What type of area do I need for a hot tub?
A flat area approximately 2 metres by 2 metres is required for a hot tub. It needs to be located within 15 metres of an indoor or outside electric socket and 25 metres of a tap. A hard clean surface such as a patio is best; please ensure it's free from anything sharp that can damage the tub. It can be on a slope as long as the area is flat. Grass is OK, but it's not recommended as the area will become muddy and the mud often ends-up in the tub making the water brown. Any area should be free of dips and bumps which are often found on lawns, this will make sitting in the tub uncomfortable and also the weight of the water will cause stretching and stress to the bottom and lining of the tub.
Do I need an outside tap?
No, we can use an outside tap or connect to your inside taps. We have adequate hoses and connections to suit either. An inside tap will allow filling from a hot tap which will significantly reduce heating-up time. The tap should be within about 20-25 meters of the tub.
Do I need an outside electric socket?
No, we can plug-in through an open window or door. This would generally need to be open for at least the first night to get the water upto temperature ready for the first day. It can be unplugged overnight thereafter, but the water will start to slowly cool so you just need to plug back-in a few hours before using again to re-heat it.
How long does it take to set up and fill?
Setting up usually takes about 30 minutes and filling usually takes about 2 hours depending on your water pressure.
Do I need to be home for delivery/collection?
Someone will need to be home for delivery, initial set-up takes about 30 minutes and then we leave you to complete the filling of the tub which you will need to supervise. This usually takes about 2 hours however you can stop and start the filling if you need to go out. We don't need anyone home for collection - just access to power for our water pump. An extension lead left hang out of a window is fine (we will push back through and close the window before we leave).
Does it need to be plugged in all the time?
No, if you don't have outside electric sockets we can use a socket in the house though a window. At night you can un-plug and close the window if you wish. The water will start to cool but it's very slow and should only lose about 5-7 degrees overnight (depending on air temperature), so should only take a couple of hours in the morning to heat back up.
How is the tub drained?
We will drain it for you - we have an electric pump and hoses that will stretch upto about 20m so we can discharge down a suitable drain, onto a lawn or out onto a road. If you prefer, the drain plug at the bottom of the tub and be opened by yourself on the night before collection - the water then very slowly empty overnight.
How are the chemicals managed?
We provide float (or holder that clips onto the inside of the tub) that contains a chlorine tablet. The tablet will just slowly dissolve and we will provided enough tablets to last the duration of your hire. You just need to monitor the size of the tablet in the holder and when it's dissolved insert a new one.
Are the hot tub electrics safe?
Our hot tubs electrics are safe and checked/replaced regularly. All pumps have a built-in Residual Current Device (RCD) circuit breaker as standard to keep you safe.
Are the hot tubs clean?
Cleanliness and hygiene is important to us. Our tubs are thoroughly cleaned and sterilised after each use.
How many people can fit in the hot tubs?
The Lay-Z-Spa Vancouver and Palm Springs will fit a maximum or 4 adults or 6 children. The Helsinki should fit 5 adults or 7 children.
How much access do you need?
The tubs are inflatable so fit through any standard doorway.
How much notice do you need?
Ideally as much as possible, depending on availability we can get you booked in with 1 hour notice but we always recommend contacting as soon as possible.
What temperature should the hot tub be?
Your body temperature is approximately 37 degrees Celsius and around this figure is what most people prefer. If anyone using the tub is/maybe pregnant then the water should be a maximum of 37c. The tub will heat to a maximum of 40c.
How do I keep the hot tub warm?
The water temperature is regulated by the heater button on the control panel and it's thermostat will hold the water at the set temperature; a comfortable bathing temperature is between 35-37 degrees Celsius. Once you take the cover off the hot tub and people enter, the temperature will slowly decrease; using the bubbles for long periods (particularly in the Winter) will cool the water rapidly and increase electricity costs as the heater works harder to maintain temperature. Once you exit the tub it is advised that you place the cover back over to retain the heat.
How can I help keep the water clear?
We strongly recommend you try and keep the water as clean as possible, particularly if you have the tub for more that a couple of nights, and that all users shower or wipe their feet to remove any grass, grit or mud before getting in, this will really help keep the water clean and clear. Make-up should be removed as much as possible as this will make the water cloudy over time. We provide a float that contains a chlorine tablet that along with the filter will help keep the water clean, but there is a limit to their effect, so keep an eye on what's getting in the water and try and fish-out any debris before it reaches the filter (a blocked filter will cause the pump to stop).
Is it ok to take my baby into the hot tub?
This is not recommended as young babies have very sensitive skin and have difficulty regulating their own body temperature. Also infants are not fully toilet trained so allowing them into a hot tub is not really a good idea.
Can I use soap or bubble bath in the hot tub?
No. You should shower or bath before entering the hot tub to rid yourself of the days grime and dirt and introducing soap and bubble bath to the tub will change the chemical balance of your water and clog the filter.
How long will it take to heat?
Depending to the ambient temperature it takes about 1 hour to raise the temperature by 1-2 degree C - a comfortable temperature is about 35-37c so filling from the hot tap will greatly reduce the heating-up time.
How does the hot tub stay hot throughout my hire period and what will it cost?
We plug it into your electricity supply. The cost will vary with customers electricity tariff but averages about £3-£6 per day. We have a detailed page about running costs here
Do I drain the hot tub after use?
No, we have a pump which will drain in about 20 mins so we can take care of this.
How much does it cost to fill and heat?
It will cost about £3 in water (if you have a meter) and about £3-4 per day in electric.
Can I use the tub indoors?
No, we won't install tubs indoors or on balconies.