Is That Really the Hot Tub You Want?
A
hot tub can be a wonderfully therapeutic addition to your household.
Hot tubs help relieve stress, relax muscles and even help with some
physical ailments. But they can also be a hefty financial investment.
Before purchasing a hot tub, you should carefully consider what you will
really use it for and buy accordingly.
Housing situation
For one thing, consider your housing situation. If you are living in a
house you own and intend to be there for a while, a larger tub, 5- to
7-person, can be a good choice. If you expect to move soon or will be
renting in the near future, a portable hot tub might be better. The
larger to tub, the more difficult and expensive it is to move. A bigger
issue is where to place the tub. Larger models need a solid concrete
base; an empty 7-person hot tub typically weighs nearly 1,000 pounds.
You also need access to a 220 outlet for a big tub. Smaller, portable
hot tubs often run on 110 and don’t need as much security beneath them
since they are much lighter. Being lighter, of course, also makes them
easier to move. The number of people who will be using the tub will also
make a difference. Portable hot tubs often seat only two people, and
neither can lie down. Many 5- and 7-person tubs have lounge seats that
take the place of two, so someone using the lounge in the largest tub
still allows 5 people to join in.
Jets
Typically, bigger tubs also have more jets. While the number of jets
may not seem important to you, without enough jets, the hot tub is more
like a slowly circulating bath. If you are considering the hot tub for
physically therapeutic reasons, get more jets. Of course, salespeople
will probably tell you that you want the most jets possible, but that
isn’t necessarily true. You don’t need the highest number available, but
don’t settle for the least because it’s a little cheaper.
Heat
Although portable hot tubs don’t often have the option, the larger
models may have a feature that allows the tub to run and heat at the
same time. Of course, this adds expense to your purchase. However, if
you will be enjoying the outdoor tub in the winter on a cold night, it
might be more comfortable to have the tub at optimum temperature before
you get in it and have it heating while you are there. In such
situations, tubs will lose heat just by being opened, and a few degrees
can feel very different on your skin. If you intend to use the tub only
in warmer weather or inside, then don’t waste your money on this
feature.
Used hot tub
Finally, consider buying a used hot tub. People are often finding
they just don’t use the tubs as much as they thought, or they can’t
afford them because of the added expenses like water, electricity and
chemicals. Sometimes they just need some quick cash, and a hot tub
usually has a pretty big wad of money tied up. Auctions, internet
sources and local want ads are all great places to find used tubs. You
can often find deals on tubs that are fairly new and are ¼ the price of a
new one. Be sure to find out about shipping and delivery costs and
arrangements before you leap. Even if the warranty is not transferable,
most tub companies cover the plumbing and motor for five years or less,
so you aren’t really missing out on a guarantee if you get a good enough
price. While buying a hot tub is not typically an impulse purchase, you
might be unhappy with the product long-term if you don’t carefully
consider these issues before buying.
Read reviews, visit showrooms to actually see differences, and carefully compare the factors that matter most to you. Then you will have a hot tub that gives you years of enjoyment.
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