How To Choose The Right Hot Tub For You
First, assess the space where you will install your hot tub. If you dont have a foundation for it, factor that into the cost. Consider how often youll use the hot tub and how many people you need it to accommodateif you have a big family or like to entertain guests, choose a large hot tub.
Those factors will allow you to set a budget for your hot tub. You can then choose which material you would like it to be and consider adding accessories. Make sure to factor in monthly maintenance costs, too. The right hot tub for you will incorporate all of the materials and accessories that meet your needs while falling within your budget.
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Which Hot Tubs Have The Best Warranty
Investing in a hot tub for your home will bring boundless fun and relaxation into your home, but how can you feel reassured about your purchase for years to come? A sturdy warranty will give you peace of mind when it comes to your tub, and mean that theres help on hand if you run into a range of issues.
In the top-rated brands we looked at, warranties can stretch from one year to 35 years and often, the type of warranty attached to a tub will depend on how high-end it is. For example, a luxury range of tubs within the PDC brand has a 35-year warranty to back it up, so that you can feel reassured when splashing the cash that theres a hefty guarantee to back your purchase up. Other brands offer a blanket warranty on all of their models, such as ThermoSpas, which will provide cover for ten years after purchase.
Taking the plunge and installing a hot tub is a major financial decision, so its well worth factoring in a good warranty for your purchase. Be sure to look at the small print of any guarantee too and suss out whether it covers the shell, plumbing parts, or the whole model.
The Best Hot Tubs On The Market
All hot tubs certainly arent created equal.
Looking for a quick and easy way to separate the wheat from the chaff? Pick up your free edition of WhatSpa? magazine to discover our pick of the best buys from the models currently on the market.
Of course, you should also keep your specific needs and preferences in mind. We always recommend heading to a WhatSpa? approved dealership and talking to the staff about what youre looking for.
No matter what kind of hot tub youre after, be sure to follow the tips in the rest of this hot tub buyers guide to make sure you end up with the right hot tub for you.
After you have pored over our jargon-busting Spa Masterclass magazine feature, start visiting showrooms armed with your new-found hot tub expertise. Talk to sales staff and get a feel for the models and features on offer in each different price bracket.
If you want to reap the benefits of lower stress levels, improved sleep and better physical and mental health, a quality hot tub is definitely for you.
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Sundance Spa: Best Hot Tubs Overall
Sundance Spas offers the best hot tub features, from standard built-in smart capabilities to its adjustable Fluidix jets. Though most of Sundances models fall in the premium and luxury price ranges, the brand does offer a good variety of spasacross the entry- and mid-level price ranges in small, medium and large tubs.
Even the less expensive models come with multiple shell, cabinet and cover color options, as well as premium features such as UV-C water sanitation and waterfalls that many other companies charge as upgrades.
All Sundance hot tubs are compatible with the SmartTub mobile app, though this requires a paid subscription after the first year – a bit of a bummer.
- Read our Sundance Spas Hot Tubs review
Custom/in Ground Hot Tub Spas
- In-ground spas or custom-built hot tubs are permanent installations. These are often adjacent to a pool or part of a backyard landscape design.
- They are often built with granite, concrete, fiberglass, tile, or metal depending on the desired look and style.
Sizes:
- In-ground hot tubs can be built to any desired size. Some are even as large as standard swimming pools! However, the larger the spa, the more energy it requires to heat up.
- If you want to build an in-ground hot tub spa that accommodates between 2-4 people, you should expect the spa to be 5-7 equally long and wide.
- A medium-sized hot tub which can fit up to 6 people should be at least 8 by 8.
- Larger tubs made to fit groups of 10 people or more will be at least 9 by 9.
Advantages:
- In-ground spas can increase your homes value, as the return on investment for a custom spa can be up to 50% of the initial hot tubs cost.
- In-ground hot tub spas are quite durable and if taken care of properly, they can last for years and years.
Disadvantages:
- Installing a custom in-ground hot tub spa is extremely expensive.
- Part of your lawn will need to be dug up to install the spa and connect the plumbing to the main water pipe.
- It is extremely difficult and costly to change the design or repair damaged parts.
So, lets cover some of the most important aspects and features to consider when choosing the right hot tub for you and your family.
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What Are The Costs To Install A Hot Tub
There are expenses in addition to the actual purchase price of your spa. Knowing the costs of installation ahead of time can help you budget and plan, making installation as seamless as possible. When its all said and done, your new hot tub will start paying you back in rest and relaxation.Installing a hot tub will take a few steps, and the overall cost varies depending on size, location, and complexity, but can range from around $85 to $800+. On average, the national cost for above ground installation costs a little more than $300. Prior to installing a hot tub, you should consider and price out these elements:
Hot Tub Build Quality
When shopping, look into the materials used in the hot tubs construction. Most hot tubs use an acrylic interior shell supported by a frame made of either treated wood or metal and surrounded by a wood or synthetic cabinet. As long as it isnt exposed to elements, the frame should last the lifetime of your hot tub, no matter what its made of.
Pay more attention to the hot tubs insulation, as this directly affects operating costs. A poorly insulated spa costs more to heat because the heater has to run more to keep water at a set temperature, and overworking the components can lead to early malfunction.
Getting a well-insulated hot tub is particularly important in locations that reach low temperatures. To this end, look for a full-foam insulated hot tub rather than a model with partial foam insulation or one that just uses a thermal wrap.
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What Brand Of Hot Tub Is The Best
I am imagining that at this point you already know the reason you are buying the hot tub. The following list is purely based on the specifications of different hot tub manufacturers, as we try to make the best shot of finding the most affordable hot tub option out there.
Here is a guide of some of the best hot tub brands to help you find the right type of hot tub for your space and budget.
How Much Is A Nice Hot Tub
The cost of a hot tub can vary from $3,000 for a budget-priced tub to over $16,000 for a top-of-the-line spa with custom upgrades. Generally, inflatable hot tubs are the cheapest above-ground hot tubs are more moderately priced and in-the-ground hot tubs are the most expensive.
Firstly you need to consider how much you have to spend, its a good idea to research how much specific brands running costs and maintenance will set you back.
Most manufacturers rarely list the prices of hot tubs online because there are several factors that affect the cost of each sale, including geography, dealer promotions and even the time of year.
Many companies will categorize their selections into price ranges:
However, some wont provide costing guidelines unless you inquire. Bear in mind that the final cost of your hot tub might differ significantly from the cost of the tub itself, after youve included any upgrades or extras, installation and operating costs.
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Best Brand Of A Hot Tub To Buy
There is a tight competition between Sundance, Jacuzzi, and Master spas regarding overall brand preference in the US. Sundance is an ideal high-quality choice, and many people picture it as a luxurious brand. Jacuzzi has many accessories and is a high-performance option. If you are looking for the best values, then Master spas is a recommendable brand.
Best Time To Buy Hot Tubs
There is no specific time to wait to buy a hot tub, especially if they have a sense of urgency to get one. However, if you want the best prices, try shopping around September or the beginning of summer. Retailers often open up their stores for clearance at such times, making most prices stoop lower than usual. Discounts are also prevalent with other after purchase offers.
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Price: How Much Does A Hot Tub Cost
The average hot tub runs a little under $10,000. You need to factor in the upfront investment as well as the cost to maintain and power your hot tub year-round, which can run you a little south of $100/month.
There are hot tubs out there for $4,000 all the way up to $20,000 and everything in between. Now, before you get too excited about this addition to your outdoor space, create a realistic budget for how much you can spend on the hot tub. Make sure to consider both short and long-term costs.
Short-term costs obviously include the cost of purchasing the spa itself and any work required to prepare the chosen space for its arrival .
The costs associated with regularly maintaining your hot tub are examples of the long-term expenses that you should expect to incur as a spa owner.
How Do I Begin The Research Process To Be A Confident Shopper
Its always a little tricky to do something like buying a hot tub for the first time. Where do you start? Its a good idea to do a little research to help you know what youre looking for. Check out different resources, and ask people with experience. That way you can shop for your first hot tub equipped with second-time buyer knowledge.
- Start with an internet search. Seeing as thats where youve found this buyers guide, it seems like youve figured this one out already! The internet is a fantastic tool for finding dealers in your area, reviews of the best hot tub brands, and general information about hot tub ownership. When looking for reviews, its a good idea to compare information from multiple sources and to find reviews from neutral sites like Spasearch.
- Once youve got a good idea of what youre looking for in a hot tub, the next step is to visit your local dealer. Here you can learn which models they carry in stock, how they handle delivery and installation, and what their service plans look like. Getting an in-person introduction to some models of interest can also help inform your decision.
- Nothing beats a personal touch. If you know any true spa enthusiasts ideally someone who uses their spa daily and has owned it for a decade or longertheyll be able to offer you a wealth of knowledge to guide you through buying and owning a hot tub. Their personal experiences will help you figure out whats most important for you, both today and ten years from now.
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Fitted Cover And Quality Insulation
Both these points revolve around preventing the removal of heat from your hot tub. And the more your water temperature drops, the harder your hot tub has to work to heat the water. Properly fitting spa covers stop rising heat from escaping the spa. On the other hand, spas with full-foam insulation provide dense insulation, which serves to maximize heat retention.
What Are The Different Types Of Hot Tubs
For those not in the know, understanding what are the different types of hot tubs can be complicated. From hardshell and inflatable, to wood-fired and in-ground brands such as Platinum Spa, Be Well, and Thermals, as well as a variety of differentiating features including massage jets, LED lights, and in-built speakers.
Ultimately, in much the same way that you can have all sorts of variety in swimming pools, from built-in pools, paddling pools, and even a swimming pool fashioned from a shipping container, there are a variety of different hot tubs to choose from as well. The most popular types are:
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Why Spa Covers Are So Important
Spa covers are imperative to preserving the integrity of your spa. From safety to hygiene, a good cover helps keep your spa in good working order. Make sure you understand how to clean your hot tub cover to extend its life.
Prevents Bacteria Growth
Without a cover, your hot tub is exposed to a variety of different sources of bacteria. For example, yard debris, insects and even rainwater will have access to the water and potentially compromise your hot tubs cleanliness.
Provides Protection from the Sun
Extended exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays can cause slow deterioration to your hot tubs acrylic shell, which will shorten its lifespan. A cover protects your backyard investment from those harmful rays and lengthens the life of the hot tub in the process.
Acts as a Critical Safety Measure
If you have young children or pets, such as dogs or cats, a cover is a crucial safety precaution. Although not as large as a swimming pool, a hot tub is still deep enough for a child or pet to drown. Keeping your hot tub covered whenever its not in use is critical to avoid a potentially devastating situation.
Saves on Energy Costs
If your hot tubs cover isnt in good working order or you dont even have one, here are some of the top reasons to invest in one. Take care of your investment so you can enjoy it for years to come!
The Best Hot Tub Upgrades And Extras To Consider
When it comes to getting the hot tub of your dreams, upgrades and extras can make a real difference. So whilst jets and pumps are essential, theres also a bunch of add-ons available to take your comfort to the next level. Unsurprisingly, one favorite among hot tub users is Bluetooth-connected speakers, because everyone wants to blast out their favorite tunes as they soak.
That, plus LED mood lighting that you can change to create different types of ambience. These aesthetic features will definitely get your hot tub party off to a great start, and get your guests into the spirit of fun and relaxation.
If you like the convenience of controlling your appliances from your phone, then naturally the best hot tub for you is one with smart features. For example, luxury hot tubs often have touch screen controls so you can get your temperature and cleaning settings just right, as well as compatibility with your smartphone, so you can control your hot tub from wherever you are. If you dont want to lift a finger when it comes to your tub, also look out for models with self-cleaning programs to make maintenance a breeze.
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The Size Of Your Hot Tub
Hot tubs come in a wide variety of sizes from tiny two-seaters to pool-sized eight seaters. Prior to purchasing a home spa, decide what its main use will be. The number of users you plan on having in your spa at once is a key factor in deciding how large it will need to be.
How many people do you intend to accommodate with your hot tub? Are you looking for an intimate, two-person hot tub or are you thinking more along the lines of the Roman baths and the more the merrier?
Take into consideration the space limitations of your backyard and yoursocial activity/ hosting habits. If you plan on entertaining frequently, the largest size for your space limitations may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if youre comfortable with 4 of your closest friends and family sharing a spa, our 4-person hot tub might suit your needs best.
Why Do You Want A Hot Tub
There several great reasons to take the plunge into hot tub ownership and there’s a type of hot tub ideally suited to each type of owner. Before you start your search, think about how you envision using your hot tub:
- Considering a hot tub for health reasons? Hot tub hydrotherapy can offer relief to people dealing with arthritis, muscle pain, sports injuries, and circulation issues. If medical reasons are the driving factor, you’ll want to focus on smaller hot tubs features like precise temperature controls and the location and configuration of the massaging jets.
- Are you looking for a simple source of stress relief? Soaking in a hot tub is a proven way to reduce stress and promote full-body relaxation. A smaller tub with fewer bells and whistles will give you a space to indulge in some much-needed me time without breaking the bank.
- Looking for a way to stay fit? Opt for a specially designed swim spa: These extra-long spas allow you to swim against a current generated by powerful jets . Or, stick with a standard hot tub that’s roomy enough for yoga or aerobic exercises like scissor kicks, squats and lunges.
- Do you love to entertain? If you envision your hot tub as a place to hang out with friends, you’ll want a larger tub that will five or six with room to spare. You might also want to consider fun add-ons like programmable lighting, water features, or even built-in sound systems.
Hot tub size guide
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