If you are contemplating purchasing a hot tub, read on! Once installed, they are pretty impossible to return! Hot tubs can be expensive, and you don’t want to spend a ton of money on something that simply isn’t right for you. We have never owned a hot tub but in the right setting, I am sure they are very enjoyable. Plus, if you suffer from a bad back or ailment, I am sure they are helpful in the healing process.
The research phase is 100% the most important part of this whole process. Don’t cut corners or rush it. Do plenty of research, watch videos and reviews, and give it a while before you decide to buy.
You will want to consider the following:
- Number of seats
- Number of jets
- Number of pumps
- Filtration system used
- Overall size of the hot tub (make sure it will fit where you want it)
- Additional features
- Audio systems
- Lighting
- Water features (waterfalls)
- Warranty details
Beware of ‘great deals’ and cheap hot tubs! You might think that a hot tub you’re looking at is a great deal, but you usually get what you pay for. Unless you’ve read numerous reviews stating otherwise, it’s probably a good idea to steer clear. Groupon and Wowcher probably aren’t the best places to purchase hot tubs.
Nobody can tell you how much your hot tub is going to cost, because prices vary wildly. You could pay anything from $4000 to $30000 – it really is anybody’s guess and all depends on the brand and the features you select.
Don’t forget about the upkeep costs! You have the cost of maintenance to consider, as well as the stuff to keep your hot tub clean, and the electricity to run it on top of this. You could spend anywhere from $40 to $150 a month to run your hot tub.
You’ll need to take maintenance seriously, and it might be a good idea to pay for regular maintenance with a professional company. This way they will clean out your hot tub and change the water, and you won’t need to worry about nasty bacteria. A lot of germs can survive in hot tubs. This is because everything on your body ends up in the hot tub too – sweat, dirt, grim, everything. A surprising number of people carry germs that cause disease – even the herpes virus can survive in hot tubs for 4 hours. Plus, the temperature of hot tubs is perfect for bacteria to grow. We’re not trying to put you off buying your dream hot tub, just be mindful of this before you fork out the money.
Once you’ve found the perfect hot tub, you’ll need to do a few things to ensure you’re ready for installation. You’re going to need a solid, level base – those installing it won’t do this for you, so you need to have the perfect spot. Concrete, slabs, and decking can all be used. You don’t want a hot tub that sits on a slope, or water making a slippy surface or ruining your grass. It should be able to support the weight of the hot tub and the people inside of it.
You don’t need any pipes or permanent water supplies, you simply need a hose nearby to fill your hot tub. If you want to know more about how you can prepare, you can take a look at a site like poolhottubs.com. It’s always better to be as prepared as possible!
A hot tub could be a lot of fun, but you need to stay safe. Heat can intensify the effects of what you have ingested, especially alcohol, and can make you very sick. Keep all glasses away from your hot tub. If you get broken glass in your hot tub, you’ll have a nightmare trying to get it out. If you need a drink close by, it’s better to have a plastic bottle or something similar.
If you let your kids use the hot tub, you should never leave them unsupervised, just like you wouldn’t in a pool. The danger of drowning is exactly the same, and there’s the possibility the child could become overheated.
Everything on your body ends up in the hot tub. If you’re hot and sweaty, or have lotion on your skin, it’s going to end up in the hot tub. Your filter will suffer and so will your water over time. Plus, remember we told you about those germs? Shower before you get in and you’ll have a much better time!
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This is one of the best articles I’ve seen on hot tubs. You’re not selling anything, and that’s why you can be objective. I’m saving this in case the hubs and I go for one. Thanks!
Hi Nette, I am so glad that this helped you! We have never owned a hot tub but they do look very enjoyable! Best of luck with your purchase!