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Buyers Guide

Introduction

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge? You are not the first and definitely won’t be the last. Many consider their hot tub the best investment they have ever made. An investment in their physical health, mental health, family life and love life.

The important thing to remember is that, just as with cars, there can be a lot of difference between brands; a few being options, quality and service. Anyone can start a hot tub company and that is why if most hot tubs start looking the same… it's because they are! Many brands use the same generic jets and filtration. Technology that was fine 10 years ago but just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Jets

If a salesperson starts to talk about how many jets a hot tub has, take that as a warning sign. The quantity of jets has nothing to do with effectiveness of the hydrotherapy. Jets should be adjustable and strategically positioned. Can you adjust the direction of the jet to target the proper muscle group whether you are large or thin? Can you adjust the flow? Feel the jets. Does the water feel like a hug or a punch?

If a salesperson starts talking about horsepower of the pumps, take that as a warning sign. Poor design must be overcome by shear power. A well designed hot tub requires less horsepower to deliver high water volume, the key to good hydrotherapy. That water will also be distributed evenly and the hot tub will use less power. Anything over 3 horsepower (5 hp peak) per pump should raise a red flag.

Silence is golden

Ask the salesperson to turn on all the jets. Do you have to raise your voice? Does the hot tub have a SILENT circulation pump? The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night to your hot tub going through one of 4 noisy “filtration cycles”. A silent circulation pump should come STANDARD. If it doesn’t, walk away! All reputable hot tub companies know that “Moving water is CLEAN water”. A circulation pump ensures that your water is constantly being filtered and NEVER left stagnant. Silent is also a key word. You should see the water moving however you shouldn’t be able to hear the pump at all.

Can you smell that?

Smell the water! You shouldn’t be able smell chlorine in the water or on your skin. If you do, the sanitizing system is sub par. Look for a hot tub company that includes an in-line corona discharge (CD) ozonator. A good quality CD Ozonator will provide you with crystal clear water without effort and greatly reduce the need for chemicals. Jacuzzi offers the most effective corona discharge ozonator system currently on the market. One of the many advantages of being the world's largest hot tub manufacturer with the largest research and development department and an ISO 9001 Manufacturing certification.

Water Filtration

All filtration systems are not the same. Filters with large surface areas collect more debris. It is important to make sure that your spa comes with a minimum of 100 sqft. of filtration to be able to effectively clean the water. Also, choose a spa with filters that are easy to access for periodic maintenance.

Filtration Cycles and Circulation Pumps

Many spas offer circulation pumps. A quality manufacturer will always include a circulation pump as a STANDARD feature and this should not be an upgrade. A circulation pump keeps water moving through your filter continuously - day and night. “Moving Water is Clean Water” Keep this simple rule of thumb in mind. The water in a Jacuzzi hot tub is ALWAYS moving, 24 hours a day!

While circulation pumps do not work alone, they are effective in helping to keep your water clean and clear because they prevent standing water.

What is Ozone? (explanation from www.hottubguide.com )

Ozone serves as a water purifier and has been used in treatment of drinking water since the late 18th century. Ozone (O3) is a naturally occurring form of oxygen; this is a form of oxygen in which each molecule contains three atoms instead of the normal two. Ozone occurs naturally in small amounts in the Earth's stratosphere, where it absorbs ultraviolet radiation. Although it resembles oxygen in many respects, ozone is much more reactive. Because it can decolorize many substances, it is used commercially as a bleaching agent for organic compounds, as a strong germicide for the sterilization of drinking water and to remove objectionable odors and flavors.

Because ozone acts as a powerful oxidant, it serves as a water purifier. This means that using ozone to clean your spa's water significantly reduces the amount of chemicals required to kill standing bacteria and impurities. By installing an ozone system, you will save money and time related to water maintenance. Additionally, because ozone acts as a bleaching agent, you should experience water that looks crisp and clear reducing the need for chemicals.

Do you have any questions? ASK THE EXPERTS