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Tips on Buying Your First Hot Tub
Being a first time hot tub buyer can be tricky. We’re sharing our favorite tips on buying your first hot tub!
If you’re a first time buyer in the hot tub market, the vast amount of choices and information out there can seem daunting. What factors should affect your decision? Should you get a hot tub with a lot of jets? Should you be worried about maintenance?
Doing your research beforehand can substantially improve the hot tub buying experience for you. We’re bringing you a list of our favorite tips when it comes to buying your first hot tub:
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Consider Why You’re Buying It
Different people have different explanations for why they’re purchasing a hot tub. It can vary according to age, priorities, and preferences. Some of the common reasons for getting a hot tub are:
- Recreation
- Relaxation
- Health Benefits
- Fitness
When you define for yourself your purpose of getting a hot tub, you can pin point which model carries features suited to your needs. For instance, if you just want a hot tub for relaxation purposes, you might not want to be looking at a model with a huge number of jets.
If, however, you’re interested in the health benefits of soaking in a hot tub, you should consider buying a hot tub that will help with hydrotherapy. For such a use, you should consider buying a hot tub with an ample number of massage jets. Wellis Spa’s Monte Rosa hot tub has an astounding number of jets with 64 in total, each designed to target a specific area of your body.
What to Look for When Buying a Hot Tub
When buying a hot tub, knowing what to look for can make the process smoother and ensure you choose the right model. Start by evaluating the size and seating capacity to match your household or entertaining needs. Check the jet types and their functionality, especially if you’re after hydrotherapy or relaxation. Energy efficiency is another key factor, look for models with good insulation and energy-saving features to keep operating costs low. Don’t forget to assess the build quality, as durable materials ensure longevity. Finally, consider additional features like Bluetooth connectivity or LED lighting to enhance your experience.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Ensures the hot tub fits your family or guests comfortably. |
| Jet Types | Impacts massage quality for relaxation or therapy. |
| Energy Efficiency | Reduces monthly operating costs. |
| Build Quality | Ensures durability and fewer repairs over time. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Hot Tub
First-time hot tub buyers often make avoidable errors that can lead to regret. One common mistake is overlooking the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and energy bills, in favor of a lower upfront price. Another is failing to measure the installation space properly, which can lead to delivery issues or an ill-fitting hot tub. Skipping a test soak is also a pitfall, trying the hot tub ensures it feels right for you. Lastly, not researching reputable brands or dealers can result in poor quality or inadequate customer support.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The single best predictor of whether someone loves their hot tub is whether they wet-tested it first. Fill it, climb in, and sit for ten or fifteen minutes: check that the seats fit your back, the footwell suits your height, and the jets land where you actually hold tension. A tub that looks perfect on the showroom floor can feel completely wrong once you are in the water.”
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Hot Tub?
Timing your purchase can save you money and enhance your buying experience. The best time to buy a hot tub is often during seasonal sales, such as Black Friday or end-of-summer clearances, when dealers offer discounts to clear inventory. Purchasing in the fall or winter can also yield deals, as demand tends to drop. However, don’t rush into a sale without researching models and features to ensure you’re getting a quality hot tub that meets your needs.
Where Will You Place It?
Another one of the considerations you should take into account is the placement of the hot tub. If you were to buy a hot tub where will you place it? Indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, make sure it has an appropriate cover to retain hot water and keep out debris. You may also want to consider getting a hot tub with an attached cover lifter to make the process of getting in and out even more convenient. If you intend to place your hot tub indoors, you will most likely need a smaller one, to make it easier to get it through the door.
Once you’ve decided on the location, the next step is to consider the placement. Would you prefer to have it on a deck? If so, have you had one built into your backyard? You might be among those people who prefer an inground hot tub. If that’s the case, you’ll have to have your yard prepped well in advance before your hot tub arrives.
Hot tubs also require power to function, so make sure that your tub is within easy access to an electrical hookup. Make sure you have a power outlet in the spot you choose or have an electrician rewire to the tub’s location. In addition, your hot tub location should also have nearby drainage to make the process of draining and refilling water convenient.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The two things that derail delivery day are access and power. Measure every gate, path, and tight corner the tub has to clear on the way to the pad, and have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit is ready before we arrive. We would much rather sort both out a week early than watch a new tub sit on the driveway.”
How Many People Will Use It?
The number of people who will use your hot tub will greatly affect your hot tub buying decision. If you are buying a hot tub just for yourself and your spouse, you are most likely going to lean towards a smaller hot tub model.
If you have a bigger family, you will want to pick one that will fit the entire family. For this purpose, you’ll want to browse a collection of large hot tubs that can seat 6-9 people. If you like to host parties and will be inviting friends into your hot tub you could also pick a one with additional exciting features such as LED lights and WiFi control!
Consider Ongoing Costs
A common mistake people make when buying their first hot tub is focussing too much on the initial cost. While the purchase price is definitely important, you also need to take into account the ongoing costs of hot tub ownership. This is how much it costs to maintain a hot tub and keep it running.
While one hot tub could be $1,000 less, it could cost you more in the long run in terms of power and water usage. It is recommended to spend that extra money while purchasing to save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills later on.
You should also consider any chemicals that will be required for cleaning and sanitization. Investing in a cover also adds to the longevity of a hot tub so you should keep that in mind as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Buy My First Hot Tub?
Start by defining why you want it, whether that is relaxation, hydrotherapy, fitness, or entertaining, because that decides which features matter most. From there, match the size and seating capacity to your household, check the jet types, insulation, and build quality, and measure your installation space and electrical access. Always try a test soak before you commit, and budget for the ongoing running costs, not just the sticker price.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Hot Tub?
Focus on seating capacity so the tub fits your family or guests, the jet types and their placement for the kind of massage or hydrotherapy you want, and energy efficiency, since good insulation keeps monthly operating costs down. Also weigh build quality for long-term durability, and any extras like Bluetooth, LED lighting, or a cover lifter that add to the experience.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Hot Tub?
Seasonal sales are usually the best value, especially events like Black Friday and end-of-summer clearances when dealers discount to move inventory. Buying in the fall or winter can also mean better deals as demand drops. Just do not let a sale rush you, research the models and features first so you still end up with a tub that fits your needs.
In Summary
Purchasing a hot tub is a big decision. It requires plenty of research and preparation, but once you have done all of the heavy lifting, you will be left with a purchase you can enjoy for many years to come. Epic Hot Tubs would be happy to answer any question you have in your hot tub buying process. You can give us a call at 888-884-3742, visit our Durham or Raleigh Hot Tub Showroom, or fill out the form below.
Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
Ready to Buy Your First Hot Tub?
The experts at Epic Hot Tubs are here to make buying your first hot tub as easy as relaxing in one! Call us today at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below!
About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.
