Buying a hot tub can be considered a major life purchase. And similar to cars, recreational vehicles, appliances and other high-priced items, getting the best value for your money is an important consideration. And a hot tub should be no different. If you’re looking for a hot tub that will be part of your household for years to come, learning about the market and spending your money wisely will play an important role in your future happiness. So what’s the best hot tub for the money? To help you figure that out, we’ve come up with a list of generalized ideas that aren’t often thought about when it comes to buying a hot tub. Rather than have you thinking about things such as the size, model and accessories of your new purchase we want you to consider some things that may not have to do with the actual function of the hot tub itself.
Dealer Reputation
As hot tubs have become more popular and more affordable over the years, the industry has seen the influx of a lot of disreputable dealers. And although the internet has something to do with this, unfortunately this started occurring long before anyone ever considered buying a hot tub online. Many of the more reputable dealers have banded together to distinguish themselves from unscrupulous retailers and created organizations such as the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. Dealing with a reputable dealer can save you big money in the long run. When it comes to things like service, repairs and advice, a permanent member of the community will be much more accessible than a fly by night operator who suddenly appears in your community only to leave town once they’ve unloaded their stock. This isn’t to say that every travelling retailer is disreputable, but it’s much easier to deal with a company that has permanent roots. Before making a purchase, it can actually pay off to do a bit of research into the company, you’re planning on giving your money to. Find out if their reputation is as good as their prices and sales pitch.
The Warranty
Like most major purchases, a good hot tub should come with a good warranty. What makes a good warranty? When it comes to hot tubs, you’ll want a warranty that covers the major components. This includes the shell (interior and exterior,) the water pump and heater and the control panel and other equipment. You should pay attention to whether there are any parts that are excluded from the warranty or if certain parts are covered for a shorter period of time than others. Make sure you understand whether the warranty is on a pro-rata basis. This means it may cover a smaller percentage of any repair costs as time goes on. Look into the cost of any deductibles that need to be paid and if the labor is included when repairs need to be done. Sometimes the warranty is provided by a third party. If this is the case, you’ll want to look into their reputation as well.
Value for Money
The internet has made it quite simple to purchase a hot tub for a few hundred dollars. But often in cases like these you’ll be completely on your own when it comes to installation, set up, servicing, repairs and general advice. If this sits all right with your expectations it may cause no problems. But if you’re looking to be taken care of throughout the lifetime of your hot tub, a purchasing situation such as this may not provide the value for money that you’re looking for. As with many things, dealing with a reputable retailer and paying more upfront for a higher quality hot tub may actually provide you with more value for your money.
To find out more about the benefits of becoming a hot tub owner, download a free buyer’s guide here.