A hot tub should be exciting to buy.
But, as any long-term purchase, it requires some considerations.
You should think of how you are going to use the spa and which features it should have.
Are you going to use it yourself or your whole family and even occasional guests would love to join you? Would you like to have a chance to do hydrotherapy in your backyard or just relax in warm water?
Whatever you are planning to do, consider these 15 questions.
1. How Many People Will Actually Use the Hot Tub?
First of all, you should think about the people who are going to use the spa.
Do not think that it would be nice to have a big spa just because there may be guests in your backyard from time to time.
For example, if there are going to be just two people who use it every day, then it is unnecessary to buy an eight-person hot tub.
Think about regular usage first and then about occasional visitors.
2. What Type of Seating Feels Comfortable?
Seats of the hot tub can differ.
They can be high, low, wide, narrow – it depends on your personal preferences.
Some models have seats for lounging, others only have therapy seats.
Your height and body type should be taken into consideration as well.
A comfortable seat for one person can be uncomfortable for another person.
That is why sitting in the hot tub models before buying one would be very useful.
3. Where Do You Want the Jets to Hit?
The jet count is an important criterion to consider, but the placement of them matters much more.
Think about where you want hydrotherapy to happen.
Usually, you can find these places:
- Lower back
- Upper back
- Shoulders
- Calves
- Legs
- Feet
For example, if you want to have hydrotherapy on your shoulders, the hot tub should have a seat to reach this area.
4. Where Will the Hot Tub Go?
Think about where the hot tub would be installed before purchasing it.
Measure the place, calculate how you will get from the house to the hot tub.
Usually, the closer the spa to the back door, the more you are going to use it.
But you should think about the location in the terms of future usage, not only how it will look in the backyard plan.
5. Is the Foundation Ready?
As the hot tub is filled with water, it is very heavy.
You should make sure that the hot tub will have a stable and strong foundation to sit on.
You can make the foundation from concrete or another material recommended by the dealer for your model.
6. Can the Hot Tub Reach the Backyard?
This point is often overlooked but is essential when purchasing a hot tub.
It should be delivered to the chosen backyard.
You need to measure:
- Gates
- Side yards
- Corners
- Roof overhangs
- Patio openings
- Walls
- AC units
- Landscaping obstacles
Besides, you should also take into account the obstacles above the hot tub.
They may be trees, wires, patio structure, and so on.
Sometimes it is necessary to use additional equipment for delivering the spa if the backyard is complicated.
7. What Electrical Service Does the Spa Need?
Every hot tub has different electrical requirements.
Sometimes smaller hot tubs can be powered using 120V service.
Other times you will need a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
Electrical work should correspond to the manufacturer’s requirements and applicable code.
Ask what the requirements for your selected model are and then discuss it with a professional electrician.
8. How Much Shade Does the Location Have?
This point is important for Tucson, Arizona, due to the intense sun.
Having shade can help you get in and out of the hot tub comfortably.
It can help you in improving your outdoor experience as well.
Think about how the sun will move over your yard.
9. How Energy Efficient Is the Hot Tub?
While the purchase price is very important, you should think about other expenses as well.
You are going to spend money on heating and circulation of the hot tub water.
So, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Insulation
- Pump efficiency
- Cover quality
- Heating system
- Circulation system
- Energy saving modes
It is important to mention here that the cover helps to reduce heat loss when the spa is not used.
10. How Much Maintenance Will It Require?
Every hot tub needs maintenance.
So, you will need to deal with the water chemistry, filter cleaning, maintaining the water level, draining and filling the hot tub.
That is why it is reasonable to ask about maintenance of your selected model.
11. What Does the Warranty Actually Cover?
Do not think only about having a warranty.
You should ask what this warranty covers.
You can take a closer look at the spa and see which parts of it are covered.
The coverage may differ for:
- Shell
- Structure
- Plumbing
- Pumps
- Controls
- Heater
- Cabinet
- And other parts
Also, you can ask how the warranty works.
Sometimes, despite its long period, the warranty terms are not very clear.
12. Who Services the Hot Tub After the Sale?
This point is one of the most important ones to consider.
The hot tub has pumps, heater, controls, sensors, plumbing, and electrical components.
At some moment something may need repair.
And you should think about the following:
- Who will be responsible for service?
- Is the dealer going to help you?
- Will there be local support?
- How to get spare parts?
13. What Is Included in the Purchase Price?
There are different offers of the dealers that have similar purchase prices but include different things.
So, it is important to ask what is included in the price.
Among those things, you can find:
- Cover
- Steps
- Delivery
- Startup supplies
- Water care products
- Accessories
And what is extra.
For example, electrical work, special delivery equipment, concrete work, landscaping, and other site preparation may be extra.
14. How Will We Use the Hot Tub Most Often?
This question can help you to decide on which model to choose between two or three.
Maybe, you want to relax in the spa, maybe you want to have hydrotherapy after working out, or you and your spouse want a cozy place.
Those intentions affect the size, seating, jets, and other features.
Do not waste your money on features that you will not use.
15. Have We Actually Sat in the Hot Tub?
This point is the most important one on this list.
You cannot fully imagine the hot tub if you only looked at photos online.
So, you should visit the showroom and try different spa models.
You should pay attention to:
- Height of the seats
- Space in the footwell
- Length of the lounger
- Placement of jets
You will be able to find the hot tub that suits you.
Should Tucson Buyers Choose a Larger Hot Tub?
A bigger hot tub does not always mean a better choice.
Of course, a bigger hot tub will give you more seating, but you will need a larger backyard for it.
Also, it will consume more water and energy for heating.
For some families, it will be justified, but for couples, a mid-sized spa may be enough.
Think About Seasonal Use of Hot Tubs in Tucson
The climate of Tucson should be considered.
In cold months, you will be happy to soak in a warm water, but in summer months you will want to have a cooler spa.
So, during hot weather you should change your water temperature and think about placing the spa in a shady place and easy access to the house.
Do Not Forget About the Surroundings of the Spa
The hot tub is just the part of the backyard setting.
You should think about the things you are going to have in your backyard.
For example, you will want to have:
- Steps
- Handrails
- Towel hooks
- Lighting
- Privacy screen
- Seating
- A cover lifter
You do not need to install everything immediately but it will be better to think about it in advance.
Ask About Water Care Before You Buy the Spa
Many buyers do not consider this point before buying the spa and think only about the jets.
Ask about the water care and what products you should have to test the water regularly.
Compare the Whole Spa, Not Only Its Price
It may seem that a lower price is a good value but in fact, you should compare the entire hot tub.
Take into account:
- Construction
- Seating
- Hydrotherapy
- Insulation
- Controls
- Warranty
- Cover
- Energy efficiency
- Dealer support
- Service availability
Bring This Checklist When You Visit a Showroom
Knowing what questions to ask before the purchase of the spa will help you a lot.
You should start from the way you are going to use the spa, and then you will have to take into account all the rest.
You will need to measure the backyard, check the access to the backyard, electrical requirements, seats and jets, compare the energy usage, maintenance, warranty and service availability.
Finally, you should sit in the hot tub model before buying it.
Sunset Spas Tucson offers you a variety of hot tubs and swim spas to suit your backyard size, budget, seating preferences and health needs. Visit the showroom to pick a model of your dream.
