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The
Spa's Surface
All
Baja Spas come standard with MicrobanŽ Anti-Microbial Product Protection
built into the "cast acrylic" sheet used to make spas. It is available
in both the new popular granite look and feel, but also the brilliant
marble smooth surfaces. <back
What
is a cast acrylic sheet? It is a relatively thin piece of special
plastic that is manufactured by LuciteŽ and it's the first step in making
a new hot tub. We take a sheet of this "cast acrylic" and place it in
a special oven. At approximately 400° the acrylic is now pliable and dropped
into a vacuum mold and air is withdrawn providing a "skin". This spa "skin"
is then fiberglassed on the underside to provide the strength for which
Baja Spas are famous. <back
What
is this MicrobanŽ? It's a microbial resistant product found in
many new applications. Hospital operating rooms starting using a fabric
coated version of MicrobanŽ to help keep the environment more sterile.
The product has expanded to soap, tooth brushes and much more. LuciteŽ
Acrylics has incorporated MicrobanŽ into the spa's acrylic surface providing
both and cleaner and more bacteria resistant surface. It will last the
life of the spa. Note: MicrobanŽ is a registered trademark. www.microban.com.
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Why
is MicrobanŽ important to you? A spa is a warm environment that
tends to breed micro-organisms and although chemicals/ozonation kill most
bacteria, MicrobanŽ resists the growth of bacteria on the spa's surface.
It also creates a cleaner spa since it reduces the build up of "surface
lines". Ask for MicrobanŽ by name when looking for a new spa. <back
Does
Microban wear off? According to LuciteŽ Acrylics, the MicrobanŽ
is incorporated into the actual production of the sheet and will remain
a part of it forever. It will not wash or wear off ever. Visit our FAQ
section on the website for more details. <back
Filtration
System
What
exactly is KleenSPA? The KleenSpa Self Cleaning System is a Baja
original feature and helps to remove the small dirt and debris from the
spa's floor. This is accomplished by surface skimming the spa's water
and "sweeping" the foot well clean. This water is then forced into a large
filter cartridge and then back to the jets. 100% filtration! Other spas
without this concept simply "surface skim" the spa's water and do not
clean the water in the bottom of the spa. (Note: Only on Performance XS™ &
WhiteWater XS™ Series) <back
What
is Sealed Filtration? It's a filter system that works like the
oil filter in your car by forcing dirty water through and then back to
the spa ensuring 100% filtered water. Baja's cartridge is located outside
of the spa's environment in the "lip" of the spa and is easily accessed
for cleaning or replacement. A sealed system like this helps to eliminate
most odors and visual effects (yuck!) common with open filter systems.
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Where
do you put the chemicals? Unlike other spas which use some sort
of floating chemical spreader (ie: ducks or floating device), our dispenser
is built into the filter lid as part of the cleaning system. There is
a setting on the filter lid and instructions for usage for simple and
easy adding of chemicals to the spa. <back
What
is Ozonation and how does it work? Ozonation purifies spa water
by killing micro-organisms in conjunction with the spa's normal chemical
application. Testing has proven this to be a good association with chemicals.
(Standard on WhiteWater XS™ and Performance XS™ Series. The SporTub™ is ozone ready).<back
Is
it difficult to maintain my spa? Normal usage requires periodic
checking of the water chemistry and minor wiping of the spa's surface
above the water. Cleaning and draining procedures are explained in the
manual and on the video. <back
Spa
Equipment
What
type of pumps do you use? We use the industry's finest aquatic
pumps with superior windings and components. <back
Do
I want bigger or more pumps? More or bigger pumps draw more "amps"
and therefore may increase your electrical bills. In addition, there is
only so much water and air that can go through your jet system. Baja Spas
match "flow to jets" for maximum action and very little wasted energy.
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Why
should you check out pump(s) horsepower claims? Pump size should
be based on the "gallon per minute flow" and there appears to
be some misunderstanding within the hot tub industry in regards to the
size of the actual pumps. Most residential hot tub pump motors are 48
frame, high performance pumps with oversized impellors and 2 horsepower
motors. Due to the fact that these pumps will often pump more gallons
per minute than conventional 3, 4 and even 5 horsepower pool pumps, many
hot tub pump manufacturers, as well as most hot tub manufacturers, are
now labeling their pumps 4HP, 4.5HP and even 5 HP referring to them as
"high performance" or "hydrotherapy power", and not
using conventional horsepower ratings. Please don't be misled by these
"marketing" type ratings.You should also keep in mind that larger
pumps usually will draw much more amperage and could raise your electrical
costs.<back
Why
does the pump filter at different times? Baja Spas use the same
high volume pump for jet action, heating, and filtration. Pumps on Baja
spas move 80 gallons per minute. Other spa manufacturers use a tiny pump
that filters less than 80 gallons per hour for filtration. High volume
pumps pull dirt and debris from the self-cleaning floor. This is similar
to the difference between a small window air conditioner and an effective
central A/C system. <back
Does
my spa filter automatically? Yes. It has factory pre-programmed
settings that turn the spa's pump on and off running the water through
the filter. The default settings are permanently set at the factory and
not lost during a power outage. You have the option to change the cleaning
cycles to fit your lifestyle. <back
How
long should it take to warm my spa up? It really depends on a
few things. If the spa is hooked up for 220V, it will heat much faster
than a spa that is simply plugged into a 15amp household outlet. The 220V
units heat up an average of 10 degrees per hour. If it's a 110V plug into
the wall model like the SporTub™ 1050 and SporTub™ 1054, then overnight would
be recommended. <back
What
is a "blower system"? We like to call it an "AeroMassage" system,
and it injects warmed air into the spa's water through a series of openings.
The blower agitates the water creating more activity in the spa. The air
is produced by a quiet air blower located near the equipment package.
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Do
blowers cool down a spa? You betcha! If you set in a spa longer
than 1/2 hour, your body will rise to the temperature of the spa water.
This presents an unhealthy situation, but you can slowly cool the water
down by turning on the blower and turning down the heat. This will allow
you to enjoy your spa longer without having to get out of it or by adding
cold water. <back
Is
a blower good to have on a spa? A blower adds to the enjoyment
of the spa because it doubles the agitation of the water. As long as the
heat is on, your spa will maintain the temperature you set it for. A blower
uses the same motor assembly of a common home vacuum cleaner that generates
warm air. <back
Can
I control the spa from my house? Yes. With Baja's Command
Center remote control panel you can mount it inside your door and not
only check the spa's temperature, but actually reprogram it as you desire.
This is a great concept when there is a foot of snow on the cover of the
spa. <back
Can
my spa power up deck and other lighting? Yes. Baja's Command Center
has the capability to create a totally different environment in your backyard.
Pathway lights, cabinet lights and other features are all available with
the programmable control pad that you can mount inside your home. <back
Will
my spa freeze if there is a power outage? Depending on the air
temperature, it is more likely that your spa's pump will freeze first.
The water in the spa is better insulated and will take a great deal longer
to freeze. A short power outage should not be a problem, but there is
nothing, short of a backup generator, to stop this from happening to your
spa. Emptying and winterizing the spa is another option, if you have a
concern. <back
Does
my spa have Freeze Protection? Baja has SmartubT which is a NEW
system that among other features provides "Freeze Protection". In very
cold weather, the Smartub "senses" freezing weather and turns on the heater
and pump. Other spas without this feature generally will freeze up, because
they use a "water sensing temperature probe" in the spa's water. This
means the equipment will freeze first, before the spa knows it and then
it's too late. (Only available on Performance XS™ & WhiteWater XS™ Series) <back
Is
my spa tested prior to shipment? Yes. All Baja Spas are checked
for air and water integrity. In addition the heater and all functions
of the spa are fully tested. <back
Total
Control Jet System
Are
your jets adjustable? All of the larger or "Magna" jets have an
adjustment ring to control the jet flow from minimum and maximum. The
jet nozzles can also be interchangeable to other locations in the spa
if desired. <back
Do
I want more jets? Most second time buyers agree that having more
jets wasn't as important as the comfort of the spa's interior and the
positioning of the jets. We call this "Planned Hydrotherapy". They also
liked adjustable and interchangeable jet nozzles for their particular
needs. We agree and carefully plan the position and capability of each
jet. You're in the spa to relax, and not be pummeled and bruised by an
over supply of jets. <back
Why
don't you use chrome or stainless fittings? Quite simply they
corrode. No matter how careful you are, water chemistry takes its toll
on these fittings. We only use acrylic in our handrails and UV stable
plastic jet fittings. This means less grief for you in the future. <back
Why
don't you offer tile on spas? In the old days, spas built with
gunite (concrete) used tile to dress up an otherwise dull spa. Spa manufacturers
put them on the acrylic surface with silicone and soon enough they started
falling off. Tiles would be nice if they stayed on, but they don't. <back
What
are air controls? They are the adjustable valves that invigorate
the jets by controlling the amount of air to the opening of the jet nozzle.
<back
What
is Euro'ssageT? It's Baja's hand held jet that can be used to
reach areas of the body not normally accessible with shell mounted jets.
The jet can be plugged into any large jet opening to customize the spa
for the user. <back
Do
your handrails really light up? Yes. On the Performance XS™ and WhiteWater XS™ Series spas, there is a lighting element at the end of the clear acrylic
rails. Not only white, but you can add color chips to the rail and create
a different ambiance. The hand rails and the spa's main foot well light
have three different dimmer settings. <back
Spa
Comfort
Are
all spas designed the same? There is a great deal of thought toward
the design of any new spa. Will it fit users of all sizes and shapes?
Does it support the bather while muscles relax? Are the jets placed in
the right place for every type of user?
What
are lumbar supports? These are built into every new spa
to support the lower back and provide the extra comfort you may need to
really enjoy your spa. <back
Are
they easy to get in and out of? The models with hand rails
help a lot, but all of our spas are designed with the cabinet under the
lip so you won't get splinters as you cross over the edge. <back
The
Modular Cabinet
Why
is your Cabinet Different? The cabinet is completely modular.
Panels are individually placed around the spa and under the lip. This
concept protects and lets any overflow water to fall on the ground and
not rot the cabinet. It is not attached and "floats" under the spa's lip.
It can be removed for service or moving the spa. The spa can be shimmed
to be level and the cabinet adjusts to an unleveled pad if necessary.
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What
is the cabinet made of? At present we use clear redwood, not pine
or cedar. It is then sealed for protection. We are looking at alternative
materials, but wood still seems to be the choice of homeowners who can
easily pull panels off if necessary for storage, repair or similar.
<back
Can
I put a Baja Spa "IN" my deck? Yes. All Baja spas are self standing
and come with a modular cabinet that is not attached, so it shouldn't
be a problem if you have room beneath the deck for a small concrete or
similar pad. You should plan to position the spa so that you have access
to the equipment package. Check with a local dealer or registered contractor.
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How
much weight will my deck support? For placing a spa ON the deck,
you should first consult with local building codes, deck builder or licensed
contractor to determine the exact requirements for the weight of the spa.
If building a deck, plan to make it strong enough for a spa. We have drawings
and PSI ratings available that should help. <back
Thermal
Hard Cover
Why
is a thermal cover important? The thermal cover retains most all
of the heat that has been built up in the spa over a period of time. Without
a cover, any spa would struggle to bring the temperature up to desired
temperature. Baja provides a heavy duty cover with each spa standard.
These covers come complete with tamper resistant locks and keys. <back
Thermal
Insulation
What
is WeatherWrap? It's like a warm, blanket that's placed around
the spa. It provides reflective heat value for the minor amount of heat
lost through the plumbing harness. (SporTub™, WhiteWater XS™ and Performance XS™ Series
Spas) <back
What
is "R-Value" versus "Reflective Value"? R-Value is a rating of
how long heat/cold takes to transfer through, let's say a home's exterior
wall. "Reflective Value" is a NON transfer of heat/cold and really works
better in the spa concept. Fully foamed spas actually act a conductor
of heat loss when a leak occurs and the foam is saturated. Look at your
portable cooler, double pane window and amount of insulation in the refrigerator
and stove. Don't be misled by energy savings estimates. <back
Are
your spas energy efficient? Absolutely. Baja was the first company
in 1974 that placed low density foam insulation on the spa's shell. Using
more foam does not increase the spa's ability to retain heat. Extensive
testing has proven that reflective heat retention is actually better than
R value estimates, because R value represents "heat transfer" or loss.
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Why
aren't your spas fully foamed? Quite frankly it isn't needed for
support or heat retention. It is common knowledge that almost all heat
dissipates out of an uncovered spa, so excessive support foam really does
nothing except support weaker spa shells and creates potential service
nightmares. <back
Are
there any pitfalls buying a fully foamed spa? If you plan to own
your spa for a long time, you should know that either due to age, handling
or mice chewing on the plumbing, spas could eventually leak. Finding a
leak in a fully foamed spa is virtually impossible without removing the
foam. Ask any spa service center for their opinion. It's a labor intensive
and expensive repair as water leaks migrate and do not originate where
you think they will. Spas that do not have the strength of Baja profess
the use of full foam to the spa when they're really trying to support
the shell and save money. <back
The
Warranty
What
is your warranty program? Our basic warranty on Performance XS™ and WhiteWater XS™ Series spas is 10 years structure, 5 years surface, 5 years HYDROQUIP electrical equipment and 1 year labor. It is NOT PRORATED like some spa manufacturers who tout longer warranties but with a catch or two. Extended warranties are offered. SporTub™ Spas are 3 years structure, 3 years surface, 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Please make sure you read warranty cards carefully before you buy.
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What
is a "Pro-Rated" Warranty? It's like the one on your car battery
or tires with a sliding scale depending on time and wear. Example: A 60
month battery costs $75.00 and it dies after 2 years. You do the math
and think that it should only cost you 24 x $1.25 or $30.00, but you find
out that in reality with the proration it's actually loaded on the front
end of the warranty. So those 24 months are really more like 48 months
when you go to replace it. ProRated spa warranties work the same way in
favor of the manufacturer. Read the small print. <back
Do
you have additional warranty programs? Yes. Three and Five year
programs are available at nominal charge. They need to be purchased within
7 days of the delivery of the spa. Check with your dealer for details.
<back
Is
it safe to buy from a street vendor or off a flatbed truck? As
long as it doesn't hit you, we guess it's safe. Spas that are being offered
as discounted models during traveling road shows are like buying a lottery
ticket. Chances are if it's too good to be true, you know the story. Most
cases that we've heard about end up the same way. No warranty followup,
no delivery, no service and sometimes no more manufacturer. Sure it's
a good deal, but..."caviat emptor" (buyer beware) <back
Our
Company
Who
is Baja Products, Ltd? We are a family owned and operated company
who believes in old fashioned craftsmanship provided by employees, some
of which have been with the company for over two decades. <back
Why
do you say "Originator of the Acrylic Spa"? Quite easily, because
we invented it! In 1972, we vacuum formed a cast acrylic sheet (designed
for the roof of the "People Movers Trams" at the DFW Airport), put fiberglass
on the back and manufactured the first acrylic hot tub. After introducing
it at the National Spa & Pool Institute Expo in 1974 at Los Angeles, the
acrylic spa industry exploded to what it is today - more than 300,000
units annually. We have manufacturing plants in Tucson, AZ and Salisbury,
NC for quicker response and lower freight rates. <back
Authorized
Dealers We have authorized dealers nationwide, but not in all
cities. Fill out the request form on the site and we'll refer the nearest
authorized dealer. <back
Pricing
Information Prices can vary with shipping and competitive markets.
We feel the printed Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price might be high
in some areas and low in others contributing to some confusion on your
part. When you ask about a specific spa model, we can recommend a dealer
in your area who can provide value pricing. <back
Other
Questions
We also
look forward to hearing from you for suggestions and stories about your
new spa. <back
Do
you provide Operational Videos? Yes. Each model has a video that
covers the basic operations of the spa and controller functions. <back
Does
the spa require special electrical service? If you're doing more
than plugging the spa into a household outlet (SporTub™ 1050-54-56), we
strongly recommend that you contract with an authorized dealer or electrical
contractor to conform to the electrical code requirements in your area.
<back
Do
you sell spas to Canada, UK, Mexico or Europe? Yes, and we have
export distributors for small to container load shipments. <back
Are
hot tubs good for health reasons? As far as muscle relaxation,
there is no question they are. As far as making someone better, we hear
stories from people with chronic arthritis that claim warm water is the
best therapy for them. The National Arthritis Foundation openly recommends
hot tubs and warm water. <back
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