Hot Tub Buying Guide

A hot tub is an excellent addition to a home, providing relaxation opportunities and relief for sore muscles. Hot tubs can also lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Although there is a wide variety of brands, styles, and other choices in purchasing a hot tub, there are a few criteria that should be taken into consideration above other factors.

The first thing to be aware of when buying a hot tub is that many suppliers include amenities that are not necessary, but add to the price tag! For example, underwater lights which change colors, or fiber optic accent lights might look nice, but they serve no purpose outside of impressing your guests. Other over-the-top amenities include aromatherapy and misters. Remember that you will pay top dollar for these extras!

The shell of a spa is what actually holds the water. Traditionally, hot tubs were made of wood, but they are now usually made from acrylic, fiberglass, vinyl, or thermoplastic materials. Most prefabricated spas are made from acrylic material, and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Custom hot tubs are also available, but are much more expensive.

A hot tub can be built to fit anywhere from one bather to more than ten, but most hot tubs fit five or six adults comfortably. Seating arrangement vary, with a hot tub offering a combination of bucket seats, bench seats, and lounging seats. Fitness or swim spas may not focus on seating as much as an area large enough for a workout.

Always try a dry hot tub in the model that you are considering purchasing before you buy it. Although you may feel silly, it is a good idea to relax in the dry hot tub and try out different seating arrangements. Some spa dealers even offer private rooms where prospective buyers can put on bathing suits and try working hot tubs.

The spa's cabinet is what encloses the shell, plumbing, and equipment. Cabinets have traditionally been made of wood, but are now often made of polymer material, since wood will eventually break down. Sometimes the polymer cabinet is made to look like wood, with an embossed wood grain for a more realistic wood look.

Hydrotherapy jets are another important consideration when buying a hot tub. Some common spa jets are foot jets, cluster jets, rotating jets, whirlpool jets, and neck jets. Since new types of jets are always being introduced, a hot tub may be able to be customized with the exact jets the buyer wants.

Pumps must also be chosen carefully, since bigger is not necessarily better. Most prefabricated spas come with one, but if you are buying a customized spa, make sure that you do not get a pump that is too strong for the spa, as this can damage the spa's plumbing.

Although buying a spa is a personal decision, make sure that you comparison shop carefully in order to get exactly what you want. A hot tub is a big investment, and should be one that adds relaxation to your life.