Contents:
Introduction
Determine the Right Size for You
Determine Where You are Going to Install Your Spa
Miscellaneous Installation Considerations
Choosing the Color
Selecting the Proper Jet Package
Choosing the Right Pump Package for You
Selecting Proper Filtration
Factory Installed Versus On-Site Cabinets
Locking Your Spa
Maintaining Your Spa
Reasons Why Hot Tubs of CT is Considered as Having Great Spas
Layer Insulation Process
The Hydropool Difference
Caution
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Introduction
Hot tubs, or spas as they are commonly called , started out as a fad in the early 70's and became a necessity of the rich and famous in the 80's. With the consistent popularity over the 90's, the spa has achieved the status of the backyard pool or home gym for social and health benefits. Installed in millions of homes worldwide, they provide unlimited health, fun and relaxation.
They can be installed almost anywhere, your house or your backyard (without messy construction or hidden costs) and are inexpensive to purchase and operate. While having fun, spa users derive improved health and a relaxed state of mind all year round (even in winter climates).
Doctors and medical professionals alike have verified the benefits of regular spa use.
Before making a decision on the best spa for you, we invite you to read the enclosed. We are confident that you will better understand why Hot Tubs of CT has gained a statewide reputation for carrying quality spas.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Morris
President
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Determine The Size Right For You
Too many prospective spa buyers look for a spa that will accommodate the needs of a large party. While we are confident that you will hold many spa parties over the years, you should purchase one that is suited to your regular lifestyle. If your family consists of 3- 5 people, and if you don't regularly organize large parties, we suggest a medium sized 5-6 person spa. Remember, larger spas take up more patio or basement space, cost more to purchase and operate, and the larger safety hardcovers are slightly more difficult to maneuver.
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Determine Where You Are Going To Install The Spa
In the past few years, the trend has been for most spas to be installed outdoors. If you plan on regularly entertaining in your spa, and the idea of enjoying your spa under the stars on a peaceful winter night sounds wonderful, you should definitely consider installing your spa outdoors. Outdoor spas should be located where the users will not be subject to strong winds or the voyeurism of a neighbour. The spa should be located as near to a door as possible so that it can be reached quickly in the winter. Once you have overcome the intimidation of going out into the winter cold, and hopping into your spa, you will find the experience very exhilarating.
When you are ready to go back to the house, you will be amazed how warm the spa has made your body, and you can take your time gathering your towels and drinks, re-installing the hardcover and heading indoors...... even without a bathrobe!
We always recommend keeping your spa operating year-round. The small operating cost is definitely outweighed by the pleasure of a winter spa experience.
Due to the advances in insulation, safety hardcovers, programmable timers and dual speed motors, the cost of operating an average size spa indoors or out is approximately $12- $20/month, up to a maximum of $30-$40/month during the winter for spas located outside in a harsh winter environment.
If you are located where there are harsh winters, and you are not an avid winter enthusiast, or you do not entertain regularly, you may want to consider installing your spa indoors. We do not recommend installing your spa in a bathroom as spas are not intended to be used with soap, and guests will not feel comfortable sitting in your spa in a bathroom setting. Most indoor spas are installed in a basement, in a solarium or off a bedroom. Check door sizes, corners, and stairwell heights prior to selecting your spa size and location.
Should a one piece spa be too large to move into your desired location, Hydropool manufactures two models of two-piece spas that will fit through almost any stairwell or door, and is easily assembled in the basement.
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Miscellaneous Installation Considerations
An exhaust fan or dehumidifying unit is not mandatory for indoor installations as the only moisture created is when the insulating hardcover is off, and the spa is in use. Opening a nearby window when the spa is in use, will more than compensate for the minimal moisture created.
Where ceiling height is 8' or less, the purchase of a 29" deep spa is recommended so that the spa does not overburden the room.
Non-slip ceramic tile is recommended for indoor installations however, water resistant indoor/outdoor carpet is adequate.
The installation of a floor drain is beneficial, but only required if you plan on regularly entertaining in your spa and expect considerable splashing will occur.
Due to the weight of a filled spa, your spa should rest on a solid foundation. If the spa is being placed on a deck, please consult a professional to ensure that the deck has been constructed to support the weight. If the spa is to be placed on the ground, we recommend a poured concrete support base. Where freezing and thawing does not occur, or where you have a sand fill and no clay or other water retaining backfill, a patio stone or brick base will be sufficient.
Consideration should be given to safe entry and exit from the spa. Steps should be nonslip. An above ground or partially installed spa that causes the user to step over the edge of the spa (rather than down into it as in a fully recessed unit) is safer. Mounted handrails are recommended, however, most spas are designed to allow users to sit on the edge and safely slip in and out of the spa.
All spas and electrical appliances within 10' of the spa must be protected by a GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI). These protective devices are sometimes factory installed in the equipment pack, however, our experience has shown that the device works more effectively, with fewer nuisance trips, when it is installed inside, at the house electrical panel box. Please consult the electrician who is wiring your spa for further details.
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Choosing The Color
After choosing the size and shape that best suits your family and lifestyle, you should choose the colour. Each Hydropool model is available in a wide range of colours. In recent years acrylic suppliers have introduced natural Granite colours. Hot Tubs of CT offers this full range of granite colours at a minimal surcharge. Spas thermal formed with the granite sheets are actually manufactured from the same material as regular acrylic spas and are covered by the same warranty.
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Selecting The Proper Jet Package
Most spa models are available in a choice of Basic (1-2 jets per seat) Regular (1-2 jets per seat plus a Power or Captains Rejuvenator multi-jet seat), or Deluxe with an extra pump and jets and perhaps a supplementary air bubbler system. (Hydropool's versions are the Silver, Gold and Platinum Series.) The Basic Package (Hydropool's Silver Series) is adequate for most people. Remember the buoyancy of the hot water and the gentle swirl of the water without the jets on high speed will be enough to place you in ecstasy. However, when you are purchasing a spa to relieve the discomfort of a bad back, or you plan to entertain in your spa, you may want to consider a model that has several jets on at least one seat, and perhaps an air bubbler package (Hydropool's Gold, or Platinum Series with the added blower option).
Spas with an air bubbler option or a second jet pump and extra jets definitely increase the benefits and enjoyment of the spa, however, we stress that these are not an absolute necessity to enjoy the wonderful life of hot tubbing.
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Choosing The Right Pump Package For You
Pump size should be based on the gallon per minute flow as there is some misleading marketing within the hot tub industry in regards as to the size of the pumps. Most residential hot tub pump motors are 48 Frame, high performance pumps with oversized impellors and 2 horsepower motors. Due to the fact that there pumps will often pump more gallons per minute than conventional 3, 4 and even 5 horsepower pool pumps, many hot tub pump manufacturers, as well as most hot tub manufacturers, are now labeling their pumps 4HP, 4.5HP and even 5HP refering to "high performance" or "hydrotherapy power", not conventional horsepower.
The fact is that these pumps will all perfform as required, the problem is that consumers are understandably confused.
In 1998 one pump manufacturer introduced a high performance pump/motor combination that they are marketing as a 56 Frame. While the motor's frame is larger than a 48 Frame, it is not as large as a conventional 56 Frame. While some manufacturers are now using this pump on their spas, it should be noted that the extra flow rates may be "overkill" and that the additional amperage they consume may necessitate either the use of a 60 amp breaker or not allowing the heater to work while the jets are operating.
Ignoring the confusing pump size issue, the fact is that you only require a true 1.5 or 2 horsepower pump to drive a mixture of 15 to 20 modern designed spa jets. While some spas in health clubs or hotels are equipped with actual 5 or even 10 horsepower pumps, you must remember that larger pumps are required as in most instances, the equipment is located quite a distance from the spas. Furthermore, in most commercial establishments they want you in and out of the spa in less than 10 minutes so that no lineups occur. Waterflow through these jets are commonly designed to be unbearable after a few minutes.
Home spas on the other hand, are designed to be enjoyed for much longer periods. While the jets still provide ample hydrotherapy, they are also designed with relaxation and recreation in mind.
Where you require very strong jets, you can turn off some of the jets, or use a diverter valve to isolate the flow to specific jets, making these jets stronger.
A spa with 10 - 20 jets is more than adequate for most people's needs. Larger party spas, or spas equipped for specific hydrotherapy needs, may be equipped with more jets, requiring a second pump.
Before jumping to the conclusion that more jets and more pumps are better, think back to the days of the large gas guzzling car engines. Sure they were fast, but what they could provide was not needed by 99% of the buyers, yet the 99% still ended up paying for the feature, both at the time of the purchase and continually thereafter.
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Selecting Proper Filtration
Most of the spas manufactured today are equipped with either a floating exposed suction side filter, or with a concealed pressure system. Both systems are more than adequate to ensure clean spa water. In our opinion, the concealed system is superior as the filters can be larger, the dirty filter is out of the sight of spa users, and when removing the filter for cleaning, it is unlikely that any dirt from the filter will fall into the spa water as can happen with a floating suction type. The spa owner who purchases a spa from a manufacturer like Hydropool, who installs the concealed pressure type systems, also enjoys the benefit of a separate surface skimmer, free of the obstruction of a floating skimmer.
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Factory Installed Versus On-site Cabinets
Whether you purchase a spa with a factory cabinet, or choose to build your own deck or custom enclosure from tile, marble, etc, is simply personal preference.
Quite obviously, if your spa is going to placed on an existing surface and you plan on enclosing it in wood, a factory installed cabinet is likely the best and least expensive choice, providing the cabinet matches the surrounds. (Ensure that if your spa has a redwood cabinet that redwood lumber is readily available for the rest of your building requirements).
However, where you are submerging the spa or custom encasing it with tile, etc, ensure that the manufacturer can provide a spa without a cabinet as this will save you considerable money. Many spas can't be sold without a cabinet as the manufacturer does not factory install a support structure and simply relies on the cabinet to support the edge of the spa. When installing your spa without a cabinet, you must ensure your equipment is adequately protected from rain and snow.
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Locking Your Spa
Most spa packages include a locking safety hardcover designed to keep unsupervised children (or animals) out, and the heat in. In most areas, the use of a hardcover will eliminate the need to fence in your spa, however, we strongly recommend that you consult your local government for specific details.
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Maintaining Your Spa
Spas are very simple to maintain, requiring only a few minutes of your time each week, but it is important that you remember your spa contains hot water, so proper maintenance and chemical balancing is required to ensure clean, safe water.
We recommend that you maintain your spa 100 - 102 degrees Fahrenheit on a year-round basis rather than turning the spa temperature up and down as it is used.
Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to use your spa and realizing that it will take almost two hours to increase from its present 80 degrees Fahrenheit to your desired operating temperature.
Remember with a programmable filtration cycle, efficient insulation and dual speed motors, monthly costs to operate a spa are very reasonable.
A very small amount of oxidizer such as chlorine or bromine should be added to the spa daily, and the pH (measure of whether the water is alkaline or acidic) should be tested twice a week.
Under normal limited use, the spa water should be drained and refilled with fresh water every second month. After re-filling, and every week thereafter, a small amount of sequestrant/ scale inhibitor should be added to protect the spas heater and acrylic surface.
ASK YOUR FRIENDS:
A recent survey of North American spa owners found that more than 88% responded that maintaining a spa was relatively simple, and that over 96% would recommend purchasing a spa to their friends.
As shown, maintaining clean and safe spa water requires only a few minutes of your attention each week. To further minimize your involvement, we recommend the purchase of an optional ozonator.
Ozone reduces organic matter in hot tub water therefore reducing the chlorine or bromine demand. The use of chlorine and bromine is still required, however, consumption will be considerably lower.
Another benefit of having your spa equpped with an ozonator is that they will not affect the pH of the water to the same degree as chlorine and bromine, thereby reducing the need to test your pH to only once a week in a normal limited use spa. Since ozone has a neutral pH, less balancing chemicals will be required than with a hot tub treated with strictly chlorine or bromine. As a result, many users claim that ozonated hot tubs have a much softer feeling water and are more gentle on sensitive skin. If someone in your family suffers form a skin condition, you may want to give the purchase of an ozonator serious consideration.
With an ozonator, total chemical purchases for a normal limited use spa should not exceed $50/yr. Once a week, you should spend a few minutes on your spa testing the pH and adding a small amount of chlorine, once a month you should spend 10-15 minutes cleaning your re-useable filter, and draining and refilling needs will be reduced to every 4-5 months.
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Hot Tubs of CT Versus the Competition...
There is No Comparison!
Some of the reasons Hot Tubs of CT is considered as carrying great spas include:
• Hot Tubs of CT Spas accommodate more users than similar sized competitors' spas.
• Each model is extremely comfortable, most with soft head cushions.
• Hydropool models are designed to allow users to enjoy conversation with all users facing each other. Loungers are designed in a semi-recumbent position to eliminate floating off the lounger.
• Spa access is very safe via either wide safety access steps or flat stepping areas at the end of the loungers.
• Hydropool's fibreglass/aluminum moulds ensure straight lines with no imperfections. Less expensive spas are made with wood moulds and you will notice imperfections in the finished product.
• ICI high-lustre acrylic is used on all Hydropool Spas . Some spa manufacturers have switched to acrylic with ABS sheet or other plastic materials such as Centrex, which do not need as much fibreglass backing. While spas made from these materials have high impact resistance, some consumers have commented that they do not have the same aesthetic brilliance. They also can't be thermal formed to give as much detail as our spas , and in some extreme situations, when left out in the hot sun, without hardcovers, will actually attempt to return back to the flat shape of the original sheet or fade or discolour.
• Hydropool's high quality control in fibreglass adhesion as well as the use of high quality vinyl esther in out first bonding coat has resulted in the industry's lowest percentage of problems.
• ICI acrylic sheet that we and most other major manufacturers use, will crack, if hit very hard with a sharp object, but it is also more easily repaired on-site than other materials used.
• The reason that a few manufacturers use materials (other than the ICI cast sheet we use) is simply that either due to quality control or environmental problems, the other manufacturers are either unable or unwilling to successfully apply fibreglass. There is nothing wrong with the other materials, and they are excellent for spas, we just wish that the few manufacturers not using cast acrylic would be more straightforward as to why they use an alternative sheet.
• Hot Tubs of CT installs a wood support base, adhered with fibreglass to every spa to ensure proper support of the entire spa. As a result we do not rely on the lip of the spa or the cabinet to support the spas and our spas do not need a cabinet for support, only aesthetic purposes.
• Hydropool only uses the best equipment including Waterways jets, Vico/Ultra Jet pumps, CBM and Balboa packs, etc. Less expensive products are available but we like to use companies that have proven products and proven engineering departments.
• Each Hydropool Spa has 2" plumbing from the skimmer and bottom drain to the pumps and back to the manifold to ensure proper gallons per minute flow and maximun jet power.
• Only the maximum number of jets possible for the pump to properly work all the jets at once are installed. Some manufacturers install more jets, but they all don't work at once, and you have to turn a valve to direct the jets to two or three seats, but never all! Others install groups of very small cluster jets that do not provide the same level of hydrotherapy as larger jets do.
• While most manufacturers only offer "off the shelf", "take it as it is" plumbing arrangements, Hot Tubs of CT promotes our dealers to customize the plumbing of your spa to suit your body requirements.
• All Hot Tubs of CT spas are water tested for at least 8 hrs before they are foamed and packaged. After testing, each spa is shrink wrapped prior to applying the foam insulation. This allows for convenient servicing if the need arises, as the foam can easily be cut away, and will not be all over the pipes and fittings as it is with other manufacturers. After a repair, the foam cutaway can be re-installed without the need to bring a messy foam machine into the house.
• Hydropool uses 2 lb closed cell insulation, which provides not only the best insulation, but is impervious to losing its ability to insulate as it can't absorb moisture. Hydropool Spas have more foam installed than other manufacturers, but a space is still left between the layer of foam over the plumbing and the foam on the cabinet. This allows the motor heat to travel around the spa, and reduce the time that the heater needs to be on. This also results in Hydropool having a 4 layer insulation...the best available.
• This great insulation, combined with our 24 hour, 7 day programmable timer or programmed filtration cycle, results in a Hydrpool Spa operating for only pennies a day.
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Hydropool's Layer Insulation Process
Our cedar cabinets have a top rail which not only looks great but provides structural integrity to the spa and protects the acrylic edge of the spa from damage. Manufactured from clear knot-free, kiln dried cedar, Hydropool cabinets will last years with only a minor application of a preservative coating every 2-3 years. Removable panels allow quick access to all of the equipment (not simply the electricals as with most spas) and each side of a Hydropool cabinet is removable for ease of service, if required.
One of Hydropool's best features is the built-in bottom drain. The built-in bottom drain not only allows total drainage during quarterly draining and replacement of your spa water, but makes your spa virtually maintenance free as little dirt can settle on the bottom of the spa. During regular filtration, the pump continuously draws water and dirt through the bottom suction and drain holes to the filter. When it is time to drain the spa, you simply place the supplied rubber expansion plug into the skimmer, and the pump will draw the water from the bottom of the spa and pump it to wherever your connected garden hose is directed.
With other spas you have to purchase a wet/dry vacuum to remove dirt off the spa floor and a separate drain pump or wet vac to remove the final few inches of water on the bottom of the spa after draining.
Hydropool's wide-mouth skimmer has a built-in strainer basket to remove floating debris and does not have a filter inside to obstruct water flow.
Hydropool uses a separate large filter installed on the pressure side of the pump, conveniently accessible from the top of the spa. When a filter is located in the skimmer it not only impedes the flow of the pump and hence slows down the jet action, but when it is pulled out to clean the dirty filter will sometimes allow dirty water to fall into the spa. It is better to have a filter full of dirty filtered material in its own compartment away from the sight and smell of the spa users.
Hydropool uses a dual-speed circulation pump that provides better filtration by circulating the water faster and more often in a 24 hour period than the small, cheaper circulating pumps that some manufacturers are promoting.
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The Hydropool Difference
While the smaller circulating pumps do operate somewhat quieter, and have smaller per hour operating costs, our larger pumps can circulate the same amount of water and provide the same amount of filtration in 10 hours that the small circulating pumps does in a full 24 hour period, so if our timer is used and our pump is only on for 11 hours, our operating costs are actually lower.For spas installed outdoors, the small difference in operating noise should not be a factor.
Hydropool is truthful when it comes to promoting the size of its pumps.
Pump size should be based on the gallon per minute flow as there is some misleading marketing within the hot tub industry in regards to the size of the pumps. Most residential hot tub pump motors are 48 frame, high performance pumps with oversized impellors and 2 horsepower motors. Due to the fact that these pumps will often pump more gallons per minute than conventional 3, 4 and even 5 horsepower pool pumps, many hot tub pump manufacturers, as well as most hot tub manufacturers, are now labeling their pumps 4HP, 4.5HP and even 5 HP referring to "high performance" or "hydrotherapy power", not conventional horsepower.
While Hydropool also installs the larger impellers and pump casings, we are truthful about our horsepower sizes and provide a detailed explanation of our ratings on our Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price Lists.
Hydropool is one of the only spa manufacturers that is approved according to all of the following safety testing standards:
CSA, Warnock Hershey, ETL, CE, ITS, S
Hydropool's warranty is in our opinion, the best and most fair in the industry. Other spa warranties may at first glance appear to be longer, (and in some cases ridiculously longer than that manufacturer has even been in business) but when you read the fine print we are sure you will agree that you are well protected with your purchase of a Hot Tubs of CT Spa.
Last, but certainly not least, Hydropool carefully selects our dealers to ensure that our products are professionally represented. The fact that you are purchasing your spa from a professional that has not intentionally misled you in any way should be another reason to sway your purchasing decision. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to explain the reasons why we believe Hydropool is one of the best spas manufactured any where in the world.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call your local Hot Tubs of CT Dealer.
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Caution
Use of a spa is not recommended for pregnant women, unsupervised children, people under the influence of alchol or prescription drugs or those suffering from high blood pressure or a heart condition. We suggest you read the manufacturers manual and safety labels for further details.
The information included on this site is presented for the purpose of assisting you to better select your hot tub. In the event that you believe any of the imformation to be misleading or "out of date" we would appreciate you notifying us immediately. Click on the E-mail icon above to contact us directly.
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