Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide Top 10

1. How much is it going to cost to operate? The average operational cost of a spa today varies greatly depending on the quality of the manufacturer.  A good quality tub is designed to utilize waste heat from the electric pump motors to help heat the water. This design will significantly reduce your operating expenses.  The equipment should be fully contained within the insulated area, this will protect your equipment from freezing, but it must be fully accessible for maintenance.  Your equipment must be protected from the cold.

2. How is the spa built and why is it built that way? Does the design make sense to you?  (All hot tubs are not created equal.)  Your new tub should have access panels on all four sides and have a design that allows for easy maintenance and service to ALL plumbing and equipment.  Is it easy and inexpensive to service after the warranty has long expired?  Remember that you get what you pay for.

3. It is upgradable? Technology changes on a daily basis, look for spas that are fully up-gradable.  This means that as your personal needs change the spa can be customized to suit your specific needs.  Don’t buy a “disposable spa” that is limited to one design.  You will have to buy another one when your needs change.

4. What site preparation is required? It is recommended to have a spa with a full floor fibreglass design.  This provides structural strength, is impervious to water, keeps rodents & insects out, and eliminates the need for costly concrete pads. Plastic ABS floors or no floors usually require a concrete pad to prevent the warranty from becoming void.

5. Hydro-massage therapy. With aging population, more of us are looking for a little stress relief and a good back and/or foot massage.  Make sure the jets in your spa thread in, oscillate, open and close, are interchangeable and have no bearings.  Basic jets that shoot a straight stream of water have little or no therapeutic value.

6. Quality of cover. The cover should have significant insulating value – heat rises.  Many hot tubs come with flimsy covers.  Look for one that locks, is at least 5” thick, and capable of supporting about a 1000 lbs. of weight to accommodate snow loads and to act as a secure barrier between water and small children. Also look for a Mylovac wrapped cover which prevents water absorption in the insulation of the cover.

7. Made for your specific climate. Look for a manufacturer that designs and manufacturers in Canada, for a Canadian climate.  One that is built to operate the harshest weather conditions while still being truly energy efficient.

8. Dealer support. Specialty stores often have a great amount of knowledge about all brands.  Mass merchandisers may have a lower price, but often the experience, knowledge and after sale service is not equal to that of a smaller specialized dealer.  High quality manufacturers often work with quality organizations that are ready, willing and capable of a high degree of service and stability. Look for a company that has not changed brands of hot tubs over the years. This is may be an indication of warranty issues and dealer stability.

9. Warranty. A manufacturer that builds a quality product will back it with quality warranty.  A quality product should have a 5 year parts, 5 year labour, in home service warranty.  Read the entire warranty and be wary of the fine print and pro-rated warranties.

10. Use your own good judgement. Do your homework, shop around, and ask people you know who already own a spa what they’d buy.  Ask questions that are important to you and take notes.  Above all, use your own good judgement.  Don’t take the word of a salesperson, investigate and learn what makes on spa better for you than another.