5 Considerations When Purchasing Your New Hot Tub

Picture it: you're relaxing in your brand new hot tub. You're surrounded by warm water and pulsating jets. All of your worries are melting away.

It's amazing, isn't it?

A personal spa has so much power. It can completely turn your day around. In fact, the many benefits of hot tubs are what's causing sales to skyrocket!

If you're interested in buying a hot tub so that you can find the meaning of stress relief, you've come to the right place. Continue reading to find out what you should be looking for in your new hot tub.

1. What Type of Hot Tub Do You Want?

Currently, there are two main types of hot tubs:

1. Portable spas/hot tubs
2. Custom/in-ground hot tub spas

Each kind of hot tub has its own advantages depending on what you're using it for.

Portable Spas/Hot Tubs

Portable hot tubs and spas stand alone. They can be installed and removed as many times as you need. This is especially useful if you're moving from house to house.

These portable models do not fixate into the ground, and they are self-contained. So, each one of these spas has all of the equipment and parts that they need to operate.

However, in order to run smoothly, many of these portable spas need a 220-volt connection. Depending on your housing situation, you may need to specially install this as the typical outdoor electrical connection is 120 volts.

Alternatively, you could opt for a plug-and-play spa. These types of hot tubs only require a 110-volt electrical connection. So, you can plug it into a standard outdoor electrical outlet with no problem.

Portable hot tubs are made of plastic, acrylic, fiberglass, latex, or vinyl. And, they come in a variety of sizes for all sorts of groups.

These kinds of hot tubs have plenty of advantages to consider:

• They are easy to install
• They don't require a high-voltage outlet
• They can move with you
• They are far less expensive than custom designs
• They come in a variety of sizes and designs

As with anything, there are a few disadvantages to consider.

First, portable spas take longer to heat up than in-ground spas. And, second, inflatable models are puncturable if not cared for properly.

Custom/In-Ground Hot Tub Spas

The second kind of personal spa, the in-ground spa, is a permanent installation. Usually, owners place these adjacent to a pool or as a part of a backyard landscape design.

These types of hot tubs are built using granite, concrete, fiberglass, tile, or metal. Like portable spas, in-ground spas come in a variety of sizes for all kinds of families and groups.

Here are some of the advantages to consider when it comes to owning a custom or in-ground hot tub spa:

• The ability to pick and choose your features
• The added value to your home
• Accenting your landscape and/or current pool
• Easier to get in and out of the hot tub

There are a few cons when it comes to owning an in-ground hot tub. Custom hot tubs can also require custom fittings and maintenance. They also come at a higher cost. However, a hot tub can be an investment and increase the value of your home if you choose to sell down the road.

2. What Will You Be Doing With Your Hot Tub?

With so many options to choose from, buying a hot tub can be overwhelming. It's important to think about why you want a hot tub to begin with. What motivates you to buy a personal spa in the first place?

Stress Relief

One main reason to purchase a hot tub is to relax and relieve stress. The soothing warm water helps to clear your mind and may relieve mental and emotional tension. With all of that stress relief, it's a higher probability that you'll also get a better night's sleep.

If stress relief is your main priority, think about investing in a hot tub that has a variety of temperatures that are easy to adjust. You can also think about adding lighting effects that you can change to fit your mood. Also, pay attention to jet placement so you can feel your most comfortable while soaking away your stress.

Recovery

Athletes tend to invest in hot tubs because they help with sore muscles and aids in recovery after physical activity. Hot tubs can also help with pain relief. For example, someone with arthritis or other chronic pain may find comfort in owning a hot tub.

Heat improves blood circulation which is helpful when you're feeling sore after a tough workout. If muscle recovery is your main focus, be sure to invest in a hot tub with powerful jets to help massage your muscles and joints.

Recreation

Another reason people invest in spas is for recreation and socializing. What party isn't complete without a soak in the hot tub? If you're looking to share your personal spa with your family or friends, there are a few things to think about!

Be sure to find a hot tub with enough seating for the number of people you're looking to share it with. There are plenty of different sizes to choose from.

You may also want to invest in a hot tub with audio effects so you can listen to your favorite music while hanging out with friends. Some hot tubs even have video monitors available if you want to watch a game or a movie.

3. What Features Should You Look For When Buying a New Hot Tub?

There are many features to consider when purchasing a new personal spa, from materials to entertainment packages.

Construction Material

There are a few different options to choose from when it comes to what your hot tub shell is made out of. Here are the three most common:

• Acrylic – A hard plastic-type material that is fade-resistant, durable, and available in a wide range of colors.
• Vinyl – Vinyl does not retain heat as well as other materials and can fade from the sun or chemical use.
• PVC – Inflatable portable hot tubs are often made of PVC, which is a synthetic plastic polymer that is somewhat flexible. This material is the cheapest option, but not as durable as the other two.

You can also add exterior cabinets to your hot tub. These come in a variety of colors and patterns, customizable to your liking.

If you're looking to purchase an outdoor hot tub to escape those cold winter months, you may need to purchase a hot tub with insulation. Insulation will help hold heat longer because it is made with different types of foam. On the flip side, if you live in a warmer climate, you may want to add a cooling feature!

Jet Style

Think about what you want from the jets in your hot tub. Some jets have stronger pressure streams, while others rotate for a gentler experience. You can also choose between massage jets and directional jets. For example, Garden spas have jets that can massage your body from the top of your neck to the bottom of your feet.

Entertainment Packages

You can add as many entertainment upgrades as you'd like when you purchase your own personal spa. Hot tubs nowadays have speakers installed with Bluetooth capability, video monitors, and lighting effects. You can also choose to have remote access so you can turn on and off your hot tub and its features with just the click of a button.

4. What Pre-Installation Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Hot Tub?

Before purchasing your hot tub, there are some pre-installation factors to consider. You need to be sure you have the correct landscape and space as well as the permits to install.

• Codes and permits – Each neighborhood is different. Look up which permits you may need before installing your tub.
• Voltage and Electricity – Be sure to have the correct setup dependent on the voltage of your hot tub. Your installers will have resources for you if you need them!
• Safety – If you have young children or pets, consider safety barriers that you may need to install before the hot tub installation.
• Underlayment for In-Ground – There needs to be a solid and level foundation underneath where your hot tub will be placed ie: concrete. If placing on a raised surface, like a deck, you need to ensure it can withstand the weight of your new hot tub.

5. What Should You Avoid When Looking at a New Personal Spa?

While there are many things to look for when buying a new personal spa, there are also a few things you'll need to avoid.

• Getting a bad warranty – When you purchase your new spa, be sure that you have a warranty you are happy with.
• Focusing too much on the price – Don't skip out on the features that are important to you. Purchase a high-quality hot tub that won't cost you in the long run.
• Forgetting to maintain your hot tub – To prolong the life of your hot tub, be sure to do the proper maintenance daily, monthly, and year-round.

Buy a New Hot Tub Today

Purchasing a new hot tub is exciting but a bit overwhelming. Think about what matters most to you and why you want to buy a new hot tub in the first place. Be sure to include all of the features you want, get the right materials, and have the correct pre-installation factors set up.

For more information on which hot tub is right for you, visit our website today!

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