FAQ Outdoor hot tubs

1. Outdoor hot tubs – frequently asked questions

• Do you offer models that can be delivered flat-packed? (for self-assembly)

All wooden hot tubs (without inner liners) can be delivered flat packed (for self-assembly). Polypropylene and fiberglass models can only be delivered fully assembled. Flat-packed models are ideal for difficult access locations, i.e. narrow roads, and narrow pathways leading to the garden.

• Wooden hot tub vs fiberglass/polypropylene hot tub?

Wooden hot tub models are all-natural. Wood is a natural material and requires maintenance. It tends to expand or shrink due to humidity. Leakage may be expected during the first days of utilization.

“Polypropylene” and “Fiberglass” models have polypropylene or fiberglass inner liners that prevent leaks and require less maintenance. These models are highly customizable and can be equipped with various SPA accessories.

• How should the exterior wooden parts be maintained?

We recommend oiling all exterior wooden parts (stairs, wooden panels, wooden lid, etc.) twice a year, ideally before and after winter. We recommend using linseed oil, however other solutions for wood maintenance are also acceptable. The exterior wooden panels can be painted or stained.

• Different wood types for outdoor hot tubs

In a nutshell, we offer 5 wood types, each with different options:
Siberian Spruce is the most affordable option. It has a light shade and may have visible knots. It is sturdy wood and with proper maintenance will last for years to come.
Siberian Larch is a great choice for those places where wood is highly exposed to various insects. Larch is much more resistant to insects and decay compared to spruce. It has a light shade. Larchwood is quite heavy.
Thermo wood has undergone high-temperature treatment. During this process, the pores of the wood close up, therefore it does not absorb moisture anymore, and resin evaporates. This type of wood is extremely resistant to decay, it will not rot or warp if exposed to humidity. It has a dark shade and is the lightest weight-wise.
Siberian Oak is a luxury choice; however, it can absorb a lot of water thus it tends to shrink or expand. Oak requires much more maintenance.
Red cedar is considered one of the most sustainable building materials. A red cedar hot tub has a red tint. Red cedar has very low shrinkage and is free of pitch and resin.
For a detailed guide, visit our blog.

• What diameter should I choose?

Fiberglass models are available in one size – 1800mm internal diameter, which accommodates 6-8 people. The diameter of wooden and polypropylene models ranges from 1600mm to 2200mm.

• What is the difference between internal and external heaters?

The main difference is that an exterior heater allows for more space inside the hot tub. External heaters can also be placed further away from the hot tub. Internal heaters have an advantage in terms of heat loss: since the unit is submerged in water, heat loss is minimal.

• What is the ideal water temperature?

The recommended temperature is 38˚C, but, of course, it depends on the preference of the bathers. Bathers with cardiovascular conditions should be cautious and should avoid bathing in very hot water.

• How long does it take for water to heat?

There is no clear-cut answer, as the heating time is influenced by a plethora of factors, such as size and insulation of the hot tub, starting water temperature, outside temperature, the power of the heater, etc. During the warmer months, an 1800mm hot tub will heat to the recommended 38˚C mark in ~2-2,5 hours.

• I plan on using chemicals. What kind of heater should I use?

By default, our heaters are made from 430-grade stainless steel. If chlorine, bromide, saltwater, or other chemicals will be used, the heater steel grade must be upgraded to 316-grade stainless steel.

• Are there chemical-free water care options?

Yes. One can use a sand filter together with a UVC lamp to remove small dirt particles and bacteria from the water at the same time. Herbal and salt- or mineral-based water care options are also available on the market.

• How often should I change the water?

If no filters or chemicals are used, the water should be changed at least twice a week, depending on use. Filters and chemical water care help to keep the water in good condition for longer periods of time.

• How can I fill the hot tub?

One can fill a hot tub by simply using a garden hose and lowering it into the hot tub over the edge. Upon request, a stainless steel connection/water inlet with a ball valve can be installed on the side of the hot tub.

• How can I empty the hot tub?

Every hot tub has a water drain installed, but they vary in shape and functionality. Fiberglass models with an integrated heater have an external water tap installed underneath the heater. Fiberglass models with different heaters, polypropylene models, and wooden models by default are equipped with a siphon with a plug. The drain outlet can be upgraded to an external water tap. More info on drain options on our blog.

• I already have a heater, can I purchase a hot tub without one?

Sure, all models are also available without a heater. Please email us with your exact selection and we will calculate the final price without the heater.

• How can I keep the water warm for longer?

Invest in the insulation of walls, bottom, and lid. After bathing, make sure to cover the hot tub, to slow down heat loss.

• If I order SPA equipment, where can I hide the pumps?

We provide a wooden box for covering the electrical equipment. Fiberglass models have the pumps hidden between the fiberglass liner and the external wood decoration. Sand filter always requires a big wooden box (ca. 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8 m) to be covered.

• Do I need professional assistance in connecting electrical equipment?

Massage pumps, filters, and LED lights come with standard European-type plugs. They are ready to use as soon as they are plugged into electrical sockets. Electric heaters, on the other hand, can only be installed by certified electricians. We offer the choice of single-phase 220V or three-phase 230V or 380V electrical connections. The electric heating system is equipped with a fuse box. Upon receiving the hot tub, the black connection cable trailing from the fuse box must be hard-wired to a power source by a certified electrician.

• What is the power consumption of an electric heater?

Power consumption can be calculated by multiplying the heating time and power of the electric heater: h x (kW) = kWh. For example, if a 6kW electric heater was running for 2,5 hours, it would consume 15kWh.

• Can I use my hot tub in winter?

Certainly, your hot tub can be used all year round! It all boils down to proper maintenance. Please follow our winter care guide. An additional heater is available for frost prevention. 

• Should I prepare a foundation for my hot tub?

No special foundation is needed but the ground below should be flat to avoid any deformations. Please click here to find more information.

• What is the lifespan of a hot tub?

If proper maintenance is ensured, a minimum of 10 years. Fiberglass and polypropylene models are more durable than wooden models, which require more care and attention.

• What is the difference between air bubble massage and hydromassage?

The air bubble massage system comprises 12 jets, which generate a gentler massage effect. Available for all hot tub models. The hydromassage system comprises 6 chromed jets, which generate a strong massage effect. Hydromassage is not available for wooden models.

• How is the external heater connected?

Two stainless steel pipes (Ø50mm) are installed on the side of the hot tub. The external heater is connected to these pipes through two 1-meter length heat-resistant hoses. The hoses are secured with clamps on each end of the hose. It is crucial to make sure that the heater hoses are as straight as possible. The lower hoses must be parallel to the ground, it cannot be at an angle.

• How can I regulate the water temperature?

The electric heater has a built-in thermostat that can be set to the desired temperature and it will keep that temperature until turned off. The water temperature when using a wood-burning heater should be regulated by measuring it with a thermometer and pouring in cold water if needed.

• What is the best firewood for my wood-burning heater?

Dry, dense, calorie-rich wood, such as alder, oak, and maple. You can also use biomass (fuel briquettes). Coal is strictly prohibited, as it can damage the heater.

• Do the prices listed on the website include taxes?

VAT tax is NOT included. Some products already include shipping costs. Saunas do not include the shipping costs since the delivery address, type of sauna (pre-assembled or flat-packed) and size of a sauna should be known beforehand.

• What is the lead (production and delivery) time?

The lead time always depends on the period of the year. In winter, the lead time is about 3-4 weeks; in summer: 5 – 6 weeks.

• What are the payment conditions and methods?

We know that it is hard to trust a foreign company these days, therefore, we ask for 50 % of the advance payment to start the production. Once your product is finished, we send the detailed pictures of your order with your order sheet attached. Once you received the pictures and confirmed them, we ask you to pay the remaining amount. Once we received the remaining amount, we would organize the shipping to your provided address. We accept all major payment methods: Direct bank transfer; Credit or Debit cards.

• What is the procedure for the purchase?

We always advise using our website to design your own model. Each model has its own additional parts that can be selected beforehand. Please note that each order requires an order form which must be filled out on our website after the selection of a certain model. Once we received your request, we will add delivery costs (if any) and prepare the purchase documents. You will receive the contract and the invoice ONLY by email. Once the advanced payment is received, the production is started. As soon as the product is finished and verified, the pictures are sent to the customer. After the balance payment is made, the product is shipped to the requested address. Please note that for customers outside the EU, we charge 0 % VAT. Customers will be charged their native VAT by a local institution.

• Should the hot tub be drained after each bathing in the wintertime?

As a rule, yes, the water should be drained from the hot tub and all its pipes after each bathing in the wintertime. However, it depends on some factors:

1. Water can be left inside if the temperature would not drop noticeably below zero (-5 C or similar).
2. Some salts may be added into the water to prevent water freezing;
3. If your tub is electric, you can leave it working and use the thermostat to adjust the temperature to the minimum value of 5 oC. This wouldn’t let the water freeze and the electricity consumption would not be high.
4. We also offer a “hot tub water freeze prevention heater”, please click here. It is very simple, it just needs to be immersed in the water and plugged into the socket. It wouldn’t let the water freeze.

• What electric heater do we offer? Why is it so expensive? Can it heat water alone or are they only a supplement to the wood-fired stove? Where is the electric heater placed in relation to the hot tub?

Well, we offer quality Swedish electric heaters that can heat the water alone. It means you don‘t need an additional wood-fired stove. It is expensive since we install and get ready all the electric wires and safety fuses. It has a thermostat so you can adjust the water`s temperature from ~5 to 40 of. The electric heater is placed in the nice-looking wooden box next to the tub`s wall. The client can send the sketch with the exact position or we will install it randomly.

• How many electric wires are there if I order a complete electric hot tub with all the massage systems including an electric heater; an air bubble massage system; a hydro massage system, a filtration system, and a few LED lights.

There are 2 possible options:

1. If the electric heater is ordered, we install the electric fuse box therefore the client would have just 1 main wire coming out of the tub. The client should install just the end electric plug for the socket.
2. If the electric heater is not ordered, we do not install the fuse box, therefore, each electric unit would have its own wire. However, 2 or 3 LED lamps can have only 1 plug.