What should I look for in a spa?
Arming yourself with knowledge about each spa you
consider purchasing will make the selection easier.
Individual needs vary, and we offer the following
guidelines to look for in your new spa: Consider "wet
testing" a spa before purchasing. Just as all
reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration
models just for this purpose, Waterline Spas &
Backyard Leisure offers this service. Just remember
to bring your bathing suit and a towel.
Verify that the seats provide lumbar 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 at least shoulder level. If it
does not, you will not get full hydro-therapeutic
value. In addition, look for seats for users of differing
heights.
Lean your head back against the pillows. Make sure
you do not have to hyperextend your neck to rest your
head. Take notice of the alignment of any fixed jets.
Make sure they are massaging muscle tissue instead
of bone or spine. Pay attention to how quietly or
noisily the spa operates, as well as its convenience
to the user. Can you hold a conversation in a normal
voice when the jets are operating? How convenient
are the controls to use when you are seated in the
spa?
Stay in the spa with the jets on at least 15 minutes.
At the end of that time, you will know whether the
seating and jet arrangement is truly comfortable.
Check the insulation. Polyurethane foam insulation
significantly reduces heat loss, thus reducing heating
costs. 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 product at a lower cost.
Check the size of the spa's filter. The size is usually
given in square feet. As a general rule, bigger is
better when it comes to filters. If the filter is
too small for the volume of water, you will have to
drain and clean the spa much more frequently. Some
spas require multiple filters.
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Where should I put my spa?
Safety is our first consideration. With that in
mind, we ask that you do not place your spa within
10 feet of overhead power lines. Make sure your spa
will be positioned so that access to the equipment
compartment and side panels will not be blocked, and
that your installation will meet all city and local
safety codes and requirements. You'll also want to
think about the view you will see from your spa, your
privacy needs, how best to keep it clean, and make
sure you allow for service access. In addition, consider
the following:
How will you use your spa?
If your spa is mainly for recreation, leave plenty
of room around it for activity and lawn furniture.
If you want to use your spa for therapeutic purposes,
such as relaxation, consider creating a specific "mood"
around the spa.
How will the environment affect my spa?
If you're in a changing climate, a place to change
clothes or house entry near the spa is very convenient,
whereas a warmer climate may require shade from the
hot sun. In both cases, think about placement of trees,
shrubs, patio cover, or a gazebo structure to meet
your needs.
Can I install a spa indoors?
Indoor installations require adequate ventilation.
In addition, spas can produce considerable amounts
of moisture, which can be damaging to walls and ceiling
surfaces. Special paint to resist moisture damage
is available. Also, plan your environment: Spas periodically
require drainage.
In addition, consider the structural strength of
the flooring. A typical 3-person spa weights approximately
2,500 pounds (1,150 kg) when filled.
What do I need to know about installation?
The installation process is fully covered by clicking
here. More specific questions should be directed to
your Waterline Spas & Backyard Leisure service
professionals.
Is my deck strong enough to hold a spa?
Your spa needs a solid foundation. The area must
support the weight of the spa, the water in it, and
those who use it. If the foundation is inadequate,
it may shift of settle after the spa is in place,
causing stress to the shell*. Waterline Spas &
Backyard Leisure is experienced in working with different
types of foundations to help you get the most out
of your spa. In particular, we recommend that you
place your spa on an elevated foundation, on top of
flooring that won't be spoiled or ruined from water
damage. It is strongly recommended that a qualified,
licensed contractor prepare the foundation for your
spa. Waterline Spas & Backyard Leisure can provide
the precise recommendations needed for structural
and foundational support.
What are the electrical requirements necessary
for a spa?
In the U.S., all spas must meet the requirements
set forth by the National Electric Code (NEC), and
any applicable state or local codes. The electrical
circuit must be installed by an electrical contractor
and approved by a local building/electrical inspection
authority. Waterline Spas & Backyard Leisure Pre-delivery
Guide can provide you with the information you need
to prepare for electrical set-up before delivery of
your spa, as well as electrical installation of your
spa after delivery.
Is a spa expensive to operate and maintain?
The average daily cost of a full foam insulate spa
with an insulating locking cover is less than one
dollar per day even in the coldest climates. General
spa maintenance is very affordable. The main cost
of operation is heating the water. In addition, great
strides have been made to create an overall spa experience,
including aromatherapy, which can further relax you
and enhance your experience.
Your individual needs, especially whether they are
therapeutic or recreational, will dictate the expense
of extraneous services. Your spa may actually save
you money, as compared to an expensive family vacation,
or in the cases of therapeutic use, extensive doctor's
visits. While we don't advocate our spas as a medical
or medicinal tool, we do understand that relaxation
can have an overall positive effect on mind, body,
and spirit.
Is a spa difficult to take care of?
A spa is surprisingly easy to maintain. Waterline
Spas & Backyard Leisure has a complete supply
of products necessary to your spa, in addition to
a variety of products that can enhance your overall
experience in a hot tub. In addition, Waterline Spas
& Backyard Leisure professionals are always on
hand to assist you with the needs you may have as
you adapt to your new spa. Our experts are trained,
reliable, and fully-prepared to handle all maintenance
questions in a timely, focused manner, with easy-to-understand
instructions and suggestions. Maintenance procedures
are not difficult, and knowledgeable retailers will
provide the start-up kit and instructions you need.
Will I have to install plumbing for my spa?
No. All above-ground portable spas are filled with
water using a garden hose. No additional plumbing
is needed.
How often do I drain and clean the spa?
Most manufacturers recommend that you drain and
clean 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.
What kind of chemicals are needed to maintain
a spa?
Proper water maintenance is vital to the enjoyment
of your spa. Do not be fooled by salespeople advocating
a "chemical-free" spa. Professional retailers
and manufacturers most often recommend the use of
ozone purification in conjunction with sanitizers
developed specifically with spas. Waterline Spas &
Backyard Leisure carries a full line of products to
maintain your water and add to the enjoyment of your
spa.
What are the safety features I need to consider?
Obviously, if there are number of small children
in your neighborhood, you want to make especially
certain that your spa is not easily accessible or
overly inviting. In addition, you'll want to consider
all city and local safety codes and requirements.
Make sure your spa is not within 10 feet of overhead
power lines, that you have adequate shading and privacy,
and that there is allowance for service access.
What do I get when I purchase a spa?
Waterline Spas & Backyard Leisure provides a
deluxe hard cover and a complete chemical kit for
all spa purchases.
How does the warranty affect my purchase?
Warranties are, unfortunately, the trickiest paperwork
for the spa purchaser. Keep this 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.
Most quality spas will have at least five years warranty
on parts, plumbing, and labor without any service
call charges. In addition, Waterline Spas & Backyard
Leisure offers clients a 30-day money-back guarantee
if you are not fully satisfied with your spa purchase.
How many people will fit in my spa?
This depends on two factors: The number of seats,
and legroom. Depending on the actual size of individuals
occupying seats in your spa, you may find that you
need to go to a larger or smaller size to accommodate
your personal needs. However, do not underestimate
the importance of legroom. The easier it is to stretch
out in your spa, the more relaxed you'll feel.
How do jets and horsepower affect my spa?
Much is made in the industry about the number of
jets and the horsepower behind them. It would seem
logical that the higher horsepower rating would translate
to a better massage. Unfortunately, this isn't necessarily
the case. Pump manufacturers are not regulated to
adhere to a universal rating system. A spa manufacturer
can put whatever horsepower rating they want on a
spa pump, regardless of the actual performance capacity
of the pump. As a result, these ratings do not serve
as a reliable indicator to use in comparing one spa
to another.
The real measure of the operating system of a spa is how
it feels to you. Horsepower will not add to the performance
of a spa if meticulous care has not been given to jet
selection, jet placement, plumbing system design, seat
configuration, etc. Waterline Spas & Backyard Leisure
deliver a powerful, comfortable massage from every jet
in every spa. Real, beneficial hydrotherapy is directly
related to being able to adjust each jet where it is
needed. 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 for your individual needs.
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