Avoiding Common Hot Tub Buying Mistakes

The thrill of soaking in a new hot tub can make buyers prone to mistakes that will ultimately leave them suffering from buyer's remorse. Even when consumers think they're making a sound decision, there are a variety of common mistakes that they unknowingly make.

This blog post will show you how to avoid these pitfalls by educating yourself on how to avoid common buying mistakes and make the best choice for you.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Hot Tub

The allure of a cheap hot tub can be hard to look past. Many consumers look for low-end hot tubs costing as little as $3000 when a high-quality hot tub will almost always cost more than twice this amount. Making a rash decision on a cheaper model might save you money now, but you'll end up spending more on maintenance, chemicals, repairs, and other problems in the future. To improve your decision making, rather than focusing on what you'll spend today, consider what the hot tub will cost over its lifetime, including what you'll spend to run it. If you choose a model that costs more upfront but will provide long-term energy efficiency and minimized maintenance, you'll be happy for years to come.

Mistake #2: Choosing a low-quality exterior

Low-quality hot tub shells and cabinetry are all too common, quickly leaving buyers with cracks and fading that they weren't expecting. Even though the exteriors of various hot tubs may all look the same, it doesn't mean that their quality is identical. Make sure you select a durable acrylic or thermal plastic shell with a vinyl ester resin skin coat or bond laminate. Also ensure that the hot tub you choose has an extended or lifetime warranty. The hot tub cabinetry should also be durable, low-maintenance, and engineered to resist damage from heat, cold, and UV rays. Sufficient support beams that reach from the hot tub's lip and from the seats to the floor are also important features when you want to choose a hot tub that lasts.

Mistake #3: Buying a high-maintenance hot tub

Hot tubs that require excessive maintenance can put a huge damper on your experience. When you choose a low-quality hot tub, you'll often spend more time on maintenance than you will relaxing in your tub. Although some upkeep is always required, many lower-quality hot tubs require an overwhelming amount of expensive maintenance. To reduce maintenance time and costs, be on the lookout for dealers that try to sell you large amounts of chemicals and supplies. Remember that using more chemicals will not make your hot tub any cleaner. Also look for a pressurized (as opposed to a suction side) filter system that can quickly filter debris from the top and bottom of the hot tub. Draining and cleaning can also be time consuming, so look for models that make this process faster and easier. Finally, treating your hot tub's cover with a low-cost water repellent every few months is an inexpensive way to help it resist damage.

Mistake #4: Selecting the wrong jet structure

If you suffer from back, leg, or neck pain, stress or insomnia, or pain from sports, a hot tub can provide a number of therapeutic benefits. However, it's important to remember that not all hot tubs are equally therapeutic. This is typically due to the type and shape of jets. No matter which hot tub you choose, its jet structure must be appropriate for the therapy you need. Choose a jet structure that is easily adaptable so it can deliver various types of massages for different issues. Also look for jets that allow you to adjust the water flow for each individual jet to create a personalized massage.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to consider hot tub location

Location is an often overlooked consideration when purchasing a hot tub. Don't choose a hot tub without thinking carefully about where it will be located. First, never place your hot tub in an area that is susceptible to flooding or near sand which can cause major damage. Ideally, your hot tub should be placed on a level surface that can withstand its weight. For deck and patio installations, hire a professional engineer to make sure the structure is sufficiently strong and to help you avoid damage during installation.

Mistake #6: Neglecting to review the warranty

Full warranties are essential to keeping your hot tub in great shape while keeping your costs low. Avoid pro-rated warranties where you have to pay a percentage of the repair costs as these can quickly add up. A good warranty will include a shell structure warranty for 1 to 10 years, a shell surface warranty for 1 to 5 years, a leak warranty for 1 to 5 years, and an equipment warranty for 1 to 3 years. With all of these warranties in place, you'll be protected from water loss due to shell issues, peeling and cracking, fitting and plumbing problems, and malfunctioning mechanical and electrical components.

Mistake #7: Choosing an unreliable manufacturer or dealer

There are many hot tub dealers and manufacturers that simply aren't reputable, and you want to avoid them at all costs. You'll often encounter them at expos advertising amazing deals on quality models, but in reality they'll sell you a hot tub that is less than the best. Do careful research on dealers and manufacturers by reading reviews online or asking them for customer referrals. Also look for companies and dealers with industry experience, excellent warranties, and high-quality products.

If you'd like more information on what to avoid when buying a hot tub, download our complete guide Seven Hot Tub Buying Mistakes.