This principle applies universally to automobiles, ice cream, and yes, even hot tubs. As an employee of a hot tub manufacturer, I could easily claim that our products are the best; instead, I propose to illustrate the differences between our offerings, highlighting what makes our features stand out from our competitors.Give yourself a chance to make an informed decision.
Choose Reliability Over Unproven Claims
- When considering a significant expenditure, it’s essential to conduct thorough research to avoid being taken advantage of. What should you be looking for? Personally, I consider factors like, how long has the company been in business?
- Are their products locally made so they can be serviced easily?
- If I have to call for support, will I be speaking to someone located in a different time zone?
- Will they still have the necessary parts available in a few years, or will I end up with something pieced together from spare parts that wouldn’t be a perfect fit?
Master Spas:
Founded in 1996 by an entrepreneur who initially constructed pools, Master Spas expanded into hot tubs to explore market potential. The company is known for crafting high-quality spas featuring numerous jets and sleek, eye-catching designs, positioning itself as the top choice for party spas. Priced among the highest in the industry, Master Spas boasts endorsements from celebrities like Michael Phelps, indicating that customers will pay a premium for their products.
Arctic Spas®:
Founded in 1994 in a small shop near Sherwood Park, Alberta, a group of young men set out with one goal: to build hot tubs that could withstand the harshest Alberta winters. They eventually moved production to a town in rural Alberta, named Thorsby. This not only benefited the company but also quickly became a primary source of employment for the community.
At the outset of the company, the owners created a list of issues associated with the hot tubs available in the market. They observed several problems, including:
- Wooden floors
- Fully-foamed cabinets
- External equipment
- Complicated water care
- Cabinets lacking doors
- Inadequate jets
- Ineffective therapeutic jets
- Unreliable equipment that posed challenges for replacement
- Durable rigid floors
- Internal equipment safeguard against the elements
- Accessible cabinets with removable doors
- Streamlined and automated water care systems
- Customizable jets
- Improved hoses
One outstanding feature created by Arctic Spas® is its global network of dealers. This exclusivity ensures that with only trusted retailers selling Arctic Spas®, you’re guaranteed expert advice, dedicated service, and authentic products every time.
Strengthening the structure before it collapses: Selecting the ideal cabinet for your spa
The primary distinction between Master Spas and Arctic Spas® cabinets lies in their design. The variation in materials and craftsmanship is stark, significantly affecting the cabinet’s durability and the ease of interior repairs.
Master Spas constructs its cabinets using plastic, wood, and composite materials. Although cabinets made from composite or plastic provide the advantage of requiring minimal cleaning time, a notable disadvantage of this material is its tendency to expand and contract in response to varying temperatures. This fluctuation can lead to cracking, which can be challenging or costly to repair.
Utilizing these materials for installation is not advisable, because as the temperature decreases, the plastic becomes increasingly brittle, potentially leading to the shattering of the cabinet panels. This condition permits any heat present within to escape and also raises the risk of the hoses freezing.
Master Spas:
Master Spas utilizes untreated wood secured with TECO wood staples, along with a plywood base that measures between ¾” and 1” thick, placed directly on the ground. An ultra-thin ABS sheet provides outer protection against snow, rain, and mud. Unfortunately, the corners lack moisture protection, leaving them especially susceptible to dampness. The cabinet panels are made of thin, corrugated plastic sheets that do not offer any insulation. These panels are attached to the wood frame with screws, which can become loose after several removals, requiring longer and wider screws. Furthermore, if the panels must be taken off for any reason, such as repairing a leak, the entire foam cavity must also be removed. To illustrate the complexity of this, let’s imagine your car was constructed like their spa. Picture taking your car to the local shop for an oil change, only to find it entirely encased in foam. Your mechanic would then have to chip away at the foam to access the oil reservoir before servicing your vehicle. This scenario leads to considerable mess, inconvenience, and wasted time and money.
Arctic Spas®:
The aesthetic of this exquisite cabinet serves as a timeless reminder of the elegance inherent in an Arctic Spa. Fabricated from Western Redwood Cedar, Arctic Spas® employs only the highest quality wood, devoid of knots or burn marks. The cabinets are designed to be oriented on their sides for enhanced transportability, while the top and bottom rails contribute to their strength and structural integrity.
Cedar offers excellent natural insulation to help maintain your spa’s warmth and efficiency. It also acts as a natural deterrent to insects and rodents, giving you added peace of mind that your cabinet stays protected and beautiful. Constructing a cedar cabinet permits you to stain and clean the wood according to your preferences and frequency. Wood possesses the ability to flex and contract naturally, as it is a living fiber. Cedar has also been trusted for centuries in building long-lasting structures and artistry that endure through time, a true testament to its strength and resilience.
Not only does Arctic Spas® offer the Cedar cabinet, we also offer our innovative No-Maintenance Cabinet. While it isn’t made out of wood, its expert design captures the elegant appearance of natural wood, intertwined with the durability and minimal upkeep of fiberglass-reinforced composite materials. With UV and weather-resistant construction that prevents fading, cracking, and brittleness, your spa’s cabinet is protected for years to come.
One of the standout features of an Arctic Spas® cabinet is its accessibility from all angles. The cabinet doors can be effortlessly detached with an Allen key on the screws. After removal, the interior is entirely exposed for any needed repairs. Whether you’re extracting a pump or just checking the inner workings of your spa, the entire spa is visible, free from any foam blocking your sight. Compared to our competitor, your local mechanic will find our spa a dream to work on.
Strong Relationships Are Established on Solid Foundations: The finest flooring in the industry
The flooring of your spa constitutes a vital component as it contributes significantly to the overall structure. When contemplating the flooring of the spa, it is essential to select a material that is robust, well-insulated, and capable of enduring over extended periods and varying weather conditions. The spa will be subjected to numerous factors, including rain, snow, mud, water from the spa, and the natural shifting of the ground. Consider your home: would you prefer the foundation to shift, flex, or deteriorate over time, or would you rather it remain stable and support the load above for a duration exceeding your family’s intended residency? Let us examine the foundations of the spas offered by these two companies.
Master Spas:
Master Spas employs a thin sheet of ABS material, which is affixed to a wooden frame and sealed with vapour barrier tape to bear the weight of the spa, water, and users. Although this solution may be sufficient for a limited duration, it is not the most prudent choice for a spa in the long term. Should you choose to relocate the spa to another area within your yard or to a different residence, attempting to lift the spa onto its side, or to move it can result in the insulation detaching from the cabinet, thereby compromising its structural integrity. Consequently, this may render the spa unusable and require a complete reconstruction.
Before your Master Spa is delivered, you’ll need to reach out to a landscaping company to pour a concrete pad. This step is essential because the spa cannot be placed directly on the ground, unlike an Arctic Spa, and this requirement will raise the overall purchase cost and could limit the use of other areas in your yard later on.
Arctic Spas®:
The foundational component utilized by Arctic Spas® for their spas is referred to as a Forever Floor®. This structure is constructed from a robust, impermeable SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) fiberglass composite, similar in principle to materials used in cargo-ship hulls, and is designed to last for the entire life of the spa. Utilizing one of their large pressing machines, the fiberglass sheet is moulded into the Forever Floor® under a pressure of 5,000 tons. Subsequently, it is returned to the Arctic Spas® manufacturing facility located in Thorsby, Alberta, where it is permanently attached to the base of the cabinet with screws.
The advantage of utilizing a fiberglass floor is that it can be placed directly on a level grass or decking surface, eliminating the necessity for a cement foundation. Additionally, small animals such as mice and squirrels cannot permeate the material and establish nests within your cabinet. This issue frequently arises with other spa manufacturers that employ wood or thin ABS flooring.
Should an individual choose to relocate the spa, there is no need for concern regarding the disconnection or deterioration of the cabinet floor as a result of the fiberglass material. Fiberglass is recognized as a robust and durable substance, notably characterized by its high strength and resistance to corrosion. In comparison, fiberglass exhibits significantly greater strength than both steel and aluminum.
Staying cozy during chilly nights: Let’s discuss how to keep your spa toasty warm.
When it comes to constructing a hot tub, insulation plays a crucial role in keeping things cozy and efficient. Spa manufacturers typically use insulation foam to fill the cabinet, boosting the spa’s overall strength and performance. There are many wonderful methods of insulation to consider, so let’s dive into a few of them!
Master Spas:
This company has chosen to use a full foam insulation called Lcynene open cell foam for their spas. The foam is directly applied to the spa’s shell, creating a thorough coating. Moreover, this foam expands to fill any unnoticed gaps and protects hoses and plumbing from cold temperatures. Afterward, a thin, tinfoil-like wrap is attached to the shell, followed by the installation of an insulated blanket, which is secured across the door opening and tightly fastened before the door is closed.
When repairs are necessary, such as fixing leaking jets or a cracked hose, the panel must be removed. Next, the blanket should be taken off, and the foam needs to be removed to access the repair area, ensuring it is clear of any foam residue. Completing the repair is crucial before developing a strategy to maintain the structure and strength of the shell, especially since the foam that supported it has been removed, leaving the area vulnerable to cold temperatures. Such situations lead to a decrease in the R-value, which increases the power costs, contributing to higher ownership expenses.
Arctic Spas®:
Arctic Spas® insulates its cabinets using closed-cell Polyurethane insulation. About 3-4” of this insulation is sprayed as a first layer. The reason for using closed-cell insulation is that if there is a leak in the spa and the water drips on the floor, the closed-cell insulation will not absorb it; it will remain on top to be wiped off or run out of the cabinet through the flood gate.
Consider your home—your builder installed fluffy pink insulation and covered it with plastic to form a vapour barrier. If you experience a leak that soaks the insulation, you’ll need to replace it. This is because the insulation is made of open-cell material, which absorbs water, leading to mold growing and reduced insulation efficiency. In contrast, closed-cell insulation prevents water from penetrating and damaging it.
By insulating the cabinet as Arctic Spas® does, you retain heat within the cabinet, resulting in reduced monthly energy consumption and increasing long-term savings. You want to purchase the spa just once and maintain minimal monthly expenses; however, inadequate insulation ends up causing repeated costs. Closed-cell insulation remains rigid with fluctuating temperatures, which permits heat to escape through even the tiniest gap in the door seal. The R-value of your spa will consistently uphold its level of 21 year after year.
Studying Chemistry 101 again: You won’t require a PhD if you choose wisely.
Master Spas:
Proper water care is crucial for your hot tub. Master Spas utilizes a reliable traditional water care system, but it does require a commitment of time. Typically, you should allocate about 30 minutes each week, but be cautious—missing a day will mean you’ll need to tackle a heavier workload. Choose a specific spa day and gather your eight or nine bottles along with the test strips. Begin by testing the water, and then add the appropriate amounts of chlorine, shock, pH adjusters, and any other necessary products for that week.
Master Spas provides an enhanced option known as Mast3rPur for water purification. This system incorporates zinc and copper to decompose chloramines and eliminate microorganisms. Contaminated water passes through a tube where a UV light disinfects it. After this process, the water is reported to be free of contaminants and deemed clean.
However, there is a significant issue with this system that is quite apparent. When spa water is combined with products and flows through the tube with UV light applied, the high speed of the water inhibits adequate contact time with the contaminated water, preventing effective decontamination. As a result, the water retains a substantial amount of bacteria, leading to cloudy and unpleasant-smelling water. Relying on this system to shock the water often requires additional chemical products to fully treat it. Furthermore, UV light is not a cost-effective option; it generates a lot of heat, which causes the bulb to burn out quickly, resulting in recurrent replacement costs.
Claiming that traditional operation is more economical can be deceptive. When you consider the prices of the products, which are quite high, along with the necessity to drain and refill the spa two to three times a year and the heating costs, not to mention your time investment, is it really worthwhile to maintain your spa this way?
Arctic Spas®:
Arctic Spas® offers an innovative alternative to traditional water care systems with its Spa Boy® saltwater solution. After years of research and testing, they have introduced a self-monitoring system that tests, sanitizes, and displays water results via a mobile app, relieving you of any maintenance concerns. When combined with the Peak Ozone system, it creates an unmatched spa maintenance experience.
The Spa Boy® system is your water’s best friend when it comes to sanitation. With Spa Boy®, you can say goodbye to chemical chlorine, as this clever system transforms salt into a natural form of chlorine. Just remember, chemical chlorine and natural chlorine are two different sanitizers, so it’s good to keep that in mind. This system works wonders for you by using a probe tucked away in the footwell of the spa, which continuously tests the water for two important things: pH levels and contaminants.
When the system identifies bacteria in the water, it will signal the salt cell below to activate. This process involves taking salt granules and mobilizing them to capture the bacteria, which is referred to as combined chlorine. The Peak Ozone system, using the treated water, will then purify that contaminated salt, allowing it to be reused repeatedly. In contrast to a chlorine tablet, which is single-use and must be replaced, the salt in the water can be cleaned and reused.
The next aspect being assessed by the probe is the pH level. A high pH can result from salts in the water or from the water’s natural state. Fortunately, addressing this issue is quite simple. The app will alert you when the pH is elevated, allowing you to either add a few ounces of pH reducer directly into your spa or opt for the new Smart pH system. This system will automatically release the reducer when needed, effectively managing the water’s chemistry. It’s an investment that quickly pays off, as the water can last for several years before requiring replacement, and the only additions needed are Dead Sea salt during the initial fill and a pH reducer when necessary. Everything else is managed by the system.
Integrating the Peak Ozone system can significantly enhance the entire water care system. Our Peak Ozone system utilizes a Corona Ozone generator. This device mimics natural processes by replicating a lightning strike, which splits an oxygen molecule. When it reattaches to another O2 molecule, it forms O3, or ozone.
Arctic Spas® is the only company that utilizes two ozone generators in its spas. This system operates on scientific principles while remaining straightforward. Water flows through a thick tube measuring approximately 18 inches long and 2.5 inches in diameter. As the water travels through the tube, treated ozone is introduced into the water, similar to how UV light interacts with it. However, due to the tube’s greater width and length, along with the presence of materials resembling ping pong balls, the water flow is slowed, allowing more oxygen to interact with the water for cleansing. This method offers a more natural means of removing contaminants and bacteria, minimizing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Hey, it’s broken. Are you going to come and fix it? What does the warranty cover?
When assessing a high-value item, make sure to carefully examine the warranty and its coverage before making a choice about the product. You want to steer clear of becoming too emotionally attached to a new car or even a toaster oven unless you have confidence that the company will honor its commitment to quality in case any unfortunate issues arise. It’s essential to confirm that you won’t need to buy the same product multiple times.
Master Spas:
Let’s take a closer look at the warranty coverage Master Spas offers to understand its specifics. The warranty is not a conventional bumper-to-bumper style; instead, it varies and starts with a 1-year coverage for the stereo system. Exercise caution with your speakers as they are located on top of the spa and exposed to water and environmental elements. Furthermore, the coverage for the lights is limited, so it’s crucial that the bulbs last. Locating one light bulb among the others can be quite inconvenient, especially since the warranty covers only half the labor costs. The sophisticated Mast3rPur system also includes a one-year warranty, so hopefully, the UV bulb holds up.
Lastly, the ABS material at the bottom of your spa has a 3-year warranty; thus, it’s advisable to keep your spa in the same position as when it was delivered. Plumbing is covered for five years, which is reassuring given that introducing water can lead to potential leaks. However, remember that accessing these repairs requires the cabinet to be reachable; the door will need to be removed. You’ll have to identify the source of leaks from jets or couplers, locate light wires, or even find cracks in the shell. Accessing these areas may necessitate scraping out foam, which can be time-consuming and, in some instances, may not be covered by the labor warranty if that part requires repairs.
Another vital aspect of the outstanding warranty is the structural guarantee, lasting a decade. This is advantageous because various issues can occur, and once repairs are completed, foam replacement is not covered by any warranty. The foam is essential to the spa’s strength, preventing it from collapsing under the weight of the water. Without this foam, hoses and equipment may be exposed and prone to freezing. How many repairs do you believe can be made to your spa before you risk falling through the acrylic shell due to numerous weak points and missing foam? It’s worth considering while you’re relaxing.
Arctic Spas®:
Reviewing the warranty of an Arctic Spa is exceptionally straightforward, making it easy to understand. The exquisite Cedar cabinet is covered for 10 years for both parts and labor, and its tongue-and-groove construction makes replacing the wood panels very easy. Additionally, there is a complete 5-year warranty on plumbing, Peak Ozone, lights, controls, heater, pumps, jets, shell, fuses, the Spa Boy® generator, diverters, and even the screws holding the cabinet doors. Additionally, there is a lifetime warranty on the shell structure, which is reinforced by layers of sprayed fiberglass, along with the renowned Forever Floor® that boasts a lifetime warranty — you can’t get better than that!
In conclusion, choosing a hot tub is about more than just features, it’s about finding a space where comfort, connection, and peace of mind come together. Take the time to compare what each company truly offers before making a decision. Step into a showroom, explore the spas, and experience a wet test to feel the strength of the jets melt away tension and the softness of salt water embrace your skin. Download and try the Arctic Spas® mobile app yourself, and imagine the ease of checking your water care with just a glance at your phone. Speak with the parts team and hear firsthand how quickly and reliably support is given when it’s ever needed.
When you weigh not only the innovation but also the trust, care, and experience behind your investment, only one company gives you the confidence to relax fully and love every soak: Arctic Spas®.
