Frequently Asked Questions

 

Hot Tub FAQ
What should I consider when preparing a location for my new spa?
The location of your new spa. DO NOT place your spa within 10 feet of overhead power lines.Allow for service access. Make sure the spa is positioned for access to the equipment compartment (under the LED touchpad).Consider the view. Determine the view...
Can someone contract a disease from a spa?
The relaxing benefits of a warm water soak depend on spa care. By following the recommended guidelines (from your local dealer) for treating spa water, you should enjoy years of relaxation benefits without worry about bacteria or disease.
Safety concerns about children or neighbors.
Using the lock down straps on your cover will help to prevent unauthorized visitors for using your spa. Our covers actually have a key lock that you can use for increased safety. Some areas require this by code. You could also consider changing to a...
How will I get warranty service for my new hot tub spa?
Most spa manufacturers utilize independent service people who work on any brand of spa. Ours do this as well. The factories that manufacture our hot tubs are connected with a combination of local and national service technicians. Should you require ...
is it necessary to pour concrete under the new tub or is flat earth ok?
Hello and thank you for your question. You should have a “firm level surface.” If you prefer not to use concrete, other options are well laid pavers, or this portable plastic pad system. It has been around for years and is a nice alternative to having...
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Hot Tub Chemistry and Filtering
Hot Tub Water Chemistry FAQ
(A) In Water   Excessive Foaming  Possible Cause     Solution     Preventative Maintenance  Buildup of body oils, cosmetics and detergents from bathers  &...
Hot Tub Chemicals Setup
Hint: to keep your water fresh, add a capful of chlorine after you use the hot tub and cycle the pumps on, before you cover it. That way, the chlorine will work on killing any bacteria you have left behind from your spa session. Quick Version of Chemistry...
How do I test, balance and maintain my spa water?
There are two ways of testing your spa water. The first way is to take a sample of spa water to a dealer and have them check the water. The dealer will recommend a chemical program that will correct the problem that you are having as well as suggest ...
How Do I Change the Filters on My Hot Tub?
Changing Your Premium Hot Tub filters is Quick and Easy. 1. Slide the Filter Cover up and off 2. Slide out the Debris Tray 3. Unscrew the old filter(s) Avalon models have a single filters, all other models have dual filters. Watch the video to see...
We have an ozonator. Our spa is 360 gallons. How much sanitizer should be used each week - normal bather use?
There is no fixed amount of sanitizer to use. Sanitizer requirement will depend on a number of factors including frequency of use, number of bathers, contaminants from bathers such as body oils, soap residue, perfumes, etc. RECOMMENDATION: keep the sanitizer...
Our chemical balance seems fine, but we are using bromine along with a new ozanator, and the water seems clean but is green. Why?
Please see our hot tub and spa water chemistry FAQ. above.
water is clear and green in hot tub how can we get rid of it without changing water?
Hello, Green water probably means you need extra sanitizer. http://www.spasandstuff.com/spa-hot-tub-chemicals.html More info here: http://www.spasandstuff.com/hot-tub-and-spa-water-chemistry-FAQ/
What's the difference between the Chlorine chemicals & the Bromine chemicals for the soft tubs?
Chlorine and Bromine do are two different sanitizers that do essentially the same thing; cleaning spa water of bacteria. Many folks are familiar with and comfortable with chlorine. Other folks want an alternative, perhaps due to a chlorine allergy, or...
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General Hot Tub Spa Questions
How much does it cost in electricity to operate a hot tub?
In general, with our hot tubs, we say the annual average will be one dollar per day. In March of 2010, a customer from the Lake Placid, NY area, with one of our Free Spirit models wrote "...the spa's been great! The chemicals have been easy. It's costing...
"More Truth About Microban® and Anti-Microbial Agents in Acrylic Sheet"
Reprinted with permission from Aristech Acrylics LLC.  Original article can be found here . "More Truth About Microban® and Anti-Microbial Agents in Acrylic Sheet"  Microban® is a pesticide that an acrylic sheet producer has added...
How long does it take to heat a hot tub up?
There are various factors that will impact this, including how warm the air around your hot tub is. In general, for every degree you want to heat up the water, you should plan on 30 minutes of heating time. Hints for faster heating are: Air bubbles...
Should I keep my spa hot or let it cool down?
It is better to keep the tub hot, even when you are not using it, unless you won't be using it for an extended period of time. You may think you will save a lot of energy if you let it cool down, but you will spend hours heating it again, eating up those...
How much water does a hot tub hold?
Hot tubs come in all shapes and sizes, so the amount of water will vary. As people get into the spa, water is displaced and the level rises. The general recommendation is that there be enough water to cover the jets and the filter intake area, but not...
Can I use our hot tub in the winter? What if we choose not to?
Sure! Many people not only use their tub in the winter, but find that winter is their favorite time to get their hot water hydrotherapy. However, if you choose not to use your tub in the winter, please contact your authorized dealer to "drain and winterize...
What is the difference between an air injector and a jet?
Jets, located throughout a spa, deliver water into the spa in different volumes and motions (hydrotherapy), which provide the body with a massaging action. Many jets are interchangeable and often adjustable so the spa bather can customize his/her soak...
Does a spa need to be filled and drained each time it is used?
Fortunately, no. Properly maintained, many people change the water in their hot tub every three to six months, depending on variables like the number of bathers, frequency of use, type of sanitizing system, and so on. Keep your water maintained and ...
How do I clean the acrylic surface of my spa?
To properly clean an Aristech acrylic-surfaced product, it is recommended wiping the surface with a soft damp cloth (or sponge) using household soap or liquid detergent. Stubborn dirt or stains may be removed by using Spic & Span adequately dissolved...
How to Properly Winterize Your Hot Tub
NOTE: please realize that most damage that occurs to hot tub spas is caused by improper winterization.  The damage that can be done due to freezing is very costly to repair. Be very careful if you choose to close down your own spa. If you have...
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Hot Tub Spa Covers
What are some characteristics that identify spa cover quality and value?
Things to look for and consider to determine the level of quality and value include: A Minimum 25 oz. Weight Marine Grade Vinyl Matching Material Reinforced Handles & Straps Breathable Underlining Material A Heavy Duty Moisture Barrier, Preferably...
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Other - Spas
Are any of your spas salt water ready rather than chlorine?
Almost all of our spas are saltwater ready. See the Premium Spas, Columbia Spas and West Coast Spas under All Hot Tubs.
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Customer Product Questions
Is there a concern with the TV in the hot tub being damaged by water?
The TV is encased in a waterproof enclosure, so there is no concern about water from the hot tub being splashed on it.
What is the overall outside dimensions; width, depth, height? Inside storage dimensions? weight capacity? factory warranty?
The spa storage steps are 36" Wide x 14" High x 24" Deep. Inside storage dimensions are approximately 34" L x 11" W x 13" D. Weight capacity is 300 lbs and the factory offers a 5 year warranty.
Hi! I want to know the package dimensions and weight. Regards,
Hello Ruben, the box weight 50 lbs and measures 28" x 22" x 19"
are there built in seats in the hot tub or are you sitting on the bottom. thx.
There are not seats built in, so you are sitting on vinyl floor of the inflatable spa. Please note that we do offer spa cushions as an option.
how weatherproof is the spa. should it be put up in winter. in north carolina where it gets very cold.
The inflatable spa is weatherproof for sitting outside, but the heater is not going to be capable of compensating for freezing ambient temperatures. For outdoor use, it is more for spring, summer and fall weather. It can be easily moved indoors during...
The current tub I have sits on a 6" thick concrete pad no reinforcement. Is this enough to support this tub and normally only 1 to 2 adults? In my current 3 person tub, pump and heater has access on the south side of the tub and electrical connection comes in on the southwest corner of the tub. Will this work on this tub or do you need to know this before the tub is built? West side of current tub sits next to a 2' high deck and tub steps are located on the north side of the tub.
Hi John and thank you for your questions. Typically a hot tub base should be able to handle about 100 pounds per square foot. I would think 6" concrete is more than thick enough. I would think that the lack of concrete reinforcement would not have any...
Does this spa ever go more on sale? Do u have any deals on floor models?
In general, since our prices are posted online for all to see, we have gone with an ?every day low price? business model. Since our hot tubs are factory direct where we build your spa when you order it, there are no floor models to sell. Every customer...
Hi... I called a few weeks ago and finally had a chance to look at the spa pads... question i have is what is the recommended type of prep work that needs to be done to the ground prior to placing the pad. besides being level, i'm assuming some type of gravel base would be needed. How thick and what size of gravel. thanks Ken
The manufacturer does suggest that some fine gravel or leveling sand can help make a level surface for the pads to sit on. The need for that would likely be based on how easy it is to level your natural dirt. On the "Features" tab, you will find a ...
Which side panels need to be accessible for maintenance?
In general, the equipment is under the side that has the topside keypad (button panel). That side is the most critical for access for items like the heater, spa pump(s), circuit board and so on. The main reason you would need to consider accessing under...
Hi How much would it cost for the in- clear system, for this spa
The in.clear bromine generating salt water system is the last item in the selections you can make in the right column. Columbia Spas installs the in.clear system with a dedicated energy efficient circulation pump. It is a very nice setup and the price...
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