Imperial Pool Builders in Champaign, Ill work with customers to help them understand how to buy a hot tub. There may not be as many decisions to make when you buy a hot tub or spa as when you invest in a swimming pool, but there are still many decisions you need to ponder before taking the plunge!
Having a hot tub means you can spend time in the water year round. Once the pool has been closed you can move right into using the hot tub or spa, although you can certainly use the hot tub in the summer, most hot tub owners find they use it more in the cooler months of the year.
How to buy a hot tub
- Set your budget before you set foot in a hot tub or spa showroom. Don’t have a $10,000 hot tub dream if you only have a $1,000 hot tub budget. Your hot tub contractor will also be better served by knowing your budget so he can steer you in the right direction of what you can afford.
- Your budget should include money for the hot tub, but for the installation, electricity, plumbing, placement and more. Will you need to have a slab installed for the hot tub to sit upon?
- Budget for a hot tub cover as this is an important piece of equipment and shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Ongoing upkeep and maintenance is also a part of hot tub ownership and you need to budget for that and increases in utility bills.
- What size hot tub will you want? To determine that, think about how many people will potentially be in the hot tub at one time. Don’t add too much to the size of the hot tub for the occasional party you throw, but for the regular number of people who will use it.
- Understand the different materials from which a hot tub is built so you can decide which material will be best for you.
- If the hot tub is out of doors, you will need to consider getting a tub that has an exterior that can withstand the weather, one that has a durable basin and one that is properly insulated to protect it from freezing.
- Do you want your hot tub to be an above ground or an in-ground model? Will you want your hot tub to be installed at one end of your swimming pool in a “swim up spa” style? These are decisions you will want to make before you hit the showroom.
- Will your hot tub be used just for soaking or will you want to get one that can accommodate your being able to swim a lap or two? If you want to swim, you may want to look into a swim spa.
- What shape do you want for your hot tub? Circle, rectangle, oval or some other shape?
- What kind of jets will you have for your hot tub? Where will they be placed? At what levels do you want the seats?
Don’t skimp on equipment
- Invest in energy efficient equipment
- Invest in high quality equipment when you buy the hot tub and your ongoing utility bills will be lower and your wallet wil thank you.
Other hot tub considerations
- Where will it be placed and what are the sightlines? You don’t want to be in the hot tub and have your neighbors out on their deck looking down into your hot tub.
- Plan and budget for hot tub maintenance.
Have fun
Enjoy your hot tub time and let your worries from the day soak away!