Making the decision to purchase a hot tub is an exciting time, although sometimes people get caught up in their excitement and rush into making a purchase without being fully informed. There are several common hot tub buying mistakes that one could unknowingly fall into which can cause buyer’s remorse. In this article, we will discuss the top buying mistakes for you to avoid so that you can make an informed decision and select the perfect hot tub for your needs.
Mistake #1 – Choosing the Wrong Jet Style
An essential part of your hot tub experience and enjoyment relies on the structure and style of the hot tub massage jets. Therapeutic massage jets have a wide range of health benefits including helping with muscle and back pain, sports injuries, stress and even insomnia. Not all hot tubs have the same level of jet quality or are equally therapeutic, which is largely due to the massage jets shape and style. When shopping for your hot tub, ask to see models that have customizable water flow, are adaptable and carry multiple massage programs designed to treat different health issues.
Mistake #2 – Choosing the Wrong Location
Another common mistake is not considering the location of where your hot tub will be placed before purchasing. Always avoid sandy spots, which can damage the mechanical components or areas that may be prone to flooding. If you want to place your hot tub on a patio or deck, make sure that an engineer inspects the location to ensure that it is strong enough to support the hot tub once filled with water and people – which can weigh over 4,000 pounds.
Mistake #3 – Choosing a Cheap Exterior
If your hot tub has a low-quality shell or cabinetry, it will quickly begin to fade or crack. Although in a showroom, the exterior of different hot tub models may all look similar, their quality is not. Select a model that has a thermoplastic shell made from vinyl ester resin skin, bond laminate or durable acrylic. The hot tub’s cabinetry should be weather resistant, low maintenance and easy to clean†. Also, make sure that the hot tub’s warranty covers the exterior for the expected lifespan of your hot tub.
Mistake #4 – Choosing the Cheapest Model
A low price may be enticing, but it will end up costing you more money in the long run. Cheap hot tubs require more maintenance, cost more money in cleaning† chemicals, use more electricity and can have critical parts that fail soon after purchase. Instead of basing your decision only on price, instead, consider the lifetime costs of the hot tub. A higher quality model will be energy efficient, self-cleaning† and require minimal maintenance.
Mistake #5 – Choosing a Basic Warranty
Many times, people make the mistake of not asking what type of warranty their hot tub includes. A solid warranty can save you a lot of money over the long run and give you peace of mind that your unit will be protected for many years to come. Look for a comprehensive warranty that includes leak coverage and surface damage for up to 5 years, structural shell coverage for up to 10 years and parts for up to 3 years. Make sure to ask your dealer if they also cover warranty labour for a certain period of time.
As a final piece of advice, make sure to always research your local hot tub dealer and read independent customer reviews to make sure that they are reputable and provide good service. Now that you are aware of the major hot tub buying mistakes to avoid, find out more about the many options we have available and download our buyer’s guide, or visit us at our London hot tub store.