Frequently Asked Questions

As an international and UK hot tub dealer, we know there are always questions regarding the purchase of a portable hot tub. Since we are also one of the most experienced hot tub manufacturers, our answers are always knowledgeable and applicable to our hot tubs. Is your question not listed here? Partypools.com customer service can also answer any questions you may have. We want to be your number one hot tub dealer for portable hot tubs, so please let us know if we can improve on our listing of questions and answers. Contact us if you have any hot tub questions not answered below.

1. How long will it take to get my hot tub?
   Most commonly, it takes 3-4 weeks to build the spa and then 7-10 days to be delivered to your home
2. How is my hot tub delivered?
   • Curbside Delivery: Hot Tubs are to be unloaded & delivered to your curbside location or garage if accessible. Equipment used by North American: (2) four wheel dollies, pallet jack, lift gate, and (2) men.
   • Backyard Delivery: Parameters of Backyard Delivery- The hot tub delivery placement must be with in 300ft. of truck, the path must be free of obstruction which would hamper of effect the delivery, the path the delivery crew will take from the truck to the backyard placement area must be relatively level in such a way that two people can safely deliver the hot tub, the backyard delivery can NOT involve more than (3) steps for the delivery crew to ascend / descend. Equipment used by North American: (2) four wheel dollies, pallet jack, lift gate, 3/4" plywood, side cutters, walkboard (to be used as ramp if needed), (2) men.
   • Customers will be contacted prior to delivery and an appointment will be made which is mutually acceptable. Generally, Saturday deliveries are not available. Those who wish to arrange for additional services (i.e. up stairs, inside the home, etc.) should negotiate fees at the time they are contacted by North American for delivery.
3. Is shipping extra?
   Contact our sales professionals about our FREE delivery options.
4. Where can I put my hot tub, and do I have to pour a cement slab?
   • Many people do not get full enjoyment from their new hot tub purchase because of poor site planning. Privacy from neighbors, distance from the home and many other factors contribute to the appearance and ultimately the use of the hot tub by you and your family. Most hot tubs are placed outdoors (over 80%) and it is simply fantastic to look up at the stars at night while luxuriating in your own personal hot tub. Think about the location and sit in chairs where you plan to put your hot tub and observe what is going on in that area before you build a slab or reinforce your deck. You will be glad that you took the time to plan properly while you sit in the perfect spot on your property.
   • For a hot tub located indoors (perhaps a sunroom or screened in porch) be certain to supply ventilation with fans and windows.
   • For an outdoor hot tub a level concrete slab or wood deck is appropriate. This surface should be able to withstand a minimum load of 100 pounds per square foot. Pavers and or stone is not recommended because these products have a tendency to shift over time. Do not place your hot tub directly on sand or grass. Hydro Spa has developed a portable slab that will eliminate the need for pouring a concrete slab for more information on alternatives to a concrete slab or deck visit our parts catalog.
   • Your hot tub should be on a concrete pad at least 4" thick and have footers on the edge below the frost line. The "standard" size for a concrete pad is 8'x 8'. We do have a portable slab that will replace the concrete. You must still level the ground and compact the soil where the pad is going to be.
   • Putting the hot tub on your deck is also recommended. You do not need a slab if you are putting your hot tub on a deck
5. What electrical set up is required?
   Typically all of our hot tubs are 220V - 50Amp with at G.F.C.I. breaker. For specific information on the Hot Tub that you ordered go to the hot tub section and look in the manual for the series of hot tub that you ordered.
   
   A licensed electrician will be required in order to properly bring power to the unit, and not have your warranty voided.
6. How much will it cost to operate hot tub?
   It will depend on the usage and size of your unit. On average, people spend about a dollar a day to operate their hot tub. Your usage, climate and cost per Kw hour will all contribute to operating cost. All hot tubs come with economy modes of operation and feature Arctic Heat insulation to reduce energy consumption and make using your hot tub all year round more comfortable.
7. Are there ever any hot tubs in stock to choose from?
   Contact our sales professionals for current stock.
8. At what temperature should the hot tub be kept?
   In the beginning you should start your hot tub at 98-100 degrees. Once you are accustomed to this temperature you can adjust up or down to get to the temperature that is perfect for you. This is mainly personal preference although you should not stay in the hot tub for longer than 10—15 minutes at 104 degrees. If you are pregnant you should limit your time in the hot tub and reduce the temperature. Check with your health care professional before you get into the hot tub. If you ever feel dizzy leave the hot tub immediately and holding onto the grab rail or edge of coping to safely get yourself out of the hot tub.
9. How long can I stay in the hot tub?
   Again, this is personal preference, the higher the temperature the shorter the duration for safe hot tubbing. Fifteen minutes is the average rule at 100 degree water. Always bathe with others and don’t over do it.
10. Will my hot tub cure arthritis?
    A hot tub will not cure any disease or ailment but does provide temporary relief of muscle pain and joint pain and control arthritis pain. Hot tub therapy also can help reduce stress and help induce weight loss.
11. I have high blood pressure; can I use the hot tub?
    Please check with your doctor.
12. I am pregnant; can I use the hot tub?
    Please check with your doctor.
13. Can I drink alcohol in a hot tub?
    You really shouldn’t. The effect of alcohol is multiplied at least 4 times at 104 degrees.
14. Can I use the hot tub in the winter?
    Your hot tub is a 4-season product. Use your hot tub anytime of the year and anytime of the day! Most hot tub enthusiasts will agree that the winter time is the best time to be in a hot tub. The cold winter air will not affect you when you are in the swirling warm waters of your hot tub. You may think that you will not use it in the winter time, you will find that is not the case once you experience the therapeutic benefits of a soak in frigid cold weather. Did I mention that its cool to have snow accumulate on your head while the rest of you is toasty warm in the hot tub?
15. Does it matter when you fill it up with water for the first time that it is hard water? In other words does our water have to be filtered first?
    No. It's ok. Just feed the water in through the filter housing of the hot tub and it will trap any impurities in the water.
16. Does my hot tub need to be filled up and drained once to "clear" our "stuff" in the pipes before it can be used?
    The hot tubs are wet tested at the factory. The "stuff" is already "mostly cleared out." Sometimes you may get some glue residue or foreign matter (plastic shavings) in the hot tub when it is first fired up but these items can be scooped out or pulled out with a hot tub vacuum.
17. Do you recommend treating the hot tub cover with any spray to prevent from the UV rays of the sun to help it last longer?
    You may use a UV inhibitor. The brand we like is called "303 Aerospace protectant." You can purchase these products and more from our hot tub parts and supplies catalog.
18. How much space do you need with the cover butler to store the cover next to the hot tub?
    24 inches is preferable in the back and at least six inches on each side that the pivot bar is on.
19. How do you drain the hot tub?
    All our hot tubs come with drain valves that are located in the base of the hot tub. Simply remove the service panel and attach a garden hose to the valve and turn it to flow to release the water from the hot tub.
20. How does the filtration system work?
    We do not insult you with complex filtration systems that are meant to add dealer markup as an annuity. A filter is simply used to take out contaminants, hair, skin cells and other contaminants that have been burned up by the sanitizer in the water. Filters have nothing to do with sanitizing your water. You will notice that many manufacturers over compensate in filtration and have up to five filters in their spas. Filters need to be replaced annually and this cost (up to $50.00 per filter) should be accounted for when you figure out the total operating cost of your hot tub.
21. Can I call a technician from your company to help me with my hot tub?
    Yes. No matter which brand you buy there will be a knowledgeable technician to help you out if you need it. Contact us for assistance with your hot tub.
22. What side of thehot tub should have the most access?
    Our hot tubs look fantastic and are easiest to service when access is available from all side of the hot tub when the hot tub is sitting above grade. If you feel that you must sink the hot tub in a deck or limit the access to the hot tub you may incur costly repair bills and inconvenience when attempting to gain access to hot tub components. For limited access situations we recommend the side with the hot tub pack in it inside the cabinet. Since we make such a variety of hot tub it is always best to check with our sales professionals before you decide on a restrictive location or paint yourself into a corner. Calll us, we will be glad to help you find the right model that suits your location needs.
23. Do you recommend building the hot tub into a deck?
    We really don’t. It’s better you have at least a crawl space or a “crouching” space so you can service your hot tub. The side you will most likely have to look at is the electronic pack. The electronic pack is located underneath the top side controller.
24. What is the chemical set up?
    
    • Step one: If using perfect pH, add the entire bottle to the spa water. Run the spa on high speed (jets) for 15 minutes, then proceed with step #2. If you are not using perfect pH, go directly to step #2.
    • Step two: Add 2 bottle caps of concentrated demineralizer or Metal Out to the water. Some brands require that you must add the entire bottle. Read the instructions on your bottle to be sure.
    • Step three: Add 2 bottle caps of Spa Shock or Spa Chlor to the water. Do not use Non-Chlorine Spa Shock the first time when filling with fresh water.
    • Step four: Add 2 bottle caps of Water Clarifier to the water.
    • Step five: Add 2 ounces of Scumdigester or any other enzyme based oil-eating product to the water.
    • Step six: Test and adjust the pH of the water to 7.6 - 8.2 by adding either pH Plus or pH Minus (Don’t do this if using Perfect pH).
    • Step seven: Test and adjust the Alkalinity of the water to between 100 - 120 by adding Alkalinity Plus (Don’t do this if using Perfect pH).
    • Step eight: Add 4 - 6 Bromine Tablets to the Bromine Floater and put Floater in the spa water.
    • Step nine: Run spa on low speed (heat) for at least 6 hours to heat up, properly mix all the chemicals and completely filter the water.
25. What is the weekly maintenance?
    
    • Step one: Test water for Bromine, pH and Alkalinity.
    • Step two: Add 4 - 6 new Bromine Tablets to the Floater if necessary. Try to maintain an average Bromine level of between 1.0 - 1.5.
    • Step three: Adjust the Alkalinity to between 100 - 120 and the pH to 7.6 - 8.2 (Don’t manually adjust the pH or Alkalinity if using Perfect pH).
    • Step four: Rinse off the cartridge filter with fresh water.
    • Step five: Squeeze out Scum balls or Scum bugs and rinse them off with fresh water.
    • Step six: Add 2 bottle caps of Water Clarifier.
    • Step seven: Add 2 bottle caps of Spa Shock, Spa Chlor or Non-Chlorine Spa Shock.
    • Step eight: Add 2 ounces of Scumdigester or any other enzyme based oil-eating product to the water.
    • Step nine: Clean water line and lip of spa with Spray Away or Novus acrylic spa cleaner (do not use a soap based cleaner !)
26. What is the daily operation?
    
    • Step one: Spa water should filter on low speed for at least 3 hours per day.
    • Step two: Bromine Floater should have Bromine Tablets in it and should remain in the spa at all times, except when you are using it.
    • Step three: Scumballs or Scumbugs should remain in spa at all times, except when you are using it. They absorb surface oils and reduce “ring around the spa” at the water line.
    • Step four: Ozonator (if equipped) should operate on low speed at least 3 hours for every 12 hours. If using an Ozonator, you should also use at least 2 - 3 Bromine Tablets in a Bromine Floater as well.