SPAS
Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide – How to Purchase the Perfect Hot Tub
Owning a hot tub can provide a boost to your physical and mental health, family life, social life and love life. With all of the different reasons to own a hot tub, it’s no wonder so many people have decided to take the plunge.
Having your own backyard hot tub is a great way to relax and work out your aches and pains after a long day. You can de-stress and catch up with your loved ones in the comfort of your own backyard. Imagine having your own personal massage therapist who is always ready for you and with no appointment necessary!
With all of the different brands available in today’s market, it’s no wonder buyers often become confused when searching for the perfect spa.
Many people become confused by the technical jargon and sales pitches that hot tub dealers throw their way. While some of the information may be important, a lot is simply a way to make inferior technology sound superior. Purchasing a good quality hot tub from a company that offers great service will ensure that you will get the maximum amount of enjoyment from your investment. But what features should you look for in a hot tub?
Before you even leave your house, you will want to give a little thought to where you plan on placing your new hot tub. If you have an existing deck or patio where you think a hot tub will fit perfectly, measure the space, or better yet, make a drawing so that you can bring it into the store with you. Most hot tubs require a space about seven to eight feet square and should be placed close to a door for easier access in the winter. You should also look at the entrance to your yard – most hot tubs require at least a 38” wide path for delivery. Many hot tub companies will offer a site consultation if you are not sure whether a hot tub will work in your backyard or on an existing patio and give you suggestions about its’ placement and orientation.
Jets
Let’s start off with the most important feature of any hot tub: the jets. Basically, look for jets with enough pressure to give you a good massage without beating you up. Be wary of any sales person who starts telling you how many jets their hot tubs have. The quantity of jets will not tell you how good the hydrotherapy will be. Look for all of the different ways you can adjust the jets. Can you adjust each seat individually? How about each jet? Are there different sizes and styles of jets that target different areas? A versatile hot tub that allows each user to control their massage and offers a variety of jet styles will provide greater enjoyment all around.
The ultimate test for any hot tub is to get in it and “wet test” it. Any reputable hot tub dealer will encourage you to come in and give their hot tub a try. Be sure to sit in the hot tub for at least 20 minutes – sometimes jets that felt great after 5 minutes start to sting and hurt soon after. This is the only surefire way to know if the hot tub is everything you are looking for.
Pumps
Pump horsepower is one of the most overemphasized features of a hot tub. A larger pump does not directly relate to a better massage. The key to optimal hydrotherapy is water movement, but if the plumbing system is poorly designed it will need a larger pump to overcompensate. A small pump on a well designed plumbing system will actually move more water with less noise and at a lower operating cost. With all the pumps running on the hot tub, you should be able to have a conversation without raising your voice.
Filtration
Unlike pumps, bigger is better when it comes to filters! Bigger hot tub filters have more surface area to collect dirt and debris. You should look for a spa that has at least 75 square feet of filtration. The average hot tub user produces about 1 litre of sweat per hour, and a lack of proper filtration will result in cloudy water, scum lines and increased chemical usage. You should also check access to the filters as they will require periodic maintenance.
Water Maintenance
All hot tubs require some chemical maintenance, but a good hot tub system will only require a few minutes per week to maintain clear and fresh-smelling water. A well maintained hot tub will not have a strong chemical odour and will be more comfortable on your skin. There is no such thing as a “chemical-free” system for a hot tub. All hot tubs must use some form of sanitizer to prevent bacteria levels in the water from escalating. With that being said, there are systems available that will reduce the amount of chlorine and bromine that is necessary to keep your water safe and sanitized.
We recommend the installation of a good quality ozonator or UV sterilizer on your hot tub. These systems kill microorganisms and purify your spa water, reducing your need for chlorine or bromine. Having one installed will also extend the period of time you can go between draining and refilling because you are adding fewer chemicals to the water.
Some companies advertise salt water systems for their hot tubs, but don’t be fooled into thinking it is maintenance and chemical-free. The benefit of adding salt to your hot tub is that it will feel nice on your skin because our bodies are naturally salty. The system will convert the salt into either bromine or chlorine to sanitize the spa which means you don’t have to add pucks or powders. But you will still have a chlorine or bromine hot tub that requires the regular testing and adjustment of pH, sanitizer and salt levels. Without proper water balance these units will quickly deteriorate and require replacement, which is both inconvenient and expensive.
Putting a little time and effort into researching your hot tub will help you to feel great when you finally make your purchase. Buying a hot tub isn’t something you do every day, and once you have one in your yard you won’t know how you lived without it! You also won’t want to take it out anytime soon, so invest in the best quality hot tub your budget can accommodate. Remember that you are making an investment into your health and well-being, so don’t forget to enjoy yourself – buying a hot tub should be a fun experience!
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