Allied Pools

Spas + Hot Tubs

Spa Features

Spa Insulation – 3 methods used by manufacturers

  1. Fully Foamed System – The greatest benefit to the consumer especially now in the days of going green and conserving energy. In this system the entire underside of the spa within the cabinet is filled with foam.  More foam and less air pockets greatly increases a Hot Tub’s efficiency. The other important function of the foam is to provide structural support for the plumbing of the hot tub. The foam will actually prevent movement and vibration that is a result of pumps turning on and off and water moving through the plumbing.

  2. Warm Air Barrier System – An insulating system which is constructed by placing insulation material on the back of the Hot Tub shell and then insulating the inside of the Hot Tub cabinet to form a sealed chamber.  Within this chamber the radiant heat generated by the pump motors is captured and recycled in order to raise and maintain the water temperature efficiently. The biggest drawback to this system is that all plumbing is suspended in air. There really isn’t anything to help support the plumbing and prevent undesired movement of the pipes and hoses. Leaks can form more frequently in a tub insulated with the Warm Air Barrier System.

  3. Very Little or No Insulation – Obviously in our market you would not want to place a Hot Tub outdoors without insulation.  Unfortunately, there are several large home supply stores that sell “outdoor” units that have minimal or no insulation.  Remember, you get what you pay for.

The Story Behind Horsepower

There will always be at least one spa retailer who only sells based on the number of jets or pump horsepower.  It is very important for you the consumer to remember that a properly engineered and designed Hot Tub contains appropriately placed jets to provide maximum hydro massage therapy.  This requires the placing of jets in an anatomically correct way to target muscle groups most likely to cause tension and pain.  In addition, these jets must be powered by correctly balanced water flow rates in order to maximize your hot tub experience.  Remember, getting knocked over by a fire hose does not feel better than properly targeted and powered jet action.

How the Hot Tub Structure is Constructed

  1. The oldest method was to use a wood frame, which the spa shell rested on. The exterior sides of the spa were constructed of cedar or redwood. Industry has moved away from this due to maintenance issues of wood sides and environmental concerns of using redwood.

  2. The last five years have seen the introduction of maintenance free sides, which has reduced homeowner care to practically nothing.  This structure still used a wood frame as its base for the spa shell.

  3. The latest innovation utilizes a wood frame along with a molded ABS bottom. This ABS bottom not only helps with the insulation of the Hot Tub, but it keeps moisture from coming in contact with wood or insulation by providing a rot and moisture resistant foundation. Also, look at the weight of the hot tub, in most cases, the heavier the tub, the better constructed it is.

If I have a problem, how will my spa be serviced?

  1. Factory Trained Technicians – Some companies, due to their high volume of sales and large geographical territory of customers, will work with several Factory Trained Technicians that are contracted to provide for a specific dealer. This provides direct manufacturer tech support and faster service calls to the consumer. These technicians work directly for the manufacturer of the Hot Tub, and are certified/trained to work exclusively on that brand of tub. These technicians are extremely skilled and their performance and training is monitored by the Hot Tub manufacturer. Customers will experience service that is second to none because the techs make repairs much faster and more efficiently and are required to stock certain parts from the Hot Tub manufacturer.

  2. In House Service – Usually performed by smaller size retailers whose customer base is located within a certain area. The person providing the service is typically not as efficient as a factory trained/certified technician. Often times several trips are required to complete the repair do to a lack of parts inventory.

  3. Yellow pages – One-time spa retailers at shows or fairs, or discount retailers who, after the spa has been delivered, will tell you to look up a name in the yellow pages if you have a problem. .

Your Hot Tub shopping experience will be exciting and also confusing at times. Take your time, ask questions, and sit in the hot tub.  Check for durability, ruggedness and energy efficient, care-free operation. Remember, your Hot Tub will provide you with many years of family enjoyment if you put the time in investing into the right Hot Tub.