buyers guide - portal.eeanz.com · life’s better in a spa at spa world, we believe a spa is more...
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Buyers Guide
Life’s better in a spa ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 2
Choosing the perfect spa ����������������������������������������������������������������� 3
Year-round enjoyment ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
Family time �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
Rest, relax & reconnect �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
Healthy me ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
Fitness focussed ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
The finishing touches - Jets & Hydrotherapy ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������9
Lights, sound, action! ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
Spa or pool? �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
The ideal spa spot ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
Installing your spa ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
Technical information ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Peace of mind ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
Customer service ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 20
FAQ ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
Buyers guide checklist ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 22
Contents
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 1Life’s better in a spa.
Life’s better in a spaAt Spa World, we believe a spa is more than just a
spa� It’s a connection to a better life; a valuable asset
that helps reduce mental and physical tension, and
promotes quality time with family and friends�
We’re passionate about sharing those benefits with
people from all walks of life – something we’ve been
doing for more than 35 years now� Our team are the
industry experts when it comes to spas (and swim
spas!), and they take pride in matching each of our
customers with the ideal solution for their needs�
Of course, everything about owning a spa should be
relaxing, and that includes the purchasing experience�
We go to great lengths to remove the barriers to
ownership, handling everything from permits and
compliance to delivery and installation, with pricing
that represents exceptional value for money�
We back every product we sell with industry-leading
warranties, and offer a ‘no risk’, 60-day money
back guarantee�
At the end of the day, it’s about turning spas and swim
spas from a plaything for the privileged into something
everyone can enjoy; a perfect opportunity to spend
precious moments with loved ones, and the ultimate
way to relieve pain and alleviate stress�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 2Life’s better in a spa.
Choosing the perfect spa
Spas come in a wide variety of sizes, and a range of
prices� Our team will guide you through the process
and help you find the perfect match.
But, to kick things off, ask yourself these questions…
What size do we need?
How many people do you think will end up using
it at any one time? Are you going to be using your
spa/swim spa primarily for hydrotherapy,
entertaining, fitness or simply to reconnect
with yourself? (Not sure what a swim spa is?
Find out on page 11)�
Where are we going to put it?
If your spa is easy to reach, you’ll use it more�
Settling on the location for your new spa will also
help you decide what size pool you should buy�
Is hydrotherapy important?
If you’re specifically looking for a spa that will help
alleviate aches and pains, you’ll need to consider jet
quality, type and placement�
How much are we prepared to pay?
Creating a list of ‘must have’ and ‘nice to have’
features is a great way to determine your budget�
Remember to ask about financing options too.
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 3Life’s better in a spa.
Year-round enjoymentYour spa pool provides the perfect opportunity to
connect with family and friends, creating memories
that last a lifetime� It’s also the ultimate spot to
reconnect with yourself; to escape the rigors of
everyday life and treat yourself to some ‘me time’.
Best of all, it’s an activity you can enjoy year-round
without travelling any further than your own backyard�
Winter
There’s nothing quite like slipping into a deliciously-
warm spa on a chilly winter’s evening!
Spring
The ‘season of new beginnings’ is the perfect time to
revitalize your body and mind�
Summer
In summer, your spa/swim spa can turn into an
affordable pool for cooling down in. Dial back the heat
and remind guests to pack their swimmers/togs!
Autumn
Kick-back, relax, and soak up the ever-changing
colours of autumn�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 4
Soak up every precious momentTime flies. Before you know it, another week
has passed, another month has gone, and another
year has disappeared�
Replace screen time with quality time, using your
spa as the perfect excuse to ditch the devices and
spend some precious moments with the most
important people in your life�
Make your spa a distraction-free environment; a
place where you can focus on each other, catching
up on the day’s events, exchanging stories and
sharing a laugh. You’ll find it turns into a
true bonding experience – a ritual which
brings the whole family together�
Hot tip
For younger children and toddlers,
look for a spa that offers a shallow
“Toddler” or “Cool down” seat�
These seats offer the perfect
area for little and bigger
people alike to
avoid overheating�
Familytime
Vortex Aqualounge model shown
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 5Life’s better in a spa.
Find time for time outLife is fast-paced, with work and other commitments
making it hard to find time for yourself, and those
most important to you�
Spa pools are an incredibly effective way to reduce
stress and anxiety�
They can also help soothe tight muscles and
stiff joints, and stimulate the body’s release
of endorphins�
Over and above that, your spa can become a
place to reconnect and build richer relationships;
somewhere to engage with, and focus on,
each other�
To check in with each other on an emotional level
and revisit all of the special things which drew you
to each other in the first place!
Vortex Gemini model shown
Rest,relax+ reconnect
Hot tip
A well designed spa will have
comfortable seating for multiple body
heights and sizes� Make sure that you
each test any spa dry and wet to
make sure it is the right fit.
Look for a spa that has multiple
hydrotherapy options so each
of you can find your
favorite spot�
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 6
Wind back the clockRemember, you’re only as old as you feel, so slip into a
spa and wind back the clock! The warmth of the water,
combined with the force of the jets, means spa pools
can ease aches and pains, improve sleep, enhance
mood and treat a number of health conditions�
Chronic pain
The warmth of the water in your spa relaxes your
body and increases blood flow, while the massaging
action of the jets eases tight muscles and stiff joints.
This can provide relief for everything from arthritis and
back pain to muscle pain and fibromyalgia.
Promoting Good Brain Health
Research suggests getting a good night’s sleep is a
key factor in maintaining good brain health as we get
older� A spa pool is a great way to help you relax and
unwind before bed to promote a good night’s rest�
Insomnia
One of the most important factors in a
good night’s sleep involves taking the
time to wind-down before heading to bed�
And what better way to do that than in
the warm, soothing waters of your spa,
where you’ll find your muscles relax and
your blood flow increases.
Type 2 Diabetes
The restorative power of a spa pool can even
be used to lessen the impact of type 2
diabetes� A study by the New England
Journal of Medicine found that, in less
than a fortnight, diabetics who
regularly used hydrotherapy
lost weight, required less insulin,
and display a decrease in plasma
glucose and glycosylated
hemoglobin�
Vortex Azure model shown
HealthyHealthymeme
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 7
Workout. Recover. Repeat.You can train as hard as you like – but if your
recovery routine isn’t up to scratch, you won’t
make progress�
The warm water of your spa will increase blood
flow while the massaging action of the jets will
loosen tight muscles – both of which will aid
rapid recovery�
But your spa is not just a post-workout tool�
Spend ten minutes soaking in your spa before you
workout to really get your blood flowing and your
body feeling limber�
Fitnessfocussed
Hot tip
Pre-workout a spa warms up the
muscles and joints while after a
workout the warm water dilates
blood vessels allowing more
nutrient rich blood to flow to
the affected tissues speeding
up recovery and recuperation�
Vortex Hydrozone model shown
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 8
The finishing touchesOnce you have a general idea about the size and shape
of spa you’re after, there are a number of other features
to consider, all of which could impact your final decision.
Jets
When it comes to jets, more isn’t always better� Some
spas will try to make up for other short-comings by
adding a large number of ineffective generic jets. The
best spas feature strategically positioned ‘clusters’ of
proprietary jets specifically designed to deliver the
most effective massage for the specific body part.
Hydrotherapy
A big part of the experience with spa pools or swim
spas is the hydrotherapy on offer. To get the best,
look for a spa that offers features such as dual
ergonomically designed lounger seats, therapy
collars that target sore, tired neck muscles, and multi-
directional hydro-flow jets for maximum pressure and
a choice of both broad and soothing massage actions�
A volcano jet in the footwell can also be very soothing
for tight hamstrings and quadriceps�
Many lower end spa manufacturers use off-the-
shelf jets to save money while quality spa brands
customise their own jets to offer customers the full
hydrotherapy experience� Lower end jets are usually
plastic directional jets or rotational jets with
bearings that will eventually wear out� Quality jets
have a stainless steel face, are bearing less and
can be back-lit�
Don’t be fooled by sales people promoting a high
number of jets on a cheaper spa pool – quality and
placement is much more important than quantity�
There are a number of different types of jets including
air jets with bubbles from an air blower, directional
jets that you can move, and rotational jets that spin
as the water passes through� Look for a range of jets
and consider where they are placed within the spa
for maximum hydrotherapy benefit. This is why it is
so important to test any spa before you buy� You can
easily feel the difference.
Jacuzzi® PowerPro™ FX jet
Jacuzzi® PowerPro™ RX jet
Jacuzzi® PowerPro™ MX jet
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 9Life’s better in a spa.
Life’s better in a spa.
Lights, sound, action!Water features and lights
There are numerous ways to enhance your spa
experience, including coloured lighting, water
features and aromatherapy systems, to mention a
few� In many instances, these can be adjusted to
help set the mood!
In-pool entertainment
Wireless and Bluetooth technology mean you can
effortlessly soundtrack your spa experience by
streaming your favorite tunes�
Jacuzzi® J-500™ model shown
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 10
Spa or Pool? Why not both?!Australians and Kiwis love spa pools� But they love
swimming pools too� So how do you choose? You don’t!
With an All-Season Pool (swim spa), you’ll enjoy the
best of both worlds – the soothing, therapeutic benefits
of a spa, with enough space to exercise, relax and
recuperate, and splash about!
What’s the difference between a swim spa and a pool?
Pools are traditionally geared towards hot weather
and generally hold cold water� With a swim spa you
can economically change between hot and cold
water on a whim�
Pools also aren’t conducive to comfortably sitting and
lounging around in� Swim spas, on the other hand,
are designed to seat people in the lap of luxury while
being large enough to resistant train swim in� Pools
generally hold more water but that’s not necessarily
an advantage, particularly during these times when
water can be expensive and scarce�
One of the most interesting differences between
swim spas and pools is that swim spas are completely
portable and pools typically are not� Clearly, a kiddie
pool is portable but most other pools are large
enough that moving them around is either impossible
or likely to result in a great deal of damage� Swim spas
are designed to be an investment that you take with
you wherever you decide to move�
Vortex Hydrozone Swim Spa model shown
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 11
Spa or pool? Why not both?!What about price?
Swim spas are often much more affordable than a
pool and are far easier to install� They’re an excellent
investment because, when well cared for, they
can bring your family years of enjoyment, fitness
opportunities and relaxation�
Many clients are also surprised to discover that,
when compared to maintaining a pool, spa running
and maintenance costs are actually less than what
they expect�
The secret is in the cover! The fitted covers designed
for a swim spa not only hold in heat (making them
energy efficient), but also keep debris out of the water,
reducing the need for harsh chemicals and cleaning
supplies� The cover also helps prevent evaporation
– a critical feature in states with high water restrictions�
Hybrid heat pumps operate like heat pumps and can
save up to 70% of heating bills.
Installation is also significantly cheaper. Your spa will
arrive as one complete unit, with no assembly required�
It will take up less space, requiring less preparation�
And (depending on the area you live in) there will be
fewer compliance requirements�
Swim Spa Ambassadors
Ian Thorpe OAM
Olympic gold medalist and Vortex Spas ambassador�
Dr Rick McAvoy
“Hi, my name is Dr� Rick McAvoy, and I am a pioneer
in the field of Aquatics. I believe that the power of
H20 can change lives.
Let me show you how to maximize the potential of
your swim spa� Head to my website to learn more
www�rickmcavoyaquatics�com�”
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 12
The ideal spa spotChoosing the right location for your spa is critical� But,
if you consider these three points, you should have no
trouble deciding on the ideal spot�
Access
If your spa is easy to get to, you’ll use it more –
especially during the cooler months, when the idea of
running from one end of the yard to the other to get
inside makes you shiver just thinking of it! If you can’t
position it close to the house, at least ensure there is a
safe, clear route to and from your spa�
Privacy
Try to pick a location which gives you some degree of
privacy� If that’s not possible, umbrellas, shade sails
or tall bushes and trees can all be used to shield you
from prying eyes�
Outlook
You’re going to be spending a lot of time in your new
spa, so choose an outlook that will help you relax and
unwind� Instead of starring at the back of your house or
the side of the garage, try to find a spot where you can
enjoy a nice view of the garden or a picturesque sunset�
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 13
Installing your spaWhen it’s time to install your spa, it’s critical you have
a solid foundation to place it on� That foundation will
need to support the weight of the pool itself, as well
as the water in it, and the people using it�
Concrete
A slab (or concrete pad) is the recommended
solution to avoid issues with the spa�
Decking
You must also consider drainage and moisture
around other structures� It also a great option to
build a specific wooden deck area around your spa
or alternatively it may sit on a strong deck area�
Life’s better in a spa.Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 14
Technical informationShell
The shell of a spa is its most important component�
It cannot be replaced�
Most shells are made from acrylic with fiberglass
reinforcing or polyethylene�
Acrylic is the easiest to care for and the most
durable, and for those reasons is often the most
expensive�
Polyethylene is a tough and hard-wearing material,
but has a softer matt surface, and is common at the
cheaper end of the spa pool market�
What should I look for?
It’s important your spa has at least a 5 year warranty
on the shell against leaking, versus a one-year
warranty from budget brands� The longer the
warranty the better the shell and less chance of
defects� All spa shells available from Spa World
come with a 10-year warranty or longer.
Frame
The structure of a spa is the framework which
supports the shell� The stronger the frame, the
longer a spa can be expected to last� Find out about
the materials used in the frame, the manufacturing
technique and the standard of workmanship�
The cheapest frame option is made from untreated
wood like pine or fir, which can be vulnerable to rot
and vermin� Choose a spa with a treated wood, hard-
wearing plastic or a galvanised steel frame�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 15Life’s better in a spa.
Technical informationInsulation
Insulation is the main factor determining the heating
cost of spas and swim spas� The poorer the insulation,
the quicker spas cool, the longer the heater stays on,
the higher the power bill�
There are a number of ways to insulate a spa:
Foam on shell
The cheapest and most common method is to spray
the shell with foam� This method insulates the water
while it is in the spa, but does nothing to insulate the
water in the pipes while it circulates� As a result, it
is exposed to cold air, cooling the spa very quickly�
Foam on shell insulation generally gives the lowest
level of insulation and is found in cheaper spas�
Perimeter or cabinet insulation
This method uses insulation on the spa cabinet,
insulating both the shell and the plumbing� As it
relies on trapping air between the shell and cabinet
and keeping it from escaping, to work best, the gap
between the cabinet and the shell must also be
insulated. One of the biggest benefits with this type
of insulation is that it offers unobstructed access to
plumbing and equipment for repairs� It also captures
the waste heat from the pumps as they run and
recycles it to assist in keeping the water hot�
Full foam
Lastly, there is full foam insulation, which essentially
fills the gap between the spa’s shell and the cabinet
with foam, offering the best heat retention. This not
only insulates the water within the shell of the spa but
also the plumbing and pipe-work, dramatically cutting
heat loss�
Insulated cover
Heat rises and 70% of heat loss in a spa is via the cover.
Make sure your spa comes with a quality high-density
foam cover, made from water resistant fabric�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 16Life’s better in a spa.
Technical informationEnergy efficiency
Energy efficiency should be right near the top of your
checklist when choosing a spa – you want a spa that
uses less power to do the same job so it will cost you
less in the long run�
For the best heat retention, you need a heater control
system with intelligent thermal tuning that intuitively
avoids unnecessary temperature drops to reduce
‘on-demand’ heating. High quality spas will have this
type of control system that adapts and tunes itself
to the thermal properties of your spa pool and its
environment, learning the behaviour of your spa over
time� By reducing the temperature drop required
before the heater switches on, this system provides
a more consistent spa water temperature and lowers
your daily operating costs�
Avoid cheaper spas that come with a control system
where the heater turns off once the jets turn on, so
the water goes cold� Cheaper spas also come with
2-speed pumps, which take up less plumbing but cost
a lot more to run� What you save in up-front costs, you
lose over time in higher energy bills�
The amount of energy a spa consumes when not in use
depends on the type of pump that is used for filtration,
the method of insulation and the quality of cover used�
That means a spa using full foam insulation, a 24-hour
circulation pump and a high-density spa cover will
use the least amount of energy, while a spa using a
2-speed pump, foam on shell insulation and a low-
density spa cover will use the most�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 17Life’s better in a spa.
Technical informationWater
There are a wide range of water treatment
technologies included with spas nowadays�
Microfiltration
To enjoy your new spa fully, you’ll want to ensure
it contains only clear, clean water� The best way to
guarantee this is to include microfiltration to trap
water-borne particles as small as 5 microns, instead of
the 50 microns of conventional filters.
Ozone clarification
This is a proven technology that has been used
for decades to automatically clarify spa and pool
water� It was created as an alternative to chemical
clarifiers. But used incorrectly, ozone can be rendered
ineffective, or at worst, damage the components
of your spa� Quality spa brands improve ozone
technology by linking it with a unique mixing chamber,
which increases the ozone’s contact time with the
water. This ensures maximum effectiveness and
eliminates the possibility of damage to your spa�
UV sterilisation
UV sterilisation is used in bottling and potable water
facilities� Ensure your spa pool comes with UV water
purification to destroy 99% of water borne viruses such
as Giardia and Cryptosporidiosis� UV sterilisation will
not only make your spa safe for you and your family,
but also reduces your use of chemical sanitisers�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 18Life’s better in a spa.
Peace of mindYour spa is an investment� Make sure you buy from a
reputable company that offers extensive warranties.
The shell is the most critical portion of a spa pool�
It cannot be replaced and can be difficult to repair if it
fails� As such the Shell Structural warranty and shell
surface warranty should be as long as possible,
The longer the better� You should steer clear of anything
under five years. Here’s what to look for in a warranty:
Shell Structural Warranty
Covers the structural integrity of the spa�
Shell Surface Warranty
Covers peeling, cracking, blistering or delamination�
Plumbing Warranty
Covers all plumbing components�
Equipment Warranty
Covers the spa controls and equipment�
• The warranty is only as good as the company behind it� Is the brand trustworthy?
• Have you checked the company’s Trustpilot reviews?
• Has the company been in business for over 20 years?
• Do they have local stores?
• Do they offer a wide range of spas?
• Do they offer after sales service?
• Does the spa have a comprehensive warranty that covers all structural areas and components?
• Does the warranty extend for an acceptable period of time?
• How long is the warranty period? Does the warranty have any exclusions?
• Will you be fully covered by the warranty as time progresses?
• Does the retailer have an easy to reach service/call centre? Have you called the customer service line?
• Will the brand/retailer stand behind your spa, and provide technical support for repairs?
• Are supplies and parts easy to purchase and affordable?
Check out our buyers checklist at the back of this guide for more useful and important questions to ask.
When discussing your spa warranty, be sure to ask the supplier these questions:
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 19Life’s better in a spa.
Customer service
Finding you the perfect spa/swim spa isn’t just a
transaction for us – it’s the start of our relationship�
We’re here for the long-haul, providing the support
and advice you need to get the best out of your
investment for years to come�
Having been in the business for more than three-and-
a-half decades, there’s nothing we haven’t seen; no
issue we haven’t encountered and no problem we
haven’t solved� Open 7-days a week, our Customer
Service Centre is staffed by a team with extensive
practical knowledge of each and every one of our
spas and swim spas�
It’s ongoing service like this that’s help us earn a 5-star
rating on Trust Pilot – something we’re incredibly
proud of, and absolutely committed to maintaining�
Life’s better in a spa. SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 20
Frequently asked questionsWhat upgrades should I consider?Cover lifter
Adding a cover lifter not only makes getting the cover on
and off your spa quick and easy, but it also increases the
overall cover life, saving you money long-term�
Steps
Avoid the risk of falls and slips by adding maintenance
free steps to your spa package�
How can I tell if the company I’m buying from is reputable?Research the company you are buying from first. Some
spa companies may have appeared on consumer affairs
shows or covered in media articles for negligible sales
practices� Also visit respected customer review sites like
Trust Pilot, which cannot be manipulated by the
company under review�
Look for a company you can trust that has been around
for a reasonable length of time, with no pressure
sales people, on-going customer support and a 7-day
customer care centre� Find out if they have bricks and
mortar stores, readily accessible parts and consumables
for water treatment and filtration, and nationwide service
technicians in the rare event of an issue with your spa�
What are the set-up costs?Check with your local authority on the rules for spa
pools in your area before you buy a spa� This will
determine whether you need a building consent,
fencing, or any other legal requirements�
See national regulations below, however you may also
need to look into the rules of your local council�
Australia
www�spasa�com�au/consumer-info/fencing-laws
New Zealand
www�building�govt�nz/building-code-compliance/f-
safety-of-users/pool-safety/guidance-for-pool-owners
See Spa World’s Pre-Delivery guide (Australia) for
other factors to consider like drainage, electrical work,
plumbing and the positioning of your spa or swim spa�
What are the on-going costs?Running costs for spas are difficult to predict as there
are a number of factors that will affect these costs.
Things like the volume of water, spa insulation, set
temperature, local electricity rates and number of
pumps� Generally, the more you invest in buying a
quality spa with high energy efficiency, the less you’ll
pay in running costs�
How do you care for your spa? Do you need to refill it regularly?This answer depends on how often you plan to use
your spa, how well you will maintain it, what chemical
system you will use and whether the people who use it
will have showers beforehand�
As a rule, you should change the water in a spa with 700
to 4000 litres on average every 12 months for average
usage and every 6 months for heavy usage. An average
user would use their spa 2-3 times a week and a heavy
user would use their spa 4-5 days per week�
What can I expect to pay for a spa?Top of the range - $17,000 - $100,000 including swim
spas. Mid-range - $10,000 - $17,000. Low-range -
$5,000 - $10,000.
What is the best size for my family?Consider your outdoor space, your budget and how
many people (family and friends) are going to be
regularly using your spa�
You can see more FAQs on the Spa World website�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 21Life’s better in a spa.
Buyers guide checklist - 1/2Make things simple, decide from our check list what
is most important to you, prioritized the checklist and
take it with you when go shopping for spas�
Size
□ How large is the area you have available for your
spa? Some states in Australia require fencing and
this will need to be calculated into the overall
areas� A reputable salesperson should discuss this
with you openly and provide assistance�
How many people will be using your spa often?
Are you a couple, or are you a family of six?
Use
□ How will you use your spa? Do you require
Hydrotherapy or are you more interested in a quiet
soak with minimal jets?
Do you have specific areas that would be
helpful for Hydrotherapy? Neck, Shoulders, Legs
or feet? If so does the spa you are considering fill
those requirements?
Shell
□ The quality of shell can be determined by the
length of the shell warranty. The best is 10 years
for acrylic and anything under five years is
considered risky�
Hydrotherapy
□ Does the spa offer the right size of jets with
the appropriate intensity to target the major
muscle groups?
Can you regulate individual jet pressure to
personalize your massage?
Can you change the direction of the jets to
obtain a more personalized massage?
How many seating positions with hydrotherapy
jets does it offer?
Do the hydrotherapy zones treat the areas that you
require? Lumbar, neck, shoulder, legs or feet?
Operating costs
Does the cover seal correctly to lock in heat and
stop evaporation?
Is the spa shell, cabinet and base insulated
foamed or fully foamed to reduce heat loss?
Two speed pumps are used in cheaper spas to
save money but they use more energy and are
louder to run� Does the spa you are looking at use
the preferred method of a circulation pump and jet
pump/s which uses less power and is quieter?
Does the spa controller have an energy save function
so that primarily heats during off peak times?
Water care
□ Does your spa have Ozone to oxidise particles in
the water and UV to sterilize the water or both
systems to make crystal clear water easy?
Does the spa have pleated and micron filtration
or just pleated filters and are the filter/s easy
to change?
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 22Life’s better in a spa.
Buyers guide checklist - 2/2Spa controller
□ Is the controller easy to use and understand?
Is it a touchscreen or keypad and which do
you prefer?
Does the controller have the ability to leave the
heater on when the pumps are running?
Many value spas do not have this feature and the
water can get cold while using the spa�
Does the spa have a smartphone app so that the
spa can be adjusted and monitored remotely
letting you know if there are any issues?
Is the spa system wifi based or cell based?
Cell based systems connect much easier and
have less issues�
Is audio important to you? If so does the spa you
are looking at stream music?
Cabinet and frame
□ Is the cabinet attractive and does it fit with
your environment?
Does the cabinet have lengthy warranty?
Is the frame made from wood, treated timber, steel
or recycled plastic? The last three are the best�
Untreated wood found on some value ranges will
not last� The length of the frame warranty is the
best indication of the frame’s longevity�
Warranty
□ The warranty is only as good as the company
behind it� Is the brand trustworthy?
Have you checked the company’s Trustpilot reviews?
Has the company been in business for over
20 years?
Do they have local stores?
Do they offer a wide range of spas?
Do they offer after sales service?
Does the spa have a comprehensive warranty that
covers all structural areas and components?
Does the warranty extend for an acceptable
period of time?
How long is the warranty period? Does the
warranty have any exclusions?
Will you be fully covered by the warranty as
time progresses?
Does the retailer have an easy to reach
service/call centre? Have you called the customer
service line?
Will the brand/retailer stand behind your spa, and
provide technical support for repairs?
Are supplies and parts easy to purchase
and affordable?
Site considerations
Purchase from a reputable retailer than can assist
you with your installation to meet with your local
compliance codes�
Make sure access to the spa’s equipment panel is
not blocked�
No matter where you install your hot tub, be sure to
allow for service access�
Ensure your chosen location has and adequate
power supply�
SPA WORLD | BUYERS GUIDE 23Life’s better in a spa.
betterbetterin ain a s pas paife’sife’s
Spa World Australia1300 921 887spaworld.com.au
Spa World New Zealand0800 150 003spaworld.co.nz
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