Intro To Buying a Hot Tub

While natural hot springs are tough to find, modern homeowners can easily bring this experience to their backyards with a hot tub. Buying one, however, can be overwhelming given the number of styles and added features available on the market today.

As with many major purchases, perhaps the best way to approach buying a hot tub is to put together a checklist of the specifications and features you want and then rate the hot tubs you see accordingly. Being prepared will help you avoid getting caught up in "deal of the day" promotions (one of the worst things you can do as a customer) or feel pressured into making a purchase before you're ready. If you do your homework, you can ensure you'll buy the hot tub that best suits your needs.

Five keys to choosing a hot tub

The first rule of hot tub shopping is not to get fooled by the bells and whistles designed to distract you. As a consumer, there are five basic things you should look for when buying a hot tub:

• Comfort and design
• Reputation
• Insulation
• Massage capabilities
• Ease of maintenance

To keep these five factors top of mind, remember the acronym "CRIME" (as in, it would be a crime if you didn't look into these variables before making your purchase). To find out more about what to look for when buying a hot tub, please download a free copy of our buyer's guide.

Click here to download a buyer's guide

Seven Hot Tub Buying Mistakes

(and how to avoid them)

Avoiding the seven deadly hot tub buying mistakes will help prevent the disappointment and headache that many consumers experience the unnecessary waste of hard-earned money after having made the wrong hot tub decision.

Buying a hot tub is an important decision. It will most likely be the third most expensive thing you buy after your home and car. You want to make sure that you are informed about your options and understand what questions to ask to get the right hot tub for you and your family. Making the wrong decision will result in disappointment, anger, and possibly a lot of cost to you. This report will help give you the information you need to make a smart, informed, hot tub purchase.

To find out more about what to look for when buying a hot tub, please download a free copy of our buyer's guide.

Click here to download a buyer's guide

On behalf of everyone at the company, we want to thank you for purchasing a Hydropool hot tub. Recognized for quality worldwide, we are confident that your new hot tub will provide you, your family and friends, with years of enjoyment and hydrotherapy.

Please take the time to carefully read and understand all the safety, installation and operating instructions in this manual before electrically connecting your hot tub and adding water. The following pages contain valuable information that will save you both time and money, especially with the maintenance.

We manufactured our very first hot tub in 1985 and since then we have been dedicated to producing a quality product catering to maximum hydrotherapy, comfort, energy efficiency and ease of operation.

As you become more familiar with the various safety and maintenance features, you will be satisfied that you made the right decision in purchasing a Hydropool hot tub.

Happy hot tubbing...

David Jackson

Owner - Hydropool Hot Tubs

Table of Contents

Hydropool Hot Tub Pre-Delivery Instructions
Pre-Delivery Instructions
Delivery Checklist
On Delivery Day
After Delivery
General Installation Considerations
Choosing the Right Location
Site Preparation
Unloading and Handling Your Hot Tub

GFCI/RCD Application Guide for Hydropool Self-Cleaning Series
Wire Size

Hydropool Hot Tub Pre-Delivery Instructions

Congratulations on your decision to enjoy the finest hot tub available. You are now a member of the family of Hydropool Hot Tub owners.

Pre-Delivery Instructions

Please take the time to read this booklet carefully, as it will provide you with the information you will need to ensure the safe, secure, and timely installation of your new hot tub. The following sections are guidelines on how to prepare for delivery and set-up of your new hot tub. Specifically covered are site selection, delivery access, ground preparation, and electrical requirements.

Remember to carefully review the Owner’s Manual that accompanies your hot tub, and to register the hot tub's warranty within 10 days of delivery. These items, along with other valuable information, will be found in the Owner’s Package which has been placed in the envelope taped to the outside of your hot tub, where you will also find its serial number the number is also located on the bottom right hand corner of the front on your hot tub.

Hydropool Hot Tubs reserves the right to change features, specifications and design without notification and without incurring any obligation.

In most cities and counties, permits will be required for the installation of electrical circuits or the construction of exterior surfaces (decks and gazebos). In addition, some communities have adopted residential barrier codes which may require fencing and/or self-closing gates on the property to prevent unsupervised access to a pool (or hot tub) by children less than 5 years of age.

Your Hydropool Hot Tub is equipped with a locking cover and is usually exempt from most barrier requirements. As a general practice, your local Building Department will inform you of any applicable barrier requirements at the time a permit is obtained for the installation of an electrical circuit. Your Hydropool dealer can provide information on which permits may be required.

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DELIVERY CHECKLIST

Please ensure the following items have been addressed prior to delivery of your hot tub.

• Make all necessary measurements and provide clear access to ensure that hot tub/swim spa can be transported to the desired location. Please confirm that you have a minimum clearance width of at least 40 inches and clearance height of at least 132 inches to allow movement of the unit on its side through alley-ways, fence openings, etc.
• Review on line library of Hydropool YouTube videos to understand delivery and start up information
• By-law Requirements (If necessary)
• Decking
• Support Pad
• If crane is scheduled to do the delivery please schedule to have two (2) able-bodied assistants available for the set window time for your delivery unless otherwise specified by salesperson/service department.
• Provide electrical hook-up (including outside electrical disconnect, as per your municipal electrical codes)
• Ensure proper access to hot tub access panels for potential service

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ON DELIVERY DAY...

• If you have arranged a crane delivery, make sure your two able-bodied assistants are present during the set window time for your delivery.
• Ensure there are no obstacles in the delivery path e.g. Moonlights, rocks/boulders, gates, lawn furniture, barbeques, plants/bushes, flower pots, etc.
• Schedule your electrician to be on-site for the electrical hook up. Confirm with your electrician that the "Load Neutral" wire is connected to the GFCI and NOT to the "Neutral Bar". Refer to wiring diagram in welcome package for reference.
• Have a hose and water supply ready so the tub can be filled after delivery. Do not fill the hot tub or swimspa with water that passes through a water softener.

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AFTER DELIVERY...

• Test water and add the required balancing chemicals to your water once it has reached a minimum of 75°F – once the hot tub is balanced, add the recommended chemicals to maintain the hot tub( i.e. Sanitizer).
• Review your owner’s manual, quick start guide and YouTube videos that have been provided to you on delivery. It will help you with the basic functions of your tub (i.e. setting the desired temperature, setting filtration times/cycles, turning on your jets and lights, etc.)
• Call your retailer to schedule in-store/on-site hot tub tutorial.  Before doing so, please familiarize yourself with the basic functions of your hot tub by using it for at least 1 week.

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GENERAL INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

1. Your HYDROPOOL hot tub is a self-contained pre-plumbed unit, so that no on-site plumbing connections to the residential water supply or drain are required.
2. Ensure that your HYDROPOOL hot tub is properly supported by either a level concrete pad, or a properly constructed deck capable of supporting 1220 kg/m2 (250 lbs./ft.2). If there is a possibility that the pad could shift by freezing/thawing ground movement (such as in clay regions, and/or areas with high water tables) concrete footings extending below the frost line are recommended.
3. Decking should be chosen and constructed in a manner that minimizes the chance of slipping or falling.
4. If you do not have a factory installed insulated cabinet, it is assumed that you are building your own custom cabinet, tiling or decking. Please consider the following:
   • Your HYDROPOOL hot tub is self-supporting on its base. The cabinet should be decorative only, not for support. Never suspend the hot tub from the deck or cabinet.
   • Where the hot tub is not equipped with a factory installed cabinet, it is the installer’s responsibility to ensure all electrical equipment is completely weather protected and meets all of the regulatory requirements.
   • Always provide adequate access for servicing the support equipment.
   • Decking should be constructed to allow repair access around the entire hot tub.
   • In remote equipment or no-cabinet installations, you may add extra insulation, but the equipment area must have adequate cross-flow ventilation.
5. Installation of a safety grab rail or reachable support for use when entering or exiting the hot tub is recommended.
6. A nearby garden hose connection is recommended for filling and “topping up” the hot tub.

WARNING

The hot tub equipment and all electrical plugs, outlets and lights within 1.5m (5ft) of the hot tub must be G.F.C.I protected. Consult your electrician or local electrical authority for further details.

Access to the hot tub must always be secured:

Outdoors - in accordance with local property by-laws and/or via an approved fence with a self-closing gate and a safety hardcover;

Indoors - by a lockable door and a safety hardcover.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

Your Hydropool hot tub can be installed indoors or out, on the ground, in the ground or half-and-half. The following information will assist you in choosing the right location for your individual needs. When making your decision, always remember that hot tubs can be enjoyed year-round, indoors or out, regardless of the climate. Many Hydropool owners report that their favourite time to use a hot tub is in the cooler fall and winter months, while others praise the enjoyment of using their hot tub in the warmer spring and summer months.

INDOOR LOCATIONS

If members of your family are not cold weather enthusiasts, or if your backyard or patio area is not suitable for a hot tub installation, then an indoor location for your hot tub may be your best or only choice. You may wish to create an exercise/hot tub area in your home, or install your hot tub in a glass solarium or four-season room adjoining your home. Indoor installations not only add a unique look and appeal to your home, they provide the privacy and controlled climate to ensure that use and enjoyment of your hot tub is maximized.

• It is beneficial to have the hot tub room located near wash room and shower facilities
• The hot tub room should have a floor drain to handle splash water, a window, outside exhaust fan or humidistat controlled exhaust fan for ventilation and a humidifier.
• Consider plumbing a water tap and drain location nearby to facilitate draining and top-up
• Always provide adequate ventilation for the support equipment
• Consult your local Hydropool retailer for further information

OUTDOOR AND PATIO LOCATIONS

For those who choose an outdoor location, hot tub operating temperatures can be adjusted to match the season. In colder months, many owners will operate their hot tub in the range of 38-40°C (100 -104°F).

During warmer months, an operating temperature of 36-37°C (97-99°F) will provide a refreshing retreat.

• Contact your local building code department to determine if a building permit is necessary and for information on applicable bylaws (distance from property lines, buildings, fencing requirements, etc.)
• If you are doing any excavating, contact your local gas, electric, and cable-company to ensure that there are no underground lines
• Locate the hot tub, where practical, within close distance of a door to the house to maximize potential winter use.
• Ensure that all hot tub support equipment is easily accessible and protected from the elements
• When your HYDROPOOL hot tub is equipped with a factory-installed cabinet, and installed as per the guidelines of this manual, the equipment will be adequately protected. If the hot tub is shipped without a cabinet, your custom cabinet or other structure must be designed to supply protection for the hot tub support equipment from rain, snow, splash water, etc., but still designed in a manner to ensure adequate ventilation.

DECK INSTALLATIONS

To be certain your deck can support your spa, you must know the deck's maximum load capacity. Consult a qualified building contractor or structural engineer before you place the spa on an elevated deck or indoors. To find the weight of your spa, its contents and occupants, refer to the Spa Specification chart. This weight per square foot must not exceed the structure’s rated capacity, or serious structural damage could result.

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SITE PREPARATION

ABOVE-GROUND INSTALLATIONS

Where the hot tub is a "stand-alone" above-ground installation to be installed in regions where freeze/thaw conditions may occur, a level patio stone or pre-formed paver type base may be sufficient if there is no abutting deck(s) that could be damaged during potential seasonal movement of the ground. The potential drawback to this type of base is that splash water could eventually de-stabilize the ground under the base, with the resultant shift of the support base causing damage to the hot tub structure.

For best results, we recommend the installation of a level concrete pad:

• Dig out and level the ground 20-30 cm (8-12 in.) below your desired base level
• Install 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) of crushed stone
• install 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) of poured concrete
• Level the concrete and apply a broom-type finish
• We recommend that the pad be made 15 cm (6 in.) larger than the hot tub on three sides, and 1 m (3 ft.) larger on the side where the access steps and/or planters will be installed.
• Hot tub/spa tub must be installed on a level pad

In regions where freeze/thaw occurs, or where there will be custom decking abutting the hot tub we recommend the installation of sono-tubes beneath the pad to prevent shifting.

IN-GROUND & PARTIAL IN-GROUND

INSTALLATIONS

For units being installed fully or partially in the ground, the type of support will again vary based on whether or not the tub is being installed in an area with freeze/thaw conditions. Hydropool does not recommend back-filling full in-ground or partial in-ground installations.

INSTALLATION NOTES:

• If stepping stones or railroad ties are selected for the spa foundation, they should be placed at the designated leveling areas of your spa to maintain even distribution of the spa weight.
• It is important to note that soft surfaces, even when steppingstones are used to distribute the weight of the spa as evenly as possible, will still have a tendency to settle unevenly, resulting in an unlevel spa.
• Remember, placing the spa on grass or dirt may increase the amount of debris which is inadvertently brought into the spa water on the user's feet. If you are purchasing a deck package or a gazebo with your spa, a solid foundation becomes mandatory. Placing them on any surface other than a single level pad could create problems with their installation. Pictured at right are a few of the recommended surfaces. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to provide a suitable, level foundation for your spa. Keep in mind that most delivery crews are not equipped to level and prepare spa sites. If you are interested in having a concrete slab, brick surface, or wood deck installed, your Hydropool dealer should be able to suggest a qualified, licensed contractor.

NOTE: In order for the spa to operate properly and the internal plumbing to drain completely, you must ensure that the spa is leveled after it has been installed. The diagrams on the following pages indicate the recommended shimming points on your spa's base support system. Your Hydropool Hot Tub delivery crew can help you perform the procedure

EQUIPMENT ACCESSIBILITY AND PROTECTION

The equipment must be located in an area where it will remain serviceable, dry and will not be exposed to rain, snow or ground water. The standard Hydropool hot tub has the equipment installed inside the protective cabinet. When your hot tub is to be installed above-ground, the cabinet is designed for both protection and accessibility.

DELIVERY ACCESS

First, locate the dimensions of your spa on the following chart. The dimensions shown are the measurements of the spa in the vertical position, laid on its side. Next, contact your dealer to find the height and width added by the delivery cart which the dealer will use to deliver your new spa. Use the height of the cart plus the dimension shown as H to determine the vertical clearance required to pass the spa and cart.

Use the width of the cart, or dimension W, whichever is greater, to determine the maximum width of clearance necessary.

NOTE: It may be necessary to allow for additional over-head clearance if the spa will be rolled up or down an incline or moved up or down a short flight of stairs.

Use the information below to determine the requirements for access to your desired location. It may be necessary to remove a gate, part of a fence, or other movable obstructions in order to roll the spa to its installation site. About ten percent of the time, a crane is the only way to install the spa by lifting it to its final destination. If the spa has to be taken off of the cart to go over a wall (either because the entry area is too narrow, the eaves are too low, the corner is too tight, or the stairway is too steep), a crane will be required. Don’t be alarmed! The crane has a truck-mounted boom which can fit right in your driveway. It is run by a licensed and insured operator. For a charge, the crane operator will lift your spa over walls, buildings, or any other obstruction and place it as close to the installation site as possible. The Hydropool Hot Tubs spa delivery personnel will supervise the crane delivery and complete the spa installation. Crane delivery typically takes an average of 30 minutes to complete.

NOTE: If your spa delivery requires the use of a crane, you may be required to pay for its services at the completion of the delivery

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UNLOADING / HANDLING YOUR HOT TUB

All Hydropool hot tubs are shipped with a protective combination layer of foam wrap, cardboard and plastic film. Each hot tub is factory strapped onto a wood skid. If your hot tub is to be delivered by your local dealer, it will generally arrive on a flat bed truck or low profile trailer. Most dealers are equipped with the necessary equipment to maneuver the hot tub from the truck to the dolly or cart that will be used to move your hot tub to the installation location.

Should your hot tub arrive in a common closed box trailer, it may be necessary to arrange with a local towing company for a tilt and load tow truck, with a pulley winch system, to pull the skid from the larger trailer to the lower profile tow truck flat bed. The hot tub can be gently slid off the low profile trailer and positioned on its side on a cart or dolly on its back side only.

Most Hydropool models require a clearance width of at least 100 cm. (39 in.) to allow movement of the unit on its side through alley-ways, fence openings, etc. Where this is not possible, the use of a crane to lift the hot tub from the truck or trailer over the house to the patio or yard is often a simple and economical option.

WARNING

• Do not move or place the hot tub on the side where the equipment is located as damage could occur
• Never roll or flip the hot tub end over end as the cabinet could be damaged
• Never lift or handle the hot tub by the plumbing
• Make sure that there is sufficient assistance to gently slide the hot tub off the dolly or cart to the support base without any damage

Important Note: Damage caused during transportation or by improper handling is not covered by the factory warranty.

IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY COMES FIRST. WHEN INSTALLING & USING THIS ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED!

1. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
2. Electrical installation must be completed by a qualified electrician in accordance with all National, Regional and Local Codes and Regulations in effect at the time of installation.
3. Connect only to a dedicated circuit protected by a class ‘A’ two-pole ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
4. Use copper conductors only!
5. The hot tub equipment and all electrical plugs, outlets and lights within 1.5m (5ft) of the unit must be G.F.C.I protected. Consult your electrician or local electrical authority for further details.
6. A green colored terminal or a terminal marked “G”, “GR”, “Ground”, or “Grounding” is located inside the supply terminal box or compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this terminal must be connected to the grounding means provided in the electric supply service panel with a continuous copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying the equipment.
7. At least two lugs marked “BONDING LUGS” are provided on the external surface or on the inside of the supply terminal box or compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the local common bonding grid in the area of the hot tub to these terminals with an insulated or bare copper conductor not smaller than No.6 AWG (Canada/Europe) / No.8 AWG (USA).
8. All field installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains or other similar hardware within 3 m (10 ft) of the hot tub shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller than No.6 AWG.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This guide is for standard installations where the wire run is 15 m (50 ft.) or less. For longer wire runs, consult a qualified electrician.

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G.F.C.I./R.C.D. APPLICATION GUIDE FOR HYDROPOOL SELF CLEAN SERIES

NORTH AMERICA

EUROPE

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WIRE SIZE

NORTH AMERICA

• The minimum wire size for systems that require a 40A GFCI is # 8/3 c/w ground (also referred to as # 8 gauge / 4 conductor).
• The minimum wire size for systems that require a 50A GFCI is # 8/3 c/w ground (also referred to as # 8 gauge / 4 conductor).
• The minimum wire size for systems that require a 60A GFCI is # 6/3 c/w ground (also referred to as # 6 gauge / 4 conductor).

EUROPE

Standards for amperage breakers may vary from country to country in the CE controlled area. Please consult your local installer for advice on breaker level and wire specifications. Some examples are below:

• Breaker of 13A –wire must be 1.5 mm2
• Breaker of 16A—wire must be 2.5 mm2
• Breaker of 20A—wire must be 4.0 mm2
• Breaker of 32A—wire must be 6.0 mm2

NOTE: Please consult your applicable electrical codes related to the size of conductors as they may vary from what is stated above. Take into consideration the length of cable as well and increase as required. Hydropool highly recommends the use of a new Siemens GFCI breaker for all of its products. Other GFCI’s and older Siemen’s GFCI’s may have tripping issues.

NORTH AMERICA – GFCI INSTALLATION

240 VOLT GFCI WIRING

EUROPE – R.C.D. INSTALLATION - TYPICAL

230 VOLT SINGLE PHASE RCD WIRING

230 VOLT DUAL PHASE RCD WIRING

230 VOLT THREE PHASE RCD WIRING (IN.XM PACK ONLY)

Important Note: Installation of the R.C.D. - Circuit Breaker, including ampere sizing and selection of conductor size and type, must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with National, Regional and Local Codes and Regulations in effect at the time of installation.

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