100 % Water Testing on All Spas 

Another feature that our customers benefit from is that all US Spas are water tested. We test with the water being heated. If we do find a leak or a problem with a component we repair it, and re-test the spa before we can consider it as a finished product. Some other manufacturers only water test one out of every 5 or 10 spas in their line. They do this to keep the production line moving faster. This is how they can produce so many spas. Think about it, if the spa that they tested did not have a problem, how do they know that the spas before or after did or did not have a problem? This is why we water test all of our spas. We will take the extra time to finish the spa right.

What Is Ozone?

Ozone is "active oxygen", nature's special element. (Each ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms.)
Ozone is a natural purifier.
Ozone is created in nature by the combination of oxygen in air and the ultraviolet rays of the sun or by the corona discharge during a lightning storm.
Ozone has a clean, fresh scent noticed after a rainstorm.
Ozone is the most powerful oxidizer safely used.
Ozone is the alternative water purifier to traditional chemicals such as chlorine and bromine.

What Does Ozone Do?

The Ozone layer in the atmosphere protects the earth from deadly radiation.
Ozone destroys bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew.
Ozone eliminates spores, cysts, yeast, and fungus.
Ozone oxidizes iron, sulfur, manganese and hydrogen sulfate.
Ozone eliminates oils and other contaminants in water.
Ozone eliminates odors in air, such as smoke.
Ozone keeps water clean and sparkling clear.
Ozone keeps water fresh.

Ozone Is Healthy

Ozone leaves no chemical by-products in water.
Ozone leaves no chemical taste or smell.
Ozone will not burn eyes or make them red or irritated.
Ozone will not irritate or dry out skin, nose, or ears.
Ozone will not leave a chemical film on material or skin.
Ozone will not discolor or damage hair or clothing.
Ozone adds no contaminants or by-products to water.
Ozone rids water and air of unhealthy microorganisms.
Ozone is NOT a carcinogen.

Where Is Ozone Used?

In 1906, Nice, France built the first water purification plant to use ozone.
Los Angeles, California has the largest ozone drinking water treatment plant in the world.
Most bottled water is purified by ozone.
Ozone is used to clean waste water and toxic waste.
Ozone purifies water in well and home drinking water systems.
Ozone systems have brought life back to "dead" contaminated lakes and pools.
Ozone is used to purify air in hotel rooms, boats, RVs, cars, and smoke/fire damaged structures.
Ozone is used in thousands of residential and commercial pools and spas all over the world.
Key Benefits

Reduce traditional chemical (chlorine/bromine) use 60%-90%
Reduce handling and storage of unsafe chemicals
Eliminate constant repurchase of chemicals
Eliminate red, irritated eyes
Eliminate dry, itchy skin
Eliminate costly replacement of faded swimwear
Eliminate foul chlorine/chloramine odors
Eliminate foaming/"bathtub ring"
Eliminate environmental worries
Ozone Is Safe for the Environment as well as Equipment

Ozone will not explode.
Ozone is not a fire hazard.
In the dose required for excellent purification, ozone does not produce harmful fumes.
Ozone will not damage plumbing fittings or pipes.

Ozone Is Convenient in Pools and Spas

Ozone does not have to be purchased or stored. Ozone is generated "on site" and is introduced into the water or air automatically.
Ozone does not affect the pH balance of water, thus minimizing pH adjustments.
Ozone helps reduce total dissolved solids in water so that the water does not have to be changed as often.
Ozone eliminates much of the routine maintenance because it does such an effective job keeping the water clean.

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Information About Chloramines

When any type of chlorine is added to water, it usually forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl - the most powerful killing form of chlorine in water) and hypochlorite ion (OCl-), a relatively weak form of chlorine in water. The percentage of HOCl and OCl- is determined by the pH of the water. As the pH goes up, less of the chlorine is in the killing form and more of the chlorine is in the weaker form. The total of HOCl and OCl- is the free available chlorine.

Chlorine can combine with ammonia and nitrogen compounds in the water to form chloramines, sometimes called combined chlorine. By combining with ammonia and nitrogen, free chlorine in the water is disabled. Chloramines are 60 to 80 times less effective than free chlorine. Chloramines are formed any time ammonia and nitrogen are in the water. Some of the ammonia and nitrogen compounds are introduced into the water by swimmers and bathers in the form of perspiration, urine, saliva, sputum and fecal matter. An active swimmer sweats one pint per hour. The average person sweats three pints per hour in a heated spa. Ammonia and nitrogen compounds are also introduced into the water by rain. Each drop of rain has some dissolved nitrogen from our atmosphere and from automobile emissions.

Chloramines smell bad. This is the smell most often associated with pools and spas in health clubs and YMCAs. Chloramines are eye and skin irritants, and they cloud the water.

Chloramines can be removed from the water by the following three methods:

By adding a mega-dose of chlorine. Usually 3 to 6 times more chlorine than a normal dose is added to the water, or the level of chlorine is raised to 5 to 10 ppm and held there for 4 hours. This is called superchlorination. To remove chloramines, the ratio of chlorine to ammonia must be at least 7.6 to 1. If this ratio is not obtained, then more chloramines will be produced. Swimmers and bathers should not enter the water until the level of chlorine has dropped to 3 ppm or less.
By adding a non-chlorine shock to the water. The most common chemical used for this is potassium peroxymonosulfate. This ?shocking? requires the addition of one pound of shock for each 10,000 gallons of pool water.
By adding ozone to the water. If an ozone generator is installed on a pool or spa, then oxidation of the ammonia and nitrogen compounds will take place whenever the ozone system is operating. The longer the system operates, the more the ozone can destroy the ammonia and nitrogen. Although most ozone systems operate only when the pool or spa pump is operating, there are 24-hour systems available which will continously oxidize ammonia and nitrogen as they enter the water.
Ozone oxidizes soap, deodorant, hair spray, cologne, makeup, perfume, body lotion, hand cream, sun tan lotion, saliva and urine. In addition, ozone kills all pathogenic bacteria, germs and viruses. Ozone takes care of the big job of oxidizing all these organic contaminants. Ozone frees up the combined chlorine, thus leaving the chlorine free to provide a residual. Ozone ultimately enhances the performance of chlorine and bromine.

Less chlorine or bromine will be needed to maintain a residual. Commonly, ozone reduces chlorine or bromine use by 60-90 percent. The quality of water will be dramatically better with the combination of ozone and chlorine or the combination of ozone and bromine than with chlorine and bromine alone.

·         Ozone Generator: The US Spa Ozone System starts with the ozone generator. The ozone generator we use on our US Spa is a CD chip ozone generator developed by DEL Industries. The CD stands for Corona Discharge, which produces ozone by passing air through a corona. As the air passes through the corona it causes the two oxygen atoms (in normal oxygen molecule O2) to split into two free roaming oxygen atoms (O1). Then one of the free roaming oxygen atoms collides with a normal oxygen molecule (O2) and attaches itself, creating an ozone molecule (O3). And this is ozone, the addition of an extra highly accelerated oxygen atom to the normal oxygen molecule (O2). The third oxygen atom (O1) is the oxidizer that will attack the bacteria's cell wall, and neutralizing it.

·         Corona Discharge Replaces Older Ultra-Violet Ozone Technology: Many spa manufacturers still use the old ultra-violet (UV) technology to generate ozone gas.  UV is less efficient than the new corona discharge technology and eliminates the need for the spa owner to replace expensive UV bulbs.

·         Ozone Injector: US Spa uses the patented Mazzei® Ozone Injector to start our ozone purification system. The patented design of the Mazzei® Ozone Injector receives the filtered water and is pushes it through the injector body, where it then creates a vacuum that pulls the ozone gas from the ozone generator and mixes the gas and water together in the Mazzei® mixing chamber that breaks the ozone gas into small gas bubbles to help increase the purification of the water.

Ozone Floor Jet/Drain: After the mixture of ozone gas and water has exited the mixing chamber, the final destination is to reenter the spa's main body of water. The mixture enters the spa through the Ozone Floor Jet/Drain, which is located at the bottom-center of the spa. By introducing the mixture to the bottom of the spa, this gives the ozone gas the last place to fuse the remaining ozone gas with the water. You will be able to see the bubbles travel up from the Ozone Floor Jet/Drain at the bottom of the spa to the surface. The Ozone Floor Jet/Drain is also the bottom drain. When you drain your US Spa the water goes out through this drain.  If a spa has a bottom drain and the ozone is not entered there, the drain line itself becomes a “Dead Zone” holding water that will NEVER be circulated and can be an incubator for bacteria.

In the premium US Spa models, 24 hour circulation pumps are used to continuously filter the water.  Water is circulated through the skimmer door.  Floating debree gets trapped in a basket in the skimmer.  Water is circulated through dual cartridge filters that total 100 sq ft of filtering surface area.  The filters should be cleaned weekly with a brus, some water and a filter cleaning solution available at spa stores

Combining this continuous filtration process with ozone gas and you get very effective water sanitization.  This minimizes the need to use harsh chemical sterilizers such as chlorine or bromine.

US Spa uses pumps made from the industries largest and most reliable spa pump manufacturer, Aqua-Flo. In our larger models, US Spa uses two 3.5 HP single speed pumps that can pump 170 gallons per minute each.  Our larger hot tubs have half the jets attached to pump 1 and the other half to pump 2.  Many spa manufacturers use a diverter valve that allows them to use a single pump and close off a section of jets in order to provide strong jet action to the other section of jets.  We have spent the money to put in two strong pumps eliminating the need for  diverter valves and to assure our customers thorough hydrotherapy.

In our larger models, we use a 1/15 HP pump for 24 hour circulation and filtering of the water. These pump 50 gallons per minute. Thus a 500 gallon hot tub will have the water run through the filter every ten minutes or six times an hour. Some spa manufacturers use 2 speed pumps: a low speed for filtration and a high speed for jet circulation. The chance for failure increases by a large % because the pump is gearing up and then slowing down creating extra stress on the internals. We have included 24 hour circulation as a standard feature to insure you the cleanest water to enjoy in your spa.

5500 Watt Heater

US Spa utilizes the Balboa Heater and Digital Control Pack.  This is state of the art M7 technology. Balboa has eliminated all the pressure and vacuum switches.  The patented M7 technology has removed one of the most troublesome devices in any spa system.  No more calibration problems, no more installing the wrong pressure rating, no more pressure switch failures-ever. 

Digital Controls

The digital electronic control panel is made by Balboa.  It comes programmed at the factory and is very simple to operate. Our larger hot tubs have half the jets attached to pump 1 and the other half to pump 2.  Many spa manufacturers use a diverter valve that allows them to use a single pump and close off a section of jets and provide strong jet action to the other section of jets.  We have spent the money to put in two strong pumps to 4eliminate the need for a diverter valve and to assure our customers thorough hydrotherapy
 

US Spa uses several insulating materials working together to better insulate the spa from heat loss and reduce sound and vibration.

Hyrizon 30 pound per square foot foam resin provides the first layer of insulating material on the shell.  In addition a one pound polyurethane foam is sprayed on all of the free hanging plumbing fixtures, hoses, and lines preventing heat loss and securing various items together to reduce vibration.

Hot Air Space is an engineered gap or space of air in between the foam and the foil backed Styrofoam insulation on the skirt panels. This space of air is needed to let the pumps breathe. In addition, the hot air that is exhausted from the pumps circulates around the foam and in between the Styrofoam insulation creating an additional insulator. By using what otherwise have been wasted energy, we have collected this energy and converted it into the second part of our insulating materials.

Foil-backed Styrofoam Insulation; is a ¾ inch panel of Styrofoam material with a heat reflective foil sheet that is attached to the skirt panels. The hot exhausted air from the Hot Air Space now circulates in between the foam and the foil-backed Styrofoam insulation, creating a double-pane window effect. The radiant heat of the pumps and the spa reflects off the inside facing foil and is reflected back to the spa.

 
Panels of redwood siding is not only what completes the spa and finishes the beautiful skirt paneling, but is also the final insulating factor before the spa's heat is lost into the atmosphere.

All US Spa cabinets are enclosed with furniture grade clear redwood panels.  The US Spa cabinets are supported three inches above the ground by a vacuum formed ABS plastic base called “Durabase”.  This protects the frame and internal components from moisture, pests and weather. The interior of the spa will be dry and safe even if the spa is surrounded by a pool of water.  US Spa has engineered and vacuum forms the ABS base pans in-house to assure precision fit to each of our spa models. The fitted “Durabase” base pan also provides a distinctive US Spa clean, finished look.  Most manufacturers are content to sit the cabinet on a 3/4" piece of pressure treated plywood or on a pressure treated wood base frame.  This does not effectively protect the frame and skirt panels if the spa is sitting in water. The base also helps prevent visits from pests seeking shelter and end up chewing electrical and plumbing lines.

Support stantions are vacuum formed into the “Durabase” pan to support the spa shell at several critical load bearing points.

To provide additional strength, cabinet corners are constructed of solid 2x redwood. Clear redwood skirt panels are milled on eight head, self joining molders to achieve a smooth, furniture grade finish.  The skirt panels are attached to the frame without screws or nails. US Spa has engineered a unique skirt panel locking system.  US Spa fabricates the skirt panels in-house. Panels are easily removable for access to the plumbing, mechanical and electronic components inside the cabinet. Manufacturing the “Durabase” pans and redwood skirt panels in-house allows US Spa to cut third party supplier costs and pass the savings along to our customers.

US Spa uses the Aristech Quarite Plus acrylic plastic for all of our spa shells.This a two ply, 325 mil laminated material. Most other shell manufacturers heat and vacuum form a 125 mil sheet of Acrylic into the spa shell form. Since this thin shell has very little strength, the shell requires several layers of fiberglass to be applied.  The Quarite Plus acrylic material that US Spa purchases from Aristech has already been laminated with a 275 mil ABS plastic backing. Thus, we start the vacuum molding process with material that is more than twice the thickness of used by most other manufacturers. Sporting a granite look, its patented pebble-like texture minimizes water spots, and surface damage from sunlight and chemical sanitizers.

The vacuum molding is done in a unique updraft fashion called “Invert-Forming”.  This process prevents the heated material from prematurely coming in contact with the cooler mold and cooling the material non-uniformly. “Invert-Forming” insures uniform thickness of the spa shell.

US Spa is one of only a handful of spa manufacturers worldwide to use Aristech’s state-of-the-art Hyrizon Hybrid Foam Resin for reinforcement and insulation. The shell is sprayed with the foam, which hardens and provides the rigidity needed.  The foam rises as it hardens to a density of approximately 30 pounds per square foot and has similar stiffness properties to an acrylic surface that has been reinforced with three layers of Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester (FRP).  Most spa manufacturers still use the time consuming, labor intensive FRP rollout method to reinforce the Acrylic. Since fiberglass lamination is such a lengthy (6-8 hour) manual process there are many opportunities for human error and contamination of the laminate material as it cures. Over time, these manufacturing defects can result in blistering, peeling and de-lamination. The Hyrizon foam cures in approximately ten minutes.  If there are any defects or bubbles, they will be seen and corrected at the factory.

 US Spa is a family owned company in Tampa Bay, Florida.  We have been manufacturing various spa/hot tub components to the wholesale market for over twenty years.  We have a redwood mill in California where we mill farm raised redwood.  The wood is sent to our Tampa Bay factory where it is used to make furniture grade spa cabinets, gazebos, wrap around bars, stools, benches and steps.

In our vacuum forming ovens, we make the spa shells and plastic bases that keep the spa cabinet off the ground.  We have moldmakers that are continually crafting new spa designs so that US Spas will always stay current with the latest trends in spa design and hydro-therapy techniques.

We buy the best plumbing, heating, jetting and ozone generating components building these into our quality products. All this is done with a respect for the environment.  We buy farm raised redwood so that we do not help deplete the natural forests.  Unlike most spa manufacturers, we do not use any fiberglass to strengthen 6the acrylic shell.  Fiberglass is harmful to the touch and to the lungs of people who have to work with it.  We use a new technology, Hyrizon foam,  that we spray onto the shell.  This foam has a density of 30 pounds per square foot, sets up in minutes and gives strength and structure to the acrylic shell. The state of California endorsed this new resin technology as being safer to the environment than fiberglass . On all of our premium models, we install ozone gas generators.  Ozone gas is mixed with the filtered water as a powerful sanitizing agent.  Ozone gas is harmless to people and the environment while minimizing the need for harsh chemical sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine.

The team of employees at US Spa is really a family committed to building a great business.  Quality, business integrity and commitment to customer service are our guiding principals.  When you purchase a US Spa, you will become a member of our extended family.

Comfortable molded plastic spas in soft hues that accommodate any climate and decor have replaced the old wooden hot tubs of the 1960's. Hot tubs, which require adequate support and access to electrical power, now have bubbles, lounge chairs, cup holders, jets galore and more.
The hot tub area, often located in a private spot in the house or in a secluded backyard or deck, frequently becomes the social gathering place for families. Hot tubs also serve as the ultimate personal retreat. The tub's therapeutic waters are ideal for stress relief and relaxation, alleviating the aches and pains of everyday demands in the privacy of your own home.

Spas may also be customized within the master bedroom of your home. These exclusive bathrooms may include multi-outlet shower systems, steam showers or baths, and whirlpools with circulating jets to soothe away tension. For those who desire an indoor swim without a large pool, there are swim spas, which are larger, jetted tubs that simulate an actual swim.

Spa areas should be designed with harmony and serenity in mind. A service professional can help you select the spa products to meet your relaxation needs, including tubs and other amenities. There also is a wide array of design elements to make the home spa a sanctuary in which to restore and replenish your spirit

Spas the focal point of backyard retreats popular with boomers

By David Bradley

Associated Press

The world may not revolve around outdoor spas, but many thoroughly modern backyard retreats sure do.

No longer an afterthought plopped down in just any old place on a deck or patio, hot tubs are the new backyard focal point to entertain, dine, or soak the day away in a steady stream of heated bubbles, cascading lights or favorite tunes.

This is not news to Erica Moir, director of marketing and design for Jacuzzi Spa Division. She's seen it coming for quite some time.

``The trend is definitely toward the creation of a three- or four-season outdoor living space that is integrated to the rest of the home,'' said Moir. People, she said, demand more and more features for decks and patios that are increasingly used all year long.

Spas seem to have turned a corner and gone mainstream, Moir said. Once seen as little more than small hot tubs for swinging singles, spas are now accepted as in-home family getaways. Spas also appear to have accomplished the unthinkable: act as a conduit to get children and parents talking. Moir sees spas as another form of ``interactive entertainment.''

``Lots of users tell us it's the one place where families can talk together,'' said Moir. ``Plus, when you're in the spa with the kids, you know where they are. That's a nice feeling.'' She offers another reason teens take to high-end spas: They see spas as cool.

Spas are one element in the pursuit of a total outdoor experience that includes grill areas and niches for conversation and entertaining.

Boomers fuel sales

Boomers have also fueled the surge in spas. Warm-water jets, now positioned as hydrotherapy, are great relievers of aches and pains that come with age. In a nod to universal design and accessibility, handrails have been added as a steadying influence.

As deck uses have matured, so have spas. The boxy wooden contraptions of olden days, with a couple of high-pressure nozzles, are passe. Now, state-of-the-art hot tubs like Sundance Spas' Maxxus model feature 55 jets to massage backs, legs and necks, ergonomic seating, LED lighting, multiple waterfalls and surround-sound systems with pop-up speakers. Spa-goers in mid-soak can adjust water pressure and temperature, lighting, radio and music at the touch of moisture-proof remote controls.

Homeowners expect to sink into their spas and soothe away their troubles, not the least of which is maintenance headaches. No-maintenance insulated acrylic shells and synthetic skirts have replaced wood. Electronic controls also allow you to schedule filtration modes and monitor water quality. Marine-grade vinyl covers shield the tubs from spray as users hose off the deck.

There's another reason spas are outdoor centerpieces: The units can be quite large. Moir said Jacuzzi Hot Tubs offers models for groups of six or more as well as cozy units for twosomes.

While some spas readily plug in to existing power outlets, Moir said larger units that weigh several hundred pounds (before water is added) may require the deck to be reinforced and an electrician to wire the deck with adequate power capable of handling a multi-motor spa.