Did I Cover All You Wanted To Know About Hot Tubs And Whether They Need To Be Level
In this article, we took a deep dive into the world of hot tubs and what a proper foundation for one is.
We examined different types of foundations, from pavers to concrete, decks, and even plastic hot tub pads. We also explored shimming and how that can help get it level if it has shifted over time.
An unlevel foundation can cause your hot tub to crack.
So ultimately, we answered the question Does a hot tub need to be level with a definite yes.
If youre just installing your first hot tub, another common question is whether or not you need a fence around yours.
Just to make it more confusing, there are Federal, state, and local laws to be aware of and even CDC guidelines! Luckily, I take the mystery out of it in a state by state guide which answers all your questions.
That way you can be safe and legal with your new hot tub. Just click that link to read it on my site.
Hot Tub Brand #: Sundance Spas Sundance Spas
SUNDANCE® Spas is the largest builder of acrylic hot tubs in the world. Since 1979, SUNDANCE® has been delivering a quality product to their customers, backed up by a super group of dealers. The models and design of the SUNDANCE® Spas are some of the best available. Often in the top part of our list, it will come down to the comfort you find in the model you choose from any one of these fine hot tub builders, each with unique features and designs tailored to you and your needs.
SUNDANCE® is an Industry Leader with Their UV Water Treatment System & Customizations
SUNDANCE® hot tubs are one of the best hot tub brands, being one of the first to incorporate a UV water treatment system. These tubs use ultraviolet light in the filtration system to kill bacteria in the water. This results in a more natural, less chemical-laden hot tub experience. Parts and service for SUNDANCE® Spas are also easy to come by, as there are many dealers throughout the world.
Another way in which they prove themselves as a leading hot tub brand is with the customization options available in the fit and finish of your hot tub. SUNDANCE® tubs also use an easy to navigate electronic control panel and most models have an optional Wi-Fi module that allows remote management via smart phone, making maintenance easier so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your spa.
Bullfrog Spa: Best Hot Tubs For Massage
Bullfrog Spas unique JetPak Therapy System lets you customize your massage with 18 options that each target a different type of massage therapy. Though most hot tubs offer some degree of customization when it comes to color options and even upgradeable features, Bullfrog Spas lets you pick exactly what kind of jets and massage therapy to put in each seat in your new hot tub.
The interchangeable JetPaks, available for most models of Bullfrog Spas hot tubs, give you 16 seat back options for each seat in your spa that require less tubing and are more energy efficient than many spas on the market.
Though Bullfrog does sell hot tub models without the JetPak system, the interchangeable jets and customization options are really the big selling point of this brand. Aside from the pre-set models, Bullfrog also enables you to design your own completely custom spa. If you’re feeling tense, stiff and sorely in need of a full body massage in water, these are the best hot tubs for you.
- Read our Bullfrog Spas Hot Tubs review
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Whats The Environmental Impact Of Owning A Hot Tub
Theres no denying how the best hot tubs can quickly turn your backyard into a peaceful oasis, but the eco-minded among you might be wondering about the environmental effects of your new purchase on the planet. As with keeping running costs low, having a lesser environmental impact is all about good hot tub maintenance.
The less frequently you need to drain and refill your tub the better, so keep a good routine when it comes to adding sanitizers and cleaning fluids, as they will keep your water in better condition for longer. The same goes for regular maintenance of your hot tub filter, which is the way to keep detritus out of your water.
Though some environmentally-minded folks may already have homes powered by solar panels, getting a new hot tub may inspire you to think about where your energy comes from and push you to invest in a more eco-friendly source. And as with expenses, well-performing insulation and appropriate sizing can do wonders when it comes to not draining energy resources.
Can You Shim A Hot Tub Level
You can absolutely shim a hot tub level.
For many people, tearing up the patio/deck/concrete slab their hot tub lies on and replacing it with a level foundation is not a financial option. This is where shims come in handy.
The majority of hot tubs come with shim points. Look at your owners manual and it will inform you of where they are and how to do it.
However, some hot tub brands do not support shimming. Additionally, there have been incidents in which after a few years the shims rot. So for that reason, I recommend NOT using wood shims.
My favorite shim is these heavy-duty plastic shims from EZ-Shim.
Believe it or not, they are about 10 bucks on Amazon for a set of 20, qualify for free shipping, and can take the weight of a hot tub. Just click that link to grab a set on Amazon if you need to shim.
The hot tub I had at my last house, which I bought used, ended up not sitting level once I put it in place.
I had placed in on pavers that looked level, but I didnt do a good enough job of verifying before I brought the hot tub into the back yard.
I ended up using a series of shims to get it more level, and that worked just fine.
Just be aware to not over-shim as you dont want to place too much pressure on either the wood frame or the acrylic shell. That could lead to cracking.
So, shim to make minor adjustments only.
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The Ideal Hot Tub Temperature
Most hot tub manufacturers suggest that your hot tub’s temperature should be between 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This is approximately 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. However, you need to check the working of your thermometer regularly, as many hot tub thermometers become defective at some stage. Overly hot temperatures can have a negative effect on your health, not to mention you run the risk of inadvertently climbing into the scalding hot water!
Furthermore, pregnant women should be wary of using a hot tub, as theuse of a hot tub during the early stages of pregnancy increases your risk of having a miscarriage. This is due to your core temperature being raised. If using a hot tub during this time, consider having the water at a much lower temperature.
Why Aqualife Hot Tubs
AquaLife Hot Tubs are manufactured by Aquavia Spa, which is known as one of the top hydromassage and hot tub manufacturers in Europe. Their products are globally recognized in over 40 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have the best hot tubs that are designed with innovation and outstanding quality.
One of their top spa collections is the AquaLife Spa Collection, which is known for its outstanding quality at an average-ranged price. The collection includes the best AquaLife tubs that are designed for families that are looking for new ways to relax and bond.
These tubs are portable, functional, and durable with a combination of high-quality material, stable structure, and dependable electrical and mechanical components.
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How Do We Rank The Top 20 Hot Tub Brands
While there are a large number of hot tub brands available heading into 2022, youll probably want to restrict your research to the best hot tub brands on the market. Most hot tub manufacturers make a bit of something for everyone, but they all tend to have one or two things that they do particularly well. Some of the better known brands specialize in one particular thing and only look at other areas as an afterthought. After all, you wouldnt want to spend a lot of time researching a swim spa company when you are looking for a massage therapy hot tub!
If you havent done so already, read through some of our articles on getting ready to buy a new hot tub so youre ready to start researching the specific hot tub brands and models in this list. This overview will take a look at the 20 best hot tub brands available in North America to help you focus your search and save you time and effort.
First, our research comes from the number of replacement hot tub covers we make each year for specific brands. With over 30,000 hot tub covers sold per year, we have a pretty good indication on which hot tub brands are selling! Next, we rely on over 60 years of service in the hot tub industry to add our own personal thoughts and comparisons on all the hot tub brands. Lastly, we listen to our customers and the pros and cons of the hot tubs they have chosen for their backyards.
So, without further ado, The Cover Guy gladly presents a roundup of the top 20 best hot tub brands in North America!
Our Search For The Best Hot Tubs
1. We sifted through dozens of hot tub companies. We narrowed the list to those that were readily available to buyers in the United States, and those based in the USA
2. We evaluated 15 companies based on our expert-guided buying criteria: quality, the variety of hot tub models, customization, pricing options, longevity in the industry, and customer satisfaction
3. We summarized and reviewed the best four companies for your consideration
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What Happens To A Hot Tub If The Ground Is Not Level
If the ground is not level for your hot tub, it could crack.
Over time, an unleveled hot tub will put excess stress on the shell and wood frame. The frame and shell are designed to hold the pressure of the water and people spread out across a wide area.
But when the hot tub isnt level, that can put excess pressure in concentrated spots more pressure than either the shell or framing is built to take.
So over time, the frame under the shell can crack and/or you may get stress fractures in the acrylic shell.
Additionally, the water level will be off, with one side of the hot tub holding a higher amount of water than the other.
Simply put, you need a solid, level foundation for your hot tub!
Anything other than that will cause you to spend more money on fixing the issues that come with an unlevel foundation. It will also shorten the lifespan.
Not sure what the lifespan of an outdoor hot tub is?
They can last up to 20 years. But poor maintenance, or not leveling your hot tub can shorten that significantly.
In a recent article, I cover all the best tips you need to know to get the longest life possible out of your hot tub. What really surprised me was how much the water chemistry being off can shorten the lifespan.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
How High Maintenance Are Hot Tubs
According to anecdotal evidence and popular reviews, hot tubs usually require 12-hrs of maintenance checks every time they need to be inspected. Per year, you also need to spend $175 on annual filter replacements. On top of that, you still need to buy chemicals for the purification system which costs $230 on average.
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What Red Flags Help You Identify Hot Tub Brands To Avoid
Having a criteria checklist helps a lot in narrowing down which hot tub brands to avoid. Because hot tubs are usually a one-time-big-time purchase, not all of us would know that there are red flags underneath that buy. So, if you still have not gotten one and want to become a smart shopper for this, here are some red flags to help you identify hot tub brands to avoid.
- Bad customer reviews: Do not be confused with the consistent 3 out of 5 stars of a hot tub brand. Most often than not, these are lemon brands.
- Bad warranty: By this we mean, short or limited coverage warranties. Bad brands do not have accountability. In the next few years, their models might be needing repairs and you would find that you are already out of warranty. Do not choose brands with bad warranty clauses.
- No local dealers: If that brand is not around local shops or is not advertised by local dealers, chances are, it is a bad brand. Note that local dealers are the ones you go to for repairs and if they do not advise it, you should not even consider it.
- No service agreement: This one is the post-purchase agreement that you and your dealer should sign to ensure that all repairs and maintenance fees thereafter are managed by the dealer with reasonable prices.
- Shoddy insulation: The outside shell is convincing but know that the interior insulation is important too. Note that a shoddy insulation would cost you in electric bills so this is a major red flag to research on.
How To Create An Outdoor Hot Tub Oasis
Whether you decide to place your hot tub on your deck, in your yard or on your rooftop , you can make it feel like a special, spa-like sanctuary in a few easy ways. Blythe Yost, co-founder of Tilly, an affordable online landscape design service, recommends elevating your hot tub with a pergola over it and some vines creeping up. This adds some shade for comfort, plants and/or flowers for color, and helps create a feeling of an outdoor room, she says.
Not fond of a hot tubs exterior or the way one will look in your backyard? Theres an easy solve for that, says Yost. Partially sink the hot tub or build a wooden platform around it so it feels more integrated into the backyard. You can also use planters to screen the exterior siding. This is a great, inexpensive way to camouflage the side of the hot tub and will look beautiful from all areas of the yard, she says.
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How To Get Hot Tub Off Sleep Mode
If it seems like youve been to “SL and back” trying to get your hot tub out of sleep mode, then you’ve come to the right place Master Spa Parts has some helpful tips on getting your hot tub out of sleep mode.
But, for those that are just curious about what sleep mode is and how to use it, we would like to explain this useful hot tub feature. Most hot tub owners are familiar with how to turn their hot tubs on and off. Thats fairly easy to explain. When the hot tub is placed into the ON position the water is heated to a temperature optimal for relaxation, and in the OFF position the hot tubs heater, pump, and jets essentially have no power.
Hot Spring Spas And Hot Tubs Hot Spring Spas
Number two on our list of the best hot tub brands is Hot Springs Spas. Similar to Jacuzzi® in terms of price points and reliability, Hot Springs Spas has one key advantage over many other brands: the attention to design in their upper level hot tubs. This hot tub brand has been working with the company Designworks a BMW group company to build for comfort and design. With this innovative approach, you can be assured that these hot tubs give you a comfortable, well-designed seat, which is an important factor to consider if you plan on using your hot tub to improve physical health and relaxation.
One of the things most often praised by owners of Hot Springs Spas hot tubs is the availability of parts for most of their line. That includes many of their older models that may be well out of warranty but are still going strong. Thus, maintenance and service may be less stressful if you choose this brand!
Hot Springs Spas Has the Option of a Salt Water System
One other feature that really sets Hot Springs apart from other hot tub brands is the availability of a salt water system for many of their models. The primary advantage of a salt water system is that it is much easier to keep clean and sanitary as salt kills bacteria.
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How Do I Level The Ground For A Hot Tub
Before leveling the ground, there are a few considerations.
The first step is to select a good site for the hot tub. The area should be one that gets good drainage. This is so the hot tub will not be surrounded by puddles or mud.
The second step is to check the area you have chosen. Make sure there are no overhead power lines. Additionally, make sure no trees or shrubs are not close by you dont want those roots to grow under the hot tub.
That could later cause it to be unlevel.
You also want to make sure that the chosen site would not block your access to your septic tank, sewer lines, or any other utilities.
Next, make sure the site of the hot tub is close to a water source that can refill it if needed.
A hose should always be nearby. You will always want your hot tub at least five feet away from an electrical panel or outlet.
But you also dont want it so far from an outlet or panel that it costs a fortune to run the power to the tub . Some hot tubs plug into outlets, and some require electricity connected by an electrician.
Once you have done all this, you can begin to level the ground.
Do this by removing bumps and filling up holes. Use a shovel and a hoe to do this. Remove rocks and other large debris. Also, make sure that there are no tree roots where you wish to place your hot tub.
Remember, the ground must be smooth and level.
Congratulations! You are ready to place your hot tub.
