Hot tubs are a great way to relax muscles and have a lovely time with your loved ones. It is just like having a hot spring at home.
But what makes a good hot tub…?
Whether you are buying for the first time or thinking to get replace your existing hot tub, below we have created a guide for you to give you some great insights on things to consider before you invest in one.
Hot Tub Buying Guide
Your regular swimming pool is definitely a great place for you and your kids to have fun but it does not come with any heating technology and heating it in the winter is pretty costly and requires a lot of maintenance.
This is when you need to have a hot tub to relax and enjoy.
Because buying a new hot tub is a long-term investment that you make for your mind, body and home, here are some important things you should consider.
Portable vs. In-Ground Tubs
Portable hot tubs sit aboveground and are usually made from fiberglass, acrylic and polyethylene materials. The in-ground models are built into the landscape or patio from materials like tile, stone and concrete. These are a lot like in-ground swimming pools but with extra spa features.
We recommend choosing portable version as they are much affordable and easier to install. They also have more features as compared to the in-ground models along with hydrotherapy from water jets.
On the other hand, in-ground tubs offer more durability and blend nicely with the natural landscape of your home.
Add-ons
Some premium and high-end hot tubs on the market come in a variety of colors for shell and cabinet sides but it all comes down to personal preference. This lets you match your hot tub with your patio furniture.
Other than that, you can get some technology add-ons as well like a premium audio system along with waterproof speakers that are built-in to the design of the hot tub. If you love relaxing in the tub while listening to your favorite artists, this can be your thing.
Moreover, some latest hot tubs allow you to control them via smartphone apps. Some other but must have add-ons to consider at LED lights and waterfalls which can really turn your mood up.
Important Questions To Ask Yourself
- How Long You Plan On Using Your Spa? If you are a spa fan and want to jump into the tub every other day, we recommend to go an extra mile and spend some extra money to buy higher quality spas. You won’t regret it. An average or poorly made tub will wear out too early if used too much. Moreover, if you are a frequent use, consider some energy efficient options that save you on the energy bills
- How Long You Want To Own Your Spa? If you want to enjoy the hot tub for a year or a two, go for the cheaper and affordable modes. However, if your plan is to use it for 10+ years, spend some extra money to get a high-quality hot tub. It may seem a very hefty amount for the time being but it will eventually save you thousands of bucks in the long run. Usually the cheaper models require time to time repairs which can be a headache
What Features To Look For
- Size & Shape: Hot tubs come from a single person to 12 people and come in several different shapes like square, triangle, rectangular and circular. You should evaluate where you want to put your hot tub in the home and how many people will be jumping into it
- Materials: Hots tubs are made of different materials and each has its own curb appeal. Some common materials include:
- Wood: Some popular wooden hot tubs include redwood, cedar, cypress and teak. Wooden tubs give a rustic and natural look and have a natural relaxing aroma when it gets wet. Wood is more resistant to cracking, chipping and blistering but require more maintenance
- Plastic: As compared to the wooden tubs, plastic or acrylic tubs come in a variety of designs. These tubs are more prone to aesthetic damage like chipping or cracking but are very durable and resistant to structural decay.
- Stainless Steel: These are exotic, luxurious, sleek and low-maintenance tubs and have a longer lifespan because of their structure strength along with temperature and corrosion-resistant properties.
Extra/Special Features To Consider
Whether it is a remote control or a luxurious waterfall, here are some special features that hot tubs are available in:
- Remote Control: Having a remote control lets you set the temperature, lights, jet and water pressure while relaxing anywhere in the tub
- Lights: These are for safety purpose and add ambience to the tub. Some tubs come with multi-colored LED lighting systems that give some nice shades
- Jet Settings: Hot tubs often come with jets located in different areas of the tub which give therapeutic effects to your body. Most of the models allow you to set the speed and strength settings of your jets
- Waterfall: This is a luxury feature and pretty rare as well. Waterfalls are a perfect way to get a nice shoulder and head massage
- Sound System: Some new models have a built-in sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and AUX cords.
Safety
Above anything else come your and the safety of your family. The first thing is to have a secure hot tub cover for insulation, energy efficiency and for the safety of children and pets. Moreover, as the United States Consumer Product Safety Council requires, the temperature of water in hot tubs should be kept below 104-Degree Fahrenheit, especially for children and pregnant women.
Look out for models that have built-in sensors to keep a check on temperature. Don’t allow children to enter into hot tubs as they are more susceptible to overheating.
Warranty & Return Policy
Finally, ensure that your new hot tub is protected by a warranty of lifetime. Before you buy one, carefully read the warranty terms. A good warranty covers plumbing, equipment, shell and controls. Some top brands offer warranty from one to five year on their equipment and plumbing.
Final Words
We hope that this guide helped you in making a better decision for yourself. That is probably the most of all that you need to know about hot tubs before buying them.
So, check out the top hot tubs we’ve listed on this page and be prepared to get rid of stress and aching muscles while having a great time with your partner in the tub.
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