Investing In A Hot Tub? Here Are 7 Things You Should Know
Having a hot tub at home is a lot of fun. There’s nothing like relaxing in hot water while jets soothe your skin after a long day, and they’re excellent for parties. Hot tubs also make your garden usable in the evening year-round – hopping in during winter is a great way to warm up.
That said, they’re a big commitment. Far more so than most people realize. They’re expensive to run and come with a laundry list of things to consider to ensure everything continues to operate smoothly, so it’s not only the initial cost you have to weigh up.
To help you understand what it takes to own a hot tub, this article will cover seven of the most important things you should know.
1. The Initial Cost
The initial cost of a hot tub can vary greatly depending on the model you buy, meaning you’ll need to spend a great deal of time deliberating about what you really want from your installation.
First off, there’s size. Naturally, the bigger your hot tub is, the more it’s going to cost, and you’ll need to measure your space carefully to make sure you have enough room foom for the model you’re considering. Then, there are the features. Most modern hot tubs come with a range of different settings for different experiences, with many featuring a variety of jets and massage functions.
Finally, you’ve got the infrastructure. You’ll need to have electrics and plumbing installed for the system to work, so make sure you factor this into your budget.
2. The Running Costs
Running costs are the main element people underestimate when it comes to owning a hot tub, and it’s at this point that many people shelve the idea.
You’ll mostly need to think of your running costs in terms of monthly energy consumption. It can take a lot of money to heat the water, and you can’t just leave it cold and untreated most of the time, as the water will go stagnant and start to develop bacteria.
Have a thorough conversation with the salesperson about how much the model you’re interested in will cost to run. They should be able to give you a full estimated breakdown so that you’re more informed, and you can then compare this to other models (get them to print it out for you).
3. Placement is Key
One thing many people don’t take enough time to consider is where they’re placing the hot tub.
These systems need to be placed on a flat, stable surface to run properly. Concrete is ideal, though some people choose to install it onto wooden decking, which is also acceptable, provided the wood isn’t damaged or rotten.
You’ll also want the tub to be as close to your home as possible for comfort with getting in and out, and you should consider other elements like wind and privacy.
4. The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular hot tub cleaning is a critical component of ownership. Anywhere that you’ve got water sitting for a long time needs to be monitored constantly.
The water will need to be tested at regular intervals for pH, and chemicals like chlorine and bromine must be added to prevent the formation of bacteria and algae. The filters will also need to be cleaned properly every few weeks, as the crevices within can easily harbour bacteria.
You can expect to spend around twenty to thirty minutes a week to keep things shipshape, so make certain you’re prepared to commit to this.
5. Comfort Features That Matter
As mentioned earlier, there are many different features to consider with the modern hot tub – far more than were available in the past. You’ll need to scrutinize the spec sheet of each model you’re interested in to ensure you get something that fully accommodates your needs.
If you’re going to be using the hot tub in the evening when it’s dark, you’ll want a model that’s well-lit with LED lighting. Smart controls are also now a common feature, enabling you to control the settings from your smartphone (though some would argue you don’t want your phone going anywhere near the water, of course).
You’ll also find that the cushioning on the seats and backrests can vary widely, so be sure to physically feel the materials and check that they’re comfortable.
6. On Warranties and Support
Warranties and after-sales support might sound a little boring, but you must read and listen carefully to learn what’s available.
Ultimately, you want a model that uses parts that are easy to get hold of, and many companies offer a dedicated repair service as part of your warranty. Regarding the warranty itself, make sure you’re choosing an extended plan that covers at least a few years; most already come with this as standard, so you shouldn’t have to look far to find one.
7. Consider Weather and Climate
When buying a hot tub, it’s key to think about the weather and climate of your local area. Most hot tubs benefit from their own dedicated area in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space. This way, the system is protected from the elements and won’t receive as much wear and tear as it would if it were just standing on its own.
This can also be an important factor where comfort is concerned. By at least adding some sort of roof or lean-to to the hot tub area, you can use it even if it’s raining.
If you must keep the hot tub without any kind of structure overhead, you should at least invest in a high-quality cover that goes over the water. It’s also a good idea to add an extra cover over the top for the exterior in some cases.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this article has made the process of looking for and purchasing a hot tub a little more straightforward for you. Take things one step at a time, and you’re sure to have things figured out in no time. Have fun!
