• Maintenance Free Seamless Synthetic Cabinetry
• Power Depot using on-board computer with Plug 'n' Play
• Ozonator & Aromatherapy injector fitted as standard
• DuraFloor ABS flooring for longlife mobility (with fork lift slots)
• Manifold Plumbing with Chrome Jets and Individual Jet Control
• Built on UK/EU production line in factory, not cheaply converted
• Established Award Winning Manufacturer operating since 1977
Definition of Terms
Are you interested in owning a hot tub? Or do you prefer a Jacuzzi; or, how about a brand new Spa? Truth is, the three terms are used interchangeably nowadays, so don't worry about offending the Spa/Hot Tub/Jacuzzi salesman as you inquire about the products on the showroom floor.
Initially however, the three different names held very distinct definitions, as defined below:
Hot Tub: The hot tub was simply just that - a hot tub. Early hot tubs were just barrels or wooden vessels used to contain hot water for the purpose of soaking.
Spa: Spas were an evolution of hot tubs. In addition to simply containing warm water, spas included jets (or air injectors) that forced water and/or air to shoot through small outlets lined throughout the basin that generated strong turbulence in the water - making for a warm, therapeutic and relaxing massage.
These days, most people refer to spas as hot tubs, including people who are in the spa industry. For all intensive purposes, the two are 'one-of-the-same.'
Jacuzzi: Jacuzzi is actually a brand name hot tub/spa. Because the company initially dominated the market, their name became synonymous with hot tubs as Americans everywhere began their love affair with Jacuzzis. The brand name 'Jacuzzi' was even in jeopardy of losing its trademark by being incorporated into the English language, much like "Kleenex" when they appeared on the scene and cornered the tissue market. Consumers referred to all brands of facial tissue as 'Kleenex'; subsequently, Kleenex had to scramble and aggressively protect their copyrights and prevent their brand name from being assimilated into the English language. Point being, whether you ask for a Jacuzzi, hot tub, or a spa, chances are you will get a hot tub with jets, manufactured by Jacuzzi. (Jacuzzi also makes a number of other things including jetted bath tubs showers and other home improvement products.)
Jet: The nozzle that shoots out pressurized streams of water are 'jets'.
Injector: An Injector is an outlet for air from a blower.
Pump: Pumps typically include a combination of a water pump and pump motor.
Blower: The motor used to force air into a tub is called a blower and can be likened to a vacuum that operates in reverse!
Ozonator / Ozone (O3) Generator: An ozone generators help to purify the spa's water. The generator ceates ozone by exposing oxygen from the air to ultraviolet light (or a Corona Discharge - much like an arc of electricity). Ozone generators are not a replacement for chemicals but rater help reduce the need of some chemicals.
Ionizer: Though the technical function of the Ionizer sounds a bit threatening, it actually provides a valuable service by shedding a mineral or metal into the water that reduces bacteria and algae levels.
Water Purification Systems and Chemical Sanitizers
Similar to swimming pools, spas also require chemical sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine to keep the water clean. In addition to the use of chemicals, spas also have a built-in water purification system that plays a key role in maintaining a healthy spa environment and extending the life of your water. The purification system sanitizes the water, resulting in significantly less demand for chemical sanitizers.
Storing Your Chemicals
Keep your hot tub chemicals and cleaning compounds out of the reach of children. The chemicals should remain in a dry, cool location out of direct sunlight. In addition, keep them in a locked storage cabinet that allows for some ventilation if possible. Always follow the directions on chemical labels and don't mix the spa chemicals before adding them to the water.
Ozone
Ozone is produced on-site of the spa by a special ozone generating unit. Ozone generators can be categorized as either ultra-violet (UV) light or corona discharge (CD) ozone systems. The current trend in the spa industry is toward CD systems. Not all CD systems are created equal. Most CD systems use a chip that must be replaced periodically, as it looses ozone output efficiency over time. While these systems are typically more reliable than UV ozone technology, the ozone output is equivalent to UV ozone systems. Another type of CD system uses a cell design. This type of system is very stable in output over time with no degradation of ozone output. Ozone output for this type of system is much higher than either a UV or a CD chip system.
Ozone is a practical addition to chlorine or bromine in helping keep the microbial activity to a minimum. Ozone is pH neutral, so it will not affect the water chemistry. It also helps to reduce spa water of organic matter. Ozone has a relatively higher oxidizing strength than bromine or chlorine, but is less stable and is effected by temperature, relative humidity, and water chemistry parameters. Ozone is an oxidizer, not a sanitizer. Contrary to some information circulated throughout the industry regarding ozone systems, ozone cannot be used as a single-source sanitizer. Ozone only assists in the sanitation of recreational water. A sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine must be present at all times from proper sanitation.
Silver/Copper Ionizers
Silver/Copper Ionizers are electrolytic devices that deliver small, measured amounts of silver and copper ions into the spa water. This electro-mechanical process uses a low voltage DC current, which is passed between these electrodes to release ions into the spa water.
The silver ions released into the spa water function as a bacteriastat. Silver ions kill bacteria at a slower rate than bromine and chlorine, thus preventing the growth of bacteria. Copper ions act asalgicides or algae inhibitors depending on copper levels.
The Silver/Copper Ionizers should be used in conjunction with bromine, and chlorine. Silver is known to be inactivated by protein-like matter. Therefore, chlorine or non-chlorine shock (Sodium Monopersulfate) must also be used to periodically destroy any build-up of organic contaminants.
Zinc Ionization
Zinc ionization is highly recommended for all spas, but especially for those who use well water or who have a high mineral content in their water. Zinc ionization is a process where natural ionizers cluster unfilterable, microscopic impurities and keep them in suspension until they are large enough to be filtered efficiently. This simple electro-mechanical process uses a sacrificial anode (zinc plates) to draw stray electrical currents (e.g. copper, iron, and magnesium) to itself rather than to the pumps, filters, and heating element, extending their life and efficiency.
Zinc ionization also prohibits the growth of algae (a main ingredient in bacteria development), improves water clarity, and reduces the amount of chemicals needed to sanitize your spa. Other benefits include helping to keep your pH levels in balance while minimizing the build-up of minerals that scale your water.
Please note: You can, of course, get too much of a good thing. Soaking in a spa raises your core temperature without discomfort. This isn't healthy for more than a brief period -- and for some people it's not OK at all. The hot-water industry recommends that you soak no longer than 15 minutes at a time, refrain from performing rigorous exercise in hot water, and, if you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking a dip.
