Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Hydropool Dorset, we sell a wide range of Canadian & American made Hot Tubs in our large indoor & outdoor showroom. We also sell Canadian made Self-Cleaning Swim Spas! You can view our products here. We do not sell saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools or swimming pool accessories at this time.

Our showroom is based at Canford Magna Garden Centre, 170 Magna Road, Dorset, BH21 3AP. With a free, large on-site car park, why not come down and see us!

There are very few places we can’t install a hot tub! We always recommend a hot tub is installed on a strong, firm & level surface. This can be anything from a concrete base, paving, decking, etc. The possibilities are endless but if you’re still unsure, you can book a free site survey with one of our installers! Use the contact form here. More details about where to find us and our opening hours can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Swim Spas can be installed inside or outside, freestanding, partially sunk or fully sunken to ground level. However, there are a few requirements to ensure a safe and easy install with the necessary access allowed. You can download your installation guide to get step by step instructions on how to install your Swim Spa here, but we strongly encourage you to contact us to discuss your requirements or book a free site survey with one of our professional installers. 

This can vary depending on the model of hot tub purchased. Our standard delivery includes a 2-man installation team whom require approximately 1.0m access in width and 2.0-2.4m in height. Hot tubs are generally installed on their side, so it’s the height of the hot tub that is required in width access, and the width of the hot tub required in height access. If you don’t think you have the access for standard installation, then a Hiab delivery may be considered. More information about installations can be found here.

Neither Hot Tubs or Swim Spas require any plumbing! But they do require an electrical supply and a suitable base to be put on. Electrical supply can be 20amp, 32amp or 40amp depending on the spa model. Base required will also vary depending on the spa model but if you have any queries then please contact us.

Hot Tubs & Swim Spas run on an electrical supply. They usually need between 20 and 40 amps of power to run the heater, pumps, lights and all the other working components on the spa. Running costs of the unit, however, can vary depending on a few different factors such as: – The size of the Hot Tub
 – Whether it is installed indoors or outdoors
 – The temperature surrounding the Hot Tub (weather dependent)
 – The temperature the Hot Tub is set to run at 
 – How often the Hot Tub is used
 – How often the cover is on/off the Hot Tub
 – Ventilation on the Hot Tub (open/closed)
 – Insulation of the Hot Tub Our Hydropool Hot Tubs are Canadian made and so are made to withstand quite harsh climates from -40°C to +40°C. They use a unique ThermoShield Technology for insulation which has resulted in them being one of the UK’s most energy efficient Hot Tubs on the market!  Overall, we say our Hydropool Hot Tubs average around £1 a day to run. As you can see above, this can vary depending on the factors listed but this is based on a 6-person Hydropool Self-Cleaning Hot Tub running constantly at 38°C 365 days a year.  The running costs of Swim Spas are similar to as mentioned above but will vary depending on the size of the unit. Swim Spas average more around £5 a day to run.

No. Hot Tubs & Swim Spas are designed to run 24/7, 365 days of the year. In order for your Hot Tub or Swim Spa to filter the water to keep it clean, it requires being turned on at all times. It also requires being turned on to maintain the temperature of the spa. Turning off the electrical supply to your Hot Tub will also increase the running cost of the unit as it will always be working to heat the water up (from the temperature it lost whilst it was off so the heater was not working). It is more economic and your running costs will actually be lower by having your spa turned on at all times. 

Yes, all Hot Tubs and Swim Spas require a little maintenance. You will need to carry out regular water testing to maintain their Chlorine, pH & alkalinity levels. You can use 3 in 1 test strips to help do so.  – Chlorine: We recommend you keep free chlorine between 3 to 5ppm on a Hot Tub or Swim Spa.
– pH: We recommend your pH levels maintain around 6.8 to 7.2 units (because Dorset is a hard water area, it’s best kept slightly lower than average).
– Alkalinity: We recommend alkalinity levels are kept between 80 to 120  and hose down your filter regularly to maintain water quality.  Yes you will need to carry out regular water testing, we will provide you with everything you need and show you how to do it. You will also need to clean the filter cartridge to maintain water quality. Water changes are advised around the 3 month point, but again we will give you further advice on this. Q

You can contact us using the contact form on our contact page, or by using the following details: Call us: 01202 980107