10 things to consider when buying an outdoor spa

1. Space for the spa: Before you purchase an outdoor spa, it is important to make sure that you have enough space to place it. Make sure that you know how big the spa is and whether you have enough space to place it in a suitable place. Take into account the accessibility of the panels, for installation but also for maintenance or repair if a problem occurs. The rule of thumb is that spas must have 60cm of free space all around. In addition, you must also keep space for a cover lift. If it is better to place one or more sides against a fence, for example, then this is of course possible, but for maintenance or repair it could be that your spa first has to be emptied and moved a bit, if the technician has to get to the side where no space has been reserved. Not a problem in itself, but important to know.
2. Seating and lounging areas: The number of seats and lounging areas in an outdoor spa is an important consideration, as this determines how many people can sit in the spa at once. On average, people sit in one spot for 20 minutes before rotating to the next spot. The advantage of this is that each spot has different massage jets, so you also bring new relaxation. If you opt for 2 lounge/lounging areas, this will usually cost 2 seats. Take into account the number of people you want to be able to enjoy the spa when you make a purchase. Always test sit in a dry bath. Everyone has a different build and height, if a spa is comfortable when it is dry, you will certainly not be disappointed when it is filled.
3. Frame differences: Outdoor spas come in a wide variety of frames, from wooden frames to plastic and stainless steel frames. Wooden frames are cheap but are more susceptible to rot. That doesn’t mean they can’t last the life of a spa. Plastic frames on the other hand are more durable and require less maintenance, but can be less strong, so be aware of that. It can be a good alternative to wood. Last but not least: stainless steel. Stainless steel is the strongest of the three, very durable and therefore the most used.
4. Paneling: There are two main options: wood or plastic. Wood panels can give a traditional and attractive look to the outdoor spa, but are more susceptible to rot and weathering and require more maintenance. Plastic panels, on the other hand, are more durable and require less maintenance, but can be less attractive, although there are now very natural options.
5. Insulation: It is important to consider how well the outdoor spa is insulated, as this will determine how quickly the water cools when the system is turned off. Good insulation can help reduce power consumption and extend the life of the spa.
6. Circulation pump: The circulation pump is responsible for pumping the water around in the outdoor spa. Keep in mind that the larger the pump, the more water can be moved and the faster the water can be heated. The cheaper spas usually have a two-speed pump. A normal full speed pump to give the massage and a half speed setting to circulate. These pumps require more power at half speed than a circulation pump and make more noise.
7. Power consumption: Consider the power consumption of the spa when purchasing it. An outdoor spa can consume a considerable amount of power, especially when the system is turned on. Make sure you know how much power you can expect to consume before making a purchase. However, this can never be stated 100%, as it depends on many factors. Think of how often and how long you use your spa, the water cools down faster when the cover is open. Where is the spa placed, in the middle of the wind, under a roof or perhaps in a closed space. In addition, the pumps of course also consume power if you want to enjoy the massage jets. However, do not let this put you off because the pleasure you get back from your own spa is worth a lot. Read more in our blog about power consumption .
8. 1, 2 or 3 phase: Most spas are designed to be connected to a 1 or 3 phase power supply. Our consultants can advise you on what is required for a specific model.
9. UV and Ozone Filters: An outdoor spa can be equipped with UV and/or ozone filters. UV filters work by passing the water past a UV lamp, which kills microorganisms in the water. Ozone filters, on the other hand, use ozone to purify the water. Both work in combination with chlorine and you need less chlorine than without ozone or UV.
10. Pumps and Operation: The number of pumps and the power of the pump determines the pressure of the jets. The more jets, the more or heavier pumps you need to give all the jets sufficient pressure. The most commonly used pumps have a power between 2 and 3 HP. This is why the cheaper spas often have fewer jets, to save on pumps, pipes, jets and easier operation. Finally, it is important to know which control panel and spa pack (the controller) is used. The most commonly used are Balboa, Gecko and SpaNet. As far as we are concerned, always choose one of the three so that you never have a problem with the availability of any parts. Balboa and Gecko are the market leaders and are widely available, SpaNet is an Australian brand that is very interesting as a runner up. They offer much more than the market leaders and are of better quality, but are slightly less well-known. SpaNet is mainly used in the higher segment.

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