Too Good To Be True?
The Hot Tub market has been bombarded, with cheap imitations from mass manufacturing countries like China, many of these hot tubs are drastically sub standard and will not last longer that a couple of years, there have been reports from dealers all over the UK and Ireland, us included, that their service teams have been inundated with calls from owners of small scale import hot tubs, claiming that their new investments are giving them problems and the people they purchased from 'don't want to know''.
Some of these complaints were for minor issues like jets not spinning freely or a light bulb not working but more recently reports of shell de-lamination or blistering are on the increase, this type of defect is the closest thing to a hot tub terminal illness, if you buy a cheap imported hot tub, yes it may have a 10 inch TV and a DVD player and other chinese made 'bells and whistles' that are intended to divert your attention away from the fact that the actual hot tub has not been manufactured to any where near the acceptable standard that a reputable manufacturer will give, for example, an Canadian made hot tub such as a Coast Spa, will come with a no quibble lifetime shell guarantee, giving you peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that Coast Spas are that confident in their product, they give a lifetime guarantee as opposed to the 2 year limited guarantee on a chinese import. If you do opt for the bells and whistles tubs from the Chenzong district, and it falls apart at the seams, just remember...You saved a few pounds!
All tubs for the European market should have the following features AS STANDARD!
OZONE
A n ozonator makes a great secondary sanitiser by creating OZONE GAS and injecting it into your Hot Tub water during circulation cycle. There are two types of ozonators: UV and corona discharge. A UV unit creates ozone with a special light bulb, which needs to be replaced after one to three years. A corona discharge unit has a special cell that produces ozone. Though corona discharge ozonators do not have any bulbs that need replacing, they cost more when worn out.
FULLY FOAM FILLED
If you imagine a Hot Tub manufactured in California, or Florida, the insulation required to maintain water temperature is very little, however if you put that level of insulation in to a UK climate your heater will have to work overtime to maintain temperature costing you much more! This problem is easily solved at the point of manufacturing, the inside cavity is literally filled with a high density spray foam that prevents heat loss from within. Some Hot Tub retailers will tell you that foam filling is not the best form of insulation arguing that it has to be dug out if you get a leak, and to some degree this is true. However a high quality Hot Tub will be fully tested before dispatch and should not leak! In the unlikely event that a leak occurred it would more than likely be a warranty issue and wouldn't cost you a penny !
THERMAL HARD COVER
All Hot Tubs need a cover, you should pay no more than the asking price.
ADEQUATE WARRANTY
Discuss with the retailer all aspects of the warranty- shell surface, parts, labour etc. Ask questions about service and replacement parts. Do they stock replacement parts or will you have to wait for parts to be sent from the factories abroad.
AFTERSALES
You should always feel comfortable asking the retailer questions, after all these are the people you will look to for help and advice should you need it after you have made your purchase.
- Can they supply you with a convenient method of chemical replenishment?
- How experienced are the installation team, are they factory trained by the Hot Tub manufacturer?
The idea of owning a Hot Tub is very appealing. The bubbling water, the relaxation, the reconnection with a significant other…it all sounds pretty exciting. But most people shopping for a spa are first-time buyers and the experience may be a little daunting.
To the inexperienced, misconceptions are common, and many think that Hot Tubs are very expensive and spa maintenance is time-consuming and difficult. Neither are true. Hot Tub manufacturers are wide open for praise and criticism in various internet discussion rooms & search engines. New Hot Tub owners are constantly uploading personal experiences on to global sites, these sites can be a crucible of knowledge when it comes to choosing a hot tub, try it for yourself! the next time your browsing for tubs, go to your favorite search engine ( google, yahoo, lycos etc.) and spend a while searching for this type of discussion forum use keywords like ' common faults, problems, service issues' combined with your short list of possible manufacturers, please be aware, if you type in things like 'hot tub chat room' you might not find the information you were looking for !
Following are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you begin shopping for your prefect Hot Tub.
1. Experience a Soak
Actually getting into the hot, bubbling water and feeling the vigorous pulsating jets massage your lower back is quite different than reading about it. Even though you may have used a Hot Tub at a resort, fitness gym or at a friend's house, exploring the waters of the Hot Tub that you plan to buy is a must. You will want to actually feel the foot well's gentle rolling water, indulge your neck in the tender massage action that you are thinking about including, or try a reclining lounger firsthand. Most spa dealers have filled spas on display, and many offer the opportunity for a test soak or to try out a special feature.
2. Consider How You Will Use the Spa
Think long term. The primary reason that you purchase your spa—for relaxation, rehabilitation, to soothe arthritic joints or sore muscles—may end up not being the sole reason you use it. Your spa's focus may evolve into one of socialization, family quality time or stress-free alone time or with your significant other. It may even end up as the first place the grandchildren head when they visit. So keep in mind that your spa's use may develop and change over time. Go with the flow, and you will be ahead of the game.
3. Incorporate the Spa Early into Your Planning
If you are in the process of building a new home, adding a deck, upgrading an existing patio or thinking about a garden makeover, plan to include the Hot Tub early in the design stage. By talking with your architect or contractor at this time you will be able to discuss the spa's location and placement, making sure that the area selected will support the spa's added weight. You can also make appropriate allowances for additional electrical connections and any other components that may be necessary beforehand.
4. Compare Various Brands
There are many Hot Tub manufacturers. During your research, determine which brands are more popular by how much exposure they seem to have. Has a particular name come up frequently during your quest for information? In researching online sources, did some brands and models appear more often than others, even using different search engines? In talking with industry people, browsing through magazines or carefully listening to word of mouth comments, which brands seemed to be mentioned time and time again? Stick with these top brands. They are more popular and more widely known for a reason. Most likely, they are dependable, well-built, offer a wide selection in the number and placement of jets, optional special features, ample warranties and minimal maintenance. Keep a track of awards / acknowledgments and Certifications.
5. Select the Right Dealer
You will look to your Hot Tub dealer as someone to lean on. Your dealer is responsible for giving you good advice, provide delivery and proper installation, be available for service, keep parts in stock and instruct you on operation, chemical use and maintenance—before and after the spa is installed.
You will probably purchase chemicals from your dealer, too. It is essential that the dealer has a good reputation, and is well established. Don't be bashful when checking out the dealer you decide to buy from. Question other Hot Tub owners, listen to the advice of friends, even talk to customers whom you come in contact with at the showroom. Ask specifically what is included with your purchase, whether or not there is a delivery charge or set-up charge, and if seasonal specials or discounts on future chemical purchases are available.
6. Don't Compromise on Price
Don't let the lower price of a model fool you…or lure you.
Sacrificing quality and performance does not work in the long run. Both manufacturers and dealers are well-versed on what makes one Hot Tub higher priced than another—from economical to mid-range to top of the line models. Industry professionals can provide information on subtle differences that you may not notice, such as a quieter running pump, which may cost a little more. Adding an automated sanitation system or higher grade cover initially may end up saving you money in the future. Consider things like these when determining (or stretching) your budget. Most Quality Hot Tubs cost between £4,000 and £12,000 depending upon features and accessories. Many dealers offer financing.
7. Don't Worry about Colour
There are so many colors in the spa spectrum that you will be able to match or blend your Hot Tub with any decor—indoors or out. Today's shell and cabinetry colours are spectacular: soft-toned solids, pearlescents, metallic's, marbleized, granite/stone/slate looks and swirly blends—to name a few. Don't just visualize these trendy treatments, seeing them (in person) is believing!
8. Consider a Low or No-Maintenance Cabinet
Just a few years ago, traditional Hot Tubs were available only with wood cabinets. The beauty of wood appeals to the senses. Its good looks, feel and smell never go out of style, and many people still prefer classic redwood or cedar over any other cabinet choice. But, along with its handsome appearance, wood requires upkeep, needing to be restained every so often. Fortunately, today's maintenance-free cabinets provide an authentic simulated wood look—without any of the upkeep. These materials are extremely durable and weather-resistant and come in modern choices, including realistic stone and slate looks.
9. Customize. If You Wish
This is the best part. After you have selected your spa, you will be enthralled by the wide variety of accessories available. Buyers usually choose to add steps, serving trays, cup holders and storage benches to keep towels and other items handy. External counters, built-in bar stools or a gazebo to enclose your Hot Tub are other options, as are customized seating set-ups and personalized jet configurations.
Many spas now come with basic sound and video systems, but there are bona fide state-of-the-art entertainment systems that provide all of the features and amenities that you are used to enjoying in the comfort of your cozy family room setting.
Complete surround sound stereo systems, plasma TVs and DVD/VCR combos are readily available. Mood-setting aesthetics with fiber-optic lighting, subtle waterfalls and elaborate rockscape or landscape treatments, not only entice, they add to the ambiance of any Hot Tub setting, just try to remember that you are shopping for a hot tub, let that be your first priority not the size of the TV screen or the number of speakers!.
