8 things to consider when buying a hot tub - Crystal Pools, Inc.

8 things to consider when buying a hot tub

buying a hot tub

As the weather starts getting cooler and pool owners start making plans to close their pools for the winter months ahead, many will be thinking about ways they can extend their water relaxation year-round by buying a hot tub.

A hot tub is great for stress relief, muscle relaxation, family bonding and numerous other benefits, no matter what the season. But with so many brands and models to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Just like your swimming pool, your hot tub is an investment that you’ll hope to enjoy for years to come. So it’s important to know what to look for and compare your options carefully.

Here are some of the most important considerations to make as you begin your search.

Brand
When buying a hot tub, it’s important to stick to established, well known brands. This is the best way to ensure you’re buying a high-quality hot tub from a trusted name. Established manufacturers have been making hot tubs for years and are constantly refining their collections to provide better quality and features to their customers.

Seating
One of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is: How many people will be enjoying it at one time? Hot tubs are available in a variety of sizes, with seating from 2 to 9 people or even more. If you’re on a budget, be realistic about your needs and how you’ll use the spa on a regular basis. While it’s nice to have a 9-person hot tub for special occasions, it might not make sense if those occasions only happen once every few years.

Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the seating is important, especially if you’re looking to maximize the physical, therapeutic benefits of having a hot tub. If this feature is important to you, pay attention to what the manufacturers say about the ergonomic benefits of the design and how those benefits have been measured.

Jets
Placement of the jets is more important than quantity, according to Jacuzzi, one of the most trusted names in industry. In other words, properly placed jets can massage your body more thoroughly than hot tubs that are shooting water in every single direction. The power of the jets, generally referenced in terms of the horsepower of the circulating pump, is another technical spec you may want to pay attention to.

Materials
How the hot tub is made will ultimately affect how durable it is, how well it performs, how much energy it saves and how long it lasts. Models come in a variety of styles, but as a general rule of thumb, stronger materials like acrylic shells are stronger and more scratch-resistant than cheaper plastics.

Water management
Without proper water management, you’ll spend more time and money trying to keep your hot tub clean than actually enjoying it. Look for models that use multiple levels of filtration to keep water clean and clear with less maintenance on your part.

Design & style
Let’s face it – if you’re going to put a hot tub in your backyard, you want it to enhance your landscape, not detract from it. Quality and performance are always paramount, but ultimately, you should also be happy with how the model looks.

Cost & warranty
The cost of a hot tub can vary significantly based on all the factors listed above. Ultimately, your job is to find the best quality, style and performance for your budget. Additionally, pay close attention to whether your hot tub comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and what exactly it covers.