Base Pan and Substructure

Reduced Ground Contact

Some spas enhance insulation by adding a base pan to the bottom of the hot tub that limits ground contact and further reduces the intrusion of cold air. Spas that don’t have a base pan may use a special type of plastic sheeting to seal the bottom, or may have no seal at all.

The lightweight polymeric substructure and heavy-duty base pan are unique to the Hot Spring Highlife® Collection of hot tubs. This innovative design not only improves insulation but also enhances the durability and longevity of the hot tub by protecting it from the elements.

Pump Shroud

Spa components generate heat just by running. On many spas, this heat vents to the outside and is lost. On a premium spa, a pump shroud captures this excess heat and transfers it to the water, enhancing energy efficiency. The pump shroud also pulls outside air in to cool the pump and prevent the risk of overheating, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

The Hot Spring patented pump shroud is a feature available on the Highlife® and Highlife® NXT Collections. This technology represents a significant advancement in spa engineering, offering users a more efficient and enjoyable hot tub experience. Compare spa models here.

Spa Blankets

Reflective Winter Blanket: A reflective winter blanket can be placed inside the equipment compartment to protect the equipment from freezing. This accessory is most useful for owners who live in extremely cold climates (Scandinavia, for example). While the winter blanket does not help your hot tub keep the water hot, it serves as an additional layer of protection for the internal components during harsh winters.

Floating Blanket: A floating blanket can be placed on the surface of the water. If you have a well-fitting cover in good condition, the floating blanket is redundant and will not measurably increase heat retention. Nonetheless, this can be a convenient accessory for reducing heat loss and debris intrusion when the cover is off. This is particularly useful for owners who don’t want to repeatedly remove and replace the cover during short intervals between uses. Additionally, some owners report that their floating blanket reduces evaporation, which may extend cover life if the blanket is used in combination with the cover.

Additional Insulation Techniques

Full-Foam Insulation: Many high-end spas employ full-foam insulation, filling the space between the spa shell and the outer cabinet with foam. This method significantly reduces heat loss, improves energy efficiency, and provides structural support to the spa.

Cabinet Insulation: Some spas feature insulated cabinets, which create an additional barrier to cold air intrusion. This design helps maintain a consistent water temperature and reduces the workload on the heating system.

Heat Recovery Systems: Advanced heat recovery systems capture and recycle heat generated by the spa’s pumps and other components. This reclaimed heat is then used to warm the water, further enhancing the energy efficiency of the spa.

By incorporating these innovative features and accessories, modern hot tubs offer enhanced energy efficiency, improved performance, and greater user convenience, ensuring a luxurious and enjoyable experience regardless of the climate.