FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As a trusted name in the pool and spa industry, our team at AquaVision Pool & Spa understands that you may have some questions and concerns about pool maintenance, chemicals, water care systems and many more. We have compiled this handy guide where you can get answers to some commonly asked questions.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers.
There is no one size fits all answer to this question. Rather, it will depend on your unique needs. If you have sensitive skin or have a family member with a respiratory condition, you may wish to go for a specialty care system that does not make use of chlorine.
If you are making use of a conventional chlorine system, the EZ Pool Water Care System has been specially formulated by our team as an all-in-one treatment system to keep your pool water balanced using copper sulfate. When in doubt, simply get in touch with us and a member of staff will be pleased to make the most suitable suggestion after understanding your needs.
First of all, think about how best to describe the problem. Is the water green or cloudy, or is your pool leaking? What problems are you and your family members experiencing when you get into your pool or spa? If possible, you may want to collect a water sample from your pool and bring it to our store at 2616 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 for testing.
Our store is open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM and until 5:00 PM on Saturdays. We can recommend the best solution for your problem after finding out what’s wrong, regardless of whether a quick DIY fix is all that’s needed or if you will require pool maintenance services.
We understand that some of our customers have work and household commitments to attend to which leaves little time for pool care and maintenance. If that is the case, we have two suggestions for you: regular pool maintenance services and an auto pool cleaner. We all know the importance of keeping our pools and spas in tiptop condition for the health and safety of our loved ones. Regular maintenance services can help to prolong the lifespan of your pool and keep the water in clear condition for frequent use.
An auto pool cleaner is a device that cleans your pool without the need for human input. At AquaVision Pool & Spa, we stock a range of auto pool cleaners from Maytronics. Choose from a robotic cleaner to suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners to suit your needs.
Making the decision to buy a hot tub is a big one. It’s not something you do every day, after all. Your lifestyle can have a significant impact on the decision to purchase a hot tub. Before making the decision, ask yourself these following questions:
- Where is my backyard will I install a hot tub?
- Will the hot tub be for my entire family, or just for me?
- Will I benefit from fewer aches and pains, better sleep, and reduced stress?
- Will I enjoy the convenience of access to a hydromassage in the comfort of my own home?
- Will my family benefit from the additional family time in the spa?
If you said yes to one or more of the questions above, a hot tub might be right for you! Speak with one of our team members to learn more about the prices, sizes, and brands available to you.
Most hot tub brands have models available in the following sizes and capacities: 2-3 seats, 4-5 seats, 5-6 seats, 6 or more seats. For a better idea of how big or small our hot tubs are, visit our showroom in person today.
A clean and functioning filter is key to an operational filtration system, as it catches and removes dirt and debris, keeping the water clean and free of impurities. We recommend rinsing the filter every two weeks with fresh water from the hose or kitchen sink. You can also use this time to spray it down with a filter cleaner and then continue to rinse. Filter cleaning nozzles are available that can be attached to the end of a hose, which can help water to better reach the nooks and crannies of your filter. Soak your filter overnight in a bucket filled with water and a small amount of filter cleaner every two months to remove deep-down debris. We recommend replacing your hot tub filter annually to ensure a fully functional filtration system.
How often and in what manner you clean your hot tub will depend on two factors: how often the spa is used and the manufacturer.
- Test your hot tub water with test strips once or twice a week.
- Treat your hot tub water accordingly based on the readings from the test strips.
- Clean the filter every two weeks with water from the hose.
- Drain, clean and fill the hot tub once every three to four months.
For more information about the water management system and cleaning process for your hot tub, get in touch with us today.
How often you change your hot tub water can depend greatly on how often the spa is used, the quality of water used to fill it and how well the water is maintained. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend draining, cleaning and refilling the hot tub every three to four months for an optimal operation.
For many spa owners, regular service and maintenance from a professional are worth it. Regular service can help to ensure that your spa water is always safe, enjoyable and ready to use. A professional can also use this time to inspect your spa, looking for any issues or potential problem areas that could lead to damage, an imbalance in water or costly repairs, and rectify the situation before it grows into a larger issue.
How long you stay inside a hot tub can depend on several deciding factors, including your age, health, climate, water temperature, and personal preference. As a general rule of thumb, it is suggested to soak in a hot tub for anywhere from 15-45 minutes at a temperature of up to 102° F. If you are new to using a hot tub, we suggest starting with shorter soaks until you gradually build your tolerance, adjust to the environment or find which suits you best. If you have a pre-existing health condition, we suggest that you first speak with your physician to ensure the safest way to enjoy hydrotherapy.
Spa FAQ’s
Explore the most common spa questions and concerns. If you don’t find what you need here, please contact us.
You may consider “wet testing” a spa before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it. A reputable Hot Tub Dealer should have a wet test tub to try. We wouldn’t expect you to buy a car without test driving, so why purchase a spa without trying it out! For this reason, we maintain a filled demonstration model.
When wet testing, here is what you should look for: Verify that the seats provide comfortable support. You do not want to have to scoot down in the spa like you do in a bathtub. When sitting in any seat, the water should reach shoulder level. If it does not, you will not get full hydrotherapeutic value. Stay in the spa with the jets on for at least 15 minutes. At the end of that time you will know whether the seating and jet arrangements are comfortable and whether a Sundance Spa is right for you.
Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. Of course, we hope that as you are shopping you will consider a Sundance spa. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and find the right spa for your needs.
Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. Avoid spa dealers who add prorated and deductible provisions. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other spas you are considering.
Another important question to ask a dealer is “Who does their warranty work?” If they do not perform their own service, you are a the mercy of another companies schedule. At AquaVision, all of our service department is Certified by Sundance Spas and we perform all warranty work in house meaning it is a 1-Stop shop for you.
Another important question to ask a dealer is “Who does their warranty work?” If a dealer does not perform their own service, you are at the mercy of another companies schedule as well as you will never know who will be working on your spa. At AquaVision, our service department is Certified by Sundance Spas and we perform all warranty work in-house meaning it is a 1-Stop shop for you.
A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90%, including those in cold weather climates, are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it fit through the door, and is the structural strength of the flooring adequate. A typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 2,500 lbs/1,150 kg when filled.
No. All above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose.
Proper water maintenance is vital to enjoyment of your spa. Maintenance procedures are not difficult, and we give you all of the information you need to be an all-star by the time your spa is up and running.
Most manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa no more than 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water. In most cases, this simple process will only take about an hour to accomplish.
Most quality spas have relatively sophisticated digital thermostatic controls. These highly reliable modern systems are capable of keeping the spa water within one degree of any temperature you select. While this is important for comfort, it is also important for safety. You should pay particular attention to the control system if you have children who will be using the spa. Better systems have safety locks and digital readouts. A good indicator of the control system’s quality is to read and compare manufacturers’ warranties.
Truly beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to the placement of the jets and to some extent, being able to adjust each jet where it is needed. These are the standards by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A common point of consumer confusion occurs when manufacturers load up a spa with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationary jets. It doesn’t make any difference how many jets a spa has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and horsepower.
There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: “Continuous Operating” horsepower and “Brake” horsepower (also called “Marketing” horsepower). Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.
Hydrotherapy is the combined effect of heat, massage, and buoyancy. Warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissues, allowing oxygen and nutrients to help overworked muscles recover faster. Massage, provided by the spa’s jet system, relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves. Massage also improves circulation and accelerates the body’s natural healing process. Buoyancy reduces your body’s weight by 90%. This relieves pressure on strained joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method of alleviating the tension commonly associated with stress.
Many jets are adjustable, giving you an amazing number of options. The Fluidix jets on many Sundance Spas models adjust from oscillating to targeted; rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or stationary. You can control the flow, volume, and movement of other jets as well. In addition, controlling the amount of air mixed with the water with the air control valves changes the dynamics of the massage. Conveniently placed massage selectors let you divert water from one seat to another to increase or minimize the water flow. Ask us to show you how our strategically placed and uniquely designed jets make the Sundance Spas experience the ultimate in relaxation and therapy.
The Sundance® MicroClean® Ultra Filtration System, available on 980, 880 and 780 Series spas, produces a level of water purity never before found in any spa. And it’s easy to maintain! Incorporating the new micro-filtering disposable filter, our system creates water that is cleaner and clearer than ever before.
The Sundance MicroClean® Ultra filter on 880 Series spas removes large particles, ultra-fine particles and oils from the water. So more filters are not able to give you the maximum water filtration found only on Sundance® spas.
Many manufacturers talk about the horsepower of their pumps. Horsepower can be measured using a “service factor” or a “true rating” system. The first describes the initial thrust as the pump first engages, but immediately the pump output falls to a lower, continuous horsepower level. When a spa manufacturer claims they have a 6-hp pump, they are describing the “initial thrust,” not the horsepower the pump delivers as it runs.
Efficient plumbing, better jets and flow control are more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in a more efficient spa will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump. And remember, you are looking for a comfortable but strong massage, and not looking for acceleration up a mountain road or a punishing hot water experience!
Today’s finest spas feature a circulation pump that continuously filters the water to keep it clean and clear. It also provides the necessary flow to allow the heater to constantly maintain your set temperature. Spas without circulation pumps must rely on the low speed of a larger horsepower pump turning on periodically to provide filtration and the flow required for heating. The circulation pump is the most efficient method to provide flow for filtration and heating.
The Sundance control system can keep your spa hot and ready to use. Or you may prefer the “economy” setting which allows you to tell the system when you are most likely to use the spa and the water will be hot and ready at your designated times.
The Sundance Heater employs a titanium coil that directly heats the water, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Titanium prohibits heater corrosion and nearly eliminates failure. The Sentry Smart™ Heater carries a 5-year unconditional warranty.
Most Sundance spas must be connected to 240V electrical service, but some offer the option of operating on either 120V or 240V. While connecting to 120V can be less involved, most customers prefer the benefits of the 240V spa, which include quicker heating time and better temperature maintenance during cold weather use. This is because the heater output is four times as great in a 240V spa versus a 120V spa. If you choose to connect your spa to 120V service, you must be certain that it is a dedicated circuit, not shared by any other appliance, and has amperage rating appropriate for the spa you select.
1. Check to be sure that the spa you buy is listed by a recognized independent testing agency such as ETL.
2. Use a qualified electrician to connect the electrical service to the spa.
3. Make sure the cover comes with a locking system to prevent unauthorized use. Many spas feature locking control panels, as well.
4. Keep appliances and other electrical devices away from the spa area.
Always observe the warnings about spa use by small children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Questions about water care terminology and products are some of the most frequent conversations we have with new and prospective hot tub owners. Find your answers here.
Water Chemistry and Treatment
What is the difference between oxidizer and sanitizer?
Many people know about sanitizer—these are the chemicals (such as chlorine and bromine) that treat your spa, eliminating microorganisms like algae and bacteria. In addition, oxidizer will break down organic matter in the hot tub that has been neutralized by the sanitizer. If you want to make your hot tub care as hands-free as possible, try our CLEARRAY® PRO3TECT™ ozone option. It’s designed to work with our UV-C water management system, automatically releasing just the right amount of oxidizer.
What do I need to know about pH?
Your water’s pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. pH stands for “potential of hydrogen,” and the number (from 0 to 14) is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions. A pH level lower than seven is acidic, which can contribute to corrosion. A result higher than seven is basic, and can lead to unsightly build-up of minerals on the edge of the water. Keep in mind also that the kind of water (hard vs. soft) in your area and the sanitizer you use can affect your pH levels.
What is alkalinity, and why does it matter?
Water alkalinity is an important aspect of your overall pH. It’s a measure of your water’s ability to neutralize acids. High alkalinity can cause your pH levels to rise and reduce the effects of your sanitizer. Low alkalinity affects the ability of pH to regulate itself, resulting in fluctuations and possibly damage to hot tub surfaces.
What should I know about calcium levels?
Minerals such as magnesium and calcium occur naturally in all water. However, you can keep their levels balanced, and doing so is important in order to avoid cloudy water and corrosion. High calcium levels may require that you treat the water with a softener; if your levels are low, you may need to buy a calcium booster. Both are simple treatments to get your water back to a top-quality state.
Hot Tub Products
What should I know about my hot tub filters?
Filters are your first line of defense for keeping your water clean and clear. The better your filtration, the more effortless the water treatment process will be. The horizontal filtration systems on most Sundance® spas are unique, touching more water at one time than typical spas.
What is the CLEARRAY® bulb?
The CLEARRAY® bulb is the part of the CLEARRAY® Water Management System that emits UV-C light. Your spa’s water passes by this bulb and is treated for waterborne bacteria and pathogens. This is the same technology used in food and beverage production and in medical facilities. Your CLEARRAY® bulb only needs to be changed once every 12 months, and is easily obtained at your local dealer.
How do I use a pH testing kit?
Testing your pH is an important part of water care—and thankfully, it is also very easy. You will take a small sample of water from your hot tub and dip a test strip into it. Wait 15 seconds, then hold it next to the chart provided in your kit and determine its closest color match. If your pH levels are too high or too low, consult your kit for additional instructions on balancing your hot tub water and the products you will need.
Will I need to use a water conditioner?
Water conditioner targets scale buildup in your pipes and helps your sanitizer to work more efficiently. It simplifies your water care routine and increases your equipment’s efficiency. If all this sounds great, then the answer is yes. Try SunPurity™ PLUS Water Enhancer, which is compatible with popular sanitizers.
Still have questions?
Visit your local Sundance® Spas dealer to find out everything you need to know about water chemistry and products.
How to Raise pH in Hot Tub
We all wish to soak in a hot tub at the end of the day without any worries on our minds. However, that is only possible when all the conditions are perfect, such as the water temperature, total alkalinity level and pH level. These things will not take care of themselves, hence it is important to know how to regulate the pH level of your hot tub if it is too high or too low. A basic understanding of the chemistry behind pH is all that’s needed, and anyone can control the pH level of their hot tub by themselves.
How to Move a Hot Tub
Whether you are moving to a new house or simply looking to move your hot tub to a new location within your property, you will need some help. It is impossible and dangerous to attempt moving a hot tub on your own – never do that, no matter what. If it is within your budget, the best choice would be to hire a professional moving company to take care of the entire process from start to finish. If not, you will have to engage the help of a few friends as well as rent a truck and get some equipment.
How to Winterize a Hot Tub
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For those who stay in areas with cold climates, using an outdoor hot tub during the frozen months of winter is a luxury. There is no better way to warm your shivering body and soul in subzero temperatures than by dipping in hot water. Your hot tub can also be a great location to hold gatherings with your loved ones. If you own a hot tub, you know that winter is the perfect time to use the hot tub. However, if it needs to be left dormant during the winter, here are some tips you can follow to winterize your hot tub to shield it against potential damage.
Winterizing needs to be done as early as possible instead of waiting until the very last moment. Get an early start by planning ahead of time. By making sure the water inside your tub is clean before draining, you can reduce the risk of bacteria lingering around in dormant pipes when you are not using it. Pick a clear day with temperatures above zero to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes.
Before draining, assemble some equipment as following:
- A dry or wet vacuum cleaner to suck out as much water as possible from your tub, pipes, and jets.
- A hose to drain water from the drainage plug.
- Absorbent towels to dry out any leftover water at the bottom of the tub.
- Propylene Glycol antifreeze to prevent the pipes of your tub from freezing (never use Ethylene Glycol).
- A long funnel to pour the antifreeze into narrow pipes.
- Turn off the power to your tub by tripping its mains on the electrical panel.
- If you have a sump pump, use it to rapidly draw the water from your tub. Else, you can just let gravity do the work for you. Simply unscrew the tub’s drainage plug, attach the nozzle to a garden hose, and let the water flow out. When most of the water has drained out, use the vacuum to suck out the rest.
- Remove the tub’s filter cartridges, clean them out, and store them in a warm space until your return. If there is any remote control, stow it away too.
- After draining, you need to expect several gallons of water to still remain hidden in your tub. To prevent it from freezing and damaging your tub, get rid of it as much as possible by using your vacuum.
After as much water has been removed, continue winterizing it through the following steps:
- Screw the drainage cap back on.
- Use an absorbent towel to remove any moisture on the hot rub surface.
- Use a funnel to pour the antifreeze into your filter standpipes, jets, and any other openings.
- Strap and secure your hot tub cover and place plywood boards on top to prevent snow and ice from weighing it down. Secure a plastic tarp over the entire cover.
How to Lower Alkalinity in Hot Tub
Owning a hot tub is a luxury and to spend time submerged in the hot water is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a stressful day. However, it does not come without a fair share of maintenance. One of the biggest tasks is to monitor the water to ensure its chemical composition is well-balanced. Below is a guide on how you can lower alkalinity of your tub when it gets too high.
How to Clean a Hot Tub
Your hot tub is just like a huge bathtub, except that you do not need to drain it after every use, and you use it to soak with several other people. If you are unsure how to drain a hot tub, below are a step-by-step guide that can help you complete the procedure with ease.
The same water sits inside your hot tub for weeks or even months long at a time. Yes, you may already be treating it with sanitizers while shocking it regularly. However, it is still the same water that you had since the first day. Eventually, it needs to be changed to keep it free from the following organic contaminants:
- Lotions
- Body oils
- Hair products
- Cosmetics
- Urine and feces
- Sweat
Bits of bacteria and fungi that stay and build around the pipes of your hot tub make up the biofilm. They are aware that chlorine can eliminate them, and this is the reason why they protect themselves by building a barrier that is impermeable to chlorine. Over time, more of their kind sticks themselves to the piping system and the biofilm will continue to thicken until something is done. The longer the biofilm remains in the water, the higher the level of contaminants inside.
There are several signs and circumstances that you can look out for before deciding that it is time to clean your tub.
- There is a foul odor
- The water will not clear up regardless of what you do
- You have been using your tub more frequently
- You have had more guests
- The tub has been left unused for quite some time
After draining your hot tub, start by first cleaning or replacing the filter. There is a special cleaning spray which is suitable for this process. If you wish to deep clean the filter, soak it up in a 5-gallon bucket filled with water mixed with a suitable cleaner and leave it for 24 hours. Before fixing the filter back on, make sure it is clear of any chemical residues.
Once your hot tub is empty, it is time to clean its surface. Follow the following steps:
- Spray its shell with diluted white vinegar or a special cleaner. Pay attention to every nook and cranny where algae, mildew, or bacteria may be hiding.
- Use a non-scratch scrubber to remove any residues.
- Rinse the surface well and drain any excess water to prevent foaming.
- Check that all jets are open after you have cleaned and rinsed the tub. This can prevent low pressure later on due to trapped air.
- Close the drains and you are good to go after you have re-filled your tub with fresh water!
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