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The Coleman Company began over 100 years ago and is a well known, reputable, name brand known for quality, function, durability & reliability. Coleman Spas has been building hot tubs since 1984—and has won 5 separate “Consumers Digest Best Buys in Hot Tubs”. Take a Coleman spa apart piece by piece and you’ll find outstanding value, performance, energy-efficiency and rock-solid engineering that puts Coleman tubs at the top of today’s spa industry. You simply cannot find a better built spa than a Coleman.

How many people are going to use your tub? What physiques are the primary users? Do the primary users enjoy recliners/loungers? If so—how many? Will the spa be used more for therapy or recreation? If therapy—is there a  particular area of the body you have specific needs for regarding your tub? Coleman offers single, double and no lounge models, 3 different lines of spa  models, from small 2-seaters to big family spas Patio Pools offers countless configurations. We encourage spa shoppers to actually sit in dry models to check fit & comfort just to be certain. If it doesn’t feel comfy empty—it won’t be comfortable when full! One of the primary jobs of our spa consultants is to assist you in selecting the ideal tub model for you.

Spas do look similar but there are many engineering, construction techniques, features, equipment, filtration, shell reinforcement, framing, motor size and selection, raw materials, quality variations and much more, that separates the 100+ brands of hot tubs made today. There is a wide range of choices—from cheaply made economy spas to high end, top quality tubs. It’s worth it to learn more about hot tubs to help you make a wise decision on your investment.

First look at the company behind the product. How long has the dealer ( not the manufacturer ) been in business? Check their business license to verify. Call the BBB at 888-5353 and check on complaints. How long has the dealer been carrying the brand? Check on the manufacturer as well. Avoid odd spa makes you’ve never heard of. Avoid dealers who often change spa brands. Ask about service—who handles service calls—the dealer—locally—or a distant manufacturer? Ask for a copy of the actual warranty. Read it. Are there hidden charges to handle warranty claims? Do you have to provide and pay for shipping to a distant factory to get warranty work done? Watch out for those special “today only” deals. Are deposits refundable? Is the sales rep a traveling salesmen or is he/she local? Is the dealer familiar with code requirements and variations like in Oro Valley & Sierra Vista? Did the dealer tell you about the permit? A little homework up front will save you problems in the future…

 Other than the price of the spa and any options/accessories, your spa will require a pad or base (most folks use concrete or existing patio space) and all spas require electric. Most of the time your spa cannot be plugged into an ordinary 110v plug-in outlet
(although some models can), approximately 90% of the hot tubs in Tucson require 220v electric—a dedicated line with 4 wires, a 50 amp breaker that is GFI protected - and your spa will also require a permit. There are no plumbing lines necessary - you fill and drain your tub with your garden hose.

On an inground concrete spa—gas. On a portable, aboveground— electric. Gas has much quicker heat-up times depending on the size/btu’s of the heater. Electric is the best choice for a portable when the spa is insulated well and kept at a constant temperature.  Using Coleman’s patented ThermoLock insulation technique—spas range from $8 to $15 a month in heating costs—that’s electric heat—5.5kw heater—keeping the water at 100 degrees year round and using the spa daily. Gas used to be a good option when portable spas ran $50-$75 a month in electric costs and some spas today still have higher electric heating costs due to poor insulation. Most spa manufacturers set up their equipment at the factory with electric heaters. Gas heaters run $700-$1500 in a box—before installation
( which can also be costly ) so your energy savings converting to gas heat will never be cost-effective on a well-insulated spa.

8) How can I minimize spa maintenance?

Your Spas maintenance can be minimized by selecting a spa with these features and options:
• 100% top and bottom water filtration.
• A Spa equipped with a skimmer basket for larger debris.
• A "CD" plasma cell ozone system effectiively kills bacteria and improves the water quality - Automatically!
• Pick a spa with a no maintenance synthetic cabinet. This eliminates staining the wood cabinet every six months!
• Install a Frog mineral cartrige. This device collects skin cells and stabalizes the PH and bromine or chlorine in your spa.
• Pick a spa with at least a 75 sq. ft. filter. Make sure the filter is dishwasher safe. Make sure that you can purchase future filters locally - Even if the company you buy the spa from goes out of business!
• Install a cover lifter to prolong your spas cover. This device keeps your cover off of the ground while using your spa and makes it easy for one person to remove the cover.
• Pick a spa with automatic filtration cycles.
• Pick a spa with an outside mounted drain. You should never have to open the spa to perform ANY maintenance.

Spa Salespeople make their living convincing shoppers to choose their brand. They are usually paid commissions. The smaller and
( new-to-the-business ) dealers think  they’ll lose a shopping customer to a more established spa company so they will often drop prices and offer” incredible today only” specials to lure you in to a non-brand name tub. Do not buy until you’ve shopped around. Do not leave a large deposit, and never pay in full before delivery. Use common sense when  listening to any sales pitch. Find out how long they’ve been in business. Check into the company—check the business license—check references. Check!

10) What is a Lounger?

11) Can a spa be “chemical free?”

In one word…no. There are a few spa dealers claiming this—but the truth is it is impossible unless you change the water every week. When you have a warm body of water with human beings sitting in it, and you don’t change the water  after every use—you’ll need a sanitizer. Avoid any spa company or salesperson claiming they’ve got a”chemical-free spa”. Yes, you can minimize chemicals. And you can avoid chlorine or bromine. You can use sodium monopersulfates ( oxidizers ) or biguanides instead of chlorine or bromine—there are actually  many options in water chemistry—but all require at least trace amounts of some chemicals. Let your sales rep know what you’d like and he can help you…

12) What kind of options are available in spas?

Ozonator systems. FROG Mineral Purifiers. No Maintenance cabinetry. Air Bubblers or “Turbocharging”. EZ-Lift Cover Lifters to assist removing and replacing your spa cover. Aromatherapy Spa Scents ( fragrances for spa users to enjoy ). Lighting options—exterior perimeter lighting and/or internal Fiber Optics ( color-changing lights you can control ), entry steps,”First-filter” filter enhancers, spa-side tables, towel racks, side- mounting handrails, Stereo Systems, TVs/DVD players, pearl shell finishes, gazebo packages, masonry wraps, custom backyard designs and much more!

13) Will Patio design my entire backyard?

Yes. We’ll provide you a comprehensive design with all items individualized. You can choose to have us handle the entire project—or only the spa—it’s  your decision.

14) Is it true some spas don’t need a pad?

It’s true a few spa dealers say that. The truth is a spa weighs 400-1,000 lbs empty plus the gallons at 8.2 lbs each and people getting in and out of the spa typically puts about 2 tons worth of weight on a smaller 8x8 area. As the monsoons come and go over the years—we don’t want your spa to eventually become an inground spa—so we insist on a solid, flat foundation for your sake years down the road. Read the spas warranty card in relation to it's foundation.

15) Are there plumbing lines required?

No. Fill your spa with an ordinary garden hose.

(FAQ Continued) - Everything you ever wanted to know about Spas...