Photos By: Unsplash and Pexels

It’s important to not depend your decision based on the price alone but also on the comfort you can get after buying these tubs. When you’re looking for the right one in the market, set a budget and know your goals. Many homeowners seek a return on investment in pain relief, better health, and more time with the family and this is why they want to install these tubs.

When buying a hot tub, you need to consider the available models and your overall budget. Some brands have hot tub benches where everybody can sit down comfortably and relax. The more seats there are, the more they can accommodate other family members in your home. You might want to know more about the specifications so you can shop wisely.

Many of the manufacturers may list the specifications of a model on their website or shop labels. You can make comparisons only if you know how to interpret the information listed. Some of the things that you need to know are the following:

Seats

Some types can cater to at least seven people through the seats. The more benches are there, the more family members the hot tub can accommodate. You may be a family of four with an occasional guest. If so, look for tubs with just the right features so you won’t have to spend a lot on seats that you don’t need.

Entertaining guests and family on the weekends may require you to have more, so everyone who would love to have a hot soak can be accommodated. The prices can increase based on the number, so it’s best to plan and know your needs before shopping.

Dimensions

The dimensions matter and this is in connection to the number of seats. In some cases, both models may have the exact dimensions, but one may have five seats, and the other offers six. So, while the second one provides six seating, the first can be more spacious with enough area for everyone to move comfortably.

Factors like width and length are also important factors when making a decision, as well as height. Find a height that’s just right so you can immerse fully in your hot tub, even if you’re tall. Read more about the benefits of hot tubs on this page here.

Number of Jets

Speaking about jets, more doesn’t necessarily mean better. The design and positioning will still determine whether you can benefit from a hydromassage experience or not, and they are more important than the numbers. It’s worth noting that the more pressure jets the tub has, the more pressure you need for the pumps to supply.

The design plays a significant role in your ultimate experience. You can compare this with the way you water your garden, and the hose you’re using that has a nozzle to wash your car. You can ask the dealers to give you more details and recommend the best hot tub for you based on your needs.

Water Capacity

The size will determine the water capacity of this spa. The larger it is, the more water you’ll need and gallons it will hold. This is very important because the size dictates how long you will fill your tub or drain it and how much it would cost you in the long run. One brand can hold up to 450 gallons, usually on the high side of the water capacity.

Pumps

The pumps are the deciding factors on your jets’ pressure. Pressure is significant for your health and pain relief. Some may deliver about 4.5 horsepower of continuous stress, which is enough to power about 43 jets. When you look for other models, look for a baseline of at least 10.5% horsepower per jet for comparison.

Wattage

This wattage is going to be determined by multiplying amps by volts. If you want to understand these numbers better, you may think about the amount of water running inside a pipe. The volts will correspond roughly to pounds per square inch or PSI, which is the pressure that forces the water through the pipes. Get more info about how wattage is calculated here.

The amps are usually measured by gallons per minute where it will be the amount of water delivered through the pipes. The higher the wattage, the more electricity is going to be required to operate the hot tub. If the brand that you’ve chosen requires about 220 volts or more, there may be a need to install an exclusive and appropriate outlet for this. The dealers in your area can explain this.

Heater

A heater’s primary job is to ensure that the water is heated at the right temperature. The high-voltage tubs may require more energy to run. However, they don’t need to run very long to achieve the correct temperature of the water. The less powerful ones may require more effort to work, so factor this in when you’re choosing various models in the market.

Photo By:Choice Designs

Just sitting and relaxing with a large glass of wine and having the water jets massage your muscles after a long day at work sounds like a dream, and yet it’s a dream that is not too difficult to make into reality.

What is a Hot Tub?

Well, for the more in-depth technical definition including its history and origins you can click here, but essentially it is an oversized bathtub or miniature pool that has water jets all around and blasts water round in a cycle, it is mainly used for relaxing or massage therapy and rejuvenating tired muscles.

What to Look for When Buying a Hot Tub?

If you’re anything like me then the idea of going shopping for a Jacuzzi didn’t seem more than seeing one we like and saying yes, but surprisingly there are a lot of factors to take into consideration, who knew? Of course, the main priority would be the number of seats, are you looking for more of an intimate set up with enough space for a maximum of two couples? Or is it for a holiday home where friends and family come over to chill and unwind and so would require a larger version with say 10 seats? Think about the usage in the long run.

Photo By: Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates

Then there are the number of pumps and jets to think about, something that won’t take over the place or boost you from side to side like a white water rapids run in a fiberglass canoe. The technical features, which I recommend doing your homework and research with, are items like audio and lighting add-ons, which type of filtration system do you plan on using and then the area you are hoping to have it, check the sizing to see if the one you want is even going to fit. So write down some measurements, cut our pictures from magazines or catalogues to inspire you if need be and make sure that when shopping you have your list of questions on hand to ask the salesperson.

Companies that specialize in selling hot tubs who have the expertise in these products will help significantly when it comes to the time for the final decision, take a look at https://www.instylehottubs.com/ for a professional opinion and advice on knowing what is best suited to your lifestyle and requirements.

5 Benefits of Having a Hot Tub.

Sleep Aid: We all know that a nice long soak in a hot bath puts us into a state of relaxation, thus when we get out of the hot tub with our body still steaming and climb into bed, as our bodies cool we fall into an even deeper relaxed state and dreamland.

Joint Pain: When muscles are relaxed and not pulling stiff we have less tension on our joints and ligaments which usually tend to cause us pain or discomfort, so enjoying a soak with a cup of tea could be just what the doctor ordered.

Social Aid: Kids will love jumping in and feeling the bubbles massage them up to their necks no doubt, but having neighbors over for a soak can be a great way for everyone to have a catch up over a glass of bubbly and they’ll thank you for the opportunity to drain their tired muscles from stress.

Limited Upkeep: Unlike a swimming pool that requires constant upkeep and cleaning, a hot tub usually has a cover that slides on and off easily and is ready almost instantly anytime you like.

Blood Circulation: Your tissues and muscles can relax and allow the veins to expand and increase the flow of blood around your body.

Reading up on reviews and getting advice from people who have already purchased a hot tub, hearing what they have to say when it comes to the ins and outs of buying a Jacuzzi, will help you keep on track. Listen to this family man’s story and experience when it came to getting a hot tub and take on any tips you feel can relate to you.

Photo By: OC WEST Landscape

Before Buying a Hot Tub

The shell of a spa can determine the longevity of your purchase, how well it can retain heat and if it is energy efficient. We know it needs to have some degree of attractiveness, but being durable would be something to look for to withstand the many years of constant use. First impressions of a hot tub can be easily set up and upgraded with minimal effort over the years. Cabinets, which is the outside casing of the Jacuzzi, are made from waterproof materials and UV resistant and a simple hose down allows for cleaning in no time at all.

The more modern models of spa’s come with smart remotes and access panels, and some even have apps you can download and operate the tub from your smartphone. How tech-savvy the world is becoming when you can program your bath to begin bubbling ready for you to slide into. Either way, whichever model and features you decide on in the end, you will be the envy of the neighborhood and soon neighbors will be showing up around yours with pie and a 6 pack. Win-win I’d say.

Photo: Choice Designs

There are not many things that can give you more pleasure than slipping into a hot tub for a relaxing soak. A luxury found in many homes and on even more back patios, the health and well-being benefits that a hot tub can provide for a family can last for years with the proper maintenance.

Hot tub dealers say that their most commonly asked question is whether or not it is safe to add regular household bleach into your tub for cleaning. People get in a pinch for supplies and want to know if chlorine bleach can be used as a temporary substitute. Across the board, the answer is NO. Don’t use chlorine to clean your hot tub, especially not household bleach!

Photo: FGY Architects

The water and operating system in your hot tub is a combination of a delicate pH balancing act and proper mechanical maintenance. Household bleach is not formulated or stabilized properly to be added to these systems without the risk of causing extensive damage. The pH level of bleach is incredibly high (13), and would therefore need other chemicals to be added to the mix to bring it down to a proper level.

Bleach is also highly corrosive. The lining, plastic and metal components, and motor can be quickly eroded beyond repair. Buying a hot tub is a large purchase for your home and making unnecessary repairs and parts replacements can break the bank.

Photo: Whitespace Architects

Not only is bleach damaging to the hot tub unit itself, but it can be a hazard for anyone using it. With bleach in the water, there can be damage to clothes and swimsuits, skin irritation and hair damage. The strong and unpleasant ammonia odor can take all the pleasure out of your soak, as well as potentially cause dizziness or headache.

With no science behind using bleach in your hot tub system, it is easy to either add too much or too little to the system, both causing adverse effects. Over chemicalizing the water in your tub can cause an effect called buffering. This is when the water environment has gone through too many chemical shifts and becomes resistant to treatment.

Photo: RRM Design Group

While keeping harmful bacteria and removing mold from your hot tub is part of the important maintenance for your unit, using an uncertified product like bleach can only have unwanted side effects and damaging results. Products like ionRX will keep your water environment healthy while keeping the chemical level in your pool to a minimum. It has a pleasant, non-chemical odor that will give your tub water a natural smell and feel.

Using the proper chemical treatments for your hot tub is the best way to keep it lasting for years of enjoyment. Without a proper chemical balance in your unit, the water can become overrun with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) that can prematurely age your water. No one wants to have to constantly drain and refill the hot tub just to keep things feeling and looking clean.

Chlorine products are not all created equal. While household bleach is excellent for regular cleaning and disinfecting around the house, it can be a dangerous and damaging choice for your hot tub. Make sure to have a good supply of the proper chemicals that can keep you soaking safely for years to come.