HOT TUBS HELPING YOU TO MAKE THE RIGHT HOT TUB DECISIONS
The BISHTA trade association was set up 10 years ago to help consumers and maintain the highest industry standards in the UK
A
s people have become more aware of the proven lifestyle and health benefits of exercise and hydrotherapy, spas, hot tubs and swim spas have become more popular. Sadly, as with a lot of growth industries, this has attracted a small number of unscrupulous suppliers and this became a real concern within the authentic hot tub market due to poor advice and training, substandard and potentially dangerous products, with no after sales service or support. As a result of this, the major manufacturers, importing distributors and retailers formed a trade association (BISHTA) the British & Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association to set the minimum quality standards and formal after treatment training that customers should expect when considering buying a spa, hot tub or swim spa. Buying from a BISHTA member, either
from their showroom, on their internet site, or from a show, should ensure you get the best advice and find the item that you wish to purchase or hire. BISHTA
members are trained to provide knowledge about the products and most importantly the water treatment regime needed to safely maintain your spa or hot tub. BISHTA members abide by a Code of Ethics to give you peace of mind.
WHAT IS BISHTA? BISHTA is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, having been established in 2001 to ensure that companies displaying and selling hot tubs are properly trained in water hygiene management. BISHTA is recognised by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and the HPA (Health Protection Agency). BISHTA works on behalf of manufacturers, importers, retailers, suppliers, service engineers and leisure venues that offer hot tubs as part of a holiday let in the UK. It has a team of experts to offer support and assist with issues or questions.
Other benefits of dealing with a
BISHTA member are: • Purchasing quality products that conform to European Standards
• Knowledgeable staff who have access to an expert technical advice service, if needed
• Training for members in water treatment and the handling and transport of chemicals to comply with dangerous goods legislation and registration with their own Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser
• Clear warranties in case of any issues • A thorough after sales service • Public Liability Insurance Cover
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE ABOUT BUYING A HOT TUB ON THE INTERNET? Prices on the internet can seem very attractive BUT be careful! Check that they are a BISHTA member, otherwise, you may run a risk of not buying a quality product and there may not be any advice on installing, use and maintenance. The key message is ensure that you choose a retailer that has been trained and knows what they are talking about and that the product meets the highest standards.
TEN STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING A HOT TUB OR SWIM SPA? 01 Make sure you know what you want the spa or hot tub for as this may influence the equipment that you need. For instance, is it for fun, medical reasons or relaxation?
02 Where will you locate the spa or hot tub? A site survey may be needed to see if there’s enough access to the site. 03 Clarify what features you will be getting in terms of the number of seats, number and style of jets, entertainment systems available and the manufacturer of the control box (powerpack).
04 Some hot tubs can be plugged into a socket with a three pin plug and may only require a 13 amp fuse, depending on the heater and pump size, so check this very carefully with the retailer/supplier, while other hot tubs need to be wired into the mains and so you will need to ensure a qualified electrician is able to connect your spa or hot tub to the mains supply.
05 Confirm what water treatment is required, so that you can be sure that you know how to maintain the water quality. 06 Ask to see the warranty on offer before you buy as this may vary between products and in some instances it may not actually be offered by the same company, which may cause difficulties.
07 Check what arrangements there are for call outs and servicing if anything goes wrong with your purchase, including timescales and costs.
08 Clarify in writing when the product is to be delivered as genuine companies will inform you if there is going to be a delay. Sometimes genuine companies will need to wait for a full container to be shipped to the UK, while other companies may try and mislead you, so get the details in writing.
09 If you are unsure if an internet company is going to be reliable, find out where the company is based and if possible visit them. 10 Check if they are BISHTA members, by visiting our website. You can find your nearest BISHTA member at
www.bishta.co.uk or call the BISHTA office on 01264 356211.
WWW.WHATPOOLANDHOTTUBMAG.CO.UK
WHAT POOL & HOT TUB 79
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108