The search for the best hot tub or spa starts with a better question - what does a good hot tub look like? Hot tubs come in several shapes and sizes. There are small ones that are ideal for a couple and there are larger ones that will accomodate more people. The top 2 reasons for choosing a nice hot tub are ‘Rest and Relaxation’..
Lets get one thing cleared up before we jump in. The word spa is interchangable with hot tub. Also, jacuzzis and whirlpools are pretty much the same thing. The types of tubs that are being referred to are the ones above ground, in the ground, the heated and the jetted variety.
Fun fact: The most common hot tubs are still the two person hot tub variety.
This brings us to our first important consideration. Do you want one that is inside the ground or above the ground. The cost difference between two different kinds of hot tubs is significant. The in-the-ground ones are much more expensive due to the different construction requirements. On the bright side, they do add value to your house when its time to sell.
Fun fact: Some people think three is a crowd. Those people don’t buy three person hot tubs.
Dont forget that portable hot tubs, as the name suggests, can go where you go just in case you need to move. These spas only need an outlet and they are ready for use. This makes portable spas a very attractive option as far as flexibility and ease of use is concerned.
Fun fact: The most popular multi-person hot tubs are the 4 person hot tubs.
Have a look at other features. If you want to get real fancy, you can get contoured seats, built-in entertainment features too. These are luxuries of course. Choosing the right water heater is pretty important. The time it takes to heat up water will depend on the power of the heater.
For the ground or permanent spas the heater can be electric or gas. Commonly the heaters use Liquified Petroleum gas. Gas heaters are inexpensive to maintain on a daily basis. Electrical ones are inexpensive in the beginning but require signifiant maintainance. Wondering how much the spa will cost? It depends on the cost of electricity/gas in your area, the temperature you set the hot tub to and how often you use it.
It is ideal to get your spa from a company that specializes in these products. They should not be just one of the many items offered by a company. Beware of the super cheap deals. Look for the fine print. Do your due diligence because you often get what you pay for especially when it comes to these products.