The Right Size for You

Too many prospective spa buyers look for a spa that will accommodate the needs of a large party. While we are confident that you will hold many spa parties over the years, you should purchase one that is suited to your regular lifestyle. If your family consists of 3- 5 people, and if you don't regularly organize large parties, we suggest a medium sized 5-6 person spa. Remember, larger spas take up more patio or basement space, cost more to purchase and operate, and the larger safety hardcover's are slightly more difficult to maneuver.

Where to Install your Spa

In the past few years, the trend has been for most spas to be installed outdoors. If you plan on Outdoor spas should be located where the users will not be subject to strong winds or the voyeurism of a neighbour. The spa should be located as near to a door as possible so that it can be reached quickly in the winter. Once you have overcome the intimidation of going out into the winter cold, and hopping into your spa, you will find the experience very exhilarating.If you are located where there are harsh winters, and you are not an avid winter enthusiast, or you do not entertain regularly, you may want to consider installing your spa indoors. We do not recommend installing your spa in a bathroom as spas are not intended to be used with soap, and guests will not feel comfortable sitting in your spa in a bathroom setting. Most indoor spas are installed in a basement, in a solarium or off a bedroom. Check door sizes, comers, and stairwell heights prior to selecting your spa size and location. Should a one piece spa be too large to move into your desired location, Buds sells two piece spas that will fit through almost any stairwell or door, and is easily assembled in the basement.

Miscellaneous Installation Considerations

An exhaust fan or dehumidifying unit is not mandatory for indoor installations as the only moisture created is when the insulating hardcover is off, and the spa is in use. Opening a nearby window when the spa is in use, will more than compensate for the minimal moisture created. Where ceiling height is 8' or less, the purchase of a 29" deep spa is recommended so that the spa does not overburden the room. Non-slip ceramic tile is recommended for indoor installations however, water resistant indoor/outdoor carpet is adequate.

The installation of a floor drain is beneficial, but only required if you plan on regularly entertaining in your spa and expect considerable splashing will occur. Due to the weight of a filled spa, your spa should rest on a solid foundation. If the spa is being placed on a deck, please consult a professional to ensure that the deck has been constructed to support the weight. If the spa is to be placed on the ground, we recommend a poured concrete support base. Consideration should be given to safe entry and exit from the spa. Steps should be non slip. An above ground or partially installed spa that causes the user to step over the edge of the spa (rather than down into it as in a fully recessed unit) is safer. Mounted handrails are recommended, however, most spas are designed to allow users to sit on the edge and safely slip in and out of the spa. All spas and electrical appliances within 10' of the spa must be protected by a GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI). Please consult the electrician who is wiring your spa for further details.

Choosing a Colour

After choosing the size and shape that best suits your family and lifestyle,you should choose the colour. Each spa model is available in a wide range of colours. In recent years acrylic suppliers have introduced natural Granite colours. HYDROPOOL offers this full range of granite colours at a minimal surcharge. Spas thermal formed with the granite sheets are actually manufactured from the same material as regular acrylic spas and are covered by the same warranty

Selecting The Proper Jet Package

Most spa models are available in a choice of Basic (1-2 jets per seat) Regular (1-2 jets per seat plus a Power or Captains Rejuvenator multi-jet seat), or Deluxe with an extra pump and jets and perhaps a supplementary air bubbler system.The Basic Package (Hydropool's Silver Series) is adequate for most people. Remember the buoyancy of the hot water and the gentle swirl of the water without the jets on high speed will be enough to place you in ecstasy. However, when you are purchasing a spa to relieve the discomfort of a bad back, or you plan to entertain in your spa, you may want to consider a model that has several jets on at least one seat, and perhaps an air bubbler package (Hydropool's Gold, or Platinum series with the added blower option).

Selecting The Proper Pump Package

Pump size should be based on the gallon per minute flow as there is some misleading marketing within the hot tub industry in regards to the size of the pumps. Most residential hot tub pump motors are 48 Frame, high performance pumps with oversized impellers and 2 horsepower motors. Due to the fact that these pumps will often pump more gallons per minute than conventional 3, 4 and even 5 horsepower pool pumps, many hot tub pump manufacturers, as well as most hot tub manufacturers, are now labeling their pumps 4HP, 4.5HP and even 5HP referring to "high performance" or "hydrotherapy power", not conventional horsepower.The fact is that these pumps will all perform as required, the problem is that consumers are understandably confused. Ignoring the confusing pump size issue, the fact is that you only require a true 1.5 or 2 horsepower pump to drive a mixture of 15 to 20 modem designed spa jets.

While some spas in health clubs or hotels are equipped with actual 5 or even 10 horsepower pumps, you must remember that larger pumps are required as in most instances, the equipment is located quite a distance from the spas. Furthermore in most commercial establishments they want you in and out of the spa in less than 10 minutes so that no lineups occur. Water flow through these jets are commonly designed to be unbearable after a few minutes. Home spas on the other hand, are designed to be enjoyed for much longer periods. While the jets still provide ample hydrotherapy, they are also designed with relaxation and recreation in mind.

A spa with 10 -20 jets is more than adequate for most peoples needs. Larger party spas, or spas equipped for specific hydrotherapy needs, may be equipped with more jets, requiring a second pump. Before jumping to the conclusion that more jets and more pumps are better, think back to the days of the large gas guzzling car engines. Sure they were fast, but what they could provide was not needed by 99% of the buyers, yet the 99% still ended up paying for the feature, both at the time of the purchase, and continually thereafter