When you’re buying a hot tub, you need to make sure that you choose the right one for your needs and your lifestyle. There are quite a few differences in benefits, choices, quality, and features between the different manufacturers, so knowing what to look for will help you choose the right hot tub for you.
What to Look For
There are three most important features to take into consideration when buying a hot tub.
Massage Jets
One of the most common reasons for buying a hot tub is to help relieve back pain and joint pain. Another common reason is to help cope with insomnia. The hot tub massage jets play an important part in treating these and other health issues. Each model has different shapes and styles of jets. They’ll also have many different pressure settings, and programs. You should look for a model that allows you to custom choose the massage and wellness program to target the area you need focused on.
Design and Comfort
The comfort of the design should be an important factor in your decision. You should sit in the different models and ask the hot tub dealer for a wet test. They can fill the tub with water, which will give you a truer idea of what the hot will feel like at home. Look for other features as well, such as ergonomic seating, or multi-level seating. A hot tub is an investment, and one you should be able to use for many years, so you need to be sure it’s suitable and comfortable for you, and any other bathers.
Cleaning
Hot tubs do need maintenance and cleaning, but different models have different requirements. You need to know those requirements before you make a decision on which model is right for you. If you don’t want to spend much time cleaning the hot tub, you might want to think about getting one that has a self-cleaning function. This means that it will filter, and skim the water, and vacuum the floor of the tub.
What to Avoid
As well as features and functions to look for in a hot tub, there are also some things you should avoid.
Basic Warranty
Many low-quality models tend to have a limited, or basic warranty, which can cause a problem if any of the parts fail. You should look for a model that comes with a comprehensive warranty, with support for parts and labor for 3 years, covers the acrylic surface for 5 years, and the structure for 10 years.
Poor Customer Support from The Dealer
Always make sure to research the dealer as well as the hot tub models. Read reviews on the dealer, and the manufacturers they carry. You should ask the dealer how long they’ve been in business, what support and service they offer for your location, and if they stock parts for the makes and models they carry.
Poor Insulation
Some hot tub models only have insulation on the exterior of the tub. These types of hot tubs need more electricity to heat the water and will cost more to run. Look for models that are energy efficient, have thermal vents and shields, high-flow/low-flow energy pumps, and hardcovers for heat retention. Ask the dealer about the average monthly run costs of the models you’re considering.
About the Author
Scott Bland has been in the leisure industry for nearly 20 years. As a sales manager in the leisure industry he knows hot tubs inside and out. Right now, he works sales while writing about hot tubs, pools and spas on his blog, www.scottbland.ca
