A spa, usable year-round, is now a must-have! Today, there's a wide variety on the market. But how do you choose? Which one should you pick?
The points to consider are:
- Your available space (including distances to be respected according to your city and your insurer)
- Determine how many places you need (alone, as a couple, with friends)
- What will your spa be used for (relaxation, recharging your energy, relaxing your muscles, socializing, etc.)?
For socializing or simply relaxing, a spa with fewer jets will do the trick. For massages, you should look for at least six different massage types activated by a minimum of 30 jets and five or six seats (massage stations) that will target specific parts of the body and give you a full-body massage. Have back problems? Opt for a spa with jets directed along the spine.
The components:
The shell
The shell is the part where the seats are molded and covers the upper edges of the spa. This part can be made of acrylic, fiberglass, or resin. A quality shell should ideally be thick and reinforced in strategic areas. Also, keep in mind that a pearlescent or textured finish will make any scratches less visible.
The cabinetry
The skirt is what covers the spa structure. You can choose between a resin coating that imitates wood or a simple resin coating. We therefore recommend treating it with a water-repellent product to help preserve its color. Resin requires little maintenance. Important: several skirt panels must be removable to allow easy access underneath the spa, if needed.
The cover
When you're not using your spa, a cover is necessary to maintain the water temperature. It should be lockable for safety. Ideally, it should also be slightly domed to allow rainwater to drain. If it's made of vinyl, make sure it's flexible enough to withstand temperature changes. There are also very practical levers available that make handling and storing the cover easier; a useful accessory.
The pump
The pump(s) control the power of the jets and oxygenate the water. If you prefer a gentler massage, a single pump is sufficient. For a more intense massage, two is better! The more jets your spa has, the more powerful your pumps should be.
Filter system
The filtration system for an average spa should filter at least 35 gallons per minute. The filter surface area should be at least 50 square feet to ensure good efficiency. We recommend having a second filter cartridge to rotate when cleaning your spa. Some spas also offer the option of disinfection via an ozonator and/or a water purification system with a UV lamp. These types of systems disinfect and sterilize the water and allow you to use fewer maintenance products.
The water heater
A good water heater should have a power output of at least 5.5 kW.
Insulation
There are two types of insulation. The first involves covering the underside of the spa with insulating foam, and the second is a combination of polyurethane foam and a vapor barrier, which can allow easier access to the plumbing in case of a leak. Ideally, the exterior panels should also be insulated to ensure the spa withstands our winters.
Accessories
A wide variety of accessories are available. A mandatory accessory is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This is crucial for your safety in case of power surges or unexpected storms. Depending on your setup, a resin step is also essential. It will provide much easier access to your spa. Other options include waterfalls, lights, stereo systems, and more.
Finally, don't forget to try out the spa in the store to see if you're comfortable in it. You can even do a test with water inside to see if the chosen spa is really right for you.
Happy shopping!
