Thinking about getting a hot tub? There are many benefits to owning a hot tub, including relaxation, therapy, and quality time with friends and family. Buying a spa is a big decision, so here are five spa buying tips that you should consider.

5 Spa Buying Tips:

Location

• Make sure you have plenty of space available for the hot tub within your desired location. You will want to leave plenty of space on all sides for installation and maintenance.
• You should consult your dealer on what type of site preparations will be needed. You might decide to have a concrete patio poured with a dedicated pathway for example. Pathways are great for outdoor spas as they help reduce dirt and debris from being tracked into the water. Indoor tubs will also need to have proper ventilation available.
• Ensure the proper hookups are available to you, hot tubs require either a 120 or 240-volt electrical outlet. In this stage, it is recommended that you consult a licensed electrician and your dealer to be sure you are properly prepared.

Budget

• Find a spa that’s in a price range you are comfortable with and aim for a tub that will best suit your family’s needs. Be sure to consider the long-term cost of operation; often spas with a lower upfront cost will cost more to operate and maintain.

Needs / Features

• There are 3 must-haves every spa should have. They are a cover, steps, and cover lifter. Check to see if the tub you are looking at has an Ozonator. This feature uses various methods to kill bacteria in the water. You should get a tub that is big enough for everyone who will be using it and at the same time one that visually appeals to you as it will be a big part of your life for quite some time.
• Some features will be must-haves for your family and others might be optional, feel free to upgrade your tub as much as your budget allows.
• A Circulation pump should be considered as an upgrade if available. This 24-hour pump operates on less power than the large pumps and keeps the water circulating and filtrating all the time. This saves time and money in the long run.

Quality

• Not all hot tubs are created equal, be sure to check reviews before you buy. You shouldn’t sacrifice reliability and quality for a cheaper price.
• Keep in mind that a cheap tub may end up costing you more in maintenance and repairs over the long run.
• Take a look at how long certain brands have been in the industry, if they have been around for a long time they have a good reputation and it’s likely that you will be able to find parts and service for that brand for many years to come.
• Consider what kind of warranty is offered. Ask how long, what is covered, is it on-site serviceable, etc. Make sure the dealer you purchase from employs their own service technicians and will provide all the work as needed on your spa.
• Ask questions! A great dealer will take the time to educate you completely, and make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction.

Wet-test

• Much like test driving a car before you buy it, you should take the time to visit area dealers and spend a day wet-testing different hot tubs. Bring everyone who will also be using the tub regularly to test with you.
• This testing will allow you to narrow your options down and help determine which hot tub is the right one for you.

If you are interested in learning more about buying a spa be sure to give us a call at 419-221-3494 or stop by and see us at Eversole Pool & Spa!