General Questions Archives - Caldera Spas

Thinking of Buying a Factory Direct Hot Tub? Why You Should Reconsider

Watkins Team — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 20:29:17 +0000

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.

Are Hot Tubs and Spas Covered by Health Insurance?

Watkins Team — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 17:11:23 +0000

Many of our customers ask if hot tubs and spas are covered by health insurance. The answer is: it depends on your insurance company and your specific health plan.

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:

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What Should I Wear In My Hot Tub?

[email protected] — Thu, 24 May 2018 17:32:51 +0000

When it comes to swimsuits and your hot tub, here are a few basic things to consider.

– Have a swimsuit just for your hot tub. Suits you wear to the lake or ocean may have extra minerals or biological agents that you don’t want to bring into your hot tub water. They may also accumulate lotion or sunscreen, which will also compromise the quality of water in hot tubs.
– Hot tub chemicals can be tough on a suit over time. Choose a suit that’s made with durable fabrics, such as nylon.
– Make sure your suit is thoroughly rinsed before you use it. Ask your friends to rinse their bathing suit as well before they take a dip in your spa.
– After you use your hot tub, hand rinse your suit and hang it up to dry. It doesn’t need to go through the washer and dryer – the sanitizing agents in your hot tub that keep your water fresh and clean will do the same for your suit.

For more information, read our article “What Should I Know About Using a Swimsuit in My Hot Tub?”

The post What Should I Wear In My Hot Tub? appeared first on Caldera Spas.

Maintaining the Ideal Hot Tub Temperature

Jason.Schutz@watkinsmfg.com — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 15:31:01 +0000

“Let’s heat up the hot tub!” How often have you said or heard those words, then sat and waited for the spa water to reach a comfortable temperature? Chances are, by the time it did, the moment had passed!

When you’re ready to step into your Caldera^® spa for a relaxing soak, there’s no need to wait. One of the many benefits of having a Caldera hot tub at home is that it can be kept warm and ready for your daily hot tub ritual, or to enjoy with friends and family.

Your Caldera Spa Will Be Ready When You Are

In-ground spas are typically open to the elements, allowing heat to escape, but Caldera spas are built with foam insulated shells and custom-fitted, high-density covers that lock the heat in and energy-efficient heaters that maintain a consistent temperature while keeping energy bills low.

Once you’ve determined your preferred hot tub temperature, the best approach —for the life of your spa, for your convenience, and for energy efficiency—is to set it at that temperature and keep it there.

So, Just How Hot Should a Hot Tub Be?

While the ideal hot tub temperature varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age and personal preference, there are some recommended standard guidelines that are important to observe.

These simple tips will help you find the right hot tub temperature for yourself and your family:

Don’t Exceed 104 Degrees for Adults

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that temperatures above 104^° Fahrenheit (40^° Celsius) are dangerous for adults because they can lead to heatstroke. In general, people are most comfortable with temperatures between 100^° and 102^° (37.5–39^°). Adults are safe to soak at these moderate temperatures for twenty minutes at a time.
Start Low and Work Your Way Up

When deciding what temperature your hot tub should be, it’s best to start low, as it’s easier to bump it up than to bring it down once you’re already uncomfortable. Set the controls to 98^° or 99^° and increase it in gradual increments depending on your comfort level. It’s important to listen to your body and to get to know your personal comfort zone.
Adjust Spa Settings when Soaking with Others

If you have more than one person in the tub at a time, set the temperature to the lowest preferred—or lowest recommended—temperature of everyone in the group.
Lower Temperature a Few Degrees When Appropriate

In general, it’s simpler and more efficient to leave your hot tub constantly set to your desired temperature than it is to lower it when the tub is not in use. Still, there may be times when you’ll want to proactively decrease the temperature by a few degrees—or by many degrees if you’re recovering from strenuous exercise.

Consider lowering the temperature of your tub in advance if any of these circumstances apply:
- You’re planning to build up your body heat in the tub through physical activity like stretching or yoga.
- You’re already overheated from activity, illness, or a particularly hot day.
- Children or other heat-sensitive individuals will be joining you in the hot tub.
Use your Hot Tub to Cool Off when the Temperature Rises

Your hot tub will be a popular place to escape the summer heat if you turn the temperature below 95^°f. Some hot tubs are capable of lowering the water temperature quickly and efficiently by using a system such as the CoolZone, which can be an especially welcome and refreshing option in warmer climates.

With a Caldera spa in your backyard, you have everything you need to create a comfortable, energy-efficient hot tub haven that suits your household and your lifestyle.

If you have more questions about how hot your hot tub should be, your knowledgeable local dealer has the answers. You’re well on your way to a blissful soaking experience.

Above-Ground Hot Tubs vs. Built In – Pros & Cons

Daniel LeBlanc — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:52:24 +0000

When considering the benefits of owning a hot tub, many homeowners start by deciding whether to choose an in-ground spa or above-ground portable hot tub. While both types of hot tubs offer health and wellness benefits, premium portable hot tubs may prove to be a better choice when evaluating placement, massage and energy use.

Above-Ground Hot Tub Design Benefits

Above-ground hot tubs can fit in a variety of settings in your yard. If you live in colder weather, a portable hot tub can be placed very close to your house. Portable hot tubs can be built into a deck or above ground, and portable hot tub equipment is built into the hot tub exterior. Portability is an advantage — you can, with some effort, take your hot tub with you when you move.

If you live in colder weather, a portable hot tub can be placed very close to your house.

Built-in hot tubs can be designed in different shapes and sizes, and are often attached to a pool or part of a pool setup. In-ground hot tubs can also be worked into a yard or landscape. Equipment is not built-in and is usually in a separate location and can be bulky and noisy.

Portable hot tubs can fit in a variety of settings in your yard.

Do portable hot tubs or in-ground hot tubs have better massage options?

Portable hot tubs offer many more hot tub jets and configurations, and the jets are adjustable, sized and positioned differently depending on hydro-massage options. Portable hot tubs offer multiple types of ergonomic seating options, as well as varied seating sizes to fit bodies of all sizes and types.

Portable hot tubs offer multiple types of ergonomic seating options, as well as varied seating sizes to fit bodies of all sizes and types.

In-ground jets are usually one size with bench seating that is not as conducive to hydro-massage. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to align your body to a jet to hit just that right spot on your back, and forget about a neck massage –that requires submerging your head below the waterline!

Are built-in hot tubs and portable hot tubs energy efficient?

Portable hot tub filters and water care options are very advanced making hot tub water care easy, and owners can often care for their own tubs. Portable hot tubs are energy efficient and designed to run all the time so there’s no heat-up period. They work with covers and cover lifters so they can maintain temperatures and stay cleaner.

Many portable hot tubs are made of acrylic, which is easier to clean and not as abrasive as materials used in in-ground hot tubs like concrete, textured surfaces, tile, and fiberglass. In-ground hot tub surfaces can also be rough on the skin and on swimsuits.

Perhaps most important to consider is that in-ground hot tubs have to be heated prior to use, and don’t run all the time so are not as energy efficient, and cost more to run overall.

What’s the best hot tub?

So what’s the best type of hot tub for you, in-ground or portable? Well, it depends on a number of factors. Ask yourself these questions:

Where in your yard do you want your hot tub located?
Do you want a hot tub that is always hot and ready to go, or are you OK with waiting for it to heat up?
What do you need in terms of jets and massage?
How important are features like lighting, water enhancements, and entertainment options to you?
Are you willing to do some of your own spa maintenance and up-keep?
What is your budget?

Consider all of the above when hot tub shopping, and talk to your local dealer about any questions or concerns. See if you can try out some different spas , to see what hot tub therapy works for you. You’re making an amazing investment into your overall wellness!

Interested in hot tub pricing?

Ready to connect with a hot tub dealer?

Further Recommended Reading

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What are the main wellness benefits of regular hot tub use?

Daniel LeBlanc — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 15:18:48 +0000

While soaking in warm water, the body experiences both psychological and mental changes. As our circulation improves we begin to think more clearly. Use your hot tub 4-6 days a week for about 15-20 minutes to get better results in 4 key areas of your life:

Better Outlook. Soaking in a hot tub allows you to escape from daily stressors, like work and multitasking. Time reserved for yourself helps you recover emotionally and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Better Relationships.Whether you want time to reconnect with your spouse or partner, or you are curious about what your teen has been up to lately, spending time in the hot tub can help everyone open up. Without distracting digital devices getting in the way, you’ll find the door to real conversations opens wide in a hot tub.
Better Muscle Recovery.The buoyancy of water reduces the impact of gravity on skeletal and muscle tissue, alleviating tension on the body. Combined with warmth, buoyancy in a tub of water loosens muscles before a workout, or soothes them afterward.
Better Sleep.Spending time in a hot tub or hot bath prior to going to sleep will help separate the day’s activities from the night of rest ahead. Some studies suggest that soaking in hot water can ease the transition into a deeper sleep by reducing tension and stress.

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Should I shower before and after I use my hot tub?

Daniel LeBlanc — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 15:07:44 +0000

It is most important to shower before you use your hot tub to remove sweat, dead skin cells and personal care products such as cologne and deodorant. This reduces the work required from your hot tub filter and water care system to keep your hot tub water clean and balanced. We also suggest you shower after you use your hot tub to rinse away chemicals that might be left on your skin.

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How long does it take for a hot tub to warm up?

Daniel LeBlanc — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 14:55:51 +0000

Unlike an in-ground spa, Caldera hot tubs are designed to be hot and ready for use at all times. Caldera hot tubs are highly energy efficient and feature hot tub insulation and hot tub covers with the highest possible efficiency to ensure the lowest possible energy costs.

If you just filled your hot tub with fresh water, it will take several hours to heat up initially, depending on how many gallons of water need to be heated. Check the Owners Manual for your specific hot tub model to find out how long the it should take to get up to temperature after a water change.

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What size hot tub should I buy?

Daniel LeBlanc — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 14:53:28 +0000

The first consideration is to determine what size hot tub fits in your yard. Then look at how you plan to use your hot tub. Do you have a large family or plan to entertain in your spa? Do you want a wider range of massage options for hot tub Hydrotherapy? If so, opt for more spacious spa models like the Cantabria^® or Vanto^®. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience or alone time with the hydromassage jets, a smaller model hot tub like the Caldera Kauai^® may be just right. Be sure to factor in room to create a beautiful space around your spa in an accessible location rather than hiding it in a corner.

Questions to ask before deciding on a spa.

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Should I Buy a Used Hot Tub?

Daniel LeBlanc — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 12:47:08 +0000

Pre-owned hot tubs come with advantages and risks. Many reputable dealers offer refurbished units that have been thoroughly cleaned, tuned up and double-checked for flaws. The warranty on a pre-owned spa varies, and is inevitably shorter than the warranty on a new spa.

The clear advantage to a used hot tub is the lower price. The disadvantage is that the spa’s early life has already been consumed, so you may not get as many years of use out of a second-hand hot tub as a new one.

Like a car, the life of a hot tub largely depends on how well it is cared for.

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