6 things to consider before buying your spa
A hot tub is the perfect purchase to indulge in warmth and enjoyment with your partner or family, indoors or outdoors. What's more, a hot tub offers health and wellness benefits. A relaxing bath can relieve stress, arthritis, sore muscles and help increase circulation. It will help you disconnect, decompress and fall asleep faster.
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty before you buy a hot tub. Sure, it feels good to soak in a beautiful hot tub, but your final purchase decision should not be based solely on what feels good or looks good. Your choice should be based on clear facts and answers to a few simple questions. For example:
- What is your budget?
- What return on investment are you looking for - more family time, better health, pain relief or all three?
- How do your spa choices compare with each other?
To help you answer these questions and begin your comparison, let's look at some important details about the spa.
1- Installation and cost :
Speaking of costs, another very common hot tub buying mistake is to forget about the installation and set-up costs. When buying your new spa, keep in mind that in most cases you will probably have to spend an additional budget to install it. These installation costs can include:
- Delivery
- Electrical connection
- A base to install the spa (concrete slab, terrace, etc.)
- Chemicals and accessories (cover lifters, steps, etc.)
- …
On top of that, you have to calculate your investment in running costs, electricity, water, chemicals, maintenance...
To make sure you don't get confused about these criteria, you can read our article comparing different types of spas and the advantages that a Softub offers over other choices
2- Materials used in the manufacture of spas
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a hot tub is the quality and durability of the interior and exterior operation. Hot tub shells are made from a variety of materials. So find out what materials are used, as this is an important feature to ensure the durability of your investment.
3- Spa filtration system
Standard
Basic spas use a filter to capture some of the contaminants in the water, but chemicals are needed to purify the water, the most common being chlorine, tablets or granules
Clearry
a water purification system that uses UV-C light to disinfect the water in a spa, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria. As a result, an average of 40% fewer chemicals are needed to disinfect the water.
Ozone
Spa ozone is the most powerful oxidizer and disinfectant that can be safely used in spas. Adding an ozonator to your spa is easier than you think and can save you money, time and frustration by reducing your expenses while keeping your water sparkling and healthy.
4- Power of pumps and jets
There is a common misconception that the more pumps and jets a spa has, the more powerful it will be. While the concept of this is true, the amount of power available to the spa is limited due to the power supply in the house. Think of it like a car, do more wheels make it faster? No, but a better engine does. Look at the quality and specification of the pump in the spa rather than the number of jets.
It is important to note that more jets does not mean more performance. The positioning and design of the jets is more important than the number of jets. Some spas are available with dozens of massage jets in many different configurations. When purchasing a spa, check the design of the jets and how the water pressure is adjusted. Consider a spa model with foot and neck massage jets for additional therapeutic benefits.
5- Spa exteriors
For some spas, the cabinet that surrounds the exterior is the visual part of your spa, so it must be attractive to the eye. Spa exteriors are available in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns. Keep in mind that natural wood cabinets look warm and rich, but may require additional maintenance to protect them.
Spas with easy-to-remove side panels make maintenance easy and inexpensive. Plus, you can change the look of your spa at any time. Weatherproof plastic cabinets are UV resistant, virtually maintenance free and easy to clean with a quick blast from the garden hose.
Softub spas are free of any climatic constraints. The outer cover made of "Leathertex®", a material from the marine world, is extremely resistant and long-lasting.
6- Spa insulation
The manufacturer insulates the interior of the spa with a thick layer of expanding foam. Some manufacturers fill the entire enclosure while others insulate only the underside of the shell and the interior floor. If you live in a cold climate, it is advisable to check the insulation of the interior of the spa.
Some shells retain heat better than others. Careful consideration should be given to the energy efficiency of the spa you are considering. Overall, a spa shell should be attractive, durable, energy efficient and able to withstand years of constant use.
After having analysed these characteristics, we hope to have helped you to analyse certain points in order to make a successful purchase. In any case, do not hesitate to contact us to help you make the best possible choice according to your needs and your investment capacity.