Glossary of Spa and Hot Tub Terms

This glossary of spa related terms is designed to help our clients who are new to the world of hot tubs.

Air Control or Venturi: Mounted on the lip of the spa or at the equipment shroud, to induce air to the jets.

Cabinet: The redwood or driftwood panels that surrounds the spa, also called a skirt.

Control Panel: Mounted on the lip of the spa. The digital panel that controls the spas functions.

Control Box: Basically the brain of the spa. Power is distributed to all functions of the spa, pumps, ozonator, heater, fiber optics, etc. Also called a Spa Pack.

Drain: The fitting located inside the cabinet that drains water from the spa.

Filter: The filter cleans the spa and removes particles and debris and protects the equipment from foreign substances.

G.F.C.I.: Breaker The electronic switch installed in the power box of your house to give power to the spa. This is a non-user serviceable part.

Gate Valves: T-handled valves located at the inlets and outlets of the equipment. The gate valve blocks or opens the water line by the equipment.

Heater: The thermostatically controlled heater raises the temperature of the water to the desired degree. This is located under the control box in the equipment area.

Hose Bib: Used in the draining of the spa, fits a standard garden hose.

Jets: The fittings on your spa that direct the flow of water for massaging action. Ozone A water purification supplement method using Ozone Gas.

Ozone: gas, made by an Ozone Generator unit, can reduce your sanitizer needs by up to 25%.

Corona Discharge The Corona Discharge Ozonator reduces the amount of chemicals needed to keep water clean and crystal clear.

Ozone, a pH-neutral oxygen compound, is created when a molecule of oxygen passes between a high voltage electrode and a stainless steel grounded electrode. creating an “energy field of electrons” This field instantly converts oxygen molecules into ozone, which is dispersed throughout the water destroying algae and bacteria. With less contamination in the water, less chemicals are required to keep the water clean. This saves you both time and money.

The Corona Discharge ozone generator also saves energy, compared to the standard ultraviolet ozone generator. Corona Discharge technology produces twice the concentration of ozone while consuming less than one-tenth the electricity.

pH: Stands for “Potential for Hydrogen” This is the term used to describe the acid (low pH) or Alkalinity (high pH) condition of the water. The ideal pH for spa water is 7.5

Plumbing Union: the threaded collar that connects a water line to a component such as a pump or heater.

Skimmer/Filter Housing: This is the square opening with the floating gate at the water level. The skimmer removes surface debris to the filter. The water level in the spa should be kept at 2” above the skimmer for optimum operation.