Everything You Need to Know

Our hot tubs start from around £5,495 for a compact ReefSpa Palau and go up to £19,995 for a flagship VitaSpa 700 Series like the Mystique. Most families end up in the £7,000-£12,000 range, which gets you a quality 5-6 person tub with good jets and solid insulation. We're always upfront about pricing: no hidden costs, no pressure.

VitaSpa is American-engineered with 30+ years of innovation behind it. They offer four series tiers (100, 300, 500, 700) with increasing features and jet counts. ReefSpa is 2026 WhatSpa? Approved and focuses on exceptional value with features like Balboa controls and steel frames as standard. Both are excellent. The best way to decide is to come in and sit in them.

They're fine for testing whether you enjoy hot tubbing, but they're a completely different product. Inflatable tubs have weak jets, poor insulation (expect £80-120/month in electricity), and typically last 1-3 years. A proper acrylic hot tub has powerful hydrotherapy jets, efficient insulation (£30-50/month), and lasts 15-20 years. If you're serious about regular use, it's worth investing properly.

A well-maintained acrylic hot tub from a reputable brand should last 15-20 years. The shell, frame, and plumbing are built to last. Pumps and heaters may need replacing after 7-10 years, but that's a service call, not a replacement. We still look after VitaSpa tubs we installed over a decade ago.

We'd always say from a local dealer, and not just because we are one. When you buy from us, you get expert advice, a showroom wet test, professional installation, and someone to call when you need help. Online sellers rarely offer installation, and warranty claims can be a nightmare when there's no local support. Your hot tub is an investment. It needs backing up.

Think about who'll use it regularly, not just the maximum. A couple who occasionally have friends over does well with a 5-6 person tub, as the extra space means better massage positions. Families with teenagers might want a 7-seater. For couples only, a 3-4 person model is more intimate and cheaper to run. Come to the showroom and physically sit in a few. It's the only way to know.

Yes, we offer finance options to spread the cost. Details vary, so give us a call or ask when you visit the showroom. We'll walk you through what's available with no obligation.

Honestly, any time. Some people think you should buy in spring so it's ready for summer, but hot tubs are at their best in autumn and winter. There's nothing like soaking under the stars on a cold night. We install all year round. The best time to buy is when you're ready.

Good insulation (it pays for itself in running costs), quality jets (fewer powerful jets beat many weak ones), and a solid control system like Balboa or SmartTouch2. LED lighting is a nice bonus. Bluetooth speakers are fun but not essential. The feature that matters most? A comfortable seat that fits your body. That's why wet tests exist.

Ask about running costs, warranty terms, who installs it, and who you call when something goes wrong. Ask to see the same model with the panels off so you can see the frame and insulation. Ask for references from local customers. And if they won't let you do a wet test, walk away. Any dealer who's confident in their product will let you try it.

A flat, level, solid base that can take the weight. A reinforced concrete slab (minimum 75mm thick) is ideal. Compacted MOT Type 1 hardcore with paving slabs also works. Existing patios are often fine if they're level and in good condition. We'll check your base when we do the site visit. It's part of the service.

Most of our hot tubs need a dedicated 32A supply from your consumer unit, installed by a qualified electrician. Some entry-level models (like plug-and-play options) can run from a standard 13A socket, but performance is limited. We'll tell you exactly what your chosen tub needs, and we can recommend local electricians we trust.

Most hot tubs are 200-220cm wide and can fit through a standard side gate if it's at least 80cm wide. If access is tight, we have options: hot tubs can go over walls, fences, or even through the house. For really tricky access, we use a crane. Alex and the team have manoeuvred tubs into some incredibly tight spots over the years.

Crane hire typically costs £400-£800 depending on the size of the tub and complexity of the lift. We arrange everything and supervise the lift. It's more common than you'd think. Probably one in three of our installations involves a crane. We'll assess this during your free site survey.

The delivery and positioning itself takes 1-3 hours depending on access. Add another hour for the handover: Alex or the team will walk you through every control, explain water care, and make sure you're completely comfortable before they leave. From order to soaking is typically 2-4 weeks.

In most cases, no. Hot tubs are classed as a temporary structure and fall under permitted development rights. There are exceptions: if you're in a conservation area, a listed building, or planning to build a permanent enclosure. If you're unsure, check with your local council. We've never had a customer refused.

Possibly, but it needs checking. A filled hot tub with people in it can weigh 1,500-2,000kg. Most domestic decking isn't built to handle that without reinforcement. We'll have a look at your decking during the site visit and advise honestly. Sometimes it's fine, sometimes it needs extra support underneath.

We'll come to your property, measure the space, check access routes, assess your base, look at electrical supply, and discuss positioning. We'll also talk through any specific requirements: shade, privacy, views, drainage. It's free, takes about 30 minutes, and there's no obligation. Graham or Mark usually do these.

For a well-insulated acrylic hot tub like VitaSpa or ReefSpa, expect £30-50 per month in electricity at current UK energy rates. That's keeping it at 37-38°C and using it 3-4 times a week. Cheaper tubs with poor insulation can cost £80-120+. Chemicals add another £10-15 per month. The insulation quality is the single biggest factor in running costs.

Yes. It sounds counterintuitive, but maintaining temperature is much cheaper than reheating from cold. Modern hot tubs have efficient circulation pumps that keep the water warm using minimal energy. The insulation does the heavy lifting. Turn it down a degree or two if you're away for a week, but don't switch it off unless you're draining it.

Three things make the biggest difference: always keep the cover on when not in use (a good hard cover prevents 60% of heat loss), keep the temperature at 37°C rather than 40°C, and make sure your filters are clean. VitaSpa's Northern Exposure insulation was specifically designed to minimise running costs. Beyond that, windbreaks around your tub help more than you'd expect.

The basics: sanitiser (chlorine or bromine), pH adjusters, and a shock treatment. That costs around £10-15 per month. We'll give you a starter chemical kit with your installation and teach you exactly how to test and balance the water. It's simpler than it sounds: 5 minutes every few days. Models with VitaSpa's CleanZone system need significantly fewer chemicals.

A modern, well-insulated hot tub uses roughly the same electricity as running a tumble dryer for an hour a day. Models with features like VitaSpa's Northern Exposure insulation or ReefSpa's HeatSave system are designed to minimise energy use. The days of hot tubs costing a fortune to run are behind us, as long as you buy a quality tub with proper insulation.

Not if you keep on top of the basics. Water testing and chemical balancing takes 5 minutes every few days. Filter cleaning once a month. Full drain and clean every 3-4 months. Annual service by us is recommended but not essential. Total annual maintenance cost (chemicals, filters, occasional parts) is typically £200-300. The most expensive maintenance is the maintenance you skip.

Every 3-4 months for a family of four using it regularly. If it's just two of you, you can stretch to 4-5 months. You'll know it's time when the water starts to feel different: slightly foamy or harder to balance chemically. We'll show you the signs during your handover.

Rinse it with a hose every 2-3 weeks and soak it in filter cleaner solution quarterly. Most people keep two filters and rotate them (one in the tub, one drying after cleaning). Replace filters every 12-18 months. They're inexpensive (£20-40) and make a huge difference to water quality.

You don't need to, and we'd recommend you don't. Hot tubs are designed to run all year round, and winter is when most people use them most. If you do need to drain it for an extended period, we can advise on proper winterisation to prevent frost damage. But honestly, a hot tub in December is one of life's great pleasures.

Call us. That's the short answer. We're local, we know every model we sell, and we carry common spare parts. Most issues are simple: a tripped breaker, a clogged filter, a water chemistry imbalance. For anything mechanical, we'll send someone out. That's the advantage of buying from a local dealer.

We recommend an annual service: we'll check the pumps, heater, electrics, jets, and give it a thorough clean. It's not strictly essential if you're good with maintenance, but it catches small problems before they become expensive ones. Most of our customers book an annual service and it gives them peace of mind.

Usually one of three things: pH is off, the filter needs cleaning, or the sanitiser level has dropped. Test the water first: if pH is above 7.6 or below 7.2, adjust it. If chemicals are fine, clean or replace the filter. If it persists after both, it might be time for a water change. Give us a call if you're stuck. Water chemistry questions are what we're here for.

Absolutely. Day-to-day maintenance is straightforward: test the water, add chemicals as needed, clean the filter regularly. Alex covers all of this during the installation handover. We also give you a written guide. Most customers are completely confident within a couple of weeks. And we're always on the phone if you need us.

Just give us a call on 01329 832294 or fill in the contact form on our website. We're open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sundays 10am to 4pm. You don't need to book for a general browse, but if you want a wet test, it's best to book ahead so we can have a tub warmed up and ready for you.

It's exactly what it sounds like: you get into a running hot tub with warm water and working jets. You feel the seats, test the massage positions, and experience the hydrotherapy. It's the only way to know if a hot tub is right for you. Bring a swimsuit and a towel (or we can provide). It's private, relaxed, and completely free.

A swimsuit and a towel. That's it. We provide everything else: changing facilities, refreshments, and as much time as you need. We won't hover or pressure you. Some people bring their partner, some bring the whole family. Whatever works for you.

Mount Folly Nurseries, Southwick Road, North Boarhunt, Hampshire PO17 6JH. We're just off the A32 near Wickham, about 15 minutes from Portsmouth, 25 minutes from Southampton, and 30 minutes from Winchester. There's plenty of free parking.

No. And we mean it. Read our reviews. 'No pressure' is the most common phrase our customers use. Graham, Mark, and the team are here to answer your questions and help you make the right decision, not to close a sale. We'd rather you go away, think about it, and come back when you're ready than feel rushed into anything.

Yes, we offer finance options to help spread the cost. Contact us for current rates and terms. These vary, so we'd rather give you accurate, up-to-date information than publish something that might change.

Deposits and terms depend on the finance option and the value of your purchase. We'll go through everything transparently when you visit: no hidden fees, no surprises.

Yes. Our finance options allow you to spread the cost over a period that suits your budget. Give us a call and we'll talk you through what's available.

Finance is available on most of our hot tub and swim spa range. Some terms may vary depending on the value. Get in touch and we'll confirm the options for your chosen model.