Frequently asked questions when buying a hot tub

Sometimes it can seem daunting to ask questions face to face.  I know when I am buying something, I don't want the sales person to think I'm stupid, so often do not ask the most basic questions.  I hope no one ever feels they cannot ask us questions when they visit our showroom - in fact, I know they don't - but just in case you are a little shy, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when buying a hot tub.

FAQ Hot Tubs

Where should I buy a hot tub?

Buy it Local! One important point is that you can see a few models the company shows at their Showroom and where you have a chance to try them. You should be able to try any spa the company shows and not only the model of their choice. The Tub you buy is maybe different! Don’t buy from a Company selling them as a “Side-Product”. A Specialized Company will always give you better Service and the right Products – mostly time to even better Prices. Don’t buy of the Internet. You will struggle to get warranty and backup Service.

Take your Time before choosing and make sure you trading with a reliable company.

As the Owner of Algarve Hot Tubs and being a Trained Plumber and Heating Engineer, I take my time for my clients to give professional advice and find together with you the right Product. I live since 13 Years in the Algarve and work since 2007 with Hot Tubs and fully BISHTA trained. (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association)

How much does a Hot Tub cost?

Hot tubs became over the years more and more popular and don’t cost a Fortune anymore. A good Hot tub comes for about 5000, - € to 25.000, - € incl.IVA depending on Specifications.

How much does a hot tub cost to run?

In Europe, it is not a requirement to perform energy consumption tests on hot tubs.  Not that they actually relate to real life conditions anyway - like car tests, they are performed in clinical environments. Who has ever achieved the printed Results in their car that the glossy brochure states?

So I can only speak from my 10 years of hot tub experience.

We use our hot tub 3-4 times a week for around 30 minutes at a time. This is an important factor in calculating how much a hot tub costs to run, as the time the hot tub looses the most heat is when you and in it and the cover is off. We perform 4 water changes a year and clean the filters weekly. We find our hot tub cost on average, over the year, 1 € a day.

How often do you change the water in a hot tub?

If you skipped over the answer in the answer above, we recommend changing the water in a hot tub every 3 months. You will find in the few weeks before needing a water change the water is slightly dull and more prone to turning cloudy. It is very important to keep your water clean, but we have lots of tips on our Section Tips and Tricks and are always on the end of the phone if you need help.

How do you fill the hot tub?

Many people wonder if the hot tub needs it's own plumbed water supply like a bath. I can happily say, you only need a hosepipe long enough to reach the hot tub. No plumbing required!

Can you switch the hot tub off?

We do not recommend switching your hot tub off when it has water in it, unless it is when you are washing the filters. It is important the hot tub is left on continually, so the water can be filtered and not become stagnant. If you are going on holiday or are not going to be using it for a week or so, we recommend turning the temperature down or put it in “Sleep Mode”

Can you use a hot tub in the winter?

In my opinion, winter is the best time of the year to use your hot tub. There is a wonderful feeling of deep warmth when you enter a hot tub in the freezing weather.

Does the hot tub stay hot?

Yes, the idea of the hot tub is, it is ready to jump in whenever you want to. The thermostat keeps the water heated to the set temperature and it shouldn't loose heat when you are using it. Threw a good insulation and the Special thick Thermal Covers your Hot Tub looses hardly any Temperature when not used and covered.

How long does it take a hot tub to heat up?

There are a few factors which determine the length of time it will take the hot tub to heat up. The size and capacity of the hot tub. The temperature of the water. The kilowatt rating of the heater. The ambient temperature. It is fair to allow 8-18 hours to heat an average size hot tub.

How easy is a hot tub to maintain?

As with everything, you need to establish a routine. Looking after a hot tub is not difficult and takes around 10 minutes a week. We have a guide on Water care made Easy. It will give you an idea as to what is involved and dispel your fears.

What chemicals do you use in a hot tub?

We recommend using Bromine or Chlorine to sanitise the hot tub water. These come in either slow release tablets or granules. Sometimes you may need to balance the PH levels.

Is there an alternative to Chlorine and Bromine?

Yes, AquaBlanc is an Oxygen based water treatment system. The science behind the patented formula claims that AquaBlanc gets to the real root of the bacterial problem removing slime, calcium and debris from deep within the piping and equipment of your spa.

There is no absolute Chlorine or Bromine Free System! You can only minimize the use threw adhesives.

How much do the chemicals cost?

Some of the Chemicals will be used faster than others. A Starter set of Chemicals and Cleaning tools is about 200, - €. That’s also the Average use over a Year.

Are hot tubs safe for children?

In short, yes. The risk of small children using hot tubs is their inability to regulate their own body temperature. This can be safely managed. And as long they are supervised and watched there are no Problems.

Does the hot tub need servicing?

It is recommended to do one time pr Year a Hot Tub Flush to clean the Pipe work and Plumbing. We offer of course a ”Major Service”, an annual service to check for problems and Deep clean the spa, Filters and check all mechanical items to provide peace of mind.

What is the difference between water and air jets?

Water jets provide hydrotherapy massage. Air jets pump air into the water and create bubbles.

Do hot tubs come with a cover?

Yes, all the hot tubs we sell come with well fitted, thermal, hard covers.

How much does delivery and commissioning cost?

With Algarve Hot Tubs you by “Peace of mind”. Delivery and Installation is complete free. We will set the hot tub up for you, fill it up and show you how to use it. We will teach you how to keep the water clean and fit any accessories.

Other questions?

Do you have any other questions which haven't been addressed? Please let us know by contacting us - we will be happy to answer any questions.