Experts' Advice: Hot Tubs & Spas

The pros weigh in on spa options, installation, maintenance and going green

Expert Advice from Dimension One Spas®

James Hedgecock
Director of Business Development - Dimension One Spas®

"Circulation pumps help heat your spa water. While a jet pump puts out a lot of ambient heat that goes right into the air, heat is generated inside the circulation pump, so when the water is driven through, the heat goes right from the pump to the water it heats inside. The circulation pump actually returns 84 percent of the power it uses back into the water in the form of heat."

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Expert Advice from Bullfrog® Spas

Jaden Kemp
Marketing Director - Bullfrog® Spas

"The JetPak puts the plumbing in the water with you. In standard spas, the plumbing is between the cabinet and the shell. In ours, it's inside the body of water. It saves money because the plumbing is in the hot water with you. It doesn't cool down outside the spa; it's being recycled."

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Expert Advice from Hot Spring® Spas

Samantha Weiser
Hot Spring Brand Manager - Hot Spring® Spas

"Because the Autofresh system doses the precise amount of chemicals needed, there's less chance of overdosing the spa water, so customers may be able to go longer between water changes. When it's time to drain the spa, the water released into the environment is 'greener' because it will not have excess sanitizer."

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Expert Advice from Master Spas

Bob Lauter
President - Master Spas

"Interchangeable jets are similar to an adjustable shower head, but with more options. The biggest advantage is that the spas owner is not confined to the jet configuration and types they originally purchased."

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Expert Advice from Great Lakes Spas

Ray Lohner
National Sales Manager - Great Lakes Spas

"We build some models where the jets are interchangeable. You can take several 5-inch rotating jets from the wall against your lower back, for example, and switch them with pulsating jets of the same size, which may be up near your shoulders. You get a different water flow and new sensation to both of those areas, and you're able to alter the water therapy whenever you want."

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Expert Advice from Cal Spas

Shiva Noble
Executive Vice President - Cal Spas

"Stereo systems with surround sound and iPod® compatibility are the most requested options today for spa entertainment systems. Homeowners want sound to flow seamlessly as they move from their living room indoors to their living space outdoors. They're accustomed to the high-quality home stereo systems, and they've come to expect the same quality outdoors."

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Expert Advice from Splash SuperPools

Tommy Thomason
Director of Marketing - Splash SuperPools

"While practically all hot tubs can be uninstalled and packed onto a moving van if you relocate, the SplashTub is a true cash-and-carry item. You can buy it, take it home, fill it up and have it running all in the same day. You can put it basically anywhere—a wooden deck, a patio or right on the ground. And its portability allows owners to take the tub to a winter or summer house. We've even had some interest form RV-ers."

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Expert Advice from Lucite International

Chris Robinson
Director of Sales and Marketing - Lucite International

"Many hot tub manufacturers feature Lucite® cast acrylic shells with exclusive Microban® Antimicrobial Product Protection because it inhibits the growth of bacteria on the shell's surface. It works alongside the water treatment to ensure a clean spa surface, particularly above the water line where the cover creates a hot moist environment that's ideal for bacterial growth on the shell surface."

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Expert Advice from Emerald Spa Corporation

Ray Lohner
National Sales Manager - Emerald Spa Corporation

"You need to consider serviceability when choosing the spa's location. Will your location allow access for service? At some point, all spas will need service, and as aesthetically pleasing as it might be to install the spa below grade in a deck or rock garden, you will have higher costs if you need to remove the spa for service."

Emerald Spa Corporation

Expert Advice from Arctic Spas

James Keirstead
Vice President of Marketing - Arctic Spas

"Energy-efficient multi-speed pumps are becoming the norm, making smaller pumps a more effective choice. The greatest hydraulic efficiency is attained when the pump is properly matched to the plumbing system it drives. Larger pumps may be required to move a high volume of water through a large number of jets, but putting in a bigger pump than necessary is a waste of money and energy."

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Expert Advice from Spa Crest Manufacturing

George Patselas
Vice President of Sales & Marketing - Spa Crest Manufacturing

"The consumer needs to determine his or her main reason for purchasing the spa. Will it be used for therapy, entertaining or both? The next question needs to be: How many people will be using the spa? Once these two questions are determined, the dealer can guide the customer to the appropriate spa."

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Expert Advice from Infinity Spas

David Hatley
CEO - Infinity Spas

"If you just want to relax and enjoy yourself, a lot of jets can sometimes be annoying and cause you to exit the spa quicker than you want to. If you are using your spa for therapy, more jets can actually be beneficial because your total body can get the right jet exposure without moving around in different positions and different seats."

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2009 Experts' Issue

Read what the experts have to say.

Barbecues and Grills
Enclosures
Hot Tubs & Spas
Inground Pools
Pool Cleaners
Pool Covers
Poolscaping
Safety Systems
Saunas
Swim Spas
Water Care
Water Technology

Experts' Issue Articles

Safety Systems
Pool Safety

Hot Tubs
Newest Spa Options

Barbecues & Grills
High-Tech Grilling

Corrections

Corrections to Allan Frankel's article

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