Buying a hot tub is a large investment and you want to make sure that you choose a model that will suit your lifestyle and needs for many years to come. All hot tubs are not created equal and can vary significantly in quality, features, and benefits. When shopping for a hot tub, knowing what to look for as well as what to avoid will help you make an informed decision and choose a model with personalized options to increase your overall enjoyment.
In this article, we will break down both what to avoid as well as important things to look for when shopping for your hot tub.
Things to Avoid:
Be aware of the following three factors so that you do not end up with high energy bills or poor service and support.
Poor Insulation
Models that only contain exterior insulation will cost you more money to heat and increase your utility costs. Choose an energy efficient model that has thermal vents and a hardcover which will reuse and retain heat. For maximum energy efficiency, select a hot tub that has been approved by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
Dealers with Bad or No Reputations
It is so important to research local hot tub dealers before making a purchase. Find independent customer reviews of their business as well as product reviews of the manufacturers that they carry. A rock bottom price tag that seems too good to be true may just be that. When investing in a hot tub, you want to be confident that you are getting a quality product and that your dealer will provide proper service and support. Ask key questions such as how long they have been in business for, if they handle their own repairs and if they stock parts.
Limited Warranty
Cheaper hot tubs come with basic or limited warranties which you can regret if a major component of your hot tub breaks and you are faced with a costly repair. Make sure that your model is accompanied by a comprehensive warranty that covers 3 years of parts and labour, 10 years for structural damage and 5 years coverage on the acrylic surface.
Things to Look For:
Below are the three most important features to consider to ensure that your hot tub will be comfortable and suits your lifestyle.
Massage Jets
The most popular feature and what attracts so many people to buy a hot tub is their therapeutic massage jets. Every hot tub model comes with different styles of jets with different pressure ranges and various massage program features. You want to select a model that has flexibility, where you can customize the therapeutic wellness programs and massage features to target the areas of your body that need it the most. Whether you want to just de-stress and unwind or target neck and back pain, make sure that your model comes with the programs you need. Massage options are also not just limited to joint and muscle pain, there are models that can treat a wider range of health issues as well, such as insomnia.
Cleaning† Features
Once your hot tub has been installed, you will want to spend your time enjoying it, not cleaning
†. Knowing what is involved in maintaining and cleaning
† your hot tub is important before you make a purchasing decision. Different manufacturers come with a wide range of cleaning
† and maintenance requirements. If you want to spend as little time as possible having to clean
† your hot tub, select a self-cleaning
† model which will automatically filter and skim the water as well as vacuum the floor.
Design & Comfort
Not all hot tubs are equally comfortable. Make sure to test different models so that you can compare their comfort levels and find the best one for you. Ask your dealer about features such as ergonomic or multi-level seating that will be adaptable to the different shapes and sizes of people using the hot tub. Always ask to perform a wet test – this is where your dealer will fill the hot tub with water so that you can experience first hand the comfort and design of the model.
Can I Get a Buyer’s Guide Download?
Now that you know what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a hot tub, click here to download our buyer’s guide, or visit us at our
hot tub store.
