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What is an O-Zone Generator?

O-zone generators or ozonators as they are sometimes called, are optional components within a Hot Tub that introduce o-zone gas into the water to help kill bacteria.

Because o-zone is such an effective sanitiser it reduces the amount of chemical sanitiser needed to maintain the Hot Tubs water chemistry, which not only saves money of water treatment costs, it is also lowers the amount of chemicals in the water which is great for any bather who has sensitive skin.

O-zone generators should never be used as the sole method of sanitation in a Hot tub and should always be used are alongside a chemical sanitiser such as chlorine or bromine.

What kind of electrical wiring is required for a Hot Tub?

Hot Tub wiring needs to be done by a part P registered qualified electrician. During that installation they will need to use the right thickness, length, and material of cable.

The only cables to use, especially outdoors are SWA armoured cable or 7 core flexible rubber reinforced cable.

Can I drain my Hot Tub onto grass?

If the Hot Tub water is at normal levels, not giving excessively high chemical readings, and the water is balanced, then its permissible in the UK to drain the Hot Tub water directly onto grass as long as it’s more than 10 meters from a watercourse.

It can vary from country to country depending on environmental laws and guidance, so if you’re outside of the UK, it’s always best to seek guidance from the retailer or the relevant agency within your country.

Hot tub insurance

A Hot Tub or Swimspa can be an expensive purchase, and you may consider it to be one of your most valuable possessions.

Fixed items in your garden such as patios, fences and sheds will fall under your building’s insurance. Movable items such as your Hot Tub will be covered by your content’s insurance. Make sure that your insurance covers the value of your spa. You may want to increase the amount you are covered for, if this is the case you can pay extra for your existing policy, or take out specialist insurance.

Of course, at 1 Stop Spas we offer a warranty on all of our Hot Tubs as peace of mind. However, like any high value items, we would advise insuring your spa in case of accidental damage. With the increase of Hot Tub sales in recent years there has been a wave of insurance claims too. From theft and animal damage to accidents with lawn mowers, we have all experienced mishaps with our prized possessions.

Alongside damages to the spa itself, there have been many insurance claims from those with clumsy hands dropping other expensive items into their Hot Tub! Most commonly mobile phones are dropped or knocked into the water. Watches, hearing aids, tablets and earphones are also commonly dropped or knocked in. Due to the small possibility of these accidents, we strongly encourage everyone who buys one of our spas to have insurance so they can enjoy it for years to come (without the stress of ruining any other possessions!).

Keeping Your Hot Tub Safe

Whilst having any costs covered is important, we know prevention is better than cure. So, we have come up with some steps for keeping your Hot Tub safe.

Take off jewellery and watches

Chemicals used in your Hot Tub in some cases can discolour or wear out your jeweller. Being in the water may also damage your watch. Alongside chemicals, spas have high temperatures and water pressure, all of which isn’t the best environment for your fine jewellery. So, take off that engagement ring and your Rolex before you soak!

Put down your phone

It may be tempting to document all of your Hot Tub activities online, but a quick text isn’t worth dropping and destroying your mobile. Keep your phone away from your Hot tubs water!

Eliminate disaster

Placing your Hot Tub away from any possible trees, parasols, posts or potential falling objects can help eliminate disaster. After a storm, the last thing you want to see is a massive tree crushing your beloved spa!

Take care of accessories

Lids and accessories should be stored and used properly to avoid damage. Keep higher value accessories away from your dog or bunny rabbit, as they might get chewed!

Accidental damage insurance

Finally, remember to check that your contents insurance covers all of your belongings inside your house, as well as in your garden. Accidental damage insurance provides ultimate peace of mind, so make sure to add this on! Hopefully you won’t have to make an insurance claim and using our tips have managed to keep everything safe. In the unlikely event it’s needed, at least you will be covered.

Do 1 Stop Spas Offer Insurance?

We include a warranty on all hot tubs, spas and swim spas we sell, but do not offer any insurance. The can be arranged through your existing home insurance, a garden insurance policy or other specialist insurance policy. Please always check the details to know what’s covered, and what is not.

Takeaway
Your Hot Tub is a valuable investment so it’s important to protect it just like any other high-ticket item. While your home contents insurance may cover it, you’ll want to double check and ensure the policy reflects its true value. Consider wider insurance cover that covers claims for theft, weather damage, and accidental damage. For example to cover things like dropping phones or watches in the water, as this is more common than you might think.

How do I know when it’s time to replace my hot tub filter?

Typically, a Hot Tub filter will last up to one year with normal home use and regular maintenance. With very heavy use, for example at a holiday park or holiday cottage, you may need to change your filter more regularly.

If you notice a restriction or a reduction in the performance of the hot tubs jets, it might be an indication that your filter is causing a restriction in the system. It is likely it will need either deep cleaning or replacing.

If your filter has been damaged and there are holes in the filter pleats, the filter will need replacing immediately. Using a damaged filter can lead to dirt getting into the hot tub pipes and reducing the lifespan of other parts.

To get the maximum life out for your hot tub filter we suggest that you should clean them weekly. You can wash them off with a hose. We recommend that you also use a quality Hot Tub filter cleaner as part of your maintenance schedule. These help lift off oils and other particles that water alone can’t wash away. Check out our range of hot tub filter cleaners here.

Making your filter last

Some hot tub models, like those from American Whirlpool, can also have a pre-filter fitted. These catch larger particles before they reach the main filter. The First Filter is uniquely designed as an extra layer of protection. It captures debris allowing your filter to work optimally to filter out the finer particles for maximum filtration and water clarity.

For the best filter performance, it’s best to let the filter completely dry before reinstalling. With the filter paper completely dry. When the paper fibres dry, they tighten and ‘reset’, improving the filter’s effectiveness when reinstalled. We always recommend having a second filter, or set of filters, that you can rotate between for this reason. This means you can install a dry one straight away as you clean and dry the dirty filter that has been removed.

What filter do I need?

We stock an extensive range of high quality filters for most hot tub brands. Shop all our filters here. If you’re not sure what filter you need, please contact us and one of our team can help you find exactly what you need.

Takeaway
Hot Tub filters should be changed once a year unless they are visibly in poor condition or limiting performance. They should be changed more often in heavy use or when used in a business such as a holiday let.

How long do hot tubs last?

How long do Hot Tubs last?

A Hot Tub can last anywhere from 2 to over 20 years depending on the Hot Tub.

Why is there a such a big variation? Theres several things that affect the lifespan of a Hot Tub and these include:

The brand

Not all Hot Tubs are created equal and like many products out there, you get what you pay for. If a Hot Tub is cheap, its cheap for a reason. This is usually because it’s been built with cheap, low-quality parts and has poor or no insulation. A cheap Hot Tub (especially if it’s under £5,000) will be built from lower quality parts and won’t last anywhere near as long as a higher quality Hot Tub. A good brand of Hot Tub will cost more but will last far longer due to the better parts and build quality. What’s often not thought about at the time of purchase is the availability of replacement parts. Often cheap Hot Tubs replacement parts are hard to get hold of or sometimes not even available which drastically shortens how long they last. The best brands of Hot Tub are from the USA.

How its looked after

Hot Tubs need to be looked after if you want them to last, much like a car. Even a car like a Rolls Royce would have a much shorter life span if you never changed the filters or oil, never had it serviced, never cleaned it, and ignored any faults that needed attention. Hot Tubs are exactly the same. If you don’t keep on top of the care, they won’t last.

How its used

If you use a Hot Tub a few times a week and treat it like the luxury item it is, it will last longer. If a large number of people use it every day, jump in and out of it without care, and throw the lid around, it won’t last long. This is what we sometimes see with Hot Tubs at holiday lets when guests haven’t looked after the spa during their stay. Hot Tubs are usually hardy and can take a knock or two, but there not designed to be misused.

So back to the original question, how long do Hot Tubs last?

A general guide is high-quality; American built Hot Tub can last 20 years or more.

A cheap (typically Chinese) built Hot Tub will often only last 2-5 years.

With Hot Tubs you usually get what you pay for. Regardless of what type of Hot Tub you buy, good maintenance and care will make a huge difference to the lifespan.

Takeaway – A Hot Tub’s lifespan comes down to build quality, how it’s looked after, and how it’s used. If you Invest in a reputable USA brand and look after it properly, your Hot Tub can provide enjoyment for decades.

Does a hot tub need to be close to the house?

Does a Hot Tub need to be close to the house? No, not at all.

Many people choose to put their Hot Tub close to their home as there are a few benefits which we’ll go into shortly. There’s not usually anything to stop you putting it down the far end of your garden as far away from the house as possible though. Many people do.

We find that the most popular place customers want their Hot Tub installing is close to the house and there’s few reasons for this. A Hot Tub needs to have an electrical connection which is usually cheaper and more straight forward to have near the house. The Hot Tub also needs a solid, flat base. Many people already have this on their patio near the house. Lastly and probably the main reason, on cold or dark evening its much nicer and easier to walk out your back door have the Hot Tub nearby rather than having to walk down the other end of the garden. In the end though it’s a personal choice.

How long should you stay in a hot tub for?

This depends on the temperature of the Hot Tub. If the temperature of the Hot Tub is set above or below core body temperature (approximately 37°C), then you will start to heat up or cool down quicker and can start to experience the symptoms of Hypothermia or Hyperthermia.

Hypothermia is when core temperature drops below normal levels.

Hyperthermia is when the bodies core temperature increases above normal levels.

If the Hot Tub is set to a temperature higher than body core temperature, then it’s recommended by BISHTA to spend no more than 15 minutes in the Hot Tub.

Chlorine vs Bromine: Which Is The Best Hot Tub Sanitiser?

Maintaining the cleanliness of your Hot Tubs water is paramount to ensuring a healthy and enjoyable soaking experience.

The two most commonly used sanitising agents for this purpose are Chlorine and Bromine which are the only sanitisers for Hot Tubs that are recommended by BISHTA. Its long been debated whether Chlorine or Bromine is the superior Hot Tub sanitiser, with each having its own set of benefits.

Why Do Hot Tubs Need Sanitising?

Before diving into the differences between Chlorine and Bromine, it’s crucial to understand why Hot Tub sanitation is needed in the first place.

Hot tubs, particularly those used frequently and by multiple people, are susceptible to contamination by bacteria, viruses, and other undesirables. This contamination can be introduced through various means, including from bathers, and wind-blown debris.

Without proper sanitisation, these contaminants can multiply and potentially lead to severe health conditions such as Legionnaires’ disease. Therefore, using effective sanitising agents is essential to keep your Hot Tub water clean and safe.

Chlorine as a Hot Tub Sanitiser

Chlorine is a well-known sanitising agent and commonly used in public swimming pools. It is lauded for its rapid bacteria elimination properties. However, it’s essential to understand how Chlorine works and its implications for Hot Tub use.

How Chlorine Works

Chlorine’s sanitising action is a result of a chemical reaction known as Oxidation. During this process, Chlorine interacts with the membrane of the contaminant’s cell, affecting its chemical bonds. This interaction results in the destruction of the contaminant, converting the contaminated water in your Hot Tub into safe sanitised water.

Types of Chlorine for Hot Tub Use

Chlorine comes in various forms, such as granules and tablets. The most effective type of chlorine for Hot Tubs is Sodium Dichlor, which is available as granules. There are also Chlorine tablets made of Trichlor which are highly acidic and can deteriorate the Hot Tub coating.

Effectiveness of Chlorine in Hot Tub Sanitation

Chlorine is highly effective in sanitising Hot Tub water, rapidly eliminating contaminants. However, it dissipates quickly, making more frequent applications necessary.

Dosage and Frequency of Chlorine Application

The effectiveness of Chlorine-based products in Hot Tubs relies on maintaining specific Chlorine levels in combination with appropriate water pH levels. The recommended free Chlorine concentration for Hot Tubs is 3-5 ppm (parts per million). This level should be combined with a water pH between 7.0 and 7.6.

Health Implications of Chlorine Use

If used correctly, Chlorine does not cause health issues. However, people with sensitive skin or allergies to Chlorine should avoid using Chlorine-based products. Some common health issues caused by a reaction to Chlorine use are skin rashes and eye irritation.

Bromine as a Hot Tub Sanitiser

Bromine is a popular alternative to Chlorine for Hot Tub sanitisation. It is particularly favoured by those with allergies to Chlorine or sensitive skin. To understand if Bromine is the right choice for you, we need to delve into how it works and its implications for Hot Tub use.

How Bromine Works

Bromine sanitises Hot Tub water through a process known as Ionisation. This process involves breaking down bacteria and other pathogens to the extent they can no longer survive, thereby sanitising the water.

Types of Bromine for Hot Tub Use

Like Chlorine, Bromine is available in various forms, including granules, tablets, sticks, and salts. The easiest way to use Bromine in your Hot Tub is by placing it into a diffuser, which provides a steady, prolonged release.

Effectiveness of Bromine in Hot Tub Sanitation

Bromine dissolves in water slower than Chlorine, resulting in a slower sanitisation process. However, it remains effective for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent applications.

Dosage and Frequency of Bromine Application

To ensure optimal sanitisation, Bromine levels should be maintained between 2 and 4 ppm. Levels below 2 ppm can lead to inadequate sanitisation, while levels above 4 ppm can pose health risks.

Both Chlorine and Bromine are highly effective sanitising agents for Hot Tubs. The choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Ultimately, ensuring your Hot Tub is adequately sanitised is the most crucial aspect regardless of whether you choose Chlorine or Bromine.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using sanitising chemicals for your Hot Tub. Also, remember to regularly test your Hot Tub water to ensure the sanitiser level remains within the recommended range.

Hot tub winter care guide

As the nights draw in and the temperature starts to drop, many Hot Tub owners start thinking about what to do with their Hot Tub over the winter. Two of the most common questions we get asked about Hot Tubs over winter are:

Do I keep my Hot Tub running over winter?

Do I empty my Hot Tub for winter?

Always keep your Hot Tub running over winter!

Every spring we are inundated with queries from Hot Tub owners who have emptied and not ran their Hot Tubs over winter and have major, costly problems when they try to use them again.

Some sources say you should drain and not run your Hot Tub over winter but there are two major problems caused by doing this.

No matter how thoroughly a Hot Tub is drained, it’s virtually impossible to remove every last drop of water. Hot Tubs have many metres of pipework and other components inside them, with lots of bends for water to reside in. This water will freeze and damage pipes as well as other components that can lead to costly repairs. This is even more problematic for Hot Tubs that have fully foamed insulation as all the insulation must be removed to repair the fault and that’s after the how difficult it is to find the fault in the first place.

Any water no matter how small left on a pipe will be a breeding ground for bacteria. Over the winter this might only be a small amount but as soon as the Hot Tub is refilled in the spring, this bacteria will multiply rapidly and can be extremely dangerous.

1 – Prepare for winter

With a small amount of work, you can get your Hot Tub ready for the winter period.

A Thorough Clean

Start by giving your Hot Tub a good clean which is more pleasant to do before the weather gets really cold. Start by emptying all the water out of the Hot Tub and then give the shell a thorough clean.

Clean Or Change The Filter

To make sure your Hot Tub’s filtration is working optimally over the winter period, inspect the filter in the same way you would for regular maintenance and give it a good clean. If it’s old or worn, now is a good time to replace it.

Check The Cover

In the cold winter weather, your Hot Tub cover is more vital than ever. Firstly, it locks in heat which helps keep running costs down. Secondly, it protects the Spa from the winter elements. If yours is worn or damaged, now is the best time to replace it with a well-insulated, energy efficient cover. Make sure the cover is fastened down well to prevent it coming off in high winds.

Refill the Spa

Once you’re happy, everything is clean and in good condition, refill the Hot Tub with clean water. Just like any other time of the year, water chemistry is still vitally important. Make sure the new water is balanced and safe.

Temperature

If you don’t plan to use your Hot Tub much over winter, you can reduce the temperature. All quality Hot Tubs will have a non-freeze mode which is typically around 15°. This keeps lukewarm water running through the Spa, so you won’t have to worry about freezing or standing water. It’s the most cost-effective way to run a Hot Tub over winter.

Lighting

If it’s going to be dark when you use or maintain your Hot Tub over winter, make sure you have adequate lighting both for the Hot Tub and the path to it to avoid accidents in the dark. This is especially important if it’s wet or frozen outside. Ambient lighting can create a really amazing atmosphere in the Hot Tub on cold dark nights.

2 – Winter maintenance

To keep your Hot Tub in good condition and performing its best, it’s important to do maintenance over the winter.

Water Maintenance

Maintaining water balance is just as important in the winter as any other time of the year, so will need to be regularly checked and adjusted where required.

Check The Water Level

Many people are surprised that evaporation from a Hot Tub is higher in winter than in summer. This is due to the greater difference between water temperature and ambient air temperature. Make sure your Hot Tub water is topped up if it drops below the correct level.

Ice And Snow

Snow and ice are common when it gets really cold in winter, and neither are good for your Hot Tub’s cover. Snow in particular can add a considerable amount of additional weight and should be removed as soon as possible.

Keep It Covered Up

While it might be obvious, it’s important to keep your Hot Tub covered up in winter when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements and to keep the heat in.

3 – What not to do

Avoid costly mistakes by not doing the following:

Don’t Leave It Empty

As we mentioned earlier in the article, don’t drain down and leave your Hot Tub empty over winter. Any money you might save by not running it could be a lot less than the cost of potential repairs.

Don’t Neglect Maintenance

If you don’t use your Hot Tub much over winter, it’s easy for it to become out of sight, out of mind; however, basic maintenance still needs to be done. Looking after your water and cleaning the Hot Tub is no more time-consuming than any other time of the year.

Don’t Ignore Any Repairs

If your Hot Tub breaks down over winter or develops any noticeable fault, have it inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible. It won’t fix itself and by not having it repaired, more expensive problems can be caused leading to an unpleasant surprise in the spring.

Drain down Winter Service

While having a standard Hot Tub service before winter can be beneficial, some companies offer a winter drain down service, which is asking for trouble for the reasons previously mentioned. We can’t say it enough, don’t leave your Hot Tub empty over winter.

Thermal Blankets

Using a thermal blanket is sometimes mentioned to lower your running costs over winter. These are floating blankets that sit on top of the water to add an additional layer of insulation. Sometimes these are like the blue ones seen on swimming pools. They are designed to absorb external heat, which is passed into the water and to stop heat escaping from the water. They aren’t very efficient on Hot Tubs because the Spa’s lid covers them which stops external transfer. If you have a quality insulated lid, the thermal blanket will make almost no difference, but it will harbour bacteria, so you will use more sanitiser to maintain your Hot Tub’s water. If you buy a well-insulated Hot Tub with a well-insulated lid, you won’t need a thermal blanket.

4 – Why They’re Great To Use In Winter

Can I use my Hot Tub in winter? Yes you can!

Many of our customers tell us that their favourite time of the year to use their Hot Tub is winter. The contrast between the warm, soothing, hot water, and chilly winter air can provide an extremely cosy and enjoyable experience. There is no reason not to use your Hot Tub in winter.

The Same Amazing Benefits

Some people use Hot Tubs as a way to relax, others use them for socialising. Whatever the reason you love your Hot Tub, you can get the same benefit in winter as you can any other time of the year.

Warm Up

There is no better way to warm up in winter than with a Hot Tub. Who hasn’t come home on a cold winter’s day and stood by the radiator, or cupped their hands around a hot mug to warm them up. Getting in your Hot Tub is the ultimate way to get warm.

Get Outside And Use Your Garden

Most people use their garden far more in the summer than they do in the winter and some people rarely go in the garden during winter. By using your Hot Tub in the winter you’re making the most of the outdoor area of your home which otherwise might not be enjoyed for an extended period.

Social Celebrations

Christmas and New Year are two of the biggest celebrations of the year and what better way to see them in than with friends or family in a warm, cosy Hot Tub.

Health Benefits

The list of health benefits that come with using a Hot Tub is long and doesn’t just change when winter arrives. A cold winter can be the worst time of the year for people with joint or nerve problems but using a Hot Tub will have the same soothing benefits.

You’re Paying For It Anyway

You’ve paid for your Hot Tub and you’re paying to run it so you might as well use and enjoy it. There’s no reason not to.

Understanding the basics of Hot Tub winter care is essential to avoid costly repairs and prolong its life. By following our guide, you can not only enjoy your Hot Tub all year round, you can have it ready and running optimally when the weather warms up again in the spring.

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