Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical running costs depend on use. All Catalina spas are built with dense foam insulation to help keep running costs to a minimum and you should budget between 50p and £1 per day.

Are they designed for indoor or outdoor use?

The top lip of a Catalina spa extends beyond the mahogany cabinet - similar to your roof overhanging the walls. This important feature ensures that they are ideally suited to outdoor as well as indoor use. Spas look great either indoors or out, although it is fair to say that most are installed outdoors.

Can my Catalina spa be used all year round?

Absolutely! Many people tell us about their holiday experiences of using a hot spa in the snow. There is nothing better than sitting in the warm therapeutic waters on a winters evening staring up at a starry sky!

Will my spa work off the off-peak Economy 7 tariff?

Yes, most Catalina spas are fitted with their own built in electrical time clock enabling you to set its operating times.

Can I lock my spa?

Catalina think of everything. Not only with the majority of Catalina spas can you lock the control panel to prevent its use in your absence, the spa cover is also supplied with a lock to secure it over the top of the spa for added safety and to prevent it being blown away.

Are Catalina spas supplied with a safety cover?

Only Catalina spas are supplied with a UL listed safety cover. The cover fits snugly over the top of your spa, is centrally hinged for convenience, and incorporates 2 galvanised steel strengtheners.

Are spas good for you?

Ask any doctor - hydrotherapy is world-renowned. Hydrotherapy is a Greek word with hydro meaning water and therapeia meaning healing. Your spa will increase blood circulation and lower blood pressure, boost the metabolism, remove toxins from your body through perspiration and increased kidney activity. It will also help relieve aching muscles and joints and increase oxidants and nutrients in the skin and repair damage. But that's just the benefits for the body. For your mental state, your spa will help you sleep, boost mental alertness, soothe anger, increase levels of concentration, improve memory, reduce anxiety and relieve mental fatigue.

Quote "The beneficial effects of the water depend on the temperature, the depth and the duration of immersion" Dr John Harcup (Chairman of the BSF's Medical Advisory Committee)

Do you offer finance?

We can offer finance, often at competitive rates. However, it is worth checking with your own Mortgage Company as there are often good deals around.

What Warranty do I get on my new Catalina spa?

Catalina pride themselves on providing the best Warranty in the industry. All Classic Range Spas have a 10-year warranty on the shell, a 7-year warranty on motors and control systems, and 5 years warranty on the plumbing. No other spa comes with such comprehensive Warranties.

How will the spa be heated?

For your convenience, all equipment is contained within the cabinet of your spa and includes an electrical heater.

Do I need a water supply to my spa?

The Catalina spa is a self-contained unit and is easily filled with a hosepipe. There is no need (nor do we recommend) to connect it directly to the mains.

If I move home after buying my spa, can I take it with me?

A Catalina spa is portable enabling you to relocate it. We have some customers who choose to use the spa indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer. But if you do move house and want to take your spa with you, using our specialist equipment we can assist you in moving your spa to your new home. Most people, however, sell the spa with their old house and buy a replacement for their new home.

Can my spa have a radio or television fitted?

Not the most popular question we are asked! Catalina can offer a retrofit audio visual centre, which is specifically designed for indoor and outdoor use adjacent to your spa. However, Catalina is the only company producing a true TV spa (as seen on BBC television), which incorporates CD and radio, television and VCR (with the option of DVD).

Does my spa need a special base?

You must remember that when full of water and people your spa will be very heavy so we do not recommend that it is placed directly onto grass. If you have an existing well-constructed patio you new spa should sit on it without any problems, if not, we recommend a concrete base, approximately 2" to 3" bigger all round that the spa and approximately 4" thick. The thickness many need to be increased to 6" if your spa is going onto unstable ground.

What power supply will my spa need?

Some spas run on 13 amps, but then so does a hairdryer! The Catalina range of spas is the best performer on the market and needs appropriate power. For this reason, depending on the model chosen, the power supply will be either 20amp or 30amp single phase. We recommend the electrical installation is carried out by a qualified electrician prior to the installation of you spa.

Do I need Planning Permission?

No. Planning Permission is not required for your spa, although if it's positioned on a roof, balcony or upstairs, we recommend that you consult a Structural Engineer.

How much will my spa weigh?

Of course, the weight of the spa will depend dramatically on whether it is wet or dry. The average dry weight of a Catalina is 350 kilos, increasing to over 2,000 kilos when it's full of water and in use.

Do I have to change the water in my spa and how often?

We recommend that you change the water every 2 - 5 months, depending on usage. But don't waste it! A couple of days before you are going to drain the spa, don't add any more chemicals, remove the cover, switch off the spa allowing the water to cool and use it for watering the garden.

Do you offer a Service Contract?

Yes - Catalina have a full Service Department, which offers annual servicing, and maintenance on not just the Catalina range but other makes as well. Our all-inclusive annual service programme is very popular as it provides total peace of mind and guarantees your spa for life.

How is the water in my spa filtered?

Catalina spas are built with a highly efficient cartridge filtration system filtering out the very finest particles, helping to keep your spa water sparkling.

How often should I change the filters?

You don't need to change the filters that often. We do recommend that the filters are taken out and cleaned every 2 weeks or more, depending on use. The filters are best cleaned using our Filter Brite and left to soak overnight and then simply rinsed with a garden hose before refitting. We recommend that filter cartridges are replaced with new every 6 months.

Do I need chemicals?

All spas require some form of chemicals for either balancing the pH or as a sanitiser. Your Catalina spa is fitted with an ozone system. This substantially reduces the amount of chemicals required with the consequence that your spa water need not smell like a swimming pool.

Is the water chemistry easy to look after?

Yes, very much so. Your spa water is easily tested by using a test dip strip, which gives clear information as to what to do. A simple operation taking only a couple of minutes will always ensure your spas water remains in pristine condition.

Where can I get chemicals for my new spa?

Any chemicals you require for operating your spa, including a wide range of essences and accessories, are all available from us by mail order.