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Welcome to our comprehensive FAQs page, where we aim to address all your questions and provide valuable information about our premium hot tubs. Our team of experts has meticulously crafted this resource to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your hot tub purchase and maximize your relaxation experience. Whether you’re a seasoned spa enthusiast or a first-time buyer, we’re confident you’ll find answers to your questions here. From technical specifications and installation details to maintenance tips and troubleshooting guidance, we’ve covered a wide range of topics to ensure you have a seamless hot tub ownership journey.
Our FAQs are regularly updated with the latest information and insights, so feel free to bookmark this page and refer to it whenever you need assistance. If you can’t find the answer to your specific question here, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable customer support team for personalized guidance.
There is lots to consider in selecting the right hot tub for you; your height, the number of people using the hot tub on a regular basis, even down to the style of massage you’re looking for. We’ve built a huge range of hot tubs so we can almost guarantee the right hot tub for you is in there!
Check our Hot Tub Buyers Guide for the full details or give the sales team a call on 0115 954 8888 and they will be able to advise on the best options for you.
We would never try to tell you exactly how much your hot tub is likely to cost to run. There are lots of different factors that affect the running costs – regularity of use, ambient temperature, electricity tariff.
You may see claims from some companies of £1 per day, but this is likely being calculated only on the cost of keeping the water hot, without any initial start-up costs or running the jet pumps. In other words, not enjoying the hot tub! This can be misleading as using the hot tub will obviously exceed this and it is impossible to determine the exact cost without knowing how often the hot tub will be used.
For estimates on the different running cost and how to run your hot tub most efficiently, check out our running costs page. Then speak to our sales team, where we can have an honest conversation before you purchase to advise more thoroughly.
Firstly, consider the location of your hot tub; if it is located in a cold, exposed area with lots of windchill, it will take more energy to keep the water at the correct temperature than a sheltered warm area.
Keep the hot tub at a set temperature; it may feel more efficient to reduce the water temperature and reheat before use. But if you are using the hot tub regularly, it’s likely to use more energy re-heating the water than keeping it at a steady temperature.
Invest in a Spa Protector; this thick, layered cover adds an additional layer of insulation to the hot tub while offering protection to the hot tub cover.
Choose a hot tub with the right size and specifications for you; for example, a larger hot tub with more water, will inevitably have a higher running cost. But for large families or if you enjoy your hot tub with friends, this is likely outweighed by the enjoyment and entertainment you’ll gain in a larger tub. The Sales Team can advise on tubs with additional insulation and highly efficient jet pumps which can help reduce the energy requirements when the hot tub is in use.
We offer a range of hot tubs with double, triple or quadruple insulation along with the insulating lid.
Insulation Included: water resistant polyurethane foam on the acrylic shell making sure the heat stays in your water. Side panels and hot tub base also act as a layer of protection against outside elements.
Enhanced Insulation: more energy efficient, including the standard shell and cabinet insulation, and also a foil reflective layer on the skirting panels and base of the hot tub to help keep the heat in.
The insulation included in each hot tub is detailed in its specification. The more insulation, the lower the running cost compared to a hot tub of the same size and with the same use.
We do get asked why we don’t completely fill the inside of the hot tubs with foam insulation. This can reduce heat loss but it means if there is a problem with a part or pump in the future, it’s almost impossible to access and repair it. A simple leak in a jet or pipe-joint can create huge maintenance problems. Our hot tubs are designed to last and be enjoyed for years. Part of that is ensuring access to be maintained and that easy repair after a few years of use doesn’t end with you purchasing a brand new tub.
We have four showrooms open across the UK: Nottingham (our flagship showroom), Chesterfield, Edinburgh and Cardiff, all located with easy access from the motorways and with ample free parking.
No appointments are needed but opening times vary by location so check our Showroom page for all the details.
Blue Whale Spa is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of hot tubs, being the only UK company who manages the entire process from design and production to sales, delivery, installation and after sales, with thousands of satisfied customers.
We design the hot tubs in the UK, for the UK market and weather, which are manufactured in our own facilities in China. This allows us scrutiny over every stage in production, sales, installation and maintenance. Extensive testing, including wet testing, is conducted on every hot tub before it leaves our manufacturing facility to ensure the quality is maintained.
Your hot tub already includes an insulating cover, steps and a free filter, so the only essential extra is the chemicals to keep the water hygienic.
We recommend using our Starter Chemical Pack as they are designed to protect your hot tub and they include easy to use instructions. Alternatively the Advantage Chemical pack is a really cost effective option.
We also have a range of Blue Whale Spa Accessories available, from Testing Strips and Filters to Cover Lifter.
For added protection and insulation, we recommend using our thick Blue Whale Spa Spa Protector.
Our hot tubs are designed to be used all year round, with insulation and powerful heaters so they stay hot in colder weather. One of the best times to enjoy a hot tub is a cold crisp evening, the water keeps you warm and makes a fantastic contrast to the cooler air; there’s a reason saunas were invented in Finland.
However, if you do choose not to use your hot tub in winter, follow our winterization guide or book a winter shut down, to ensure you close it down properly without risking damage.
A smooth, flat, structurally sound, level, even surface that is capable of uniformly supporting the entire filled weight of your new hot tub plus the weight of the users. A filled spa can weigh a great deal. Make certain that the location you choose can support the weight of your filled spa.
You need to consider having a power supply that is close enough, but also far enough away so that water cannot splash into the socket. Allowing water into the equipment compartment can damage the electronics, or may result in tripping your house’s circuit breaker or RCD.
Leave yourself easy access to all circuit breakers and RCD’s. Also, leave access to at least the entire front of the spa (the removable panels provide access to the spa’s equipment) for periodic spa care and maintenance.
Also consider your surroundings: placing your spa near a wind break such as a fence will help to reduce wind exposure, helping it to retain more heat and in turn help to reduce your running costs. You should also consider where you will drain the water when required.
All Blue Whale Spa Hot Tubs include free UK mainland delivery and installation.
All off-mainland purchases need to be organised with an independent courier for separate delivery.
Your hot tub will be delivered on it’s side on a hot tub sled so we need a minimum of 5cm on either side of the hot tub to access your location. This includes any potential obstacles, such as drain pipes, gates and steps. The full delivery details are available on the Site Preparation page and we will be in touch to go through these as part of your pre-delivery checks.
Ahead of the installation, we ask you to check the delivery route and complete our Pre-Delivery Checks. This includes sending photographs of the delivery route, from street to the final position, so the engineers can be sure the hot tub can be delivered safely.
The electrical installation should be complete ahead of the delivery date and a armoured cable provided to connect your hot tub to the electrics. We also recommend ensuring you have a hosepipe handy to fill up your hot tub.
Included in the price of your hot tub is our “Delivered and Installed” service which includes delivery, positioning, wiring into the control box and your pre-installed isolation switch, and an onscreen demo how to fill with water, maintenance and chemical talks, and instructions of function.
If you wish to have our team fill up your hot tub with water, commission and test everything, give you a detailed chemical talk, basic instructions on maintenance and feature and function demonstrations, you can upgrade to the “Comprehensive Delivery Service” for just £199. Call our team on 0115 954 8888 to find out more.
All deliveries are carried out by our own team of directly employed, highly skilled and experienced engineers.
We have an extensive stock of hot tubs at our local showrooms so, if your hot tub is in stock, delivery can be within two weeks.
Alternatively, if you are still preparing the site then we can usually hold your hot tub until delivery.
After ordering your new hot tub, the Sales Team will be in touch to complete the Pre-Delivery Check and to set a delivery date. Typically, the delivery of your new hot tub will be scheduled within 2 weeks of your order. However, during peak season this could extend to 4 weeks.
If your hot tub is out of stock at the time of ordering, the Sales Team will advise the estimated wait time and will get back in touch to arrange the delivery when it comes back into stock.
Deliveries outside the UK mainland may require an additional charge and a longer timescale.
Please contact the Sales Team to discuss any further details.
If you would like to reschedule or postpone the delivery of your hot tub, simply let us know and we will store your hot tub until you are ready for delivery.
If the delivery is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice a cancellation fee of £150 will be charged.
The install engineers allocate three hours to complete a comprehensive delivery installation. As part of the upgrade your hot tub will be filled and each function tested.
However, if there is low water pressure, the engineers may continue to their next delivery and return to complete the testing and information later the same day to avoid a long wait on site.
When using our 0% APR finance option, we are required to offer a 14-day cooling off period prior to delivery, which starts when the finance agreement is signed. Upon delivery, our delivery team will ask to see valid ID and proof of residence from the finance signatory. They will also be asked to sign the delivery paperwork.
There is additional information on site preparation and delivery access available here but for additional support or to address any concerns, the Sales Team is available to help on 0115 954 8888 or through the Customer Support Form on the Contact Us page.
Applying for finance has been designed to be as convenient as possible. Once you’ve chosen the products you’d like to purchase, use our handy finance calculator to see how your monthly repayments would change based on your deposit and the number of years you require the finance over.
Then make an initial application online or over the phone with the Sales Team, entering your personal details as required. We will send the details to one of our selected lenders and, subject to approval, they will send over the full credit agreement for you to review.
The price and finance options for each hot tub is displayed on our website but if you’d like to know more about finance or the price of a particular hot tub, speak to our friendly Sales Team on 0115 954 8888. They will also be able to advise on specifications, delivery and provide expert advice on the whole process.
To apply for finance, you must be:
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer online finance to the residents of Eire.
All of our hot tubs are available for purchase with 0% APR finance. We work with a select panel of lenders who can arrange the finance, subject to credit approval.
For further information, you can also speak to our Sales Team on 0115 954 8888.
Once your finance application has been approved by one of our lenders, the credit agreement will be immediately sent to you, either electronically or in the post. Please, ensure you read the credit agreement carefully and agree with all the terms before going forward.
When you are ready to go ahead, simply sign the credit agreement, following the instructions on the covering letter and ensuring you click on all the relevant sections to agree to the terms.
Once returned, your Blue Whale Spa sales representative will be notified and will be in touch to complete the hot tub order and take your deposit payment.
Please be aware, no products will be allocated to your order until your signed and completed agreement is received by the lender.
Credit scoring is the process that financial service companies complete to evaluate the credit risk of new applicants.
The finance lender will complete a credit score by awarding points for each answer given on your finance application form (such as age, income and occupation), together with information obtained from credit reference agencies.
This information allows the lender to product consistent decisions, fairly and without discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, religion or disability.
In addition to credit scoring, the lenders will also seek to confirm your identity and validate certain application details, existing commitments and information held at the credit reference agencies.
We are unable to provide you with a main reason for any declined applications but these are usually based on one or a combination of the following:
Some of the information is public information such as electoral roll, county court judgements and bankruptcies. Other lenders may also file information about accounts you hold with them; for example, this could include your payment history and outstanding balance on these accounts.
Requests for credit, although not the result, will also be filed if a credit reference search was undertaken.
The selected lenders we work with are regulated by the FCA and adhere to GDPR and Data Protection Regulations. Your privacy will be protected and the information you provide to us will only be used for the purposes of the application.
Credit reference agencies have a statutory requirement to share the information they hold on you, when requested. If you believe that the information is incorrect, you can ask the agency to correct it.
The information can be requested online through the relevant agencies website or in writing at the below addresses.
Consumer Help Desk Experian Limited – PO Box 8000 Nottingham NG1 5GX
Equifax Ltd., Credit File Advice Centre – PO Box 1140. Bradford, BD1 5US
Consumer Services, Callcredit Limited – PO Box 491, LEEDS, LS3 1WZ
For written requests, send a cheque for £2.00 payable to the relevant agency along with the details of all addresses at which you have lived over the last 6 years.
Yes, we acknowledge that circumstances change and just because one of our lenders has refused a previous application, it does not mean they will automatically turn down a further request. We do suggest that at least 6 months are left between applications.
Your monthly finance payments will depend on the amount you would like to borrow and the length of time for repayments.
For an initial quote, see the finance offers available on a product page, or speak to our sales team once you have selected your hot tub. Before you sign the finance agreement, you will be given the chance to look through the confirmed payment schedule along with the terms and conditions to ensure you are happy with it before you sign. Prior to signing there is no obligation to take up the credit offer and you will have a 14 day cooling off period once the agreement is signed.
Blue Whale Spa does not charge any fees for arranging the finance and as the offer will be for a 0% APR loan, there will be no interest payable.
There are optional additional services and products which come with an additional charge. However, all of our products and hot tubs are the same price whether you choose to take up the finance option or to pay outright.
We offer initial deposits from £99 so 0% APR finance is available without a large initial deposit. As we offer long payment periods, this keeps monthly payments lower to increase affordability.
To protect ourselves and our customers from fraud, we will only deliver hot tubs purchased on finance, to the home address listed on the finance application.
If you are considering a hot tub purchase for a second home or alternative address, call and discuss the options with the Sales Team on 0115 954 88 88 before making the order.
If you would like to repay your loan before the scheduled date; simply contact your lender directly and they will arrange the final payment. Your lender’s contact details will be on the credit agreement. They may charge a small admin fee which will also be detailed on the credit agreement.
Our friendly Sales Team is available on 0115 954 8888 and will be happy to help with any queries around finance or any other aspect of your order.
We offer 13amp hot tubs which are able to be powered with a normal outdoor RCD plug socket, so require less electrical set up. An RCD is simply a safety cut out device for the electricity supply and is required to be in the outdoor socket for 13amp hot tubs or in the consumer unit for 32amp hot tubs. This is not included in the hot tub itself.
We do require you to provide a 2.5mm armoured cable long enough to reach from the socket to your hot tub (Plus an extra metre) and have a plug on one end. The engineers will wire this into your hot tub during installation.
We also offer 32amp hot tubs and 40am swim spas.
The electrical details are available on the site preparation page and will also be emailed to you ahead of the installation date.
Using your garden hose, fill the hot tub through the filter compartment to avoid as much as possible the chance of an airlock.
Fill the tub until the water level is between the highest jet in the seats and the bottom of the headrests.
You may find that if several people enter the tub that the water level will rise to more than half way up the headrests which some people may find uncomfortable and difficult to keep their heads above the waterline, if this is the case you should drain some of the water until the water level, with people in the tub, is at the bottom of the headrests again.
Your hot tub is designed to be easy to maintain and clean. Read our maintenance page for an overview.
We will provide a full owners manual with maintenance instructions with your hot tub installation and the customer support team are at the end of the phone to answer any queries.
Your hot tub requires an annual service from a trained engineer to ensure it is running smoothly and pre-empt any issues such as limescale build up. Book in your service with the aftercare team on 0115 954 5346.
The hot tub water should be checked daily with the testing strips and the chemical balance adjusted by adding small amounts of chemicals to the water. Then run the jets for 5 minutes so the water is well mixed, before retesting until the colour on the strips matches the bottle.
One of the most important things to ensure your hot tub stays clean and clear is to shower before entering your hot tub to remove any beauty products, lotions or oils which can cause the water to become cloudy. In addition, avoid using fake tan before entering your hot tub as it can stain the hot tub shell.
It’s key to only use hot tub cleaning products in the hot tub as standard detergents and cleaning products can cause foaming. For the same reason, do not wash your swimwear with detergent but rinse wash it before using the hot tub.
The water needs changing every 3 – 4 months of normal hot tub use, if the water is being appropriately treated with the right chemicals. When you refill your hot tub, ensure you use a non-chlorine shock after the sanitiser, alkalinity and pH are balanced to oxidise the water and keep it clear.
The filter should be cleaned every two weeks with a hosepipe and filter spray. To extend the lifespan on the filter, let it fully dry before using in the hot tub. It’s a good idea to swap between two filters so you can enjoy your hot tub sooner.
Sanitising chemicals are essential to maintain the cleanliness, clarity, and pH levels of the hot tub water, otherwise bacteria will build up.
Chlorine is the more commonly used sanitiser for hot tubs but if you prefer or have a sensitivity to chlorine, bromine is a great alternative. Both come in a granule form which dissolves easily in the hot tub water. Just ensure you check the chemical balance before each use to ensure that it is balanced and safe to use.
0115 954 8888 (Option 1)
Monday – Saturday :
9am – 6pm
Sunday : 11am – 5pm
Bank Holidays : Open as normal
0115 954 8888 (Option 3)
Monday – Friday : 9am – 6pm
Bank Holidays : CLOSED
11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
NG8 4GU
Monday – Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Bank holidays: Open unless advertised otherwise.
