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Spa Buying FAQ | Lifestyles Hot Tubs

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Spa Buying FAQ

  • Is any special plumbing required for my hot tub?

    If you choose to purchase an aboveground portable hot tub or spa, there is no plumbing required at all. You simply fill the spa with a garden hose and drain it when it needs to be drained. The unit is entirely self-contained.

  • Why is a full-foam insulated hot tub better than one that’s not?

    Full foam insulation does several things for a hot tub:
    – It keeps the heat in, creating energy efficiency.
    – It reduces the noise of the equipment in the hot tub or spa.
    – It keeps the plumbing secure, reducing vibration and stress during transit and use.
    – Full foam insulation generally equates to energy efficiency which in turn saves you electrical operating costs

  • Can I test soak in a HotSpring or Caldera Hot Tub before I buy (Try Before You Buy)?

    Yes. And we highly reccommend it! Lifestyles offers 8 showrooms that regularly have a handful of spas ready for our clients to try out before choosing one.  In the rare case one of our locations does not have the spa filled that you would like to try out, we can typically make arrangements to get one filled for you in a short period of time.  Call one of our showrooms to set up an appointment to try one out!

  • Are HotSpring, Caldera, and Freeflow spas made to be outside year round?

    Yes.  In fact we find that using your spa year round is best.  These spas are insulated specifically to protect against the outside elements, especially the cold winters!  Where many spas fail to provide quality insulation to keep your energy costs low, these brands (HotSpring, Caldera, and Freeflow) are consistently rated the top of the industry for energy efficiency becasue they are insulated so well.

  • How much should I spend on a spa / hot tub?

    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 HotSpring 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.

  • What’s the purpose of a circulation pump?

    Today’s finest spas feature a 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.

  • Should I buy a spa that is full foam insulated?

    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.

  • Are spas that have foam insulation harder to service or work on?

    The foam insulation used in most premium spas plays a very large role in keeping your spa more energy efficienct and protected from the elements in our area.  The foam actually supports pipes, and equipment from flexing and moving when the jets are turned on and in turn helps prevent leaks that can occur from pipes being unsupported by the lack of foam.  The foam, in many cases, can save a customer hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy costs and unnecessary repairs over the life of a spa.  So even though the spas that skimp on insulation may make it easier to get to pipes and equipment; the spas that are fully insulated top to bottom will typically cost significantly less to work on and run in the long run. The peace of mind with our company, Lifestyles Hot Tubs, is that you are buying your spa from a company that has dedicated service technicians that are expertly trained to work on your spa if the need should arise.

  • Where will I put my hot tub?

    Small to medium sized spas can be placed on something as simple as pea gravel, patio blocks, brick pavers, etc. as long as the ground is level. Larger spas should have a cement slab or a deck to be placed on.

  • What type of electrical service do I need for a hot tub?

    Most hot tubs will require a 50 amp 220/230V service.  However, many smaller and even mid-size spas can operate in a 110/115V service that has 20 amps.  There are even some spas that can operate on a 15amp 110/115V service.  Some of the larger spas can also require a 70 amp 220/230V Service to operate all of their jet pumps and heaters simultaneously.  Wait until you choose a model before purchasing the required sub-panel for the 220/230V spas as many models will require a specific sub-panel (and some are even included with the purchase).  Here is the link to a typical wiring diagram for a hot tub.

  • Will I use the hot tub enough to justify the purchase?

    Most hot tub owners express the same concern before purchasing their hot tub, in fact, it is the #1 concern when considering a hot tub purchase.  Those who purchase the right model for the right reason find that they use their spa much more than they expected.  A hot tub can provide relaxation, muscle rejuvenation, family togetherness, and many more benefits than the customer originally expects when they purchase a hot tub.

  • How much maintenance is required with a hot tub?

    In the past, Chlorine and Bromine were the only methods to use to care for a spa and required a lot of maintenance.  Now Salt Water Care systems and water conditioning products tat maintain water balance and prevent build-up in the plumbing have made maintaining a hot tub easier than ever before.  Hot tub maintenance can now just take minutes, or even seconds per week.

  • How much will a hot tub increase my energy bill per month?

    There are still many hot tubs on the market that are very expensive to run.  Insulation must be a main focus of the manufacturer to keep the energy usage of a hot tub down. There are also many hot tub models to choose from that have very high levels of insulation and circulation pump systems to keep operating costs in the $20 – $30 range per month on average, even with the coldest of winters.  These spas will come with an Energy Guarantee to give customers piece of mind when their hot tub usage increases in the colder months.

  • How do I take the hot tub cover off and put it back on by myself?

    Hot tub covers can be bulky and awkward to remove and especially to put back on with just 1 person.  Even the best insulated and lightweight covers can be a challenge.  The great part is that manufacturers have recognized this issue and have a solution for this issues with multiple styles of cover assist systems.  These are available in different styles to accommodate customers space constraints.  This video will show you a few of the most popular options.

  • How close can the spa be to my house?

    There really isn’t a specific measurement you have to abide by.  You want to have the spa close enough so it is easy to get to and in turn, will be used more in cold weather. You want to plan for enough clearance for steps (approx 2′), cover assist system, (approx 8” to 24” depending on which system is used), and the spa must be at least 5′ away from the 220 sub-panel (if used for your specific model) but no more than 45′ away from that sub-panel.

  • Will weather, snow, rain, sun, etc. hurt a hot tub outdoors?

    A quality spa will use synthetic cabinetry, marine-grade vinyl covers, fade resistant components, and high density insulation to allow the hot tub to withstand the elements.  A climate such as Michigan’s with dramatic temperature swings can destroy lesser spas in a few short years whereas a quality hot tub can be expected to last 20 years or more in your backyard.

  • Can I put a hot tub indoors?

    Yes.  Installing a hot tub indoors (basement, garage, screened in porch, spare bedroom, etc.) has become very popular.  As long as you have the proper clearance to get the spa into the room as the hot tub will not be able to be disassembled, and the proper ventilation.  Most indoor hot tubs can be ventilated by simply cracking open a window while the spa is in use.  A bathroom-style exhaust fan can be used in rooms where opening a window is not possible.

  • If I install a hot tub indoors, will it make my house smell?

    If you use Chlorine or Bromine as a stand alone product, it will make your house smell.  However, there are many water care systems that have no odor and work very well indoors.  When purchasing your spa, explain that the spa will be going indoors and a good hot tub expert will be able to tailor a water care system for your needs.