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Page 1: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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Buyers Guide

Page 2: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 3: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 4: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 5: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 6: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 7: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 8: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 9: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 10: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 11: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 12: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 13: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 14: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 15: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

Page 16: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 17: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 18: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 19: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 20: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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.

Page 21: Buyers Guide - portal.eeanz.com · Life’s better in a spa At 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

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

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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�

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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?

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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.

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Spa World Australia1300 921 887spaworld.com.au

Spa World New Zealand0800 150 003spaworld.co.nz

New South WalesACT, VictoriaSouth Australia Queensland, TasmaniaWestern Australia

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