New Zealand’s most energy efficient spa pools, as proven by independent lab testing. With running costs as low as $1 a day, there’s no guilt or worry about power use. Enjoy regular soaks in an investment that pays itself back over time.
Hot Tub
Originally made as reconstructions of naturally occurring thermal baths and hot springs, hot tubs have come to represent the ultimate in style, leisure and luxury. Offering relaxation, therapy and fun, hot tubs are now more accessible than ever, becoming a familiar sight on decks and in backyards up and down New Zealand.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a hot spa?
For most people the words ‘hot tub’ and ‘hot spa’ are used interchangeably, as both refer to large baths of hot, jetted water. Tubs and spas do indeed look similar and perform similar functions, but there are differences between the two.
Hot tubs
Widely known as spa pools in New Zealand, are self-contained, portable units with their own plumbing and electrical control systems that offer relaxation and powerful hydrotherapy benefits.
Hot spas
Hot spas are permanent installations similar to the spa baths often found in modern bathrooms or day spas. These are built more specifically for leisure, offering little in the way of hydrotherapy or health treatments.
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The Lowest Running Costs, Independently Tested and Proven
The cost of running a spa pool can be significant… unless you choose Hot Spring. We offer New Zealand’s most energy efficient spa pools, with running costs as little as $1 a day. This is a luxurious soak that won’t cost the earth.
How can such luxury come so cheap? Our insulation is carefully designed for maximum heat retention. Our covers are fully insulated and precisely engineered to form a perfect seal around the lip of your spa.
Then there’s our suite of technological innovations, from heat induction jets that recycle the warmth generated by the internal machinery, to our SilentFlo 5000 circulation system that keeps your water moving while using the same amount of power as a 40-watt light bulb.
Try our energy calculator now ›
Whats the best time of a year to buy a hot tub?
The best time is any time! Unlike pools and conventional spas, which tend to attract a rush of buyers over summer, Hot Spring spas are designed to be used any time, making them popular year-round.
While hot tubs can be purchased online, it’s important to note that what you see on your screen can be very different to what actually arrives. Shopping in store allows you to see, touch and even take a test soak in a potential tub!
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How much does a hot tub cost to run?
The Hot Spring Spas Energy Calculator can tell you exactly that!
Hot tub running costs come down to one major factor: insulation. A bargain hot tub rarely stays a bargain for long, as a lack of insulation means inefficient heat retention, resulting in surprisingly high running costs – as much as $2,000 or more in electricity every year!
But don’t just take our word for it – we are the only spa company whose spas have been independently lab tested, and we’ve published the results. We are proud to say that Hot Spring Spas create the most energy efficient spas in the world!
Can I put a hot tub on grass?
Placing a hot tub on grass is not recommended, as the weight (usually between 1.2 and 2.5 tonnes) may see the ground shift or sink, causing stress on the spa and voiding the warranty.
What should I look for when buying a hot tub?
There are a number of considerations you should make when shopping for a hot tub including choosing a trusted dealer. Buying an established brand from a local dealer means you’ll gain access to local advice and can repair rather than replace the spa if something goes wrong, years into the future. Here are other factors to take into account when buying a hot tub:
Size
How many people might use it at once?
Location
Where will it be installed? Is access quick and easy? Is there a power supply? Can the tub be easily filled and drained?
Objective
Why are you looking at a hot tub or spa? Reasons might include pain or stress management, enhancing health and wellness or spending more quality time with loved ones.
Quality
A high quality hot tub will be more energy efficient, last longer (with a warranty to prove it) and meet relevant safety standards.
Take the guesswork out of buying a hot tub. Download your FREE copy of our Hot Tub Buyer's Guide for step-by-step advice through the buying process.
What are hot tub shells made from?
Hot tub shells have two main functions: to keep the water in and to keep the water warm. Shells come in a variety of materials, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:
Vinyl
Used in most swimming pools, vinyl’s cost-effectiveness makes it a cheaper choice for hot tubs too. It doesn’t retain heat well, nor is it particularly durable.
Rotomoulded plastic
This process sees plastic powder heated and spun in a mould. The result is lightweight, cost-effective and far more durable than vinyl.
Acrylic
The Rolls-Royce of hot tub plastics. Although you pay more for acrylic, you’ll enjoy a spa that is both beautiful and durable. However, it is important to note that not all acrylic hot tubs are created equal.
Wood
There’s no arguing that wood looks great, but you’ll pay for the looks with endless maintenance, both on the inside and the outside of the tub.
Are hot tubs high maintenance?
The short answer is no, hot tubs aren’t high maintenance. A breakdown of proper maintenance might look something like this:
Water care
From 5 minutes per week to 5 minutes per month with the FreshWater™ Salt System.
Filter care
15 minutes a week, up to 4 times monthly with the dishwasher-safe Tri-X® filters.
Does a hot tub add value to a house?
A high-quality hot tub that is seamlessly integrated into the look and landscape of your property can add real value to your home. Even if your hot tub doesn’t add to the bottom line of your property appraisal, it can still act as the X-factor that attracts potential buyers.
For the owners of holiday rental and Airbnb properties, a spa can be the sort of big ticket item that can see you attracting far more guests. The right choice will require minimal maintenance and operating costs. "Spas are a key reason people book holiday homes, especially during winter when skiing here in Queenstown" says Sarah McIlwrick, General Manager of luxury accommodation provider Relax It's Done.
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What is the average life of a hot tub?
The longevity of your hot tub will be determined by the quality of the tub, the conditions it is subject to and your care and maintenance efforts.
As a ballpark figure, a hot tub can be expected to last anywhere from five years to 20 or more. A high-quality, sheltered and well-maintained tub will last decades, while a cheap, exposed and neglected tub might struggle to even reach the five year mark.
This is an important fact to remember when shopping for hot tubs, as while a lower upfront cost might be tempting, you may need to replace the tub multiple times to match the extended life of a higher priced but higher quality unit.
Can I put a hot tub on my deck?
The following foundations are suitable for a standard spa:
- A 100mm thick reinforced concrete pad
- A deck built to New Zealand building standards
As swim spas can weigh up to 7 tonnes, we recommend that you get a qualified engineer to certify your deck before such a spa is installed.
Are hot tubs good for your health?
A hot tub is a tool that fits within the broader medical discipline of hydrotherapy. Warm water has been proven to soothe the human body in a number of different ways:
Heart
The heat widens blood vessels, assisting the flow of nutrient-rich blood through the body. A hot tub’s directional jets can enhance this flow further.
Muscle
The warmth can loosen tight muscles and reduce swelling.
Joints
The buoyancy takes weight off your joints, reducing wear and pain.
Mental Well-being
The ambience of a hot tub can help your mental state by easing stress and promoting relaxation.
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