Hot tub glossary A-F
Xavier LabelleAcrylic: Many/most hot tub shells are made out of this durable synthetic material.
Air Flow Control: Adjust the massage action and jet pressure by changing the air flow.
Aromatherapy unit: built in unit as part of the hot air blower system to capture the power of scent to enhance relaxation and improve your overall state of mind.
Cartridge filter: Consisting of a cylinder of pleated fabric with end caps, filters are used to trap debris and dirt before they reach the spa water
Chlorine: When added to spa water, chlorine acts as an oxidizer, sanitizer, disinfectant, and all-around bio-cidal agent, killing algae and bacteria in the spa water
Circuit Board: The electronic brains of a spa, containing relays, contactors, and connecting to all other electrical components
Circuit breaker: A switch that allows you to manually override an electrical circuit. Circuit breakers automatically break the circuit when it detects harmful fluctuations in the electrical. In the UK, a Residual-Current Device (RCD) combines the functions of overcurrent protection and leakage detection. In North America a RCD is known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interupter (GFCI)
Circulation Pump: This is the pump that pulls water from the spa and pushes it through filters before returning it to the spa.
Control Panel: Allows you to adjust your spa’s settings such as temperature, jets and lighting.
Cover: Most hot tub covers are made of an insulating material that is covered with vinyl. The cover helps retain heat, keeps debris out of the water and when properly locked(!), can keep children and animals from getting into your hot tub
Cover Lifter: Eliminates the need to drag/pull your spa cover off of your spa before using it. It saves your back and helps prevent unnecessary damage to your spa’s cover.
Cover Guard: Woven Polyethylene spa cover which prevents deterioration caused by sunlight and weather
Diverter Valve: An adjustable valve that controls the flow of water from the spa jets.
Effective Filtration Area: The total area in square footage of the filter capable of filtering water.
Filter: Remove impurities from the hot tub water by pumping it through a porous medium such as polyester fibre.
Filtration (Water): For complete flow-through purification using a single or dual canister filter system.
Foam Insulation: Typically sprayed on the underside of a spa cabinet to help retard the loss of heat escaping through the shell.
G to Z
GFCI: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, the North American name for what the UK calls an RCD.
Glacier filter: Our antimicrobial filter cartridge with silver ion end caps and M-pleat media. Replace every 6 months for best performance, or up to 12 months for economy. See the Glacier filter.
Hardness (calcium hardness): The amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Very hard water can leave scale.
Heat pump: An add-on that heats water more efficiently than the spa's built-in heater. For hot tubs, see the Balboa Clim8zone II Mini.
Heater: The element that warms the water as it flows through the heater housing.
Hydrotherapy: Using warm water and massage jets to help you relax and ease tired muscles.
Isolator: A switch near the spa that cuts power completely, used before any maintenance.
Jets: Nozzles that mix water and air to massage you. Our guide to identifying your jet style explains the types.
Lounger: A reclining seat that lets you lie back with your legs stretched out.
Ozone: A strong form of oxygen made by an ozone generator, used to break down oils and organic waste in the water.
pH: How acidic or alkaline the water is. Keep it at 7.2 to 7.6.
Plug and play: A spa that runs from a standard 13A socket instead of a dedicated supply.
Ppm (parts per million): The unit used for chemical readings.
Priming: Filling the pumps with water when the spa is first switched on, so they don't run dry.
RCD: Residual Current Device. A safety device that cuts power if it detects current leaking to earth.
Sanitiser: A chemical, usually chlorine or bromine, that kills bacteria in the water. Keep free chlorine at 1.0 to 1.5 ppm.
Scale: Hard, chalky deposits left by calcium, usually when pH or alkalinity are too high.
Shock: A larger dose of oxidiser to break down organic waste after heavy use.
Skimmer: The opening at the waterline that draws surface water and debris into the filter.
Swim spa: A long spa with a strong current for swimming and exercise. See our swim spas.
Test strips: Paper strips that change colour to show chemical readings.
Topside control: The control panel on the edge of the spa.
Total alkalinity: The water's ability to resist changes in pH. Keep it at 80 to 120 ppm.
Turnover: The time it takes for all the water to pass through the filter once.
Union: A threaded fitting that joins pipework to a pump or heater and can be undone for servicing.
UV-C: Ultraviolet light used in some water treatment systems to make germs harmless as water passes the lamp.
Venturi: The air control that draws air into the jets to make the massage stronger.
Waterfall: A water feature that pours a stream into the spa, often lit.
Winterising: Draining and protecting a spa that will not be used over winter. See our winterising service.
Zone heating: On dual-temperature swim spas, keeping the swim area and spa area at different temperatures.
Choosing a hot tub?
Compare our hot tubs and swim spas, or visit our showroom near Gatwick.