Your Spa–Insulation, Valves, Pumps

Your Spa–Insulation, Valves, Pumps

Spa Insulation

Insulation is a material made up of thousands of air pockets that keeps heat from escaping through the shell walls and floor. In some spas the insulation is part of the structural shell as well.
Insulation becomes more important when the air temperature outside the spa is lower. If your spa is outside, insulation is even more important. If you have better insulation, your utility bill will be lower. Unfortunately, insulation won’t stop heat loss to the atmosphere from the surface of the water. But since heat rises, your spa cover is a major barrier to heat loss. Cover your spa when it not in use.

Spa Valves

Valves allow you to close off the water on both sides of the electrical equipment, so the pump, heater, ozonator, and control box may be serviced. Some valves are like a faucet: turn the knob to open or close it. There are also slice gate valves. Push to close off a pipe; pull out to open the flow. The actual volume of water is a function of pipe diameter, and pump pressure.

Spa Pumps

Pumps recycle warm water and provide enough force to give you a relaxing, massage effect all over your body.
The main pump pulls water through the filter system, and then returns it to the spa through the jets. It should run perhaps 4 to 6 hours per day to keep your spa sanitary. In some spas, circulation pumps keep the water in motion, to prevent it from becoming stagnant, but not to filter it. In others, circulation pumps push water out the jets into the shell. In some systems, pumps introduce ozone into the water.
The more gallons of water going through your pump at the pump’s operating pressure, the more efficient your pump.