Whether you’re already the proud owner of a hot tub from Sundance Spas or you’re considering making a purchase you may have questions. Here are some of the questions which are most frequently asked. Get in touch with us here at our Cheshire hot tub showroom if you need any more information.
What should I consider before buying?
You may consider “wet testing” a hot tub before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it. Many reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose, and this can help you make an informed choice. You need to ensure that the seats provide comfortable support and check that the water reaches shoulder level. If not, you won’t get the full hydrotherapeutic experience. It is recommended that you spend at least 15 minutes in the hot tub to help you make your decision.
How much a hot tub costs?
There are a range of options available when it comes to choosing a hot tub. Like with cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. Of course, we hope that as you are shopping you will consider a Sundance Spa. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and choose the right spa.
What about the hot tub warranty?
A hot tub warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. It is recommended that you avoid dealers who make too many deductions or add an unfair amount of exclusions. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other spas you are considering.
Should I install it inside or outside?
A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors. The vast majority, including those in cold weather climates, are installed outdoors. If you’re contemplating an indoor hot tub installation you need to ensure that it will fit through the door and that the floor is strong enough. A typical 5 person spa weighs around 2000 kg when full.
Do I need to install plumbing?
No, all above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose.
How do I clean the water?
You need to ensure that the water is well maintained to get maximum enjoyment from your hot tub. All Sundance Spas are fitted with the Clearray water purification system as standard. This makes cleaning the water much simpler. Your dealer will provide all the equipment and detailed instructors on how to effectively keep the water clean.
How often do I clean the spa?
It is recommended that you drain and clean your hot tub around 3 to 4 times a year. This depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain the water. Cleaning the spa is generally a simple process which only takes around an hour to do. If you don’t have time to do it yourself you can always call the professionals to do it for you.
How is the temperature controlled?
High quality spas and hot tubs have sophisticated digital temperature controls which keep the water within one degree of the temperature you select. This not only keeps it comfortable but also is also vital for safety, especially if children use the spa. Top of the range hot tubs also have safety locks and digital readouts for extra peace of mind.
How many jets should a spa have, and how many are adjustable?
It’s not about how many jets a hot tub has; the location and plumbing is much more important. Stationary jets can have some benefit, but adjustable jets are recommended to provide maximum hydrotherapy benefit.
What does the pump’s horsepower rating mean?
There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: “Continuous Operating” horsepower and “Brake” horsepower (also called “Marketing” horsepower). Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.
Is the spa full foam insulated?
All major manufacturers agree that 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. Sundance Spas provide top class insulation as standard to keep your operating costs low.
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is an effective method of easing stress and tension. This is achieved through the combination of heat, massage and buoyancy. Warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissues. In turn it allows oxygen and nutrients to help overworked muscles recover faster. Massage provided by the spa’s jet system relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves. It helps improving the circulation and encouraging the body’s healing process as well. Buoyancy reduces your body’s weight by 90% which relieves pressure on strained joints and muscles.
How to customise my hydrotherapy experience?
Many jets are adjustable, giving you an amazing number of options. For example, the Fluidix jets on many Sundance Spas models adjust from oscillating to targeted; rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or stationary. Other jets from Sundance Spas also allow you to control the flow, volume, and movement. In addition, controlling the amount of air mixed with the water with the air control valves changes the dynamics of the massage. Conveniently placed massage selectors let you divert water from one seat to another to increase or minimise the water flow. Your local Sundance Spas dealer can advise on the best way to use jets for your specific requirements.
Won’t more filters produce better water quality?
The Sundance MicroClean Water Purification System produces a level of water purity never before found in any spa. This system is also easy to maintain. Water is cleaner and clearer than ever before thanks to the micro-filtering disposable filter. Plus filter available on the 880 series also removes particles of all sizes and oils from your water so you can be sure of clean water. Each and every time, without the need for additional filters.
Isn’t a bigger pump going to give me a better massage?
Many manufacturers talk about the horsepower of their pumps. Horsepower can be measured using a “service factor” or a “true rating” system. The first describes the initial thrust as the pump first engages, but immediately the pump output falls to a lower, continuous horsepower level. When a spa manufacturer claims they have a 6-hp pump, they are describing the “initial thrust,” not the horsepower the pump delivers as it runs.
Efficient plumbing, better jets and flow control are more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in a more efficient spa will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump.
How important is it to buy an ozone installation-ready spa?
All our spas come complete with the Clearray UV-C water purification system. This supercedes the ozone systems. The system treats 99.9% of waterbourne pathogens without adding any chemicals, gases or by-products to the water and has been proved to reduce the level of sanatising chemicals, such as bromine, by up to 50%.
What’s the purpose of a circulation pump?
The circulation pump constantly filters the water to keep it clear and also provides the flow required to ensure that the heater maintains the temperature you have set. Spas without circulation pumps must rely on the low speed of a larger horsepower pump turning on periodically to provide filtration and the flow required for heating so a circulation pump is a much more efficient method of providing flow for filtration and heating.
Should I start heating the spa before I want to use it?
The innovative Sundance control system can keep your spa hot and ready to use. You may prefer the economy setting which allows you to program the times you are most likely to use the spa. Your hot tub will be hot and ready for you exactly when you want it.
Are hot tub heaters a vulnerable part?
The heaters from Sundance Spas use a titanium coil which directly heats the water to make it more efficient and reduce heating costs. The use of titanium stops corrosion in the heater and makes the risk of failure very low. The Sentry Smart Heater from Sundance Spas also includes up to a five year warranty for complete peace of mind.
What can I do to assure my family’s safety?
- Use a qualified electrician to connect the electrical service to the spa.
- Make sure the cover comes with a locking system to prevent unauthorised use; many also come with locking control panels.
- 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 or drugs.
