USSPA UK Hot Tub Suppliers

There are two different styles of hot tubs:

1. Simple wooden soaking tubs – barrel
2. One piece acrylic tubs (usually referred to as spas)

Traditionally a hot tub was a wooden barrel with heated water added to it and used for relaxing, we now refer to modern spas as hot tubs also even though they are not made of wood. A spa is a large manufactured tub full of heated water used for soaking, relaxation, massage, or hydrotherapy and in most cases they have water/air jets for the massage purposes. Usually spas are located outdoors in the garden and are often sheltered by using a gazebo enclosure for protection from the outdoor elements as well as for privacy.

Traditional Wooden Hot Tubs

Wooden hot tubs are normally heated using an electric or natural gas heater, although there are submersible wood-fired heaters or solar hot water systems that can be used. Hot tubs can also be found by natural hot springs using the natural heat of the water from the spring but the water if often dangerously hot and must therefore be combined with cold water for a safe bathing temperature. Jets, lights and other added features that are common in acrylic spas are not normally added to a wooden hot tub.

Water sanitisation is highly important for wooden hot tubs as many organisms and bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments such as soaked wood! So maintaining the hot tub water chemistry is necessary for the proper sanitisation plus to prevent damage to the actual wood of the hot tub.

Acrylic Spas – Why are spa manufacturers using acrylic?

The actual spa shell is an important factor to consider when choosing your new spa and you must bear in mind that unlike other parts it is not replaceable, therefore the decision of which shell to have needs to be carefully consideration at the time of your purchase. Acrylic is an expensive material but has many advantages for its use, strength being the largest factor plus it comes in a wide variety of colours and styles.

The acrylic has a smooth and glossy finish, which is very easy to clean and it prevents dirt from accumulating plus it resists any staining from the chemicals added to the water in the spa. It also offers a good impact resistance taking a good amount of usage. The acrylic also has UV protection, so protecting the surface from the suns rays when placed outdoors & uncovered but unlike fibreglass, acrylic will not deteriorate or craze.

The water chemistry is easier with the modern acrylic spas as most of the equipment that is installed within the spa casing takes care of most of the every day maintenance but regular use of chlorine or bromine and testing is still required, but with the help of the ozonator to sanitise the water, it almost makes the unit maintenance free.