Frequently asked questions:
Q: Why choose Hydropool?
1) Self cleaning system = Floor vacuum + Pressurised filter + Surface skimmer + Dosing system
2) Advanced pressurised filtration – Water is pushed through the filter under pressure. This ensures the whole of the filter is used, unlike a gravity fed filter. Takes only 15 minutes to clean 100% of the water vs. 7 – 9 hours for the competition.
3) 2 stage filter – Microban outer mesh with a fine inner core. Will filter down to 5 microns – the size of a white blood cell
4) Insulation – Designed to be efficient and retain maximum heat in Canadian winters
i) Pipes are wrapped in a heavy duty plastic wrap which supports the pipework and creates insulating air pockets
ii) Silver backed insulation material around the inner shell and inner cabinet, similar to the material used by NASA
iii) Heat from the heater is captured and redirected back into the tub
iv) So well insulated there are vents to open in summer to let out excess heat
5) Platinum models have 8 preset wellness programs built in – Leg pain, back pain, diet boost, sports recovery, headaches, insomnia, stress, full body awakening
6) Zone therapy – A timed sequence using multiple zones of the hot tub to maximise the effect of each hydrotherapy program
7) Pumps are designed to be low horsepower, high flow rate – This means they are properly rated for the jets, pump a high volume of water and remain energy efficient
A note about horsepower and pumps:
- The maximum rating of any hot tub pump is 4 hp as it is impossible to run anything bigger on a home electrical panel. American HP ratings are also different to european ratings.
- Water flow control is more important than horsepower ratings
- There is no set standard for rating horsepower in the hot tub industry
- Oversized horsepower pumps just raises your electric bill
- The test is to physically feel the power of the water jets and compare it to the gallons
- per minute ratings and the horsepower ratings
- Look for strong water jets with high gallon-per-minute rating and a lower horsepower
- Rating. Ideally 20 – 25 jets per pump. This means the hot tub is more efficient.
- Don’t be fooled when the salesperson quotes a “market rating” or an “uprating”. These rating only measure the horsepower during start-up, not continuous running.
- Many other hot tubs have an arbitrary number of jets and pumps to inflate their specification
- The pumps and jets in a HP hot tub have been designed as one system. The pumps are right for the number, style, and power of the jets.
- The jets on HP hot tubs are designed to provide specific styles of massage, and are arranged in coordinated zones with different jet patterns, to provide deep tissue massage to work different muscle groups.
8) Designed with athletes and professionals to provide real hydrotherapy and massage to help alleviate a wide range of ailments
9) Multiple style of jet – Designed to simulate deep tissue massage. Jets are interchangeable to suit the user
10) Build quality – 35 years experience, and over engineered for UK as they are designed to withstand extreme arctic temperatures yet retain their heat
11) Easy access cabinet without need for a screwdriver – panels are attached magnetically
12) Easy drain system using shut off valve, built in drain pipe, and floor vacuum system – no need for an external sump pump to drain
13) Less frequent drain down. This is typically every 3 months, compared to every month with most other tubs.
Q: What is the difference between HP Self-Clean, and HP Serenity
A: Serenity range includes all the same insulation and features, except the self cleaning technology and the wellness programs – ie. Floor vacuum and pressurized filtration system. The skimmer is located above the filter which is gravity fed, although is still one of the best on the market.
Q: What’s the difference between Gold and Platinum?
i) Gold has 1 pump, less jets and the wellness programs are an optional extra
ii) Platinum has 2 pumps, more jets, 8 wellness programs built in
iii) Titanium (model 970 only) has 3 pumps
Q: What is the guarantee?
A: No quibble guarantee – 10 years on structure (cabinet and frame), 5 years on shell, 3 years on components.
Make sure you get a hot tub with a full guarantee. Warranties imply there is small print involved, which can mean the warranty could be void if using different chemicals or the customer must pay X amount for any repairs, kind of like an excess on car insurance.
Q: Other companies say they are self clean
A: Hydropool are the only manufacturer with a built in floor vacuum system – If a hot tub doesn’t have a track of inlets on the floor or a triangular floor plate it is NOT a self cleaning system
Q: What power supply is needed and who is responsible for providing power from the house?
A: As a general rule a hot tub with 1 pump (gold range) needs 20 amp supply. A hot tub with 2 pumps (Platinum range) needs 32 amp supply. A hot tub with 3 pumps (Titanium) likely needs a 40 amp supply. A 32 amp supply can be stepped down to 20 amps. The customer should consult a qualified electrician.
Power supply to an external isolation switch, then a cable to the hot tub. This cable needs to reach the furthest corner plus an extra 4m. The customer is responsible for hiring a qualified electrician to install the power supply from the to house to hot tub
Q: What are the running costs?
A: Average cost over the course of a year are less than £1 per day including chemicals and power
Q: What temperature should the hot tub be set to
A: 37 degrees Celsius / 100 degrees fahrenheit – Normal body temperature. Hydropool hot tubs can be set anywhere between 15 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees CelSius. Any hot tub that can be set over 40 degrees is not CE approved.
Q: How to clean hot tub filter
A: There are a number of methods you can use to clean a hot tub filter, depending on the type of filter in your hot tub.
These methods include:
i) Quick Rinse: You can use a quick rinse on your hot tub filter every week to remove debris and dirt by turning off your hot tub at the isolator switch, removing your filter, and hosing down the filter and inside the pleats.
ii) Instant Filter Cleaning Spray: Use this method every month to prevent large build-ups of dirt, debris, oil, and grease.
iii) Filter Soaking: The most effective method of hot tub filter cleaning, filter soaking can be performed every 3-4 months, or every month depending on how frequently you swap out your filter. You can soak your old filter in filter cleaner for 8 hours to thoroughly clean and rejuvenate your filter.
Q: What are the considerations when siting a hot tub?
A: If your hot tub will be placed outside:
i) Don’t place in a low area that may get flooded during a heavy storm.
ii) Don’t put it in or around any sand. If sand gets into the hot tub it can cause serious damage.
iii) Make sure that the surface is firm and level, preferably on a flat, concrete slab.
iv) If you are planning to have a hot tub installed on a patio or deck, have a structural engineer inspect the deck to ensure it can support the weight of the hot tub filled with water and people. An average four person hot tub weighs between 2.5 – 5 tons when full.
