Planning Your Hot Tub
Buying a hot tub can be a life-changing event.
Buds installed our pool in late summer 2007 ... we even use their pool closing and opening service which is fantastic! It is great to see the same people who installed our pool also service our pool. Thank you so much for a fantastic experience!
- Melanie Walker, Burlington
While this purchase is meant to alleviate stress, the initial purchase process can be daunting. There are so many sizes and models, hot tub manufacturers, prices and quality levels. Making it more complicated is that many hot tubs look and feel virtually identical, even though they are not.
With a variety of choices in the market, it's easy to become overwhelmed. This guide will provide you with the basic facts to help you make a more informed decision about purchasing a hot tub. Soon you will be well on your way to selecting the hot tub that is right for you.
What do I need to consider before purchasing a hot tub?
Will I have to install plumbing for my hot tub?
How do I keep the water clean?
What do I need to know about the hot tub's filter?
How is the water temperature controlled?
What do I need to know about horsepower?
What should I consider for the control panel?
How many of the hot tub's jets are adjustable?
What about the warranty?
How much should I spend on a hot tub?
How expensive is it to operate a hot tub?
Is the hot tub installed indoors or outdoors?
What do I need to consider before purchasing a hot tub?
Consider "wet testing" a hot tub before purchasing - in other words, get in a filled hot tub! All reputable hot tub dealers maintain filled demonstration models for this purpose. Look for and verify that the seats provide lumbar support. When sitting in any seat, the water should reach at least shoulder level. If it does not, you will not get maximum hydrotherapy. Lean your head back against the pillows. Make sure you do not have to hyperextend your neck to rest your head. If the hot tub has a lounge seat, make sure it is deep enough to keep you in the seat. Take notice of the alignment of jets with your muscles. Are the jets giving you the massage you want? Stay in the hot tub with the jets on for at least 15 minutes. At the end of that time, you will know whether the seating and jet arrangements are truly comfortable.
Will I have to install plumbing for my hot tub?
No. Although it is a general misconception that plumbing needs to be installed, this is not the case. Hot tubs are above-ground and portable. All you have to do is fill your hot tub using a garden hose.
How do I keep the water clean?
Effective water maintenance is truly important to the total enjoyment of your hot tub. While some salespeople may try to convince you that they can sell you a "chemical-free" hot tub, that is not a practical option. Professional retailers and manufacturers most often recommend choosing a hot tub with an advanced filtration system, purchasing an Ozone purifier with your hot tub, and using mineral purifiers in conjunction with chemical-based sanitizers. Maintenance procedures are not difficult, and knowledgeable retailers will provide the start-up kit and instructions you need. Manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your hot tub three or four times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water.
What do I need to know about the hot tub's filter?
For the best filtration, consider a hot tub with a cartridge filter system. Just as important, filtration is an entire process that you can build step by step. The more pieces you have in place, the purer your water will be. Some chemicals such as chlorine or bromine are needed to eliminate bacteria. Ozone technology, available on top-quality hot tubs, is excellent for destroying microorganisms, and reduces the need for chemicals.
How is the water temperature controlled?
Most quality hot tubs have sophisticated digital thermostatic-controlled electronic systems. These extremely dependable modern systems are capable of keeping the hot tub water within one degree of any temperature you select. Not only is this crucial for comfort - it's also vital for safety. You should pay particular attention to the control system if you have children who will be using the hot tub. Better systems have safety locks and digital readouts. A good indicator of the control system's quality is to read and compare manufacturers' warranties.
What do I need to know about horsepower?
Efficient plumbing, better jets, and flow control are much more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in an efficient hot tub will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump in an inefficient hot tub. Many manufacturers use oversized, high horsepower pumps. Other companies employ an incredibly cost-effective system which provides you with overall operating costs. The best manufacturers understand the basics of hydraulics, which is much more important than horsepower.
What should I consider for the control panel?
Control panels vary vastly in terms of what you can and can't control, and how easy they are to use. Test a control panel to ascertain that it gives you the precision control and ease you need to fully enjoy your hot tub.
How many of the hot tub's jets are adjustable?
Beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to being able to adjust each jet where it is needed. This is the standard by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A common point of consumer confusion is introduced when manufacturers load up a hot tub with lots of inexpensive, non-adjustable, stationary jets. It doesn't make any difference how many jets a hot tub has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and horsepower.
What about the warranty?
This is one of the most crucial areas in the hot tub industry. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. Make sure you read the manufacturer's warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other hot tubs you are considering.
How much should I spend on a hot tub?
Quality hot tubs are available in a wide range of prices. Like automobiles, hot tub prices reflect features, materials and craftsmanship. The information in the consumer guide will help you determine the best hot tub for your needs based on value and performance. Of course, we hope as you are shopping you will consider Hydropool or IPG Hot Tubs. However, no matter which brand of hot tub you finally choose, we want you to be an informed consumer and have a wonderful, satisfying hot tub experience.
How expensive is it to operate a hot tub?
The main cost of operating a hot tub is heating water. Even in cold climates, the price is usually less than a dollar a day.
Is the hot tub installed indoors or outdoors?
A hot tub can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90% are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a hot tub indoors are: is the structural strength of the flooring adequate, and will it fit though the door. Most importantly, an indoor hot tub must have adequate and substantial ventilation. A typical 3-person hot tub weighs approximately 2,500 pounds/1,150 kg when filled. The recommended foundations are: concrete pad of 4" or thicker; or, Wood Decking with a concrete foundation.
