There are countless reasons for wanting to own a hot tub. Some people are interested in its therapeutic benefits, which can help manage the symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis. For others, a hot tub is a place to socialize with friends, to spend romantic time with a partner, or to find solitary peace and relaxation.  Here in Ontario, the cold Winters make a hot tub the perfect refuge to relaxation.

Hot tubs are a major investment and it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. Here are some factors you should consider before and during your purchase.

Before You Buy

Location

Most hot tubs are suited to indoor or outdoor use, however, the majority of hot tub owners choose to install their hotel tubs outside. You may want to consider which space in your yard offers the most privacy or the best views. It’s generally a good idea to ensure there’s a clear path to your hot tub, otherwise users are likely to track dirt and debris into the water. Aside from making the water look less pleasant, this debris can also interfere with its chemical balance.

If you’re planning to put your hot tub on a deck, it’s important to ensure that the deck is strong enough to support it. It’s a good idea to have a professional assess your deck before deciding to make it your hot tub’s location. Keep in mind that most hot tubs require a 120 or 240 Volt electrical connection, so you’ll need to make sure this is available nearby the area you’re planning to set-up your tub.

Budget

Consider how you’re going to finance the purchase of your hot tub. Can you make the payment up front or are you going to use a low-interest credit card or apply for financing from a bank? Aside from the cost of the hot tub itself, there may be added installation costs. For example, you may be planning to build a new deck or reinforce an existing one, or it might be necessary to hire an electrician to supply the necessary electrical hook-ups. Although it can be difficult to estimate, hot tubs can and do require maintenance and replacement parts over the years. Do you have enough flexibility in your budget to absorb these costs? You can also expect your monthly utility bills to increase by around $30-60 depending on how often you plan to use your tub. Set aside some time to create an outline of all the possible costs associated with owning a tub.

Size and Style

The hot tub model you choose will mainly depend on how you plan to use your hot tub. The most popular sized tubs are 2 person, which are usually the choice of couples, and 6 person, which are ideal for families or people who imagine their friends coming over frequently to enjoy the tub. In terms of style, do you want your hot tub to blend into the design of your backyard or stand-out as a bold centrepiece? It’s a good idea to consider the placement, type and adjustability of the jets. Do you prefer a strong or gentle massage? Are the jets positioned to target particular areas of your body that you want to treat? Try to have a few models in mind before making a trip to a showroom, otherwise the choices can be a little overwhelming.

When You Buy

Choosing a Dealer

Consider getting dealer recommendations for hot tubs from friends, co-workers and neighbours.  A good hot tub lasts for 20 years, which means that your purchase is the beginning of a long-term relationship with your dealer. Look for dealers who have been in business for a long-time, and will thus likely continue to stay in business throughout the life of your hot tub. Get a sense of how available the dealer will be when you inevitably have questions down the road. Do they offer technical services? Are they open year-round? Try to visit a few different dealers to find out which one you’re most comfortable with.

Testing

In general, reputable dealers will allow you to “wet test” your potential hot tub before making a final decision. As the name suggest, a “wet test” gives you a chance to actually soak in the filled hot tub. There’s only so much you can learn from looking at an empty tub, and a “wet test” is the only way to really test out the different jet pressures, lounge areas, noise, and simplicity of the controls. If you’re deciding between several models and dealers, try to schedule your wet tests in a single day, which will make it easiest for you to compare and contrast between different tubs.

Warranty

It can be easy to brush off the warranty because a brand new hot tub feels sturdy and reassuring. The reality is that over your hot tub’s life, the spa cover will likely need to be replaced several times, as well as the head rests, not to mention all the intricate parts involved in your tub’s heating and plumbing system. Most warranties cover the shell structure, shell surface, leaks, and equipment such as pumps and electronic controls. Are the labour costs covered? Is it pro-rated? Get a clear idea of what specifically is covered by your warranty and for how long

Are you considering buying a hot tub? Come by one of our locations across Ontario and our experienced staff can help guide you through the process.