Preparing For Your Purchase
HOT TUBS & SWIM SPAS
Become an Informed Buyer
Now that you know a bit about the world of hot tubs, let’s take you through the process of going to buy one. There will be some key questions to ask yourself, but we hope to empower you with the answers to make the process as seamless, transparent and enjoyable as possible.
Where to buy from
Online
- One-click checkout.
- Generally, cheaper options than a spa dealer.
- Customization options are available.
- Cannot test the hot tub prior to the purchase.
- Typically, limited customer service, installation and maintenance options.
Spa Dealer
- Local, trusted customer service.
- Try the hot tub in person.
- Get information from industry experts.
- Take advantage of promotions.
- Customization options.
- Customer service and hot tub maintenance options.
- Installation assistance available.
Big Box Store
- Generally, cheaper options than a spa dealer.
- Typically, limited customer service, installation and maintenance options.
- Cannot test the hot tub prior to purchase.
What factors into the pricing?
Size & Features
The larger the tub the more expensive it is.
Features such as lighting, massage jets, and hot tub controls all contribute to the price when included with the tub.
Accessories
Accessories such as cover lifters, steps, and entertainment systems can drive up the price.
Quality
Ensure that all the parts of your hot tub (filters, heaters, pumps, jets) are made by reputable companies that are known for quality.
Design
What your tub is made from (acrylic, stainless steel, fiberglass, etc.) will affect the price. Get a quality construction that will last as long as your tub does.
Delivery
Delivery and setup fees associated with your hot tub can drive the price up depending on your dealer and the distance you live from them.
Insider Pricing Tips
After buying your hot tub there will be costs that accrue regularly overtime, costs that you will need to be aware of before buying your spa so you can save some money while helping to save the planet.
The larger the tub the more expensive it is.
Features such as lighting, massage jets, and hot tub controls all contribute to the price when included with the tub.
Costs vary across dealers for the same products
You might be wondering why the hot tub you want has so many different price tags depending on where you buy it or who you buy it from. Why is that? We’ll tell you.
- Some dealers purchase more product in bulk from their manufacturer and as a result they get better pricing.
- Some dealers inflate pricing and offer discounts as a marketing ploy.
- Freight Costs: These are separate from your installation fees. This is how the hot tub gets to your dealer. On top of this installation costs will be added later.
- Dealer overhead and store costs. A larger store with multiple locations has larger overhead and therefore that drives price upwards.
- Geographic location. Shipping hot tubs is costly because they are so heavy. Demand in your location also affects the price.
Energy costs add up
Attention to energy efficiency is going to cost you some extra pennies in the short term although in the long term the perks include saving you money on your electric bill.
Some Factors to Consider
- Spa covers are the easiest way to save energy when you’re not using your hot tub. A well sealed cover will trap heat in, keep the cold out and protect from the elements.
- The more jets you decide to have in your hot tub the lower the water pressure. You will want to get a larger pump, but this will increase your electricity bill.
- Compared to reflective and perimeter insulation, Icynene foam is the most expensive way to insulate your tub but it is also more cost efficient in the long term and effective at keeping your tub warm.
Purchasing FAQ's
More doesn’t always mean better and having more jets decreases your water pressure. Don’t waste time on more jets with small nozzles that deliver water at a more precise, direct, and sometimes painful pressure over a short amount of time.
We Recommend: The best way to get the most out of your jets and water pressure though is not to go over 60 jets and get them with 4-5” nozzles.
Most warranties are divided into two parts: Service & Parts. Being aware now of what is in your warranty is important and what it excludes can tell you a lot about your hot tub. A warranty with a lot of exclusions is a sign of a bad manufacturer.
We recommend: Find a dealer who does in-house warranty services without a third-party servicing your tub when it need repairs or maintenance.
In a show room it will be easy for a dealer to show you every function of your hot tub, from turning it on to playing with all the bells and whistles. Feel free to coordinate a wet soak with one of our sales reps. If you need a hot tub for specific reasons like hydrotherapy, one of the biggest perks of having so many customizable options is that you can adjust water pressure and jet direction to pinpoint exactly where your pain is and alleviate it.
Concrete
- Traditional and best option for a hot tub foundation.
- Strong, consistent support for your hot tub.
- Easily cleaned
- Can serve as an addition to your patio.
Gravel
- Affordable.
- Easy drainage
- Resist shifting
- Molds to your tub.
- Does not crack over time.
Hot Tub Pad
- Versatile
- Sturdy base also allows for relocating.
- Durable
- Easily cleaned
- Preferred choice for indoor installation.
Considering Installing Your Hot Tub on a Deck?
Consult with a professional to get a proper quote on weight distribution to ensure your hot tub will be properly supported.
The lifespan of your tub depends on its construction and how well you maintain it. Just like your car or your house, a hot tub requires care and attention in order to have a
long life. Hot tubs can live between 5-15 years but with proper love and care the years expand.
This “chemical-free” gimmick is a marketing tactic that is aimed at taking your money. The traditional salt system has been reborn and rebranded as an innovative cleaning alternative that does away with the hassle of chemically balancing and cleaning your hot tub water.
In fact, this system is outdated and dangerous; in 2018, Canada deemed them unfit and recommended against their use.
Other FAQ's
No, you cannot put your hot tub on grass because it will cause the ground to sink, and it will sink unevenly.
Yes! Do not leave your spa drained during freezing conditions. Leave the spa full of water with the
pump on to keep the tub from freezing. Ask your dealer about “winterizing.”
220v hot tubs typically take between 6-8 hours to heat up while simpler, 110v spas can take up to 24 hours. Swim spas, because of their size take approximately 2-3 days to
fully warm up.
YES! Set Alkalinity and pH balance your water! Sanitizing and water chemistry are very important aspects of hot tub ownership. Don’t take care of your hot tub and you’ll
pay for it! Literally.
Somewhere that is accessible, private, and near your circuit breaker for easy installation. It’s a bonus if your tub is in a shady spot, more comfortable soaking and saves energy
costs.
The answer is yes. But no, seriously use your tub before AND after you work out. Hop in before for 10-20 minutes to loosen your muscles and joints. If you strained yourself during your workout you can rehabilitate with the cold setting or relax and unwind with a warm cool-down soak.
Remove and clean the pillows with a soft cloth and a mild, hot tub safe cleanser when needed (thoroughly rinse). Use a hot tub-safe vinyl conditioner such as 303 Protectant.
Tip: Remove pillows when doing chemical shock treatments as well as during prolonged periods of not using the spa.
You’ll even use it in the winter because honestly, that’s one of the best times to use your tub so it will get use year-round. Really, you should use it every day just to relieve stress or just to chill. But most people say they use their hot tub at least once a week.
In addition to the weekly rinse, you should do a more thorough clean every month or more often as needed. The deep cleaning will involve removing the filter and using
a hot tub filter cleaning solution to remove built-up residue and contaminants that require more than a rinse.
Preparing for your installation
Before you take your hot tub home, make sure you know how it will get there and if your home is prepared to handle this much luxury. Here are some questions that will be useful to you and the installation crew so that you can get to enjoying your hot tub sooner!
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Spa Destination – Where is the spa going to live?
- Path to destination – Is the walkway to the destination a dirt, grass, gravel or paved walkway?
- Narrowest point in the walkway (inches).
- Is there a slope/grade?
- Is the tub being installed into a deck or structure of any kind?
- Are there overhangs, railing, gates, plants, etc. Anything that might impede access.
- Lowest height clearance (inches).
- What power source does the tub require and what is available for use in my home.
Receiving Your Hot Tub - First Steps
1. Fill your spa with water
Know the water capacity of your tub. The information will be in your manual. Fill the tub through the filter with a common garden hose up until a few inches above the jets or 2 finger lengths below the neckline. Plug your tub in and let your spa heat up. This should take a few hours.
2. Balance your water
It is crucial for a long-lasting tub that water balancing is top of mind. This means that you are going to balance the PH, Alkaline, & Calcium of the water. All the chemicals needed will be found in your startup kit. After filling your tub, then take your test strip and dip it in the water.
Alkalinity – Always start with balancing total alkalinity before water hardness (calcium). Alkalinity should read between 80 and 120 ppm on your test strip. If you have a low TA, you need to add a product found in your starter kit called TA Increase or TA Up. Only proceed to pH when Total Alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm.
pH is important for maintaining clean, clear water that doesn’t attack surfaces or irritate skin. When you use the Frog@ease test strip to test your pH levels, they should be in the range between 7.2-7.8. Readings above or below those suggested markers could cause corrosion or foaming. To adjust pH or Alkalinity use a booster or pH UP/DOWN.
Water Hardness (Calcium Level) – The hardness of hot tub water depends on how much calcium is present. Too much calcium means your water hardness is too high resulting in cloudiness, foaming, scale buildup, and can lead to corotated plumbing. Calcium levels should be kept between 150-300 ppm
Always wait a minimum of 30 minutes before checking the levels again.
When Total Alkalinity is 80-120 ppm, pH IS 7.2– 7.8 and Water Hardness is 150-300ppm YOUR water is balanced!
3. Sanitizing your spa
After Balancing your water, you will add your chlorine and mineral cartridges to your spa. Each cartridge has a different level that should be set before adding. This is based on the size of your spa. Please speak with a professional or refer to your manual to set the levels properly.
Making the sanitization process one step almost guarantees that you can’t get it wrong if you’ve balanced your water correctly. Do the right thing and make your life easier when you use Frog@ease sanatizer. If you are going with a traditional method of sanitizing, do not combine chlorine with a bromine shock system.
Always balance your spa before sanitizing it. Adding sanitizer before the pH is balanced might dull the effects of the sanitizer).
Use a Chlorine or Bromine sanitizing system or go the easy route with the one-step FROG@ease system.
Water Balancing Tips
- Balance before you sanitize.
- Adjust chemical levels in small increments.
- Wait for chemicals to completely mix between pH adjustments. Wait for up to 6 hours.
- Add chlorine shock if balancing takes longer than 2 days to maintain sanitizer levels.
- Circulating water through the filter for at least 8 hours a day keeps your hot tub water in the best condition.
- Disclaimer: DO NOT use Chlorine shock with a Bromine system. Disclaimer: DO NOT use Chlorine shock with a Bromine system.
