Information & FAQs
If you have a question about your cover then email us at info@hottubiglu.co.uk.
The following information explains some of the items likely to be covered under the Hot Tub Extended Protection Plans.
The Hot Tub.
A hot tub is a large tub or small pool full of heated water used for hydrotherapy, relaxation or pleasure. Some have powerful jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are sometimes also known as spas or by the trade name Jacuzzi.
In contrast to a typical bathtub, a hot tub is designed to be used by more than one person at a time, with many models accommodating four people. Hot tubs are usually located outdoors, although they can be installed indoors. Also, the water in a hot tub is not changed with each use, but is kept sanitary using methods similar to those used for swimming pool sanitation. Another difference between baths and hot tubs is that soaps and shampoos are not used in wet-jetted hot tubs (although they can be used in air-jetted hot tubs).
Hot Tub Control Pack.
The hot tub control system or box or PCB is the brains of your hot tub system, it runs your spa system in a logical sequence, it consists of a printed circuit board (PCB) & heater and is one of the most expensive thing to replace on your hot tub.
Printed Circuit Board.
PCB Consists of Transformers, fuse holders, Relays, Heater connections, Pump connections, Electronic Systems and Controls also attach to this pcb. Also, pcb expander boards.
Circulation Pump.
Circulation pumps are a very important part of you hot tub as they circulate the water through the filter and heating system.
Jet Pumps.
Single speed pumps are used as boost pumps and are usually switched on and off when required often plumbed into a different set of jets than a circulation or 2 speed pumps.
Two speed pumps are the most common pumps found in hot tubs and spas, the low speed will operate to be the circulation cycle while the high speed with increase water flow through the jets.
Air Blower.
Air Blowers come in all shape and sizes heated and none heated. Air is forced into the jet water system to give a stronger flow of water and air in through the jets mostly via Ventura/s. A well-positioned non-heated blower in the hot tub cabinet draws the warm air from pumps and the heating equipment.
Heater.
The Heater is a vital part of your hot tub without this working correctly the hot tub will not heat up to the set temperature. All heaters work with direct 230v power but will not operate without the temperature and hi limit sensors detecting water and flow.
Heater Element.
Heater element is located in the heater vessel and the flow of water passes over the element which radiates heat in the heating vessel.
Heater Seals.
Heater seals are normally located at either end of the heating vessel and a prone to deterioration with heat and chemical applications. These are a service item and should be changed regularly for optimum performance.
Pump Wet End.
Hot tub and spa wet ends are the parts that hold the impeller, they other wise known as impeller housings, they consist of 2 seals, 1 in-between the face-plate and body, and the other at the rear called a shaft seal (a white ceramic seal and a black carbon Seal combined).
Ozonator.
Ozone, sometimes referred to as energetic oxygen, is a powerful oxidizer of contaminants in water. It is made available for hot tubs and spas through the use of ozone generators called ozonators. Ozone is formed when three atoms of oxygen are bound together, instead of the normal two. If you have ever detected a faint, sweet smell in the air after a lightning storm, that was ozone.
The ozone works by converting oxygen into ozone. When an air stream passes a corona discharge (cd) chip or a UV lamp – ozone is created. The airflow is created through a small tube mounted on the ozonator and on the airline of the hot tub. The flow created by the pump creates a venturi suction, which draws oxygen through the ozonator. The oxygen is then transformed into ozone and added to the water, where it dissolves.
Ozone improves both the water quality in your hot tub and also helps chemical sanitisers work more efficiently.
Diverter Valves.
Swirl jets send out a circular stream of water to provide whole body relaxation. The large diverter valve control located on the topside of the spa diverts the flow of water from one jet zone of the spa to the other – enabling more jet power being diverted to one or more occupants giving them a more powerful massage.
Jets.
Spa Jets have 3 main connections – water in, air in, and a water and air mixture outlet. The water is pushed into the jet by pressure from the pump and flows through and comes out the front. The air gets mixed into the pressurized water by use of a venturi inside the jet.
Jet Diffusers.
Jet Diffusers are the back section of the jet that holds the jet into the hot tub or spa, they are very easy to replace and can save you allot of money if you’re looking into replacing the jets in your spa. Water Jet Diffusers are normally made by WaterWay Products – replacement hot tub and spa water jet parts.
Plumbing and Pipework.
After the heated water has passed through a series of pipes unions and glued fittings. It reaches the jets. Hot tubs have a variety of sized jets that shoot/push the water into the tub. Adjustable jets use air induction that allows warm water to mix with air which gives you a more pressurised flow.
The plumbing of the hot tub consists of:
- A pressure system delivering water to the jets
- A suction system returning water to the pumps.
- A filtration system the plumbing has to incorporate a filter system to help clean the water. Some models use a separate small 24/7 filter pump while others use programmed settings of the main pumps.
- Induced air: The jets may use a venture effect to incorporate air into the water stream for a lighter massage effect; this requires another set of hoses.
- Some models use an air blower to force air through a separate set of jets for a different “bubbly” massage effect; this is a separate system from the induced air.
- An ozone system: ozonation is a common adjunct to water maintenance, and if installed will have its own set of hoses and fittings.
Internal Lighting.
The spa light assembly sits in the spa itself and illuminates the massage area. As part of your routine maintenance check both the internal and external part of the light should be inspected for deterioration and leaks.
The lights either consist of a coloured lens cover using a clear bulb or if you go technical you can have a multi led light controlled via the topside control.
Hot Tub Shell.
Shell construction is one spa attribute that can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. To begin with all shells, start with a top layer (approx. 1/8” of an inch thick) which is typically made of cast acrylic. This top layer is impermeable to water and mostly serves an aesthetic purpose since it is available in many colours and textures. These acrylics are sold in industry standard foot prints like seven feet and eight foot sheets.
Acrylics come in smooth and rough finishes. Smooth finishes can be solid in colour or swirled and provide a shiny, polished look. A rough finish can be solid in colour or can have a speckled, granite like look. The advantage of a rough finish is that they don’t scratch easily and they aren’t as slippery.
The second layer can be summarized as a true quality difference between one manufacturer to the next because it’s the structural layer that provides most of the support. Most premium hot tub manufacturers apply a bonding resin behind the acrylic surface to make it tacky and spray several layers of chopped fiberglass to the back of the entire shell for structural support. This process can take a considerable amount of time as one layer must cure before applying the next.
Fiberglass backed shells don’t rely on the foam for structural support because the fiberglass, itself, is strong enough to support the pressure and weight of the water it contains. Another method of making a shell is to use ABS plastic backed acrylic. Instead of backing a normal cast acrylic sheet with a bonding agent and fiberglass this method backs the acrylic with ABS plastic (co-extruded).
The ABS plastic backing must then be further supported by heavy spray foams in or order to provide enough structural support to the vessel to withstand the constant pressure of the water it contains.
Hot Tub Cabinet and Structure.
Hot Tubs are made from many different types of Cabinet mainly a variation of plastic or wood facades.
Hot tub structures are either made from wood, plastic or steel.
Labour.
Associated labour time inspecting or repairing your hot tub.
Travelling To and From Site.
All costs associated in getting to your site and return.
Annual Inspection.
As Part of the Extended hot tub protection plan your cover will give you a yearly check on your hot tub to ensure its working at full peak performance.