5 tips you need to know when looking for a hot tub or spa
Buying a hot tub or spa is often far more difficult than most people imagine it to be. With so many different variations out there, it’s tough to figure out which one you should get, how much you should pay, and what you need to look for.
Before you make a decision, here are five tips that can help you choose the right hot tub or spa, and save you both time as well as money:
- Decide firmly on a spa, hot tub, or portable hot tub
Although the terms ‘spa’ and ‘hot tub’ are often used interchangeably, they are actually entirely different. A spa is a standalone, in-ground structure, whereas a hot tub is an above-ground pool. Hot tubs can be either built into a fixed location, or portable.
By deciding firmly which one you want, you can narrow down the range of options significantly.
- Figure out your budget
The price of a spa or hot tub can be anything from $2,000 up to $20,000. As you can imagine, spas or hot tubs with a high price tag are more luxurious, built with better materials, and may have more features.
Figuring out your budget can make it easier to choose a hot tub. If you want to spend under $5,000 you should look at entry or the lower-mid range. On the other hand if you’re willing to spend over $10,000 you can look at high end or luxury spas and tubs.
- Think about where you’re going to put it
Having a huge hot tub or spa may sound like a great idea – but where are you going to put it? That’s why it is best to first think about where it’ll be located, and then work backwards and figure out what size you can accommodate.
When thinking about where to put it, keep in mind the fact that spas will need the area to be dug out to a certain depth, and hot tubs will need a hard flat surface that can hold the weight of the tub.
- Remember that add-ons add up
When you’re buying a hot tub or spa, you must check what is (and more importantly: Is not) included in the purchase price. Many first-time buyers end up shocked when they find they need to pay a significant sum for things like delivery, installation, insulation, on-site instruction, and so on.
All the add-ons will add up, so you need to check and be aware of what you may need to pay for.
- Find a reliable and trustworthy dealer
Odds are you may have heard tons of stories about people who are unsatisfied or even get ripped off by dealers. Choosing the right dealer is just as important as choosing the right hot tub or spa, and you should carefully look for one that is trustworthy and reliable.
Everything will be a whole lot smoother if you find a reliable dealer who offers solid advice, good recommendations, and is upfront about all the costs.
Take your time and look around before you decide which hot tub or spa you’re going to buy. Browsing online can be a great idea, and you can check out Vita spas and other types of hot tubs to see what’s available.
If you make it a point to remember these tips, finding a good hot tub or spa should be much easier. In fact before you know it you’ll be able to lean back in one, relax, and enjoy the soothing sensation of water jets massaging your body.
