5 Hot Tub Buying Mistakes to Avoid

The decision to purchase a hot tub is an exciting time, however, some buyers rush into making a purchase without being fully informed. Even times when someone believes that they are making an informed decision, there are several common hot tub buying mistakes that one could unknowingly fall into.

It is important to know what to look out for in order to make the right decision and not suffer from buyer's remorse. Below, we will highlight the top buying mistakes for you to avoid so that you can make an educated decision and the right choice.

Choosing The Cheapest Model

Although a rock bottom price tag may be enticing and save you money upfront, it will almost always end up costing more in the long run. Low-end hot tubs cost more money for cleaning chemicals, repairs and are likely to have critical parts that need to be replaced sooner.

Instead of making your decision solely based on the price tag, consider what the overall cost of the hot tub will be during its lifetime. A more expensive model will have better energy efficiency, a more substantial warranty and require minimal maintenance and cleaning - definitely worth it in the long run.

Choosing the Wrong Jet Structure

The shape and style of hot tubs jets are an essential part of your hot tub enjoyment and experience. Hot tubs have an extensive range of therapeutic benefits including helping to recover from sports injuries, stress, neck, back and leg pain as well as help with insomnia. Keep in mind that not all hot tubs are equally therapeutic, which is due to the shape and style of the jets. When looking at models, select a jet structure that is adaptable and provides a wide range of massage programs for different health issues. Another key feature to look for are jets that can be individually adjusted to customize the water flow to your personal massage preferences.

Choosing a Cheap Exterior

If you purchase a model with a low-quality shell or cabinetry, it will begin to quickly crack and fade. Even though in the showroom, the exterior of various hot tub models may all appear the same, their level of quality is not. Always choose a hot tub with a thermoplastic shell with a bond laminate or vinyl ester resin skin or one made from durable acrylic. The cabinetry should be low maintenance, durable and designed to resist damage from the cold and heat. Another key factor when making your decision is choosing a model that is backed by at least a 10yr warranty.

Choosing the Wrong Location

Before you rush to buy a hot tub, the location of where you want to put it needs to be carefully thought out. Always avoid placing near sand, which can damage the mechanical components of the tub or in areas that are prone to flooding. If you are planning on building a patio for the hot tub, make sure to consult an engineer to ensure that the area will be strong enough to properly support it. Remember, once a hot tub is filled with water and people, it easily weighs over 4,000 pounds.

Choosing a Basic Warranty

Often, in the excitement of shopping for hot tubs, buyers can forget to review the warranty. It is always best to decline a prorated warranty, as you will be responsible for partial repair costs which can quickly add up. Look for a good, reliable warranty that includes structural shell coverage for up to 10 years, leaks for up to 3 years, surface for up to 5 years and equipment for up to 3 years. Think of a comprehensive warranty as a solid investment against potentially costly repairs.

Finally, always make sure to research your local hot tub dealers and read customer reviews. Unfortunately, not all dealers provide the same level of service and support. An area to steer clear of is purchasing online or at an expo - the units can be inferior and should a problem arise, in many cases that dealer may not have a local presence to complete a repair.

Now that you understand what the most common hot tub buying mistakes are, find out more about what options are available to you by downloading our buyer’s guide.