Spas FAQs2

20) Will my spa require a permit?

Yes. Absolutely. Permits are not intended to inconvenience buyers & sellers of hot tubs—it’s the city/county’s method of ensuring certain safety requirements as we are talking about a body of water powered by 220v electric. But be advised every spa requires a permit. Most spa dealers don’t even mention this. The cost varies from around $50 to as high as $250. And different areas have different requirements—some easy, some detailed.

21) How do I get the permit?

Depending on where you live, you provide the city or county with a “plan” showing basic measurements and make certain the installation & accessories adhere to their guidelines. Sometimes the plan suffices, sometimes a city Inspector will do a site inspection. Should you choose Patio for your tub, we provide you with the phone numbers and basic requirements by area.

22) Will Patio get the permit for me?

Yes. We charge $35 an hour plus the cost of the permit. We never know whether it’ll take us 1 hour or 10—as each customer/backyard ( and visit to the city ) varies.

23) How does an Ozonator work?

Oxygen ( 02 ) is converted into Ozone Molecules ( 03 ) by an electrical charge. The Ozone molecules are then injected into your spa’s water. Ozone is highly reactive, so it interacts with “contaminants” it encounters in your spa water. One of the 3 oxygen atoms splits off to oxidize ( eliminate naturally ) the encountered contaminant—leaving behind the pure oxygen ( back to 02) which harmlessly rises to the surface and returns to the air. The end result is cleaner water, less maintenance, ongoing effortless sanitization and other benefits to you—the spa owner.

24) Are there different kinds of Ozonators available?

Yes there are. The older units are larger steel boxes containing “U” shaped UV bulbs that create the electrical charge to create Ozone. Newer units are much smaller, more efficient and put out more ozone through computer chips and or plasma cells. Some systems blend ozone with water, gas off the excess and inject ozone-blended water into the spa. Pricing ranges from $99 to $500 although the end result is similar.

25) What about Mineral Purifiers?

These are basically plastic cartridges containing various minerals ( silver, Borates, etc. ) that also reduce the need for chemical sanitization and related maintenance by purifying the spa water using minerals and other “secret ingredients”. Name brands include FROG, Vision, Nature 2, etc. Some are “in-line”, others simply sit at a common point like a skimmer basket. They are effective but wear away as time goes by, and require replacement.

26) What choices do I have with chemicals/sanitizers?

The 2 main choices are bromine and chlorine. Sanitizers kill bacteria and Make your water safe and sparkling clean. Most spa users choose bromine. Patio also offers “SoftSoak” chlorine/bromine free spa care ( using a Biguanide to sanitize—a derivative of the surgical scrub doctors use to clean up before surgery. Some customers are using an Oxidizer instead of chlorine/bromine like Oxysheen or sodium monopersulfates. You do have choices based on your own preferences.

27) How often do I have to stain my wood cabinet and what should I use?

Some say once a year—we say once every 6 months—or at least hit the spots that are getting hit direct by the sun. You cannot stain too often—but if you don’t stain enough, your cabinet will quickly deteriorate in Tucson’s climate. Use an Oil-based redwood stain. Do not Water seal. The same goes for Redwood gazebos. You can eliminate this work by purchasing a spa with a synthetic cabinet.

28) How often do I have to clean my filter?

Many factors determine this—usage, frequency, water/bather conditions, sanitizer choice, etc. Our general advice is to take your filter out & rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose every other week. High-pressure car-wash style sprayers actually pull the polyester fibers apart and cut the filter’s efficiency— so don’t use them on your filter. Soak your filter overnight in a filter-cleaning solution ( to get rid of oils and other unseen impediments ) once every 4-6 months. If your kids’ soccer team soaks in your spa 5x a week after games, your filter will need more cleaning than 2 adults who shower diligently before using their spa 3x a week. And sanitizers like SoftSoak or BaquaSpa require more filter cleaning than chlorine/bromine spas.

29) What exactly is the water maintenance involved with a spa?

Here is simplified advice—we’ll give you exact advice for your spa at any Patio store—for any spa—but here is” general” advice: Keep your sanitizer level at 3ppms ( or mid-range on your test strips ), Keep your ph level in check ( when the ph level goes out of whack—it takes your TA out too and causes other problems that often require a water change ), keep your filter clean and shock periodically when the water gets cloudy. Once every 6 months or so, drain your spa—“gel-gloss” your interior—and refill. You could talk to a dozen different spa owners and get a dozen different recommendations on water care and they might all work! Soon you’ll settle in to a personalized spa-care program and discover how truly easy & simple spa-care is.

30) What is the maximum temperature I can set my spa?

The AMA has restricted spa manufacturers to a maximum temperature of 104, which is plenty of heat for the average person. Many folks enjoy their spa water at just above body temperature—at 99-100 degrees. People with high blood pressure and babies/children should not use spas above 99-100. Doctors recommend pregnant women not totally immerse in spas to avoid any chance of infection. At 99-100, you can sit in a spa and enjoy the massage therapy for longer time periods than keeping it “piping” hot at 104. That said, spa temperature is a matter of personal preference—set yours where YOU like it.

31) Can I shut the heat off in the summer?

Sure. A Coleman stops registering temperature at 80 degrees. Many spa owners in Tucson/Southern Arizona shut their heat all the way off. The spa still circulates, cleans, filters, injects ozone with the heat off—and you can still enjoy massage therapy. A common misconception many folks have is by shutting the heat off—the spa water will be cold & refreshing. Due to our high temperatures and the great insulation/energy-efficiency of a Coleman—even with the heat shut off, the water is not “cold” in the summer.

32) Can spas be self-cleaning?

Every spa made is “self-cleaning” to some extent, and yet no spa totally cleans itself. “Self-cleaning” means the spa automatically, periodically circulates the water through the filter. With an ozonator, you’ll also enjoy sanitization simultaneously. With low speed on, water is being pulled through both the top skimmer and the bottom drain(s), which are pulling debris from the footwell area of the spa.

33) If I leave on vacation—what should I do with my spa?

Two choices—Make sure the water level is OK, lock the cover down and go. The spa will automatically go through it’s self-cleaning cycle twice every 24 hours which will also sanitize the water with an ozonator system. If you’ll be gone more than 30 days—you may want to consider fully draining the spa, ( and plumbing lines ), shut off the power at the breaker first, then lock the cover in place. When you return, fill it, turn the power on—then you may have to run it and shock it to clear out the lines—then drain & refill again.

34) If I bought my spa somewhere else, how can I get my spa serviced or repaired?

There are only a few companies in town who service & repair hot tubs—all brands. Patio is one of them.

35) What if the spa dealer—or manufacturer, went out of business?

In the last 10 years I’ve seen 17 spa dealers go out of business in Tucson! Others change brands regularly. Even if the spa manufacturer went out of business, very, very few use their own equipment, jets, controls, filters, etc. which means there’s a good chance we can find parts for all older spas direct from the same sources the spa maker used originally. Always hang on to your warranty paperwork as even if the dealer doesn’t offer service or has changed brands, the manufacturer still has a legal obligation to handle service if the spa is under warranty.

36) Is there anything available to help with cover removal?

Yes—Cover Lifters. There are a half dozen or so varieties out there available to help removing & reinstalling spa covers—which aren’t really heavy—but can be bulky & cumbersome particularly for older folks & the ladies. These are “aftermarket” items so they can be installed on new or older tubs. You will need to provide a little extra access room around the spa for the lifter to work, depending on the lifter you choose. The average price is around $200.

**37) Are spas really therapeutic?**

Yes. Absolutely. The warm swirling water relaxes tense, sore or damaged muscles, increases blood flow and provides an invigorating massage and a multitude of health benefits for the user. That’s why injured athletes will soak in swirling hot water. As far back as ancient Rome, people would seek out natural hot springs to soak in for health reasons. Coleman’s engineers went as far as consulting medical doctors, chiropractors, physical rehabilitation experts and others to create their “Zoned Therapy”massage systems.

38) Will a spa help my arthritis?

Yes. The therapy a hot tub offers is actually recommended by the Arthritic Foundation. Relief varies from life-changing to some temporary help.

39) Can I save money on taxes buying a hot tub?

Maybe. If a doctor writes you a prescription for hydrotherapy, you can write off a percentage of the spa’s entire purchase price
( including electric and slab )on your taxes as you are buying your spa for valid therapeutic reasons. For back pain, chronic pain, serious injuries, etc it is not a “stretch” for a doctor to officially recommend a hot tub as the health/medical benefits are indeed valid. Tax laws vary by state and individual circumstances—and are subject to change, so check with your accountant for current specifics

40) Will my insurance company pay for my spa?

Doubtful. Only in very serious cases. I’ve seen dozens attempt it and only once in my 20+ years in the hot tub industry did an Insurance Company actually purchase a hot tub. This was the victim of a serious auto accident and suffering from chronic pain all over her body and had been sitting in a doctor’s stainless steel hydrotherapeutic whirlpool massage tank for daily relief for years. The deciding factor for the Insurance Company to write the check was it was financially cheaper for them to write a single large check than go on paying for doctor’s visits indefinitely.

41) How can I get a prescription for a hot tub?

Ask your doctor. Again—chronic pain, back pain, sports injuries, serious accidents, etc., are all valid reasons your doctor would write a prescription for. If it makes you feel better, and there’s a legitimate medical/health issue, your doctor isn’t likely to argue.

42) Are prices negotiable on hot tubs?

In one word---yes. Somewhere between a gallon of milk ( non-negotiable ) and a used car ( extremely negotiable ) are hot tubs. Dealers do vary—but most will attempt to offer various incentives to move their inventory and/or floor models and many manufacturers offer specials/promotions to the dealers as well to sell their factory inventory. It also depends on the dealer.

43) How can I save money buying my tub?

Don’t wait until the day before you want your spa delivered to shop. Allow plenty of time—up to one year! Do your homework. Research the manufacturer. research the dealer. Shop at a variety of dealerships. Narrow your choices down. Go as far as “wet-testing” spas ( most dealers will allow you to come to their store after hours and actually sit in the model you’re interested in. ) There’s no better way to be sure of the comfort, therapy, seating, jet placement, etc. of any given spa model than a wet test. Wait for a sales event if possible like a parking lot sale, inventory clearance or home show/fair when the dealer has to be even more competitive than usual. Dealers often throw in free options at these events to induce buyers. Most dealers will allow you to put a deposit down on the model you like—then take physical delivery later within a reasonable timeline, and pay the final balance on delivery. Have patience. Start early. Be thorough. Don’t fall for a “today only special” at the first place you shop!

44) How much will a spa bump my current electric bill?

Spa manufacturers vary. Colemans, due to their patented “ThermoLock” insulation process range from $10 to $20 a month—keeping the spa at 100 degrees year ‘round. Some still will go as high as $50 a month. The average is probably around $20-$25. Keeping your spa cover on when the spa is not in use is the single most important thing you can do to keep your heating bill low. And you can shut the heat off during summer months if you choose.

45) Will my hot tub increase the value of my home?

No. The spa is portable so it can be moved. So your spa purchase does nothing for your home value. And yet—if you sell your home and the spa stays, it increases the “saleability” of the home. You’ll notice realtors will always put “Spa/Hot Tub” on the top of the listing or on the sign. The home with the spa will sell before the home without. And don’t buy a spa to increase your home’s value— buy yours to increase your quality of life!

46) If I put a hot tub in now, but move later, can the spa be moved to my new home?

Sure. You’ll leave the pad and electrical behind and will again need both at the new home, but your spa can be moved—across town—or across the country.

47) Will Patio move spas?

Yes. We charge $400 to move a spa.

If we’ll need a crane at either end—that’s not included. There may be a charge for a difficult delivery. That $400 charge is based on easy access and a spa move under 50 miles—within metro Tucson.

48) What’s better—an inground or aboveground spa?

Only you can answer that question. Depends what you like/want/need. Inground spas are custom built using the same basic materials, processes and equipment as an Inground Swimming Pool. They use gas heat and the same finishes as a pool ( plaster, PebbleTec, quartz, etc. ). Typically they offer more of a bench style seating and fewer jets—and cannot ever be moved. They also fall into the same code requirements as an inground swimming pool. An inground spa will add some value to your home. Most hotels & resorts offer inground spas so if you’ve ever sat in one—that’s an inground spa. Abovegrounds mean the spa is portable ( can be moved ) with equipment self- contained and ( usually ) electric heat. Because the portables are vacuum- formed, the interior seating can be molded into comfortable body contours, loungers or double loungers and add other items like built-in pillows, above- water neck massage systems, foot massage jets/domes/reverse-molds and a lot more therapy jets. Don’t let a salesperson talk you into one or another—hear the facts and make your decision based on your own needs.

49) Can I get an inground pool with an aboveground spa?

Yes—that’s a growing trend with pool/spa buyers. They’re really 2 different bodies of water with different uses, seasons, sanitizer needs and more. Most pools are built as a primary focal point in the corner of the yard. Many spas are located closer to the home for easy access during chilly nights. You certainly can enjoy both.

50) Can I sink an aboveground spa?

Yes. You can take almost any aboveground spa and partially or fully sink it in the ground. You’ll need to take drainage and service access into the design equation. We’ve done some absolutely incredible, Award-winning designs sinking abovegrounds.

51) Can I add solar heating to an aboveground spa?

Yes—but why? That would make sense for an older spa or one without good insulation. As a Coleman runs $10-$20 a month—you’ll never save enough money to pay for the solar installation in savings. And you can’t 100% run a spa with solar power as the motors, controls, ozonator, etc. require some electric.

52) What exactly is a Neck Massage system?

Click on the "Play" Button to see it in action...

53) What about Foot Massage?

54) What is “Zone Therapy”?

Many spa manufacturers haphazardly pack jets into seats or put jets in places where there is little or no therapeutic benefit. Worse yet, others have overpowered high-pressure jets that can actually cause discomfort and even pain to sensitive body areas. Coleman’s patented “Zone Therapy” was created using outside medical/physiological advice/direction to develop spa jet selection, placement and related hydraulics engineered to anatomically target key muscle groups and nerve centers with specific relief. These jets target and soothe major myofascial trigger points including the Sub occipital, paraspinal, gluteal, trapezius, lumbosacral and feet. The 700 series utilizes Coleman’s reverse-molding techniques to offer neck, calf, bicep, tricep massage in areas most spas cannot access/reach.”Zone Therapy” means targeted, effective, “anatomically-correct massage where it matters” for the best possible relief and therapy to spa users.

55) How many jets are right for me?

Only you can answer that. Some spas have 6 jets—some 600. However, 8 correct jets might do a better job for your back than 80. When in doubt—water test!

56) Does a spa need a frame?

Only spa manufacturers that don’t use a frame will tell you you don’t need one. Houses, cars and skyscrapers have them. Frames cost manufacturers more— and all the top brands use them. If you believe a spa without a frame is stronger than a spa with a frame…buy it. Coleman is the only manufacturer that incorporates their "GalvaLume" coated steel frame for superior structural strength. GalvaLume is lighter than traditional wood frames and 250% stronger--yet is Weatherproof, Corrosion-free and Maintenance-free. This indestructible structure allows Coleman to offer you a Lifetime Guarantee on the frame!

57) Does the horsepower of the pump matter?

What’s more important than horsepower is net gpm’s to the jets ( gallons per minute ). Believe it or not, spa motors aren’t like car motors in terms of horsepower relating to performance. If both motors are 48 frame with the same impellar size and one is a 1.0hp and the other is a “7.0”hp—the impellars are spinning at the exact same speed ( 3,450 rpms ) and since they’re the same size they’ll push the exact same water. The bigger hp motor won’t move the water any faster than the smaller one. The “theory” is the higher hp motor will outlast the smaller motor in lifespan/longevity—but the real difference may be nominal. Coleman uses Industrial-Duty 56 frame motors that run cooler, last longer, push more water and pull less electric ( 48 frame motors draw 11.0 amps while 56 frames pull 8.8 ) which along with 2” plumbing, manifold even water distribution and hydraulic engineering-- puts out up to 190 gpm’s, which is way up at the top of the spectrum. What’s more important is the power is totally adjustable to the point that 2 people could be sitting in it—and one could have the jets turned down so soft & subtle you can barely feel it while the other can“rock” the water with full power---and anywhere inbetween. It’s fully adjustable and can be set according to individual preference.

58) How will you get the spa into my backyard?

Coleman makes all 30+ spa models from 29” to 35” tall so that they will fit sideways through a standard 36” gate—which probably represents 95% of the homes in Southern Arizona. Our delivery crew will tip your spa up on end on a specially made cart and wheel the spa into place in your backyard. If by chance there is no access we can always coordinate a crane to lift the spa into place.We’ve craned spas in from the front driveway of a mansion to the back third level balcony—we can get yours in too!

59) What are things that can break on spas?

Light bulbs. Motors. Pump seals. Switches. Electrical items. I’ve seen spa motors go out the day after the warranty expires—and I’ve seen them run great 20 years. Sooner or later electrical items stop working. The good news is that if the spa’s structure is solid—the things that can break can also be repaired and a well-built spa can last…”indefinitely”.

60) What are the common challenges new spa owners face?

Probably the #1 challenge is water chemistry —“ph bounce”. Remember that 2 people enjoying a 400 gallon hot tub is the equivalent of 40 people swimming in a pool—that will definitely effect water chemistry. Most new spa owners will go through a brief learning period with keeping the water clean—but soon water care becomes quite simple. The individual “recipe” for spa care varies. It’s also important to keep up with a few basic items like cleaning the filter, staining the cabinet ( if it’s wood ) and treating the cover. Spa care really is quite simple once your individual routine is established.

61) Will bugs, packrats & “critters” make a home in my spa?

Well—maybe. We live in the desert—and there are plenty of bugs, spiders, snakes, lizards, packrats, etc around depending on your area.And many of these desert critters enjoy the shade, moisture and privacy an open- bottomed spa can provide. Our crews could tell you many stories about “surprises” they’ve discovered when moving older spas or taking in trade-ins. If you don’t even want to take a chance in creating a “Critter Hotel” with your new spa—pick one with a fully-sealed bottom. Coleman offers fully sealed belly pans with a molded ABS plastic that not only seals the bottom, it extends 6” upward and then molds outward to make access impossible for the critters.

62) Does Patio Pools & Spas take trade-ins on older spas?

Yes we do. We’ll do a site inspection of your older spa and offer you a fair trade-in cash value toward the new spa of your choice.

63) Are there any “silly” questions regarding hot tubs?

Only the ones you don’t ask—but want to know!

64) How can I get questions not covered here answered?

in hone number is (520) 886-1211.

We’ll help you. Even if it’s not our spa. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find it for you

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SPAS...

18) Can I get a gazebo with my spa?

19) Due to the heat of the water, how much evaporation is there with a spa?