Lay-Z-Spa: what you need to know
The Lay-Z-Spa is the symbol of summer, and as we head back into warmer weather this accessory comes into it’s own. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know…
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Image: Lay-Z-Spa
An oasis of calm in a turbulent time, the iconic Lay-Z Spa has become the pièce de résistance of lockdown inspired purchases, something for everyone to enjoy and help pass the time. Now that lockdown is lifting, it’s now something we can enjoy outdoors with friends and family, so whether you’ve already purchased yours or are holding off for better weather, we have everything you need to know, so you can enjoy yours in the best way possible.
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Where can I buy my Lay-Z Spa?
They are available at a huge variety of stores and online, depending on the exact model you are after, you can easily find a supplier that will deliver to you. You can choose to order direct from the Lay-Z-Spa website or visit one of their major retailers. Homebase, B&Q, B&M, Asda and The Range all sell Lay-Z-Spa’s online.
Read more: B&M announce Lay-Z-Spa hot tub range for less than £500!
How do you inflate a Lay-Z-Spa?
Each hot tub is inflated using a pump, which also heats the water and activates the massaging system and other features of the hot tubs.
If you’re having issues with your pump showing an error code, being noisy, linking water or not heating it properly, you can get plenty of troubleshooting help directly from the website, too.
How long does it take to heat?
The ultimate question – once we decide we’re reading for a dip, we don’t want to have to wait eons for the water to heat up. However, this largely depends on the temperature of the water going into the hot tub, the ambient air temperature at the time, and which Lay-Z-Spa model you have. If you have a bigger tub to fill, it will take longer for the water to heat up, so if that’s the case for you, make sure you decide early doors that you’re after a dip!
The Lay-Z-Spa pump heats the water via a circulating pump at approximately 1.5‑2°C per hour. In England in the summer, it can take on average between six and twelve hours. Ensuring that the hot tub is well insulated and that the lid is on will also greatly help the process.
What can I use to clean my Lay-Z-Spa?
Using the Lay-Z-Spa is one thing, but what about the aftermath and cleaning process? Thankfully there are a wide range of cleaning accessories and chemicals you can use. They offer their own all-in-one cleaning kits, which you can purchase alongside your hot tub, as well as rechargeable underwater vacuums and Miracle cleaning pads.
The most important thing to remember about cleaning your Lay-Z Spa though, is making sure the water itself remains clean and healthy. To ensure this is the case, Lay-Z-Spa offers a range of ClearWater chemicals, the most popular of which is the Chemical Starter Kit which includes everything you need to get started.
Read more: How to keep your hot tub clean this summer
How much electricity does a Lay-Z Spa use?
Before deciding to commit to your purchase, it’s vital you know what additional costs you may incur with regards to the extra water, gas and electricity it takes to run. As far as the electricity goes, the company has advised that the voltage is 220-240V-50Hz, 2,060W at 20°C, Class II.
How much do they cost to run?
But what does that translate into? Lay-Z Spa experts estimate that it costs between £7-£10 per week to run a Lay-Z-Spa based on the average usage of three times week in average UK summer temperatures for 25 minutes per session with 20 minutes of Lay-Z Spa massage function per use.
The pump heater unit is thermostatically regulated, allowing it to intelligently heat the hot tub to save on running costs, much like a central heating system. The heater will heat the water to your desired temperature and then switch off. It will then switch back on again once it falls a few degrees below this.
The hot tubs also come with a top cover and an inflatable inner disc to provide maximum insulation. Lay-Z Spa also offer a Floor Protector accessory which provides added protection and insulation, preserving the temperature and reducing the volume of power used.
However, the aim is to make the hot tubs as cost-effective as possible. One way they have boosted this already is by the added Power Saving Timer which was added in 2017, and the new for 2021 Freeze Shield.
What is the freeze shield pump?
The Freeze Shield is available in a wifi-enabled pump which enables you to control your pump, heating and massage system from your smart device. It’s a direct replacement for the heater pump supplied with Lay-Z-Spa Milan, Havana, Singapore and Barbados 2021 models, but can also be an upgrade for any pre-2021 Airjet hot tub liner.
Not only does it mean you can kickstart the filling and heating of your Lay-Z-Spa from your smartphone, but it is also essential for the general running of the hot tub – if your existing pump is damaged, this is vital as without a working pump you won’t be able to use it.
The pump also has a timer function so you can heat up the water at a designated time of your choice, and ensure it’s the right temperature before you get into your swimsuit and climb in!
The Freeze Shield technology comes in, as it allows you to set the pump to run at a lower temperature in power-saving mode for long periods of time using minimal energy. This ensures that the water doesn’t freeze, and lowers your costs.
Which is the best Lay-Z Spa to buy?
There are so many options to choose from and it all comes down to personal choice, reflected by the amount of people who will be using it and the space you have outdoors. The hot tubs are available in a selection of sizes, accommodating 2-3 people in the smallest, and up to 7 people in the largest. They also have three different massage systems available: AirJet, AirJet Plus and HydroJet Pro.
Here are some of our favourite Lay-Z-Spa options…
Ibiza Airjet, £549
Image: Lay-Z-Spa
As their most affordable square hot tub ever, this has space for between four and six people and includes 140 AirJets.
Palma Hydrojet Pro, £1,299
Image: Lay-Z-Spa
A luxury hot tub, this fits up to seven people and will want to keep you in it all evening with its invigorating massage system! Not to mention the built-in seats, back rests and LED lights, which all promise to make the Palma Hydrojet Pro a must for your garden space.
Singapore Airjet Plus, £799
Image: Lay-Z-Spa
A hot tub for the modern age, this model is compatible with the Lay-Z-Spa app and Freeze Shield features, so you can control it directly from your phone. It also has the Airjet Plus massage system, giving you a soothing experience with two different levels of intensity.
Will you be investing in a Lay-Z Spa this year? Let us know by tweeting us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page.
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