Hydropool North West cuts to the root of the information while avoiding lacing pitches with nonsensical buzzwords that can be confusing. As a family-owned business we think honesty is key. Here are some things to look out for when buying a hot tub
Five Hot Tub Buying Red Flags
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Chemical-Free Hot Tub or Hot Tubs with Proprietary Filters
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Plastic Framed Hot Tubs or Wooden Framed Hot Tubs
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Non-Industry Standard Components
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Neglected After-Sales Support
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Inadequate Insulation
1. Chemical-Free Systems and Proprietary Filters
No such thing as a chemical-free hot tub system exists. Every hot tub, pool, and even drinking water requires sanitiser as part of its upkeep and needs adjustments to both pH and alkalinity to be safe. Salt water hot tub systems still produce chemicals to sanitise, whether it be chlorine or sodium bromide. Salt systems have cells that generate chlorine or bromine from the salt. These can be more maintenance and more cost, for little to no difference in water quality compared to traditional chemical methods. If you’re trying to stay away from a traditional sanitiser like chlorine, bromine is a great alternative. Bromine is less harsh and smells less. But when it comes down to it, they are both chemicals.
No spa can be completely maintenance free. Water chemistry is not an arduous process, but some systems on the market make taking care of the spa much easier. Despite what some companies may say, filtration systems are important to the overall health of your spa water. We wouldn’t trust a tub that doesn’t have a filtration cartridge as part of their system. Anything that has additional filtration such as side suction or floor plate vacuum (like our Self-Cleaning Models) we would trust more! Proprietary filters in non-standard shapes can be hard to find and really expensive to buy.
Hydropool hot tubs have run extensive tests against other brands which show the true power of our high-pressure hot tub filtration. It’s not that the Signature Self-Cleaning hot tub creates a maintenance free hot tub, it just gives the closest result. It frees up time spent on maintenance by using top of the line filtration methods. The water stays cleaner without using as many chemicals, resulting in less money spent over time on upkeep.
2. Plastic Framed Hot Tubs or Wooden Framed Hot Tubs
The perils of plastic framed hot tubs are astounding and often overlooked. To offer deceptively low prices on their hot tubs, brands frequently resort to cheap plastic frames, sacrificing durability and quality. Plastic does not often survive in temperature extremes, making plastic framed hot tubs less likely to survive warping without chipping or leaving the hot tub a wonky shape. Unbalanced or warping of the internals of your hot tub can do a number on the hot tub’s performance, leaving your tub more prone to leaks or faults.
If you’re reading this article in England, you know that wood doesn’t tend to age well here. There’s a reason most of the buildings are brick! While we may all dream of escaping to a wooden cabin, you don’t want to dream of a wood framed hot tub. Like plastic, wood can warp and twist over time. Humidity and moisture in England is sure to make wood rot unless it is treated. Treated wood cannot be recycled, and should not be burnt. Whereas steel frames won’t rot, won’t warp, and can be 100% recycled should it need to be. Hydropool is proud to boast steel framed hot tubs and swim spas.
3. Non-Industry Standard Components
While aiming for attractive price points, many brands compromise on hot tub quality by utilizing obscure internal components to minimize production expenses. Pumps and spa packs are the heart and brain of your hot tub, so making sure they are reputable can ensure the longevity of your tub. Some industry standard brands are Waterways and Gecko, they can be found on the highest quality hot tubs. Balboa is common, but tends to be found across the spectrum of quality.
Take a look at the jets in the hot tub. Quality jets will be heavier, made out of more durable materials. Often jets use a metal decorative piece, if plastic, the treatment will fade or flake. Hydropool jets use stainless steel accents, durable under chemically treated water. Ask about interchangeable jets, when these are used in a hot tub it makes repairs much easier. Hydropool’s recessed jetting is unobtrusive to the bather, and can be replaced interchangeably. Our jets are uniquely designed to create different flows of water which provide a range of hydrotherapy massage styles.
4. Neglected After-Sales Support
On the subject of components, you want to make sure if and when something does go wrong, that you receive the best care possible to help deal with the issue. Check reviews of the brand and specific store you are planning to buy from are positive. Make sure you sort by bad reviews so you can judge for yourself. Search for “after care”, “after sale”, and “ongoing support” to see the support reviews clearly.
Be wary of drop shipped hot tubs, hot tubs from big box stores that offer no support, vague service terms, and don’t review a product on the day of arrival- even if the nice delivery people are adamant you give them five stars.
At Hydropool North West, we want our customers to feel secure in the knowledge that we are here for them. We’ll do everything in our power to rectify issues as fast as possible, even if that means coaching someone through their FLO issue over the phone. We have a host of maintenance blog posts that could help solve chemical or controller issues at home. Our Owner’s Hub, available only to Hydropool North West Customers has documentation available to download such as manuals, spec sheets, and wellness guides. We are also available for callouts with our in-house engineer. Hydropool also has a comprehensive warranty which covers 10 years on cabinet and frame, 5 years on shell, 3 years on components.
5. Inadequate Insulation
Poor hot tub insulation creates a cascade of problems, significantly impacting energy consumption and the lifespan of the hot tub unit. Without adequate insulation, heat rapidly dissipates, forcing the hot tub's heating system to work excessively to maintain the desired temperature. This heightened workload translates to dramatically increased energy bills. Furthermore, the constant strain on the heating elements, pumps, and other vital components leads to premature wear and tear, ultimately resulting in costly repairs and a shortened lifespan for the hot tub. The inverse of this would be full foam insulation, which insulates too much, and the equipment that is inside the shell but out of the insulation will often overheat and fail. Hydropool hot tub cabinets have vents to prevent overheating in hot weather, and reflect waste heat back into the hot tub via reflective perimeter insulation. Explore more about hot tub insulation by reading our blog post.
In Conclusion
Consumers lured by lower priced hot tubs often find they've purchased a product with a short lifespan, due to manufacturers' reliance on obscure inexpensive components. Brands prioritize profit margins over product quality, using cheap materials to inflate the perceived value of their hot tubs.
At Hydropool North West, we know the true value of our hot tubs as evidenced by the industry standard components we use. The durable steel frame, eco-friendly recycled cabinet materials, and highly rated insulation system define our top quality Hydropool products. If you're considering a hot tub, let's talk first. We're a family-owned team, and we'd love to help! Call or visit us today.
