Spa and Hot Tub Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: What should I consider before buying?
A: You may consider “wet testing” a spa before
purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in
it. Many reputable spa dealers maintain filled
demonstration models just for this purpose. Here is what
you should look for: Verify that the seats provide
comfortable support. You do not want to have to scoot
down in the spa like you do in a bathtub. When sitting
in any seat, the water should reach shoulder level. If
it does not, you will not get full hydrotherapeutic
value. Stay in the spa with the jets on for at least 15
minutes. At the end of that time you will know whether
the seating and jet arrangements are comfortable.
A: Quality spas are available in a
wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect
features, materials and workmanship. Of course, we hope
that as you are shopping you will consider a Sundance
spa. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we
want you to be an informed consumer and find the right
spa for your needs.
A: Here are a few simple rules to
keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and
reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer.
Avoid spa dealers who add prorated and deductible
provisions. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s
warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other
spas you are considering.
A: A spa can be installed indoors
or outdoors, although over 90%, including those in cold
weather climates, are installed outdoors. The two main
considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it
fit through the door, and is the structural strength of
the flooring adequate. A typical 3-person spa weighs
approximately 2,500 lbs/1,150 kg when filled.
A: No. All above-ground portable
spas are filled with water using a garden hose.
A: Proper water maintenance is
vital to enjoyment of your spa. While some salespeople
may try to convince you that they can sell you a
“chemical-free” spa, professional retailers and
manufacturers most often recommend the use of ozone
purification in conjunction with sanitizers developed
specifically for spas. Maintenance procedures are not
difficult, and knowledgeable retailers will provide the
start-up kit and instructions you need.
A: Most manufacturers recommend
draining and cleaning your spa no more than 3 or 4 times
per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how
well you maintain your water. In most cases this simple
process will only take about an hour to accomplish.
A: Most quality spas have
relatively sophisticated digital thermostatic controls.
These highly reliable modern systems are capable of
keeping the spa water within one degree of any
temperature you select. While this is important for
comfort, it is also important for safety. You should pay
particular attention to the control system if you have
children who will be using the spa. Better systems have
safety locks and digital readouts. A good indicator of
the control system’s quality is to read and compare
manufacturers’ warranties.
A: Truly beneficial hydrotherapy
is directly related to the placement of the jets and to
some extent, being able to adjust each jet where it is
needed. These are the standards by which physical
therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A
common point of consumer confusion occurs when
manufacturers load up a spa with lots of inexpensive,
non-adjustable, stationary jets. It doesn’t make any
difference how many jets a spa has if they are not
properly located and plumbed to provide the correct
balance of water, air and horsepower.
A: There are two kinds of
horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: “Continuous
Operating” horsepower and “Brake” horsepower (also
called “Marketing” horsepower). Continuous Operating is
the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while
the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of
horsepower the motor produces on start-up before
dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.
A: All major manufacturers agree
that filling the spa cabinet with polyurethane foam
insulation significantly reduces heat loss, thus
reducing heating costs. While this process adds to the
cost of manufacturing, research has shown that full foam
insulation provides substantial savings to the spa owner
over time. Some manufacturers eliminate full foam
insulation in an attempt to provide a less expensive
product.
A: Hydrotherapy is the combined
effect of heat, massage, and buoyancy. Warm water
dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or
damaged tissues, allowing oxygen and nutrients to help
overworked muscles recover faster. Massage, provided by
the spa’s jet system, relaxes tense muscles and relieves
pressure on surrounding nerves. Massage also improves
circulation and accelerates the body’s natural healing
process. Buoyancy reduces your body’s weight by 90%.
This relieves pressure on strained joints and muscles.
Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method
of alleviating the tension commonly associated with
stress.
A: Many jets are adjustable,
giving you an amazing number of options. The Fluidix ST
jets on many Sundance Spas models adjust from
oscillating to targeted. The Fluidix Intelli-Jets
(selected models) rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise,
or stationary. You can control the flow, volume, and
movement of other jets as well. In addition, controlling
the amount of air mixed with the water with the air
control valves changes the dynamics of the massage.
Conveniently placed massage selectors let you divert
water from one seat to another to increase or minimize
the water flow. Ask your dealer to show you how our
strategically placed and uniquely designed jets make the
Sundance Spas experience the ultimate in relaxation and
therapy.
A: The Sundance MicroClean
Filtration system, available on all 800 Series spas,
produces a level of water purity never before found in
any spa. And it’s easy to maintain! Incorporating the
new micro-filtering disposable filter with a reusable
filter cartridge, our system creates water that is
cleaner and clearer than ever before. One cartridge
consists of a spun-bound fiber technology. This allows
for ultra fine, low flow depth loading filtration. This
single pass, disposable component is similar to those
found in home counter-mounted drinking water filters.
This product reduces maintenance by quickly collecting
oils, and clarifying water.
A: Many manufacturers talk about
the horsepower of their pumps. Horsepower can be
measured using a “service factor” or a “true rating”
system. The first describes the initial thrust as the
pump first engages, but immediately the pump output
falls to a lower, continuous horsepower level. When a
spa manufacturer claims they have a 6-hp pump, they are
describing the “initial thrust,” not the horsepower the
pump delivers as it runs.
A: Sundance offers both an
ultra-violet (UV) and a corona discharge (CD) system;
many spas are installation-ready for either one. CD
ozone generators, although more expensive than UV ozone
generators, yield higher concentrations of ozone for
greater effectiveness and are less costly to maintain.
We strongly believe that you and your dealer should
discuss the strengths of both systems and determine
which system best fits your needs.
A: Today’s finest spas feature a
small circulation pump that continuously filters the
water to keep it clean and clear. It also provides the
necessary flow to allow the heater to constantly
maintain your set temperature. Spas without circulation
pumps must rely on the low speed of a larger horsepower
pump turning on periodically to provide filtration and
the flow required for heating. The circulation pump is
the most efficient method to provide flow for filtration
and heating.
A: The Sundance control system can
keep your spa hot and ready to use. Or you may prefer
the “economy” setting which allows you to tell the
system when you are most likely to use the spa and the
water will be hot and ready at your designated times.
A: The Sundance Sentry Smart™
Heater employs a titanium coil that directly heats the
water, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Titanium prohibits heater corrosion and nearly
eliminates failure. The Sentry Smart™ Heater carries a
5-year unconditional warranty.
A: Most of the Sundance spas are
220V only, but some are available in 110V. Most
customers like the benefits of the 220V spa like a much
quicker heating time. For example, the Caprio™ model is
available in either the 110V or the 220V, but customers
like you choose the 220V version four to one over the
110V version. While the initial installation may be
slightly more involved for the 220V models, most people
feel the benefits far outweigh the expense.
A: 1. Check to be sure that the
spa you buy is listed by a recognized independent
testing agency such as UL or ETL. |
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