You may have seen commercials that tout huge savings on spas when you buy factory direct. While this seems like a deal that can’t be beat, you may be sacrificing critical quality and support.

Buying through a local dealer allows you to test the spa before you buy. Dealers are experts who can answer any questions you may have, offering excellent service while you shop and providing dedicated support for delivery, set up and lifetime of your hot tub.

Here’s some more information about why it’s best to avoid buying a factory direct hot tub.

A factory direct hot tub may lack quality

Simply put, factory-direct hot tubs lack the quality design, construction and materials to make them worth your while. Poorly designed seats can mean you’re constantly fighting to stay put. Inferior materials can lead to poor energy efficiency and can create more maintenance problems than you care to deal with. On the other hand, a high-quality hot tub from a manufacturer like Caldera Spas can help you avoid those problems so you can focus on comfort and relaxation.

When prices are too good to be true from the start, you must wonder where the cost savings are coming from — and where the manufacturers may be sacrificing quality. The absence of equipment such as a quality cover can significantly raise the price of owning your hot tub in the long run — and seriously get in the way of enjoyment due to poor insulation that will need more energy to heat the water.

A lack of other spa side options such as cover lifter, handrails, and steps may not directly affect your hot tub, but their absence can further hinder your ability to enjoy the spa.

[ Find your nearest local hot tub dealer here ]

Factory direct hot tubs don’t offer expert installation, service, or support

The best source for long-term support of your spa’s mechanical and electrical systems is a local dealer that can physically assist with your spa if you need help installing or troubleshooting. Without this assistance, you may have trouble keeping your hot tub in operation.

You may even have trouble installing your spa in the first place. If a factory direct hot tub is a model that can be directly wired to your home, you’re left to figure out the installation on your own.

A dealer, on the other hand, will help to guide you in installing your hot tub. With a depth of experience in your area, they can recommend a reliable professional electrician who has direct experience with the dealer’s hot tub models. This makes the installation efficient and hassle free.

Unlike reputable hot tub brands that make their manuals and installation directions available, a factory-direct spa’s documentation may be incomplete or not easily accessible. The same may be said of the equipment needed to keep the spa in good repair.

Hot tubs require periodic servicing, including cleaning or replacing filters, water treatments, and occasional replacement of parts. A factory direct hot tub that came from thousands of miles away may not have the needed water treatments or parts available in your area. You’re left to try and make do with off-the-shelf chemicals from your local pool supply store or to match part numbers off of an online list without guidance. These are parts and services that a local dealer can easily assist you with. At the very least, they can provide answers to your questions.

While a quality experience may be possible from a factory direct hot tub, it is far more likely that you’ll enjoy a hot tub made by a known and reputable brand purchased from a local dealer much more. Buying a factory-direct hot tub is a gamble, and your money is better spent on a sure thing.

You can’t test a hot tub before you make a purchase

Going to a local dealer and having a test soak is helpful before buying a hot tub. This way you can sample the massage jets, the water quality, and the feel of the seats. You can also witness firsthand the quality of the cabinet, shell, and hardware.

When you purchase a hot tub from a brand without any local representation, you could miss out on this critical step to ensure that your big purchase is worth your money. A test soak can help you test the following things:

•    The comfort of the seats
•    The power of the jets
•    The range of jets for different massage actions
•    How easily the jets adjust
•    If the controls are easy to reach and intuitive to use

A test soak could influence your decision to choose a different brand or model, which is a decision you can’t make when buying factory direct.

The next step: Choosing the perfect hot tub

Once you’ve decided to purchase a new hot tub, it’s time to pick out your perfect model. Browse the entire lineup of Caldera Spas, or check out our learning center for resources that can help you identify those features that are most important to you. Then visit a local dealer who can answer any of your questions and help you pick out the perfect spa.

Our spas and accessories are backed by a global network of dealers and customer service professionals. To experience the quality of a Caldera® spa for yourself, locate a dealer near you to take a test soak and request a brochure to find the best spa for you.

The post Thinking of Buying a Factory Direct Hot Tub? Why You Should Reconsider appeared first on Caldera Spas.

You want the best-rated hot tub with the best benefits for the price. Much of the balance of cost, maintenance, and benefits comes down to the water care system. The most affordable hot tub water care system is one that saves you time and money in the long run—not just one with the lowest price tag from the start.

The truth is that prices for chlorine, bromine, salt water, and other water treatments can vary from system to system. Maintenance schedules and the amount of time, water used, and amounts of sanitizer needed can vary as well. Sanitizers that are less expensive may require more changes of hot tub water and be more expensive overall. Sophisticated water care systems may cost more upfront but can also save more money, time, and effort over the long term with fewer water care adjustments and water changes. With a low-maintenance system, you can spend more of your valuable time enjoying your investment.

Chlorine and Bromine Water Care Systems for Hot Tubs

In order for the water in hot tubs to remain fresh and clear, it must be treated with a sanitizing chemical that kills bacteria. Chlorine is the most commonly used sanitizer for hot tubs, and chlorine water care systems and chlorine granules to recharge them are inexpensive and widely available. Compared with other water care systems, a chlorine hot tub can be purchased for a relatively low upfront price. However, there are some operating costs that are not readily apparent at the outset that include:

• The frequent addition of chlorine to the hot tub. The common practice for many spas is to refresh the hot tub with a dosage of chlorine regularly, and this requires large amounts of chlorine over the course of a year.
• Frequent total water replacement. Chlorine needs to be replenished often. It bonds with other compounds—forming chloramines—and, eventually, loses its effectiveness. Removing these compounds means replacing the water every three months or so, and the costs of filling up a large hot tub with fresh water four times a year can be significant.
• The energy costs of heating fresh water. It takes a significant amount of time and energy to warm new hot tub water, adding up to high utility costs.

Bromine is a chemical that works in a similar way to chlorine. Bromine isn’t quite as reactive as chlorine, though, and its pH is lower so the water is less acidic. A hot tub with a bromine-based water care system is a good alternative to chlorine for someone with chemical sensitivities as there won’t be as many compounds created, and the water may be gentler on the skin.

However, while bromine and bromine-treated water may last a bit longer than chlorine-treated water, it still needs regular water changes every three to four months. Similar operating costs apply to bromine hot tubs that apply to chlorine hot tubs. An alternative to both of these systems is a salt water hot tub that typically requires less time and costs for maintenance over the long term.

In the Long Term, Salt Water Hot Tub Systems May Be the Most Affordable

Salt water hot tubs use electrolysis to generate chlorine from salts to create sanitizer. It is a far more controlled system than the more traditional method of adding an amount of chlorine or bromine into the water to dissolve. With a system like the FreshWater^® Salt System*, much of the water care takes place whether you’re thinking about it or not. With a minimal need for treating the water directly, you have sparkling clean water always ready for you to climb in.

Follow these simple steps when setting up your FreshWater^® Salt System to enjoy clean, natural-feeling water with less fuss. Watch the below video or read our startup guide.

This offers many advantages over the traditional methods, including:

• Constant water care requires less chlorine. Since chlorine is released constantly by salt, the chlorine levels remain steady—unlike the ups and downs of the chlorine level when you are adding it to a traditional system. This steady level means that less chlorine is needed overall.
• A reduced level of chlorine means gentler water that stays fresh. Chlorine works by creating a weak acid, and when it bonds to other chemicals, it creates distinctive smelling compounds. Low levels of chlorine mean silky smooth-feeling water with less of a chemical smell. This lends itself to a more relaxing environment.
• Hot tub water doesn’t need to be changed as often. Lower levels of chemical build-up mean that hot tub water stays fresh for longer, and it doesn’t need to be changed as often. This advantage presents direct savings in water and energy costs.

The benefits of salt water hot tubs may make them the most affordable hot tub water care system to operate overall—when you factor in all the related costs. The FreshWater^® Salt System, available on the Utopia® Series and Paradise® Series from Caldera^® Spas, for instance, can keep your hot tub water fresh for up to a full year**.

The costs of adding chlorine regularly, changing your hot tub water every three to four months, and the energy cost of warming that water up just as often are no longer considerations if you own a spa with the FreshWater^® Salt System. When your hot tub water is easier to care for and to keep clean and ready, you’ll use it more often and see greater value in your investment.

Think of Your Hot Tub as a Long-Term Investment

You can expect the price to be higher upfront when you purchase a spa equipped with the FreshWater^® Salt System versus one with a traditional chlorine or bromine water care system. And the disposable cartridges the salt water system uses are more expensive than regular chlorine or bromine granules, but a three-pack of cartridges will last you up to an entire year. You can consult with your local Caldera Spas^® dealer about pricing for the FreshWater^® Salt System.

It’s also important to consider the value of your own time. The more you’re engaged in cleaning and maintenance tasks, the less time you have to spend with other activities, including the ultimate goal of soaking in your spa. At least on some level, time is money. When you invest in a low-maintenance hot tub, you’re investing in more quality time—not to mention all of the relaxing and rejuvenating benefits of a daily soak.

The best salt water hot tub systems demand less time and energy for testing, cleaning, balancing, draining, refilling, and reheating. They use fewer chemicals, waste less water, and use less energy warming the spa. When considering the most affordable hot tub water care system, every cost and resource drain matter. While an innovative solution such as the FreshWater^® Salt System may cost more upfront versus traditional water care, over the course of a year, owners with this sophisticated water care system not only save money—they also gain valuable time and more opportunities to take advantage of their spa’s many benefits.

Caldera Spas^® is dedicated to providing quality hot tubs with the latest innovations and best support from our global network of dealers. To learn more about affordable hot tub water care systems and to experience the difference for yourself, contact your local Caldera dealer.

*The FreshWater^® Salt System cannot be used on Caldera^® Spas hot tubs manufactured prior to 2019.

**Factors such as bather load and water chemistry can impact water life. When the spa is properly maintained, a 3-pack of cartridges with the FreshWater^® Salt System will keep water clean and fresh for a full year. Product availability depends on your region. Please check with your local dealer.

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Enjoying the benefits of the FreshWater^® Salt System is easy and can be accomplished by following the steps below. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the system’s Start-up Guide and Owner’s Manual.

System Start-Up

1. Test fill water
2. Fill spa
3. Add salt
4. Balance water
5. Sanitize fill water
6. Soften Water
7. Set output level

Tips to Get the Best Performance from Your FreshWater Salt System

The FreshWater Salt System makes spa ownership simple and easy by reducing the amount of time required to care for your spa water. It is important to note that maintaining balanced and sanitized spa water is ultimately the responsibility of the spa owner. Here are some helpful tips:

• 10-Day Checkup
  Every 10 days, the water care icon on the control panel will flash as a reminder to check your spa by testing and balancing your spa water and confirming your output level.
• Test for chlorine regularly and adjust the output level up or down to maintain 3 to 5 ppm
  Additional chlorine can be used, only as needed, to supplement the system. It is recommended to adjust the output level or use Boost before supplemental chlorine is added.
• Keep calcium hardness levels at or below 50ppm to prevent scaling
• Remove Metals from water
  If filling your hot tub with well water, or metals are present in the water, we recommend using the Clean Screen^® prefilter to remove any metals present in the water.
• Pair with a Silver Ion Cartridge
  Silver is a low-maintenance, anti-microbial that destroys bacteria and viruses. The combination of chlorine and silver is the most powerful cleaning option for hot tubs. While optional, we suggest pairing the FreshWater^® Salt System with a silver cartridge for the ultimate water care solution. Simply drop the silver cartridge directly into the spa’s filter, for the cleanest, clearest water experience available.

Product availability depends on your region. Please check with your local dealer.

For more detailed instructions, please refer to the system’s Start-up Guide and Owner’s Manual.

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Your health insurance policy may cover the purchase price of a new spa if hot tub therapy has been prescribed by your doctor to treat a legitimate medical condition. Conditions that may be best alleviated through warm water immersion include athletic and joint injuries, arthritis, and poor circulation.

Even with a doctor’s prescription, however, many health insurance policies specifically exclude hot tub coverage. If hot tub therapy isn’t directly ruled out, you may be able to file a claim. In such a case, your hot tub may qualify as necessary medical equipment.

If your policy rules out hot tubs, but a doctor thinks hot tub treatment is your best option, you may be able to switch to a more inclusive insurance policy. Before doing so, compare the cost of a hot tub to the change in your annual premium amount to see if switching will actually save you money.

If you are injured in an incident caused by another person or business, and your doctor prescribes hot tub therapy for treatment and recuperation, consult with your attorney. The other party’s insurance company may be liable to pay for treatment, including the cost of a therapeutic hot tub. If injured in an automobile accident, your own car insurance may cover the cost of a hot tub under medical pay if the other party’s insurance will not.

In addition to a doctor’s written prescription, be sure to submit all other relevant medical test results, including X-rays, MRIs, and/or needle electromyography (EMG) reports, to your insurance company when filing your claim for coverage.

Disclaimer: This information should not be construed as medical or legal advice. For advice on which treatment may be best for your condition, consult a licensed medical professional. For advice concerning insurance claims, consult a licensed attorney.

Watch the following video to discover how Hot Tub Circuit Therapy in a Caldera® spa targets specific muscles groups for a complete, healing, full-body massage:

The post Are Hot Tubs and Spas Covered by Health Insurance? appeared first on Caldera Spas.

Are you an owner? We invite you to post their honest reviews on our website. First-hand experience is helpful to prospective hot tub owners.

Read all Caldera reviews here.

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For more information, read our Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide.

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For more information, read our blog article Why 20 Minutes Matters.

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A sturdy Caldera Spas cover is designed specifically with your spa in mind and is designed for maximum energy-efficiency. Its tight seal insulates well and locks in heat, which saves you money on operating costs. A Caldera hot tub cover is made with a heavy duty, marine-grade vinyl and is made to last.

*Dealers have sole discretion to set actual prices, which will vary based on options, accessories, installation costs, destination/delivery charges, finance charges, taxes and other local factors. Talk to your local dealer for our local price and to take advantage of ongoing promotions and offers.

Read What Do I Need To Know About My Hot Tub Cover? for more.

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Before you install your hot tub, you may want to consider the following:
– New patio slab. If you don’t have one already, you’ll need a cement slab or another similarly strong surface to support the weight of your hot tub. Cement slabs are extremely durable and can cost around $100 in materials. If you hire contractors or work with your dealership to get this set up for you, the cost could be $1,400 – $3,500.
– Electrical wiring/running conduit. Your new hot tub will need its own electrical connection to run the heater, pumps, filtration system and any entertainment options. The electrical materials will cost around $250 and include a bond wire, service panel, ground and GCFI break, a DC converter for the pump and PVC pipe. This will require about three hours of service from an electrician to install which will cost around another $250. If you want to bury the electrical components, it can cost about $70.
– Gazebo and other custom installation options. If you decide to build a custom installation around your hot tub, it will add to your overall price. The cost of these options will depend on what you want. Overall, the costs associated with installing a portable spa are still considerably less than installing an in-ground hot tub.

Read our Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide for more.

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