These are stressful times. Wouldn’t it be great to come home, escape to your hot tub, and feel the cares of the day melt away? Before you go shopping, make sure you are prepared.
The first question is to explore the size and placement of your new hot tub. Start by thinking of who will really be using your hot tub and size it accordingly. Where is the ideal placement of your hot tub? You want it positioned so that it is the most accessible and therefore will be utilized the most. Will you be placing the hot tub on a deck? A patio? In a room? Or in your yard? Check with the dealer that you are considering purchasing your hot tub from to see if they have a professional that will provide you with a “Backyard Consultation” to assist you with suggestions on accessibility, electrical needs and placement for the ideal view.
The next step is to look for features and amenities that would best serve you and your family. Is the spa for relaxation with family or mainly therapeutic relief? Because size and style are major factors in your search ask yourself, will the whole family use it at the same time or at different points throughout the day?
Cost of ownership is an important aspect when looking into a hot tub; energy consumption and maintenance are factors that can influence your decisions to purchase a particular unit over a competitor. Insulation of hot tubs is one key feature that is instrumental in maintaining temperature and reducing the cost of heating your hot tub. Does the dealer offer a written guarantee regarding the estimated monthly cost of heating and operating your hot tub? Can the dealer provide proof of their energy consumption claims? If they can, are the costs based on how your family will use the hot tub in your area?
Clear water is important so be sure to ask your dealer for information on their filtration systems. Filtering systems are what maintain clarity and help the spa stay heated to your set temperature. Does the spa bypass filtration in order to increase horsepower? If so, this can be a problem in maintaining sanitary water. Ask the dealer if the spa you are considering has no-bypass filtration.
Finally, what type of warranty does the spa come with? Look at how the warranty of the spa you are considering stacks up against other hot tub brands. Make sure to check out how long the spa parts are covered and what, if any, exclusions or limitations there are.
Being informed is a good step in helping make sure that you are on your way to purchasing the right spa for you. When you are out shopping take along your suits and test soak in the hot tub that touches on all of these key questions.
