I have to say how funny it is that you get some so called hot tub specialists raving about the number of hydrotherapy jets in a spa with out even considering the strength pf the pumps. So these many jets (not that many really) don't have enough horse power so that they must have a diverter valve fitted so that other parts of the spa can be turned off so as to get any decent power where one is actually sitting. Quite often to cap it all they keep stressing the spa has air when all they mean is the venturi effect of air being mixed with the water Jets NOT an independent air blower.

What does all this mean ? well in simple terms it's a cheap spa- because it is over jetted and under powered. In truth a spa with less jets but plenty of power is a much better buy than one which is under powered and has to many jets for the pump to cope with.

Usually the maker here is out to save some money on his production costs or perhaps it is a cheap import. The manufacturer will use a standard or probably a mould from production hence the too many jets and to save money fits under powered motors to drive the pumps. Some times these are sold as unbranded products the maker does not want to put his name to them as he well knows that they are a cheaper line. Quote often a cheaper acrylic ma be used an done can always tell the quality producer of hot tub shells. These are usually deep tubs as some manufacturers' use such cheap grades of material that such that the material simply cannot take the manufacturing processes to get a really deep spa. Some times you can see stretch marks on the bends and curves of the Hot Tub particularly so or more so with some finishes as opposed to others. I have seen this even in Lucite shells but on following thus up I found that this manufacturer whilst using Lucite had not been using Lucite xtracast acrylic (the best grade and most expensive).

In my view the better built spas in the world are made with a patented four layer strengthening process which is called Dura-Bond ?. This exclusive system combines the acknowledged beauty of Lucite-Xtra ? Acrylic with a layer of ABS for shell strength and integrity. Then the maker of the best spas in the world add a layer of double strengthening material Dura-Bond ?. This is a very strong and high density material which is re-enforced with a fibrous chop materiall that adds very considerable additional strength to the Spa Shell. The process is completed with a thick layer of polyurethane foam.

Lucite-Xtra ? cast acrylic is a non porous material that resists stains like the build up of lotions and body oils which can ruin non- acrylic spas. This amazing tough material keeps it shine and colour despite the use of sanitizing chemicals , high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Its durable surface resists chipping, cracking and denting. Lucite-Xtra ? is easily maintained with a sponge and mild soap. No additional polishing or waxing is needed to keep its excellent lustrous appearance.

One can always check the quality of these Hot Tub Shells by applying what I call the lipstick test. Because Enderol and other similar low cost surfaces are actually porous (a great place for bacteria to manifest itself), they are of course also much less resistant to staining which is why you would see a tile line around some of their spas. If you apply lipstick, then usually it is very hard to remove. On high grade Acrylic, since it is non-porous, it will simply wipe right off.

When you or your friends are thinking of buying a Hot Tub it is always worth probing a little beneath the glitz of the packaging and presentation. Do not fall for the patter of a salesman who simply repeats by rote some pre-planned presentation and very probably does not even use a Hot Tub Jacuzzi.