Articles by J JProperly made and designed Hot Tubs should have the very latest in design and in this aricle I set out a couple of points that need to be taken into account when you are choosing a Spa that is namely Energy Conservation Systems and Manifold Plumbing.
Energy Conservation Systems
One example is that in today’s modern age one must consider energy efficiency and as one example does it have an Energy Saver System built into the Hot Tub. Combine this also of course with the ability to run on say only 16 amp as opposed to many cheap eastern imports which more often than not have a high amperage requirement.
A Jacuzzi needs to have an energy saver system so as to be more economical in use and also to be more green to the planet - obviously an energy efficient hot tub will save the consumer money and use less precious energy thereby reducing ones carbon footprint which is very politically correct.
Some manufacturers use full-foam when they make their Hot Tubs and these are in my view and that of very large American manufacturers an old design as they need to be able to vent off the motor-generated heat to the outside air where of course the latent heat contained win in the unit is just simply wasted. Now when a modern Jacuzzi has an energy saver system the heat produced by the mechanical equipment in the Spa is re used for the Spa rather than just vented and wasted way to the outside so it must obviously be more efficient.
The way an energy saver system works is simply to conserve the heat generated by the operating components so that it can be recycled, and used again.
As water flows through the pipes and plumbing towards the jets it can draw in air so as to make a water air mixture by an action which is known as venturi. This air for the venturi effect is taken from the pocket of warm air created by the Insulation on the shell and the cabinet. Not only is this warm air recycled and used to warm the water in your jets, but it also helps to maintain the water temperature and thus saves energy and indeed the user money as it will help to reduce the electricity used.
I have heard it said that some manufacturers fully foam their spas so as to keep the noise of the pipes down. That is just poppy cock as a properly designed spa will not make much noise. They usually have to do this as the shell is not made out of branded acrylic and not as strong as it should be hence the need for the full foam reinforcement. If such a spa has a leak it is impossible to trace as the leak is usually hidden behind the foam.
Manifold Plumbing
Old fashioned hot tub manufacturers and indeed those hot tubs that are not made to the very latest designs and standards use linked, jet-to-jet plumbing systems which can often result in the very first jet in the line being very powerful and the last jet being much less so.
A spa manifold plumbing system is designed to automatically balance the water pressure and even out the water distribution system such innovative designs means that it is possible to reduce the number of actual plumbing joints and in so doing so this helps to maximize the flow of water
This manifold system allows everyone in your spa to enjoy equal jet power - not just the person who happens to be sitting in front of the first jet in the line! The most modern manufacturers construct and build into their plumbing systems two types of pipes - one that is designed specifically for air, and the other designed specifically for water. Where an out of date manufacturer or perhaps a cheap import may use the same type of plumbing and piping throughout the Spa in those circumstances, leaks may arise over time. The best makers do not cut corners to build a cheaper product - they build spas to last! That way there products are recommended by clients and customers and a strong loyalty brand is formed.
As with many things it often pays to buy the highest quality from a manufacturer who has been established for many decades as opposed to secondhand or a cheap import , remember the old adage that buying cheap can often mean buying twice.
Often in life it can be a question of pay now or later. If you get suckered and by a cheap product undoubtedly you will pay later not only in terms of repairs but also higher running costs.