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Spa & Hot Tub Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a hot tub to warm up?

Unlike an in-ground spa, Caldera hot tubs are designed to be hot and ready for use at all times. Caldera hot tubs are highly energy efficient and feature hot tub insulation and hot tub covers with the highest possible efficiency to ensure the lowest possible energy costs.

If you just filled your hot tub with fresh water, it will take several hours to heat up initially, depending on how many gallons of water need to be heated. Check the Owners Manual for your specific hot tub model to find out how long it should take to get up to temperature after a water change.

What size hot tub should I buy?

The first consideration is to determine what size hot tub fits in your yard. Then look at how you plan to use your hot tub. Do you have a large family or plan to entertain in your spa? Do you want a wider range of massage options for hot tub Hydrotherapy? If so, opt for more spacious spa models like the Cantabria® or Vanto®. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience or alone time with the hydromassage jets, a smaller model hot tub like the Caldera Kauai® may be just right. Be sure to factor in the room to create a beautiful space around your spa in an accessible location rather than hiding it in a corner (try our deck design tool if you’d like a little help imagining your backyard with a spa).

Does using a hot tub help you sleep better?

Yes, your body temperature is raised as you soak in your hot tub and when you leave the hot tub, your core temperature cools, which signals to your body that it is time to sleep. When you are sleeping your body temperature is at the lowest level of the day. Using your hot tub 60 to 90 minutes before you go to bed will cause this variation in body temperature to happen signaling your body that it is time to sleep.

What is hydrotherapy?


How do I prepare my hot tub for winter?


If you plan to use your hot tub during the winter months, be sure to drain and refill your hot tub when temperatures are above freezing for long enough to drain your spa, refill it and allow the heater to bring the water back up to temperature. Much of that planning depends on where you live. If you can drain and refill your hot tub as late as mid-December, the water will last through winter until mid-March.

Also keep in mind that water evaporates quickly during a dry, cold winter. Be sure to check the water level to make sure it doesn’t fall below the skimmer level. If the water stops circulating, it won’t be heated.

Why should I buy an expensive hot tub versus a cheap one?

As with any other purchase, buying a hot tub is about value. It’s not important that you buy an expensive one. It’s important that you buy a spa that meets your personal needs and desires, and one that is well built, reliable, and well equipped for the money you spend.

As you’re shopping, compare spas feature-to-feature, and then compare prices. You may find that a spa from one manufacturer with every feature you desire falls in the middle price range. That same spa from a different manufacturer might be in a high price range. That’s where value comes into play. Expensive isn’t necessarily better. High value is better.

As for cheap spas, you may want your first hot tub purchase to be in the lower price ranges. That’s fine. Just be careful to buy a spa that’s soundly engineered, with quality components, built by a manufacturer that has a strong reputation and history in the industry. Also be careful to check the warranty. Even the cheapest spas aren’t really “cheap.” If you’re spending thousands of dollars on a product, take the time to make sure that a comprehensive warranty and a dealer service department with a sound reputation backs your investment.


Once your hot tub is properly installed, you can care for it in just minutes each week. Maintenance really consists of checking the water chemistry with simple test strips, and adding required chemicals once or twice per week. Your dealer can provide you with a chemical demonstration at the time of installation. You may even choose to use sanitizing tablets, that gradually dissolve and release chemicals over time, and require even less maintenance.

You will need to drain your hot tub’s water and re-fill it about once every three months. This process takes a couple of hours and is relatively simple. You’ll also need to clean the filter about once a month. Again, it’s a simple process that should take less than an hour.

What’s the purpose of a circulation pump?


Unable to find the answer above? Just give us a call at 708-345-2222 and we will get one of our Spa experts to help!

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