Got a question?
We've got it coveredFrequently Asked Questions
We’ve been helping our customers choose the perfect hot tub and swim spa for many years and we understand what you need to know before buying.
What do I need to have a hot tub or swim spa in my garden?
All you need is enough room, a solid, level base, a power supply and a garden hose with access to a water tap.
Can I take my spa with me if I move?
Absolutely – and we offer customers a professional relocation service.
Are hot tubs safe?
Hot tubs are very safe, providing you use common sense and follow some basic health and safety guidelines.
- Only use a qualified electrician to install a safe electrical supply.
- Keep the cover locked when the hot tub is not in use.
- Keep any electrical equipment and appliances away from the hot tub.
- Test and treat the water regularly.
- Never leave children unattended in or near the hot tub when the cover is not fitted.
- Take care that children don’t overheat in the hot tub.
- Seek medical advice before using a hot tub if you have certain medical conditions or are pregnant.
- Do not use a hot tub under the influence of alcohol.
How much maintenance is involved?
A few minutes effort every week is all you’ll need to keep your hot tub water crystal clear.
Are hot tubs comfortable?
All our spa and hot tub moulds are sculptured by craftsmen and tested by people of all shapes and sizes.
Our range of swim spas and hot tubs offers excellent lumber support with deep luxurious seating and loungers that allow your whole body to be immersed up to your neck.
Most models also incorporate shallow, cool down seats, child-friendly seats and some models are designed to allow you to sit higher, so your shoulders are exposed – perfect for taking advantage of sunny days.
Who are Kiwi Spas?
We are a long-established and highly regarded independent hot tub and swim spa retailer, based in West Sussex. We’ve built an excellent reputation for our exceptional customer service and after sales care and maintenance service.
We import an exclusive range of superior hot tubs and swim spas directly from our trusted supplier and our low overheads means we are rarely beaten on price.
Why should I buy a hot tub or swim spa from Kiwi Spas?
As an independent supplier of hot tubs and spas - not tied to a franchise, we can source the best quality and value products for our customers. We get to know our customers at every stage of the sales process and we’re always on hand to answer queries and provide professional advice and support.
Our competitive after sales servicing and maintenance packages help us to stay in regular touch with customers to ensure they enjoy their hot tub or spa to the full for many years.
Why are Kiwi Spas superior?
Most hot tub and spa retailers use a material called ABS and foam filled spas. Our manufacturer has carried out a great deal of research into the quality, running costs and average lifetime of different hot tub brands.
Foam-filled hot tubs and spas, with ABS shells are cheaper to produce but not as hard wearing or robust as the closed cell foam and composite strengthening in the models sold by Kiwi Spas. There are many negatives to full foam.
In time, the tub will require maintenance and any repairs will involve expensive investigation. Tracing any leaks is very difficult and may involve removing part or nearly all of the foam.
Electrical equipment such as pumps, electronic control panels etc. all need re-circulating air to avoid overheating and failure.
Manufacturers who foam fill their spas do not “insulate” the front panel or “bonnet,” where the water in the hot tub is being pumped through.
Thermal heat imaging cameras prove foam-filled spas lose more heat than our hot tubs.
Our tubs come with a 5’’ (125mm) tapered cover as standard – far superior to the industry standard 3’’ – 4’’ tapered covers.
Are the jets adjustable and can they be customised?
Most jets are adjustable and interchangeable, allowing you to customise your massage.
Can hot tubs provide hydrotherapy massage?
The benefits of hydrotherapy are well documented and hot tubs and spas provide safe, healthy hydrotherapy in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Hot water boosts circulation by helping the blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation.
Hydrotherapy also helps alleviate backache, joint and muscle stiffness and has been claimed to help insomnia.
You should always seek advice from a doctor before using any spa or hot tub if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.
Do I need ozone in my hot tub or spa?
Ozone kills bacteria and organic impurities and is 10–20 times more powerful than chlorine and 20–30 times more powerful than bromine.
Ozone is beneficial to water quality but ozone levels must not exceed 0.5mg per litre.
At Kiwi Spas, we provide detailed information and advice on the best way to care for your hot tub and spa and our cost-effective servicing plans means we are always on hand to ensure your chemical levels are safe.
How soon can I use my hot tub after it is installed?
Usually within 8–10 hours after installation.
How much do hot tubs cost to run?
At Kiwi Spas, all our hot tubs and swim spas are designed to be as energy efficient as possible. This includes superior-quality insulated shells, the latest power and light fittings and state-of-the-art filtering systems. Our average hot tub costs approximately £2-£5 per week to run, depending on the size, power and how often you use it.
How often do you need to change the water?
Providing you keep your hot tub or swim spa well-maintained and use the recommended chemicals, you will only need to change the water every 2 to 3 months.
What size hot tub or swim spa do I need?
It really depends on how many people you want to share your hot tub with! Lots of our customers buy hot tubs big enough to host parties for their friends and family. Other customers choose a hot tub or swim spa based on the space available or their budget.
The choice is yours and, it’s worth remembering that larger hot tubs only cost slightly more to run than smaller tubs.
What’s the difference between spas, hot tubs and Jacuzzis?
The first hot tubs were made from oak and beech vats, originally used in wine-making. Pumps, heaters and jets were later added, along with seats. Original wooden hot tubs are still available today for the “purists,” but they are not as energy efficient and easy to maintain as modern versions.
Today’s acrylic hot tubs have evolved from the cooper-made barrel hot tubs and are also known as portable spas. Jacuzzi is a brand name, similar to ‘Hoover’ vacuum cleaner.
Does Kiwi Spas install hot tubs and swim spas?
We can professionally install new hot tubs or spas for customers in the South East of England, including East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey.
Please get in touch if you live outside these areas and we will be happy to arrange professional delivery and installation.
Are Kiwi Spas hot tubs fully insulated?
Yes - all our hot tub and swim spas are fully insulated.
The process is called “co-generated” thermal insulation, which relies on closed cell foam in the base of the spa for insulation and composite strengthening for the strongest, most durable finish.
A robust barrier jacket encapsulates the entire perimeter of the hot tub.
Studies carried out with thermal imaging cameras show no heat blooms at all, unlike other forms of insulating hot tubs like ‘foam filled’ spas.
Do more jets and pumps make a hot tub more powerful?
No - many people make the mistake or are led to believe that more jets equals a better hot tub. Generally speaking, the greater the number of jets, the more invigorating the massage can be.
However, jets must be well-positioned to deliver the right water flow to power and provide a healthy massaging effect on soft tissue and not bone.
Are the rigid covers effective in keeping in the heat?
Our 5” rigid covers are made from the highest grade marine grade vinyl.
In the winter, snow could settle on the cover, but the spa will still maintain your set temperature.
Do I need to turn the spa off if I go away?
If you’re going away in warm weather for a long period, you can either turn the temperature down, adjust the chemical levels or drain the spa completely.
If you’re going away in the winter months and there is a threat of freezing temperatures, we advise you to adjust your chemical levels, lower the temperature and set the control panel to ‘Sleep’ mode.
This allows the water temperature to drop further and the automatic frost protection device will protect the spa, providing the electrical supply remains on.
For complete peace of mind, Kiwi Spas provides a complete “Winterisation” service where we will drain, clean and safely shut down your hot tub or spa.
How hot should I have my hot tub or spa?
The optimum water temperature is 37 degrees Celsius, although you can increase this to around 40 degrees Celsius in the winter when the outside air temperature is much lower.
All Kiwi Spas hot tubs and spas come with a temperature control touch pad.
Do Kiwi Spas provide a warranty?
Our manufacturer’s warranties are excellent and the superior quality of our hot tubs is the best warranty against breakdowns and failures.
There is a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty on the shell and up to two years manufacturer’s warranty on the pumps and control panels.
Regular maintenance and annual servicing are essential to keep your hot tub or spa in top condition – visit our Servicing page for details of our great value servicing.