Hot Tub Shopping Tips
I still remember my first hot tub. I was determined to buy the very
best, so I plunked down around $5,000 on a top-of-the-line
six-to-eight- person hot tub. The outside was cedar. Inside, it
featured a reclining seat with multiple back jets -- my personal
favorite location. There was plenty of room for friends to join in the
relaxation on starry, chilly nights.
I did consider -- briefly --
buying a used one, but decided doing so would be too complicated. How
would I set it up? And how would I get a used tub to my house? I stuck
with the "free" installation service.
And then a year after my
hefty purchase, I moved and ended up selling my nearly mint-condition
hot tub for half the price. The buyers borrowed a flatbed trailer and
came with a few friends. They made easy work of carting the hot tub
away. And that installation? All they had to do was plug in the
220-volt electrical cord.
Of course, I filled them in on the basics of hot tub care and maintenance, just like the new one the salesman had done for me.
Today, in the market again, I'm going the smart route and looking for a used one.
Here's
what my research has shown me. Watch for folks who are relocating and
so need to sell. Keep an eye out for the well-known brands -- Sundance
for example.
And many of the newer hot tubs were never built-in
models that make moving a pain. Look for stand-alone models that can be
lifted onto a trailer. When you get a hot tub, make sure you are
getting a cover too. Covers can sometimes get more wear and tear, so
you can always buy a new cover to ensure your new investment is well
protected!
Of course, a true hot tub is really a wooden
structure. At least, that was the original form. Now, the more aptly
termed spas come in all sizes and shapes, from small portable units to
some that seem to be the size of small swimming pools. Whatever the
kind you select, here are just a couple of other key tips. A spa or hot
tub needs to sit on a level spot. If you don't have a deck or patio
available, then you'll need to figure out some kind of level base. Keep
in mind that you'll need a nearby power source. Some of the smaller,
portable units can run on a 110-volt outlet. The more standard sizes
need a grounded, 220-volt plut.
And finally, keep in mind the
proximity to your home. You might not want to run clear across the back
yard in the snow after all.
When you start shopping for a spa or hot tub, you’re likely to be blown away by all the options on the market today. You can spend as much or as little as you’d like to get the hot tub you want most. Less expensive hot tubs typically come with fewer options – a cheap hot tub may only have room for two or three people with just a few standard water jets. As a hot tub’s price tag climbs, so does its list of options. Higher-end hot tubs usually have multiple types of water jets, built-in padded seating, advanced filtration systems and built-in lighting. That said, there’s no need to spend $6,000 to buy an enjoyable hot tub. You’ll find that most hot tubs and spas are extremely effective at providing a relaxing experience.
Find Installation Help
Some hot tubs can be installed without help, but many hot tubs may require professional assistance to ensure proper installation. Some stores offer free installation when buying home hot tubs or spas. If the store you buy from doesn’t provide installation help, then you can consider hiring a home contractor to install your new hot tub. Some portable hot tubs and smaller spa units can be installed without professional help. Even if a contractor isn’t needed, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire an electrician to run electrical wiring from your wall to your new hot tub. Unless the hot tub literally plugs into the wall, we recommend hiring a contractor to handle all of your electrical work.
When installing a hot tub, also be careful with where you choose to place your unit. Some decks, patios and floors are built strong enough to handle the weight of a hot tub, but some floors and platforms would buckle under the weight of a hot tub unless they’re properly reinforced beforehand. Buying a hot tub can be the ultimate relaxing experience – but there’s nothing relaxing about a damaged deck or floor.
Hot Tub Covers and Safety
Investing in a good hot tub cover is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a hot tub owner. A high-quality hot tub cover will help insulate the water in your hot tub, reducing the need to continually reheat the hundreds of gallons of water in your spa every time you want to use it. Cheaper hot tub covers tend to be made of foam, but high-end hot tub covers are made from other materials that don’t crack over long periods of time. In addition to preserving the heat inside of your hot tub, some covers are sturdy enough to protect your hot tubs from debris such as falling tree limbs.
Hot tub covers are also the most important safety features of hot tubs. Many hot tub covers come with straps and fasteners that keep small children from removing the covers, which likely prevents hundreds of accidental drowning deaths each year. Hot tub cover fasteners are also sold separately in case you buy a cover that doesn’t come with that safety feature. You’ll find your hot tub is much more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about it being an unnecessary safety risk.
Hot Tub Accessories
Hot tub accessories are a part of the fun of owning a hot tub! Accessories can be a range of things besides just the hot tub cover, although that is probably the most important item. There are also hot tub filters, hot tub chemicals, hot tub umbrellas, cover lifts, aromatherapy, digital hot tub controls, etc. There are plenty of sites online that have discount hot tub accessories available for purchase. Try and purchase from a distributor that has a good track record with customer service. You will be able to outfit your hot tub with all the best accessories!
