Design Possibilities
If you like having choices, you'll love shopping for a spa. From oval to octagonal, from cosy to cavernous, the options are vast. The best way to start narrowing down your selection is to visit a local spa dealer. There, you'll have the opportunity to see and try out a variety of spa shapes and sizes. Be sure to take along your bathing suit; many spa dealers are happy to let you experience a spa right in the store. As you shop, notice the many different spa configurations. Some feature lounges that you let you recline and stretch out. Others offer more conventional upright seating. The seats and lounges are ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment. Also, ask the dealer to demonstrate the wide variety of jets available. Try out the special neck jets, "intelligent" jets that spin and move back and forth, and "cluster jets" around the small of your back. It can be almost like having a private masseur.
Durability
All ATOZ! acrylic sheet are come from USA, most from Lucite and some from another company who can provide acrylic sheet at any size, that provide the chance for us to fully use the maximum size of our smart stove to make a hot tub interior size is 7200mm*235mm. Naturally, when you invest in a spa, you want reassurances that it's made to last. Summer and winter, year after year.Always refer to your spa manufacturer's care and use guidelines.What's more, ATOZ! is available in a vast range of exceptional colours — beautiful solid lustres, rich marbled effects or natural stone-like looks. And unlike some other materials, the colours of ATOZ! go all the way through the material. They're not simply painted on. That means the colour won't wear away or chip off over time. Your spa will stay showroom-beautiful. Not only is ATOZ! durable, maintenance is practically effortless.
Installation
Today's hot tubs are designed for easy installation. Your dealer can handle all aspects of the installation for you. But if you choose to do it yourself, here are a few points to consider. Indoors. For indoor locations, adequate ventilation is essential. Water evaporating from your spa will raise the room's humidity level. An exhaust fan will help prevent damage and discomfort. Also, be sure you have a plan for getting the spa indoors. Is the patio door big enough? Or maybe you'll need to remove the glass from a picture window. Again, your spa dealer will be happy to assist in your planning. Outdoors. If you select an outdoor location, comfort and convenience are key issues. Does your site offer privacy and easy access? For concrete slab or deck installations, follow the manufacturer's construction recommendations for proper support. Your spa will need a source of electricity (usually 220 volts). Your dealer can give you details of the power requirements. Be sure to ask about any applicable local electrical codes, and follow the spa manufacturer's instructions.
Maintenance
Your new spa will be so beautiful you may be tempted to fuss over it. Don't bother. If the shell is made of Lucite® cast acrylic, spa maintenance is as easy as wiping it with mild detergent. Water, filters and cleanups. Naturally, you don't need to drain a spa after each use. But you should keep an eye on water quality. Testing and proper treatment will keep the water clean and inviting. Your spa dealer can provide recommendations on the proper products for easy use. Draining and refilling is simple. If you buy a spa with an ozonator — a device that kills bacteria in your spa water — refilling once or twice a year should suffice. After your spa is drained, wipe the surface with a soft cloth or sponge. If the shell is made of cast acrylic, a mild cleaner will restore its showroom lustre, year after year. Of course, your portable spa will come with its own filtration system. The filter cartridge will need to be removed and rinsed from time to time. Check your owner's manual for complete instructions. Safety. To keep children and pets safe around the spa, be sure to purchase a cover that can be locked in place when your spa isn't in use. In general, children under 6 years old shouldn't use a spa — and of course, no child should be allowed near a spa without adult supervision. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using a spa. Always read your owner's manual before operating your spa for the first time.
Microban
A hot tub spa is a wonderful investment in your personal well-being. The soothing warmth of the bubbling water eases away tensions and stress. Hot tub spas made with Lucite® cast acrylic have always been the easiest to clean. Now Lucite International has taken Lucite® acrylic surfaces to the next level by incorporating Microban® antimicrobial product protection which inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause odor, stains and product degradation. And Microban® won't wear off with time because it's actually built in the hot tub spa's surface. Why Microban®? What does this mean to the hot tub or spa owner? While most people are careful about water maintenance, many do not think about the surface area above the water line. Buying a hot tub or spa made from Lucite® cast acrylic with Microban® allows the owner to truly relax and enjoy the investment. Microban® antimicrobial product protection is used in products throughout the home. From toothbrushes to cutting boards, pillows and socks, to furnace filters, there are a number of products offering this extra protection. Microban® is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company
Seasonality
Sometimes, people who live in areas with cold winters are reluctant to consider a spa. They feel their use of the spa will be limited to warm weather. Nothing could be further from the truth. Spas can be used all year long, even in cold climates. The fact is, a spa's bubbling waters get your skin so warm, you won't even feel the cold when you get out. You can simply slip on a robe and walk back inside the house — relaxed, cosy and completely comfortable. You might be surprised to learn that spas are very popular in ski resort areas. And small wonder. There's nothing like a soothing soak in a spa to help counteract a day of exertion on the slopes. And few things are as relaxing and romantic as unwinding in a spa while you look out at a peaceful, snowy setting.
Spa Benefits
Sure, a spa can help you relax and unwind. But it also delivers therapeutic benefits. The swirling, bubbling waters are known to ease muscle aches, which makes a spa the perfect place to relax after a workout. Many doctors prescribe spas for patients with arthritis and similar conditions. For more information, visit our Links to Related Sites section.
Space Requirements
Today, there are so many different sizes and shapes of spas, there's one to fit virtually any home. From cosy spaces for two, to roomy spas for the whole family, your choices are practically unlimited. To determine which size is right for you, first consider the maximum number of users you'd like the spa to hold. This will help you select the right size when you visit your spa dealer. Second, choose a location for the spa. Most people find a deck or patio to be an ideal spot. Keep in mind that most of today's spas are considered "portable"; they only require access to electricity, not to plumbing. This gives you a lot of options for selecting a position for your spa. Because there are so many sizes of spas available, it's impossible to say exactly how much space you'll need. But you can use these figures as a starting point: An average-size four-person spa (including cabinetry) is approximately 8' by 8' — or 64 square feet. A typical two-person spa (including cabinetry) is about 6' by 6' — or 36 square feet.
Watercare
Because of the unique difference between a pool and spa, it is very important that you maintain your spa with chemicals specifically formulated for spa/hot tub use. It is important to realize that a spa is different from a pool because you are dealing with water that is heated between 36-40°C, much warmer than a swimming pool. The ratio of people to the amount of water in a spa is much greater. For example, four people in a spa are equivalent to having 300 people in an average size pool. The heated water and higher bather load ratio can result in spa water problems due to a great deal of residual soaps, deodorants, perfumes and other cosmetics. Also, there are natural body oils that are released into the spa water and cause other organic contaminants. Leisure Time and Affordable Spas & Hot Tubs offers an extensive line of chemical products designed especially for spa/hot tub use. We hope that this guide, used along with our products, will help give you many hours of relaxation and enjoyment in your spa/hot tub.
CHEMICAL SAFETY TIPS
1. Read all the instructions and make sure you have a clear understanding of the chemical before you use it. 2. Never mix chemicals together. 3. Always add chemicals to water, not to chemicals. 4. Always store chemicals in a cool, dry area out of the reach of children. 5. Keep chemical containers tightly closed when not in use. 6. Never inhale chemical fumes or let chemicals come in contact with eyes, nose or mouth. 7. Wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying chemicals. 8. Use spa chemicals only. Chemicals formulated for swimming pool use can ruin your spa. 9. Never drain chemically treated spa water on to lawns, plants or into streams or lakes.
SPA SAFETY TIPS
1. Do not heat your spa water higher than 40°C. This is bad for your health and could cause damage to the spa surface. 2. Do not drink alcohol while using the spa. If you are on any medication, consult your doctor before using the spa. 3. Shower before and after using the spa to prevent possible skin problems. 4. Due to chemical concentration and possible bacteria, it is not recommended to submerse your head into the spa water. 5. Children should never use the spa without adult supervision. 6. Keep electrical appliances away from the spa. 7. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or a cardio-vascular condition, consult your physician. 8. Always maintain proper sanitizer level. Insufficient sanitizer level can lead to skin irritation. 9. Clean filter minimum 1 time per month.
SPA START UP INSTRUCTIONS
Before you fill your Spa...
Protect the finish of your new spa by sealing it with SPA FAST GLOSS. It is a good idea to apply a coat of SPA FAST GLOSS every time you drain and refill the spa. It is advisable to check your water source before filling your spa. Soft water can be corrosive and cause damage to the spa equipment; while well water may contain materials that cause stains or deposits.
Filling your Spa...
Fill your spa until the water level is at the centre of the skimmer, at the middle of the tile line or eight inches from the top of the spa. If you are using a garden hose to fill the spa, allow the water in the hose to flush out for several minutes. Stagnant water in hoses can contain bacteria which could cause skin irritation to some bathers. To instantly adjust the pH to a proper range, add Leisure Time pH BALANCE. For more information on pH, see the Spa Water Testing section. Upon filling the spa you should add one bottle of SPA METAL GON for up to 500L of water. SPA METAL GON prevents staining resulting from trace metals in source water such as Copper or Iron.
Spa Water Testing...
Your spa/hot tub water should be tested upon filling and at regular intervals during the week. The purpose of testing is to determine the condition of the water. There are several important areas of water chemistry which should be tested:
1. The Total Alkalinity Test
The total alkalinity test measures all of the alkaline or base materials in the water. Total Alkalinity acts as a buffer to stabilize the pH. THE TOTAL ALKALINITY FOR A SPA IS BETWEEN 80ppm and 120ppm. If the total alkalinity is too low, the water has very little buffering capacity and the pH will become erratic. A high total alkalinity means that the water has too much buffering capacity and the pH will be very difficult to change. For this reason it is best to adjust the total alkalinity first. You can use SPA UP to raise the total alkalinity and SPA DOWN to lower it.
2. The pH Test
The pH test will tell you if your water is acidic or alkaline (base). pH is measured on a 14 point scale with 7 being neutral. A pH reading of below 7 would be considered acidic and one above 7 would be alkaline. THE IDEAL pH FOR A SPA IS BETWEEN 7.2 AND 7.8.
CAUTION: If the pH is lower than 7.2 the water could start to dissolve the metal in your spa equipment and also cause irritation to your eyes and skin. A high pH above 7.8 could result in deposits of Calcium or scale on the spa and equipment. To raise pH use SPA UP. To lower pH use SPA DOWN. In a freshly filled spa use pH BALANCE to instantly raise or lower the pH to the correct range of 7.2 to 7.8. pH BALANCE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN AREAS WITH A CALCIUM HARDNESS OF 200ppm OR ABOVE.
3. The Sanitizer Test - Bromine or Chlorine
A neglected spa can be a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria can be responsible for many problems including bather discomfort (i.e. skin rashes and/or irritation). Tiny microscopic plants called algae can also be a problem if ignored. Both bacteria and algae can be controlled by maintaining a proper sanitizing level. THE PROPER SANITIZING LEVEL FOR A SPA IS 3.0 TO 5.0ppm. This is a level recommended by the National Spa & Pool Institute in their publication "Minimum Standards for the Operation of Commercial and Residential Spas and Hot Tubs". A proper sanitizer level can be achieved by using either Leisure Time CONCENTRATED CHLORINATING GRANULES or Leisure Time BROMINATING TABLETS. You can test for pH, Total Alkalinity and Sanitizer levels by using Leisure Time 3 WAY SPA WATER TEST STRIPS or a liquid test kit.
Q. Can a hot tub really help relieve the pain from arthritis?
A. Yes. In fact, the National Arthritis Foundation recommends a daily regimen of spa use to help improve flexibility, range of motion and to ease pain. A portable spa is also great to help untangle tense muscles and relieve everyday aches and pains.
Q. How much will my portable spa cost to operate?
A. A lot of different factors affect the cost of operation of your ATOZ! Spa. Things like your specific region of the country, the cost of electricity in your community, how often you use your hot tub and how exposed your portable spa is to the wind and weather. However, your ATOZ! Spa is absolutely one of the most energy efficient portable spas ever built. You can expect to spend on average as little as €8,- a month or as much as €18,- a month. Actual costs will vary from situation to situation.
Q. Isn't taking care of a spa a real hassle?
A. For some portable spas, that's true, but not an ATOZ! Spa. At the heart of clean, clear water is our Advanced and Scientific Water Disposal System, the Advanced and Scientific Water Disposal System insures water quality according with International sanitation standard and natural as before. And there’s another special design as Side-Road Feed water Circulation System which can help you shaking off the bother caused by frequent maintenance and help you enjoying the SPA comfily.
Q. How difficult is it to install a portable spa by ATOZ! Spas?
A. Because every hot tub by ATOZ! Spa is completely self-contained, it is quick and easy to install. All that's required is a flat, level surface that can handle the weight of the portable spa with water (around 1600kg.), a 25 amp electrical hook-up (find an electrician here), and a garden hose to fill it up. In just a few hours, you can be enjoying the warm, swirling water of you own ATOZ! Spa.
Q. What's the difference between a spa and a hot tub?
A. The term "spa" and "hot tub" are now used interchangeably, but originally they meant two different things. In the early years of the spa business, a "spa" was made out of acrylic or some other thermoplastic. A "hot tub" on the other hand, was a wooden tank made out of redwood, cedar or similar wood. Both had therapy jets, a pump, and a heater and were designed for relaxation. For a while in the late 70's and early 80's, wooden hot tubs were very popular, but as acrylic portable spas became more sophisticated in design and maintenance features, hot tubs eventually lost their popularity, but the "hot tub" name became part of our language.
Q. How safe is a portable spa?
A. Safety is absolutely the top priority at ATOZ! Spas. For the possible suddenness, our Engineers use advanced and credible device to achieve Multi-Sage Protection System on the SPA pool, thereby it insure your absolute safety.
Q. Do I need special plumbing for my hot tub spa?
A. In a word, no! That's one of the great things about a portable spa. Because the hot tub spa has a built in heater and filtration system, you leave the water in for up to four months. Simply fill the hot tub spa with a garden hose and drain it with a hose bib connection or with an inexpensive submersible pump.
Q. Should I put my ATOZ! Spa inside or out?
A. The choice is really up to you. ATOZ! Spas has a number of models to fit through a standard door, so getting them inside isn't a problem, but ATOZ! Spas are so well insulated that using them outside makes a lot of sense. When you use a portable spa inside, you sacrifice size and depth, but that might be worth it if you want to prevent the elements from getting to your spa. On the other hand, a lot of people enjoy relaxing under the stars and savour soaking in the warm, swirling waters of their portable spa during even the coldest days. Inside or out, the choice is up to you.
