|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
|
|
There are so many Hot tub companies, who should I buy from?
|
You should always try to buy from you nearest, reputable Hot Tub show room. They will be able to give you the best in customer service AND after sales care. You won’t want to be traveling miles whenever you run out of chemicals or want to pop in for advice. Nor will you want to be left waiting hours or days if ever you have a problem with your Spa.
Naturally, Every Spa dealer will tell you that they are the best and give you reasons for buying from them.
Ask to see customer testimonials from customers who have had experience in dealing with the company you are thinking of buying from. Also check to make sure who will look after you, should anything happen to that company.
Hot tubs @ Home operate to cater for the Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire areas.
Operating within a set area allows us a much faster call out time should we need to get to you and a better rapport with Customers who know they can easily call in to the store at any time. About Us.
We are fully protected by Dimension One, Coast and Softub should anything happen to us as a branch. They will take on and honour all of our customers warranties. |
|
How much does a spa cost to buy?
|
This would depend on whether you want a Spa for social reasons, hydrotherapy or family fun.
It is important that your Spa is manufactured by a well known, long established Spa manufacturer and it’s worth spending that little bit more initially, as the Hot tub will last you a minimum of 10 years depending on how well you look after it and less to run on a monthly basis.
(As they say; 'You get what you pay for")
Our Spas and hot tubs range from as little as £1,500.00 for one of our fully serviced Pre-owned Spas, to £2,995.00 for our gorgeous Softubs.
Then we have new, 'hard shell' spas ranging from £3,995.00 right up to £32,000 for a top of the range Swim Spa. So whatever your budget, we should be able to find a Spa that’s right for you. See our Spas. |
|
How much does a spa cost to run?
|
|
There are numerous variables that determine operating costs.
For example: Climate, Bather load (how often the spas used), Filtration, Insulation etc.
On the whole your spa should cost around 30p to 50p a day on a 12-month average.
-Insulation is a key factor, if you try to save you pennies by buying an under insulated spa, you will pay dearly in electric!
|
|
Can I/Should I leave the Spa on all the time?
|
Yes, your hot tub is designed to be left on all of the time.
The initial heat up process will take the most energy consumption. Once the spa is up to temperature, you’re hot tub should be very economical. (Depending on the quality of the insulation).
The hot tub will only call for heat when the temperature drops below your desired setting; it works very much like a traditional central heating system, the better the insulation, the better running costs.
|
|
What is the difference between 100% foam fill & Partial foam fill?
|
| All major manufacturers agree that fully 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. |
|
Which model spa should I choose?
|
When looking at all of the different shapes and sizes, it’s easy to get carried away looking at Spas that are the opposite of what you began to look at.
You should always keep in the back of your mind, who is going to use the Spa, when it will be used and what you want to use it for.
Use our simple Checklist to make sure you get the best from your spa!
-A Hydrotherapy Spa is built to specifically aim at particular parts of the body and each individual seat within the spa has its own structure to concentrate on each muscle group. This comes with a more advanced filtration system than a social spa and an ability to divert water flow to specific seats.
-A Social Spa is based around having fun; hot bubbling water and possible LED lighting, standard directional jets. The main aim is to produce hot bubbling water, which concentrates on the basic massage and comes with basic filtration.
See our Installation Gallery and product sections for help choosing your perfect Spa or call into our Towcester showroom and speak to one of our trained sales advisors. |
|
Can I wet test the spa before I buy?
|
Of Course, be our guest!
Our showroom has a minimum of 3 hot tubs running at all times, available for you to try.
We will not stand over you with an order form, you will be left to you own devices to experience each spa for as long as you like.
It is very important when making an expensive and important purchase that you are 100% happy in the choice you have made.
-You'd always test drive a car!
Call us and we'll arrange an appointment with you so that you and your family can come in, in private and ‘try before you buy’. |
|
Will it be safe for my children?
|
Yes, generally it is only health clubs and gyms that put an age restriction on their whirlpools, but this is more often than not to protect them selves in case a child is left unattended.
Check to be sure that the spa you buy is listed by a recognized independent testing agency such as UL or ETL.
Make sure the cover comes with a locking system to prevent unauthorized/unsupervised use. Many spas feature locking control panels, as well.
Keep appliances and other electrical devices away from the spa area. Always observe the warnings about spa use by small children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and people under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
|
|
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 systems quality is to read and compare manufactures warranties. |
|
What's the warranty?
|
This depends on the Spa brand you choose and the retailer you buy your from. The most reputable companies offer at least 3 years on the parts and 1 year on labour. The shell of the Hot tub should have a 5-year warranty and the structure up to 10 years.
See our Individual Spa Brand Warranty Pages for more information on the Different Warranties for our Softub, Coast And Dimension One Product ranges.
|
|
What electrical supply do I need?
|
Because we sell such a vast range of Spas of all different sizes, we have some that run off of a 13 or 16amp electrical supply, some that are 32amp and the Swim Spas need a 50amp electrical supply. Within our No Hidden Extras Pricing structure, we include all Electrical work from the house to the Spa -We do more than just connecting it on the day.
|
|
What other preparations do I need to make before having a spa?
|
You probably have a location for your spa in mind already. If you are unsure, we offer a free site survey to help you decide.
All you really need is the correct electrical supply (which we can provide in your spa package), a level surface and a hosepipe. |
|
Can I use it all year round?
|
Using your hot tub in winter can be a great way to defrost from the icy weather. You really appreciate the warmth of the water and go to bed, toasty to the inner core of your body keeping you warm through the cold winter nights.
If you live in a cold climate, here are a few tips to keep your hot tub working properly and efficiently:
a) Keep your hot tub covered at all times when it’s not in use.
b) Make sure your cover has a good seal and is still in good condition.
c) You can use a floating thermal blanket to help save your energy bill.
d) Check the temperature often to make sure the hot tub is working properly.
e) Set your timer to frequent intervals, cycling the water 2 to 4 times an hour so that any water sat in the pipes doesn’t freeze.
f) Use it! Keep your hot tub running and you might use less energy than heating up 200 to 300 gallons of cold water. |
|
Do I have to use lots of chemicals to keep my water clean?
|
In order to keep the water clean, as well as using chemicals, each spa brand has its own filtration system. These can vary considerably, and remember that everyone will tell you that their product is the best.
You will need to ask the individual retailer to explain how the filtration works and the differences in their range as this will affect the amount of chemical required to keep your water at its best.
(Filtration is mainly achieved via paper filter cartridges with the water circulating through them. Some spas will do this up to 4 hours a day, however the more advanced spas will do this up to 24 hours per day at a lower cost, and that’s without having anymore than two filters to clean.)
You do need to keep your spa well balanced and sanitized with either Chlorine or Bromine, or an ECO alternative regardless of having a filtration system.
Once a day, using test strips or a test kit, check the sanitizer level and the pH level in your spa. That takes about two minutes. Then make any adjustments that need to be made. It's that simple.
Our delivery team will discuss all possible treatment methods available so that you can choose the best option for your needs.
At Hot tubs @ Home we take water treatment very seriously and all our staff are extensively trained to help you in all circumstances that may arise. |
|
How often do I need to change the water?
|
Typically, a hot tub needs to be drained once every three months.
This is just a guideline, as this will depend on the volume of water in the spa as well as the bather load. There will be instances when you may need to change the water earlier than scheduled, for instance if the water becomes contaminated with detergents or cosmetics from clothes or skin. Fake-tan is one of the most awkward substances to clear –generally the Spa will need to be drained.
Softubs need to be drained every two months due to cynuric acid building up on the soft liner.
Please Note: Even if your spa water looks clear after three months, you do need to change your water.
Any chemical you add after three months will be a waste. The total dissolved solids level will not allow your chemicals to perform efficiently, wasting your time and money.
|
|
How do I drain the spa?
|
Most spas come with a draining plug, which is located on the bottom corner of the hot tub, which you just attach a hosepipe to and it drains slowly with gravity.
On some different spas the drainage pipe is located behind one of the panels and is central to the hot tub, this drains the same way as the ones located on the corner of the spa but isn’t quite as easy to get to. The quickest way to drain the hot tub if you are trying to save time, is by using a submersible pump which you connect a hose to and then place in the middle of the spa. This will then drain it to your desired location within 45 minutes of setting up.
|
|
Is the filter easy to remove for cleaning?
|
Dimension One, Coast and Softub filters can be easily removed without removing any side panels or being in the Hot tub. They can be easily cleaned, with a hose once a week and Filter White once a month, and are readily available from our showroom and our store Online when you need replacements.
Please note: A paper filter remains at it’s most efficient for 12 months. Even if it look clean after 12-18 months. Be aware that it is not working efficiently. Over time, the Fibres within the cartridge paper break up and the filter cannot catch particles as efficiently. In the long run it will cost you more in time and Chemicals to keep your spa clean than it will to replace your filter.
|
|
What is Ozone?
|
Ozone is active oxygen, O3. It occurs naturally in the earth's atmosphere to protect us from the sun's harmful rays. Some common uses for Ozone are: pool and spa water purification, drinking water purification, waste water purification, and air freshening.
Ozone has been used to purify water since the late 1800's.It has been used to purify pool and spa water and remove odors from the air for over 50 years. Most reputable Spa Brands now include Ozone as a standard feature.
In the quantities necessary to be effective, ozone is very gentle to human eyes and skin in the water. Ozone is very gentle to spa and pool equipment. Applied properly, ozone is more gentle than any other water purifier in existence.
However, you should never breathe concentrated ozone gas.
Ozone is one of the most effective, complete bactericides of all earth's measurable elements.
Ozone kills virtually all known forms of viruses in water and air.
In the quantities needed for water purification, it has no noticeable odor, taste or color. Ozone purifies water and air very quickly and efficiently, 3,000 times faster than chlorine. Ozone leaves no by-products except pure oxygen. In contrast, chlorine leaves a chemical by-product called hypochloric acid and additional salts in water applications.
With proper filtration, Ozone should completely eliminate scum lines around your Spa.
Ozone can be produced by ultraviolet (UV) light or by corona discharge (CD).
UV ozone generation:
A special lamp gives off a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light which converts oxygen (O2) molecules into ozone (O3) molecules by splitting the oxygen molecules into individual oxygen atoms (O1) which then recombine with oxygen molecules to form ozone. This all occurs instantly inside the ozone chamber in the ozone generator.
CD Ozone Generation:
Ozone is produced by passing air through a high voltage electrical discharge or corona. A minimum of 5,000 volts of electricity is necessary to create the corona. Air or concentrated oxygen dried to a minimum of -60°C dew point passes through the corona which causes the O2 bond to split, freeing two O1 atoms which then collide with other O2 molecules to create ozone. The ozone/gas mixture discharged from the CD ozone generator normally contains from 1% to 3% ozone when using dry air, and from 3% to 6% ozone when using high purity oxygen as the feed gas.
Scientific theory states that Ozone has a half-life of about 22 minutes in water. In residential applications, ozone reverts back to oxygen in minutes (ozone breaks down faster in warmer water).
Ozone is pH neutral. It will not adversely affect the pH in your Spa.
Because impurities are constantly being introduced into the water and the ozone is constantly destroying them, the microscopic remains will need to be filtered out of the water. |
|
What is involved with the Spas delivery and Installation?
|
Hot tubs are large and awkward, weighing as much as 690 pounds unfilled. Always Order your hot tub from a company that undertakes the installation for you.
The time required to deliver your spa varies due to the complexity of each set-up and this will be discussed when our technicians do their initial Free site survey. Any help you can conjure up on the day always speeds things up.
All deliveries and set-up times are approximate only, however we will give you an A.m or P.m Installation slot.
|
|
If I move house can I take my spa with me?
|
| Yes, we offer a unique removal and storage service so we can keep it safe for you until you’re ready for it to go into your new garden. We will come and install it for you after having given it a service and set it up so you’re ready to use it again! |
