Whether you’re a new hot tub owner or wish to buy a spa for your home, you likely have at least a few queries.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from our customers.
Read on for the low-down on all things hot tubs!
What Should I Look For In a Hot Tub?
A: Before you consider anything else, you need to set a budget and determine how much room you have to work with. Once you have a budget in place and you’ve measured your space to determine what size of the hot tub will work best, it’s time to think about your personal wants and needs. Is a lounge seat a must-have? Do you want a spa with a foot dome?
Once you have your list made, it’s time to see your local dealer. Our experts at All Seasons Pools & Spas will help you to find spas in your price range that will work best for your space and your needs.
How Much Do Hot Tubs Weigh?
A: Hot tubs weigh a lot more than you might think. A two-person spa can top 600 pounds dry and about 3,000 pounds once filled with water. A large model with six seats can weigh in at more than 1,000 pounds dry and 6,000 pounds filled. That weight necessitates a strong, level surface such as a concrete slab or patio.
While hot tubs can be installed on an existing deck, check with your contractor to ensure it can withstand that much weight. If it was built to code, it should be more than adequate as a base.
How Often Should I Change My Hot Tub Filter?
A: A well-maintained hot tub filter should last two to five years depending upon how often you use your spa. If you’re an intermittent user, you can likely wait five years before changing the filter. If you use your hot tub a lot, you’re looking at swapping it out every two years while moderate use requires replacement after about three years.
How Do I Clean My Hot Tub Cover?
A: Cleaning your hot tub cover quarterly will help to protect it from the elements, bacteria and the wear and tear that comes with regular use. Opt for plain warm water, a cleaner made specifically for hot tub covers and soft cloths to apply the product.
Follow the directions on the product bottle and then rinse it clean with a hose. If you don’t have a cover cap, applying a UV protectant at the beginning of each new season will help extend its lifespan. In the winter, be sure to remove snow and ice with a broom or brush to avoid damage.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Hot Tubs?
A: Regular hot tub use can reduce stress and anxiety, decrease muscle and joint pain, increase mobility, improve circulation and detoxify and strengthen the immune system. It has also been known to offer benefits to those with sleep disorders, arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic back pain.
How Long Can I Stay Inside A Hot Tub?
A: The main factor in determining the ideal amount of time to soak in your spa is water temperature. If you set your water at 98°F, you could safely stay in your hot tub for as long as you like. At the maximum 104°F, however, your limit should be 15-20 minutes. Staying in longer could pose a risk to your health. If you set your spa at 102°F, you’re safe to soak for half an hour.
To determine the best way to soak in a hot tub, with your health and wellness in mind, speak with your general health care provider or physician.
Can I Use a Hot Tub If I’m Pregnant?
A: The sore muscles and tired feet that go along with pregnancy may tempt you to crank up the heat for a nice long soak. Medical professionals agree, however, that pregnant women should use the hot tub in moderation.
Most recommend keeping the water at 100°F or less and remaining in the spa for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time.
For any questions, speak with your doctor, midwife or healthcare provider.
How Do I Make My Hot Tub Safe?
A: If you have children or pets, hot tub safety is a major priority. One of the best ways to keep kids and pets out of the spa is by investing in a cover that comes with locking straps.
Steps are also an important safety feature. They make it easier for people of all ages and heights to enter and exit the hot tub without slips or falls.
How Often Should I Drain And Clean My Hot Tub?
A: The water in your hot tub should be changed on a regular schedule to ensure it remains clean and fresh. Most users can go three to four months before draining their hot tub while heavy users will need to do so more frequently.
The best way to determine what is right for your spa is through your weekly water testing. If the chemicals you use each week are keeping the water balanced, then you can get away with draining your spa three or four times a year.
If your water becomes hard to balance, however, you’ll need to drain and clean your spa every other month at the most. Other signs your spa needs to be drained and cleaned are cloudy or dirty water that resists a shock treatment, or smelly water.
How Often Should I Test And Clean My Hot Tub Water?
A: The water in your hot tub should be tested on a weekly basis using special test strips that will change color based on the pH balance of your water. The test will determine what chemicals the water needs so you can add the appropriate amount of chlorine, alkalinity products, pH balancers and shock.
All Seasons Pools and Spas
If you’re looking for the perfect swim spa or hot tub for your home, come see us at All Seasons Pools and Spas. As the top local hot tub and swim spa dealer in the Northern California region, we stock only high-quality brands and products.
So stop searching the Internet for ‘swim spa prices’ or ‘how much is a swim spa?’ and drop in at any of our six showrooms.
Whether you want to check out our swim spas for sale or speak to one of our experts, we can help you find the perfect swim spa for your home and budget.
