The Spa Syndicate

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs Buys Dimension One Spas

theSpaSyndicate — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:50:47 +0000

Last week, Jacuzzi Group Worldwide added another spa manufacturer to their growing list of companies that they own, Dimension One Spas. Jacuzzi currently owns Jacuzzi Hot Tubs, Sundance Spas, ThermoSpas Hot Tub Products, and now Dimension One Spas. Dimension One Spas will now operate under the guise of New Dimension One Spas and it appears that it will continue to operate as a separate business, keeping existing employees, dealers, and most of the existing operations at their current site in Vista, CA.

Dimension One Spas began in 1977 and has been a premium manufacturer of hot tubs and swim spas. In the past couple of years, Dimension One branched out into manufacturing surfboards to stay afloat in this struggling economy.

What does this mean for the hot tub industry?

It seems that while many spa manufacturers are disappearing due to hard times in the economy, many of the struggling brands are being purchased by the spa manufacturer superpowers like Watkins and Jacuzzi. Pretty soon, all of the major brands may be owned by just a few companies.

Is this a good thing for the hot tub industry? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Whirlpool or Jacuzzi? What’s the difference?

theSpaSyndicate — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:36:36 +0000

Whirlpool or Jacuzzi? What’s the difference and which one would you rather have? Well, what if I told you that a whirlpool and a Jacuzzi are essentially the same thing? The main difference is that a Jacuzzi is a brand name of a spa, or hot tub, and the name has been colloquially associated with the product – similar to Kleenex and tissues, Band-Aid and bandages, etc.

What is a Whirlpool Tub?

A whirlpool is a generic name for large, bathtub filled with hot, circulated water. The water’s circulation is made possible by jets that are constantly pushing and moving the hot water around the tub through a somewhat powerful water pump.

Invention of Jacuzzis

As discussed in an earlier post, What is a Hot Tub, we learned that a “Jacuzzi” was invented by Candido Jacuzzi. Candido created a warm, circulating bathtub for his ailing son, through the use of a submersible agricultural water pump. It was soon obvious that this whirlpool bathtub could be very effective in relieving others who were also dealing with muscle aches and pains on a daily basis. Thus, the Jacuzzi tub was invented.

So… Jacuzzi or Whirlpool or Hot Tub or Spa?

Well which one is it?! For some reason, the hot tub industry is engaged in somewhat of an identity crisis. Why are hot tubs referred to by so many different names. The manufacturers like to call them “spas,” because it sounds more luxurious and enticing to a consumer. For some people, the term “hot tub” conjures up images of sweaty, old men sitting in a wooden barrel. A “whirlpool” has become the jetted tub that is found in your master bathroom – and a “Jacuzzi?” Well, they like to call themselves spas now, too.

Confused Yet?

Whatever you want to call them, the important thing is that portable spas are a wonderful, relaxing piece of technology and we thank you, Candido Jacuzzi, for your wonderful invention.

Photo by: USCPSC

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How Hot Should a Hot Tub Be? What Temperature?

theSpaSyndicate — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:31:53 +0000

How hot should a hot tub be? What is the best or safest water temperature? Most hot tub manufacturers recommend a spa temperature of 102 to 104 degrees fahrenheit. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC), the organization that dictates how hot a hot tub can legally be set to, 104 degrees is still a safe temperature for your body. This safety measure was first introduced in 1979 as the popularity of portable spas for consumers increased.

Can a hot tub’s temperature reach over 104 degrees?

Although the legal limit for a hot tub is 104 degrees, that doesn’t mean that they can’t get hotter. If you own a well-insulated spa and it has a hot tub cover on it as well, the spa can easily reach 105 degrees or more when it is in heating mode. In a well-insulated, or energy efficient hot tub, the warmth has very little room to escape. Also, on hot days the sun can also increase the temperature of your spa, thereby allowing it to exceed the 104 degree limit.

Why is my spa limited to 104 Degrees?

Many experts say that water temperatures of 106 degrees or more can be harmful to your body, especially affecting individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure. Even when soaking in spas within the legal limits, it is recommended to be aware of your body’s reactions and take the necessary precautions. While every person’s tolerance to high temperatures is different, it is a good idea to avoid extended amounts of time in hot tubs without cooling down or taking a break once in a while. In fact, many hot tub models include a “cool-down” seat which sits up higher than the therapeutic seats and allows your heart and upper body to sit out of the water, so that you are able to cool off.

Can you set a spa’s temperature hotter than 104 degrees?

Yes, you can adjust your spa so that it can be set higher than 104 degrees, but it is definitely not recommended by the manufacturers. In many cases, tampering with your hot tub can even void the manufacturer’a warranty.

What should I do if my hot tub’s temperature isn’t working?

Most newer hot tubs have a temperature readout displayed on the control panel. The hot tub control panel usually shows the actual temperature that is being reported by the spa, and will also show the temperature that you have the hot tub set to. If you are not sure that the temperature is reading accurately, it is a good idea to place a pool or spa thermometer inside the hot tub as well. This way, you can check the hot tub’s temperature reading against the thermometer to make sure it is accurate and safe.

In addition to how hot a hot tub should be, other hot tub safety precautions include NOT using a hot tub when pregnant and children safety.

Photos: Andres Rueda, USDAgov

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Guide to Buying a Hot Tub Cover

theSpaSyndicate — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 06:09:45 +0000

A hot tub cover serves three different functions for a spa – first, and foremost, it keeps the hot tub hot by not allowing the heat to escape; second, covers keep out debris and cut down cleaning and maintenance; and finally, they provide safety for children, animals, etc. With all of this functionality, it’s easy to see why hot tub covers are so important and are a must-have for spa owners.

Now that we know why we need a cover for a spa, let’s take a closer look at the process of buying a hot tub cover. In this guide we’ll talk about some of the do’s and don’t's of purchasing a spa cover, as well as helping you know what to watch out for.

Where is the best place to buy a hot tub cover?

You can purchase a replacement cover from an online retailer or you can buy one from your local hot tub dealer.

Both options have their pros and cons.

In most cases, you will save money by ordering a spa cover online. They are currently as low as $269.00, shipped directly to your front door and the prices seem to be getting lower and lower. Buying from a local spa dealer may cost a little more, but you can see in-person, the quality of the cover you’d be buying and in many cases they may offer delivery as well. Some people are worried about getting the correct measurements of their hot tub, which is a costly mistake; so a dealer may also offer to come to your home and measure your hot tub for you. This often isn’t free, but at least you protect yourself from getting the wrong cover measurements, which is the number one problem when ordering replacement covers.

Warranty is also another big thing to think about when deciding to make a purchase online versus buying local. While hot tub parts and supplies are priced much lower online, usually the buyer is responsible for shipping costs when it comes to warranty or replacement. Retailers aren’t likely to ship out new products until they have inspected the defective item first. In the case of a defective hot tub cover, it would probably be shipped directly to the spa cover manufacturer and they would either fix it or replace it. Sometimes photos are good enough to assess the damage, but if they require you to send it back, you better get out your wallet. After boxing it up securely and paying to ship it back, you might be better off just buying a new cover. Don’t let me scare you away from buying online though – thousands of people purchase hot tub covers from online retailers every year and have absolutely no problem.

Step 1: Choosing the Correct Shape

Most retailers start out by asking you to choose the correct shape to match your spa. Square or rectangle is the most common spa shapes, but there are at least 12 different options such as round, octagon, and more.

Step 2: Measuring the Hot Tub’s Dimensions

Like I said, this is where most of the mistakes happen, so you need to be careful when taking the measurements of the spa.

IMPORTANT! DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE

Make sure you measure the actual hot tub and not your old cover that you are replacing. Covers can shrink or enlarge over time due to constant exposure to the elements, so be safe and measure the tub. Depending on the spa’s shape you may have to get some different types of measurements, but usually you need the length, width, and radius of the corners (if your spa has rounded corners). You should also measure the skirt length as well, which is the part that hangs down over the sides of your hot tub.

Step 3: Choosing a Cover Color

This step is simple. Pick whatever color matches your previous cover or GO CRAZY and try something new. Most retailers have at least 10 different colors to choose from, while others offer even more choices.

Step 4: Choosing the Hot Tub Cover Options

Spa covers are available in different foam thicknesses ranging from a tapered 4″-2″ thickness up to a 6″-4″ thickness. A cover also offers different foam density ranging from 1 pound to 2 pounds. The more dense and thick it is, the less heat that you would lose – this is commonly measured by the R-Value. Each of these options add quite a bit to the price and it mainly just depends on your climate and surrounding environment. The warranty, as we discussed earlier, also increases with each option ranging from one year up to five years.

There are also a few other little upgrades that you can do like a continuous center seal, double-wrapped foam core, additional handles or safety straps, and more. In many cases, you just have to decide what is important for you and how much you are willing to spend. A hot tub cover typically lasts from 5-10 years when your tub is located outside and exposed to the elements, so that may also factor into how much you are willing to spend to cover your hot tub.

You Are Now a Hot Tub Cover Genius

You should feel much more confident about buying your spa cover as well as the pros and cons of purchasing online or local. If you have any questions or comments about what options or upgrades are really worth your money, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below (and so would other potential cover buyers).

photo by: aliwest44

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What is a hot tub, portable spa tub, or Jacuzzi?

theSpaSyndicate — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:00:38 +0000

If you are asking yourself, “What is a hot tub?” – You have come to the right place. A hot tub is a small pool of water or a larger than normal tub that utilizes hot water to cause buoyancy and treat aches and pains. Hot tubs often use jets as a form of hydrotherapy, applying targeted massage techniques to specific areas of the body. A hot tub, is also commonly referred to as a spa, portable spa, and jacuzzi. All of these terms seem to be interchangeable and commonly used. The term, Jacuzzi, is similar to how people call tissues, “Kleenex.” The brands have become so diluted that they are now a generic, everyday use of the term.

Hot tubs were first invented by the Jacuzzi brothers and the very first self-contained portable spa was introduced in 1968. Although, there was a gradual lead up to that defining moment starting 20 years earlier when Candido Jacuzzi realized he could use the submersible agricultural water pump to give his ailing son a soothing, whirlpool bath.

Types of Hot Tubs

The most common type of portable spa is the Acrylic, which consists of an acrylic interior and wood or simulated wood grain exterior. Roto-molded spas, named after the rotational molding process, are typically made from one, single piece of durable plastic. These tubs are spun in a 360-degree motion and formed into different shapes and seating arrangements. Wooden hot tubs, or Ofuros, are round tubs that resemble a large barrel. They are commonly made of Cedar or Redwood and were very popular in the 1970s. Cement hot tubs are usually built-in to the cement accompanying an in-ground swimming pool, but they can also be built above the ground as well. Cement tubs can look really good, but they aren’t typically as comfortable as a portable spas, lacking unique seating positions and advanced jet placement. Finally, we have the portable inflatable spas. Inflatable hot tubs are a more affordable choice and can usually be plugged directly into a standard 110V outlet.

Hot Tub Water Chemistry and Sanitization

Hot tubs are usually recommended to be drained every 3-4 months by most manufacturers and spa professionals. Due to the warm temperatures, damp conditions, and ratio of bathers to water, portable spas are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Hot tub water needs to be tested and treated on a regular basis, in order to keep the water fresh and clean.

The sanitizer chemical, Bromine, is generally the most commonly used chemical to sanitize a hot tub; but chlorine may also be used. Bromine is usually distributed in the form of a 1-inch tablet, but can also be used in powdered form. Chlorine tablets are not recommended by spa manufacturers and can often void the warranty on the spa’s shell. Chlorine granules are fine and can be used as the main sanitizer or added to supplement the bromine, if needed.

It is recommended to test the water and add chemicals as needed on a weekly basis. There are different ways of testing the water, from test strips to chemical reagents. These tests commonly test the sanitizer level, pH level, alkalinity level, and calcium hardness. There are many other chemicals that you can add such as stain and scale prevention, clarifier, water softeners, scum line treatments, and much more. Many bathers also use hot tub aromatherapy liquids or crystals to create different scents during each use.

Hot Tub Plumbing and Equipment

A Portable Spa Consists of:

At least one jet pump system to circulate the water and power the hydrotherapy jets.
A filtration system to filter out the debris in your spa.
A suction system to pull the water to be circulated back through the pump system.

Optional Equipment Includes:

An ozonator system which aids in lowering chemical usage and destroying bacteria.
An air blower that creates a “bubbly” effect to give users a gentle, tissue massage.
Bromine or Chlorine generating system which will help to add and maintain a proper sanitizer level for the spa.
Built-in mineral system which can reduce required sanitizer levels, soften the water, and help buffer the pH levels in the hot tub.

Energy Efficiency

Important factors in hot tub energy efficiency are insulation, heat retention, filtration, design, and engineering. Optional circulating pumps are considered to lower the cost of monthly operation, but are available only on specific spa models and brands. In addition, many spa manufacturers comply with the stringent energy standards of Title 20, established by the California Energy Commision (CEC).

photo credit: Andrei!

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Do You Fascinate?

theSpaSyndicate — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:55:04 +0000

Are you a great salesperson?

What type of selling technique do you use to sell spas? If you are a consumer, how do you negotiate for the best overall price?

Every day, intentionally or not, you’re using fascination triggers to persuade people at work and home. Whether you’re pitching a new client, or inviting a friend to lunch, or lulling a cranky toddler to sleep, you’re using triggers to elicit a certain response.

Which triggers are you using to persuade and captivate?

You have seven potential fascination triggers: power, trust, mystique, prestige, vice, alarm, and lust. Each trigger leads to a different style of communication, and a different type of relationship. The more accurately you identify your personality triggers, and the more intelligently you hone them, the more influential your message becomes.

Through proprietary research of 1,059 people, with bite-sized video explanations, the F Score has been carefully designed over the course of six months to highlight which triggers you naturally apply.

In the battle to fascinate consumers, brands apply triggers, too. Volvo uses trust. Godiva uses lust. Fedex uses alarm. Apple Computers uses several triggers, most notably prestige and power. Triggers help companies sell products off shelves, persuade shareholders to invest, and convince key employees to stay.

But back to you. Take the F Score and learn which of the seven triggers you naturally apply in your own work and life.

Click here to take the brand personality test by Sally Hogshead.

Helpful Links

Fascinate: Your 7 Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation
Videos: 7 Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation

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How to Think of Great Ideas for Sales and Marketing

theSpaSyndicate — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:55:36 +0000

What happens when you hit a creative wall? Or do you ever feel like you are tapped out of ideas, especially when it is crunch time? Some people are idea machines and then, there is the rest of us. We need a little nudge to get our brains moving toward the development of a great sales or marketing campaign, or a better way to approach a situation that is in dire need of something snappy or creative. When that time comes, how do you find inspiration? It can be different for everybody, but here are some things that work for me.

Podcasts/Interviews

I get some of my best ideas while I am listening to podcasts. First of all, what is a podcast? A podcast is a free audio or video that can be subscribed through iTunes and played on your iPod/iPhone, computer, or mp3 device. A podcast can be about any subject and is usually in the form of education, entertainment or interview. There are thousands to choose from in many different interests and niches. These are great for two reasons: they are informative and they are free. I have found what works best for me is to listen to them as I drive to and from work each day, but you can easily incorporate them into your exercise program or leisure time.

For me, a podcast just gets my creative juices flowing. I listen to a lot of podcasts that have to do with sales and marketing. Often times I will be able to expound on an idea that is being discussed or it may send me off in a completely different direction, but the point is, to inspire creative thought and action. It works wonders and I highly suggest that you try it. Here are a few podcasts that I listen to regularly, give them a try. If they are not for you, just type in a quick search in the podcast directory and see what you like.

John Jantsch: Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
Small Business Trends Radio | Small Business Advice
Internet Marketing Podcast

(clicking the above links may open iTunes or ask you to install it)

Books

It takes me forever to read a book. I often start a book and then finish it up to a year later. Why does it take me so long to read it? I take a lot of notes while I am reading and then it begins to ignite ideas that I start working on and before I know it, I have put the book down and began creating something great. Even with all of the technology we have and the classes and workshops that cost us loads of money, a book is a tremendous value. For less than twenty bucks, you are awarded hundreds of pages filled with the author’s life’s work on a particular subject. That information is way more than you are going to get out of a 3-day workshop or seminar. Even if I don’t finish the book, I still got one amazing idea from reading it, which was well worth the measly $20.

Small business books I have read recently and recommend:

Other Advertisements

If I am in need of a effective idea for a sale, sometimes I will look to other companies to see what is working for them. If they had a great sales idea, there is nothing wrong with adapting it to fit my needs or simply “borrowing” it. I will look in department stores or skim through magazine ads or direct mail. It’s a good idea to keep a folder of advertisements that you have received in the mail or torn out of a magazine, so that you can use them as inspiration in the future. I will even do a quick search in Google for keywords or images that may be about a certain topic that I have been kicking around for a sale. Recently, I was looking on iStock.com, for an image for a direct mail piece I was putting together and as a result came up with an entire campaign and a bunch of signage for the store. If you are not familiar with iStock.com, it is an amazing resource for high quality photography, images, illustrations, and videos that are priced very competitively for you to license and use.

Take Action

The last thing I would suggest to inspire that million dollar idea is to simply do something that you love. Just being a part of something that takes you out of your element or provides you with a sense of being can result in creativity and inspiration. For some it may be rock climbing or free running, for others it may be painting or gardening. You just need to get to that place where your mind is set free to think and be inspired. Push yourself a little bit and the ideas will start to flow.

These are all exercises that I use on a regular basis to feed my creativity.

How do you come up with a great idea? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa – Part Five: Quality and Price

theSpaSyndicate — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:08:32 +0000

This is the fifth and final post in the series “The Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa.” In this series we have been discussing the most important considerations when choosing the hot tub that is perfect for you. We encourage you to leave your comments, thoughts or opinions below.

Tip #5: Quality and Price

This topic is easily the most debatable and misunderstood in the realm of the entire hot tub industry. Every spa dealer and every manufacturer is going to say that their brand stands much taller than their competition in quality and craftsmanship and is virtually superior in very possible way. That’s just the way it is; and honestly, don’t you want them to be excited about what they are selling? As for price, it can be very difficult to understand how much a spa should cost when you first begin your search. Pricing in the hot tub industry can be as elusive as the legendary Bigfoot or Chupacabra. While there is no magic bullet to find out how much a spa is worth, let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you may consider in finding your perfect spa.

Quality

Quality plays a large part in the cost and value of a hot tub. The first four posts of this series have really been all about quality and features that make one hot tub brand stand out from the other, so we won’t go into much detail about these topics again in this post. To find out more, simply click on any of these links: Comfort, Hot Tub Therapy, Filtration & Maintenance, and Energy-Efficiency.

Other measurements of quality may include accolades and awards such as a Consumers Digest Best Buy or SpaSearch.org Certification for manufacturers or certain models. Quality doesn’t end with the spa, if you are buying from a dealer, be sure it is someone you would like to do business with after the sale. You will likely buy your chemicals from them and want to call them should you need service or repair for your spa.

Warranty

The warranty of a hot tub is definitely a major selling point when considering a new hot tub versus a used one or even one brand over another. The warranty on a hot tub is considerably long for a luxury item, especially when compared to other products such as TVs, electronics, appliances, and automobiles. Some of the top spa manufacturers offer as long as a five year warranty on components, equipment, plumbing and even heaters. Many manufacturers offer a 10 year no-leak warranty and 7 year surface warranty for the shell. Ozonators, lights, stereos, and speakers generally have a one year warranty. The exterior of the spa can range from 1 to 3 years, maybe more for some brands. Factory spa covers should also include a warranty on the materials and workmanship for at least 1-2 years.

In most cases, a warranty is non-transferable from one spa owner to another, so do not fall victim to this wary practice of second-hand spas. However, a spa may have a limited warranty if sold as a used or refurbished spa through a dealership, but make sure to receive a document stating what the warranty length and limitations are before purchasing.

Note: Please understand that these warranty guidelines do not reflect any specific manufacturer and we cannot guarantee your spa will meet or exceed any of these generalizations.

Price

If you are like most people, you may be on the defensive when you step foot onto the showroom floor. As customers, we don’t enjoy feeling like we were sold something, but yet we love to buy. It doesn’t really matter what it is, it just feels good to make purchases. In some cases, a purchase may enhance our quality of life or increase our self-esteem, while others may be an impulse-buy while standing in the checkout line at your local grocery store. It just feels good to get what we want and purchasing a hot tub is no different. What is different is that a hot tub is actually more than just a purchase, it is an investment. You are investing your time, your family’s time, your health, and your well-being into this product. Educate yourself, so you can make the right choice.

New vs. Used Spas

It can be difficult to find pricing for new hot tubs, without consulting a dealer. Many dealers don’t even display prices in their stores. When the prices are displayed on spas, you may have the tendency just to quickly look at prices and hurry out of the store. Give the salesman a moment of your time to explain what makes this hot tub exceptional and to point out some of the key differences within their own line of spas and some of their competition. There are many enhancements and options even within one brand of spas that can increase or decrease the retail price accordingly. Also, be sure to ask the dealer what else is included in the purchase price – does it come with a cover, cover lift, steps, chemicals, delivery, set up, etc? It’s a good idea to visit at least a few of the dealerships in your area to help decide what features are important to you and also to gauge what price you are willing to spend. If you have questions about pricing or you want to make sure you are getting a good deal, please visit our forum and get feedback from others who are probably going through the same process as you.

When searching for a used spa, it is a lot easier to search by price and we offer free listings for both used and new hot tubs to help you find the best deal possible. When purchasing a used spa, you will most likely pay a cheaper price, but there are other considerations to factor into the cost such as moving the tub from one location to another, site preparation, electrical wiring and hookup, and possible repair expenses. You may find a used spa in your local classifieds, our find a spa page, or even from your local dealer. It is difficult to know how much to pay for a used spa, so do some research to see what is available in your area. You will likely spend more on a used hot tub from a dealer, but they may offer a limited warranty on a refurbished model. When dealing with private sellers here are a few ideas to consider: Is the spa in working condition? If so, you could wet-test it or at least make sure everything seems to be working. If possible, it is a good idea to hire a local hot tub service technician to give it a thorough inspection before you buy. A small service charge is a good investment before spending $1000s on a used hot tub, if you don’t know what problems to look for. Be sure to keep an eye out for cracks or bubbles in the spa shell and look at the equipment for visible leaks or problems.

Which hot tub is right for me?

That is really the question, isn’t it? There is no perfect hot tub, no perfect model or manufacturer. There are major brands that produce far more spas than some of the smaller brands and you will be fine if you stick with one of the top competitors. Finding the right spa is about what works for you, which may mean comfort, style, design, or ease-of-use. This is why we recommend looking at different brands, researching online, and talking to others about what they have found when searching for a spa. There are definitely things to look out for and factors to consider, which has been the goal of this series of posts and we hope that it has been helpful to you. If you found these posts helpful, please let us know in the comments section below.

If you missed the first part of this series you can find it here:

–> Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa – Part One: Comfort

–> Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa – Part Two: Therapy

–> Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa – Part Three: Filtration and Maintenance

–> Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa – Part Four: Energy Efficiency

As always, we would love to learn from your thoughts and questions in the comments below…

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Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa – Part Four: Energy-Efficiency

theSpaSyndicate — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:01:10 +0000

This is the fourth post in the series “The Top 5 Tips for Buying a Hot Tub or Spa.” In this series we will discuss the most important considerations when choosing the hot tub that is perfect for you. Each day we will cover one of the top five tips with a new post and we encourage you to leave your comments, thoughts or opinions below.

Tip #4: Energy-Efficiency

There are many important factors pertaining to a hot tub’s energy-efficiency such as heat retention, insulation, filtration, design, and engineering. Several years ago, a spa cost a lot of money to operate each month, especially in colder climates. Over time, hot tubs have become more energy efficient in their design, construction, and performance in order to comply with certain energy standards, most notably, Title 20 established by the California Energy Commission (CEC). Not all hot tubs are made equally and not all are compliant with these energy standards, so be sure to ask your dealer or do some research on your own before making a purchase.

Heat Retention

The key to higher energy-efficiency and lower monthly operating costs is heat retention. Insulation is very important in keeping the heat inside your spa, as well as keeping the cold out. Spa manufacturers use different methods for insulating their spas, so it is a good idea to know what to look out for. These methods include: filling the entire cabinet with foam, insulating the underside of the shell, and insulating the inside of the cabinet. Some manufacturers also use a lower density foam, resulting in a less energy-efficient hot tub.

Your spa’s cover is an integral part of keeping the heat in your spa. As we all know, heat rises; just like in our homes, which is why we place vast amounts of insulation in our attics. It is the same for a hot tub. The cover is the last line of defense for heat retention. Make sure your spa includes an energy-efficient cover with a decent R-value (usually R-12 or more) and high-density foam. When the hot tub is not in use, you will want to make sure that the cover straps are latched and the cover fits snugly to minimize heat loss. Cover straps are also a great safety feature as well, to keep out children and unwanted visitors.

Filtration

We talked a lot about filtration in the previous section of this series, and it also plays a large part in heating the spa as well. Water needs to be able to flow easily through the filter in order for it to be heated and cleaned. If your filter cartridge is old, dirty, or simply clogged up, it is either time to clean it or replace it. In fact, if you own a spa and it is having trouble heating or keeping a consistently warm temperature, you may want to clean or replace the filter cartridge. This is one of the first things a spa service technician will check and you may save yourself a large diagnostic fee by looking at it first. If you think your filter may be the problem, remove the cartridge for a few hours and see if it makes a difference in the temperature. If so, clean the filter or replace it. For average hot tub use, a good rule of thumb is two replace your filter cartridge every two years.

Filtration cycles are normally set to four hours, twice per day; but these can be adjusted based on bather load and usage patterns. Just make sure to run the cycles enough to maintain clear, clean water. Also, running your filtration cycles during off-peak hours is always a good idea.

Pumps

When shopping for a spa, do not base the effectiveness of hydrotherapy or massage solely on the number of jets and the size of the pumps. Some hot tub manufacturers place a very large emphasis on the total jet count, while others tout the size of the pumps as a major selling point. The more jets it has, the more horsepower required from the pumps, and the higher your operating costs. A spa does not need hundreds of jets in order to provide a great massage, so watch out for this selling tactic. How many jets is too many? Well, I guess that is up to you. This is why wet-testing is important, along with researching the model(s) you are considering.

Let’s discuss pumps and horsepower for a minute. Do not be fooled by the brands or dealers that peddle high horsepower as a major selling point. In many cases, they are referring to the Brake Horsepower or BHP. Brake Horsepower (BHP) is the horsepower a pump motor achieves for a brief period upon start-up. It does not run at the full BHP the entire time, which would be overkill for most spas. This is a widely used tactic amongst the spa industry, so be sure to seek clarification if you have any questions about it.

Many spa models may include an independent circulation pump, which operates continuously to filter and heat the water. Circulation pumps use a smaller amount of electricity than jet pumps, so it will assist in lower monthly operating costs. They also run quieter than models that do not have circulation pumps, which may be nice if the spa is sitting outside of your bedroom or on a deck. These models usually cost more than models without circulation pumps and are available from many different manufacturers.

Following these simple guidelines when shopping for a hot tub will greatly increase your chances of purchasing a spa that will be long-lasting and one of the most energy-efficient models on the market today. And remember, always ask questions to your dealers or private sellers in order to make a fully-informed buying decision and wet-test when possible. In most cases, your spa’s operating costs should be able to average less than a dollar a day.

Tip: An energy-efficient thermal or floating spa blanket will help retain heat and reduce the amount of moisture building up on the inside of your spa cover, which can extend its life.