Q: What should I consider before buying?
A: You may consider "wet testing" a spa before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it. All reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose.

Q: How much should I spend?
A: Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. The information in this consumer guide will help you determine the best spa for your needs based on value and performance. Of course, we hope that as you are shopping you will consider a spa from us. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and have a wonderful, satisfying spa experience.

Q: What about the warranty?
A: Frankly, this is one of the most abused areas in the spa industry. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. Avoid spa dealers who add prorated and deductible provisions. Make sure you read the manufacturer's warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other spas you are considering. Most quality spas will have at least five years warranty on parts, plumbing and labor without any service call charges.

Q: Is it installed inside or outside?
A: A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90%, including those in cold weather climates, are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it fit through the door, and is the structural strength of the flooring adequate. A typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 2,500 lb/1,150 kg when filled.

Q: Do I need to install plumbing?
A: No. All above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose.

Q: How do I clean the water?
A: Proper water maintenance is vital to enjoyment of your spa. While some salespeople may try to convince you that they can sell you a "chemical-free" spa, professional retailers and manufacturers most often recommend the use of ozone purification in conjunction with sanitizers developed specifically for spas. Maintenance procedures are not difficult and knowledgeable retailers will provide the start-up kit and instructions you need.

Q: How often do I clean the spa?
A: Most manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa no more than 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water. In most cases this simple process will only take about an hour to accomplish.

Q: How is the temperature controlled?
A: Most quality spas have relatively sophisticated digital thermostatic controls. These highly reliable modern systems are capable of keeping the spa water within 1 degree of any temperature you select. While this is important for comfort, it is also important for safety. You should pay particular attention to the control system if you have children who will be using the spa. Better systems have safety locks and digital readouts. A good indicator of the control system's quality is to read and compare manufacturer's warranties.

Q: How many jets are adjustable?
A: Real, beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to being able to adjust each jet where it is needed. This is the standard by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A common point of consumer confusion is introduced when manufacturers load up a spa with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationary jets. It doesn't make any difference how many jets a spa has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and horsepower.

Q: What does the pump's horsepower rating mean?
A: There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: "Continuous Operating" horsepower and "Brake" horsepower (also called "Marketing" horsepower). Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.

Q: Is the spa full foam insulated?
A: All major manufacturers agree that filling the spa cabinet with polyurethane foam insulation significantly reduces heat loss, thus reducing heating costs. While this process adds to the cost of manufacturing, research has shown that full foam insulation provides substantial savings to the spa owner over time. Some manufacturers eliminate full foam insulation in an attempt to provide a less expensive product.

Q: What is hydrotherapy?
A: Hydrotherapy is the combined effect of heat, massage and buoyancy. Warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissues, allowing oxygen and nutrients to help overworked muscles recover faster. Massage, provided by the spa's jet system, relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves. Massage also improves circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process. Buoyancy reduces your body's weight by 90%. This relieves pressure on strained joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method of alleviating the tension commonly associated with stress.

Q: How do the jets and jet systems allow me to customize my hydrotherapy experience?
A: Many of the jets are adjustable, giving you an amazing number of options. The Fluidix ST jets adjust from oscillating to targeted. The Intelli-jets rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or stationary. You can control the flow volume and movement of other jets as well. In addition, controlling the amount of air mixed with the water with the air control valves changes the dynamics of the massage. Conveniently placed massage selectors let you divert water from one seat to another to increase or minimize the water flow. Ask your dealer to show you how our strategically placed and uniquely designed jets make the spa experience the ultimate in relaxation and therapy.

Q: Won't more filters produce better water quality?
A: The Sundance MicroClean Filtration system produces a level of water purity never before found in any spa. And it's easy to maintain! Incorporating the new micro-filtering disposable filter with a reusable filter cartridge, our system creates water that is cleaner and clearer than ever before. One cartridge consists of a spun-bound fiber technology. This allows for ultra fine, low flow depth loading filtration. This single pass, disposable component is similar to those found in home counter-mounted drinking water filters. This product reduces maintenance by quickly collecting oils, and clarifying water.

Q: Isn't a bigger pump going to give me a better massage?
A: Many manufacturers talk about the horsepower of their pump. Horsepower can be measured using a "service factor" or a "true rating" system. The first describes the initial thrust as the pump first engages, but immediately the pump output falls to a lower, continuous horsepower level. When a spa manufacturer claims they have a 6-hp pump, they are describing the "initial thrust, not the horsepower the pump delivers as it runs. Efficient plumbing, better jets and flow control are more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in a more efficient spa will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump. And remember, you are looking for a comfortable but strong massage, and not looking for acceleration up a mountain road or a punishing hot water experience!

Q: Why doesn't Spaexpo offer factory installed ozone systems?
A: Spaexpo offers both an ultra-violet (UV) and a corona discharge (CD) system. CD ozone generators, although more expensive than UV ozone generators, yield higher concentrations of ozone for greater effectiveness and are less costly to maintain. We strongly believe that you and your dealer should discuss the strengths of both systems and determine which system best fits your needs.

Q: What's the purpose of a circulation pump?
A: Today's finest spas feature a small circulation pump that continuously filters the water to keep it clean and clear. It also provides the necessary flow to allow the heater to constantly maintain your set temperature. Spas without circulation pumps must rely on the low speed of a larger horsepower pump turning on periodically to provide filtration and the flow required for heating. The circulation pump is the most efficient method to provide flow for filtration and heating.

Q: How long before I want to use the spa should I start heating it?
A: The Sundance Sentry control system can keep your spa hot and ready to use. Or you may prefer the "economy" setting which allows you to tell the system when you are most likely to use the spa and it will have the spa hot and ready at your designated times.

Q: I understand that the heater is usually the most vulnerable component of any spa. How is yours different?
A: The Sundance Smart Heater has a titanium coil that directly heats the water, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Titanium prohibits heater corrosion and nearly eliminates failure. The Smart Heater carries a 5-year unconditional warranty.

Q: What are the electrical specifications of the spa? I know that 110V can be less expensive to install.
A: Most of the Sundance spas are 220V only, but some are available in 110V. Most customers like the benefits of the 220V spa like a much quicker heating time. For example, the Caprio model is available in either the 110V or the 220V, but customers like you choose the 220V version 4 to 1 over the 110V version. While the initial installation may be slightly more involved for the 220V models, most people feel the benefits far outweigh the expense.

Q: What can I do to assure my family's safety?
A: 1. Check to be sure that the spa you buy is listed by a recognized independent testing agency such as UL or ETL.
2. Use a qualified electrician to connect the electrical service to the spa.
3. Make sure the cover comes with a locking system to prevent unauthorized use.
4. Keep appliances and other electrical devices away from the spa area.
5. Always observe the warnings about spa use by small children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.