1. What is the difference between a hot tub, Jacuzzi and spa?
The names hot tubs, spas and Jacuzzi are commonly used interchangeably.
Jacuzzi is a brand and used in the same way as Hoover is used instead of the generic ‘vacuum’.
A hot tub could be something as simple as a wooden barrel filled with warm water, whereas a Spa refers to a hot tub which also has hydrotherapy massage pumps and jets, integrated heating, filtering systems and mood lighting, but in the UK we tend to just call them all Hot Tubs.
2. What type of hot tub should I buy?
An inflatable hot tub is a soft-shelled hot tub, typically made of vinyl, where the structure is made rigid by air being pumped into the frame. They are very portable, but the lack of insulation really only makes them suitable for summer use.
Rotomolded hot tubs are made from plastic powder, which is added to a mold, heated until it melts, and then rotated until it covers every bit of the mold in a smooth and even layer. Compared to acrylic shells, plastic shells are relatively lightweight, the downside, however, is an inability to efficiently retain heat. The initial savings from their lower purchase price will be eroded over time, as owners of rotomolded hot tubs typically pay more in electricity than owners of more energy-efficient spas.
An acrylic hot tub shell is made from a single sheet of acrylic, which is heated until it becomes flexible, then sucked into a mould. This results in a smooth and perfectly formed shell, which is reinforced either with ABS plastic or fibre glass for strength. Acrylic hot tubs are produced in a variety of stunning colors and patterns and should withstand normal wear and tear for many years without showing signs of damage. While acrylic tubs are generally more expensive than plastic tubs, their better temperature retention translates to lower energy costs.
3. What hot tub should I buy for a holiday letting property?
A hot tub can add real value to a letting property, increasing occupancy and extending the season. Letting agents suggest that a hot tub is amongst the top three things people search for when looking for holiday accommodation.
However, it should be understood that this is a business environment and as such comes under the Health & Safety at Work Act and specific guidance for hot tubs has been published by the Health & Safety Executive titled ‘HSG 282 – The control of legionella and other infections agents in spa pool systems’. This document outlines best practice for the selection and management of the hot tub to safeguard its users. When buying a hot tub for a holiday let it is essential to choose one that is suited to this setting and can be easily cleaned and maintained.
Buying off a local company gives you the confidence of backup for call outs and servicing, this is of particular importance as many guests book accommodation on the basis of having a hot tub, so any downtime could lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost revenue.
4. What warranty should I get?
Always ask to see the full warranty details of the hot tub before you buy, as this may vary between products and in some instances, it may not be offered by the manufacturer, which may cause difficulties. If you buy an ex-display hot tub or one discounted in a sale check that the full warranty is still valid and starts on the day of delivery.
5. Hot Tub Insulation: Do I Need It?
Proper insulation is a major factor in keeping your electricity bills down, avoid hot tubs with little or no insulation as they will have high running costs.
The most economical hot tubs have their insulation against the cabinet walls, with all the electrical components including the pumps inside of the insulation, this means that waste energy from the motors etc is recycled into maintaining the water temperature
Avoid hot tubs where the cabinet is fully filled with expanding foam as this makes maintenance and repair difficult and expensive.
6. How many jets should I have?
Some manufacturers sell their hot tubs based on the number of jets, however this can be misleading as the size and type of jets can be more important for the right massage than the number and the jets need to be balanced with the number and power of the pumps.
If you want a decent hydrotherapy massage then it’s worth investing in a hot tub with at least two pumps and a seating layout that offers different jet sizes and patterns in different seats so that you get a variety.
7. Do I need a Cover Lifter?
It is possible to fold the cover in half, slide it off, and lean it up against a wall, but this is hard work if you are by yourself and the cover risks getting dirty and/or damaged. A cover lifter is an inexpensive but good investment to make it easier to open and close the hot tub and keep the cover off the ground. Where space is at a premium a cabinet mounted high level lifter will hold the cover upright against the tub without requiring much room, however if you want to maximise the view from the hot tub then an undermounted system or even cover shelf might be better. If you have a heavy cover then a gas assisted lifter will take the strain out of opening it.
8. How do you deliver my hot tub?
Most deliveries can be undertaken by a two-man team using specialist hot tub handling equipment and it is usual to undertake a site visit beforehand to check that access is suitable.
The delivery should always include the positioning of the hot tub, the final electricity connection, filling the hot tub with water and testing to make sure everything works properly. Avoid companies offering ‘kerbside’ delivery – where they deliver to your ‘kerbside’ and leave the rest up to you.
Probably the most important part of the delivery is the ‘spa school’ to run through the operation of the hot tub and its care and maintenance and especially how to look after the water.