If you’re thinking about purchasing a hot tub and aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place: This buyer’s guide will help you narrow down your choices and find the hot tub that’s right for you.
To start the decision-making process, you’ll need to consider a few crucial things:
- Pricing
- Size
- Location
- Electricity
- Installation
Keep reading to find out more about how you can select the perfect hot tub for you.
Why Buy a Hot Tub?
If you’re reading this guide, you probably already have a few reasons why you’re considering purchasing a hot tub.
However, there are some hot tub benefits you might not already know of:
- Reduced stress: Soaking in a hot tub’s water causes your body to release endorphins, resulting in an immediate reduction of stress.
- Relaxation and pain relief: People with arthritis, chronic pain, sore muscles and more can use hot tubs to relieve pain and relax any tense areas.
- Better sleep: Taking an evening dip in a hot tub can help bathers fall asleep faster and experience improved sleep sensations.
- Clearer skin: The warmth of hot tubs helps to promote circulation and create a healthy glow, while the act of sweating itself helps to open up pores and improve the skin’s appearance.
- Endless entertainment: Whether you’re relaxing with your family in the hot tub or hosting a backyard party with friends, hot tubs can offer an unlimited supply of fun.
Although a warm bath may provide many of those same benefits, hot tubs are unique in that they can be enjoyed outdoors, and are often equipped with an array of luxurious features baths don’t typically have, from LED lighting systems to dozens of massaging jets.
Hot Tub Pricing
Hot tubs prices can be as low as $2,000 for basic models or as high as $25,000 or more for the large luxury models and swim spas. However, if you purchase from a manufacturer rather than a retailer, you can easily spend no more than $4,500 on a five-person spa with plenty of features.
Hot tubs can generally be divided into three categories, each with their own price range:
- 110V hot tubs generally run from about $2,000 to $5,000.
- 220V hot tubs generally run from about $3,000 to $7,000.
- Swim spas generally run from about $7,500 to $10,000.
Other factors, like capacity, electronic accessories (such as MP3 audio systems), additional features (such as LED-illuminated waterfalls), number of jets, design, insulation and more can also affect the final price of your hot tub.
What to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub
Here are four important factors to consider on your hot tub checklist before making a final decision:
1. Size
First, you should think about the number of people you expect to be using your hot tub on a regular basis. If you have several family members or frequently host guests, you might want a hot tub that can seat four or more people.
On the other hand, if you only expect you or one other person to use the hot tub, you could easily get by with a hot tub that can seat between one and three people.
Try to consider the size of the people who will be using the hot tub: A person who is very tall will need a deep seat and extra legroom, while children or short people will need shallow seats.
2. Location
It’s also important to think about where your hot tub will be located. For instance, do you want to place it close to the door for easy access during cold weather? Or do you wish to place it further out in the yard to improve your view from the hot tub?
Also consider the level of privacy you’ll have while using the hot tub. For example, you might want to put it inside a gazebo, or place it as far from a shared fence as possible.
3. Electricity
Hot tubs come in either 110 Volt or 220 Volt configurations. While 110V spas can be plugged in and immediately enjoyed, 220V spas will require additional electrical work prior to installation.
There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of hot tub.
- For instance, 110V spas are convenient in that they can be quickly and easily installed but lack the power and heat retaining abilities of their 220V counterparts.
- On the other hand, 220V spas are powerful and can easily retain heat for long periods of time, but require more energy and pre-installation work than 110V spas.
It’s up to you to decide which option is best for you.
4. Installation
Before purchasing a hot tub, you should know that you’ll need to do a few things to ensure a smooth installation.
First, since hot tubs can weigh thousands of pounds when filled with water and bathers, you’ll need to have a concrete foundation poured. This foundation will need to be at least four inches thick and extend at least 12 inches past the hot tub on all sides.
Or, if you’re placing your hot tub on a deck or even indoors, you’ll need to have an experienced contractor evaluate the space and let you know if it will provide adequate support and drainage.
If you’re thinking about buying a hot tub, use this guide to help speed up your decision process and find a hot tub that’s perfect for your needs.
For even more in-depth advice, get your copy of our Ultimate Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide now.
