequently Asked Questions, and answers, is meant to assist you. We believe that well-informed buyers will choose a hot tub. Feel better, spend more time together, and relax. Visit our store to ask about how easy it is to own a hot tub.
What Hot Tub is the Best for Me?
There are many hot tub options out there, and determining the best one for you means looking at a few different factors. Size is the first thing to consider. How many people will you have in your hot tub at once? Many brands such as Sundance® Spas offers hot tubs with seating anywhere from two to six or more people. Whether large or small, you’ll find a hot tub that can hold everyone. You’ll also want to keep your budget in mind, of course, plus you may want to look at some of the different optional features. Some come with lounges designed to help you relax, while others have stronger massage jets, storage areas, and different seating configurations.
How Often Should I Change My Hot Tub Filter?
One of the most important steps to keeping your hot tub clean is to regularly change the filter. Most hot tub manufacturers recommend changing the main filter once a year. However, if you use your hot tub often or if you can tell that the filter isn’t doing as good of a job as it once did, you may need to swap it out more regularly. Some other secondary filters may need to be replaced more often. You may also need to take out the filter, clean it and rinse it off about once or twice a month.
What Accessories Does My Hot Tub Need?
There are a number of different accessories you can purchase for your hot tub. All hot tubs really need to have a cover on them to keep debris and dirt out of them when not in use. You may also want to get a cover lift to help you easily remove the cover before using the hot tub. A set of stairs may also be necessary if you find it difficult to get into the hot tub. There are a number of other accessories you may also want to consider investing in, including additional filtration and cleaning equipment.
How Often Should I Clean and Drain My Hot Tub?
While the filtration system in your hot tub will keep the water clear and clean for quite some time, you will need to completely drain and refill your hot tub every three or four months. If you use your hot tub a lot, you should clean it every three months. If you don’t use it as often, you can probably get by with only cleaning it every four months or so. However, you do need to make certain you regularly replace the filters as needed, clean the hot tub cover, and deal with any debris or dirt you see in the hot tub. If your hot tub is exceptionally dirty, you may need to clean it more often.
How Do I Clean My Big Green Egg?
Your Big Green Egg needs to be cleaned regularly so that it will last longer and that your food will take amazing. You’ll want to remove all of the old ashes from the base before you use the grill. After you use it, heat up the Egg and remove any stuck-on food remnants using a scraper. You should also use a scrubber to keep the Egg grill and the baking stone clean. If you plan on putting your Egg away for a while (such as during the rainy months), leave the snuffer cap off and keep the draft door open so mold does not grow inside the grill.
Which hot tub is right for me?
You may consider "wet testing" a spa before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it. Many reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose. Here is what you should look for: Verify that the seats provide comfortable support. You do not want to have to scoot down in the hot tub like you do in a bathtub. When sitting in any seat, the water should reach shoulder level. If it does not, you will not get full hydrotherapeutic value. Stay in the hot tub with the jets on for at least 15 minutes. At the end of that time you will know whether the seating and jet arrangements are comfortable.
How much should I spend on a hot tub?
Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. Of course, we hope that as you are shopping you will consider a hot tub. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and find the right spa for your needs.
What about the hot tub warranty?
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 dealers 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.
Is a hot tub installed inside or outside?
A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90%, including those in cold weather climates, 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. A typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 2,500 lbs/1,150 kg when filled.
Do I need to install plumbing?
No. All above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose.
How do I clean the water?
Proper water maintenance is vital to enjoyment of your spa. Maintenance procedures are not difficult, and knowledgeable retailers will provide the start-up kit and instructions you need.
How often do I clean the spa?
Most manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa no more than 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water. In most cases this simple process will only take about an hour to accomplish.
How is the temperature controlled?
Most quality spas have relatively sophisticated digital thermostatic controls. These highly reliable modern systems are capable of keeping the spa water within one 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 manufacturers' warranties.
What does the pump's horsepower rating mean?
There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: "Continuous Operating" horsepower and "Brake" horsepower (also called "Marketing" horsepower). Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.
Is the spa full 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 a less expensive product.
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the combined effect of heat, massage, and buoyancy. Warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissues, allowing oxygen and nutrients to help overworked muscles recover faster. Massage, provided by the spa's jet system, relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves. Massage also improves circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process. Buoyancy reduces your body's weight by 90%. This relieves pressure on strained joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method of alleviating the tension commonly associated with stress.
How do the jets and jet systems allow me to customize my hydrotherapy experience?
Many jets are adjustable, giving you an amazing number of options. The jets adjust from oscillating to targeted; rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or stationary. You can control the flow, volume, and movement of other jets as well. In addition, controlling the amount of air mixed with the water with the air control valves changes the dynamics of the massage. Conveniently placed massage selectors let you divert water from one seat to another to increase or minimize the water flow. Ask us to show you how the strategically placed and uniquely designed jets make the hot tub experience the ultimate in relaxation and therapy.
What's the purpose of a circulation pump?
Today's finest spas feature a small circulation pump that continuously filters the water to keep it clean and clear. It also provides the necessary flow to allow the heater to constantly maintain your set temperature. Hot tubs without circulation pumps must rely on the low speed of a larger horsepower pump turning on periodically to provide filtration and the flow required for heating. The circulation pump is the most efficient method to provide flow for filtration and heating.
How long before I want to use the hot tub should I start heating it?
The control system can keep your hot tub hot and ready to use. Or you may prefer the "economy" setting which allows you to tell the system when you are most likely to use the hot tub and the water will be hot and ready at your designated times.
What can I do to assure my family's safety?
- Check to be sure that the hot tub you buy is listed by a recognized independent testing agency such as ETL.
- Use a qualified electrician to connect the electrical service to the hot tub.
- Make sure the cover comes with a locking system to prevent unauthorized use. Many hot tubs feature locking control panels, as well.
- Keep appliances and other electrical devices away from the hot tub area.
- Always observe the warnings about hot tub use by small children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.