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SPN AUG 2010 HotTubTechnology In the United States where the dramatic
decline in hot tub sales over the past three years has manufacturers fighting hard to offer new benefits there’s a view that all that’s left is ‘tweaking’ with technology. The big changes over the past few years in
terms of jets and the number and quality of jets has been ‘played and over played’, another supplier told us. Customers want to reduce their energy bills as a matter of urgency. It’s not buying a hot tub which is the issue – it’s the running costs. One new line in hot tubs for 2010 in the United
States is offering ‘expansion foam insulation’ which preserves the energy expended to keep the water in the hot tub at a comfortable temperature. Then there’s new lower ozone generators which helps reduce the amount of chemicals used, and a replaceable ‘chip’ that ensures years of use. Maintenance-conscious customers will applaud the new lines in acrylic finishes which inhibits the growth of
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Catalina Spas – dual temperature swim spa – Catalina Spas say improvements to heat loss has increased value for money with hot tubs
bacteria that can cause stains and odours on the tub surface. The antimicrobial protection makes hot tub surfaces easier to clean and keeps them more bacterial-free between cleanings. Due to the fact that it is built-in during manufacturing, it will not wash off or wear for an added level of cleanliness that will last throughout the life of the tub. In 2009 hot tubs had focused on water quality
BELOW: One of Spa Crest Europe’s Costal
range – the Hatteras – currently a high tec success in sales terms
and therapy which brought in self cleaning systems and over a period of 15 months saw ever increasing levels of performances from water jets. Tubs are now equipped with more jet and massage options than ever, with creative variations to fit different spaces and fit into any number of design schemes. Hot tubs developed essentially into electronic hydro-massage-therapy machines. Spas that are primarily limited to back- massage jets may no longer be the favoured option for the discerning buyer. New technology has given way to more
purposeful placement for a top-to-bottom body massage. The high-end portable hot tub market now offers consumers individually controllable jet pressure at an entire seat. Dedicated pumps with variable speed/pressure motor also include pulse action. In 2010 having gone through a period of innovation it is the focus on energy savings
which is occupying many in the industry. In the UK sales are certainly recovering from a
low level two or three years ago and how much innovation has to do with it is keenly debated. Hot tub dealers and distributors are especially keen to get the message out on added value,
more technology, and improved service levels. The focus is on persuading existing tub owners to see just how much things have changed. Catalina Spas’ view about the current level of
technology developments is set against what Stephen Crabb calls a ‘very good’ period of hot tub sales for the company. “Our April figures are the best they have been
since the heady days of 2005.” He believes that the technology behind the
strength, force and use of jets has been a key development over the last few years. Now he says it’s much more about the layout
of the spa and making sure any Catalina Spa which is sold perfectly fits the customer. “We are up there with the leaders in this market
in terms of what we can offer with our hot tubs but I think if there are any changes to what customers expect it is more to do with the fact that the spa fits them perfectly, the jets are in the right place, the seats and layout is right and contoured for them. Each Catalina Spa is bespoke anyway so we put a lot of effort into getting it right.” Insulation and reduction of heat loss is another
development he believes has improved the value for money of hot tubs. “The levels of heat loss have been seriously
addressed,” he added, “right down to the insulation of pipe work. “Yes technology is important when people
come looking for a spa but there’s other issues at the moment. Our business is based on longevity and respect. We’ve been around for a long time and people know us. There is going to be a company down the road called ‘XYZ’ who offer
“Customers want to reduce their energy bills as a
matter of urgency. It’s not buying a hot tub which is the issue – it’s the running costs”
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