More Jets Are Not Better!

Q: What about more jets? Do more jet holes drilled in a hot tub make it worth more money?

Keith: Definitely not! Many manufacturers drill as many jets as they think they need to sell the hot tub to the uneducated buyer. The more jet holes they drill into their hot tubs means the more motors and energy guzzling horsepower is required. This is dead against the findings of the latest independent research studies5 on improving hot tub energy use, construction and quality. Some customers are led to believe that more jets and motors mean it’s worth more money. This is not true. The fact is that the more holes drilled, the weaker the hot tub wall and structure becomes. Beachcomber engineered all 16 of our hot tub price levels with the ability to customize the number of jets you want, along with the type of jet massage you need for customized therapy at no extra cost.

Things that disappoint me about the hot tub and spa industry.

Q: What disappoints you most about the hot tub and spa industry?

1. Their poor quality of product and limited warranties from their top of the line to their lowest prices

2. With the hot tub prospects having such little knowledge, our competitors misrepresent the price discounts savings to them (inflating their retail price implying a big sale saving at the time of purchase)

3. As bothersome to me, with the little customer knowledge, our competitors put useless options on their spas like synthetic molded pillows, ozonators, little or no insulation, jet holes all throughout their spas, multi motors/pumps that guzzle energy. These are some of my top pet peeves and I believe should not be built into any hot tub/spa. Another key one is adding a TV; it is just terrible for a spa!

The True Cost of Ownership of A Hot Tub.

Q: What does the disposability or the design life of a hot tub or spa mean?

Keith: While conducting the testing of hot tub/spa monthly total electrical operational costs the independent industry studies also noted the ‘Design Life’ spans or the number of years before you would have to throw your hot tub away. The study noted that the life span of hot tubs is mostly rated to quality and its cost. Beachcomber was shocked to learn that they stated that most spas would last only 5 years while other higher priced spa company’s product lasted an average of 10 years. In this magazine read page 6 to see how many years a Beachcomber can last! The industry’s low life span is unacceptable to Beachcomber and it is why we build the same quality and guarantee at every price level, yes even on our lowest!

Why You Shouldn't Have Built In Pillows in Your Hot Tub

Q: Is installing permanent pillows or molding them directly into a spa a good method of manufacturing?

Keith: No. I don’t recommend buying a spa or hot tub with pillows molded right into the lip of the hot tub shell. Customers have told me that one of the biggest problems with this method of construction is that these synthetic pillows stain, absorb bacteria, smell and become unsanitary and will have to be thrown away. Why would you install synthetic pillows that are not only unpleasant but also very expensive to replace? As an alternative, Beachcomber has developed comfortable contoured neck recesses without plastic pillows that will last the life of your Beachcomber.

More Motors and Larger Motors Cost You More Money

Q: Do more motors and higher horsepower in a hot tub mean it is better and worth more money?

Keith: No, in fact it is the opposite. I regularly work with our engineers to look for ways to reduce the number of motors and horsepower. The more motors and pumps you have in a hot tub/spa just cost you more in service and energy bills. We use reverse engineering to direct available horsepower effectively so that each jetting location delivers just the right power for the best jetting massage. When you lower horsepower or remove motors you use less energy and thus pay less to operate your hot tub.

How Much Should a Hot Tub Cost To Run?

Q: What should I expect to pay to heat a hot tub in a month?

Keith: The short answer is pennies a day. Let me explain. We have 16 different sizes of hot tubs and electrical equipment. Since electricity costs vary from place to place let’s put our executive 750 model, to the test. The cost to run it for a month is less than it would cost you to go to the movies with your partner one Tuesday night. We can verify monthly costs on all models through independent testing; ask for the Energy Guide to verify your model and monthly cost.

Hybrid Withstands Harsh Canadian Winters

Q: What about Beachcomber’s Hybrid Cab Forward ESMS equipment freezing?

Keith: People suggesting this is nonsense! I have been making hot tubs since 1978 and started this Eco4WALL insulation construction method in 1983. Beachcomber has been selling this type of construction with the equipment cab forwarded under the access step in the coldest Canadian climates to the hot deserts of Dubai with outstanding results. It’s common sense construction, just like the finest architecturally designed commercial buildings. They have all their mechanical equipment on the roof outside, on top of the building. Maximizing foam insulation in all 4 walls of the hot tub shell cavity with a properly sealed hot tub cover is the number one method to reduce operating costs and has been proven by independent testing. This is proven industry knowledge.

Beachcomber's Hybrid - Better Than the Industry Standard

Q: What about the hot tub/spa industry standard with a 3 wall foam insulation?

Keith: This is the second best way to save energy costs and Beachcomber does this method on our lower cost models and applications where it is impossible to use our 4WALL insulation method. It is clear if you insulate only 3 walls it’s much like most car garages where the garage is extremely hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter. It’s common sense that this 3 wall industry standard is not as energy efficient as the ECO4WALL BEACHCOMBER HYBRID.

Salt Water and Hot Tubs, a Bad Mix.

Q: Can you explain your thoughts on the Salt Water systems used for hot tubs?

Keith: Many salespeople recommend salt water for hot tubs without knowing the ramifications of using this highly corrosive mineral. In fact, many municipalities are now banning the use of salt systems; it becomes an environmental pollutant when flushed into storm drains from hot tubs. And to make matters worse, salt quickly deteriorates hot tub equipment, fixtures and often surrounding environments like decks and railings. Special mechanical units that generate the chlorine for this system have no way to regulate their output into hot tub water; and they will require cleaning and replacement because of the scale and corrosion that salt naturally brings. Beachcomber brand water care products give you options, including eco-friendly enzymes.

Like we always knew, full insulation is better.

Q: Can you explain your thoughts on hot tubs with little or no insulation?

Keith: In the late 70’s, we used to make hot tubs with little or no insulation. But since 1983, Beachcomber has said that filling in every bit of the cavity below the hot tub/spa shell with sprayed foam insulation is the proper construction method. This produces the lowest energy operation cost. Spa competitors have said “Beachcomber is wrong with using 100% foam fill” until the fall of 2008 when independent testing laboratories confirmed that maximizing insulation under the shell and the cover sealed to the shell is the number one way to reduce energy costs on a hot tub. I have always asked “would you buy a house from a contractor that said he was not insulating the walls of your house because you will save money, and just in case the plumbing leaks, you can fix it?”

Why You Shouldn't Have An Ozonator

Q: Is an Ozonator system the best method to disinfect and clean hot tub water?

Keith: No, an ozonator does not disinfect, treat or clean hot tub water at all; I will not personally recommend ozone. It is an oxidizer only and generates a strong gas that is released directly into your hot tub water for an oxidization process. Releasing a harmful gas like this directly into your hot tub bothers me – it’s not safe. Natural, clean water is a very important part of our service to Beachcomber customers after they install their new hot tub. We recommend a easy, clean, simple and as a natural a process as possible.

Beachcomber Hush Pump Beats the Industry Standard

Q: Is the spa industry standard of having a small diaphragm circulating pump running 24 hours a day the best and most efficient way to clean your hot tub water?

Keith: No, small circulating pumps are fine for fish tanks, but I would not recommend you rely on this type of circulation method for the best maintenance and cleaning of your hot tub. Easy maintenance, yet quiet operation is our goal at Beachcomber. We only know one way to create a high level of clean water and it’s through our Hush Pump, our ESMS technology, a bottom floor drain, and the Microfilter all combined together with a very high water flow of filtration. That’s what gives you the easiest, cleanest, lowest cost hot tub maintenance.

Hot Tub Maintenance is Easy!

Q: Is hot tub maintenance difficult?

Keith: It could be if it didn’t have a digital control pad on the hot tub lip to let you manage the heating and cleaning functions automatically so your hot tub is always ready for use. Our computerized system lets you control the maintenance of your Beachcomber – and saves you money in energy costs. There’s a special Economy Mode for when you’re away for long periods – or for your hot tub at the cottage or second home. Nothing could be simpler – or more energy efficient.

Getting Ready for Your New Beachcomber

Q: How do we install our hot tub?

Keith: Our Beachcomber retail store professional should visit your home to do a Free site evaluation. At this time they will bring our Hot Tub Template to determine the size, the best place to install and, how best to deliver it in your home and the exact list to prepare the ground location, electrical needs, etc. We recommend that you install your hot tub close to your back door. This makes it easier to get to and from all year long and helps reduce exposure to wind so you can enjoy your soak even more. Once this is done our hot tubs can then be delivered and set up in your backyard in a few minutes, and moved again if you ever decide to move. All you need is a level space, a garden hose and an outdoor tap, and the electrical line is much like your kitchen stove wiring.

Beachcomber's 30 In Home Trial

Q: What does Beachcomber mean by a 30 Day, no risk in home trial?

Keith: It means that the customer can purchase a new Beachcomber Hot Tub size, color and options they want, then try it in their home for 30 days and have the confidence that if something’s not right, they can exchange it for the right model.