When it comes to buying a spa pool, it's important to do some homework first.

Each person is different and not all spas are designed equal, but we consider ourselves experts when it comes to helping customers find the right spa for their home, lifestyle and budget.

In this guide, we'll take you through the process of discovering which features will benefit you the most, and ignoring any extras that you don’t really need. If you've still got any questions after reading our comprehensive buying guide, just give us a call on 03 448 8500 or call into our showroom to chat to our friendly team.

Now, let’s get into it…

Doing the Groundwork

Deciding where you want to place your spa and determining if the location is feasible is a great first step. If you need a hand with this, we would be more than happy give you some advice on location and site preparation before installing your new spa.

Take into consideration a spa pool will require a reinforced concrete pad 100mm thick or a deck that can hold the weight of a spa, the water and the people enjoying it. A swim spa will require reinforced concrete 150mm thick and cannot be placed on a deck. Make sure you have an electrical power source nearby, and make sure there's plenty of room to move around when stepping into and out of the spa. Also allow space to get to the access panel in the event of any service work.

Once you've chosen an appropriate spot for your spa, you’re ready to take the next step! Let’s take a look at some of the features of a spa pool and how they can benefit you.

Jet power

Jets can massage your feet, ease your aches and pains, and take away all the stress of a long day. Selecting the right configuration can be one of the most important choices you can make during your spa purchasing process. We can supply a spa that provides hot bubbly fun or one that has some seriously accurate hydrotherapy - the choice is yours.

Take a seat

Different seats will affect the kind of soak you will have. Think about if you’re more comfortable sitting up than lying down, or prefer to be seated next to your partner for a relaxing evening. Most seating can be provided with jets resulting in the luxury you deserve. Most importantly, ask yourself how many people you want to accommodate. Check to see that the foot well is large enough to hold the number of people it says it will.

Come out of your shell

The interior surface of your spa pool is referred to as the shell, and is made of tough acrylic. Shells are available in many different colours and types. We offer various colours and textures designed for different situations that reflect your indoor and outdoor décor perfectly.

The Inside Story

Spas can come with the outer cabinet made from different materials. Our spas have a synthetic cladding which is durable, hard wearing and long lasting (may fade over time).

One of the most important features to look for when considering a spa pool is the level of insulation. Without efficient insulation your spa pool will cost more money to operate as the heater will need to run for longer periods of time. All our spas use closed cell insulation. What this means is that you can relax knowing that the highest level of foam insulation has been used in your new spa.

The Lifeblood of your spa

The pump, heater and filters are the work horses of your spa pool. The pump circulates the water through the heater, jets and filter. The heater warms the water to the desired temperature and the filter catches and traps debris and body oils for removal later. These should be easy to reach.

The pumps on all our spas have been specified to suit the individual spa and the number of jets inside.

What is Ozone?

You may have heard this term before but not understood how it relates to spa pools. Essentially ozone is a powerful oxidiser of contaminants in water. Ozone is formed when 3 atoms of oxygen are bound together instead of the normal 2.

What Ozone does in a spa

• Reduces the need for high chemical doses
• Help destroy bacteria, viruses and algae
• Oxidises other contaminants
• Reduces odour
• Prolongs equipment life
• Reduces maintenance

There are 2 kinds of ozone systems on the market. The older UV ozonator which requires the replacement of the bulb every 12-18 months at a high cost, and the newer Corona Discharge (CD) ozonator, giving many years of trouble free service. All our spas that come with ozone have the CD Ozonator.

Ozone systems in spas will require chemicals to work in conjunction with it, but at a lower level. We also have other treatments for your spa that don’t require anywhere near the same amount of chemicals. Please ask us for more information.

Water

It is of vital importance that you shock dose your new spa with a sanitizer prior to use. Spa pools are tested by the manufacturer for leaks before they are dispatched and some of that water stays in the pipes. By filling and dosing your spa you kill any harmful viruses and bacteria like Pseudomanas.

Power Supply

The power requirements for your new spa will be determined by the number of pumps and the size of the heater. Generally a 15amp dedicated circuit to an outside plug will suffice. All electrical work must be supplied and carried out by a registered electrician. Do not attempt this work yourself.

Some of the bigger spa pools will be required to be hardwired with 32amps directly from the spa back to the circuit board. Ensure the circuit has a Residual Current Devise (R.C.D) and a suitably rated circuit isolating switch that is no closer than 1.5m from the spa. This is for you to turn your spa on and off for servicing. We can recommend a qualified electrician who has experience in wiring our spa pools.

Let us give you peace of mind

If you're within our delivery area, we can arrange delivery for you. This means that we deliver exactly where you want the spa pool to be placed.

Last but not least

There is a lot to think about when you buy a spa pool. However, if you do a little groundwork first and give thought to what you want as well as what you need, you will be very happy with your purchase. Then all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your brand new spa pool!

Thanks for taking the time to read through this buyers guide. We hope you've found it helpful but if you have any more questions about choosing or installing a spa pool, just give us a call on 03 448 8500. The team at McLellan's is here to help you find the spa of your dreams!