What you need to know before buying a hot tub

When considering buying a hot tub, make sure it’s exactly what you want, not what the salesperson wants you to have.

Navigating through the vast number of hot tubs available both online and at your local dealerships can be daunting. But try not to let this put you off, this guide will help you to understand exactly what it is you need to look for and be wary of.

Research

Firstly, and most importantly do your research. When looking for a place to go on holiday you would research the resort, the hotel and so forth, so why wouldn’t you do the same when looking for a hot tub?

If you’re planning to visit your local dealership, we would highly advise that you check out their website and their reviews. The company that you buy the hot tub from will be responsible for it if ever something was to go wrong, it is also their duty to give you the necessary information and training to operate and maintain the spa. Furthermore, we can’t stress the importance of understanding the correct method in which to add chemicals to your hot tub. Upon delivery the company selling the hot tub should go through this with you, ask if this is a service they offer upon installation- it should be!

When buying online we would always advise you to be cautious as there can be a few issues associated with buying hot tubs online. For example, you may not have seen the hot tub in person or in operation, which may lead to disappointment upon installation. Also, if ever there was something to go wrong with the hot tub it may be important to note that the company who sold the hot tub may not have their own team of engineers. Which will leave it down to the manufacturer to honour the hot tubs warranty, if the manufacturer agrees to do so, there may be a considerable wait time. So before making the purchase ensure that you have researched both the manufacturer and the online dealer, check their Google and Facebook reviews.

To summarise:

  • Research the brand and the manufacturer, make sure what you’re buying is a quality product.

  • Research the dealership, make sure that they offer the support needed if ever something was to go wrong.

  • Ensure appropriate training is provided upon installation, it’s important that you understand how to use the hot tub and how to add the correct level of chemicals safely.

  • Check Google and Facebook reviews, see what their previous customers think about them.

Know what you want

When you walk into a hot tub showroom you’ll be at an advantage if you go in with a good idea of what you actually want, this way you’ll be more likely to purchase the hot tub that’s right for you.

Although we pride ourselves on offering our customers a tailored shopping experience, whereby we dissect exactly what it is the customer wants and needs to find them the perfect hot tub. Unfortunately, this isn’t a service everyone offers.

The questions you should know before visiting your local hot tub dealer:

  1. How many seats would you like?

  2. Would you prefer a hot tub with a lounger or without?

  3. Are you buying the hot tub for the hydrotherapy benefits or just for social reasons?

  4. Do you foresee any access problems or possible installation issues?

  5. How much space is there for the hot tub? For example: 230 x 230 cm

  6. Are features such as music and lighting important to you?

Knowing the answers to these will help you to take control of the sale and will also aid the salesperson in pinpointing the hot tub which may be right for you.

Have an idea of how much you want to spend on your hot tub

Picture it, you’re outside bathing under a blanket of stars with the people closest to you. How much would you be willing to pay for a hot tub which ticks all of the boxes? Exactly how much the hot tub will cost will depend on factors such as the brand, quality, features and the level of aftersales offered. If you need a hot tub which utilises specific muscle group targeting and provides a deep massage experience, then you will be looking at the more premium lines of hot tubs. Understanding the value is important as a hot tub bought online for £3,000 is very different from a hot tub for £7,000. Not all hot tubs are the same, some are better or worse quality and offer varying levels of performance. Think about it like cars, all cars have wheels and will get you to work, but might vary in terms of quality, features and performance.

If you’re looking for a hot tub for therapy ask yourself, how much would you be willing to pay to alleviate your aches and pains? To find out more about the benefits of hydrotherapy click here. If you’re looking for a hot tub just for social reasons, then you don’t need a top of the range hot tub with the best jets and pumps. But you should still consider the quality of the spa, a hot tub of poor quality may end up costing you more in the long run.

Prepare for your new hot tub

So by now you’ve found a hot tub which you like from a supplier you can trust. You’ve measured, or the dealership has measured upon their site visit and the hot tub you want can be installed, no problem.

Now you’re going to have to ensure that there is sufficient power to the hot tub (this will be discussed on the site visit) and that the base where the hot tub will sit is strong enough.

The hot tub supplier should go through all of the necessary preparations with you before taking payment.