Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spa installed indoors or outdoors?

A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90%, including those in cold weather climates, are installed outdoors.  The two main considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it fit through the door, and is the structural strength of the flooring adequate.  A typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 2,500 pounds/1,150 KG when filled.

Will I have to install plumbing for my spa?

No.  All above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose.

How do I keep the water clean?

Proper water maintenance is vital to enjoyment of your spa.  While some salespeople may try to convince you that they can sell you a “chemical-free” spa, professional retailers and manufacturers most often recommend the use of ozone purification in conjunction with sanitizers developed specifically for spas.  Maintenance procedures are not difficult and knowledgeable retailers will provide the start-up kit and instructions you need.

How often do I have to drain the spa and clean it?

Most manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa no more than 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water.  In most cases this simple process will only take about an hour to accomplish.

How big is the spa’s filter?

The spa’s filter size is usually given in square feet (example: 125 square feet).  As a general rule, bigger is better when it comes to filters.  If the filter is too small for the volume of water, you will have to drain and clean the spa much more frequently.  For example, a 100 square foot filter would be considered the minimum adequate size for a spa seating 3 adults.

How expensive is it to operate a spa?

The main cost of operating a spa is heating the water.  If you have a full foam insulated spa with an insulating locking cover, the average daily cost is only about one dollar per day, even in the coldest climates.

Is the spa full foam insulated?

All major manufacturers agree that filling the spa cabinet with polyurethane foam insulation significantly reduces heat loss, thus reducing heating costs.  While this process adds to the cost of manufacturing, research has shown that full foam insulation provides substantial savings to the spa owner over time.  Some manufacturers eliminate full foam insulation in an attempt to provide a less expensive product.

What about the warranty?

Frankly, this is one of the most abused areas in the spa industry.  Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer.  Avoid spa dealers who add prorated and deductible provisions.  Make sure you read the manufacturer’s warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other spas you are considering.  Most quality spas will have at least five years warranty on parts, plumbing and labor without any service call charges.

How is the water temperature controlled?

Most quality spas have relatively sophisticated digital thermostatic controls.  These highly reliable modern systems are capable of keeping the spa water within 1 degree of any temperature you select.  While this is important for comfort, it is also important for safety.  You should pay particular attention to the control system if you have children who will be using the spa.  Better systems have safety locks and digital readouts.  A good indicator of the control system’s quality is to read and compare manufacturer’s warranties.

How many of the spa’s jets are adjustable?

Real, beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to being able to adjust each jet where it is needed.  This is the standard by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged.  A common point of consumer confusion is introduced when manufacturers load up a spa with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationary jets.  It doesn't make any difference how many jets a spa has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and horsepower.

What does the spa pump’s horsepower rating mean?

There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: “Continuous Operating” horsepower and “Brake” horsepower (also called “Marketing” horsepower).  Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation.  Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.

What do I need to consider before purchasing a spa?

You may consider “wet testing” a spa before purchasing.  This means getting into a spa with water in it.  All reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose.  Here is what you should look for: Verify that the seats provide lumbar support.  You do not want to have to scoot down in the spa like you do in a bathtub.  When sitting in any seat, the water should reach at least shoulder level.  If it does not, you will not get full hydrotherapeutic value.  Lean your head back against the pillows.  Make sure you do not have to hyperextend your neck to rest your head.  If the spa has a Lounge Seat, make sure it is deep enough to keep you in the seat.  If you float in the Lounge Seat it is virtually useless for hydrotherapy and relaxation.  Take notice of the alignment of any fixed jets.  Make sure they are massaging muscle tissue and not bone or your spine.  Pay attention to how quietly or noisily the spa operates.  Can you hold a conversation in a normal voice when the jets are operating? How convenient are the controls to use when you are seated in the spa? Stay in the spa with the jets on for at least 15 minutes.  At the end of that time you will know whether the seating and jet arrangement is truly comfortable.

How much should I spend on a spa?

Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices.  Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship.  The information in this consumer guide will help you determine the best spa for your needs based on value and performance.  Of course, we hope that as you are shopping you will consider a Sundance spa.  No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and have a wonderful, satisfying spa experience