Thinking About Buying a Hot Tub? Read This...

Generally speaking, the words “hot tub” and “spa” mean the same thing. If you are thinking about getting a hot tub, you'll want to consider the best value for your budget within the “portable” spa category. Portable means that your spa can be moved easily.

Here are some factors to consider in your buying process.

Size: Spa size is typically affected by the available space which you have in your desired location, and by the number of people you want your spa to hold.

Comfort: The comfort of the hot tub's seating is very important. To ensure that your comfort level is met, be sure to sit in the spa before purchasing. It's also highly recommended that you “wet test” the spa; this will give you the best indication of how comfortable it is for you and other intended users. Comfort factors include seating depth and variety, footwell space, lounge fit, access to hottub controls, ease of entry and exit, and cushioned headrests.

Hydrotherapy Performance: This area is highly subjective. Some people want a powerful hydromassage, while others only want to use their spa primarily for soaking. If you're looking to maximize your hydromassage experience, consider the types of jets and the jet placement. Don't be fooled by jet count alone. What's more important is jet variety and how the jets are positioned within the spa. A spa that provides maximum hydrotherapy will address all of the body's major muscle groups. You'll also want to consider jet flow adjustability, the features that allow you to customize your massage by regulating the amount of air and/or water supplied to the jets.

Air Jet System: Many hot tubs feature an air jet system that produces air bubbles from fittings throughout the spa to provide a very gentle soft–tissue massage. While this isn't an essential feature, many people enjoy the sensation it provides.

Reliability: Buying a hot tub that will last over time is an important consideration for most potential spa owners. Look for a spa that is well-built, uses high-quality materials and components, and is backed by a reputable dealer. Length of time in business and reputations can tell you a great deal. Finally, ask for a copy of the warranty, and determine if the dealer and hottub manufacturer are willing and prepared to support it.

Ease of Maintenance: Most likely, you're looking for a hot tub that won't require a lot of your time to keep the water clean and clear, and that will preserve its appearance over time.
To maintain good water quality, consider a Corona Discharge (CD) ozone generator. This type of ozone generator will reduce the amount of sanitizer needed, and help keep the water crisp and clean. CD systems last longer than alternative ozone systems. Also, consider the type of filtration system and square footage of filtration. Generally, “premium” spas feature small circulation pumps that continuously filter the water and provide the necessary flow to allow the heater to constantly maintain the set temperature.

Energy Efficiency: Your spa's operating cost will be primarily determined by its ability to retain heat. Ensure that the hottub has effective insulation for the shell and plumbing. Full foam insulation surrounding the shell, combined with a custom fit spa cover that forms an insulated barrier around the bar top, are essential to keeping heat in and cold out.