Sundance^® Spas Bristol^™

Most spas must be connected to 240V electrical service, but some offer the option of operating on either 120V or 240V. While connecting to 120V can be less involved, most customers prefer the benefits of the 240V spa, which include quicker heating time and better temperature maintenance during cold weather use. This is because the heater output is four times as great in a 240V spa versus a 120V spa. If you choose to connect your spa to 120V service, you must be certain that it is a dedicated circuit, not shared by any other appliance, and has amperage rating appropriate for the spa you select.

Today’s finest spas feature a circulation pump that continuously filters the water to keep it clean and clear. It also provides the necessary flow to allow the heater to constantly maintain your set temperature. Spas without circulation pumps must rely on the low speed of a larger horsepower pump turning on periodically to provide filtration and the flow required for heating. The circulation pump is the most efficient method to provide flow for filtration and heating.

Many manufacturers talk about the horsepower of their pumps. Horsepower can be measured using a “service factor” or a “true rating” system. The first describes the initial thrust as the pump first engages, but immediately the pump output falls to a lower, continuous horsepower level. When a spa manufacturer claims they have a 6-hp pump, they are describing the “initial thrust,” not the horsepower the pump delivers as it runs.

Efficient plumbing, better jets and flow control are more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in a more efficient spa will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump. And remember, you are looking for a comfortable but strong massage, and not looking for acceleration up a mountain road or a punishing hot water experience!

Hydrotherapy is the combined effect of heat, massage, and buoyancy. Warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissues, allowing oxygen and nutrients to help overworked muscles recover faster. Massage, provided by the spa’s jet system, relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves. Massage also improves circulation and accelerates the body’s natural healing process. Buoyancy reduces your body’s weight by 90%. This relieves pressure on strained joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method of alleviating the tension commonly associated with stress.

Truly beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to the placement of the jets and to some extent, being able to adjust each jet where it is needed. These are the standards by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A common point of consumer confusion occurs when manufacturers load up a spa with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationary jets. It doesn’t make any difference how many jets a spa has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and horsepower.

There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: “Continuous Operating” horsepower and “Brake” horsepower (also called “Marketing” horsepower). Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.

Proper water maintenance is vital to enjoyment of your spa. Maintenance procedures are not difficult. Most manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa no more than 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water. In most cases this simple process will only take about an hour to accomplish.

Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. Of course, we hope that as you are shopping you will consider a Sundance spa. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and find the right spa for your needs.

A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90%, including those in cold weather climates, are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it fit through the door, and is the structural strength of the flooring adequate. A typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 2,500 lbs/1,150 kg when filled.

You may consider “wet testing” a spa before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it. We maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose. Here is what you should look for: Verify that the seats provide comfortable support. You do not want to have to scoot down in the spa like you do in a bathtub. When sitting in any seat, the water should reach shoulder level. If it does not, you will not get full hydrotherapeutic value. Stay in the spa with the jets on for at least 15 minutes. At the end of that time you will know whether the seating and jet arrangements are comfortable.

FREE delivery includes:

1. Clear location access
2. Up to a 4-person delivery team
3. Delivery site is within 30 miles of our retail store. ($2 per mile charge (one direction) is applied to
   any delivery or service outside the radius)

Free delivery does NOT include:

1. Supplying electrical work to bring power to the hot tub location
2. Difficult to access location (fence removal, decks, rock walls, etc)
3. Does not include up or down staircases
4. Does not include use of crane or material handler/forklift

You need to have a proper foundation and meet any electrical requirements. We’ll will walk you through the process and connect you with an expert to install your hot tub. See what to expect in the video below.

Here are a few things you can do to ensure installation and setup goes smoothly:

Check your HOA, city, and county rules and obtain any permits necessary.
Decide on a foundation that supports your hot tub, ensures proper drainage, and looks good.
Choose the perfect location, and remember to leave room for maintenance and entertaining.
Keep our Pre-Installation Checklist handy for reference.

Thanks to advanced water management and filtration systems, hot tub maintenance is easier than ever—routine tasks take just a few minutes a week. When we surveyed current owners about basic hot tub maintenance, nearly all of them said it was easy! Here’s a quick summary of how to maintain a hot tub:

Water: Check the chemical levels weekly with test strips and adjust them by adding the appropriate products per your owner’s manual—no chemistry expertise necessary. Drain and refills are only needed every 3–4 months, based on use.

Filter: Rinse and clean filters with a garden hose or filter flosser once per month. Replace as needed.

Cover: Use a cover to help keep your water warm and clean. It will protect your hot tub from debris and weather elements.

“Love our tub. It’s so easy to take care of!”

–Jenny, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Industry research shows that more than 76% of owners use their hot tub at least two times per week. Another survey found 98% of Jacuzzi® Brand hot tub owners would recommend purchasing one to their friends and family. Current owners will certainly tell you it’s worth it!

“This was a great buy, my whole family is enjoying it. Soon it will be filled with many friends and neighbors.”

–Dale, Hudsonville, MI