| 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.
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.
|