Solving Problems & Making Choices

► Asking The Right Questions?

We are going to be looking for a spa within the next few months.  We will probably want something that can accommodate 4 people.  We realize that there are lots of features to choose from and ways to sanitize.  But, what should be ask of the dealer?

Steve & Jill N., 8/25/2009

Good news Alan! I have no intentions of harassing you for info today. I wanted to wish you happy holidays and to thank you for the advice you provide for distraught spa owners everywhere. You've helped me out of a couple of jams in this, my first year as a spa owner and made the experience more fun, and learning curve a much smoother one. Thanks again.

Robin W., Freligshburg, Quebec, Canada, 12/16/2007

Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm glad to have been of assistance. Best wishes for the holidays.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 12/16/2007

► Permanent Installation?

Looking for an "in-ground" spa near Atlanta and don't know where to start.  I live near Atlanta, Georgia, and I want to buy a spa - not a hot tub - which is designed to be permanently installed in the ground but all I have found on the web so far are "portable spas" which include all the costs associated with making the damn things "portable."  I would rather spend my money on a bigger spa that is NOT portable and have it professionally installed in our back yard (in a hole in our deck where the air conditioners used to be).  We even have a water supply right next to the spot where we want the spa.  Where should I look for such a thing in the Atlanta area?  Who are the "reputable" dealers?  How does one avoid the "problem" dealers?  How much should I expect to pay for a big in-ground spa that has TWO LOUNGES?  Thanks for your time.

Steve, Atlanta, GA, 7/9/2003

What you want is doable.  And I can understand your justification.  So far as a dealer and pricing, I can offer little direct assistance.  You could start with a local spa dealer and see if the product can be ordered with the external cabinetry.  There is one more important thing that you must check into.  In most areas, what you are contemplating is akin to an inground pool and might require all of the permits associated with inground pools.  In addition, it could impact your property taxes.  Portable spas do not usually have these problems.  How would you access the equipment or the plumbing?  Where would the heater and filter pump go?  You need to do some homework.  That's one of the reasons the portable spa is so popular.  Good luck with your decision.  If you ever have a spa water problem, please come back and visit the website.

Sincerely,  Alan Schuster, 7/9/2003

► Buying A Spa?

We are looking to buy a 350 gallon Spa. We have a small child and I have several allergies, including nickel allergy sensitivity to chlorine and eczema.  So, what would be the best and most cost-efficient sanitation system to purchase with the Spa?  Thanks.

Dorothee, 4/1/2004

Cost efficiency shouldn't be your prime interest.  Effectiveness should!  An ozonator and a mineral sanitizer, to act as a backup sanitizer, would be both effective and cost efficient.  Spas are available with built-in ozonators and mineral sanitizers are simply add-ons.  This combination contains no nickel compounds, chlorine or bromine, should be easy on the skin and keeps chemical treatment at a minimum.  I hope that this information proves to be helpful.

► Too Heavy to Handle?

I find the spa cover a bit too heavy to handle.  I am not as young as I used to be and my wife certainly can't remove the cover by herself.  I bought the spa because of arthritis and I would like to minimize the effort.  I think that I recall seeing some type of cover appliance in a magazine picture.  Appreciate the help.  Regards.

Neal H., Boynton Beach, FL, 12/1/2003

You remember correctly.  There are spa cover removers that tilt the cover out of the way with the flip of a finger or the push of a button.  Your local spa professional should be able to decide on a product suited for your needs.  Enjoy the spa.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 12/3/2003

► Considerations Before Spa Purchase?

I want to buy a home spa, but am now confused about a couple of things. Under the topic of salt water spas in 2006 you said: "Saltwater chlorinators are available for use in spas and offer similar advantages:  complete elimination of chlorine chemical products, easy maintenance and improved water quality - just to name a few".  Does your positive opinion of salt water chlorinators still stand today in 2008?  I have not purchased my spa yet, and am really trying to investigate this beforehand, as I want to make the right decision. Recently a spa salesperson advised against the salt water chlorinator, saying it wasn't less maintenance or chemicals.  Was he mistaken?  Is a salt water chlorinator the same as a salt chlorine generator? Is there a brand of salt water chlorinators for spas that you recommend?  If you get one for your spa, would it make sense to add an ozonator or uv sanitizers or a micron high efficiency filter?  Or do they become redundant or overkill if you have the salt water chlorinator?  I am looking for a spa with minimal maintenance, low chemical usage, and one that we can leave for a month when we go on holidays. I don't want to add chemicals and check levels all the time, especially before and after each use. Does such a spa exist?  The second issue is that one manufacturer does not use any foam insulation and argues that his hot tub is designed for energy efficiency in a cold climate, while another manufacturer says that you have to have spray foam insulation in order to achieve this. Can you speak to that?  Thanks so much for your time, your website is great!

Lori M., Canada, 2/13/2008

► A Spa Or A Hot Tub?

My wife and I are considering buying a spa.  We can't even agree on the name.  She says that a hot tub is not a spa and I say that the terms are used loosely.  What are the advantages or disadvantages?  And who's right?  Thanx.

S & A, Pt. Pleasant, NJ, 5/13/2003

Who's right?  Both!  The terms hot tub and spa are used interchangeably, but they are different.  Hot tubs are constructed like a barrel split in two.  There can be vinyl liner inside to prevent leaks and keep the water away from the wood.  Jets, blowers, heaters, filters can be present, in both types of units.  Spas are usually made from a resin material surrounded by a cabinet.  They come in all types of sizes and shapes.  Interiors are shaped with seating and loungers.  Jets and blowers can be used to great effect.  The hot tub tends to be higher than the spa and that can make entering the water require a step or steps.  Spas have a much more modern appearance - hot tubs a more rustic look.  Hot tubs are built for soaking.  Spas are made for sitting or lounging, while experiencing the relaxing agitation and aeration of the water.  Call it whatever you want.  The choice is yours to make!  Pick out a spa or hot tub that will make you both happy, because you'll be in hot water together!  Good luck with your choice.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/13/2003

► Ozone Or No Ozone?

Hello, hopefully you might be able to help me. I have a question about Ozonators.  I am buying spa and it has been recommended that I do not need an ozonator,  The dealer also mentioned with a 1 year old child that might be in the spa with us, it is not recommended.  It seems everyone recommends getting one?  I have a friend who told me he lowers the temp of his spa in the summer time and says he has to have an ozonator in order to keep it clean.  I haven't read anything to support that theory.  What are your thoughts, should I invest the extra $200 bucks or not.  Thanks for any feed back.

Mike, 8/30/2006

This is almost a no brainer.  I can't think of a reason for you not to put in an ozonator, aside from the fact that you don't want ozone being produced while the bathers, especially children, are using the spa.  The ozonator will go a long way towards maintaining optimum water quality.  It is worth the extra money and will pay for itself, in terms of reduced chemical usage.  I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 8/30/2006

▲  Return To Top Of Page   ▲

©,  2002-10, A.S., Inc.  All rights reserved.