Hot Tub Considerations:
     Maintenance, Precautions and Cost

"Oh, relaxing, soothing, and feels so good." Wonderful pleasure a hot tub can provide. Relieves tense in the muscles, and eliminates most aches, and pains. Warms your body on cool nights or winter days. Most enjoyable, sharing that moment with someone special. However, the joys of a hot tub require certain amount of maintenance. When purchasing a hot tub many factors must be considered. Many hot tub retail stores, will allow customers to experiment, trying different hot tubs filled with water, and jets operating. Definitely bring a bathing suit. A hot tub should be comfortable to sit inside, least amount of noise, when jets are operating, the controls should have easy access, and jets operating to provide enough comfort. Consider the size of the hot tub, in correlation to the location where it will be located. Outdoor the hot tubs are subjected to weather conditions, and indoors that is not a concern. A cover can be placed on top of a hot tub for protection. There has to be adequate space for installation, plumbing and enough access or passageway, to be carried into a room or outside location.

There are two types of spa systems: Portable and Inground Hot Tubs. Portable tubs require no external plumbing, excavation and electrical work. Simply plug into 110 Volt household wall socket. The tub can be carried to almost any location, with the help of a few people. Inground Spas are good for outside decks, custom design and installed in particular location. Plumbing, and electrical work is necessary by professional installation. Most hot tubs are electrically operated, and display light colored lenses. Hot tubs constructed by either Shell Surface or Shell Understructure. Shell Surface is resistant against chemicals sanitizes, UV rays, stains, ease to clean, and more durable. The surface is made of acrylic, and is offered in a variety of colors and styles. Shell Understructure has better support for weight of water, resistant to bubbling, and cracking. Majority of manufactures fill the spa cabinet with polyurethane foam insulation, which reduces the heat loss, and savings to the owner. However insulation increases the cost of the hot tub.

There must be enough ventilation since the hot tub is source of high humidity. The foundation (indoors or outdoors) must be strong enough to hold 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of weight, including the water. Be concerned where the water of the hot tub may travel, if an accident or malfunction were to happen. Sometimes a crane maybe utilized to lift the hot tub to a location, outside or onto a deck. Otherwise additional help will be necessary, to carry the hot tub. Precautions should be considered. If there are any children nearby, then the hot tub should be installed with a cover that has locks, and can only be opened with a key. Unfortunately there have been many deadly accidents, when children are left alone in a hot tub or access the tub without any adult supervision. The electronics to a tub should be placed, far away from the reach of any child. Avoid consuming alcohol while in the hot tub, since that may cause the person to become unconscious, drown in the tub or over exposed to the heat. Hot tub not recommended for women that are pregnant.

Hot tubs are manufactured with different types of jets. They provide high speed intense water to specific area within the tub. There should a minimum of twelve to sixteen jets. In a hot tub a designated 'Hot Seat' where six to twelve jets are directed to one location, provide maximum therapy. Other types of jets are available in hot tubs, which include: Volcano jets are positioned at the bottom off the hot tub. Moving Massage Jet provides good therapy for the back and other parts of the body. Swirl Jet overall massage in wide area. Pillow Jet provides good therapy for neck pain or tension areas of the body. Mini Jets are small jets that provide therapy in limited capacity, to one person. Shoulder Jets massage the shoulder area.

Maintenance and cost of operating a hot tub, is dependent on many different factors: Weather conditions, if the hot tub is placed out doors, cost of electricity, and amount of usage. Water should be changed three to four times a year, depending on frequency of use, and keeping filters clean. Always read, manufactures guidelines regarding maintenance. Small filters should be cleaned more often then larger filters. Chemicals are added to the hot tub to keep the water sanitized .The circulation pump continuously filters the water, and provides the necessary flow of water, that allow the heater to constantly maintain, a set temperature. A Spa Ozonator reduces the amount of chemical sanitizers needed. This reduces the amount of chemicals by 25 - 35 percent. Also purifies water, approximately 3,000 times faster than chlorine. The basic chemicals needed to keep the hot tub sterile include: Bromine Tablets, Demineralizer/Metal Out, pH Plus, Alkalinity Plus or Perfect pH, Spa Shock, and Water Clarifier or Scumdigester Enzyme. Also, purchasing a Test kit or Test Strips, and Bromine Floater. Certainly employing a professional to clean the hot tub would be easier. Optional items: Spa pillows, floating spa radio, floating bar, spa side tray, and waterproof playing cards. Always read the warranty. Manufactures will cover the cost of certain parts, and limited cost for labor.

A warranty should have 'no fault coverage,' which means that the next three to four years, everything will be covered. The cover of the hot tub will stay in good condition for two to three years, and then will need to be replaced. Cost can vary depending on size, but will not be covered, by the warranty. Avoid buying used hot tubs, because hard to find any damage or leakage, unless the tub is filled with water, the jets are fully operating, and you can try it.

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