Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. When the honest answer is "it depends," we say so — and give you a real answer in person or on the phone.
General & Buying
General questions that apply across hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, and cold plunges.
Are Hot Spring, Caldera, and the other brands you carry related?
Yes. Hot Spring and Caldera hot tubs, Endless Pools swim spas, Tylö saunas, and the Vigor and Emerge cold plunges are sister brands, all from one manufacturer. That means one engineering philosophy, one dealer relationship, and aligned support and warranty across your whole backyard setup.
How long do these products last?
Quality hot tubs and swim spas commonly last 10–15+ years with proper care. Saunas often last longer. Build quality, water care, and regular maintenance are what drive longevity.
How much does a hot tub cost?
It's a fair question, and we answer it with real numbers in How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost? — the published price ranges by tier, and what drives them. What we don't do is put a price on a specific model sight-unseen, because your real cost depends on the model, the features you choose, and what your site needs. For that, get pricing and we'll quote your exact setup.
Is financing available?
Typically yes, through the dealer — ask us for current terms (they change, so we don't quote rates here). Our financing guide explains how it usually works, or see financing.
Can I try one before I buy?
Yes. A Test Soak lets you get in the water before deciding. No rush. Book a Test Soak.
Indoor or outdoor?
Hot tubs and swim spas usually live outdoors (indoor installs need ventilation and drainage). Saunas come in indoor lines and a dedicated outdoor line (Tylö Lulea). Cold plunges can go indoors or out. Don't put an indoor-rated sauna outside.
Do you service what you sell?
Yes. Warranty claims and service start with your dealer — and buying local means the people who deliver and set up your unit are the people who service it.
What's the difference between all the water-care systems I keep hearing about?
Short version: Hot Spring and Caldera hot tubs use the FreshWater® Salt / IQ system (salt-based). Endless Pools swim spas use ozone/UV plus a little chlorine (salt isn't compatible with their equipment). Entry Freeflow/Fantasy tubs use simple FROG® cartridges, and the cold plunges use a built-in UV-C light plus a little granular chlorine. Our water-care FAQ goes deeper.
Hot Tubs
110V plug-in or 240V hardwired?
Entry Plug-N-Play models (Hot Spring Freeflow, Caldera Fantasy) use a standard 110–120V outlet. Easiest install, no electrician, but lower simultaneous heat-and-jet power. Full-size spas use a dedicated 240V circuit — installed by a licensed electrician — for full performance. (See our 110V-vs-240V article.)
What size — how many seats?
2–3 for couples and small spaces, 4–5 for most families, 6–8 for entertaining. Bigger uses more energy and chemicals, so size to real use, not the maximum.
Lounge or open seating?
A lounge lets one person recline full-length. Open seating fits more people and is easier to move around in. A lounge can also float you in deep water. It's personal preference — try both.
Is salt water hard to keep up compared to chlorine?
Easier, generally. A salt system (FreshWater® Salt) makes chlorine from a low salt level, for softer water and far less dosing — clean up to a year before a refresh. Smart systems (FreshWater® IQ) test hourly and auto-dose. Much less hands-on than manual chlorine or bromine.
Will it cost a fortune to heat in winter?
Cold climates cost more, but full-foam / FiberCor® insulation, an insulated base pan, recycled heat, and a tight cover keep it efficient. The cover is the biggest daily factor.
Why does jet placement matter more than jet count?
Jet design delivers the therapy, not the number. A moving jet (Moto-Massage® DX, on Hot Spring's Highlife® Collection, sweeps up and down your back) and seat-targeted layouts (Caldera's Hot Tub Circuit Therapy®, where you move seat to seat to work muscle groups) beat a high count of fixed jets.
Are plug-and-play tubs any good?
Yes, for their purpose. Easy, affordable, portable, lower power draw. The trade-off is reduced simultaneous heat-and-jet performance and fewer premium features.
Can I move it later?
Portable spas can be relocated — rotomold Plug-N-Play models most easily — but it's a real job. Plan placement as if it's permanent.
What temperature should I run it at?
Most people soak around 100–102 °F. The maximum safe water temperature is 104 °F, and time at maximum should be limited. If you're pregnant or have a health condition, check with your doctor about warm-water soaking.
What's the difference between the collections?
Roughly: Highlife / Utopia = premium therapy, best water care and insulation. Limelight / Paradise = most premium features at strong value. Hot Spot / Vacanza = solid hydrotherapy, efficient, fewer luxury extras. Freeflow / Fantasy = entry plug-and-play, portable, FROG® cartridge water care. We'll match a collection to how you'll use it.
Swim Spas
Can you really swim in it?
Yes. You swim in place against an adjustable current, with no flip turns. Current quality — smooth and laminar — matters more than raw power, and Endless Pools' propeller-driven Hydrodrive™ is built for exactly that. Demo it if you can.
Swim spa vs. a traditional pool?
A swim spa fits where a pool can't, costs less to buy, run, and maintain, and works year-round. The trade-off: you swim against a current rather than doing open laps. Ideal for fitness, training, and recovery. Less so for a big-group open swim.
Single or dual temperature?
Dual-temperature models (E2000, X2000) run separate swim and spa zones at different temperatures at once. Train cool, recover hot. Single-zone models heat everything to one temperature.
What's the difference between the series?
- E-Series (Hydrodrive™) — strongest, smoothest current; serious swimming and training; treadmill-ready; E2000 adds dual-temp and the most length.
- X-Series (SwimCross®) — airless-jet current tuned for fitness and recovery, at a friendlier tier.
- R-Series (RecSport®) — family fun and all-level fitness at the best price; R200/R220 fit a ~12-foot space.
Is it good for non-swimmers, rehab, or older adults?
Very. Water carries most of your body weight, so movement is low-impact and easy on joints and the spine. Treadmill and Aquabike options add low-impact exercise. (Wellness, not medical treatment — check with a professional for a specific condition.)
Is fitness gear included?
It depends on the model. Some accessories are standard, others optional. We'll confirm exactly what's included on the model you're considering.
Is installation a big deal?
Bigger than a hot tub. Swim spas need a dedicated 240V circuit (higher amperage than a hot tub), an engineered, load-rated pad (usually reinforced concrete), and are often crane-set into place. Plan the foundation early. It's the most common surprise.
How is the water care different from a hot tub?
Endless Pools does not use the salt system — salt would corrode their stainless-steel equipment. Instead they build in ozone and/or UV plus a small amount of chlorine (see our water-care FAQ).
Saunas
Traditional vs. infrared — which is better?
Neither. They're different experiences. Traditional is hot air plus steam (löyly), the classic ritual, running high (~180–200 °F). Infrared warms your body directly at lower air temperatures (~120–140 °F). Gentler, easier for longer sessions, faster to start, often plug-in. Want both? A Hybrid (Kiruna Hybrid) does both in one cabin.
Is infrared safe? What about EMF?
Tylö markets its CarbonFlex® panels as low-EMR/EF. We'll tell you what the brand states, and we won't invent numbers. If you want independent published EMF lab figures, some infrared-only specialist brands publish those — and we'll say so honestly.
Indoor or outdoor? Do I need an electrician?
Infrared (Kiruna) is usually 120V plug-in — no electrician needed. Traditional and hybrid saunas, and larger heaters, need a 240V circuit. (Small 120V traditional models like the Halmstad 2 exist.) Outdoor installs need the weather-rated Lulea line. Don't put an indoor cabin outside.
How hot, and how long are sessions?
Traditional runs hot (~180–200 °F) for shorter sessions. Infrared is cooler (~120–140 °F) and comfortable for longer. Tylö suggests sessions of roughly 12–30 minutes. Start short and build up, and hydrate before and after. If you're pregnant or have a cardiovascular condition, talk to your doctor before regular high-heat use. This is general wellness information, not medical advice.
Is a hybrid worth it?
If your household is split between steam and infrared, or you just want the flexibility — yes. If you clearly prefer one style, a dedicated traditional or infrared cabin is simpler.
How much maintenance does a sauna need?
Very little. A sauna is a dry appliance with no water chemistry. Put towels on the benches, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth, keep the door and vents open between uses so it dries, and give it a weekly wash-down with daily use. Traditional models: use only the rocks supplied, never run the heater without rocks, and ladle only a small amount of clean water (never chlorinated water) for steam. Infrared cabins use no water at all.
What size do I need?
1–2 person for compact spaces (the infrared Kiruna 1 plugs into a standard outlet) up to 3–4 person for family and social use. More seats means more space, more power, and a longer heat-up.
What are the smart features?
Tylö's ThermoSafe™ heater coating keeps side panels cooler to the touch (no bulky guard, more legroom), and the Bliss™ (traditional/hybrid) and Aspire™ (infrared) touchscreens offer Wi-Fi remote start through the Tylö app. Pre-heat before you walk out.
What's the warranty like?
Most core components (heater or infrared emitters, wood cabinet, controls, sound system, LED lighting) carry a 5-year parts warranty, with 2 years of in-field labor plus additional factory labor. Register within 60 days of installation; coverage is non-transferable. We'll confirm current terms for your model.
This is general wellness information, not medical advice.
Cold Plunge
What is a cold plunge?
A short, deliberate dip in cold water, used as part of a wellness routine. Vigor (a Hot Spring product) and Emerge (a Caldera product) are purpose-built plunges with chilled, filtered water and precise temperature control. No ice runs, no guesswork.
What do people use it for?
The manufacturers say cold-water immersion can support mood and energy, mental focus and resilience, muscle recovery, and overall wellness. Many athletes and enthusiasts use cold immersion to feel invigorated and support their recovery routines. Research on cold exposure is still emerging, so we keep it experiential: most people simply describe stepping out refreshed and clear-headed. (Check with your doctor before starting — see the safety note below.)
Is it safe? Who shouldn't use one?
Cold immersion isn't for everyone. Talk to your doctor before starting a cold-plunge routine, especially if you have a heart or circulatory condition, are pregnant, or have cold sensitivity. (The American Heart Association advises caution with cold immersion for heart conditions.) Ease in gradually, don't plunge alone when you're new to it, and keep any breathing exercises away from the water entirely. This is general wellness information, not medical advice.
How cold does it get?
The Emerge holds water from 40 °F to 80 °F. (Vigor, its Hot Spring sibling, is built to the same structure.) A heat pump chills the water; from 80 °F it takes roughly 10–11 hours to reach 40 °F in warm conditions, and less when it's cooler out.
What kind of power does it need?
A dedicated 115-volt, 15-amp outlet. The 17-foot GFCI cord plugs directly in — no extension cords. Easy compared with a full-size hot tub.
Where can I put it?
On a reinforced concrete pad at least 4 inches thick, with at least 24 inches of clearance around the back and sides for ventilation, and away from metal surfaces. It's portable and can be moved indoors in extreme weather (in Canada it's certified for indoor use only).
How do I take care of the water?
A built-in UV-C sanitation system, plus a light chemical routine: test with a 5-way strip and sanitize with a small amount of granular chlorine to hold 3–5 ppm. No bath salts or essential oils (they damage the filter and pumps). Drain and refill every 3–6 months; rinse the filter monthly and replace it every 6–8 months; the UV-C lamp is a yearly replacement.
Can I use it with my hot tub or sauna?
Yes. Alternating warm and cold immersion is a long-standing recovery practice commonly called contrast therapy, and many athletes and wellness enthusiasts build a routine around it. Vigor and Emerge were designed to sit alongside the same brands' hot tubs and saunas for exactly that, positioned around recovery, performance, and a daily reset. Because we carry every category — hot tubs, saunas, swim spas, and cold plunges — we can help you plan and match the pieces. (Ease in gradually, and check with your doctor first.)
What's the warranty?
Representative coverage: 5-year shell/surface, 3-year plumbing, components, heat pump, and cabinet, 2-year LED lighting and UV sanitation system, and a 2-year cover (the UV-C lamp itself is a yearly wear item, not covered). We'll confirm current terms for your unit.
This is general wellness information, not medical advice.
Water Care
What water-care system does my hot tub use?
Hot Spring and Caldera hot tubs (mid and premium models) use the FreshWater® Salt System: a replaceable titanium cartridge makes chlorine from a small amount of dissolved salt, so you add far fewer chemicals and the water feels softer. Entry Freeflow/Fantasy tubs use simple FROG® cartridges instead, and the Vigor and Emerge cold plunges use a built-in UV-C light plus a little granular chlorine. Endless Pools swim spas use ozone/UV plus a little chlorine (see below).
How long does the water stay clean on a salt system?
Up to a year between drain-and-refills with proper care. One titanium cartridge lasts about four months (a three-pack covers roughly a year).
What are the FreshWater tiers I keep hearing about?
Three, stacking from simple to hands-off: the Salt System (the foundation), + Smart Monitoring (a sensor tests every hour and shows Green/Yellow/Red), and + Dosing (one tap dispenses pH and phosphate adjusters). All three together are FreshWater® IQ.
How often do I have to do something?
On a salt system, plan a quick water test roughly every ten days, clean or replace filters on schedule, and do a full drain-and-refill a few times a year. On FreshWater IQ, the spa tests hourly and doses for you, so it's even lighter.
Why is there no chlorine reading even though the water looks clear?
That's usually "chlorine lock": too much stabilized (granular "dichlor") chlorine has built up cyanuric acid and bound your chlorine, often after someone added extra to "help." The fix is a drain-and-refill. The prevention is to let the salt system do its job and use its Boost setting after heavy use, instead of pouring in more chlorine.
My fill water is hard — does that matter?
Yes. High calcium hardness scales the cartridge and heater and clouds the water. There are softening products (a Vanishing Act® pillow for moderately hard water) and, for very hard or well water, a fill-through softener or pre-filter. Bring us a water sample if you're not sure.
Is salt water hard on my equipment or my skin?
No. The salt level is low — much lower than seawater — so the water just feels softer. What can corrode equipment is keeping salt or chlorine above the recommended range, which is exactly what the smart systems help you avoid.
How is swim-spa water care different?
Endless Pools swim spas can't use salt — it would corrode their stainless-steel equipment. Instead they build in ozone and/or UV (R-Series uses CD ozone; X- and E-Series add UV) plus a small chlorine residual (target 0.5–1 ppm). Clean the cartridge filter monthly and replace it about every four months, and run circulation per your pump type (some run continuously). Their target water balance differs from a hot tub's — follow the Endless Pools guide.
How do I take care of a cold plunge's water?
Vigor and Emerge use UV-C plus a light chemical routine. Test with a 5-way strip, and sanitize with a small amount of granular chlorine to hold 3–5 ppm. No bath salts or oils. Drain and refill every 3–6 months.
Service & Maintenance
How much upkeep is a hot tub, really?
Less than most people expect. On a salt or smart system the routine is a quick water test about every ten days, an occasional filter cleaning, and a full drain-and-refill a few times a year. The systems do most of the balancing; you mostly keep an eye on it.
How often do I clean or replace filters?
Clean them on the regular schedule and whenever you shock for a no-use period. Swim-spa cartridges get checked monthly and replaced about every four months (many can be cleaned and reused a couple of times). Follow your model's guidance. Clean filters quietly do a lot of the work.
How often should I drain and refill?
Hot tub: a few times a year — salt and smart systems stretch that interval out. Cold plunge: every 3–6 months. Swim spa: partial refreshes as dissolved solids climb, roughly yearly or when the water looks dull.
Do I have to winterize?
It depends on the product and whether you'll use it. Hot tubs and swim spas can run all winter. That's the point. If a unit won't be used where it freezes, it must be properly winterized to protect the equipment. Cold plunges keep circulating to help prevent freezing, but should be winterized or moved indoors if you can't monitor them in a hard freeze. We can walk you through it or handle it.
Does doing my own maintenance void the warranty?
For Endless Pools swim spas, doing your own maintenance (or hiring a local pro) does not void the warranty, as long as you follow the service/maintenance guidelines. Across all brands, though, warranty repairs must be done by an authorized representative. For anything beyond routine care, start with us.
How much maintenance does a sauna need?
Very little. A sauna is dry, with no water chemistry. Towels on the benches, a damp-cloth wipe, open the door and vents to dry between uses, and a weekly wash-down with daily use. Traditional models: use only the supplied rocks, never run the heater without rocks, and give the rocks a yearly cleaning. Infrared cabins use no water. Outdoor Lulea saunas need their exterior wood re-sealed yearly.
My sauna is showing an error code — what do I do?
Common ones on a traditional Tylö: a High-Limit shutoff often traces to over-packed rocks or poor ventilation; a Sensor Not Detected message means power to the heater is disabled — cut the breaker and check connections. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the heater or control box, so if a code persists, contact us with your model and serial numbers.
Who do I call when something needs service?
Start with us. Your dealer is the first contact for delivery, water care, and warranty claims, and we can usually resolve it fastest. If it needs to escalate to the manufacturer, we'll make that happen.
Delivery & Site Prep
What kind of foundation do I need?
A level, load-rated base. For a hot tub, a reinforced concrete pad is ideal. A reinforced deck works if it's rated for the filled weight — often several thousand pounds — and compacted gravel or pavers can work when level and stable. Swim spas need an engineered, load-rated pad — usually reinforced concrete — because full of water they're extremely heavy. A cold plunge needs a reinforced concrete pad at least 4 inches thick (don't shim it).
What electrical do I need in place before delivery?
It depends on the unit. A Plug-N-Play hot tub or infrared sauna uses a standard 110–120V outlet. A full-size hot tub needs a dedicated 240V GFCI circuit. A swim spa needs 240V at higher amperage. A cold plunge uses a dedicated 115V/15A outlet. For any 240V work, have a licensed electrician do the rough-in and get it inspected before delivery, so we can power the unit the day it lands.
How do you get it into my yard?
Most hot tubs are delivered standing on edge on a cart, so we measure your gates, doorways, stairs, and tight corners against the unit ahead of time. A snug path might mean temporarily removing a fence section. A truly blocked path — and most swim spas — may need a crane. We confirm the route in advance, so there are no surprises on delivery day.
Who pays for a crane or extra delivery work?
Crane, delivery, set-up, and site work are the owner's cost — they're not part of the manufacturer warranty — and a servicing trip may carry a travel fee. We'll scope all of this with you up front, so the quote reflects your actual site.
What's on the pre-delivery checklist?
Pad poured, cured, and level · electrical rough-in done and inspected · delivery path measured and clear · final position marked · a hose within reach to fill · and the spots for your cover lifter and steps planned. Tick those and you'll be up and running the same day.
Where should I place it?
Plan for drainage away from the pad, some privacy and wind screening, and a short, safe path from the house. And the one people forget: clearance to open the equipment door for service.
Warranty
What does the warranty cover?
Coverage is broken out by area — shell/structure, shell surface, plumbing, components, heater, cabinet, lighting, and water-care/sanitation — each with its own term. Higher tiers generally carry the longest terms. For example, Hot Spring Highlife carries a 7-year no-leak shell, and Caldera Utopia/Paradise a 10-year no-leak shell. We'll walk you through the exact coverage on any model you're considering.
How long is it?
It varies by brand, collection, and component — it truly depends on the model. As a rough picture: premium hot-tub lines carry the longest shell and multi-year component and heater terms. Entry plug-and-play lines and cold plunges carry shorter terms. Tylö saunas carry 5-year parts on core components with 2 years of in-field labor. Endless Pools swim spas run a 10-year no-leak shell with multi-year components. We'll confirm current terms in writing before you buy.
Do I need to register it?
Yes. Register after purchase with your serial numbers. Tylö saunas must be registered within 60 days of installation, and coverage generally runs from the installation date to the original purchaser.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
Generally no. The manufacturer warranties on our brands are non-transferable and cover the original purchaser, and they end if the unit is moved out of the country of purchase. Buy it for your own use, not as a resale selling point.
What isn't covered?
The usual exclusions: normal wear and tear, improper installation, unauthorized alteration or electrical conversion, accident or acts of God, misuse, commercial/rental use, non-approved accessories, and not following the owner's manual or proper water care. Common wear parts (filter cartridges, bulbs, pillows, cover locks, fuses, the GFCI cord) and covers/accessories are typically excluded (some carry separate warranties). Skipping required water care can also jeopardize coverage.
If something breaks, what do I do?
Start with us. Register the unit, then contact your dealer. We perform warranty service, especially if we installed it. You'll give written notice (typically within 30 days of discovering a claim) with your receipt. Covered repairs are done at no charge for parts or labor, though the owner covers things like shipping, crane, and any trip fee, which the warranty doesn't include.
Does doing my own maintenance void it?
For Endless Pools swim spas, no. DIY or a hired pro is fine if you follow the maintenance guidelines. Across brands, though, warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized representative.
Energy & Cost to Own
What does it cost to run?
It depends on climate, insulation, the cover, your temperature setpoint, and how often you use it. Energy rates change and vary by utility, so we talk in drivers, not dollars — and we can estimate with your actual address and rate. Our full cost-to-run article goes deeper. (Wondering about the purchase price instead? That's covered in How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?.)
What drives a hot tub's running cost the most?
Electricity, and five things move it: your climate, the insulation (full-foam / FiberCor® plus an insulated base pan), the cover (the single biggest daily factor — a tight seal keeps in the heat you paid for), your setpoint and usage, and the equipment (an efficient circulation pump, a No-Fault® heater, and designs that recycle equipment heat).
What lowers the running cost?
A tight, modern cover. Full-foam or FiberCor® insulation. Efficient circulation and heater. Salt or IQ water care (fewer refills, fewer chemicals). A sensible setpoint. Get those right and the monthly cost fades into the utility bill.
Do swim spas cost more to run than hot tubs?
Generally yes. There's much more water and a larger surface to heat, so insulation and a good cover matter even more, and the exercise pumps draw power when in use. Dual-temperature models cost more than single-zone because they heat two zones. Still, a swim spa is typically cheaper to run and maintain than a traditional in-ground pool, and usable year-round.
What about a sauna's energy use?
A different profile: it's per-session, not a 24/7 standby load. Infrared runs at lower temperatures and starts faster, so it generally uses less energy per session. Traditional runs hotter and warms up longer. Good insulation keeps it down — and don't pre-heat an empty room longer than needed. Wi-Fi remote start helps with that.
Are there efficiency features I should look for?
Yes. For hot tubs, ask about full-foam/FiberCor® insulation, the insulated base pan, the No-Fault® heater, an efficient circulation pump, and a tight, well-built cover. Hot Spring's Highlife and Limelight lines are built to meet CEC/APSP energy standards.
Is financing available to spread the cost?
Typically yes, through the dealer. Ask us for current terms — we don't quote rates here because they change. Our financing guide explains how it usually works, or see financing.
