As with any big investment, it’s important to do your research before spending any money on a hot tub. Buying a hot tub shouldn’t be treated the same as your average purchase; it requires a lot of consideration.
There are many factors to consider before purchasing a hot tub, which can make the process a little overwhelming. Not to worry, though – we’ve compiled this handy list of what to look for when buying a hot tub.
1. Choose a reputable supplier
Start by researching the top dogs in the hot tub market. Look at which suppliers have the best product reviews, customer service and additional perks.
We highly recommend purchasing a hot tub from a reputable company that you can trust. This won’t require too much research time; impartial reviews are readily available on websites like Google and Trustpilot. If you personally know anyone who owns a hot tub, you could ask them for their recommendations, too.
You should also consider any additional perks that dealers/manufacturers offer, such as warranties and product guarantees when purchasing. After all, if they’re offering you a 10-year warranty for no extra cost, chances are they’re very confident in the longevity of their hot tubs, which is a good sign.
Other key factors to consider when choosing a hot tub dealer include…
- How long the company has been in business – Purchasing from a business that’s been around forever doesn’t necessarily ensure nothing will go wrong, but it will at least give you peace of mind that they’re less likely to go out of business than a brand new dealer.
- Installation and maintenance – Look for a trustworthy hot tub dealer who is able to provide expert advice on installing and maintaining your spa.
2. Know your budget
Even the most reputable dealer is no good if they don’t stock any hot tubs within your price range. When researching, think carefully about how much you’re prepared to spend – and remember to factor in the ongoing costs of running a hot tub as well as the upfront price.
While the initial cost of the tub will be the biggest chunk of your investment, you also need to factor in delivery and installation costs, cleaning products and servicing, running costs and any extras you want.
If you find a good supplier, they should be able to advise you on these additional costs and even suggest energy-efficient tubs to help cut down on your long-term spending.
If energy efficiency is particularly important to you, here are some questions to ask your dealer:
- Does the hot tub have an energy efficiency rating?
- Does it benefit from insulation technology such as foam insulation?
3. Prioritise quality materials
As we’ve mentioned, purchasing a hot tub is a long-term investment so you need to be thinking about your hot tub’s lifespan. When it comes to hot tub longevity, it’s best to invest in higher-quality materials.
For example, choosing a hot tub with an acrylic shell can make all the difference. This is because acrylic helps to retain heat better than more affordable materials like fibreglass, plus it’s less prone to scratches and fading over years of use so it’ll stay looking sharp for longer.
4. Think about size
There are two key questions to consider when choosing what size hot tub to get:
- How many people will be using it on a regular basis?
- Where are you going to install it?
You’ll obviously need to choose a hot tub that’s big enough for how you intend to use it. Equally, there’s no point wasting your money on a tub that’s far bigger than you require. Will it just be you using it? Do you need to fit 6+ people?
You also need to consider where you’ll be installing it – indoors or outdoors? Wherever you choose, you’ll need to figure out if will the tub will fit in the available space. Make sure you take accurate measurements and let your dealer know as soon as possible so they can best advise you.
5. Consider comfort and additional features
At the end of the day, you want to sit back and relax in ultimate comfort and luxury – that’s why you’re buying a hot tub, right? We recommend considering the following factors when purchasing:
- Design – Are the seats ergonomically designed? Is the interior comfortable? Is it the right depth?
- Spa features – Do you want a customisable spa experience? Do you want a certain number of jets?
- Entertainment systems – Some hot tubs come with built-in entertainment options such as Bluetooth® music systems, TV screens, fun lighting and water features like waterfalls. Are any/all of these extras important to you?
Where to buy a hot tub
Purchasing your own hot tub is one of the best investments you can make! Premier Hot Tubs is a specialist hot tub supplier; we’re also family-run with over a decade of experience in the hot tub business.
Each hot tub we stock is wet tested, tended to by hand and subjected to several quality checks before being packed and shipped to you.
All of our spas also come with a fantastic 10-year warranty inclusive of parts and labour. See below for a more comprehensive breakdown of the warranty we offer:
- 10-year warranty on the shell
- 5-year warranty on construction
- 2-year warranty on electrical
- 1-year warranty on plumbing
- 1-year warranty on other spa components
Visit our Warranty page for terms and conditions.
We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a stress-free purchasing experience and regularly receive fantastic feedback.
If you’re in the market for a new hot tub, you can browse the huge range of spas we stock at the link below:
Shop Hot Tubs