HOT TUBS HOT TUBS
The experts providing the answers are Peter Lang (FISPE), Technical Adviser for the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) and Howard Gosling (FISPE) BISHTA’s Technical Adviser and a member of SPATA’s technical committee
Q. What is BISHTA? A. The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association works on behalf of companies involved in the importation, manufacture, distribution, servicing and sales of hot tubs. Members can also include holiday venues that hire out hot tubs as part of a package. BISHTA sets standards for the industry and is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive and the Health Protection Agency. BISHTA has been established since 2001 to ensure that companies engaged in the display and sale of hot tubs are properly trained in water hygiene management and understand the importance of maintaining these standards throughout their product life.
Q. What’s the difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi®? A. Hot tub is a generic term for a domestic spa which contains water heated to 30˚C - 40˚C, and has hydrotherapy jet circulation with or without air induction bubbles. Jacuzzi® is the registered trade name of a specific manufacturer.
Q. Does sitting in a hot tub really reduce stress and blood pressure? A. Many medical authorities believe so. They also consider that a spa or hot tub is useful in healing sports injuries and after orthopaedic surgery.
It can also
alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, but many people simply find that it is a delightfully sensuous luxury to be able to relax and unwind after a hard day.
60 WHAT POOL & HOT TUB
Q. How often should I change the water? A. It depends on how frequently you use your hot tub. Your BISHTA supplier will advise you on the best practice for your particular model, but BISHTA Standards recommend as a broad rule of thumb that you should change it not less than every 12 weeks and ideally monthly.
Q. Can electricity and water really co-exist safely? A. They do in your washing machine and your steam iron. You must have a qualified electrician make the watertight connection to your mains supply. Always consult your BISHTA member installer about this first.
Q. Could I buy a chemical-free hot tub? A. Like swimming pools, BISHTA recommends that all hot tubs need disinfectant chemicals to maintain a safe bathing environment. Chlorine, bromine or PolyHexaMethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride (PHMB) are effective in killing bacteria in water. Be careful about companies that sell you hot tubs without giving you any water treatment advice.
Q. What about maintenance? A.Your BISHTA expert can tell you all you need to know about water maintenance,
purification and filtration. Be sure to check that the company you are dealing with offers back up advice, help and servicing as part of its long-term support.
Q. Can I put the Hot Tub anywhere in my garden? A.Yes – so long as it is flat, and has a solid base. Your choice of location in the garden will depend on factors such as sunny spots, views that you want to maximise and whether you intend to cover the hot tub with a gazebo, or other construction. You could also site it indoors, if you had a big enough area like a conservatory or wet room, but remember it is a sizeable object and will often require specialist lifting equipment to get it into place.
Q. There appear to be some great bargains on the internet, do you have any advice for whether this is a safe place to purchase a hot tub? A.The internet can be a great place to buy a huge range of items and many of them can be bought very safely. Sadly BISHTA receives many complaints from customers who have bought products from internet companies that are not BISHTA members, thinking they are getting a real bargain only to be totally let down and often losing money as a result of not asking the right questions.
To assist customers make informed choices about buying a spa or hot tub, BISHTA and its members have created some Consumer Advice that is available on its website (
www.bishta.co.uk)
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT WANT ANSWERED
WWW.WHATPOOLANDHOTTUBMAG.CO.UK
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