Spas Technical Information

SPAS, POOLS, WATERFALL SPAS, COLD PLUNGE POOLS, JAPANESE SPAS, GROTTOS

PREFABRICATED/SINGLE-SOURCE SPAS AND POOLS
TILE AND NATURAL STONE FINISHES
STANDARD AND CUSTOM MODELS
TURNKEY INSTALLATIONS
ONE-PIECE AND SECTIONAL MODELS
COMMERCIAL SPAS AND EQUIPMENT
EXPERIENCED CONSULTATION SERVICE

DESIGN YOUR OWN PRODUCT LINE

NO LONGER DO YOU HAVE TO COMPROMISE YOUR DESIGN FOR LACK OF A SUITABLE MODEL.
WATER STRUCTURES SPECIALIZES IN CUSTOM-DESIGNED PRODUCTS.
FIFTY PERCENT OF OUR PRODUCTION IS DESIGNED BY OUR CLIENTELE.

REMEMBER... IF YOU DON'T SEE IT, DESIGN IT!

"A TRADITION of EXCELLENCE"

Every Water Structures Spa and Swim-Spa is hand-crafted with meticulous attention to detail, one at a time. Enduring quality is our passion ... and promise to you.

We have developed a unique technology which enables us to prefabricate ceramic tile - genuine quarried marble - granite - limestone spas and pools, ready for installation at the job site.

With the multitude of tile patterns, colors and motifs, selection of the final "look" is virtually unlimited.

Unique multi-layer fabrication results in superior strength and heat retention (approximately R-16 insulation factor) without additional spray-on foams commonly applied to acrylic spas.

Water Structures Spas are completely self-supporting and free-standing. They are seismic (earthquake) resistant and can be installed above or in ground (Lateral wall support for Swim-Spas is recommended to eliminate any possible bowing). All steps and floor areas are reinforced to prevent warping or flexing.

Our Swim Spas are an innovative combination of exercise pool and spa in one space efficient package. Swimming "in place" against the counter-stream current can provide the ultimate no-impact aerobic conditioning (Adjustable for fitness level).

In addition to the distinctive models listed in this portfolio, Water Structures can also create a one-of-a-kind custom Spa built to your unique design and dimensions.

WATERFALL SPA!: Our customers have told us for years that they enjoy sitting under their waterfall more than behind spa jets. For this reason, Water Structures has introduced more types of waterfall fixtures. Now waterfalls can be introduced from a wall or ceiling. The length, velocity and volume of the waterfall can be specified by the customer. The Waterfall Spa looks great and feels even better.
GROTTOS: Grottos are offered as an exciting waterfeature that can be added to any Water Structures' pool. A small stone clad cave is built at the end of the pool. A powerful waterfall usually masks the entrance. Swimmers can relax under the massaging waterfall or rest inthe Grotto's stone clad interior.
FIELD TEST: Water Structures has manufactured tile and natural stone custom spas for twelve years Water Structures' spas have performed well outside in diverse environments from the Rocky Mountains. to the Middle Eastern deserts. Water Structures' commercial spas easily outperformed their plastic and Gunite competitors, whose interior finishes are subject to fading, leaking or scaling early in their product life.
QUALITY CONTROL: Water Structures provides a factory tested, finished product from one source. The experienced mold makers and tile setters at Water Structures have years of experience. Water Structures' customers are guaranteed a spa whose look and durability are unmatched in the industry.
SPA SHELL: Water Structures' shells are one-piece, factory-built, installation-ready vessels, available with pre-plumbed through-wall fittings and factory installed tile or natural stone interiors.
STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION: The outer shell is constructed of polyester fiberglass with integral laminated supports. The interior of the fiberglass mold is chemically bonded to a fiber-cement wall. Tile or natural stone is adhered to the cement surface with conventional latex enhanced thinset.
INTERIOR DURABILITY: The durability of the Water Structures' spa interior is dependent on what product is chosen. Commercial tiles and natural stones, like many granites, will maintain their look much longer than acrylic, gel-coat or Gunite spas.
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE: The estimated product life of PVC pipe in a spa environment is approximately 20 years. The piping in and around the Water Structures' spas, unlike Gunite spas, can be repaired or replaced without jack hammering the spa apart.
STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT: The Water Structures' spa has no steel reinforcement like Gunite spas. Chemicals in the spa water and limestone in the cement cause the reinforcement steel to fail over time. Fiberglass has been proven to be one of the most durable products available for the containment of water and highly caustic chemicals like gasoline and acids

SPA CONTROLLERS

ELECTRONIC CONTROLLERS: Electronic controllers allow for the adjustment of temperature at the spa itself. Pumps and two other features can also be operated from the spa.
IN HOUSE MASTER CONTROLLER: An electronic control option that allows for in-house control of the spa temperature and light along with an outside spa electronic lock-out for unauthorized use.
AIR BUTTON CONTROLLER: Air button controller turns on pumps, lights or other functions from the spa. These simple controls cannot adjust temperature, which is set at the heater.
CUSTOM CONTROLLER: Electronic controller can be designed for site-specific applications.

CHEMICAL CONTROL

MANUAL OPERATION: Residential spas are easy to care for. A simple test kit will determine when the PH and chemical levels need to be adjusted.
OZONE DISINFECTION: Ozone generators are an effective disinfectant for spas Properly installed and specified ozone equipment will keep an unused spa clear indefinitely. Ozonated water still needs chemical treatment like PH adjustment and the addition of an oxidizer like bromide or chlorine. The amount of additional chemicals depends on the frequency of use but is always much less than would be needed if there was no ozonator used.
AUTOMATED CHEMICAL CONTROLS: Automatic chemical controls maintain water chemistry at specific levels regardless of how many people use the spa. Such equipment is ideal for high use spas, or spas whose bather load varies radically.
INSULATED COVER: A 2.5" naugahyde cover keeps the heat and water vapor in the spa. The cover can be made in any number of easy-to-remove pieces.

JETS

STANDARD SPA JET: Standard spa jets deliver a stream of water and air through a nozzle. The stream of water created in the standard spa jet is over double that produced by a whirlpool bath or mini-jet, approximately 10 GPM.
AIR CONTROL: Air control valve used to regulate the hardness of a series of jets.
ADJUSTABLE JET: Adjustable jets are standard jets whose water volume can be adjusted at the jet.
TWIRL JET: Standard jet that rotates. The twirl jet mechanical parts can be replaced or changed to a standard jet from the inside of the spa.
PULSATION JET: Standard jet that pulsates. The pulsation jet can be replaced or converted to standard jet from the inside of the spa.
MINI JET: Small jets used in many bathtubs and some plastic spas.
HIGH VOLUME JET: Jet that can operate at about 60 GPM. Some models can be turned on and off from inside the spa. Usually 4 or more jets are activated when the high volume jet is in the off position.
JET PLACEMENT: Jets are usually placed at random heights throughout the spa. Custom located jets like foot jets are common.
JET COMFORT: Jet comfort and therapy is established when a stream of water and air massages specific areas of the body. The wider the stream of water projecting from the jet, the better the comfort. Small jets are not as comfortable as large ones because their needle-like sprays are too confined to provide comfortable therapy. It is a misconception that 6 small jets will provide better, more comfortable therapy than one or two large jets.

LIGHTING

CONVENTIONAL IN-GROUND SPA LIGHT: In-ground or wet niche lights are a single-source light emitted for a 100 watt bulb. These lights are often placed in the spa step. They are the most common in-ground lights and the 100-watt output will light up most spas very well. Removable color lenses come with the light fixture.
SINGLE SOURCE, FIBER OPTIC LIGHTS: The output of a fiber optic light can vary widely to suit customer taste and needs. The quality of the single source fiber optic is more diffused and softer than other single source lights. No access is necessary at the spa with the fiber optic lights. A movable color wheel can be activated for single or multi-colored effects. The cost of a single source fiber optic system is about three times that of a conventional light. They are easier to install than conventional lights, but provisions must be made for a light box close to the spa. Single-source, fiber optic lights are the safest lights made because there is no electricity located in or near the spa water.
PERIMETER LIGHTING SYSTEMS: Fiber optic perimeter lighting is accomplished by installing a fiber optic tub and trace in or around the spa. The light tubing and track should be hidden or recessed so as not to diminish the daytime appeal of the spa. Fiber optic track systems cost much more than conventional lighting and are much harder to install.

WATERFALLS & SPILLWAYS

The aesthetic appeal of a spa area can be enhanced by incorporating a waterfall or spillway into the design. A waterfall effect can be created in two ways

The first is to pump water into a collector that has a weir or spillway in it. Water is piped from the spa into the collector. The waterfall or spillway effect is created as the water cascades over the spillway lip back into the spa. The spillway/collector method demands a significant amount of water be pumped in order for the system to work properly. Collector pools and spillways can be built into the spa at the Water Structures' factory or on site. The second method for creating a waterfall effect is by the use of a waterfall fixture. Waterfall fixtures are usually installed in a wall on site. The hidden waterfall fixtures are made in sizes up to 4' long. The water throw of the waterfall can be regulated at the pump. Of the two types of waterfall methods, the fixture type is the simplest, most efficient, and least costly.

WATERFALL THERAPY: Many people enjoy sitting under a waterfall even more than they like sitting behind jets. Seats can be placed under waterfalls. Adjustment valves can be placed on the equipment to affect just the right water flow.

SECTIONAL SPAS

Water Structures' spas can be manufactured in sectional pieces that can be assembled on the job site. Preassembled spas are sealed, bolted and fiberglassed on site. The inside joints are tiled so as to match the rest of the spa.

VENTILATION

The ventilation needs of a residential spa that is covered most of the time are much less than a commercial spa or pool. A spa room will dry out if its "hard cover" is placed on the spa when it is not in use. During use the spa room will become steamy, much like a large bathroom after a shower. A fan can help remove this steam. Most residential spa rooms dry out quickly after the cover is put back on. Commercial spas and spas that do not use "hard covers" have much different ventilation needs.

BLOWER

A Water Structures' spa can be equipped with an air blower that pushes air through the jets in the spa seats. Blowers cause much more water disruption than jets. Increased steam, noise and the limited therapy benefits of blowers has made them unpopular with experienced consumers.

SKIMMERS

Residential Water Structures' spas are available with three different types of skimmers. The most attractive is the Water Structures tiled skimmer which incorporates a weir to skim the floating debris off the water. The tile skimmer and its larger plastic counterparts exceed the outside dimensions of the spa and must be accommodated in deck designs. A non-weir flat plate side wall suction device is available. The sidewall suction device does not protrude as far into the spa.
NOTE: Commercial skimmer requirements vary. Call your Water Structures' representative for details.

SPA WINTER USE

FREEZE PROTECTION: Spas can operate safely in a freezing environment if the water in the spa pipes is not allowed to freeze. The spa pipes are saved from freezing by a sensor that activates the circulation pump briefly if the equipment starts to freeze. An insulated cover traps the heat in the spa.
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION: When possible equipment should be protected from freezing weather. Though the equipment is made to operate outside, it lasts much longer in a basement or enclosure. Enclosures should have proper venting for equipment. Pipes and spas should be insulated as much as possible in freezing environments.

INSTALLATION

DECK SPA INTERFACE: The jets, skimmers and piping that surround the outside of a spa makes it almost impossible to "drop in" a spa shell. A spa shell should be set in place and leveled before the deck is built. By placing and plumbing the spa first, the installer will avoid problems with variations in the spa dimensions or the plumbing. If a platform is being poured before the spa is on site, a call should be made to Water Structures to get the exact height of the tiled spa. Remember, it is much easier to bring the spa up than to lower it.
DECK OVER LIP: Most Water Structures' spas are installed with the deck coming up to the rough spa lip. This gives the spa a built in seamless look. The spa fiber/cement edge is incorporated into the subflooring. The tile or natural stone is then applied conventionally over the sub deck/spa top edge. The tile installer should use the setting bed to control level interfaces. The Water Structures' spa lip should be supported to prevent flexing. See the Standard Lip Details" for a pictorial detail.
TILED LIP OVERDECK: A tiled lip can be ordered with the Water Structures' spa as an extra. The tiled lip acts much like a conventional bath drop in lip. The tiled lip acts as the deck but no weight should be born by it. The Water Structures' spas are designed to be supported from the bottom if they are not installed in the ground. See Brochure for details.
INSULATION: The Water Structures' spa shell has a much better R value than its plastic counterparts. Additional insulation can be sprayed on the outside of the spa and, more importantly, the jets and pipes. NOTE: The spa should be tested before spraying. Leaks are much harder to find after the spa is sprayed.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Commercial applications have radically different needs than residential spas. You should consult your Water Structures' representative and local officials early in the planning process.

WATER STRUCTURES' SPAS - THE PROFESSIONALS' CHOICE

Water Structures' all tiled spas combine the long-proven durability and beauty of tile with the flexibility and strength of fiberglass. For over a decade, professionals have chosen Water Structures' spas for their durability, design flexibility and product recyclability. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about Water Structures' spas.

WHAT IS THE PROBABLE USEFUL LIFE of THE PRODUCT?: Each Water Structures' spa product is backed by an exclusive Ten Year Limited Warranty for structure and tile adhesion (where installed in factory by Water Structures). The complete text of the Warranty is available upon request.
We have had commercial and residential units in continuous service for over ten years with excellent performance results. Ceramic tile as a surfacing material has proven to be exceptionally durable, even when exposed to the demanding chemical environment typically found in spas. Because tiles can be removed and replaced in a Water Structures' spa without affecting the outer shell integrity, a given spa can be updated to keep pace with an interior renovation... essential in an indoor commercial/professional application. Conventional plastic spas have a limited life span and the building may not permit removal and replacement without tearing down walls - a costly and problematic endeavor!

DISCUSSION OF SITE-BUILT PRODUCTS

Custom built spas have often been constructed using protective pans made of copper, metal sheet or plastic liner. Without these protective pans, water would eventually work its way past the interior surfaces, causing a major leak. There are some historical problems with metal and liner pans which are discussed below.

HIDDEN LEAKAGE: Copper, vinyl, or metal sheet liners are easily damaged during the construction process. These liners are made of thin material with weak joints. Hidden damage can occur well after a liner and its piping are tested. Liner pans are labor intensive to install with many different contractors working on the unit. Damage occurring to the pan is not usually visible so it is impossible to tell which sub-contractor was working on the unit when the damage was done. A leak in a liner or pan does not appear until the water migrates past the surface, a process that usually take 6 months or more, long after the sub-contractors have been paid. These liners are impossible to repair without destroying the bath or spa and starting over!
PIPING: The weakest point in a metal pan or liner is the place where a pipe passes through it. These pipes can be drains or recirculation fittings. The more through-wall connections the more likely a leak. Through-wall connections can be easily damaged during construction. Piping connection leaks are usually hidden and cannot be fixed without destroying the bath or spa which surrounds them.
LONG TERM: Copper and vinyl can be damaged over time due to the caustic environments they occupy. Copper liners can be eaten by the chemicals in cement. Plastic liners can be stretched due to the heat and chemicals in the water.
WATER STRUCTURES' FIBERGLASS/FIBERCEMENT SHELL: Water Structures manufactures a uni-bodied fiberglass/fibercement shell which is far superior to any site-built product. The Water Structures' shell is made from reinforced fiberglass. The exterior is chemically bonded to a fibercement interior surface in the molding process. Because the interior of this uni-bodied product is Portland fibercement, it will accept tile adhesive easily. The exterior of the shell is made of fiberglass which is both durable, waterproof, and allows for the double manifolding of through-wall pipe fitting.
WATER STRUCTURES' PROVEN DEPENDABILITY: Water Structures' staff has thirteen years of experience building custom spas, fountains and other water features. Each Water Structures spa is hand crafted by our craftsman. When you order a Water Structures spa you get the advantage of a single-source product from an experienced manufacturer. Each shell come with a Water Structures' limited ten-year no-leak warranty.
LIABILITY REDUCTION: The labor and material that go into making a custom tile or natural spas can be substantial. The cost to remove a custom spa and replace it is even higher than the original cost. Water Structures' spas provide you with the best protection possible from indeterminate leakage.