HOT TUBS IN A BUSINESS SETTING

Hot Tub Solutions For Holidays And More In-ground spas have been a familiar sight in a wide variety of leisure sector settings for a long time, but over recent years, it’s their hot tub cousins that have now become the latest must-have pieces of kit. From holiday park lodges to hotels and sports clubs and more – what was once often perceived as a novelty is now increasingly an essential and expected item for guests and members alike and we take a closer look at the options for various business settings By Jon Wadeson

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o longer to be found only in domestic settings, hot tubs are now being found in a variety of other locations. Owners of sports clubs and leisure facilities have added them to their facilities for the active whilst proprietors of holiday lodges and cottage rentals have seen them as great additions to enhance a holiday experience and provide a place for couples and families to relax. UK based lodges, cottages and holiday parks in particular have embraced hot tubs over recent years and after Wi-Fi, hot tubs are the most requested item from customers researching holidays destinations of this type online. A great example of their popularity was highlighted recently by holiday specialist Hoseasons – one of the biggest operators in the UK sector. As a company, they have championed the use of hot tubs and as a result of their inclusion in many of their holidays, they saw a 19% year-on-year increase in lodges featuring hot tubs. Research also suggests that with the introduction of a hot tub, premiums of up to 40% can be added to the overall price of a holiday. And in addition to this premium, occupancy rates improve too. With statistics like these, it is no surprise that hot tubs have performed well in the sector and be adopted by increasing numbers every year. A number of considerations have to be taken into account when it comes to maintaining models in business settings though. Their operation should be in accordance with Health & Safety Guidance (HSG) 282: The control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems – something which there is more information about on page 39 of this edition of SPN. Operating costs and durability also have to be conserved too. Thankfully, manufacturers have been quick to produce a number of models and technologies specifically for a sector where a hot tub needs to be particularly robust, easy to maintain and cost effective to operate. With a variety of solutions on offer, in this issue, we take a closer look at just some that are used in the sector.

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BE IN CONTROL WITH HOT TUB SUPPLIERS’ DURABLE TMC MODELS Hot Tub Suppliers have launched a new range of hot tubs for the 2017 / 2018 season which is dedicated to the commercial market where the demand for durability, efficiency and control is imperative. Designed by Zen Spas, each model in the Total Management Control (TMC) range are constructed from a strong stainless steel frame with a triple insulation cabinet and a robust ABS base. The multi-layered acrylic shell is stylishly surrounded with LED features enhancing the customers’ experience. Each model features dual controls panels, the top (customer) panel limits the user to access to the lights and jets whilst the second control (management) panel boasts the full range of controls and is securely concealed within the hot tub cabinet behind a lockable panel. Adding a further dimension to hot tub control, TMC models are fitted with a Wi-Fi adapter which enables control of the hot tub via a mobile phone or other smart device. The Wi-Fi, control panels and spa system are all designed by the world renowned Balboa Water Group. On-site chemical and system training is provided by Hot Tub Suppliers and this is backed up with a portfolio of support videos

which are freely accessible 24/7 from the video gallery section on the company’s website (www.hottubsuppliers.com) meaning help and advice is always on offer. Further information on the TMC range is available via the Hot Tub Suppliers website with the seven seater Imperium and eight seater Orbis models both featured. More models will be added to the range in 2018. Based in Leicester, Hot Tub Suppliers are a multiple award winning hot tub company with a reputation built on product, support and service. The company are also BISHTA (British & Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) affiliated and are a Balboa Approved dealer.

BOWMAN EC80 – HOT TUB HEATING THAT’S FASTER AND CHEAPER The launch of the Bowman’s ultra-compact EC 80 unit at SPATEX earlier in the year has provided hot tub installers with a powerful alternative heating option. No longer do they need to rely on electric heaters to get their tubs up to temperature. Use of the EC 80 means that they can now utilise gas or renewable energy boilers and hot tubs can be heated from cold in just a few hours, compared to up to 24 hours, as is the case with many electric heaters. Heating the water in a hot tub in this way will also significantly lower heating costs, so there are dual benefits on offer.

TMC models from Hot Tub Suppliers feature dual controls panels – a top panel for customers (inset) management concealed within the hot tub cabinet.

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