Busted! 7 Hot Tub Myths (& the TRUTH)
Everyone knows that a hot tub isn’t a small decision to make, especially when it comes to buying your first! Sure, they can be a bit of an investment, but if you’re like thousands of Americans and want your own, personal hideaway, a spa is a MUST. Unfortunately, the vast majority of us don’t own a hot tub because we believe in (or have believed) the following 7 hot tub myths. At Atlas Spas, we’re passionate about educating our customers. We’re here to help you sort out fact from fiction with this article. One of these myths will SHOCK you! Read this and be prepared to have your world turned upside down.
Myth # 1 Bleach is safe to sanitize your hot tub with.
No. No. No. Just no. Bleach cannot be used to clean a hot tub cover or to sanitize hot tub water. Why? Because it is horrible for your skin and can do a number to your hot tub filters, cover, surface and water balance. In other words, bleach is bad news for a home spa.
Myth # 2 Cheap hot tubs are worth saving money over.
If it seems too good to be true, it’s usually too good to be true. Cheap spas might seem affordable in the beginning, but the long term costs can be STAGGERING. Some low-cost hot tubs aren’t as expensive because they lack insulation, have fewer pumps and heaters and aren’t energy efficient. Cheap manufacturers will cut corners during production so that they can charge less, but in the long run, you will probably end up spending more on repairs.
Myth # 3 More jets = better spa.
This is a common misconception. The number of jets in a spa isn’t an indicator of whether or not you’ll enjoy your hot tub. There are many different types of jets with a host of different uses. What is most important, is finding a spa with jets that will fit you. Jet positioning, strength and other features such as massage will determine whether or not a spa will work for you.
Myth # 4 Hot tubs that don’t have ozone systems don’t need chemicals.
This could not be further from the truth! If anyone tells you this, remember that it’s totally false (run if a salesperson tells you this!). Ozone helps with sanitizing, but it does NOT completely sanitize your spa. A hot tub needs either chlorine or shock to get the job done.
Myth # 5 My eyes are sensitive to chlorine and/or bromine so I can’t enjoy a spa!
In rare instances, bromine and chlorine might irritate some people’s eyes, but this is not the case for the overwhelming majority. If you’re experiencing discomfort to your eyes or skin after a dip in the hot tub, the pH level is the likely culprit. Your spa water should have a pH of around 7.5 (7.2 is the minimum recommended pH level and 7.8 is the max).We recommend testing your hot tub pH levels a couple of times per week (at least 2 times). Test kits are quite easy to order online or purchase at a local supplier. If you’re struggling to get your water balanced, then it might be time to contact us! Fill out our Service Request form here.
Myth # 6 My hot tub needs to have a SUPER strong pump. The strongest would be better.
False! The more powerful the pump, the more energy required. If you enjoy paying high energy costs every month, then this is perfect for you. However, if you’re like the majority of people and prefer energy-efficiency, then do NOT make this mistake. Additionally, pumps with Herculean levels of strength might not be as comfortable as you imagine. Would you rather get out of the hot tub relaxed, or would you rather get out feeling like you’ve just had an Olympic wrestling match? Lower your energy bill and enjoy the bliss of a spa with the right sized pump.
Myth # 7 If you spend a lot of money, you don’t need to try your hot tub before you purchase it.
What a load of baloney! If you are considering purchasing a hot tub, you absolutely need to try it out first. Do not make the mistake of simply trusting that a certain brand has a great reputation. What some people might value in a spa might not be what you’re looking for. Make sure that it’s the right hot tub for you first. Consider why you want to purchase the spa. Is it because you’d like to relax? Manage pain? Entertain guests? Whatever your reason, the size, number of jets, pump strength and additional features (TV, stereo, lights, etc.) should be considered. Trying out various spas will help you decide (or figure out) what you really want. Ready to take the plunge? Check out our awesome selection of hot tubs!