Most frequently asked Lay-Z-Spa questions
How much does a Lay-Z-Spa cost to run?
The cost of running a Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tub depends on individual circumstances and no two Lay‑Z‑Spa users are the same. Many factors affect the running costs from the size of the Lay‑Z‑Spa and its volume of water to a sheltered or unsheltered position and the frequency of use to the fluctuation of outside temperatures and individual energy tariffs.
Using and enjoying a Lay‑Z‑Spa at the weekend only will actually cost you less than a takeaway or a trip to the cinema for two.
Click here for our up-to-date Lay-Z-Spa running costs.
When looking at Lay‑Z‑Spa running costs it is important to remember that we have been identified as the most energy-efficient inflatable hot tub brand and our hot tubs come with a range of energy-efficient technology and features that you won't find on other inflatable hot tubs.
Regular maintenance helps towards keeping running costs low and we offer advice on how to reduce your hot tub running costs too.
Is it easy to look after a Lay-Z-Spa?
Yes, a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub is easy to look after giving you more time to relax.
With our helpful chemical and maintenance guides, you'll realise that looking after a Lay-Z-Spa is easy and gives you so much in return.
Does a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub need chemicals?
Yes, 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 award-winning 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.
General Lay-Z-Spa FAQ
Are Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs energy-efficient?
Lay-Z-Spa, as standard with no other accessories needed, are the UK's most energy-efficient inflatable hot tubs.
Every Lay-Z-Spa hot tub includes a range of energy-efficient features such as an insulating lid and top cover and power saving timer.
You can also find a range of Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs with integrated EnergySense® thermal insulation (40% more energy efficient than a regular inflatable hot tub) and non-inflatable ThermaCore™ rigid foam hot tubs (up to 60% more energy efficient than a regular inflatable hot tub)
Are Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs good for you?
There are many benefits to health & wellbeing affiliated to using hot tubs.
The healing effects of water stretch back centuries and hot water immersion or hot water healing is practiced for spiritual, mindful and health reasons all over the world. There is nothing quite like the feeling of relaxing in a hot tub. Even just a short time spent in a Lay‑Z‑Spa can leave you feeling revitalised.
Independent scientific research has found that using a Lay‑Z‑Spa shows positive benefits for mental health and cardiovascular health and that using a Lay‑Z‑Spa can:
- Reduce blood pressure
- Elevate heart rate equivalent to that when brisk walking
- Increase blood flow
- Reduce stress hormones
- Reduce anxiety
Are Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs durable?
With almost two decades of advanced engineering and innovation, Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs are renowned, award‑winning and 5‑star rated. Part of this is down to our tried and tested designs, materials and production.
What is the difference between AirJets™ and HydroJets™?
AirJets™ are the calming and soothing bubbles that surround you whilst HydroJets™ are more powerful jets of water.
You can read more about these here.
What is Freeze Shield®?
Freeze Shield® is a pioneering feature for inflatable hot tubs.
In cold conditions, this advanced technology automatically heats the water to prevent it from freezing.
This means you can leave you Lay-Z-Spa setup all year round, even if you dont plan on using it frequently.
What does the power saving timer do?
Available on all Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs, the power saving timer does as it suggests - it allows you to set when you want the Lay-Z-Spa to heat up and to what temperature. This prevents any unnecessary use of energy.
Do all Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs have WiFi connection?
Currently, only selected Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs have WiFi connection.
Those that do, can be controlled through Lay-Z-Spa app.
Can I use a Lay-Z-Spa in winter?
Yes you can. In fact, winter is one of the best time to really enjoy the 40°C in contrast to the cold air and really benefit from the hydrotherapy benefits.
Whether you keep your Lay-Z-Spa at your preferred temperature, or let Freeze Shield® take care of it in the cold, there is no need to pack it away.
Setting it up in winter is a little different to setting up in warmer months. Click here to find out how to do this.
Do Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs have seats?
All Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs include a thick cushioned floor which provides great comfort. It's nothing like "sitting in a paddling pool" as some people have assumed.
You'll find Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs with seats by looking at our HydroJet Pro™ hot tubs. This includes loungers with backrests, bench seating and even loungers with integrated HydroJets™
If you're looking for seating in a regular Lay‑Z‑Spa, we have a universal hot tub seat with adjustable legs
Does a Lay-Z-Spa come with accessories?
Some Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs include extras such as soft padded pillows or water-powered LED lights, but practical and relaxation accessories are down to the preference of each individual user, so these are available separately.
Can I plug my Lay-Z-Spa into an extension lead?
No, extension cables cannot be used with a Lay‑Z‑Spa.
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.
The Lay‑Z‑Spa heater 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.
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.
How loud is a Lay-Z-Spa?
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
How much power does the pump use?
Each function of the pump/heater uses the following power:
- Massage Function: 0.8kWh / 800W
- Heater (at 20°C): 2kWh / 2000W
- Filter: 0.05kWh / 50W
Setting up a Lay-Z-Spa
Is it easy to set up a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub?
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 manual or our setup videos for specific setup information or refer to our getting started guide.
Where is the best place to put a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub?
Suitable flat surface: A flat, even surface that is capable of supporting the entire filled weight of your Lay‑Z‑Spa plus the weight of the users. If the ground is uneven, not only will it look wonky but, it'll have several hundred litres of water pressing more firmly on one of the sides.
Close to your power supply: 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.
Can you use a Lay-Z-Spa indoors?
We recommend using a Lay-Z-Spa outside but it is possible to set one up indoors. You would need to consider the following:
- If there was a leak, the water could cause damage
- A Lay‑Z‑Spa will increase the humidity of any confined space. You would need to factor in 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?
How long does a Lay-Z-Spa take to fill up with water?
A Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tub will usually take approximately 1‑2 hours to fill up to the recommended line.
Time taken will depend on your water pressure and the size or water capacity of the Lay‑Z‑Spa.
How long does a Lay-Z-Spa take to heat up?
Heating up time depends on a lot of circumstances such as the size of the hot tub and its capacity of water, and most importantly the outside temperature.
The Lay‑Z‑Spa heater 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!
- Scenario 1: 10°C outside, 10°C water will take approx 18.5H to reach 40°C
- Scenario 2: 20°C outside, 20°C water will take approx 11.5H to reach 40°C
- Scenario 3: 30°C outside, 30°C water will take approx 5.5H to reach 40°C
How can I heat the water more quickly?
Using one of our thermal covers will help reduce the amount of time your Lay-Z-Spa takes to reach your chosen temperature.
If possible, using an adaptor or designated outdoor tap, you can use water from the hot tap. Just makes sure the boiler isn't set to higher than 40°C and start with a few inches of cold in the bottom.
Using a Lay-Z-Spa
Can I use my Lay-Z-Spa straightaway?
It is not possible to use a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub straightaway. You need to allow time for the water top heat, and, more importantly, time for the water to be treated with chemicals - which is 24H.
Do I leave the Lay-Z-Spa filter on all the time?
The Lay‑Z‑Spa filter needs to be running for at least 4 hours a day but it is probably easier to leave it running all the time to ensure it filtering your water as best as it can.
Should I leave the Lay-Z-Spa heater on all the time?
If you are planning on using your Lay‑Z‑Spa frequently, we recommend leaving the heat and filter on all the time as this is the most cost‑effective in the long run.
If you plan to use your Lay‑Z‑Spa less regularly, you could drop the temperature down then reheat for use.
If you are only going to use your Lay-Z-Spa at the weekend, we have found its more energy-efficient to turn it off during the week.
Is the Lay-Z-Spa pump and PRCD waterproof?
Yes, the Lay‑Z‑Spa pump and PRCD is waterproof but shouldn't be left in a puddle of water
If you are expecting a very large amount of rain or adverse weather it is recommended that you bring the pump indoors and consider packing away the hot tub.
Is it ok to have the Lay-Z-Spa in direct sunlight?
Ideally, you should position your hot tub in a sheltered location or provide some shading.
Also, please be aware that air expands in the heat. If your inflatable Lay‑Z‑Spa in direct sunlight in high temperatures, please consider letting out some of the air and make sure you use the top cover when not in use.
Lay-Z-Spa Maintenance
Can you add more air to a Lay-Z-Spa when full of water?
Yes, you can add more air to your Lay‑Z‑Spa when it is full of water.
1. Remove ChemConnect and Filter Housing
2. Apply the black 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.
Does a Lay-Z-Spa need cleaning?
We recommend giving your Lay-Z-Spa a thorough clean inside and outside every time you change the water.
In between water changes, its a good idea to wipe off any marks you spot as and when you use it.
Please refer to our complete cleaning & maintenance guides
How often do you need to change the water in a Lay-Z-Spa?
It is recommended that Lay‑Z‑Spa water is changed regularly, and at least once every 1‑3 months.
If you use your Lay-Z-Spa a lot, you'll find the water quality might drop more regularly.
Proper chemical maintenance, using the cover, and showering before using your hot tub will prolong the lifespan of the water.
Read more about changing the water in a Lay-Z-Spa.
What do I do when going on holiday?
If it's only for a few days, the filter and heater can be left 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.
How do I use chemicals in a Lay-Z-Spa?
For all advice on chemicals and water maintenance please refer to the below:
How do I pack away my Lay-Z-Spa?
If you choose to pack away your hot tub (for winter for example), it is a case of following a few simple steps:
- Drain the water
- Clean everything with soapy water
- Rinse with fresh water
- Dry very thoroughly
- Deflate and store safely.
You must take care when moving, folding and storing your inflatable liner. Don't ever drag it. And, you should store your Lay‑Z‑Spa in a dry, moisture‑free environment that has an ambient temperature of well above 4ºC.
How long do the filters last?
Please note: we only recommend using official Lay-Z-Spa filters.
The lifetime of a hot tub filter varies according to the frequency of use, how often they are cleaned and water conditions.
A Filter should be cleaned ideally after every use or at least every other day. Read our advice on how to clean Lay-Z-Spa filters.
Hard water can result in an increased build‑up of limescale and therefore can result in increased cleaning and replacement of a filter cartridge. Please read this advice for hard water.
Lay-Z-Spa Chemical Maintenance
Do I need chemicals in my Lay-Z-Spa and why?
It is essential to treat the water in a Lay‑Z‑Spa using proper hot tub chemicals.
Hot tub chemicals treat the water, like public swimming pool, by removing any harmful bacteria and regulate the pH and alkalinity making it safe to use.
Explore our Hot Tub Chemicals Guide for more information about how and when to use chemicals in your Lay‑Z‑Spa and we have a simple Hot Tub Maintenance guide too.
How do I know what chemicals to use and how much?
Start off by reading our Hot Tub Maintenance Guide followed by our in-depth Hot Tub Chemicals Guide which details everything you need to know.
What are the recommended chemicals for Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs?
We recommend ClearWater Chemicals which have been specially designed for and tested on Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs.
If you're new to owning a Lay-Z-Spa then we suggest you get the Clearwater Hot Tub Starter Kit as this has everything you need including a useful guide.
Do I need to check the chemical levels every day?
Its not always necessary to check the chemical levels everyday.
Use a dip test strip on the day, or the day before, you plan to use your Lay-Z-Spa to allow you time to make any adjustments, if necessary.
Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tub Safety
What safety features does a Lay-Z-Spa have?
All Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs are designed with a range of safety features.
All of our pumps come with a built-in RCD unit in the power cable and Ground Detection System that monitors the electrical current.
The pump's digital control panel has an on/off switch and lock mode which needs to be pressed and held to activate.
All Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs' top covers include safety clips that require two hands to open. This prevents young children from being able to remove the cover.
Can children use a hot tub?
Our official advice and recommendation is that a Lay-Z-Spa is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
A hot tub is very different to a pool. Children cannot regulate their body temperatures as well as adults and hot tub water can be up to 40°C.
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 and that the temperature is no higher than 36ºC
Can I use a hot tub if I am pregnant or have a health condition?
Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs offer a wide range of Health & Wellbeing benefits. However, if you suffer from a condition or have any concerns about the medication you are on, 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 still seek advice from a doctor or your midwife and only use your hot tub for a short period of time at a lower temperature.
What is the maximum temperature for hot tub water?
All Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs only heat up to 40°C as this is the recommended safe maximum temperature for safety and wellbeing.
For children, the water temperature needs to be lowered to 36°C or less.
How long can I stay in a hot tub?
It is recommended that adults spend between 15 and 30 minutes in their hot tub, then take a break and drink some water.
If the temperature of the water is 40°C (104° F), the safest amount of time is 15 minutes.
Can you drink alcohol in a hot tub?
BISTHA (the British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association) advise against this.
The effects of alcohol are heightened when immersed in heated water. This can lead to dehydration, nausea and feeling lightheaded.
This is especially hazardous when standing up as you may encounter sudden dizziness and even unconsciousness.
We would recommend avoiding alcohol for the reasons above. Instead, stay hydrated with plenty of water or something non-alcoholic.
What electrical supply do I need for a Lay-Z-Spa?
Lay‑Z‑Spa hot tubs run on a UK standard 13amp/240V electrical supply. You should always use a grounded socket with RCD protection and never use an extension lead.
All of our pumps come with a built‑in PRCD unit as a safety measure.
The socket that the hot tub is being plugged into 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.
What is an RCD?
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.
Support & Warranty
What do I do if I have a problem with my Lay-Z-Spa?
Visit our Support Pages to find range of troubleshooting, advice and recommendations.
How long is the warranty on a Lay-Z-Spa?
Visit our Warranties for all the information you need.
What do I do if I need help with hot tub chemicals?
If you are unsure about what to do or have a concern, please visit our Chemicals Guide or contact our Customer Care team.
Can I get replacement parts?
We offer a range of spare parts from pumps and liners to washers and valves.
Please note that we do not offer internal parts for the heater pump. Due to the combination of water and electricity, the Lay‑Z‑Spa pumps are not deemed to be user‑serviceable.