fbpx

Frequently Asked Questions

Making the choice to invest in your dream hot tub or swim spa is significant, and it’s natural to have lots of questions. To assist you, here are the answers to some of our frequently asked questions.

Should you have additional inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on 01174 279369. For detailed product specifications, our brochure provides all the specific information you require.

Taking care of your hot tub is essential if you want to keep the water clean, clear, and safe to use. Regular maintenance typically includes checking and adjusting the chemical balance, rinsing/cleaning filters, and occasionally draining and refilling the spa.

We usually recommend testing your water with a test strip every couple of days. However, as you get familiar with how your spa behaves and how your water chemistry changes over time, you might find you don’t need to test quite as often.

At Hydropool Bristol, our Signature Self-Cleaning range has been designed to dramatically reduce the time and effort usually associated with hot tub maintenance. Every model in this range is equipped with our patented PureWater system, which uses a combination of UV-C and ozone to treat the water continuously. This advanced system helps destroy bacteria and viruses in the water and supports your chlorine or bromine in doing its job more efficiently. The result is typically 50% less chemical usage compared to other brands.

What’s more, our Self Clean hot tubs filter 100% of the water every 15 minutes using a built-in surface skimmer and floor vacuum. These features actively remove floating debris and dirt from the bottom of the spa before it has a chance to build up. Because of this highly efficient circulation and cleaning system, you may only need to drain and refill a Self Clean model once or twice a year, rather than every 3 to 4 months, which is typical for other hot tubs.

Serenity hot tubs still require more traditional upkeep, but if you’re looking for a minimal-maintenance option, Hydropool’s Signature Self-Cleaning range with PureWater offers one of the easiest water care routines on the market.

You can learn more about how a Hydropool Self-Cleaning hot tub reduces maintenance here.

Not at all! Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning system is a patented, fully-engineered technology that is exclusive to our hot tubs and swim spas. It’s not marketing spin, it’s a real system that actively filters and cleans the water in a way that no other spas on the market can match.

After a quick chat with our expert team or learning about it in our brochure, you'll understand how the system works. It's not rocket science; it's just patented.

Here's a quick overview:

The Hydropool Self-Cleaning system works through a 6-stage process that includes a pressurised surface skimmer, a unique floor vacuum, and high-flow filtration. Together, these components filter 100 percent of the water every 15 minutes, making sure debris is removed from both the top and bottom of the spa.

It’s supported by our PureWater system, which combines ozone and UV-C purification to treat your water without relying on large doses of chemicals. This extra layer of protection helps neutralise bacteria and viruses and reduces the demand on your sanitiser, whether you use chlorine or bromine.

Some brands may dismiss these features or suggest they aren’t necessary, but once you’ve seen the system in action or spoken to one of our experienced team members, it becomes clear that Hydropool’s approach is both effective and easy to understand.

Hydropool built this system to make spa ownership simpler and more enjoyable. Many of our customers say they spend more time relaxing and far less time worrying about water care, which is what a hot tub is supposed to be about!

No, Hydropool no longer manufactures or promotes saltwater hot tubs. While we did offer salt-based systems between 2006 and 2016, we made the decision to move away from them in favour of our own patented Self-Cleaning and PureWater™ technologies, which are now standard in our Signature range.

Saltwater systems once promised a low-maintenance, gentle-on-the-skin experience. But over time, feedback from Hydropool owners painted a different picture. Customers often found that keeping the water properly balanced still required regular input, and in some cases, even more attention than traditional sanitising systems.

Some of the most common issues included:

  • Frequent pH imbalances and the need to test water more often than expected
  • Ongoing cartridge costs, with salt cells needing regular replacement
  • Scale buildup, especially in hard water areas, leading to additional cleaning and maintenance
  • Early corrosion on fittings, jets and other components when water chemistry drifted out of range

Because chlorine is still being generated in the water, people sometimes assumed the water was balanced, but pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels still had to be managed carefully. When they weren’t, performance issues or damage often followed.

That experience led us to develop a smarter, more reliable solution. Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning system continuously filters the water and removes debris from both the surface and base of the spa. When paired with PureWater™ UV and ozone purification, the result is consistently clean, clear water with far less manual input, and no salt-related side effects.

If you’re looking for clean water, low maintenance, and proven long-term reliability without the guesswork, the Hydropool's Self-Cleaning and PureWater™ systems are our answer.

Salt water systems are often advertised as a hassle-free, more 'natural' alternative to traditional hot tub water care, but the reality is a little more complicated. That's why Hydropool moved away from using salt water systems in our hot tubs in 2016.

Here are some common misconceptions:

“Salt water spas don’t use chlorine.”
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings. Saltwater systems create chlorine from salt, so you're still using chlorine to sanitise the water. It's just being generated inside the spa instead of added manually. The water isn’t 'chemical-free'.

“Salt systems are maintenance-free.”
They still need regular water testing and balancing. You'll need to monitor pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and salt levels to avoid issues like scaling, cloudy water, or equipment wear. Skipping this can lead to more maintenance, not less.

“Salt water is gentler on skin and the spa.”
While saltwater may feel slightly softer on the skin for some people, it’s not automatically better. Because it still contains chlorine, those with chlorine sensitivity might still react. Plus, salt can be corrosive to components like heaters and jets if water chemistry is off.

“You only need to change the water once a year.”
Some systems claim extended water life, but in reality, water change frequency depends on usage, number of bathers, and how well the water is maintained. Many salt water spa owners find they still need to drain and refill every few months, especially if water chemistry drifts.

How Hydropool’s system compares
Hydropool moved away from saltwater technology in 2016 after years of customer feedback. Instead, we developed a more efficient approach: the Self-Cleaning system that filters the entire volume of water every 15 minutes, while our PureWater™ system uses ozone and UV-C light to purify it.

This combination helps reduce chemical usage, keeps the water clearer for longer, and makes it easier to manage - and with fewer surprises. It's not about shortcuts or gimmicks. It's about giving you a spa that stays clean with less effort.

When you invest in a Hydropool hot tub or swim spa, you're securing peace of mind through our exceptional warranty coverage. Every hot tub and swim spa includes a leading warranty: 10 years coverage on the fibreglass shell structure, 5 years on the acrylic interior, and 3 years protecting plumbing and component parts.

At Hydropool Bristol, we go the extra mile for our customers. In addition to the manufacturer's warranty, we offer an exclusive period of complimentary labour provided by our skilled in-house technicians. We believe in ensuring your complete satisfaction and the longevity of your hot tub or swim spa experience.

Our family-run business prides itself on the relationships we have with our clients. Our dedicated customer service team and full-time in-house technicians are available 7 days a week to answer any questions or queries that you may have about using your spa and best practices for maintaining it. Our technicians welcome you to video record our handover process at installation to refer back to, along with your guides and manuals. If you ever have any questions, we are only a quick phone call away.

Absolutely, and we highly recommend it! While many hot tubs may appear similar, we understand that your choice goes beyond mere aesthetics. That's why we invite you to experience our hot tubs and swim spas firsthand, with no commitment, at our renowned hot tub and swim spa showroom in Bristol. We believe in the importance of ensuring your satisfaction, which is why we encourage you to take a test soak before making a decision.

To schedule a private wet test and truly appreciate the benefits of Hydropool hydrotherapy, call our friendly team on 01174 279369.

We have a range of low and zero-interest payment plans available to help make your health and wellness investment more affordable. You can learn about our hot tub finance plans in Bristol here.

Depending on the accessibility of your property, we employ various methods, including standard flatbeds, hiabs, or cranes, to ensure that your new spa is carefully placed exactly where you want it. All swim spas require delivery via a hiab due to their size and weight.

Once your spa arrives, our skilled technicians take care of the entire setup. They will unwrap your spa, connect it to the power supply, and fill it with water before ensuring everything is in perfect working order.

But our service doesn't stop there. Our in-house technicians will provide a comprehensive tutorial session to get you familiar with the controls of your spa. During this session, we walk you through the spa's multitude of features, teach you how to maintain it, and address any questions you might have.

We understand that learning doesn't happen in a single session, which is why we encourage you to record the demonstration. However, if you ever find yourself needing assistance, our dedicated team is just a phone call or email away.

If you have a minimum access width of 1 metre, our experienced team will maneuver the hot tub on its side and place it securely at the desired location. For more restricted access, we offer alternative options such as hiab or crane delivery, ensuring that your spa installation is completed efficiently and without hassle.

Instances in which we cannot install a spa due to restricted access are extremely rare. Our team is well-equipped and experienced, and we can find a suitable solution for almost any situation. At the point of sale, we will discuss your access and inspect it online to offer assurances for your installation.

To keep your hot tub or swim spa running at maximum efficiency, we recommend that you get it serviced yearly. However, you are under no obligation to do so and this will not affect your warranties.

Yes, and if you like, we can handle it all for you. Our sister company, Rivera Decking, can take care of your project from start to finish but you are welcome to use any company you wish and we will readily cooperate with them to ensure that your installation is as stress-free as using your spa.

If you have sensitive skin and struggle with irritation caused by chemicals in public pools, a personal hot tub or swim spa from Hydropool might surprise you. Unlike public swimming pools, where extremely high chemical usage can lead to skin issues, our hot tubs and swim spas require significantly less sanitiser, creating a much gentler environment for your skin.

For individuals sensitive to chlorine, an alternative option is bromine, which some find more compatible with their skin. Although chlorine sensitivity rarely hinders hot tub usage, we understand the importance of your comfort and well-being. That's why we encourage you to visit our showroom for a wet test. By experiencing the water firsthand, you can assess its impact on your skin and make an informed decision about your purchase. Your satisfaction and comfort are our top priorities.

While hot tubs and swim spas are generally reliable, the most common problem that can occur is a leak. Although leaks are rare, they can happen due to the intricate manufacturing process involved in producing hot tubs. If your spa does develop a leak, it's typically something you'll notice within the first few months of use.

Hydropool offers comprehensive warranties to give you peace of mind. These warranties cover plumbing and parts for 3 years and the acrylic shell for an impressive 10 years. With these safeguards in place, you can enjoy your hot tub or swim spa experience with confidence, knowing that you're protected against potential issues.

At Hydropool Bristol, we also offer free labour for the first 12 months of owning your spa, at our cost.

Hydrotherapy-Brochure-Pages

Download a Brochure

In our brochure, you can learn about:

  • What makes Hydropool Hydrotherapy
  • Automated Wellness Programs
  • Our unique 6-stage self-cleaning technology
  • NASA-inspired insulation and energy efficiency
  • Hydropool hot tub ranges and models
  • Science-led Zone Therapy
  • Cabinet and shell options
  • Packages
  • + much more!