What do I need to do before the spa arrives?

The first thing to consider is the spa's location. The area should be free from overhead obstructions and trip hazards but a degree of privacy should also be considered. A sheltered area is probably preferable, especially as exposed sites, subject to wind and rain, can increase the running costs of your spa.

Select the material that is going to surround the spa carefully. For instance, gravel and grass can easily be carried into the spa on the soles of feet.

If the spa is to be located on a concrete slab then a minimum thickness of 4ins (102mm) is required. If it's to be located on raised decking then make sure that any calculations take into account the combined weight of the spa with water and people so that a suitable foundation can be built.

Before the spa arrives check the width of gateways and fences so that there is a clear access route. Watch out for overhanging gutters, tree branches, or power / telephone lines, anything which could obstruct the route or cause possible harm. Take note of steps or steep slopes which can also cause a possible hazard.

What electrical services are required?

All spas need an adequate power supply installed to conform to the 16th Edition of the I.E.E regulations and to Part P as well. All the work must be carried out by a qualified electrician who will issue a certificate to show conformity. The spa will require a suitable fused spur with an isolator and an R.C.C.D of maximum 30 milliamp trip rating. The spa must be either hard wired back to the breaker or wired via a suitable waterproof outdoor connector, providing it conforms to the regulations.

Should the spa be near to a drain?

A nearby drain is important as all Caldera spas come with external drain ports from which to drain the spa. While most water authorities will allow you to discharge into the normal drains it is worth checking if they require you to lower the chemical levels prior to discharging. If draining into a cesspit or septic tank please take care as you do not want the high sanitiser content killing off any beneficial bacteria.

Does the spa water need chemical treatment?

Yes, all spas that keep the water in for longer than a single bathing session must have chemicals applied. The approved sanisters for your Caldera spa are chlorine in tablet or granular form, bromine or BaquaSpa (p.h.m.b). Any one of these sanisters will keep the water wholesome if applied in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

The water in your spa should be chemically treated and the chemical levels should be kept within the parameters advocated in the BISHTA (45.3KB PDF file size) (British & Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) guidelines, as these are proven to ensure safe bathing.

If your spa is fitted with an Ozonator then it is complimentary to, and not in place of any form of chemical treatment, since the Ozonator does not produce any residual sanitiser to keep the water safe when the pump is turned off.

Your Caldera dealer will be able to provide you with further advice on the chemical treatment of your spa.

Does it matter what sort of water I use to fill up the spa?

The water that is used for filling and cleaning the spa should be clear in appearance and be in the pH range of 7.2 - 7.8; have a total hardness of 50 - 400ppm calcium carbonate; and have a Total Dissolved Solids level of less than 1000p.p.m. If in doubt, your local water authority should be able to supply you with this information. If your water comes from a well or borehole then you should ensure that it meets these parameters before filling your spa. The usual method of filling a spa is by a garden hose, this should always be run for several minutes to get rid of any residual water in the hose to prevent the possibility of Legionella entering the spa.

What warranties apply in the UK?

With Caldera you get some of the best warranty terms in the industry. All Aqua Melodies, Utopia and Paradise Series have a ten year no leak warranty on the shell structure, seven years on the surface finish, five years on the plumbing and three years on the heater and the Eco Tech cabinet. All the pumps and switchgear have a two year warranty. Click here to download Our Comfort Guard Warranty (132KB PDF file size)

The Highland series has a three year no leak warranty and two year warranty on the surface finish, internal components such as heater and pumps, plus a two year warranty on the plumbing. Click here to download Our Highland Warranty (284KB PDF file size)

It is worth noting that Caldera has been in existence since 1976 so have been around long enough to up hold these warranties.

Can I wet test my spa?

Undoubtedly yes! all Caldera dealers will be more than happy for you to arrange a suitable time to come in and test your potential new purchase, after all how else are you going to discover the superior massage from the superb hydrotherapy jets?

Are there any proven benefits from having a Caldera Spa?

It is widely recognized that prolonged immersion in warm water coupled with gentle or deep massage offers a measurable health benefit. The ideal bathing session will be around 20 minutes in duration, in water between 36- 38oC. The elevated temperature increases blood circulation thereby giving a mild cardiovascular workout. With the increased temperature, perspiration occurs, thus removing toxins and increasing kidney functions. Caldera is the official Hot Tub sponsor for the American Institute of Stress which in turn endorses the benefits of Caldera spas.

Please note, if you have a medical condition or are using any medication such as beta blockers or Warfarin, medical advice should be sought from your G.P as, while there are undoubtedly numerous quantifiable benefits from spa bathing, there may be a need for some guidance.

What benefit does an air blower give to a spa bathing experience?

Buying a spa with an air blower fitted is a matter of taste, some people find that when the air blower is running the bubbling water is a little over powering. If, however, you are serious about getting the best massage experience in your spa, an air blower giving blown air through the seat of the spa is a must. The water hydrotherapy jets give localized massage whereas the air blower gives a gentle all-over massage.

Do more jets mean a better spa?

Absolutely not! With Caldera the superiority of the massage experience is the combination and quality of jets offering different massage patterns, from the Magna Ssage jet which is a constantly rotating jet giving a soothing stroking massage, through the OrbiSsage which produces a unique, pulsating massage pattern to the Euro jet which is used in the Atlas neck massage system which is the finest neck massage system on the market today.

Use all the jets in the Hot Tub Therapy Circuit and it is just like having your own personal trainer! Simply move from one jet position to another, starting at the mildest and moving on to the deepest most penetrating massage which will really revive those tired aching muscles. Finally, finish off with a mild massage, then lie back and enjoy the water for its warmth and soothing qualities.
Hot Tub