Are you shopping around for a hot tub or swim spa? Whether this is your first hot tub or your third, below are some recommendations and considerations before you make a purchase.
- Think About Your Budget. Hot tubs and swim spas can range in price from a couple thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping and leave yourself some wiggle room as we find that most buyer’s underestimate their budget and ultimately spend more because the features, benefits, and quality they want ends up driving up their price.
- Consider the Size and Features You’re Looking For. Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small two-person models to large party-sized tubs (8+ people). Think about how many people you plan on using the hot tub and how much space you have available. You’ll also need to decide what features are important to you, such as number of pumps, jets, lighting, water management system, or built-in sound system.
- Research Research Research! Read online reviews and compare prices from different retailers before you make a purchase. You can also visit local hot tub dealerships to see different models in person. You can do a private buyer’s consult with industry professionals that can give you unbiased feedback based on your needs/wants.
- Buy From a Well Established and Reputable Dealer/Retailer. When buying a hot tub or swim spa, it’s important to buy from a quality dealer who will stand behind their product after the sale. Make sure the dealer offers warranty support and that they have a good reputation for customer service.
- Have The Hot Tub Installed By A Licensed Professional. Installing a hot tub should be done by a licensed electrician when it comes 220v/50amp hard wired models.
Here’s a list of other considerations when researching or purchasing a hot tub:
- Try to keep the hot tub placement as close to the house as possible. Research has found that the further away the hot tub is located from the home (making it inconvenient to use) the less likely people are to use it. For example, one a cold winter day if you have to walk across the yard to get into the hot tub you might think twice versus if it was right outside of your bedroom on a deck.
- If you live in a cold climate with freezing temps and lots of snow then I would consider a well insulated hot tub that is CEC compliant.
- Consider a non-lounger hot tub. Most first-time buyers who don’t know better end up purchasing a hot tub with at least one lounger (or sometimes two loungers). Most second time buyers actually flip and choose to avoid a lounger. Second time buyers avoid loungers because you can easily float out of them and the lounger takes the space of two seats.
- If you have limited space or a small backyard, you may want to consider a 2-3 person unit. These hot tubs are easy to move (lighter) and typically run on 110v/15 amps making them plug and play.
- If you are on a limited budget, you may want to consider buying a used hot tub or a rotomold. Rotomold hot tubs run between $3000-$5000 and are a great option for decent hydrotherapy at an affordable price. In the case of a used hot tub you can reference our used hot tub buyer’s guide for tips.
For more information on how to research 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 the best hot tubs available in your area.
