Manufacturer's reputation for Quality spa products
Dealer's reputation for Service
Spa Comfort Features
Spa Reliability
Spa Durability
To assess the quality of a manufacturer's spa product consider these points:
1. How long have they been manufacturing spas?
Hot Spring® spas are the world's number one selling brand, and have been the market leader since 1977. They're made by Watkins Manufacturing, one of Masco Corporation's family of companies whose products you trust in your home for quality and value—Delta® faucets, KraftMaid® cabinets, Behr® paints, and many more.
Do they support their dealers?
Hot Spring spas are the spa of choice in all 50 states, Canada, and over 50 countries. You can enjoy spa ownership no matter where you live. With our global network of over 850 dealers and services centers, a professional is always near by to support you, before, during, and after the sale.
2. Look for outside references. "Consumers Digest", for example, has rated spas.
The makers of Hot Spring spas are the only three-time recipient of the spa industry's prestigious John Holcomb Silver award for technological innovation. We meticulously design our spas using the most advanced computerized systems available.
3. Ask for a copy of the "actual" warranty before purchasing a spa and remember a warranty is only as good as the manufacturer who backs it up.
To identify a reputable dealer consider these points:
1. How long have they been in the spa business? (15 years is a good minimum)
2. How dedicated are they to spas? Do they sell other products that may take precedence over your spa service and satisfaction?
3. Ask to see their customer list and see if there are some spa owners you know. Then talk to your friends about their spa. An owner is the best judge of quality and service.
You want to feel confident that 5, 10 or 20 years from now you will be able to get service or parts for your spa.
How to choose a spa that will ENDURE
our Montana climate
1. Make sure it is well insulated. The more insulation the lower the power bills and chance of freezing.
2. Look at the underside of the spa and be certain it is well sealed so moisture, pests and rodents can not move into your foam and plumbing.
3. If the exterior of the spa is wood, closely examine the quality of the wood. Also, if the shell of the spa wraps over the wood it will promote water to "run off" and the wood will look better over time.
4. Heaters ~ Heaters are the #1 failing component in the spa industry. You will want a heater that is resistant to chemical damage, hard water, scaling and pH damage. Ask about the heater and read heater warranties. If there are exclusions in the warranty for damage due to water chemistry, chances are its not very durable in different water conditions.
5. Pumps ~ Jet pumps are a very reliable component in most reputable spas. However, they do emit a great deal of heat while they are running. This excess heat can reduce the life of many of the spas' components. Be sure your spa is equipped to vent out this excess heat.
Horsepower ~ There is no standard for rating horsepower in the spa industry. This can be very confusing and misleading. In general, the same pump may be called 1 or 2 etc., horsepower. The best way to judge good, quality jet pressure, is to stick you hand in the water and feel all the jets.
Circulation Pumps ~ An additional, small circulation pump, dedicated to moving water through the filters, ozone and heating systems, greatly reduces wear and tear on the large jet pump as well as reducing power costs and noise.
How to choose a spa that has the right comfort features:
1. A large VARIETY of massaging jets provides different feels all over your entire body so you never grow tired of the same old type of massaging jet. While shopping for a spa put your hand in the water and feel all the different types of massages the spa has to offer.
2. Spas equipped with smaller, silent circulation pumps, provide quiet heating and filtration. So,while you are using the spa you may turn off the jets and enjoy the peaceful night sounds of your Montana home. Or, when you are not using the spa, you will not be disturbed by noisy jet pumps which cycle on and off for heating and filtering.
A quiet spa is more inviting to everyone - even your "deer" friends.
3. Comfortable seating is very important for a relaxing soak. Many spas offer lounge seats so you may recline and stretch out. A wide foot well will also allow you stretch out and recline. A wide open Barrier-Free seating allows you to move comfortably from jet to jet and get a custom massage without a confining seat or other obstruction. Sit in a spa and see which you prefer.
A high quality spa should provide you with years of relaxation and enjoyment.
Choose a spa that is EASY to care for:
1. Programming a spa can sometimes be very confusing and complicated. Look for a spa with easy operating controls and little to no programming.
2. Filtration is an important part of the spa's water quality. In general you want to look for a filter system that continually circulates the water through the filters so your water will always be clean and ready to use. Also make sure that there is easy access to the filters for ease in cleaning. "Top Loading" filters are the easiest.
3. There are many different water care systems that make maintenance easier and increase water quality. Many water care systems utilize an OZONE system which neutralizes contaminants making care easier. However, all ozone systems are not the same. Ozonators that use UV light bulbs require continual bulb replacement. Sometimes as often as every 18 months, and the bulbs can cost over a hundred dollars. Newer Corona Discharge Ozonators do not utilize UV bulbs and require virtually no maintenance. They can also produce up to 4 times the concentration of ozone. Thus, the Corona Discharge costs less to own and does a better job.
4. Drains in spas are often on the side wall of the spa which may require bailing when it’s time to drain and clean the spa. For easier cleaning, look for a bottom drain.
