What to know before you buy a hot tub.

So you want to buy a hot tub. Great idea! There are many benefits to hot tub ownership, from relaxation and health, to quality time with your family. But before you jump in, there are some things you need to consider.

Purpose

Are you hot tub shopping specifically for therapeutic purposes? The healing powers of soothing hot water are well documented, and often recommended by physicians and therapists. Hot tubs can help you recover from an injury or illness, help you sleep at night, and more. As you’re shopping for a hot tub, share your therapeutic needs with us, and we can help you select the model with seating and jet configurations that will work best for you.

Size

How many people do you want your hot tub to hold? If you can honestly say that you are the only person in your home who will ever need to use your hot tub, then a smaller model like the Healthy Living 628L may be perfect for you. But if your family will use the hot tub together or you plan to invite friends over, you’ll want a bigger model like the Twilight Series 8.25 or the Michael Phelps LSX900.

Location

Now that you know the size of hot tub you’d like, you need to make sure you have a good location for it. Of course, the spot you choose should be large enough to accommodate your spa. You also need access to electrical, and, ideally, some measure of privacy. Your hot tub will need to sit on a solid foundation - a reinforced concrete pad at least 4” thick, or a deck that can support 100 pounds per square foot. You’ll also need to make sure you’re adhering to all local codes during installation.

Budget

We know your budget is important, and we’re committed to helping your choose the spa that best fits your needs while fitting within your budget. When you plan your budget, make sure you’re thinking about your monthly costs for energy and the chemicals you’ll need to keep your spa healthy and clean, too. As you’re shopping spa models on our website, you’ll find a handy estimate of monthly operational costs at the bottom of each hot tub model page to help you achieve this goal.Keep these four points in mind while you’re shopping for your new hot tub, and you’re sure to choose the model that’s perfect for your needs.