With so many brands, products, features and options available, choosing the right hot tub can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. Since a hot tub purchase is not an everyday type purchase, there are a few things we suggest you do before you even start the shopping process. You’ll need to consider your lifestyle, budget, placement, time required to maintain and even environmental issues.
To start off with, let me clarify a few of the common terms people us to describe a hot tub. They include; spas, portable spas, hot tub spa and portable hot tub - all describe the same thing, so don’t get too caught up in the terminology.
There are various types of hot tubs and spas on the market today and they come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The medical and relaxation benefits of hot water therapy are the same regardless of the hot tub you select, but selecting the right hot tub from a reputable dealer can save you time and money in terms of longevity and maintenance.
The Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub
There are lots of benefits to owning your own spa – from stress reduction to relieving the symptoms of arthritis to getting a better night’s sleep and even easing the aches and pains in your joints and muscles.
In addition to the medical benefits of owning your own spa, it can also be a great activity to enjoy with family and friends. Relaxing in the bubbling warm water makes for a fun way to entertain and enjoy the company of others. Many of our customers have made their hot tub the “center piece” of their backyard and created beautiful landscapes to surround it. Having a hot tub not only enhances your lifestyle but can also enhance the value of your home.
Before You Start Shopping
Regardless of your reason for investing in a hot tub, one of the most important considerations is how often you’ll be soaking in it and how many people on average will be using it at the same time? Is it mostly just for you and your spouse 2 or 3 days a week, or do you have a large family that will be enjoying it on a daily basis? All of this is important when it comes to size, budget, space required to place the spa and of course maintenance. Making these decisions ahead of time will make your research and buying decision easier later on.
One Last Note: A Cheaper Price Does Not Mean a Better Deal
There are vast differences in the way all hot tubs are designed and constructed that will greatly affect your price and your long-term enjoyment. You should consider issues such as comfort, ease of use, performance, safety, reliability, and most importantly, the total cost of ownership when selecting your new hot tub. Remember; you do get what you pay for!
If you are considering buying a hot tub, you probably already know about the great benefits you are about to receive. But there are hundreds of types, shapes and sizes, so how can you be sure you are making the best spa buying decision? It doesn't have to be a tough process. Here are 5 great questions to ask before you buy a hot tub:
Question #1—How easy is it to take care of a spa?
Luckily, most hot tub owners report that their hot tubs are easy to maintain. The manufacturer's manual will explain particulars but hot tubs typically require filter cleaning, sanitizing, and to be drained every few months.
Also is the dealer able to perform regular maintenance services for you? How much do they charge for their maintenance services? A good dealer will be able to tell you what upkeep costs you might be in for.
Question #2—How energy efficient is a spa—can you get estimated monthly costs?
The type of hot tub you buy will directly reflect the cost. If you want to be energy-efficient and keep costs down in the process, be aware that higher speeds, more jets and bigger pumps will cost more and use more energy. Insulation and hot tub covers can help to reduce energy use.
For your convenience, manufacturers have energy tables available so you can estimate monthly costs. Just make sure you get the current rate of power in your town so you can get a good estimate of how much the spa will cost you.
Question #3—Do you have to use harsh chemicals to keep your spa water clean?
The chemicals that hot tubs require aren’t any more harmful than those that you might use for your pool. They help the water stay at the right pH level, keeping grimy buildup from destroying your hot tub components. The right sanitizing system prevent bacteria and mold from growing in your hot tub as well as ridding your spa of viruses and other impurities.
Question #4—What kind of backyard preparation do I have to do?
The great thing about hot tubs is they are very easy to install and there is not much that needs to be done to prepare. Find a level area to place the hot tub that has access to an outlet and a hose. You also have to be sure that the location you choose will be strong enough to support a hot tub full of water and people. Be aware of trees and power lines that may be overhead, and make sure you are in compliance with local codes.
Question #5—What type of “after the sale” service does the company provide?
Find out what kind of support you can expect from both the dealer and the manufacturer of the hot tub after your purchase. Some things to consider:
-Warranties—Does the manufacturer have one? Does the dealer? What do they entail?
-Service hours-Do they offer 24/7 service?
-Maintenance services—What type of services do they offer? Do they offer both cleaning and repair?
-Stock and supplies—Can you get the part you need in a reasonable time frame?
There can be a lot of things to think about when purchasing a hot tub, but ask these five questions first and you will have a better chance of buying the right hot tub from the right dealer. The right choice will give you peace of mind while saving you time and money.
Most people choose to place their portable hot tubs in the backyard. It's an ideal spot for a spa, but it can be much more than that. Enhance your backyard hot tub experience by landscaping a beautiful scene to look out on as you soak. Here are a few ideas:
Build your backyard around the spa - Instead of simply putting the hot tub in the backyard; why not make it the centerpiece of the space? Depending on your choices, a portable hot tub can melt into the background or stand out as a striking structure that gives the backyard a completely different look. Hot tubs can easily adapt to any theme you can think of, and by using the spa as a starting point, the backyard will become an attractive haven for friends and family.
Plant trees for ambiance - Don't forget the natural world when you think about your hot tub landscaping. The best way to integrate your spa with nature is encourage natural growth. Planting trees is a great way to give your yard some personality and color. Different tree types and sizes will obviously provide different looks so choose carefully between flowering trees and evergreens.
Be sure not to plant the trees too close to the spa, as you don't want leaves to fall into the water and you don't want to cover up the spa by closing it in as the trees grow. In addition, make sure to get maintenance information about different trees before you plant.
Have a lighted pathway - Lights serve two purposes in spa landscaping. The first is the beautiful, romantic quality of a lit path on the way to the spa, and the second is more realistic: lighting the path is a safe way to make sure people can see where they are going. There are a variety of lighting choices for a pathway, from freestanding torches to pillar candles.
Experiment with different colors and different kinds of lighting until you reach the perfect mood. And the perfect mood can change—the great thing about lighting is that it is relatively inexpensive to change it, changing the mood as many times as you wish. Whatever kind of lighting you use, periodically check them to see that they are on and working, and that they are safe.
Use a spa surround - Spa surrounds are great for those who will have a lot of people going in and out of their hot tub. A spa surround makes certain that people can get in and out of the hot tub from different sides. It also gives the hot tub a more substantial, richer appearance. Choose a surround based on other structures in your backyard, your house, and what kind of mood and look you are trying to achieve.
A personal hot tub can be great to relax in, but creating a gorgeous environment for the hot tub can be almost as much fun as the tub itself. By landscaping a space with trees, lighting, and a spa surround, you can change the area from a simple backyard to a magical oasis.
