Warm Water Wonders
From jets to installation to test soaks, your guide to a successful hot tub purchase.
By Debra Maurer
Photo courtesy of Hot Spring Spas
Hot tubs and spas are all about warm, bubbly soaks with friends or a special someone—or simply obtaining some much needed “me time.” With more space than a jetted bathtub and more jets than an inground custom spa, these manufactured units come in a wide range of sizes and prices to fit your needs. With so many options, you may be wondering where to begin. We’ve covered the basics on what you need to know when you’re ready to buy a hot tub.
Jets & Seating
The massage component is typically the most compelling reason for wanting a hot tub. To ensure you receive the jet action you’re looking for, consider the type and number of jets, their positioning, and the pumps that provide the jets’ pressure. The number of jets usually corresponds with the size of the unit. (See “A Hot Tub for Your Budget” below.) You’ll want to focus on the jets in each seat and note their configurations. Jets positioned to target specific parts of the body allow the water to pulsate, swirl, sweep up and down, or gently massage sore muscles.
Some jets can be turned on and off individually and adjusted by hand to move the water at just the right angle. Certain models have interchangeable jet nozzles that further customize the water flow. By adjusting the pump’s speed, you can alternate between a more vigorous massage and a gentle water flow. Hot tubs with one pump can power jets in several—but not all—seats at once; you may wish to purchase multiple pumps so the jets in all seats can be on simultaneously.
A number of seating options are available. In most models, you’ll find several molded seats and one cool-down seat, which is slightly higher than the others and contains fewer jets. This seat allows you to cool off a bit and ease your way out of the hot tub. Some models replace two of the seats with a lounger so you can recline with your legs out in front of you. Larger models may even have two loungers, and several manufacturers have a lounge built into the top of the spa shell, creating the perfect spot to suntan.
Options
Hot tub cabinets (the exterior) and shells (the interior) come in a number of colors and patterns. Most hot tubs have acrylic shells in various colors that may have a pearly or speckled finish. Almost all cabinets are composed of low-maintenance synthetic polymer that resembles natural wood; some manufacturers also offer faux stone cabinets.
LED lighting, arcing water jets, and waterfalls can add to the look and style of your hot tub while creating a fun soaking experience. Many spa manufacturers offer audio systems with built-in waterproof speakers so you can listen to the radio, your iPod,® or mp3 player while you relax. Some systems even include TVs that rise out of the spa.
Installation
The ease of installation often depends on the size of the spa. If your spa cannot fit through the doorway, a crane may be required to move it into place. The majority of hot tub owners install their hot tubs aboveground, though you can also install them partially or fully inground. To install in your backyard, you’ll need to pour concrete or buy a hot tub pad to create a flat surface. If you plan to install a spa on your deck, check building codes to ensure that your joists and posts are strong enough. (An average four-person hot tub has a volume of 325 to 350 gallons and weighs 4,000 pounds filled with water.)
Upgrades to your electric outlet may also be required. Economy-size hot tubs can run on 110 V and plug into a standard outlet. Most hot tubs, however, run on 220 V, which requires special wiring. Have a sales rep inspect your site to see if any changes are necessary before delivery.
Operation & Maintenance
Remember to factor in operating costs and maintenance time before making a final decision. Luckily, hot tubs do not consume the amount of energy they did 20 years ago. Today, you can program the temperature to change automatically, based on your soaking schedule. Small circulation pumps can be set to run continuously on low speed, using very little energy. (To learn more ways to lower your maintenance expenses while also being eco-friendly, check out Tips for Going Green in Your Pool or Hot Tub.)
Proper water balance is essential to a clean spa (due to the high bather load in a small amount of water), and automatic sanitizers and dosing systems make it easier. Many models come with mineral systems or ozonators, which can cut down on the amount of bromine you’ll have to add. Testing the water regularly, and every time you use the spa only takes a few minutes and will reduce your maintenance time in the long run.
Test Soak Etiquette
Whether you’re buying your first hot tub or looking to upgrade, a great way to ease your decision-making is to try it out. You might be a little hesitant to do so, considering you’ll be wearing a swimsuit in a hot tub dealership, but not to worry—hot tub dealers make the experience enjoyable and recognize the need for privacy. Many dealers offer test soaks in private rooms or in their showrooms after normal business hours. In either case, you can call ahead to schedule the test soak. Upon arriving, you’ll be guided to a comfortable place to change into your swimsuit.
The water in the test model will be completely sanitized, balanced, and at a suitable temperature. The hot tub will probably have the cover on so you’ll learn how to remove it. A cover lifter may also be attached so you can try it out. Your sales representative will do a short demonstration on how to adjust the jets, pumps, temperature, lights, etc. You can then get in and use the controls yourself. Your salesperson will leave you to experience the spa privately, but stay close enough so you can continue to ask questions.
During your test soak, pay attention to the types of jets and whether or not their direction and pressure can be adjusted. Also, try out all of the options. Most dealers add numerous accessories to the test models so you can try as many as possible, and then pick the options you really want. You should get a good feel for the spa within 15 minutes. After getting out and changing, you can meet with your salesperson for any further information or questions.
Most dealers will have only a few models available for testing, but they typically choose popular and comparable models so you’ll have a general idea of the seating and jet placement on other models offered.
A Hot Tub for Your Budget
Hot tubs fit into approximately three price ranges. Though specs can vary greatly
from model to model, here’s what you’re likely to find within each price level…
| Entry Level |
Mid-size |
Luxury |
| Seats two to four people |
Seats four to six people |
Seats six to eight people; some as many as 12 |
| 10 – 25 jets |
20 – 50 jets |
Number of jets often ranges from 50 to 80; large units may have 100 |
| 29 to 33 inches deep |
Depths typically range 33 – 39 inches |
36 to 42 inches deep for increased leg room |