Your Hot Tub Options – What to Know Before You Buy

A hot tub is the ultimate in outdoor living. Entertainment, relaxation or romantic evenings are yours with the purchase of a hot tub. Once you’ve decided that a spa is right for you, there are a few things to consider before your first soak:

• Consider where you’ll put your spa. Consider privacy and accessibility. Can you enjoy a quiet evening without the prying eyes of your neighbors? Is it close enough to the house for easy access? Avoid placing your hot tub in plain sight of your neighbors or the street. And avoid placing it under trees, as leaves and debris will fall into the water. You may want to stand in the desired spot of your spa and check the situation out from different angles.

Many homeowners choose to place their hot tub on a backyard deck. Provided it is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a hot tub, a deck is a great choice. You may also want to recess the spa into the deck to create a built-in look.

Another option, should you want to place your hot tub in the yard, is to pour a concrete pad. This will give you a solid, level base on which to place your hot tub.

• The next consideration should be the size of your spa. Do you want it for personal use, or do you envision hosting backyard parties with your hot tub as the highlight?
• When planning your hot tub budget, consider more than just the price. Ask questions about monthly operating costs when discussing the price with your authorized spa dealer, and also factor in maintenance costs, and the costs of chemicals and supplies.
• A wonderful array of spa styles and designs are available. This also includes the material out of which the spa is constructed. Acrylic hot tubs are durable and longer lasting than fiberglass hot tubs. Redwood hot tubs are rustic and traditional, although they require more upkeep and usually do not offer contoured seating options. Many portable hot tubs are constructed of vinyl, which is also very durable and long lasting.
• Once you’ve honed in on a potential spa, you’ll want to check such features as the spa jets. Take note of the location and number of jets, and ask the spa dealer to run the spa for you so that you can observe the noise level of the jets. Play with the controls and see how user-friendly they are. Take note of the seating arrangements and the contours of the seats. Your spa dealer may even encourage you to take a dip to try out the spa before purchasing it.
• Look for safety switches, such as an automatic shut-off, and purchase a locking cover to ensure safety when the spa is not in use.
• Ask about the warranty and get a copy of the warranty for your records. Pay attention to the details of the warranty, particularly if it covers parts replacement, aftercare service or scheduled check-ups.
• Ask about delivery and installation services.  The installation and setup of a hot tub is best left to the professionals, especially if there are electrical and plumbing factors that need to be considered. You may want to check with local contractors and get a few quotes before agreeing to the installation and setup costs offered by the dealer.