The Ultimate. Hot Tub Buyers Guide. Precision Pool Construction

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Millicent Burns
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1 The Ultimate Hot Tub Buyers Guide Precision Pool Construction

2 Contents Hot Tub Benefits Narrow Your Search Where can I put my Hot Tub Economical Design Cost to Run Water Care Ozone, UV Salt Hot Tub Warranty what to expect Getting the most from your spa! Start Your Hot Tub Journey Ultimate Hot Tub Buyers Guide

Hot Tub Benefits For most people just the thought of soaking in a 104 degree hot tub at the end of a long day brings them a feeling of peace and tranquility.

3 Hot Tub Benefits For most people just the thought of soaking in a 104 degree hot tub at the end of a long day brings them a feeling of peace and tranquility. The combination of hot water, soft ambient sounds of the running jets and waterfalls, and the mood setting led lighting all add to a peaceful escape right in the comfort of your own backyard. 1. Lower Stress We all know how a hot tub makes us feel, but the truth is there is science to back up why a hot tub soak helps relieve stress. Stress can sometimes be an abstract term we use to describe our physical, mental and emotional state. There are many aspects of the hot tub soaking experience that can help relieve daily stress and help you live a healthier life. 2. Lowers Blood pressure By increasing your bodies core body temperature your heart works harder and helps dilate your blood vessels. This helps lower the blood pressure throughout your body. Studies have shown that just 10 minutes soaking in a hot tub at 102 degrees was enough to lower blood pressure even in people with hypertension. 3. Improves The Quality of Your Sleep The hot water benefits of lowering blood pressure and putting the body int a more relaxed state is perfect for people who have trouble sleeping. The effects of hot water therapy in a spa or sauna have been proven to help people achieve a deeper more relaxed sleep state. Just a 30 min soak 30mins to an hour before bed was shown to be enough to achieve these results. 3

I was spending $300 a month on massages to help with pain. Went golfing with a friend and after 36 holes...15mins in his spa felt great. I bought a Marquis. It's 15 minutes of heaven everyday.

4 I was spending $300 a month on massages to help with pain. Went golfing with a friend and after 36 holes...15mins in his spa felt great. I bought a Marquis. It's 15 minutes of heaven everyday. Dan Marquis Spa Owner 4. Chronic Pain relief At Precision Pool we have many customers who come to use seeking to purchase a hot tub to help with their chronic back or neck pain. A lot of times these customers are looking for a small 2 to 3 person spa nothing too fancy Almost every time I start talking to these customers about their pain issues they say that their doctor told them hot tub therapy would be a great way to relieve their pain issues. The pulsing action of the high flow therapy jets penetrates deep into muscle tissue to loosen up tightness and break up fascia tissue. By entering water the buoyancy effect makes our bodies feel 90 % lighter! This helps take pressure off of sore joints and restores range of motion. This would allow pain sufferers to also perform therapeutic stretches and light exercises that they could not perform on dry land. Title of the book 4

5 5. Arthritis relief The research shows our ancestors got it right. It makes you feel better. It makes the joints looser. It reduces pain and it seems to have a somewhat prolonged effect that goes beyond the period of immersion, says Bruce E. Becker, MD, director of the National Aquatics & Sports Medicine Institute at Washington State University in Spokane. From an article on The same buoyancy effects we talked about above for chronic pain will obviously work wonders for arthritis sufferers. 6. Relax and escape Sometimes the key to living a healthier lifestyle is just giving yourself some time to clear you head and relax. Put the cell phones away turn off the tv and go out and look at the stars while letting the hot water and pulsating jets do their work. 7. Spend Quality Time With Family and Friends Whether it is just the two of you or your throwing the ultimate hot tub party there is nothing like a hot tub to bring people together. Adults love the amazing therapy benefits and kids just love the bubbles and splashing around, what can be better? Put the phones away, turn off the TV and look up at the stars from the warmth of you own spa, with the people you want to be with the most. 5 5

6 Narrow Your Search - How to Find My Perfect Spa 6 When you are searching for your first hot tub it can be a bit overwhelming. There are a lot more spa brands, features, and systems then you might have thought. It is really important to think about what you want out of your hot tub experience before you walk into a showroom so you can really focus on only looking at models that fit your criteria. Choices Galore At our showroom in Amesbury Massachusetts we have a great variety of spaces fitting every size and budget. Always over a dozen in stock and 8-10 on display. Visit us: 83 Haverhill Rd, Amesbury, MA But how do I figure out what hot tub is best for me? There is no such thing as a one size fits all hot tub, so you need to ask yourself a few questions before you head to the spa dealer. Where is the hot tub going? Deck, patio, do you need to pour a new hot tub base somewhere in the yard to accommodate. See below for more on where you can place your hot tub. 2. How big is the space where the hot tub is going? You should know exactly how much space you have before you start looking, as sizes vary a lot. And features in bigger spas might not be available in smaller ones. 3. How many people do you want to be able to comfortably fit in the spa? Think of this as a minimum number not a maximum. What is the minimum amount if people you want to be able to fit. Does it need to fit 4 people so your whole family can enjoy the spa together? Or will a spa fit for 2 be fine? 4. Are there specific therapy needs you are trying to address with a hot tub? If a hot tub is just for family fun and outdoor entertainment you may not need to think about this one too much. However, for many people a hot tub is a solution to physical ailments. Stiff neck and upper back issues? You should be looking at spas with a deep seat and downward facing neck jets. Live an active life with lots of running, maybe a crossfitter? You are going to want to see some upper hamstring jets. When you visit your local spa dealer they should be asking your these questions, of they don t bring it up so they can show you spas that have seats to address your specific needs.

Where Can I put My Hot Tub? 7 The Weight of Water: Before we get into the materials we use for a hot tub base we need to first understand the characteristics of a portable spa filled with water.

7 Where Can I put My Hot Tub? 7 The Weight of Water: Before we get into the materials we use for a hot tub base we need to first understand the characteristics of a portable spa filled with water.a hot tub dry just delivered to your house only ways a few hundred pounds and on its own could sit just about anywhere. Placing a hot tub on a deck The easiest way place to install a new spa is on an existing structure that is already perfectly level like a well-built wooden deck. People often worry about the structural integrity of their deck and if it can support the tremendous weight a a full hot tub. It is a valid concern but what we have found is that most any built to code deck is plenty strong enough to support a hot tub. If you have a standard wood deck with 2 x8 joists 12 off center with proper supports you are good to go. Even though the spa weighs up to 4,000lbs full when it is level the weight is evenly distributed over the bottom surface area of the tub at about 100lbs per square ft. This even weight distribution allows the deck to support the weight easily. The problem arises when you fill the vessel up with water, this makes a few hundred pound tub a few thousand pound tub water is HEAVY! The weight of the water is producing a lot of force onto that shell, thus the most important part of placing a tub is making sure it is 100% completely level. If the level of the spa is off the force of the water will cause the shell to stretch and warp over time, and this can cause serious damage to the unit. So how do we make sure our beautiful hot tub does not warp and crack? Use the proper materials and construction. Existing Ground Level patios A lot of times when we sell a hot tub the customer already has an existing ground level patio, made of concrete patio blocks. Just like a deck this works great for the customer as no additional construction is needed. Unfortunately a lot of these patios are pitched for drainage or have just buckled over the years and become un-level. If a slight pitch is found where the tubs is going you can get away with using some wooden shims to make sure the tub and water is level. Poured Concrete Spa Pad When neither an existing deck or patio are useable for your new hot tub a lot of times the best option is a poured concrete pad. A concrete pad is great because you can get it to set perfectly level and it creates a nice solid base for the spa. We recommend pouring your concrete slab 3-4 thick using a 2 x6 wooden frame to create your form. If it is not a project you want to take on yourself here at Precision we can provide the pad installation for you.

Paver Patio Installation As we do a lot of paver patio installation we have recently been doing a few patio hot tub projects.

Generally this patio is much larger than just the hot tub base and we make sure the area where the spa is placed is perfectly level and then pitch the patio of rain run off after the spa area.

While not the prettiest or the most solid base it can work if done properly. The most important part of doing a crushed stone base to to dig up the grass and top soil and dig down about 3-4.

8 Paver Patio Installation As we do a lot of paver patio installation we have recently been doing a few patio hot tub projects. Using a solid base material we install a complete concrete paver bloc patio using products from Techo-Bloc. Generally this patio is much larger than just the hot tub base and we make sure the area where the spa is placed is perfectly level and then pitch the patio of rain run off after the spa area. Marquis Wish on Pavers Amesbury MA Placing a Hot Tub on Crushed Stone A simple an inexpensive way to prep the ground for a new spa is by using a crushed stone base. While not the prettiest or the most solid base it can work if done properly. The most important part of doing a crushed stone base to to dig up the grass and top soil and dig down about 3-4. Try to level the ground a much as possible but it does not need to be perfect at this stage. You then want to run a couple of 4 x4 stringers completely level across the area spaced about 4 apart. This will give you something solid to set you level. You can now fill the area with 4 of crushed stone, make sure the area is about 4-6 bigger than the spa itself. Pack the stone down and level it as much as possible. When you set the tub on the crushed stone the weight should allow it to settle into a level position with the 4 4 stringers helping. A Prefabricated Spa Pad Finally another available option is a premade plastic spa pad. These usually come in kits that you buy to fit your size spa. The misconception is that these pads require no site prep which is completely false. You need to prep the space just like you would the crushed stone pad above. Dig up the top soil and level it out before you put the pad down and place the spa. It is very important to take your base into account when planning for a new hot tub at your home. The good news is we can help you every step of the way, even do a free at home consultation to help find the best place to put it and what material will work best for your yard and budget. 8

9 Economical Design - How Much Does a Spa Cost to Run? Being in New England we know how the weather is, and when you are thinking of purchasing a hot tub you need to consider the elements.

9 9 Economical Design - How Much Does a Spa Cost to Run? Being in New England we know how the weather is, and when you are thinking of purchasing a hot tub you need to consider the elements. How you spa is built, the quality of the construction and the materials used can determine the real cost of ownership. This is why in the cold weather areas I always recommend buying a top spa brand that has been in business a long time, like Hot Springs, Marquis, Jacuzzi, and Dimension 1. All those companies have been around a while and know how to optimize their design for the cold weather. A Quality Cover As a New Englander you might be happy to know Marquis Spa s covers are manufactured right here in Massachusetts by Sunstar Spa Covers, the leader in the hot tub cover industry. 95% of all your heat loss comes from the surface of the spa. The better the cover the lower the cost of operation. We recommend a 2lb density foam cover cover with a full length heat seal guarding the covers hinge point. The 2lb density gives you the best R value and structural integrity for moderate snow weight. Spa Insulation This first part of that design, I feel is one of the most important aspects of a good hot tub especially here in the north east. Full foam insulation is always my number one recommendation to customers looking for a new spa. Full foam gives you the best R value for keeping the heat in your tub and saving you serious money when it comes to running your spa year round. The other argument to made for full foam insulation is support and structural integrity. There is a lot of flexible plumbing inside of a hot tub and full foam gives that plumbing support and keeps the plumbing from vibrating within the tub.

10 That s Great, But How Much Will it Cost? Every spa will be a little bit different due to its size. However a typical 400 gallon spa made by a leading manufacturer with full foam insulation, a good cover, and quality components will run roughly $36/ month at $.14/Kilowatt hour at a temperature of 30 degrees. That includes using the spa 4 times a week for 30 minutes with the jets running. Title of the book 10

11 Hot Tub Water Care - Ozone, UV Built-in hot tub sanitation systems can seem like smoke and mirrors or snake oil to new hot tub buyers, but they really do serve a purpose and each system has its

When trying to absorb all the information about these systems from a salesman it can get a little overwhelming, so we will try and break down each system into its simplest explanation below as simple

11 11 Hot Tub Water Care - Ozone, UV Built-in hot tub sanitation systems can seem like smoke and mirrors or snake oil to new hot tub buyers, but they really do serve a purpose and each system has its own pros and cons. When trying to absorb all the information about these systems from a salesman it can get a little overwhelming, so we will try and break down each system into its simplest explanation below as simple as we can anyway Before we dive into each individual system, there is one thing we need to make clear. There is no sanitation system currently on the market that can completely replace or eliminate the need for a halogen sanitizer like chlorine or bromine. It doesn t matter what spa you buy or what type of system it comes with you still need to maintain at least a small chlorine or bromine residual in the water for it to be completely sanitized. UV Sanitation Ozone Sanitation UV is that it does not really kill anything. UV light scrambles the organism's DNA causing it to be inactive, only a certain frequency of the UV light spectrum will work something as simple as dust on the bulb itself can render the UV sanitation system pretty much useless. ozone gas or O3 is a powerful oxidizer used in many commercial and residential applications including hot tubs. powerful oxidizer that can oxidize and destroy any bacteria or pathogens it comes in contact with. o3 gas is injected into the plumbing system and mixes with the circulated water Ozone has a short half-life, it only lasts seconds after production.

12 Salt Water Hot Tub Sanitation: The biggest misnomer about salt water sanitizers in pools or hot tubs is that it is a chlorine free system. In the store doing water test people always say to us, I don t use chlorine we have a saltwater pool. When the reality is they have a chlorine pool generated by salt. What a salt generator does is splits salt into chlorine which immediately turns into hypochlorous acid, which is the strong sanitizer found in swimming pools and spas. It is the same exact effect as pouring liquid chlorine or bleach into the water, except in the case of a salt generator you are making your own chlorine. Salt Water Cons: The best part about the previous systems, UV and Ozone is that we are able to lower the amount of chlorine or bromine that we need in our hot tub to keep it clean, whereas in a salt system it is all chlorine and you maintain a higher residual chlorine level than what is needed with an ozone or UV system. The other downside of salt water sanitation is its corrosiveness to metals and other components in the hot tub. This is why it is very important that the water chemistry balance is kept perfect at all times with a salt generator as the system is very sensitive. This just means the water will need to be tested and adjusted a bit more than a non-salt system. Also the salt generator tends to push PH levels in the water up, and as PH rises chlorine becomes a less effective sanitizer so use of acid or granular PH down is needed regularly. Salt cells also need to be cleaned regularly, and replaced every few years at a few hundred bucks a pop! What system is best for my hot tub? As you can see there are pros and cons to each system and there really is not one be all end all must have out there, they all work in their own way to help keep your hot tub water, safe, clean and clear. The most important thing to remember is none of these systems are set it and forget it. The water in your pool or spa should be tested and balanced regularly to help keep it sanitized and comfortable. The best sanitation system is a combination of an alternative sanitizer like ozone or UV, and bromine or chlorine. The Ultimate Hot Tub Buyers Gide 12

This covers all the basis, great oxidation from the ozone, a mineral system that works like a brita filter on steroids and a bromine feeder that maintains a

13 Marquis Constant Clean System Marquis Spas utilize a great combo system with their constant clean water management system. It combines Ozone oxidation with an inline mineral purifier and bromine disinfectant feeder. This covers all the basis, great oxidation from the ozone, a mineral system that works like a brita filter on steroids and a bromine feeder that maintains a free residual sanitizer level in the water. The best part is all those systems are contained within the spa so you don t have to remember to go out every Tuesday or Wednesday night to throw in your weekly chlorine treatment. It is working all the time. 13

14 14 What is in Your Hot Tub Warranty? Below I have laid out the exact warranty structure for a Marquis Signature series spas which is their highest end line. Every manufacturer will cover things a little different, but the big thing to look for is a 5 year equipment warranty on higher end lines and a 3 year on mid level lines. Every manufacturer has these different lines to cover multiple price points. With Marquis it is Signature and Eseries. Signature has a 5 year equipment and Eseries has a 3. Tip: If you are paying more than $5,000 for a hot tub it should have at least a 3 year equipment warranty. 10 YEAR STRUCTURE - The reinforced structure is warranted for 10 years not to leak. Fittings and attachments are not included. 7 YEAR SURFACE - The acrylic surface is warranted for seven years against blisters, cracks and delamination. The use of a non- Marquis DuraCover will void this warranty. 5 YEAR PLUMBING - Plumbing and fittings are warranted against water loss for five years. Warranty coverage does not include gaskets or seals. 5 YEAR EQUIPMENT -Electronic equipment is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for five years. Equipment includes PC boards, pumps, control panels, heater and heat sensors. Adagio audio system and associated components have a separate warranty. MicroSilk system and associated components have a one year parts and labor warranty 5 YEAR EXTERIOR -The synthetic skirt and DuraBase exterior are warranted against cracking and peeling for five years. 2 YEAR COMPONENTS -The ozonator and GFCI cord are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for two years. 1 YEAR Parts- LED lights, RF sensors, remote controls, valves, spa cover, jet inserts, in-line sanitation system and overlays are covered for one year. These parts do not qualify for labor coverage under this warranty.

15 Get the Most From Your Hot Tub, The Outdoor Room Trend- Options, Upgrades, and Accessories 15 A hot tub is meant to be the centerpiece of a great outdoor living experience. From hydrotherapy to family fun and backyard entertaining guests, create an entire environment around your spa to get the most out of it.

In Spa Options and Upgrades Crank up the volume with built in bluetooth stereo systems controlled with a wireless waterproof floating remote.

Flush mount speakers with a bluetooth AM/FM stereo are they way to go, anything that involves mechanics, will break so keep it simple when looking at this option.

16 In Spa Options and Upgrades Crank up the volume with built in bluetooth stereo systems controlled with a wireless waterproof floating remote. The built in sound systems have come a long way, no longer due we have CD decks that breakdown and a lot of manufacturers are staying away from mechanical pop-up speakers. Flush mount speakers with a bluetooth AM/FM stereo are they way to go, anything that involves mechanics, will break so keep it simple when looking at this option. Spa LED lighting is now standard in almost every spa you buy, but now it is a matter of how much lighting you want. Most spas will come with a single multi color LED light and possible a backlit water fountain or waterfall. A lighting package upgrade should really wow! Multiple points of light surrounding the inside of the spa and some sort of exterior glowing lights add a great atmosphere to nighttime spa soaks. Creating outdoor living rooms is a newest trend in backyard design. Bringing all the comfort and style you would put into an indoor living space, outside. For years I have always recommended companies like a+baccessories.com for beautiful cedar and teak spa surrounds, and now Marquis has really up d their game with included matching Durawood surrounds and environments pieces to compliment your spa. Eseries 524 with Twilight LED upgrade 16

Environments and Surrounds Marquis Environments are like nothing else in the spa industry as they are spa surrounds and steps that are made out of the same material as

When designing your backyard patio where the hot tub is going to think about all the elements to pull people together during a backyard outing.

17 Environments and Surrounds Marquis Environments are like nothing else in the spa industry as they are spa surrounds and steps that are made out of the same material as you hot tub s siding so they match seamlessly. There are endless options of what you can do in your backyard, particularly around the hot tub. When designing your backyard patio where the hot tub is going to think about all the elements to pull people together during a backyard outing. The hot tub can be the centerpiece or just a part of the complete outdoor environment which includes a cooking island, deep outdoor seating around a gas fueled fire pit. Spa and patio project Amesbury MA Title of the book 17

Time to Find Your Dream Spa? There was a lot of information to digest in this buyers guide, from technical to practical, think of it has your Hot Tub 101.

18 Time to Find Your Dream Spa? There was a lot of information to digest in this buyers guide, from technical to practical, think of it has your Hot Tub 101. What I like to tell people when they come into the showroom is this; there are a lot of great hot tubs out there, and everyone is going to do things a little bit differently. However when you are searching for the perfect spa for you most of the nuts and bolts don t matter. What matters is finding the spa that fits the size, layout and budget that is made by a top ranked manufacturer represented by a professional local dealer that you trust and want to have a working relationship with for years to come. Hopefully we have helped you on your search for hot tub nirvana! To get started with your spa journey visit us at Precision Pool 83 Haverhill Rd. Amesbury, MA and check out our great selection of American made Marquis Spas. Have a question? Give us a call or jay@precisionpool.net For more details on the complete Marquis Spa line visit or site: to check out all of the options. And don t forget to like our page on Facebook 18

Hot Tub Buyer s Guide: Questions for First-Time Shoppers. A complete resource every hot tub shopper needs!

Hot Tub Buyer s Guide: Questions for First-Time Shoppers A complete resource every hot tub shopper needs! Questions for First-Time Shoppers TOP 10 QUESTIONS ANSWERED 1. How much does a hot tub cost? 2.