You’ve always dreamed of having your very own hot tub and now you’re finally ready to take the plunge. You may ask, “Where do I start?” Do a quick Internet search, and you’ll find thousands of hot tubs in a dizzying array of prices, sizes, and features. Reading this will help you start your search by identifying the features and benefits that matter the most to you.
Why Do You Want a Hot Tub?
There are several great reasons to take the plunge into hot tub ownership – and there’s a type of hot tub ideally suited to each type of owner. Before you start your
search, think about how you envision using your hot tub.
Considering a hot tub for health reasons? Hot tub hydrotherapy can offer relief to people dealing with arthritis, muscle pain, sports injuries, and circulation issues.
If medical reasons are the driving factor, you’ll want to focus on smaller hot
tubs features like precise temperature controls, the location and configuration
of the massaging jets and ease of access.
Are you looking for a source to relieve stress? Soaking in a hot tub is a proven way to reduce stress and promote full-body relaxation. A smaller tub with fewer bells and whistles will give you a space to indulge in some much needed “me time” –without breaking the bank.
Looking for a way to stay fit? Opt for a specially designed swim spa: These extra-long spas allow you to swim against a “current” generated by powerful jets (many swim spas also feature separate hot tubs for a relaxing post-workout soak). Too big? Stick with a standard hot tub that’s roomy enough for yoga or aerobic exercises like scissor kicks, squats and lunges.
Is your house the place to party? If you envision your hot tub as a place to hang out with friends, you’ll want a larger tub that will fit five or six (or more!)
with room to spare. You might also want to consider fun add-ons like
programmable lighting, water features, or even built-in sound systems.
How Much Do You Want To Spend On A Hot Tub?
Whether you’re considering an in-ground hot tub or an above-ground
hot tub, you’ll find that there are options available for just about every
price point.
In addition to size, there are several other factors that
determine the price of a hot tub. For example, the kind with more jets or
fancy, contoured seating will typically cost more money. Same goes for hot tubs
with extras like integrated sound systems or programmable lighting.
Don’t forget to factor in the long-term cost of ownership:
This includes everything from the power required to run your hot tub to the
chemicals and supplies needed for routine maintenance.
Do You Want Your Hot Tub To Be Portable Or Permanent?
If you’re pretty sure that you want your hot tub to be a
permanent part of your backyard, you’ll want to go with an in-ground hot tub.
Biggest pro of going in-ground? You can get exactly what you want: Custom
shapes, luxurious finishes and materials, built-in steps, and tile or stone
accents that blend beautifully with your outdoor space.
Of course, an in-ground hot tub will cost you more: Unlike other
types of hot tubs, an in-ground hot tub is definitely not a DIY project. It’s
basically a custom construction project, and you’ll need to find a qualified
professional to do the job.
Prefer something a little less permanent? Need an alternative
that’s a little more budget-friendly? You can’t go wrong with an above-ground
hot tub. You get all of the benefits of spa ownership, without the time and
high cost of a days-long construction project.
Although they don’t offer the range of customization options that
you’ll find with an in-ground spa, above-ground hot tubs do have a few definite
advantages: For example, above-ground versions typically feature more jets than
their in-ground counterparts. Above-ground hot tubs also tend to place more
emphasis on comfortable seating.
Many above-ground hot tub owners also appreciate the
flexibility and freedom of a non-permanent hot tub option: Unlike an in-ground
hot tub, an above-ground hot tub can be moved; and if you ever move and want to
take it with you to your new home or want to upgrade or replace your hot tub
with a newer model, it’s easy to do so.
Where Are You Going To Put Your Hot Tub?
Hot tubs don’t require quite as much space as a full-sized
swimming pool, which makes them a popular choice for homeowners with small
yards. Now, this doesn’t mean that you can simply put a hot tub anywhere. Here
are a few things to think about when choosing a hot tub for your backyard.
Level, stable surface. This is critical: Hot tubs – even the
smallest ones — are heavy, and they require flat ground capable of supporting
the weight. A concrete pad is probably the best choice for most yards, but it’s
a good idea to talk with your spa professional to find the best fit for your
setup.
Drainage – You don’t
want to place your hot tub in a location where it will drain onto your deck or
in the direction of your back door.
Privacy – If you’ve
already got a fenced yard, you’re good to go here. If you don’t have a fence,
though, consider putting your spa in a place where you can use landscaping,
hardscape, or even portable screens or pergolas to enjoy a soak far from the
prying eyes of your neighbors.
Ease of
access – You’ll want to put your hot tub somewhere that’s easy
to get in and out of. You should also make sure that you choose a space that
allows for routine maintenance like testing and balancing the water, skimming
debris, and repairing or adjusting the control panel. We also recommend placing
your hot tub as close to your house as possible. The only time we hear that someone isn’t
using their hot tub is when they put them in a far corner of their yard and
then it’s too far or too cold outside to get to.
Safety – Make sure
that your hot tub is installed a safe distance from power lines. You should
also check local regulations about pool and spa safety – some areas require
pool and spa owners to install fences and/or childproof gates.
Have you visited a hot tub retailer?
The internet is an amazing resource for early information-gathering, but there’s
simply no substitute for shopping for a hot tub in person.
Now that you have a general idea of the type of hot tub you’re looking for –
in-ground vs. above-ground; small or large; simple or loaded with extras – it’s
time to visit us or your local spa retailer. Ask questions and get a closer look
at the finishes and fixtures. Also ask for information about warranties (most
reputable spa manufacturers offer warranties).
Most importantly, take the opportunity to sit in a few hot tubs to see if
they’re literally a good fit for you.
When you’re ready to find the perfect Hot Tub, visit:
Marina Pool, Spa and Patio at 7777 West Jewell Avenue, Lakewood.
303-985-0077 ∙ www.marinapoolspaandpatio.com