FAQs

To find the best hot tub for you, take it for a wet test first. This means visiting your preferred hot tub dealership and scheduling a wet test, where you bring your bathing suit and towel, and try the hot tub out for yourself. Chances are, your hot tub dealership has a few running models in the showroom for this purpose specifically.

Here is what you should look for in a hot tub:
• Comfortable, ergonomic seats
• Water level that reaches your shoulder level
• Powerful and customizable jets
• Added features, like interior lighting, drink holders, neck pillows, or a stereo system

During your wet test, stay inside the hot tub for at least 15 minutes. This will allow your body to relax and give you a better idea of what the full experience is like. Some hot tubs even offer Bluetooth technology, so that you can connect your smartphone or tablet for a maximized experience. Another thing to take into consideration is the size of the hot tub and how many seats you will need. It should be able to accommodate your immediate family with ease.

Most hot tubs are available with:
• 1-2 seats
• 3-4 seats
• 5-6 seats
• 6+ seats

The price of the hot tub may depend on the size, number of features and age of the hot tub. If you have a set budget, speak with one of the experts at your local hot tub dealership to see what spa would fit into your budget comfortably. Alternatively, you can also explore financing options.

Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. The cost of a hot tub will directly reflect on features, materials, age, brand, and workmanship.

As a general rule of thumb, the following guidelines will likely apply:
Top-Tier Hot Tubs: $10,000 to $18,000
Mid-Tier Hot Tubs: $6,000 to $9,000
Low-Tier Hot Tubs: $2,000 to $5,000

Click here to learn more about how much hot tubs cost and why. No matter which hot tub brand you choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and find the right spa for your needs.

Your Sundance® Spas hot tub may be covered by a warranty. We highly recommend discussing warranty coverage with the salesperson at your preferred hot tub dealership before completing the sale. If you have purchased a Sundance® Spas hot tub that is covered by a warranty from Big John’s in Kalispell, you can register your warranty online. Once your registration is complete, your warranty will kick into effect.

Hot tubs can be installed both inside and outside. Outdoor hot tubs are typically more popular than indoor hot tubs, as they can be used to complete an outdoor living space geared toward relaxation and entertainment.

If you are going to install a hot tub inside, consider:
• The size of the hot tub compared to the entry points of the home - will it fit through the door?
• The structural strength of the flooring adequate - a typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 2,500 lbs/1,150 kg when filled.

If you are going to install a hot tub outside, ask yourself the following:
• Is there easy access to reliable energy sources?
• Is the foundation solid enough to support a hot tub when filled?
• Will rainwater drain away from the hot tub installation?
• Do I want an above-ground or in-ground hot tub installation?
• Should I renovate the entire backyard while I’m at it?
• Is there enough privacy in my backyard?
• Do I have adequate coverage and protection for the spa?

For more information about installing a hot tub outside, speak with the experts at Big John’s in Kalispell.

No, your hot tub will not require an additional built-in plumbing system. You can simply fill up your hot tub using a garden hose.

Cleaning your hot tub begins with education. Speak with the hot tub dealership where you bought your hot tub for more information and specific cleaning instructions for the model you own. Generally, you should be checking and balancing the water on a weekly basis. You should aim to drain, clean and refill your hot tub about three to four times a year.

You should change the water in your hot tub three to four times a year. This includes draining the water, cleaning the interior, cleaning the various components, refilling the water, and treating it with the required water care products. The number of times you change the water in your hot tub will greatly depend on how frequently it is used and how well maintained the water is. For example, foamy or cloudy water may need to be changed if chemical treatment is ineffective, thus increasing the number of times the water is changed in a year.

The water temperature inside a Sundance® Spas hot tub is controlled using the user-friendly control panel. If your hot tub is equipped with Bluetooth, you may be able to control the temperature from your smartphone. The features and temperature of some hot tubs can even be changed using smart home technology, depending on the brand and model. The SmartTub™ System is available for most Sundance® Spas, contact your local hot tub dealership for more information.

There are two kinds of horsepower ratings applied to spa pumps: "Continuous Operating" horsepower and "Brake" horsepower (also called "Marketing" horsepower). Continuous Operating is the horsepower the motor is capable of producing while the spa is in operation. Brake is the amount of horsepower the motor produces on start-up before dropping to the Continuous Operating rate.

Believe it or not, it doesn’t cost nearly as much to run a hot tub as some might think. The costs associated with operating a hot tub depend on the brand, model and your location. The monthly operating cost could be as low as $10.00 a month, it all depends on your current situation.

Hydrotherapy is the combined effect of heat, massage, and buoyancy. Warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissues, allowing oxygen and nutrients to help overworked muscles recover faster. Massage, provided by the spa's jet system, relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves. Massage also improves circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process. Buoyancy can also lift up to 90% of your weight from your body, giving sore and tired muscles and joints a well-deserved break. Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method of alleviating the tension commonly associated with stress.

Many jets are adjustable, giving you an amazing number of options for the flow and circulation. The jets adjust from oscillating to targeted; rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or stationary. You can control the flow, volume, and movement of other jets as well. In addition, controlling the amount of air mixed with the water with the air control valves changes the dynamics of the massage. Conveniently placed massage selectors let you divert water from one seat to another to increase or minimize the water flow. Speak with one of the experts at Big John’s for more information, we can show you how the strategically-placed and uniquely-designed jets make the hot tub experience the ultimate in relaxation and therapy.

Simple and efficient, the MicroClean® Water Purification System produces an advanced level of water care and purification. Incorporating the new micro-filtering disposable filter, this system creates water that is cleaner and clearer than ever before. The Sundance® MicroClean® Plus filter removes large particles, ultra-fine particles and oils from the water.

Hot tub circulation pumps work hard to keep the water moving throughout the spa. This includes sending it through the filtration system, regulating the temperature and distributing chemical treatments, keeping the water safe, enjoyable and clean.

Find a temperature that you and your family enjoy, and keep your hot tub set to that temperature. Constantly turning the temperature up and down can put stress on the system, doing more harm than good. Lowering the temperature and then raising it over and over again can even end up costing you more money for operational costs, than just setting it to the desired temperature and leaving it.

During the summer months or if you will be going on vacation, feel free to lower the temperature or set it to the “energy saving” mode. Once you change the temperature, you should expect to feel the change within 24 hours.

The heater employs a titanium coil that directly heats the water, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Titanium prohibits heater corrosion and nearly eliminates failure. The Sentry Smart™ Heater carries a 5-year unconditional warranty.

Yes, but most don’t find it as enjoyable as the 240V. Most hot tubs must be connected to 240V electrical service, but some offer the option of operating on either 120V or 240V. While connecting to 120V can be less involved, most customers prefer the benefits of the 240V spa, which include quicker heating time and better temperature maintenance during cold weather use. This is because the heater output is four times as great in a 240V spa versus a 120V spa. If you choose to connect your spa to 120V service, you must be certain that it is a dedicated circuit, not shared by any other appliance, and has amperage rating appropriate for the spa you select.

• Check to be sure that the hot tub you buy is listed by a recognized independent testing agency, such as ETL
• Have a reliable electrician connect the electrical service to the hot tub
• Ensure that your hot tub cover has a locking feature, to keep children, wildlife and trespassers from accessing the water without your knowledge
• Keep appliances and other electrical devices away from the hot tub area
• Set firm rules for the hot tub and hot tub area
• Ensure children are always supervised by an adult
• Never let the temperature exceed 104° F

The right swim spa for you depends on your personal tastes, needs and budget. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience in backyard leisure and entertainment, with a bigger budget, a larger dual-tank swim spa might be right for you. If you’re simply looking for a system that will cater toward water-based exercise and recreation or have a more modest budget, you may not require the additional hot tub-style area. Speak with the experts at your local spa dealership to learn more about the benefits, features and prices of swim spas to get a better idea of what is best for you.

The investment in a swim spa can be completely worth it. Some of the top benefits of owning and using a swim spa on a regular basis can include: • Increased home value • Better quality of life • Improved backyard lifestyle • Improved overall health • Reduced stress • Weight maintenance • Eased muscle tension • Soothed joint pain • Improved sleep patterns • Better post-injury recovery

You can exercise in most swim spas. Many swim spas are fully-equipped with a high-powered jet stream system, that can create a stream of water that is powerful enough for one to swim, walk or run against. Swim in space without the need to push off against a wall, stop or turn around. Simply turn on the jet and set to your preferred speed for a low-impact cardiovascular workout. The exercise opportunities don’t end there. You can also engage in rowing and other exercises while in the comfort of your spa. Before starting any exercise regimen, we recommend speaking with a physician first to ensure your best health.

We have a range of grills and smokers for sale at Big Johns, including: Yoder Smokers and Traeger Wood Fired Grills, Cajun Fryers and gas Grills. Yoder Smokers are one of the highest quality smokers around, made in the USA, and often showcased at competitons around the nation. Traeger Grills are know to be some of the best sellers on the markert and are constantly improving their wood pellet grills!