Lay-Z-Spa FAQ

What Sets Lay-Z-Spa Apart?
Top 3 Questions When Buying A Hot Tub
We estimate that energy costs are around £7 - £10 a week* to run a Lay-Z-Spa based on average usage**. We are continually developing our hot tubs to be as cost-efficient as possible. For example, every Lay-Z-Spa from 2017 onwards includes the Power Saving Timer and all models from 2021 include Freeze Shield™.
The Lay-Z-Spa 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.
Every Lay-Z-Spa also comes with a top cover and an inflatable lid to provide maximum insulation and prevent heat loss. We have a thick Lay-Z-Spa Floor Protector available as an accessory that provides added protection and insulation.
Find out more about running costs, our energy efficiency and tips and keeping costs down.
Other costs to running a Lay-Z-Spa include hot tub chemicals to keep your water in top condition and the occasional refill with fresh water.
*Figures are based on the Vegas AirJet model used 3 times a week in average UK summer temperatures. Usage: approx 25 mins with 20 mins of Lay-Z-Spa massage function per use including a 5 min interval. Wind-block and cover utilised.
**This is based on feedback we have had from our customers. Please note this is ONLY an estimate and does not take into consideration specifics such as electricity supplier, increase in frequency of usage and outside ambient air temperature. E.g. a lower than average air temperature can cause increased electricity usage in order to maintain high water temperatures.
Hot Tub Chemicals
Hot Tub Chemicals are essential for making your water safe to use and to keep it that way. We recommend Clearwater chemicals which have been designed especially with Lay-Z-Spa in mind.
If you're new to hot tub chemicals, the Clearwater Hot Tub Chemical Starter Kit includes all the chemicals you need to get your hot tub running in no time. We also offer hot tub chemical advice for Clearwater products.
Accessories
We have a wide range of Lay-Z-Spa Accessories available for cleaning and maintenance right through to taking your spa experience to the next level. This ranges from Drinks Holders, LED Lights and Spa Pillows to a Dome Enclosure, All In One Cleaning Kit and Foot Bath. For added protection and insulation for the base of your Lay-Z-Spa, we recommend the Lay-Z-Spa Floor Protector.
If you use your Lay-Z-Spa regularly, say 3 or more times per week, it is usually better to leave your pump's heater activated at all times as this is the most cost-effective way of running your hot tub and will save energy in the long run. We would recommend setting your hot tub at a temperature between 25°C and 35°C, and then increasing to your desired temperature a few hours before use.
Lay-Z-Spa's heating system is thermostatically regulated. Once the water reaches your desired temperature, it will stop and will only switch on again when the water temperature drops a couple of degrees. This is much better than letting your hot tub's water rise and fall from hot to cold, as this will require much more energy to bring the water back up to temperature.Â
If you don't use your Lay-Z-Spa regularly, you can either drop the temperature right down or off completely. Don't forget that all our hot tubs include the Power Saving Timer which lets you control your heating up to 72 hours in advance.
Regardless of leaving the heat on or not, we recommend that your filter is running for at least 8 hours a day.Â
General Lay-Z-Spa FAQ
With over a decade of advanced engineering and innovation, Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs are renowned as the UK's most 5-star rated. Part of this is down to our trial and tested designs, materials and production.
Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs are available in two different materials:
DuraPlusâ„¢
Durable, yet comfortable, DuraPlusâ„¢ is ultra sturdy with 3 layers of polyester mesh and PVC. By constructing the internal structure with DuraPlusâ„¢, it ensures that the spas will keep their shape no matter how many times they have been inflated or deflated.
Drop Stitch
Drop stitch material provides unparalleled strength and durability. Thousands of fine threads securely are connected the sidewalls, which seal in the air to keep the spa inflated. This material can support considerable weight while still being light and portable when deflated.
The number of people who can fit into a Lay-Z-Spa depends on which model you choose. Each product listing tells you the capacity and you can filter the results depending on the capacity you are looking for.
AirJetâ„¢
The all-surrounding AirJetâ„¢ massage system ranges from 87 to 180 according to the model. This massage system works by pushing high-pressure air through small holes in the circumference of the base of the liner.
AirJet Plusâ„¢
In addition to the small holes in the outer circumference of the bottom, AirJet Plusâ„¢ also includes a circular set in the centre of the base resulting in a soothing sensation across your entire body. Models with AirJet Plusâ„¢ come with 2 levels of massage power controlled through the function on the pump.
HydroJet Proâ„¢
This is a combination of AirJetâ„¢ and HydroJet Proâ„¢ technology for a blissfully soothing massage experience. The HydroJets are found in the hot tub walls and work by pushing water through multi-directional jets. Use the digitally controlled pump with the control panel to combine both systems, or enjoy them individually.
All Lay-Z-Spa models released from 2017 onwards come with the Power Saving Timer. This includes spare pumps which have been sold since 2017. To find out how it works, please read this article.
With the introduction of Freeze Shieldâ„¢ technology in all Lay-Z-Spa pumps in 2021, you can use a Lay-Z-Spa in winter. Please read our How to set up a Lay-Z-Spa in winter or How to use your Lay-Z-Spa in winter blogs for more info.
It is not recommended that you use pre-2021 Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs when the temperature drops to 4°C. This does not stop you from doing so as long as you follow appropriate setting up, care and maintenance*.
We recommend that you position your Lay-Z-Spa on a raised platform and in a covered or sheltered area. This will protect your hot tub from too much sunlight in Summer and from the elements in Winter. It is very important that you never leave your Lay-Z-Spa unused when temperatures drop below 4°C.
*For models without Freeze Shield. please be aware that should any faults occur due to use in the cold, this unfortunately will not be covered by warranty.
Freeze Shieldâ„¢ was introduced into all our models as standard starting from the 2021 range. This function allows you to keep your hot tub out all year round without worrying about it freezing or having to put it away.
When the outside temperature drops below 6°C , Freeze Shield™ activates your pump and mildly heats up your hot tub to prevent the water and pipes from freezing.
Yes - all Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs include energy-saving features as standard such as the insulating lid, power-saving timer and thermostatic heating system. Some models are also available with an insulating EnergySenseâ„¢ cover.Â
Additionally, independent laboratory testing did find that Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs are more energy-efficient than comparable products by comparable brands with quicker heating and slower loss of heat.Â
All Lay-Z-Spas include a cushioned floor which provides great comfort during periods of long use. The Lay-Z-Spa Maldives and Palma HydroJet Proâ„¢ come with built-in seating and removable cushions and the Santorini HydroJet Proâ„¢ features an integrated inflatable bench.
The cushioning in the base of the spa is suitable for periods of extended use. For those who suffer from arthritis or struggle to move, we recommend a Lay-Z-Spa Step and Surround as they can provide extra assistance and support when entering and exiting the spa.
A Lay-Z-Spa is not a paddling pool or a toy and therefore is not suitable for children under 8 years old. Children over 8 years old, must be supervised at all times and must be comfortably tall enough to stand on the bottom and have their heads out of the water. We recommend that children over 8 years old only use a Lay-Z-Spa for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time.
If a Lay-Z-Spa is correctly set-up, well maintained and cared for, it can be enjoyed for many years. When not in use, it is important that a Lay-Z-Spa is taken down and stored correctly. We recommended that you pack away your Lay-Z-Spa if it not used in colder months as temperatures below 4°C can damage the pump and liner.
How often you should change your hot tub water really varies depending on how effective you are at maintaining your water with hot tub chemicals.
It is recommended that Lay-Z-Spa water is changed regularly, and at least once every 1-3 months. The frequency of water changes should reflect the degree of use of the hot tub, as well as the results of chemical testing. If chemical levels have fallen far outside the normal ranges, it is recommended that the water is completely replaced and re-treated.
It is important to shock dose your water on a regular basis and you will find it will extend how long you can use the water for.
Proper chemical maintenance, using the cover, and showering before using your hot tub will prolong the lifespan of the water.Â
Each Lay-Z-Spa model weighs a different amount when filled with water. Each product listing tells you the exact filled weight of the product. When placing your hot tub on a raised platform, you should consider this weight plus the weight of the users at maximum capacity.
When a Lay-Z-Spa is set up in an open area, 1 Meter away from the pump the decibel level is:
- Filtration <60dB
- Heating <60dB
- Massage <72dB
- Water Jet <72dB
There are a huge variety of hot tub accessories to choose from for a Lay-Z-Spa. Including Pillows, Drinks Holders, Floor Protectors, LEDs and much more so you can customise a Lay-Z-Spa to suit your needs. Explore our Lay-Z-Spa Accessories and see what you could add to your hot tub.
Setting Up A Lay-Z-Spa
Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs require no tools for set up and are inflated by using the supplied pump which can take as little as 5 minutes. Please refer to your Instruction Manual for specific set up information or watch our handy Setup Videos.
If you are wondering "Can I use my Lay-Z-Spa straight away?" The answer is that you need to allow at least 24 hours before you can use your Lay-Z-Spa.
After inflation, you need to is fill the Lay-Z-Spa with fresh water, give it a commissioning shock dose of chlorine and wait for it to heat up! You can fill the hot tub with warm water from the beginning if you wish. Read our Chemicals Guide for more information and guidance about hot tub chemicals.
Yes, a Lay-Z-Spa needs to be placed on a completely flat and solid surface.
Suitable Surface: A smooth, flat, even surface that is capable of supporting the entire filled weight of your Lay-Z-Spa plus the weight of the users. Positioning your Lay-Z-Spa on an uneven surface can cause unequal pressure on one side of the hot tub which will increase the likelihood of your liner failing. Setting up on a heated floor is not recommended.
Power Supply Proximity: You need to consider having a power supply that is close enough for the cable to reach (approx. length of the cable is 7m) but also far enough away so that water cannot splash into the socket. We recommend using an outdoor socket - please see our Hot Tub Safety FAQs for more info.
Surroundings: Placing your Lay-Z-Spa near a windbreak such as a fence or wall will help to reduce wind chill, helping it to retain more heat and in turn help to reduce your running costs. You should also consider where you will drain the water when required.
A Lay-Z-Spa is suitable for use both outdoors and indoors. Whilst most of our users set them up in their gardens, either on a hard surface such as a patio or on grass, some also set them up in a summer house, shed or garage. For use indoors, you should take time and care to consider factors such as drainage and ventilation.
When setting up a Lay-Z-Spa indoors or outdoors you should ask yourself the following questions:
- If there was a problem, would water be able to drain freely without causing damage?
- The Lay-Z-Spa is likely to increase the humidity of any confined space it is placed within, how would this affect the chosen area?
- Have you fully considered ventilation?
- Is the floor suitable to withstand the weight of the hot tub when full?
- Is the floor a level non-slip surface?
- Does the electrical supply have an RCD?
*Lay-Z-Spa does not take any responsibility or accept any liability for the use of the Lay-Z-Spa in an indoor area, summer house or garage.
Your Lay-Z-Spa will usually take approximately 1-2 hours to fill up to the recommended line. Time taken will depend on your water pressure and the Lay-Z-Spa model.
This can vary greatly depending on the temperature of fresh water that goes into the hot tub, the ambient air temperature and which Lay‑Z‑Spa model you have. The higher the capacity of water, the longer the hot tub will take to heat up.
The Lay-Z-Spa Pump heats the water via a circulating pump and heats up at approx. 1.5-2°C/h (3-4°F/h) per hour. In England in the Summer, it can take on average 6 - 12 hours. Ensuring that the hot tub is well insulated and that the lid is on will also greatly help!
Here is a guide of the approximate time it takes to heat based on the water and ambient temperature
Ambient Temperature | Water Temperature | Set Temperature | Heating Duration (approx) |
10°C | 10°C | 40°C | 18.5h |
15°C | 15°C | 40°C | 15h |
20°C | 20°C | 40°C | 11.5h |
25°C | 25°C | 40°C | 8.5h |
30°C | 30°C | 40°C | 5.5h |
Using Your Hot Tub Outdoors
Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs can be used all year round. The introduction of the Freeze Shieldâ„¢ feature in 2021 means it is now easier than ever to use your hot tub all year, even in winter. Head to our blog for advice on winter use.
Please note: You should never leave your Lay-Z-Spa unused, with no power, when temperatures drop below 4°C.
*Please be aware that should any faults occur to models without Freeze Shield, due to use in the cold, this unfortunately will not be covered by warranty.
Yes, a Lay-Z-Spa pump is waterproof, however, if you are expecting a very large amount of rain or bad weather it is recommended that you bring the spa and pump indoors. Constant adverse weather conditions could damage your spa and pump.
A Lay-Z-Spa should not be left in direct sunlight as this can cause damage to the liner. Ideally, you should position your hot tub in a sheltered location or provide some shading.Â
If your Lay-Z-Spa is setup in direct sunlight*, please consider letting out some of the air and make sure you use the top cover when not in use.Â
*Please be aware that should any damage occur to your Lay-Z-Spa due to sun exposure, this unfortunately will not be covered by warranty.
If you choose to pack away your hot tub for winter, it is a case of following a few simple steps: drain, deflate, clean, rinse and dry thoroughly.
You must ensure to take care when moving, folding and storing your inflatable liner. And, you should store your Lay-Z-Spa in a dry, moisture-free environment that has an ambient temperature of well above 4ºC.
For more detailed info about how to pack away a Lay-Z-Spa, please read this article.
Looking After A Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tub
Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tubs are very easy to look after and are all supplied with an owner's manual which includes maintenance instructions to help you get the best from your purchase.
Our blogs feature comprehensive tips & advice for Lay-Z-Spa owners and we also have a Hot Tub Chemicals Guide here. to help with Chemical maintenance.
Yes, you can. If you are planning on using your Lay-Z-Spa frequently, we recommend leaving the pump and filter on all the time as this is the most cost-effective in the long run. This maintains the heat of the water and it will ensure the filter is constantly filtering the spa's water.
If you use your Lay-Z-Spa less regularly, don't forget that all our new hot tubs include the Power Saving Timer which lets you control your heating up to 72 hours in advance.
Yes, all Lay-Z-Spa models with a 2017 or newer pump can heat and use the AirJetâ„¢ Massage System at the same time.
No, Lay-Z-Spa models with a 2017 or newer pump cannot heat and use the HydroJetâ„¢ Massage System at the same time. Heating can only be on at the same time as the AirJetâ„¢ Massage System.
If it's only for a few days, the pump, filter and heater can be left running. If you plan on leaving your hot tub unattended for approximately a week, you can leave the pump and filter running. Make sure you top up chlorine before leaving.
However, if you are going to leave your Lay-Z-Spa for over a week, we would advise that you drain and clean down your Lay-Z-Spa, and re-fill it when you return.
No, a Lay-Z-Spa does not require the pump to be kept inflated. The pump is used at initial setup to inflate the hot tub and to top it up if required.
Yes, you can add more air to your Lay-Z-Spa when it is full of water.Â
1. Remove ChemConnect and Filter Housing
2. Apply Stopper Caps over the debris screens.
3. Detach the pump and add a screw-on stopper to pipe ‘A’.
4. Add air in the same way as when you initially inflated the liner.
Draining a Lay-Z-Spa is a simple and easy process.
1. Remove the Filter Housing and ChemConnect
2. Simply screw on the stopper caps
3. Unscrew and remove the pump.
4. Use the drain adapter to attach a hosepipe to the hot tub to allow for the drainage of the majority of the water.
5. Any remaining water can then simply be tipped out
6. Alternatively, a Pool and Drain Pump can be used to extract the water.
The lifetime of a hot tub filter varies according to the frequency of use, maintenance regime and water conditions.
A Filter should be cleaned after every use or at least every other day. Read our advice on how to clean Lay-Z-Spa filters.Â
Hard water can result in an increased build-up of limescale and therefore can result in increased cleaning and replacement of a filter cartridge. This can be alleviated however with the Clearwater Stain & Scale Controller.
Yes, you can order Spare Parts from Lay-Z-Spa.
You can get all your hot tub chemicals directly from Lay‑Z‑Spa. We supply ClearWater chemicals which have been specifically designed for use with Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs. For more info on chemicals, check our hot tub chemical guide.
Hot Tub Chemical Maintenance
In order to maintain clear, clean and healthy water there are some day-to-day/regular tasks that you will need to undertake:
1. Water Filtration / Circulation
It is a combination of circulating the water through the filter cartridge to collect suspended dirt and oils, together with good chemical water treatment that helps you to maintain clear, clean and healthy water.
Whenever the Lay-Z-Spa's heater is turned on, the filtration function is automatically activated. If you wish, it is possible to activate the filter on its own, to keep the water circulating but not heating.
2. Water Testing and Daily Adjusting of Chlorine and PH Levels
It is essential to test the water every time before getting in. Chemicals will still get used up and will be constantly changing, even if you haven't used the hot tub. We recommend testing the water 1-2 hours before you plan to use it to give you time to make any chemical adjustments if required.
When it comes to water testing, we recommend using Clearwater Dip Test Strips to quickly and accurately assess your hot tub's water conditions and make adjustments to the chemical levels as required:
1 Free Chlorine
2 pH Levels
3 Total Alkalinity (TA)
3. Shower Before Using Your Hot Tub
We recommend showering before using your Lay-Z-Spa. This will eliminate the amount of organic matter, body oils and cosmetics that enter the water.
Yes, regardless of how often or how long you plan to use your hot tub, it is essential to treat the water in your Lay-Z-Spa using hot tub Chemicals. If you left your Lay-Z-Spa water without any treatment, it would soon become uncomfortable, unclean and potentially dangerous.
Hot Tub Chemicals are a highly effective way to treat your Lay-Z-Spa, as they eliminate any harmful bacteria that can grow in warm water. It won’t take you long to get used to understanding the chemicals and, with regular use, it’ll soon become second nature.
Explore our Hot Tub Chemicals Guide for more information about how and when to use chemicals in your Lay-Z-Spa/
Yes, chlorine (or an alternative such as bromine) is a powerful sanitiser that is necessary to keep your hot tub clean and healthy. It kills off bacteria and any contaminants in the water making it safe to use.Â
You need to shock dose your hot tub with chlorine when you first set up and keep on top of regular chemical maintenance.Â
As a body of still water, a hot tub runs the risk of becoming stagnant and dangerous if not treated properly. Therefore, it is essential to use ClearWater Chemicals to help maintain the water health of your spa.
We recommend ClearWater Chemicals which have been specially designed for Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs. Read our Lay-Z-Spa Chemicals Guide to find out how to use these.Â
Hot Tub Safety
Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs run on a UK standard 13amp/240V electrical supply. You should always use a grounded socket with RCD protection. All of our pumps come with a built-in RCD unit as a safety measure. Â
The socket that the hot tub is being plugged in to should be grounded and at least 4 metres away, at a height of at least 1.2m from the ground. We recommend getting a qualified electrician to install a grounded outdoor waterproof socket with RCD protection.
Please Note: You should not overload your plug socket. We recommend that you only run power to your Lay-Z-Spa from a plug socket and nothing else at the same time.Â
No, extension cables cannot be used with a Lay‑Z‑Spa. The Lay-Z-Spa pumps come with a 7-metre cable which is usually sufficient for users to reach their nearest grounded socket with RCD protection. If the cable is not long enough, we recommend getting a qualified electrician to install a grounded outdoor socket with RCD protection. The socket that the hot tub is being plugged in to should be grounded and at least 4 metres away, at a height of at least 1.2m from the ground.
Please Note: You should not overload your plug socket. We recommend that you only run power to your Lay-Z-Spa from a plug socket and nothing else at the same time.
All of our spas are fitted with an internal RCD (residual-current device). This is a cut-out device in the event that water comes into contact with the electrical supply to your inflatable hot tub.
Yes, however, the pump should not be left sitting in deep puddles of water. The RCD is waterproof to IPX5, meaning it can resist high-pressure heavy sprays of water, but should not be submerged or exposed to heavy continuous rainfall.
Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs offer a wide range of Health & Wellbeing benefits. If you have any concerns or are currently on medication, you should always seek advice from your doctor.
Using a hot tub when pregnant is not recommended in the first 12 weeks or first trimester. Following this, you should seek advice from a doctor or your midwife and only use your hot tub for a short period of time at a lower temperature.
Hot Tub Support and Warranty
We have a UK based Aftersales team, dedicated to answering any Lay-Z-Spa enquiries that you may have. We also have a comprehensive support area that will help guide you through any issues or queries you may have.
Please visit our dedicated Warranties Page for more details.
Our hot tubs are manufactured from the toughest reinforced inflatable hot tub material you can find; however, accidents do happen and with this in mind, we always include a repair kit with your inflatable spa purchase. You can also buy spare pumps, covers and liners from our website.
No. Due to the combination of water and electricity, the Lay-Z-Spa pumps are not deemed to be user-serviceable.