What To Look For In A Spa ?

A spa, is a spa, is a spa, right?

You might think that, but it is not true. Some of the differences are easy to see such as quality and craftsmanship. It is what you do not see that really sets one spa apart from another.

Some spas are fully insulated to make it energy efficient, while other spas are not insulated. The spas that are not insulated say they have a thermal barrier. Many times this thermal barrier is nothing more than an 1/8" aluminum foil. Ask yourself "would you buy a home that was not insulated, and or insulated with aluminum foil?" Your answer is probably "NO." The same goes for a spa, the fact is a properly insulated spa will save you lots of money on your energy bill.

Many spa shells look the same, but they are not. The shell is one of the most important parts of a spa. The best shell materials are Endurol ( a high-impact, co-extruded thermoplastic), or the Acrylic sheets that are co-laminated to an impact-resistant ABS substrate. Many spa manufactures use Acrylic sheets but are not using the Acrylic co-laminated, instead they fiberglass back the Acrylic sheet for strength. Acrylic Fiberglass backed shells are less expensive to produce but there is a reason for that, plain and simple it's inferior. Fiberglass backed shells are susceptible to de-laminating and then cracking.

The dealer you choose to buy from is also important. Some dealers may not service what they sell or they do not have the trained staff to take care of even the simplest of problems. Watch out for factory direct spas, they are just as expensive as buying from a local dealer and getting service from factory direct is nearly impossible.

Jets, Jets, Jets?

The more jets the better the spa, right? In many cases too many jets make for a weak massage (bad pressure), and poor placement of the jets. There are spas that tout 40 to 100 jets, but they are placed in the most peculiar places ( ex: derrière, this could make for a painful or even embarrassing moment. ) What the consumer should look for is not the amount of jets, but a wide variety of different jets for different massages. Placement of the jets are important also.

Horsepower From The Jet Pumps?

The higher the horsepower rating the better the spa is, right? Most people think that way but this could be deceptive. Pressure from the jets is actually what you want. One spa could tout having a 4 Horsepower Jet Pump and another spa is using a 1.5 Horsepower Jet Pump, yet the pressure from the spa that is using a 1.5 is much better, WHY?

The reason is simple, there are several ways to rate the horsepower of a jet pump. They are Breakdown torque, Continuous Duty torque, and MFG. suggested torque. Breakdown torque and MFG. suggested torque are deceptive, buyer beware. Continuous Duty torque is the only way to truly rate the Horsepower of a pump.

What They Are:

Breakdown torque is a Horsepower rating , but it is deceptive because the pumps Breakdown torque only lasts for a second when you initially turn the pump on. Hence that initial jolt of pressure.
Continuous Duty torque is the true Horsepower rating, after that first second of Breakdown torque the pump puts out a continuous flow of pressure.
MFG. suggested torque is very deceptive. Example: This is when a MFG. takes a 1.5 Horsepower pump and puts a sticker on it saying it is a 4 Horsepower pump. Buyer be very beware.

The only way to know if a MFG. suggested torque is being used, is to do the MATH. If they tell you they have two to four 4 H.P. pumps and the spa runs on 50 AMPS, Buyer Beware. If you do the math a 4 H.P. pump will use 20 AMPS, two 4 H.P. pumps will equal to 40 AMPS, what about the heater, the controls, the light. If you do the MATH it's impossible for that spa to work. Another way to see if you are being deceived is to actually look at the pump. A 4 H.P. pump is huge and will take up a big portion of the equipment compartment.

What to Look For In A Warranty?

How many times have you heard the words "Lifetime Warranty". If you hear or see the words "Lifetime Warranty," throw out a red flag! The key is to read the fine print and look at the prorations, also to look at what the "Lifetime Warranty" is actually covering. The truth is that their really is no such thing as a "Lifetime Warranty."

You should also find out who is performing the service on your spa. Many times the one performing the work is not who you purchased the spa from.

Prorated Warranties are difficult to understand, over a period of time the consumer becomes responsible to pay for a portion of the warranty - what that portion is who knows?

You should look for a comprehensive Limited Warranty that is Non-Prorated. A good Limited Warranty is a Minimum of 5 years.

How Should I Shop For My Spa?

Buying a spa is a decision you shouldn't feel rushed or pressured into, so be sure to ask the dealer a lot of questions. Like shopping for anything else, knowledge is everything. Before you take the plunge into buying a spa, ask for a private "test soak" so you can feel the jets and the overall comfort of the spa.

Here is a checklist of things to consider. Feel free to print it out and take it with you when you comparison shop.

Learn about the spa's specific features, ease of use and maintenance.

When the spa is not in use, does the water always remain hot and clean?
Do the jets and jet systems allow you to customize your hydro massage experience?
How loud are the jets and pump?
Does the spa offer a balanced filtration system? Is the water continuously filtered 24 hours a day to ensure clean, clear water?
Are the filters top-loaded for easy access?
Is the heating and filtration system fully automatic with no programming required?
Is there an automatic clean-up cycle after you exit the spa?
Inquire about the heater—typically the most vulnerable component of any spa. Make sure corrosion will not occur.
Are the controls user-friendly, easy to operate and adjust?
Are there optional features to make spa ownership easier?
What are the electrical specifications of the spa? Are both 115v and 230v available? (115v can be far less expensive to install)
How is the seating configured? Are you able to move about easily? Is there lumbar support for your back?

Learn how the spa was constructed and its energy efficiency.

The components should be fully tested and backed by the manufacturer's warranty.
Make sure the spa is totally insulated, not just fully-foamed.
Ask how to estimate your monthly operation costs. (Beware of less expensive spas which can cost in excess of $50 per month to operate).

Obtain a copy of the warranty.

Ask for a copy of the warranty and read it thoroughly. Beware of the dealer who is reluctant to provide a copy.
What spa parts are covered under warranty and for how long? Make sure the heater, surface/structure, components, tile and skirt are included.
How does the manufacturer's warranty compare with other brands? Make sure there are no undesirable limitations or exclusions.

Obtain information on the manufacturer and the dealer to ensure you will receive quality service both during and after your spa purchase.

How long has the manufacturer been in business?
How long has the dealer been in business? Inquire about their service policy.
Research Consumers Digest Best Buy awards in the portable spa category.
Call the Better Business Bureau for more information.
Ask for customer references.

What should I look for in the company I decide to get my spa from?

A. Many companies are selling spas these days, and while competition is healthy for business, it can be disastrous for the uninformed consumer. Quite frankly, many firms are selling spas as a side line and are not really knowledgeable about the workings or servicing of their product. Mass merchandisers are also getting into the spa business, and while they sometimes may sell spas rather cheaply, they offer no real in house warranty or backup service on the products.

You'll find the newspapers full of "dirt cheap spa bargains", but you must be very wary of such seemingly "good deals". When purchasing a product such as this, you definitely "get what you pay for". Watch out for companies that offer you incredible prices and deals and then forget you ever existed once you have made your purchase! Check references, company awards, trade affiliations and try to get recommendations from some friends who have spas and are happy with the company they chose.

Here are a listing and reviews of many of the spa manufacturers.

Hot Spring Spas and DIY Online have just launched a new Deck Design Tool. This tool allows you to design their own custom deck, and allows you to pick every detail from the size of the deck to the type of planking. Once the project is complete, a PDF report is generated which gives you all the details needed to actually build this deck, including a list of materials and a how-to-checklist!

If you want to print this get our PDF. File "Guide To Finding The Right Spa Dealership"

What Will This Model Cost Me To Operate Monthly?

Manufactures or dealers should be able to provide you with documented information on the estimated costs of operation. Inquire if the manufacture has conducted third-party testing on the energy efficiency of their spas.

Beware of "Energy Guide" and "Energy Savings" stickers. The Federal Trade Commission has never rated spas, therefore these stickers are an out and out lie. Beware of dealers who use these stickers on their spas, if they are willing to deceive you up front just imagine what will happen to you down the road.

Often, spas with low initial purchase prices can cost two to three times a month more to heat than higher priced models, which in the long run may actually make them more expensive.

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