Hot Tub Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right hot tub is an important decision, which is why we offer a network of certified and trusted Platinum Spas partners across the UK, USA and Europe. With their expertise and knowledge, they will help you choose the right hot tub or swim spa.

We’ve collated and answered a number of swim spa and hot tub FAQs below, which will hopefully answer any questions you have for us.

A 13amp or ‘plug and play’ hot tub requires little electrical preparation before your new spa arrives. These hot tubs use a 2.5mm 3 core cable and standard UK 3 pin plug. The Spas electrical supply is then wired directly into the circuit board at one end, and plugged into an outdoor socket at the other end, just like most UK electrical appliances. A 32amp hot tub requires a little more planning, as 6mm 3 core SWA cable is required to be wired into an isolation switch, which is then wired directly into you consumer unit. Your chosen qualified and compliant electrician will be able to give you the best advice on this. We also have a pre-delivery guide which can answer all your specific requirements.

But the main difference? With your 13amp hot tub, you cannot run your jets at the same time as the spa is heating up. If you choose to run your jets whilst the spa is heating, the spa will automatically turn the heater off. A 32amp spa can run both these components at the same time with no interruption.

The larger the hot tub, the more power and electrical current that is needed. When you go up to three or four pumps, you may be looking at a 40-amp feed. There is no such thing as a 32-amp hot tub.

32 amps is the amount of power that is required to run a standard hot tub that will have a heater and a couple of pumps running simultaneously. With a 32 amp, you could use it for three or four hours and your heater won’t turn off and the temperature will remain the same.

We find that this is one of the most common hot tub FAQs. The answer is different for each customer depending on who will be using it – a couple, family, or friends. Even if there will only be two people using the hot tub, different options of seats will allow you to soothe different muscles.

You may also require a greater number of loungers rather than seats. We have various hot tubs by size, whether you’re in the market for 3 person hot tubs, 6 person hot tubs all the way up to 7 person hot tubs.

Within reason, anywhere that suits your preference! As long as the spa is on a level surface. So whether its in the garden area, an indoor summer house or sunk to into outdoor decking. We would request ‘service access’ should you need any servicing, maintenance or repairs in the future (ideally 600mm all around the edge of the spa) or a ‘service hatch’ in your decking area. If you are unsure though please speak to our Aftersales team who would be more than happy to discuss your options with this.

Please bare in mind that most of your electrical and mechanical components are behind the panel that is directly underneath your control panel, so you may wish to have this side facing away from any walls or fences.

This can depend on many factors, such as but not limited to; the position of your hot tub, how well insulated the hot tub is, how often you run your filtration cycles, how often you use your spa, the time of year etc. Ways you can keep the costs to a minimum is running your spa as efficiently as possible, some things to consider are; Insulating your hot tub, so what does the hot tub come with as standard, and compare this to an upgraded package to provide extra insulation. Positioning; if you choose to locate your spa on a hill with no surrounding wind protection from walls or fences, this will cost more long term to run.

Air Source Heat Pumps can also dramatically reduce running costs when compared to a conventional heater. Our Sales and Technical team can discuss this further with you if you wish to consider this product.

Some basic guides to stick to would be.

 

  1.  Purchase a spare set of filters and rotate them weekly.
  2.  Spray your filters with an ‘instant filter cleaner’ once per week rinse your filters once per week to remove any obvious debris and replace with your second set.
  3.  Clean your filters with a diluted solution in a bucket once per month.
  4.  Replace them every 2 months. Even if the filters look fine, the pleats inside will have become worn and let unwanted particles pass through into your plumbing system which have the potential to cause issues long term.
  5.  Maintain your water chemistry. Chlorine/Bromine provide sanitisation, pH regulates the acidity/Alkalinity of your spa and TA controls the viscosity of the water. An imbalance of these levels can cause corrosion or scale build up within your components.

Foam is a reaction from the contaminants in the water. We would always recommend showering before using your spa to reduce the risk of this happening, but the main contaminants come from body lotions, deodorants, make up, hair products and oils and laundry detergent. Keep one set of swimwear strictly for your hot tub and wash these in warm water only to also help with foaming issues. You can use a ‘foam-away’ chemical to get rid of small amounts of foam, but if the foam appears regularly or is excessive we would recommend draining your spa water and refilling with fresh.

Like most products, this all comes down to how well it is maintained. So being meticulous with your chemicals, regular cleaning and maintenance and yearly servicing will all prolong the life of your spa so you can enjoy it years to come.

Absolutely! This is entirely your choice. Some of our customers prefer to use their spas in the Summer and shut them down over the Winter period. If this is your choice, we offer a ‘Shutdown Service’ to ensure your pipes do not freeze over the colder months and your spa is professional wrapped and cleaned ready to be re-commissioned as the warmer months draw in. Equally, hot tubs are great in the winter and are designed for year round enjoyment.

Yes, we offer parts and labour warranty on all our Hot Tubs, so you can rest easy knowing if the unlikely event of an issue does arrive, our Aftersales department can quickly resolve any issues, no matter how small. We understand a Hot Tub is a luxury investment, and our high expectations will ensure a smooth rectification on any issues you may have.