Hot Tub Advice
The Two E’s in Buying a Spa in Grand County
Efficiency
Due to our cold climate, it is important to consider the energy costs of operating your spa.
A spa that is efficient at lower elevations may not be efficient in Grand County. When shopping for a spa, you should know the needs of a spa for mountain living.
- While many spas claim to be fully foamed, they often use cheaper, low-density open-cell foam. Look for a spa that is totally insulated with closed-cell polyurethane foam.
- Oversized high-power pumps use an excessive amount of energy to maintain your spa. Bigger is not better.
- A dedicated circulation pump allows for constant filtration while using less energy to operate than a 75-watt light bulb.
- Look for a manufacturer that has documented third-party data to demonstrate monthly energy costs.
Ease
Many manufacturers advertise “lifetime warranties.” Always ask for the full list of disclaimers that would void the warranty.
Filtration: A spa that offers continuous filtration is the best as it cleans the water continuously throughout the day even while you are in the spa.
Ozone System: An ozone system injects tiny, highly concentrated ozone bubbles into the water, neutralizing contaminants on contact. Ask the dealer how often the ozonator needs to be replaced. Many need to be replaced yearly versus a corona, discharge cell ozonator that has a longer life cycle and is more effective.
An alternative wood cabinet delivers low maintenance and high durability. Wood cabinets require regular maintenance and staining usually four times a year.
As with any large purchase, you want the comfort of knowing that the manufacturer is dedicated to quality and will be in business to support its product in the future. A few key questions to ask are: 1) Who is the spa’s manufacturer? What is their background and length of time in business? 2) How many spas do they manufacture in a year? 3) Are they ISO certified (international standard for design and manufacturing excellence)? Additionally, look for other consumer accreditations such as Consumer Digest or NSF to certify the quality of the spa. NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to help consumers live safer every day. Buy locally to avoid delivery charges and trip charges. (When you need your spa serviced, even while under warranty, most dealers will charge a significant trip charge.)
