Most common Frequently Asked Questions about hot tubs or before buying sale hot tub or swim spa.

• What do I need to consider before purchasing a hot tub?

  • We recommend “wet testing” a hot tub before you buy one — in other words, immerse yourself in a working demonstration model! Check that the seats provide lumbar support, so you can recline comfortably. When sitting, the water should reach at least shoulder level; if it’s too low, you won’t get full hydrotherapy. Lean back against the pillows. Does your neck hyperextend to reach them, or does it rest perfectly? If the hot tub has a lounge seat, make sure it is deep enough. Next examine the jets. Are the jets giving you the massage you seek? If you want particular muscles massaged, check that the jets line up with them. Stay in the hot tub with the jets on for at least 15 minutes, trying different seats. Only then will know whether the seating and jet arrangement is right for you

• What is the relationship between cost and value?

  • Hot tub prices vary for many reasons. Like all engineered products, they correspond to features, materials used and overall craftsmanship. Our staff will help you choose the best hot tub for your needs, based on performance and value. Remember, it’s about getting the finest, most enjoyable product relative to your investment.

• How expensive is it to operate a hot tub?

  • Heating the water is the primary cost of operating a hot tub. The price is usually less than a dollar a day—even in cold climates.

• Can a hot tub be installed indoors or outdoors?

  • Although a hot tub can be installed indoors or outdoors, over 90% are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a hot tub indoors are: is the structural strength of the flooring adequate, and will it fit through the door. Most importantly, an indoor hot tub must have adequate ventilation. A typical 3-person hot tub weighs approximately 2,500 pounds/1,150 KG when filled. As a general rule, you should consider one of two foundations: a concrete pad of 4” or thicker; or, wood decking with a concrete foundation. Premium Spas and Billiards can help you determine what’s best for your situation.

• Will I need to install plumbing and electrical for my hot tub?

  • No special plumbing is required! Hot tubs are portable and above-ground. Simply fill up the hot tub with your garden hose. A hard wired electrical connection is required to power your hot tub. For aesthetic reasons, many homeowners choose to have these lines buried underground. Talk to a Premium Spas and Billiards sales associate about your specific requirements.

• What is better, a synthetic or wood cabinet?

  • In the past, all cabinets were made of wood. Today technologically-superior synthetic materials have replaced wood in cabinets built by the top spa manufacturers. These high-quality materials do not rot or degrade like wood, extending the “new look” of a hot tub’s surround and eliminating maintenance. Synthetic cabinets are durable and UV-resistant, giving your hot tub extraordinary beauty for years to come.

• How do I keep the water clean?

  • Submerging in crystal clear water is exactly what you want. Some chemicals will be necessary to achieve clean water. But you can significantly reduce the use of chemicals in several ways. Professional retailers and manufacturers most often recommend choosing a hot tub with an advanced filtration system, purchasing an optional Ozone purifier with your hot tub, and using mineral purifiers in conjunction with chemical-based sanitizers. Maintenance is simple, and you can get instructions and start-up information from knowledgeable dealers. Manufacturers often recommend draining and cleaning your hot tub three or four times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water.

• What do I need to know about the hot tub’s filter?

  • Filtration is a step-by-step process. The more steps you have in place, the more pure your water will be. First, consider the size and number of filters the hot tub uses. Having two filters, one that works with the 24-hour circulation pump, and one that works while you’re using the hot tub, provides fantastic filtration. You will need to use some chemicals, such as chlorine, to eliminate bacteria. Ozone technology, optional on top-quality hot tubs, is superb for destroying microorganisms, and minimizes the need for chemicals. Finally, mineral purifiers are very effective, further reducing the need for chemicals—and the associated odors, red eyes and bleached clothes or hair.

• How is the water temperature controlled?

  • Most quality hot tubs have sophisticated digital thermostatic-controlled electronic systems: in other words, high tech systems that keep the water within one degree of the temperature you select. Of course, this control system is important for your comfort. It’s even more crucial for safety—particularly if you have children who will be using the hot tub. Better systems have safety locks and digital readouts. A good way to discover the control system’s quality is to read and compare manufacturers’ warranties.

• What do I need to know about horsepower?

  • Efficient plumbing, better jets and flow control are much more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in an efficient hot tub will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump in an inefficient hot tub. Some manufacturers use oversized, high horsepower pumps that increase the cost of ownership over the long term. Top manufacturers have design engineered incredibly cost-effective systems which provides you with lower overall operating costs. The best hot tub producers have mastered the science of hydraulics, which is far more important than horsepower.

• What features are important in a control panel?

  • Be sure to test the control panel before you make your hot tub purchase. Does it give you precise control over individual features? Is it easy to use? Does it have a lock out option if you have small children? Can you set custom filter cycles? Some companies cut corners by eliminating features and options that are necessary to fully enjoy your hot tub experience.

• How many of the hot tub’s jets are adjustable?

  • When you submerge in a hot tub, you need the jets to soothe the right muscles, the right way. Being able to adjust jets accordingly is crucial for optimum hydrotherapy. This is the standard by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. Some manufacturers load up a hot tub with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationary jets. So even though the hot tub may have many jets, quantity does not always equal quality. If a hot tub’s jets are badly placed and not properly plumbed, it won’t matter how many there are—you will not get the rejuvenation that superior, well-placed jets deliver.

• Can I get a copy of my owner’s manual?

  • For Jacuzzi® spas, please check under the Owner’s Manual and Technical Specifications section for your 200, 300, 400 or LX Series Jacuzzi®. Not all owner’s manuals are available online for all models. 

• How do I order a new cover for my hot tub?

  • If your hot tub was manufactured by Jacuzzi® or Bahama and you know your model name/number, give us a call and we can quickly order the correct cover for you. For all other covers, we require specific information about your cover — for example, shape, skirt length, tie-down length and radius (for spas with rounded corners.) 

    We put together an order form explaining how to take the correct measurements. Please download our spa cover order form, fill out in its entirety, then fax back to one of our store locations.

• How do I identify which filter I need for my hot tub?

  • View our detailed instructions for identifying your filter cartridge.

• What is calcium hardness?
• What is total alkalinity?
• What is pH?

Maintain Healthy Spa Water:

Always maintain your spa’s water chemistry within the following parameters as defined by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals/USA.

• Do you disassemble, move and rebuild tables?

  • Yes! Please contact us for additional information.

• Do you refelt tables?

  • Yes! Please contact us for additional information.

• What is the minimum room size I need for my new billiard table?

  Table Size	Playing Surface	48″ Cue	52″ Cue	57″ Cue
  7′ Bar	39″ x 78″	11’3″ x 4’6″	11’11” x 15’2″	12’9″ x 16’0″
  8′ Standard	44″ x 88″	11’8″ x 15’4″	12’4″ x 16’0″	13’2″ x 16’10”
  8′ Professional	46″ x 92″	11’10” x 15’8″	12’6″ x 6’4″	13’4″ x 17’2″
  9′ Tournament	50″ x 100″	12’2″ x 16’4″	12’10” x 17’0″	13’8″ x 17’10”

This section is in development.
Please check back at a later time.

• Tell Me About Spa Warranties.

  • This is one of the most critical areas in the hot tub industry. You want your hot tub to bring you joy and rejuvenation for many years to come! Keep in mind the following guidelines: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. Avoid hot tub manufacturers who add prorated and deductible provisions. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other hot tubs you are considering. Finally, look for companies that follow strict standards in production and manufacturing (i.e. ISO 9001) to guarantee overall product quality.

• What is the Warranty for a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub?

  • Here are the warranty documents for the 200, 300, 400 and LX Collections.

• How do I register my new hot tub for warranty?

  • To register your new Jacuzzi®, please visit The Jacuzzi® registration web site.

• Do you knock down, move and rebuild tables?

  • Yes! Please contact us for additional information.

• Do you refelt tables?

  • Yes! Please contact us for additional information.

• How do I schedule a service appointment?

  • Contact our service department by filling out this form or calling 703-968-7727.