Hot tub shopping can be surprisingly tricky. Marketing language is persuasive, showroom environments are designed to impress, and many buyers make decisions they regret within the first year. Here are the five most common mistakes and exactly how to sidestep each one.
Mistake #1: Buying on Jet Count Alone
Manufacturers know that consumers equate more jets with more power. But jet count means nothing without adequate pump capacity. A 50-jet tub running on a single pump delivers weak, disappointing pressure. Ask instead about gallons per minute of water flow and how many pumps the system uses.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Wet Test
Buying a hot tub without getting in it first is like buying a mattress without lying on it. Many reputable dealers offer wet tests and opportunities to soak in a filled, operational tub before purchasing. Never skip this step. Comfort varies enormously between models, and what looks great in a dry showroom may feel uncomfortable once you’re actually in the water.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Total Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is just the beginning. Factor in delivery and installation, electrical wiring, a concrete pad or deck (plus reinforcement), monthly energy costs, chemicals, filter replacements, and annual service visits. A full cost-of-ownership estimate over 10 years often changes which model seems like the best value.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Size
Buyers often overestimate how often they’ll fill a large tub with friends and underestimate how much they’ll use it solo or as a couple. A smaller, well-made tub you use four times a week beats a large tub you use once a month. Be honest about your typical usage patterns.
Mistake #5: Undervaluing the Dealer Relationship
The best hot tub brands are only as good as the local dealer behind them. A dealer with in-house service technicians, strong reviews, and genuine post-sale support is worth choosing over a marginally better-priced tub from an indifferent dealer. You’ll be working with this company for years so choose wisely!
For more information on how to shop and compare hot tubs before purchasing please visit our hot tub buyer’s guide pages. You can also click on the pink boxes at the top right of every page to get a free local quotes from dealers in your area. Or, click our “Spa Buyer’s Consult” link above to get one-on-one expert advice on how to shop around for the best hot tubs available in your area.
