Ownership of a hot tub has long been not only a way to relax, but also a sign of
sophistication and an eye for the good things in life. In the past, in order to
own a spa, one had to put down a very large sum of money. Today, though, hot tubs
can be much more affordable, making ownership of life's little pleasures more attainable
for everyone.
Hot tubs can come in all sorts of styles and sizes, and can even be specially made
to meet a particular homeowner's needs. Whether the home owner is looking for a
large hot tub to host several friends, or a smaller unit just for two, manufacturers
today have the perfect piece to suit the demands.
When choosing a hot tub, the first issue to consider is where the unit will be placed.
If it is to be placed indoors, it will be necessary to find a unit that meets the
specifications to place the unit into the correct spot. If it is to be installed
in an outdoor area, the home owner must give special consideration to maintenance
of the hot tub.
Hot Tub Styles
Indoor
Hot Tub Spas
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Indoor hot tubs are often smaller units, most often built into the bathroom. Jacuzzi
specializes in making hot tubs that fit into the bathroom, and offers a number of
popular models. Aquatic, likewise, offers several bathtub style spas. These small
bathtub style hot tubs can even be used in an upstairs room, which is not a good
idea for heavier spas.
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When placing a hot tub indoors, be sure to place the unit into a room that has sufficient
air circulation. Failure to do so can result in mold and mildew on the walls, or
even rot in the house's wood.
Outdoor Hot Tub Spas
Outdoor hot tub spas represent the height of luxury. The heated pool can be placed
so that it allows the user to relax under the stars, or to take a dip in hot water
even on a cold winter's day. Outdoor units can be large enough to seat 8 or even
10 people.
Outdoor hot tub styles include inflatable units, which can be moved. These, while
less expensive than other hot tub spas, are also less durable. Such units might
only last a few years. Better quality construction materials include thin acrylic
surfaces, which can still be very affordable, or more solid acrylic and fiberglass
shells. These spas, while more expensive than the blowup models, are much more durable.
They will last for many years, and many hot tubs come with warranties that reflect
the manufacturers' expectation that these units will be extremely durable. Such
warranties often stretch up to a decade or beyond.
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An outdoor hot tub needs a concrete base or patio to stand on. Many home owners
like to build a deck surrounding the spa, and this can add to the cost. With any
hot tub, it is important for the buyer to ensure that the unit is properly installed.
This is best done by engaging the company to install the spa into the desired location.
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Hot Tub Features to Consider
Size
The intended usage of the hot tub will determine the size needed. Large hot tubs
can seat up to 10 people, and are very useful for home owners who would like to
entertain groups in the comfort of the spa. Units as small as a two seater, or even
for a single user, are available for buyers who prefer to use the unit in more restricted
settings. All sorts of sizes in between these two extremes are also available.
Pumps and Jet Outlets
The number and size of the pumps in a hot tub will determine the movement of the
water. As it is the water's movement that creates the therapeutic effect of the
spa, this is an important issue to consider when buying a hot tub. The more pumps
that a tub has, the more the water will have good movement.
Jet outlets also determine the amount of movement generated in the hot tub's water.
The outlets are the point at which the movement is created, so the number of outlets,
if coupled with a sufficiently powerful pump, will determine how much movement is
felt in the pool. The placement of the jet outlets is likewise important. If the
outlets are too close to the surface, the lower regions of the hot tub will not
have much movement. This can be deceptive because higher placement of the jet outlets
makes the surface of the water seem to have a lot of movement. Underneath, though,
the water might be too still.
Shell Color and Type
Hot tubs come in a great variety of shell styles, varying according to material
and color. Marble, quarite, and metallic are the most popular types of finishes
for spas. Choosing a finish that is most suitable for the home owner's needs might
depend on the quality of water in the area. If water is soft, it might leave a line
on marble or metallic finishes that will require some regular cleaning.
Height
For home owners who are especially tall, a tub that is not sufficiently deep will
not be comfortable. When purchasing a spa, it is a good idea to have the tallest
person who will regularly use the unit sit down and test the pool for depth. If
it forces his or her knees to bend too much in order to fit the feet into the feet
well, then the unit will not be comfortable for prolonged use. A hot tub with a
deeper foot well would be more suitable for taller users.
Heaters and Insulation
Heater size plays a big part in how therapeutic a spa will be. No-heater spas are
available, but are not ideal for use in outdoor pools in colder climates. For regions
with milder climates, or for indoor hot tubs, a no-heater unit might be acceptable.
These hot tubs will use the heat generated by the pumps to heat the water. Good
insulation is necessary to keep the warmth in when using this type of hot tub. For
any spa used in an outdoor setting in a cold climate, good insulation is also necessary.
Spa Cover
A spa cover is a necessary part of heating and maintaining the unit. Not only does
a spa cover help to keep debris out of the pool, but a good cover will help insulate
the hot tub, holding the heat in the spa until the cover is removed. Bubble covers,
while good for keeping debris out, are not useful for keeping heat in. A good thermal
cover, then, is more useful for outdoor hot tub spas that are used in cold climates.
Maintenance
Maintaining your hot tub is an issue that needs serious consideration. An ozone
generator is an investment that might cost more up front, but can help reduce the
long-term maintenance cost of your hot tub. However, this does not mean that no
chemicals are needed to upkeep the spa. All pools, however small, need some chemicals
to keep them clean. An outdoor unit that remains filled with water most of the time
will need special attention to the issue of maintenance.
Lights
Many options for lighting are available for hot tubs. LED and fiber optic lighting
are both popular for use with a spa, and can come in various colors of lights. Changing
light colors are also available.
Price Range
Indoor Hot Tub Spas
Indoor hot tubs are often smaller than their outdoor counterparts. This can translate
into more affordable units.
For indoor hot tubs, the lower range of prices runs from $1,200 to $2,500. Jacuzzi
manufactures several bathtub style models that sell for prices in this range. Aquatic's
bathtub style hot tub sells for just below $2,500. Some of these less expensive
units will fit into a space only slightly larger than a traditional bathtub. Others
will require a larger floor area.
Larger hot tubs, or hot tubs with more powerful pumps and jets, will sell for higher
prices. Jacuzzi's more expensive models of indoor spas sell for prices ranging from
$2,500 to $3,500. These stylish units come in various shapes and sizes.
Outdoor Hot Tub Spas
Outdoor hot tubs come with a slightly higher price tag than indoor spas. In addition,
the buyer needs to consider the need for a proper base and cabinet for the outdoor
hot tub spa. The space must be sufficiently prepared for the hot tub in order to
ensure the safety of the user, and also the durability of the hot tub unit.
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Spa to Go sells an inflatable portable hot tub for just under $800. It is easily
moved, and can be kept aside when it is not in use. Milestone's seven-person hot
tub sells for just below $3,500. Their other seven seater, with a larger pump, sells
for prices hovering around $4,300, and with the largest pump available for this
sized hot tub, the price tag is just under $5,000. Keys Fitness sells an attractive
outdoor hot tub package for around $3,700.
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For hot tubs with the largest seating capacity, the price will likewise increase.
Easy Life Hot Tubs sells a space saver unit for just under $6,000. Their larger
party-sized spa sells for prices hovering around $7,500 to $8,000. Easy Life Hot
Tubs has many designs and sizes of spas, mostly selling for prices between $5,000
and $8,000.
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