FAQ's
|
|
An In Ground Spa is one that is Partially submerged in the ground so that it
sits above the deck level usually 16'-18' for seating. The equipment is heavy
duty pool sized and located away from the spa so that it can't be seen or heard.
The life of the equipment is usually ten to fifteen years...
|
|
|
A Portable or moveable spa is one that is assemble in a wood cabinet that
sits above the ground. The equipment is located under the spa. The equipment is
of a lighter duty capacity and usually has at best a five year life. The cabinet
has a ten year life if it is treated with a preservative yearly...
|
|
|
Some unknowledgeable installers try to avoid doing a truly in ground spa by
sinking a portable shell partially in the ground and locate the equipment under
the deck next to the spa. These people are usually not in the spa business or
won't be very long. Portable equipment is designed to be under the shell to
force the water downward. The closer the equipment gets to the water surface the
more likely there will be service work required, especially to the heater. Also,
the plumbing for a portable spa does not work well or last long when it is
buried in the ground.
|
|
|
In ground spas can be custom built for you by locating the jets where you
want them, not just the standard factory configuration.
|
|
|
Always buy from an experienced dealer with a service
department. Beware of dealers with inexperienced sales people who sell
various other products in addition to spas with no expertise in either.
|
|
|
Portable spas use a six kilowatt electric heater while in
ground spas use an eleven or 125,000 BTU gas heater or larger, thereby
reducing the cost to heat the spa.
|
|
|
The cost to run either type of heater with a
good cover on time clock is less than ten to fifteen per month.
|
|
|
Today most people purchase an in ground spa
with flagstone decking rather than wood decking. Second time buyers know
that wood decks have an approximately ten year life and require protective
sealing once a year. When you consider the cost to seal annually the
additional $1500-$2000 for flagstone is well worth the investment.
|
|
|
Buy from a dealer that is equipped to handle
the entire project so that you have one person responsible for everything,
rather than becoming a ping ball between contractors. If service after the
sales is required.
|
|
|
|