Determining what is the best outdoor hot tub will very much come down to personal preference. The best outdoor hot tub for a family of six who live on a farm will likely be very different from the best outdoor hot tub for a couple who live in the heart of an urban center. To help you navigate what can be a very confusing world for a new hot tub buyer, we’ve come up with a list of things you should keep in mind when trying to figure out the best model for you.
Suitability
Before you even consider buying a hot tub you should make sure that you won’t be harmed by using one. People with heart disease or other serious medical problems should consult with their doctor before considering buying a hot tub. At the same time, people who suffer from conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis or back pain can truly benefit from regular hot tub use. Once again, speaking with your doctor beforehand is a very wise move.
Cost
The amount of money you’re able to spend on your hot tub will determine the best hot tub for your budget. If you’re planning on spending less than a thousand dollars you won’t need to worry about the top of the line hot tubs that hold 10 or more people and have all the bells and whistles. A simple inflatable model suited for two or three people might be the absolute best hot tub for you. Figuring out your budget beforehand will save both you and any salespeople you deal with a lot of time and unnecessary negotiations.
Size
The size of your hot tub will depend on the space that you have for its installation and the number of people you expect to be using it on a regular basis. It’s been found that most people don’t entertain in their hot tub as much as they thought they would before they bought it. This common miscalculation can cause you to buy more hot tub than you need. There have also been more than a few horror stories about hot tub buyers who didn’t measure properly (or at all) and have had to leave their hot tub on their driveway until they figured out a way to get it into the backyard for installation. Don’t underestimate the role that size will need to play in your buying decision.
Comfort
Many of today’s hot tub interiors are made of acrylic plastic and have pre-molded seats. If your body type isn’t what one would consider average, you’ll want to take the time to make sure the seating is actually comfortable for you. For hot tubs that hold several users at once, you’ll also want to make sure there’s enough room for everyone to feel comfortable when it’s being used at capacity. Pay extra attention to the footwell area as this is where space is usually at a premium. Playing footsie with your partner or kids is one thing. Doing the same with invited guests is something different altogether.
Energy Efficiency
Today’s hot tubs are much more energy-efficient than those that came out 40 years ago. But there are still major differences in insulation packages, filtration systems, hot tub covers and other energy-saving schemes. If keeping operational costs to a minimum is important to you, it may be cheaper to invest money upfront in an energy-efficient system rather than paying more on a regular basis to keep things running smoothly. If you live in an area with a colder climate, you’ll want a good insulation package whereas if you live in the sunbelt you might consider investing in a cooling system.
To learn more about purchasing a hot tub download a free buyer’s guide today.