Ozone is an unstable form of oxygen and it is a very powerful sanitiser. It is manufactured on site by an ozonator and is then injected into spa water to breakdown organic matter and kill bacteria etc..
Salt water is merely one of several ways in which you can sanitize a spa. A salt water system can be installed on any spa. The final result of a salt water system is chlorine (or bromine) - so you will be using chlorine (bromine) to sanitize (salt is not a sanitizer). Look into the benefits and costs of all sanitizing systems before you decide.
We have an outside running model with an electric meter attached. The first 12 months (1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009) - running every day - used 4051 units (marginal cost of a unit is 5.9 cents). In addition chemicals will cost $100 or more (depending on which sanitiser you use). The cover needs replacing every 5 to 8 years (at a cost of $500).
Such a hot tub would be one that was made in a factory which met the highest polution emission standards, one that that would last a long time and would use very little electricity during that time. Do comparisons of different manufacturers and ask questions. Do not rely on marketing information from certain manufacturers which make claims that their product is "eco friendly". Usually it is not.
"Self Cleaning" is merely a marketing term which can confuse potential customers. Most of the cleaning work in a hot tub is done by the filtration system, so choose a model with the best .
Very big no to this one! The pumps run at about 210 degrees F. This is important heat to trap - not to let it escape to the outside through 3/4" of cedar. Also in the winter should the power go off the pipes near the pumps will freeze very quickly.
A manufacturer can either fill the cavity between shell and skirt with foam insulation (like a house) or leave an air space with the pipes in the air space. All the biggest and best known manufacturers use the full foam system even though it is the most expensive. This is because they plan that their tubs never leak (a very rare occurance by well built tubs) and the foam keeps heat loss down, supports the pipes and allows the tub to run quieter. See insulation.
Horsepower is too complex for the average buyer to use a comparison. There are several ways to calculate horsepower and they are all used in the hot tub industry - often by manufacturers to try and confuse.
Rather put your hand in front of the jets when they are running or get in the tub yourself. This way you will see first hand whether the power is right for you. After all not everyone wants or needs a lot of brute power. See horsepower
Remember that a bigger horsepower pump (if it really is bigger) will use more electricity and will cost you more. Ask about amperage draw of the pumps in a hot tub you are considering - that will indicate how much it will cost to run.
Look for a well known brand and of course longer warranties help. However warranty terms are often used to confuse buyers. Make sure you know the warranty period of the pump seals, heater element and the inside portion of the jets. These are things which wear in normal use. Avoid terms such as "Lifetime Warranty" - there is always a catch.
Some factories are certified by ISO (a standards organisation). This helps as these factories undergo regular audits by ISO to ensure standards are being checked.
Sundance does not deal direct with the public but through factory-direct dealers. Dealers are allowed to use Sundance in their dealer name and this could lead to confusion.
Very important! The selling dealer is responsible for educating you on the use of the hot tub and the chemicals. Also he/she is responsible for taking care of warranty service. Choose a dealer who has his/her own service department and has the proper spares on hand. If not you may be with out your hot tub for days (including in the winter!) waiting for parts to arrive.
Yes, it is. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals assists every dealer to provide better and more professional service to the customer. APSP members tend to be better trained and more professional. APSP
To make a replacement cover, we need to know the shape of your cover first. From there, various measurements are needed: length, width, diameter, shape of the corner, radius of the corner, thickness of the foam, and length of the skirt. Measuring the old cover is easiest. If you have to measure the spa itself, use the outside lip dimensions to ensure fit.
Nashville Spa Covers have made a good instructional video on how to measure your cover, to view click here.
